The Manaslu Circuit Trek is definitely one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Nepal that raptures and enthralls even the most adventurous of the trekkers. Situated comfortably in Manaslu’s shadow at 8,163 meters, which is the eighth tallest mountain in the world, this trek will give the perfect mix of awe-inspiring natural beauty, cultural diversity, and the feeling of getting lost in the remoteness of the trek. Through this trek you can skip the often overcrowded paths of the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit and get a chance to behold the sublime nature of Manaslu terrain in peace which is equally thrilling.
Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek has made a big name among trekkers who are not afraid of getting a little uneven representing the voice of the people who want to stay on the beaten track and solitary soul. This walk on the path that is not the main traveler’s street through the Himalayan provinces to get in touch with the special nature and beauty here away from commercial tourism is truly intrepid.
Trekking Route and Itinerary
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is usually around 14 to 18 days duration, depending on your speed and additional trail excursions. The trail begins from Soti Khola and goes along the Budhi Gandaki River, having to pass picturesque villages, terraced fields, and dense forests. On the way up, the land changes to the gray, stony, high plains of the desert with snow-covered mountains towering above.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700m)A scenic drive through serpentine mountain roads is what heralds the beginning of your journey into the area.
Day 2: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (869m)Among the wooded woods and the hanging bridges, and the huts, is where the walk will be held.
Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)Walk through the narrow valley of the Budhi Gandaki River. Look at the occasional glimpses of the Manaslu range.
Day 4: Jagat to Deng (1,860m)The forest laden with ferns and blooming rhododendrons leads you. Make a visit to the Tibetan villages and the emerald green forests.
Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2,630m)The altitude increases step by step with the entrance into the remote area.
Day 6: Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m)Get to the lovely village of Samagaon lying in the shadow of Mount Manaslu.
Day 7: Acclimatization Day in SamagaonGo to the Pungyen Gompa and/or take a short walk for better improvement.
Day 8: Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m)A small trek leads you to the last village before the Larkya La Pass.
Day 9: Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m)Become familiar with the difficult task of the pass through for the following day.
Day 10: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and descend to Bimthang (3,720m)Reach a high point in your journey by crossing the pass with breathtaking views on both sides.
Day 11: Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m)Through green forests and the hamlets are where you will walk and at the end come to picturesque villages.
Day 12: Tilije to Dharapani and drive back to Kathmandu Make the trek and return to the city.
Tsum Valley Extension
Adding the Tsum Valley to your Manaslu Circuit Trek doubles your trip and makes it a little more challenging. The valley is remote and its monasteries, unique Tibet-based culture, and serene landscapes are famous worldwide. The Tsum Valley Trek will be a spiritual journey into one of Nepal’s most secluded and anthropological regions.
Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley
The most recommended season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley tour is the period from spring to autumn:
- Spring (March to May): It is not the season of the year when the weather is severe because that time has the feature of producing the trails which have a lot of rhododendrons, which are magnificently in full bloom.
- Autumn (September to November): If the weather is clear, and the temperature is normal the trekkers prefer the autumn season as the most suitable one.
Although you will also find winter and monsoon trekking second-option routes as the main ones, they are quite changeable because of extreme weather conditions and obstacle-related problems that may be encountered.
Required Permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
One of the points to be concerned with is the entry requirement. For the Manaslu area, trekkers have to fulfill the following permit prerequisites. Climbers must hold permits of the following types:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) (in case you are in the Annapurna region)
- Tsum Valley Permit (for those including the Tsum Valley)
It is necessary to accompany a licensed guide and at least two trekkers in a team to obtain these permits.
Accommodation and Meals on the Trek
Among the many treks available, teahouse trekking is one of the most popular. The teahouses that the route passes by will be visible as you go and they are in no position to give comfortable as well as palatable food. Dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), and Tibetan bread are the typical local dishes. The services may be poor compared to those of popular trekking routes, but that does not affect the locals’ friendliness and warmness they produce.Physical Fitness and PreparationThe Manaslu Circuit Trek is said to be the category from easy to challenging trekking. The attempt is suitable for people who have some experiences in trek and also new trekkers that are in good physical condition.
Some of the most important things you should keep in mind are:
- Altitude Acclimatization: Prevent any altitude sickness through the acclimatization process.
- People’s Levels of Fitness: Don’t skip your cardio and muscle-building exercises before the scheduled trek or the trek that you go to.
- Pack List: Things like warm clothes, trekking poles, a good sleeping bag, and a good pair of trekking boots should also be in your pack.
Importance of Sustainable Trekking
When you are on the trip to the Manaslu circuit, you have to be a committed and well-behaved trekker:
- Leave No Trace: Act with care and effort while minimizing the usage of the natural environment.
- Support Local Communities: Spend your money supporting food and services that are produced or sold by the locals.
- Respect Local Culture: Be sensitive to the behavior of the residents, and ask them before you take a picture of them or enter a sacred place.