Manaslu Circuit Trek: Towards the Isolated and Intact Beauty

The majestic range of shimmering Himalayas has craved and formed many glorious destinations perfect for trekking and people from around the world sought after them, challenging themselves with a strenuous, yet a rewarding journey. 

As eminent as those peaks are, it is not just the magnitude of their beauty; it is the striking encounters of ancient and authentic culture and traditions, the enticing beauty of the verdant forest and panoramic hills, the picturesque villages and more, that makes trekking in Nepal a worthwhile spend of time.

And, in the list of such destination comes Manaslu Circuit trek, which is often called as a complimentary for Annapurna Circuit Trek, one of the best long trek in the world. However, you can expect more in Manaslu Circuit Trek, as its relatively less explored and less walked than Annapurna Circuit Trek.

About Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit trek is on the ancient trail that takes you along the traditional settlement of the Himalayas offering the spectacular view of Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal Range, and others.

Embarking on Manaslu Circuit trek is no less than immersing in the pool of Himalayas, where en route, you can observe over ten peaks over 6,500 meters including few over 7,000 meters.

The trek unravels the quaint beauty of Nepal that lies in isolation, where modernization has barely touched the authentic and intact culture, tradition, and lifestyle.

Walking in the unexplored region along with the medieval settlement, amid the picturesque of nature with the backdrop of stunning snow-capped mountains; Manaslu Circuit Trek might just be one of the best experience ever for you.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Information

Manaslu Trek Distance

Manaslu Circuit trek is a long trek which is 177 kilometers that skirts the Manaslu massif over the pass down to Annapurna.

It takes around 15 days to complete this circuit trek, in which the highest point reached is the Larkya La at an elevation of 5,106 meters.

Manaslu Trek Difficulty

The difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit trek is a hard. So, for the beginners out there, it can be a challenging journey. As the trek doesn’t require any technical climbing skills, preparations like hiking and exercising prior 3-4 months of the trek will be helpful.

So, if your physical fitness is good and you have enough determination, then the Manaslu Circuit trek is all for you. However, facts like weather conditions and acclimatizations affect the level of difficulty.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Best Time

Manaslu Circuit trek is along and challenging journey, so best not take any chance by trekking in the wrong time of year.

March-May and September-November is the best time of the year for embarking on this trek. These months are popular trekking season in Nepal, where the temperature is moderate and days are usually clear.

December-February is the winter season, where the weather gets extreme, and risk of the snowstorm and avalanche lies in higher altitude. Likewise, June-August is the monsoon, when rainfall creates difficulty.

Manaslu Circuit Trek after the earthquake

During the devastating earthquake of April 2015, many trails of Manaslu Circuit trek were destroyed. Now, those trails have been restored, repaired and re-equipped with newly added trekking trails.

All the routes as well teahouses have been restored. For the convenience of trekkers, teahouses in high camp at Dharmasala has been opened.

Manaslu Circuit Trek permits

Manaslu falls under the restricted area of Nepal, so trekking in this region requires restricted area permit which is obtainable only through local trekking agencies. 

If you are holding a special restricted trekking permit, you won’t need a TIMS card. Also, you aren’t allowed to trek alone in these areas, taking least one guide, or permit is necessary. 

So, for Manaslu Circuit trek, you will need the following permits.

-Special Restricted Area permit

From September to November: USD 70 per person per week and USD 10 per person for additional days.

From December to August: USD 50 per person per week and USD 70 per person for additional days.

• Manaslu Conservation Area permit: NRs 2,000
• Annapurna Conservation Area permit: NRs 2,000
• Tsum Valley Restricted Area permit (Optional Trek)

USD 35 per person per week

Manaslu Trek Highlights

Raw Beauty

In recent time, Manaslu Circuit is garnering popularity as one of the best new trekking destinations; however, fewer trekkers make their way in this circuit trek. One of the untouched and yet to be explored trekking trail in Nepal, Manaslu Circuit trek lets you discover the raw beauty of this region, which is ventured by very less.

In Nepal, popular trekking destinations like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit receives a huge influx of trekkers, but to walk in the equally rewarding trail which is more serene and peaceful might be a perfect spend of time.

Rich Biodiversity

Along with the incredible experience in the rich and calm beauty of Manaslu Circuit, you will also witness some major exhibition of vegetation and wildlife. There are nineteen different types of forest, dominated by rhododendron and Himalayan blue pine. With around 1,500-2,000 plants species including medicinal herbs and aromatic plants, Manaslu Circuit trek lets you discover many unique vegetations.

Taking a turn to the wildlife, snow leopard, grey wolf, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, red and are the inhabitants of this region. As per the record, there are over 110 species of birds, 33 mammals, 11 butterflies, and three replies. It is really astounding how this region has preserved such a wide range of biodiversity. Well, the reason is, the monks of monasteries in the area put a hunting ban in place.

Rich Culture and Tradition

The people in this region follows the medieval lifestyle and share much of this culture and tradition with its neighboring territory, Tibet. Buddhism is rooted in this part of the world showcased by ancient Buddhist monasteries and architectural talent.

Perfect for Nature Lovers

Trekking in Nepal typically takes you towards the foothill of Himalayas, but what is so different about Mansalu Circuit trek that makes it perfect for nature lovers? 

From walking in off-the-beaten-path trails to observing the staggering view of snowcapped mountains and beautiful landscape; from witnessing the rich biodiversity to passing by the picturesque of traditional settlements and yaks grazing in the mountains terrain; Manaslu Circuit trek serves the best for nature lovers and avid adventurers who are looking for a next challenge.

Journey of Manaslu Circuit Trek

The circuit trek of Manaslu Circuit can be accomplished taking different routes. The trek typically starts in Soti Khola and ends in Chyamche. Ending at Besisahar too is popular amongst trekkers, which is the starting point for the Annapurna Circuit.

You can make the trek longer or shorter depending on the length of your walking days and starting point. To make things even more easy, there are basic guesthouses all along the trail so you can choose if you want to camp or want to stay in guesthouses.

Manaslu Circuit trek starts from Soti Khola which is at 700 meters. Then as the trek continues, you will see the landscape are incredibly varied, ranging from the green countryside and lush forest to spectacular high altitude landscape skirting huge glaciers.

We will pass by several Tibetan-influenced villages like Namrung and Samagoan, before walking past Manaslu Base Camp at 4,400 meters and scaling towards Larkya La.

The highest and the toughest part of Manaslu Circuit trek is the Larkya La pass at 5,125 meters. Crossing the pass will the most exhilarating moment, from where the stunning landscape with the mighty Himalayas towering straight above you and the spectacular glaciers make it more worth every effort you have made.

Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

Combining Manaslu Circuit trek with Tsum Valley takes the journey to a whole new level. Tsum Valley is one of the most isolated and remote region of Nepal, where the traditional culture, art, and practice are just intact. It is the Tibetan influenced settlement known for austere monasteries, mani walls, chortens, and other Buddhists religious landmarks.

This joint trek starts from Soti Khola, and when we reach Lokpa, the trail directs to Tsum Valley. It takes over a week to explore the Tsum Valley and to descend. As we move towards Deng (1,860 meters) from Chumling/Upper Tsum (2,389 meters), the trail connects to Manaslu Circuit.