12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek

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Upscale Hotel Stay in Kathmandu

As your trusted travel companion in Nepal, we want to ensure you have a comfortable experience throughout your journey of Manaslu Circuit Trek. You will be placed in a double-person sharing room at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu. If you want to enhance your experience with a touch of luxury, then we can upgrade your stay to a double or single room at a four-star hotel like Hotel Ramada, Hotel Shankar, or Hotel Yatri Suites for an additional $95 per night.

These hotels are known for their elegant decor and fantastic amenities. You will have large spacious rooms with larger comfy beds, beautiful interiors, luxurious bathrooms gym, a spa, and even a private pool with a large garden.

They also have a 24-hour front desk service, so they can help you arrange transportation if you want to explore Pokhara or Chitwan as well. Please notify us beforehand so we can upgrade your Kathmandu stay before you are here.

Upscale Transportation from Kathmandu to Sotikhola and from Dharapani to Kathmandu
The Manaslu circuit trek 14 days adventure involves a lengthy local bus journey from Kathmandu to Soti Khola right after the day you arrive in Kathmandu. Your end journey will also take place on the local bus from Dharapani to Kathmandu as soon as you are done with your trekking days.

We totally get it if you feel the mode of transportation is a bit daunting especially as the road through the hills of Nepal is very bumpy and tiring. So if you would rather like to travel in comfort, then we also offer you a private jeep for your transfers both at the beginning and end of the journey.

Enjoy the sense of liberty, flexibility, privacy, and more personal experience with breaks whenever you like, and as long as you like. Please understand that this choice will come at an extra fare.

Trip Information
Right Period for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The most appropriate time for our 12 days Manaslu circuit trek is from early March to the end of May (Spring) and from mid-September to early December (Fall/Autumn). During these seasons, the Manaslu region usually stays dry, and mercury reaches around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day creating the perfect weather for hiking. However, it can be a bit chilly in the evening in the higher areas but the night shelters will keep you warm. In addition, these two seasons create the most stunning trails and scenery.

In spring, the paths are lined with blooming rhododendrons and orchids, while autumn gives a beautiful golden hue to the forests as the deciduous trees shed their leaves, giving you a clear view of Manaslu and its neighboring peaks. December, January, and February (Winter) are also great for this trip since the air is clearer and the days are often sunnier and brighter than in spring and fall. But you have to keep in mind that it can get pretty cold, especially at higher altitudes. The Larkya La pass and the path leading to it will have thick patches of snow while Lake Birendra will be frozen solid during this time.

From June to early September, the monsoon hits the Manaslu region, bringing heavy rain and misty mountains along with the threat of landslides and floods, making it the least ideal time for a visit.

Manaslu circuit trek 14 days Adventure: Difficulty Level

The Manaslu Circuit trek is a class B moderate tough trek in the remote yet gorgeous Manaslu landscape of Nepal. The adventure is free of any technical challenges and the travel up to the 5106 m high Larkye Pass is also manageable and simple but long and tiring.

Most of the time, you will walk on good, wide but stony, and sometimes steep centuries-old pathways. You will also encounter numerous artificially constructed stone stairways in the route which can be quite high for comfort. Every now and then you will have to cross a river on a metal suspension bridge which can be a bit wobbly and high but of solid build. The difficulty is mainly in the days spent in the higher grounds where the air is thin and where you may have to climb up and down a lot. The biggest challenge will be adaptation and preventing altitude sickness.

Another challenge will be the rough mountain climate, with large temperature fluctuations and possibly strong winds. So it is clear that good physical condition and experience with mountain walking are basic requirements for our Manaslu circuit trek.

Who can go in our 14 days Manaslu circuit trek?

If you are in decent mental and physical shape, then the Manaslu Circuit trek will be an excellent trip for you even if you are very new to the high-elevation hiking journey. Devoid of any technical demands, the trip has one challenge of the Larkya La Pass but the trail leading to the pass has been built along the path made for the mule caravans. So it is perfectly walkable and manageable for all with careful footing.

However, you have to be prepared for some serious hiking and long hours on foot most of the days over some tough terrain and climate. As for the altitude risks, we have well-thought-out acclimatization days in between to help you adjust to the high air. You also have to be ready to trade luxury for a basic setting of the mountain shelters for at least ten days since this area is pretty remote and not as developed for Western tourism as other parts of Nepal.

The lodge trekking has been around in the Manaslu area only from early 2015 so you can expect the luxury here but be satisfied with the essentials to go through a night. To facilitate your journey, we offer you the assistance of our experienced trekking guide who will help you find the best paths and porters to carry your bags and lighten your load.

Altitude Sickness/ AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)

Most people who are not used to going to high altitudes and who also exert themselves a lot during the Manaslu circuit trek can often be the victim of AMS. The altitude sickness or the AMS can occur from 3000 m and with the right precautions, it will be only mild and temporary in most cases. The symptoms of altitude sickness should therefore absolutely not be ignored.

If you happen to feel somewhat weak, shortness of breath during exertion, headache, constipation/diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, poor sleep, dizziness, and slight swelling of hands, feet, and face, this means you are going through mild AMS. In such a case, you should take it easy and get enough (night) rest. Sometimes, our guide may decide to take you down by 500 to 1000 m where your symptoms can sometimes disappear completely. Then you can try to climb again after a few days of rest. Regarding the prevention of AMS, you should always make a slow and phased climb. We have paid attention to adequate acclimatization so we have placed a rest day at Sama Gaun followed by the short walking hours till we make it to the Pass.

When hiking, we suggest you always walk calmly, without getting out of breath, and drink water, tea, soup, and broth, but no alcohol. Also, breathe deeply and completely. You can also ingest Diamox (acetazolamide), a diuretic, which can help with altitude adjustment and reduces symptoms of altitude sickness by 50%.

Training and Preparation for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Ten days of our 14 days Manaslu circuit trek involves a complete hiking journey when you can expect to be on your feet for an average of 5 hours each day. So to make your Manaslu circuit trek effortless and triumphant, you must focus on preparing yourself mentally and physically at least 45 to 60 days ahead of your trip. The most perfect training for you will be to slip into your hiking boots and explore the nearby hills and mountains, especially in the poor weather, and see your strength and readiness.

If that is not applicable, then you also design your own routine at home with activities like jogging, running, weightlifting, cycling, or squats to enhance your leg strength and stamina. You can also one of yoga and meditation to your practice to boost your mental resilience. Also, try to give up your luxuries of WiFi and hot showers for a few days. Lastly, look over your packing which is as important as physical preparation. Don’t make your backpack unnecessarily heavy and ensure to keep only essential everyday items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves, hats, pants, warm jackets, with well-used trekking shoes.

Different Path to Manaslu Circuit Trek

For a more raw and authentic approach to Manaslu, there exists one more route to the Manaslu circuit trek. This one will take you on a bus to Manabu from where your upstream trek will lead you via the unusual yet very charming natural landscape of Yarsta, Kasigaun, Keranja, Runchet, and Hulchuk. The tail will then merge with the one coming from Jagat from where you will continue as our travel plan. If you make the choice of this route, you have to be more prepared for the homestays with the hospitable locals and a few more hiking days.

Another option would be to detour towards Tsum Valley hidden deep inside the Manaslu region. Or, why not head upward towards the 4020 m high Himalchuli Base Camp from Lihi Village where you can capture a few moments with the grandeur of 7893 m Himalchuli peak.

However, after ten long days in a rustic setting, we understand you will like some added luxury and comfort. If so, you can continue on to the Annapurna trail from Dharapani where you can have a touch of luxury with a hot shower, delicious national and international menus, and WiFi.

You can also make a short detour to dive into the spiritual vibe at Muktinath and then spend a few extra fulfilling days at Pokhara.

Accommodation and Meals

In Kathmandu, you will stay for two nights at a nice fine hotel such as Hotel Thamel Park or Hotel Manang, sharing a double room with a private bathroom with breakfast every morning. When you are on the trail, you will stay in the so-called trekkers lodges or tea houses which are generally made of wood or natural stone. You will have your own room usually with two single beds with mattresses and pillows and blankets. You will also generally find a shower and a dining area with a wood or yak dung stove. There will be electricity and sometimes Wi-Fi, but be ready for occasional outages.

Please understand that the facilities on the Manaslu circuit trek are a bit more rustic and in Dharmasala, it isn’t the best and very few. In terms of dining options, breakfast is covered when in Kathmandu, and for lunches and dinners, there are plenty of some great restaurants to explore. When walking, you will have three main meals included which will be during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can make your own choice from the diverse menu of the lodge. For breakfast, you can pick between pancakes or oatmeal, and for lunch and dinner, you can choose from dishes like Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and veggies), noodles, lasagna, pizza, yak burgers, and more. Plus, you can always buy a thermos of tea for the journey. You can also fill your bottle with purified boiled water at tea houses for a small charge.

Transportation

We have efficient transportation service during the entire time of the Manaslu circuit trek 14 days journey. You will have comfortable rides in private cars, vans, or buses (according to the group arrival size) for your transfers between TIA and your hotel. A drive to Soti Khola at the beginning of the journey and a drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu at the end of the trek will occur on a local bus. For added comfort, you can also consider our upgrade options for a private jeep transfer.

Required Permits and Rules for the 14 days Manaslu circuit trek

Please keep in mind that Manaslu is a so-called restricted area for which a special permit is required. To apply for this, you must be part of a group trip organized by a certified trekking agency in Nepal, like Everest Summit Treks. You also need to have a local guide who is authorized by the Nepal government with you. Besides the special permit, we will also need the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits for the Manaslu circuit trek trail.

You can get these permits at the Tourism Board office of Pokhara or Kathmandu for USD 30 for each trekker. The cost of the restricted area permit differs by season: it is USD 100 for each trekker in spring and autumn, and USD 75 for each trekker in winter and summer.

Travel Insurance

When hiking in the Manaslu circuit trek route, travel insurance is necessary to make the journey fulfilling, safe, and comforting. In addition, travel insurance is also a compulsory requirement to get the special permit that we need for the restricted Manaslu area. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue to an altitude of at least 5000 m, cancellation, repatriation, medical coverage, and medical transfer in the policy conditions.

Such insurance provides cover during any type of medical condition such as severe AMS, injuries, illness, and accidents with the search and rescue along with financial protection in the event of a delayed departure or if the trip has to be terminated prematurely.