Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview
One of the most off-the-beaten-path and popular trekking routes in Nepal is the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This trek promises natural beauty and local culture with great diversity. Mount Manaslu (8163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, standing along the trail, makes this trek even more interesting for trekkers.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek 11 days offers different types of biodiversity in one trek. Trekkers can walk beside the Budhi Gandaki River through pine and lush forests and also experience the cold desert landscapes at higher elevations. This trek offers an opportunity to experience the local culture and local cuisine, along with monasteries and stupas along the way.
Trekkers can also visit Manaslu Base Camp via Birendra Lake, which was named after the late King Birendra Shah of Nepal.
Difficulty of Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderate trek in Nepal due to the high elevation of Larkya La Pass and the duration of daily walking.
During this trek, trekkers have to walk approximately 7 to 8 hours a day in the lower elevations and around 5 to 6 hours a day in the higher elevations.
Trekkers should be trained to walk for around 7 hours a day before doing this trek. Regular walking and hiking practice can help trekkers prepare for the long walking days.
Permits for Manaslu Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted-area trek because of its location near the regional border with Tibet. Therefore, trekkers need different permits to complete the trek.
The required permits are as follows:
- MRAP (Manaslu Restricted Area Permit) – USD 100 for 7 to 15 days.
- MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit) – USD 30.
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) – USD 30.
- Chum Nubri Local Development Fee – USD 10.
Permit costs can change according to government regulations and the trekking season, so trekkers should check the latest rates before starting the trek.
Cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek 11 Days
The Manaslu Circuit Trek 11 Days will cost approximately USD 1,000 to USD 1,200, depending on different factors such as the itinerary, accommodation, transportation, and other services.
Within this budget, trekkers can get a professional guide, a porter for two trekkers, all required permits, accommodation, and food, depending on the trekking company’s package.
Trekkers should also carry some extra money for personal expenses such as monastery fees, hot showers, gadget charging, tips for the guide and porter, snacks, drinks, and other personal expenses.
Best Time to Visit the Manaslu Region
The best seasons to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek are spring and autumn. However, the trek can also be done in other seasons depending on the weather and trail conditions.
Spring Season
Spring offers clear skies and blooming trees, which make the Manaslu Trek even more attractive. The mountain views and forests are beautiful during this season.
Autumn Season
Autumn generally offers good weather and moderate temperatures, making it a suitable season for trekking in the Manaslu region.
Accommodation and Food During the Manaslu Circuit Trek
During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, trekkers will spend the nights in typical Nepali tea houses. Most tea houses have twin-sharing bedrooms and common or shared western-style toilets.
The lodges usually provide a blanket in the room. They also provide different types of food from their menus, such as dal bhat, chapati, spaghetti, chow mein, and many other dishes.
Trekkers normally have their dinner and breakfast at the same hotel or tea house where they stay overnight.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance and Duration
The classic Manaslu Circuit Trek is roughly 160 km to 180 km, which can be completed in 12 to 16 days, depending on the itinerary.
The trek mostly begins from Macchakhola or Soti Khola and ends around Besisahar. Trekkers may have to walk approximately 10 km to 20 km per day, depending on the route and itinerary.
Larkya La Pass – The Highest Point of the Trek
The highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m above sea level. At this elevation, trekkers can directly experience the thin air and high-altitude environment.
During the Larkya La Pass crossing, trekkers have to start the trek early in the morning because the weather can become windy later in the day, especially at an elevation of around 5,106 m.
Required Fitness and Preparation
The standard 11-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderate trek in terms of difficulty. Therefore, trekkers should do basic training before starting the trek.
Trekkers should practice walking for around 7 to 8 hours a day, including walking on uphill and downhill trails. They should also be physically and mentally prepared for the challenges of long walking days and high elevations.
Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are both considered moderate to challenging treks in Nepal. Trekkers should be physically and mentally prepared for the long walking days and high elevations.
In comparison, the highest elevation of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is slightly higher than that of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The highest points are 5,416 m at Thorong La Pass for the Annapurna Circuit and approximately 5,106 m at Larkya La Pass for the Manaslu Circuit.
The accommodation on both treks is quite similar, as trekkers mainly stay in local tea houses and lodges. The types of food available on both trekking routes are also quite similar, with popular dishes such as dal bhat, noodles, chow mein, pasta, chapati, and other local meals.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek traditionally begins around the Besisahar area, while the Manaslu Circuit Trek continues toward the Dharapani area, where the two trekking routes connect. From Dharapani, trekkers can continue toward the Annapurna region.
Both treks offer spectacular mountain scenery. The Annapurna Circuit provides views of the Annapurna mountain range, including Mount Annapurna I, the 10th-highest mountain in the world, while the Manaslu Circuit offers spectacular views of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
In terms of cost, the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be more expensive than the Annapurna Circuit Trek because the Manaslu region is a restricted trekking area and requires additional permits and a more controlled trekking arrangement.
Overall, both treks offer beautiful mountain landscapes, local culture, traditional villages, forests, rivers, and high mountain passes. The main differences are the route, permits, cost, trekking environment, and level of development along the trails.
Why Manaslu Circuit Trek 11 Days?
The classic manaslu trek offers stunning mountain views, forests, landscapes, the Budhi Gandaki River, traditional villages, local culture, and many more experiences.
This 11-day itinerary allows trekkers to explore the beautiful Manaslu region while saving some days compared with longer Manaslu Circuit Trek itineraries. It is a great option for trekkers who want to experience the natural and cultural beauty of the Manaslu region within a shorter itinerary.
