Overview of Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek is an iconic journey that circumnavigates Mount Manaslu (8,163m) which is the eight highest mountain of the world. Compared to the mainstream routes, this journey to the west central part of the country is more of a tranquil experience. Unlike the mainstream routes, this is a less traversed region in the Himalayas.
Thus, the wilderness factors are still intact in this region and during your journey, you will able to secure an authentic experience. Besides the natural elements, the cultural aspects of this journey are also quite fascinating. You will get the opportunity to explore the beautiful high altitude settlements that are massively influenced by the Tibetan Buddhism culture.
This off beaten trail goes close to the Nepal- Tibet border and you will also take on one of the thrilling Himalayan passes, Lakya La Pass (5,106m). So, this journey in the west central Himalayas is a unique blend of culture, traditions, religious aspects, incredible natural allures and the thrill of an adventurous journey.
If you are looking for a distinct experience from the mainstream routes and the trail that defines the true meaning of the Himalayan beauty and lifestyle, this is where you ough to be.
Manaslu Circuit Trek - Major Attractions
- One of the most iconic off beaten trekking journey in central Himalayas
- Circumnavigating the eight highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu (8,163m)
- Diverse landscape and captivating scenery that stretches across tropical zone to translate Himalayan
- Fascinating flora and fauna of the Manaslu Conservation Area
- An authentic experience away from the mainstream crowds
- Crossing one of the thrilling Himalayan passes, Larkya La Pass (5,106,)
- Opportunity to explore culture, traditions and lifestyle of Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Bahun, Chettri, Nubri and Tsum ethnic groups
- Breathtaking views of Manaslu, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Hiunchuli, Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal and many others
Who Can Do The Trek to Manaslu Circuit ?
If you are wondering about the overall Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty and wondering and who can take part in the adventure. Well, this trekking adventure has been graded as a moderate level Himalayan journey. The treks in the moderate level class do not include any kind of technical sections along the route.
Similarly, the journey is also not that physically demanding and challenging like a mountain expedtion. In this class graded adventure, pretty much anyone who has basic fitness and good health can take part in it. Even if you are completely new to the high altitude treks in the Himalayas, with the right amount of preparation you will be able to complete this journey easily.
Even if this off beaten exploration has been graded as a moderate level adventure, you shouldn’t underestimate the challenges you will have to face during the trek. This circuit trekking adventure is still a high altitude journey and you will traverse across the remote trails of the mountain for multiple hours each day.
During this trek, you will reach the maximum altitude point at Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters). Also the total trekking distance of the circuit route is approximately 177 km (110 miles). So, if you are planning to just wing it, then that’s definitely not a good idea. Besides, the physical demands of the trail there aren’t any other major hurdles that you will have to face during your Himalayan journey.
Generally, there isn’t any kind of physical fitness level set for the trek and neither are there any kind of age restrictions. So, as long as you are physically capable and have enough determination to complete the mountain trails, Regal Nepal will guide the way.
What Makes Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal So Special?
Nepal is a top destination when it comes to trekking adventures. There are several trekking prospects that you can explore during your visit to Nepal. Each destination you choose will provide a different experience.
Compared to other trekking adventures in the country, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is particularly popular as an off beaten experience. If you are looking for a varied experience that steers away from the crowd of the mainstream routes, this trek is the most ideal option.
During this exciting journey in the west central part of the Himalayas, you will get the chance to admire the raw beauty of the Himalayas. This off beaten trekking route which stretches across the less traversed route on the mountain ensures a tranquil experience.
You will have the chance to explore raw and untamed territories of the mountain that will provide authenticity to the Himalayan beauty. Similarly, this trek also explores the high altitude settlements on the mountain that have still preserved their traditional ways.
This circuit trekking adventure will take you across the diverse settlements of Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Bahun, and Chettri in lower regions. As for the higher regions that are majorly influenced by the Tibetan Buddhist culture, the Nubri and Tsum ethnic groups are the majority.
So, the Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal will be a unique blend of fascinating culture and traditions, breathtaking natural beauty and the authentic unspoiled wilderness that lacks in the mainstream routes.
What to Expect During Manaslu Circuit Treks Nepal?
During the Manaslu Circuit Treks Nepal, you will start your journey from Maccha Khola after drive from Kathmandu. After starting you the trekking part, each day of your journey will take you to further elevating points of the route that gradually leads you to the core part of the west central Himalayas.
You can expect a great cultural immersion and the opportunity to explore the fascinating raw wilderness of the region during each day of the trek. The days during the trekking part will start after enjoying your breakfast at around 7-8 AM. Your guide will brief you about the route, highlights, challenges, tips, etc, before starting the trek.
After breakfast, you will typically trek for about 3 to 4 hours to reach the lunch stop point. Don’t worry, you will get enough short breaks along the trail to admire the beauty of the region, learn about the highlights and take photographs. At the lunch stop point, you will rest for about an hour before moving along with the further part of the trail.
The trekking distance you have to cover after lunch is quite short generally. Just about 2 to 3 hours of walking will be enough to reach your resting destination. If the daylight is in your favor, you can also do a short sightseeing tour around the region.
Your dinner will be served at around 7 PM and after the dinner your guide will provide you some details on the next day’s trip. You can spend rest of your time socializing, playing card games or watching documentaries. But do make sure to get enough rest for the next day’s trek.
Preparation Before Trek
Although the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderate level of experience in the Himalayas, you will need to make a good amount of preparation to ensure comfort during your trek. Normally, you are recommended to train for around 3 to 6 weeks for high altitude treks such as this.
However, the training period should depend on your fitness level. If you work out routinely and have general fitness you may not need to put that much effort during the training part. But, if you are barely physically active then you should stick to an efficient training program to meet the physical demands of the trail.
The mountain trails will test your strength and endurance level the most. That’s why you should emphasize on these aspects while training for the trek. Similarly, the cardiovascular and stamina exercises will improve your overall acclimatization capabilities. So, make sure to include them in your training program as well.
Note: if you want to truly understand what the mountain terrain is like and which aspect you are lacking, you should consider practice hikes on hills close to you. Also, don’t forget to carry your backpack with some weight during this practice hike.
Packing for Trek
Packing for the Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal will mostly depend on what season you are doing this trek in. Generally, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two most popular trekking seasons in Nepal.
During your trek in these seasons, you will not need to bring any extra gear besides the essentials as the climatic conditions are pretty favorable during these seasons. However, even if the climatic conditions are favorable you need to be prepared for the variation in the climate zones along the trekking route.
You will get started on the trekking route from Machha Khola (930 meters) which is in the tropical zones. Then, following the gradually rising trail, you will push all the way to the tundra zone at Lakrya La Pass (5,106 meters). So, the lower trekking trails are generally warm and you can get by with the light layers.
As for the higher altitudes, you should bring warm and buff layers as the morning and night temperatures are quite chilly. In case you are planning this trip during the off periods for trek such as winter (December to February ) and monsoon (June to August), you need to bring season appropriate layers and gear.
The rainfalls are quite consistent during the monsoon season and the lower region trails are also slippery. Thus, the waterproof outer layers and boots with grip should be your top priority. For the winter which is the coldest period on the mountain you will have to bring heavy equipment and clothes to keep yourself warm and comfortable during the trip.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Best Time
If you are wondering about the best time to enjoy the Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) will be the most ideal period for your trip. During these peak periods which as considered Manaslu Circuit Trek best time, you can expect stable weather, pleasant temperatures and stunning scenery.
Although both of these seasons are the peak period to enjoy this off beaten journey, each season has unique charms about them. During your exploration in the spring season, you can expect the colorful lit trails decorated with dotted rhododendrons and beautiful wildflowers. The landscape is also covered with lush greenery and the melting snow adds momentum to waterfalls, rivers and rivulets.
Similarly, the calm and pleasant climatic conditions accompanied by fresh temperatures is one of the strong points of the autumn season. The clear skies, dry walking trails, comfortable high pass crossing, wide Himalayan vistas and incredible cultural immersion are other highlights of this beautiful fall season.
You can also do this trek during the off periods such as winter (December to February) and monsoon (June to August). However, during these periods due to the challenging weather phenomenon, you will have to deal with the scaled level of overall trek difficulty. Thus, if you don’t have that much of high altitude trekking experience, you should stick with the peak seasons to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola – 930 m / 3051 ft
Day 02: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat – 1,410 m/4,625 ft
Day 03: Trek from Jagat to Deng – 1804 m / 5918 ft
Day 04: Trek from Deng to Namrung - (2630m / 8628 ft) 6 hours
Day 05: Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon - 3,530 m/11,581 ft
Day 06: Acclimatization day- hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Pun Gyen Gompa
Day 07: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo - 3,875 m/12,713 ft
Day 08: Acclimatization day in Samdo (optional day hike to Tibet border)
Day 09: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala – (4,480 m / 14698 ft )
Day 10: Trek from Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass - (5106m/16808 ft)
Day 11: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani - 1,910 m/6,266 ft
Day 12: Drive from Dharapani to Besisahar (760 m/2,493 ft) to Kathmandu ( 9-10 Hours Drive)
