Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal
Thinking of a Himalayas adventure, the beautiful off-the-beaten-track trek to the Manaslu circuit is a hidden gem in Nepal. The thrilling scenery, authentic culture, traditions, high-altitude landscapes, and true sense of exploration make your 17-day Manaslu circuit trek a real mountain journey. The Manaslu circuit trek has fewer crowds than the popular treks like the Annapurna circuit trek and the Everest base camp trek. The Manaslu trek Nepal offers the best Himalaya views; explore the Larkya Pass, Manaslu Base Camp, Rui La Pass, unique local culture, flora, and fauna. Diverse local culture, amazing landscapes, high-altitude passes, glacier-fed rivers, and alpine grasslands and meadows will make the Manaslu trek the most demanding trip in Nepal.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in central to northern Nepal, where you will pass by the Dhading, Gorkha, Manang, and Lamjung districts. During the Manaslu trek, you will be exploring Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, Ngadi, Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Larkya La, and other beautiful snowcapped mountains.
Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Wonderful, breathtaking mountain views, including Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m.)
- Amazing Larkya La pass (5,106 m.) and panoramic views of the Himalayas
- Authentic local Tibetan culture, mixed with Hindu and Bon religions
- Diverse landscapes, alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and high-altitude terrain
- Varieties of flora and fauna, including endangered vegetation and wild animals
- Fewer crowds and peaceful trekking trails, where you will get a real Himalayas adventure
- Explore the cultural and spiritual heritage with ancient gompas, including the popular Pungyen Gompa.
- Challenging trekking trails, but beautiful and rewarding with the Larkya La pass
- Kathmandu city tour: explore the world heritage sites across the Kathmandu valley.
Overview of Manaslu Circuit Trek
The 17-day Manaslu circuit trek is one of the luxury treks in the Manaslu circuit, where you will have complete exploration of the Manaslu region and proper acclimatization. Off-the-beaten-path trekking and true nature exploration can be found in the Manaslu Circuit trek. The amazing Budhi Gandaki River, historical Samagaun, Pungyen Gompa, Manaslu base camp, Birendra Lake, Rui La pass, Larkya La pass, and ancient village tours are the most exciting parts of the 17-day Manaslu circuit trek. The most demanding Manaslu circuit trek journey starts from Kathmandu with a scenic drive to Machha Khola. The real mountain adventure starts from Machha Khola; you will hike through beautiful, lush forest, the riverbank of Budi Gandaki, and beautiful villages. Trekkers will trek to Jagat, Deng, and Namrung and reach Samagaun, which is the best place for acclimatization.
Indeed, acclimatization is crucial for high-altitude treks to adjust our bodies to the altitude climate. You will hike to Manaslu base camp, Birendra Lake, or Pungyen Gompa during the acclimatization day. The Manaslu base camp is about 4,800 meters above sea level. Trekkers will trek to Samdo and have a second acclimatization and rest. Trekkers will have the option to hike the Rui La pass and back to Samdo. You will continue trekking to Dharamsala or Larke La Phedi and prepare for the long-awaited Larkya La pass. Trekkers will do the beautiful Larkya La pass (5,106 m.) and trek to Bhimthang. You will trek to beautiful Tilije village, Tal village, and Syange village. From Syange, you will drive to Kathmandu via Besishar. You will be having an amazing Kathmandu Valley tour and finishing the most beautiful and demanding Manaslu Circuit trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking An Unforgettable Journey Through the Himalayas
The world is full of incredible trekking routes, but few offer the authentic, pristine, and culturally rich experience of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. While the Annapurna and Everest regions have long been the stars of Nepal's trekking scene, the Manaslu Circuit is a hidden gem that is rapidly gaining recognition for its unparalleled beauty and serene atmosphere.
Nestled in the remote western part of Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit is a journey around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world. This is not just a hike; it's a deep dive into the heart of the Himalayas, where ancient Tibetan-Buddhist culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a profound sense of solitude converge. This comprehensive guide is designed for American adventurers who are ready to step off the well-worn path and embark on a transformative experience.
We will not only provide you with a detailed itinerary but also equip you with the knowledge to understand the trek's difficulty, costs, and the essential preparations you need to make. This is your ultimate resource for planning and conquering the Manaslu Circuit, a true adventure for the soul.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
Trekking for 17 days, the Manaslu circuit cost will be USD 1490 for each trekker. However, the cost of the 17-day Manaslu trek Nepal will depend on the required service, hotel accommodation, food, transportation, and the number of trekkers. Touch Planet Treks will be offering the Budget Manaslu Circuit Trek, Short Manaslu Circuit Trek, Classic Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Luxury Manaslu Circuit Trek; all of these packages will have different price costs. The budget and short Manaslu circuit treks come with a comfortable hotel and a short-day itinerary. For the classic Manaslu circuit trek, there will be a relaxing itinerary, a 3-star boutique hotel, and beautiful services.
About the luxury Manaslu circuit trek, it comes with majestic services, 4- to 5-star luxury hotels in Kathmandu, premium-quality food, and other services. In general, the 17-day Manaslu circuit trek costs USD 1400 to USD 2000 per person. Hence, the group cost of the 17-day Manaslu Circuit trek is below.
- The 17 Days Manaslu circuit trek cost for 2 trekkers is USD 1490 each
- For 3 to 7 trekkers, the 17-day Manaslu Circuit trek costs 1395 each
- For a group of 8 to 14 trekkers, the 17-day Manaslu trek Nepal costs USD 1345 each
- The cost of the 17-day Manaslu circuit trek for a group of 14 to 20 people is USD 1260 each
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty Level
The Manaslu circuit trek is a moderate to strenuous off-the-beaten-path trekking trail in the Manaslu region of Nepal. During the Manaslu trekking trail, you will pass by Manaslu base camp (4,800 m.), Rui La pass (4,998 m.), Larkya La pass (5,106 m.), and many other high-altitude landscapes. The rocky trails, alpine jungle walk, riverbank, glacier, and snow hill climbing will make the Manaslu circuit trek strenuous and challenging. Despite challenging trekking, the Manaslu trek is one of the most rewarding trek trails. The beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, ancient Gompas, and the innocent local people’s hospitality make your Manaslu journey worthwhile. You need to have pre-hiking training, cardio exercise, and good preparation before going to the Manaslu circuit trek for first-time trekkers. Proper acclimatization, healthy eating, plenty of drinking water, relaxing, and hiking together with the team make the Manaslu circuit trek easier, and challenges will become rewards.
Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The best time for the trek Manaslu Circuit will be in the spring and autumn seasons; the spring season falls in the months of March to May, and the autumn season falls in September to November. Manaslu trekking in December is still a good time; trekkers will be exploring more snow and clear surroundings. However, the Manaslu circuit trek in June is also a good time; there will be much greenery, waterfalls, and less cold. The spring season will be best for peak climbing and mountain trekking in Nepal. There will be lush forests, a green terrace field, farmers starting to farm the crops, and great chances to explore varieties of flora and fauna during the spring season. Varieties of flowers, including rhododendron, wildflowers, and beautiful vegetation, will be there in the spring season.
Another best time for the Manaslu trek Nepal is the autumn season, which offers the trekkers beautiful views of golden-coloured terraced rice fields, green surroundings, and clear weather. Moreover, the autumn season is a festive season in Nepal, so there will be the best exploration of local culture and traditions. You will be exploring beautiful waterfalls, varieties of flora and fauna, amazing flowers, snowcapped mountains, and beautiful Himalayan glaciers during the autumn season in the Manaslu trek. The monsoon and winter seasons will be much more difficult to do the Manaslu circuit trek due to unfavourable weather.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
Manaslu circuit trek permits will be the restricted area’s permit, TIMS card, MCAP and ACAP permits, and also the local rural municipality permit. The Manaslu restricted area permit RAP will cost USD 100 for the first 7 days and USD 15 for each additional day from September to November. From December to August, the RAP cost will be USD 75 per person and USD 10 for each additional day. Trekkers need to have a trekker's informational management system (TIMS) permit. Additionally, there will be the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit MCAP and the Annapurna Conservation Permit (ACAP). Hence, the Manaslu circuit trek permits and costs are below.
- Manaslu restricted area permits RAP cost USD 100 for September to November.
- Manaslu restricted area permits RAP cost USD 75 from December to August.
- The TIMS card costs USD 16 for each trekker.
- The MCAP permit costs USD 24 for each trekker.
- ACAP costs USD 24 per trekker.
Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Syange to Kathmandu Scenic Drive
For the most demanding 17 days Manaslu circuit trek involves the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola while starting the trek and, from Syange to Kathmandu, an amazing drive after finishing the trek. During the Kathmandu-Machha Khola drive, you will pass by the Dhading district, viewing the beautiful villages and settlements, the Trisuli River, lush forests, and terraced rice fields. Travelers will pass by Salyantar, Aarughat, and the beautiful Budhi Gandaki River. Travellers will continue the off-road drive to Aarkhet and Sothi Khola and reach Machha Khola. From Machha Khola, you will start the most thrilling trek of the Manaslu circuit trek. The Kathmandu to Machha Khola driving distance is about 160 kilometers, and it will take 6 to 7 hours to drive.
While finishing the 17-day Manaslu circuit trek, trekkers will drive from Syange village to Kathmandu. The driving distance from Syange to Kathmandu is about 205 kilometers. During the scenic drive from Syange to Kathmandu, you will be exploring beautiful villages, beautiful, terraced rice fields, the Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers, unique landscapes, and lush forests. Moreover, travelers will pass by Besisahar, Dumre Bazaar, Muglin Bazaar, and the Dhading district and arrive in Kathmandu. You will have the option to visit the beautiful and most popular city of Pokhara. From Syange to Besisahar, and you will drive to Pokhara via Dumre Bazaar. Hence, you will finish the most demanding Manaslu circuit trek on arrival in Kathmandu.
Comprehensive Guide to Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu circuit trek is not just trekking; it’s a journey through diverse landscapes, cultures, traditions, flora, and fauna. A 17-day Manaslu trek Nepal offers the perfect blend of natural beauties, high-altitude mountain climbing, unique culture, traditional villages, and wildlife exploration. Trekkers will be circling Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m.), which is the world’s eighth-highest mountain. The most wonderful Larkya La pass (5,106 m.), beautiful Manaslu base camp (4,800 m.), and amazing Rui La pass (4,998 m.) make your journey rewarding. Trekkers will be immersing themselves in the rich Tibetan-influenced Buddhist culture, the Bon culture, and the unique nature-worshipping culture during the Manaslu circuit trek.
The 17-day Manaslu circuit trek starts from Machha Khola and ends in Syange village in the Annapurna region. Hence, the Manaslu circuit trek is the best mountain trek, which offers a complete nature adventure and cultural diversity. Touch Planet Treks will offer you a comprehensive guide to the Manaslu Circuit Trek and majestic service.