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Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days

Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days

Country icon
COUNTRYNepal
Duration icon
DURATION12 days Days
Trip difficulty icon
TRIP DIFFICULTYModerate
Group size icon
GROUP SIZE20+
Accommodation icon
ACCOMMODATIONTea houses/Lodges
Max height icon
MAX5,106m
Trip type icon
TRIP TYPETrekking
Meals icon
MEALSBreakfast+Lunch+Dinner

Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Journey of Exploration and Adventure

Nestled in the heart of Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek beckons adventurers to embark on a 12-day odyssey filled with extraordinary experiences.

This captivating journey offers a unique blend of natural beauty,  diversity, and off-the-beaten-path adventure. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking, inspiring you to uncover its hidden treasures.

Larkya La Pass and Majestic Mt. Manaslu

The pinnacle of the trek is Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters. As you stand on this high mountain pass, you’re rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world at 8,163 meters.

The sight of this towering giant against the Himalayan backdrop is nothing short of breathtaking.

Geographical and Cultural Diversity

The Manaslu Trek is renowned for its ability to showcase the geographical and traditional diversity of Nepal.

You’ll embark on a remarkable journey that takes you from the lush green lower hills, inhabited by Indo-Aryan Hindus, to the middle hills, where Tibetan-Burmese, Magar, Gurung, and Tamang communities thrive along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River.

Adventure Amidst Suspension Bridges

The trek is punctuated by thrilling crossings on suspension bridges. These amazing architectural achievements offer excitement to your travel to acting as necessary river crossings.

The Beauty of Natural Wonders

Your path meanders through a tapestry of landscapes. From emerald-green meadows to the enchanting depths of sub-tropical forests and the ethereal beauty of cascading waterfalls, the scenery is ever-changing, creating a visual feast for trekkers.

Cultural Experiences and Rich Heritage

The influence of Tibetan Buddhism is palpable along the trail, with monasteries, prayer flags, and chortens scattered throughout. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with local communities, including the Nuri people living near the Tibetan border.

The region’s vibrant festivals, the Tibetan New Year celebration (Lhosar), allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.

Historical Significance

The trek is steeped in history, as it was the stage for the first ascent of Mt. Manaslu by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu on 9 May 1959. This achievement adds a layer of historical depth to your journey.

Annual Trail Race

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not only a trekking destination but also the backdrop for an adventurous annual trail race.

Runners from around the world gather in Manaslu every year to participate in this unique event, allowing them to experience the region’s stunning beauty in a different light.

Flora and Fauna

The trek unfolds as an ecological journey. You’ll transition from the lower tropical landscapes to dispersed alpine regions, each offering a unique range of vegetation.

From bamboo to rhododendron, oak, and pine forests, the landscape showcases nature’s adaptability.

The biodiversity of the region supports various wildlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers and a potential sighting ground for Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and even the elusive snow leopard. Click here for Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days Tour.

Conservation Efforts

The trek operates within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP). These projects play a crucial role in preserving the environment and maintaining responsible trekking practices.

Trekking Requirements and Permits

To organize your Manaslu Circuit Trek, you’ll need a minimum of two people in a group. Alternatively, trekking agencies like Nepal Lion Trek can help you join other groups and manage the necessary paperwork and permits, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Manaslu Trek Special Permit.

At Last

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an invitation to explore a pristine corner of Nepal, a place where the echoes of history and traditional resonate in harmony with nature’s exquisite beauty.

It’s an extraordinary journey that celebrates the richness of the human spirit and the splendor of the natural world. Embrace the call to adventure and discover the magic of Manaslu Circuit Trekking.

Booking Open For 2025/26 With Best Trekking Company in Nepal

 

Trip Highlights

    • Mount Manaslu is the eighth-highest peak in the world.
    • The first people to climb Mt. Manaslu were Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu.
    • Manaslu region consists of Nepalese-Tibetan culture.
    • Larkya-La Pass is a relatively tricky trekking pass due to its long walk and high elevation.

What's Included

Included Services

    • Airport picks up & drop by private vehicle to hotel.
    • Transportation from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and Tilije to Kathmandu vai Public bus.
    • Necessary paperwork and Trekking Permits fee (ACAP, MCAP and Manaslu Special Permit).
    • Accommodation during trek and Meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea).
    • Licensed English or Chinese or Korean or Hindi along with Nepali speaking Friendly trekking guide.
    • Coverage of Guides including their Meals, Insurance, Salary, Lodging, transportation and other necessary equipment.
    • First Aid Medical Kit (Carried by the guide).
    • Sleeping bag, down jackets and trekking map, if necessary.
    • Emergency Evacuation Assistance Service (The cost of the helicopter, hospital and necessary transport are not payable by the company).
    • Welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a cultural restaurant (complimentary).
    • A nation-wide operated Mobile SIM Card and a map of the trekking region.

    Optional Addons

    • Porter (We can arrange porter for your trek).
    • Private vehicle from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and Tilije to Kathmandu.

     

Excluded Services

    • International airfare.
    • Nepal Entry Visa fee: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport.
    • Personal Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation compulsory.
    • Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot and cold drinks, hot shower, Alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-chargefee).
    • Accommodation, Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, except the farewell dinner. Emergency expenses such as expenses on charted helicopter.
    • Additional costs or delays caused by out of management control, for example, landslide, weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies etc.
    • Gratitude and tips for your guide, porter and driver.

Detailed Itinerary

More Information

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permit and details

The area around Manaslu is restricted, so each party must obtain a permit, register with a trekking agency, and be accompanied by a licensed guide. A minimum of two people are required to obtain the trekking permit via the area. 

For the first seven days of the special permit in September to November, you pay $100 plus $15 for each additional day, and for the first seven days in December to August, it costs $75 plus $10 for each other day per person. 

Trekkers must have an Annapurna and Manaslu Conservation area permit from the Nepal Tourism Board at the cost of Nrs 3000 per person, including 13% vat for each region. 

Road Transportation for Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Nepal Lion will arrange public transportation for your trip. Starting with a morning bus from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, a 9-hour-long ride, we will switch to a carrier by Jeep to Besisahar. Again, we will return via public transportation (bus or Hiace) while returning to Kathmandu. 

Note: Public transportation might get congested if you travel during the festive season. However, you can book a private vehicle, paying extra fees according to the group size. 

Manaslu Circuit Trekking best Accommodation

While in the urban area, the accommodation will remain luxurious; however, it will decline as we approach the rural area. Manaslu is a relatively isolated trekking route compared to Everest, Langtang, and Annapurna. So, you might have to share bedrooms, bathrooms, and toilets. You can also purchase a hot shower for $3-4.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Meal and choosing Menu Tea houses

While in the city area, you can order several foreign dishes. However, once we enter the rural areas, we will only get the local ethnic food of this region. You will be fascinated by the mouth-watering delicacies of this region.  The menus at each tea house in the villages are similar. Overall, you can choose from a variety of local dishes like Dal Bhat (rice, vegetable curry, lentil soup, and pickles that can be refilled as much as you like). Moreover, there are Tibetan dishes like Momo (Tibetan Dumplings), Thukpa, noodles, and many more.

Telephone, Internet, and Battery Charging

Telephone

Since we will be traveling to an isolated region, you might be worried about mobile reception and phone services. Despite being a rural area, Manaslu Region has good reception, with Ncell and Nepal Telecom being two major sim-card providers. Moreover, NTE recommends Nepal Telecom for better reception in the Manaslu region.

Internet

Many villages and tea houses like Philim, Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, Samdo, Bhimthang, and Dharapani have internet in the Manaslu Region. However, sometimes it might get cut off or have a weak connection depending on the weather and other technical issues. 

Battery Charging

There is charging available in tea houses, where they charge a few dollars for electricity, and a fully charged device might cost roughly $2-3. However, we suggest you carry a power bank for your convenience. 

Manaslu Region Trekking best Reviews on Tripadvisor -2022-2023

Trek Map