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Manaslu Circuit Trek is an amazing trekking itinerary around Manaslu Massif taking you through the pristine regions of Manaslu. Though overshadowed by its crowded neighbor Annapurna Region’s trek, the beauty, adventure, and exploration opportunities this Manaslu Region Trekking provides are unparalleled. The Manaslu Circuit Trek package is one of the most underrated trekking expeditions in Nepal.
Manaslu Region primarily the valley north of Manaslu massif is a region in the Central Himalayas of Nepal that is very less frequented by trekkers. Despite its proximity to the popular trekking region of Annapurna, the Manaslu Circuit Trekking trail fails to appear on the radar of trekkers looking for an exhilarating trekking destination. In a sense, it is a hidden gem, and sometimes things are beautiful when it remains arcane. Beautiful things don’t ask for attention. And that is exactly what Manaslu Trek is.
Because it is very little explored, the Manaslu Region overflows with unsullied natural beauty. This Manaslu Trek itinerary penetrates deep into the Manaslu Conservation Area Project, which relentlessly works to preserve the region’s unblemished beauty. The rustic villages have preserved their intrinsic essence, and the culture and tradition of people inhabiting these regions are unadulterated. Trekkers get to observe the unblemished nature, bucolic villages, and fascinating culture, tradition, and lifestyle during Manaslu Circuit Trekking.
In addition to that, the trek through the Manaslu Circuit Trek trail offers an awe-inspiring view of mountain and hilly landscapes. Mountain peaks like Mt. Manaslu (8,163m/26,781ft) the 8th tallest peak on the planet, Manaslu North (7,157m/23,480ft), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m/25,823ft), Himchuli (7,850m/25,754ft), Ganesh (7,440m/24,409ft), Ganesh II (7,118m/23,353ft), Ganesh IV (7,140m/23,425ft), Nemjung (7,100m/23,293ft), etc. can be spotted throughout the trek. The geography of the Manaslu Region in itself is mesmerizing. Trekkers also pass through one of the highest mountain passes in Nepal, Larkya La Pass (5,106 m/6,751 ft) during this Manaslu Trek. Deep gorges, high hills, beautiful valleys, and narrow ravines are unlike anything found elsewhere.
This Manaslu Circuit Trek Package is a perfect off-the-beaten-path trek that takes you away from the crowded trail to the unexplored Manaslu Region. This Manaslu Region Trek guarantees’ exploration of unblemished nature and rustic villages of the Manaslu Region, mesmerizing views of the mountainscape, and adulterated culture, tradition, and lifestyle of people residing in the Manaslu region.
The journey of Manaslu Circuit Trek kicks off with a drive to Machha Khola. Whether you are in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or anywhere else, we will make a vehicle transfer arrangement that will take you to Machhakhola. Machhakhola is the trailhead for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Our team members will contact you in the early morning hours to pick you up for the drive to Machha Khola.
Previously, the road access was limited to Soti Khola which means trekkers would start their trek from Soti Khola. Now the road network has extended to Khorla Besi beyond Machha Khola, but we will stay in Machha Khola as there are good lodges and guest houses here. The road extension to Machha Khola and beyond has omitted a day hike from Soti Khola to Machha Khola, reducing a day on the standard Manaslu Trekking.
The drive to Machha Khola from Kathmandu covers a distance of 162 km or 100.66 miles and spans around 8-9 hours. Drive to Arughat is mostly on tarmac or asphalt road with some exceptions at construction sites, however, the section from Arughat to Machha Khola is on an off-road highway stretching along Budi-Gandaki River. This latter part of the drive is quite bumpy and uncomfortable.
During the drive to Machhakhola, there will be lunch and washroom breaks. At Machhakhola, you will be checked in at a lodge.
On the second day, the trekking adventure officially begins from Machha Khola and ends after reaching Jagat. The day hike to Jagat from Machha Khola is scenic bliss.
Though the distance covered is 15.9 km/9.63 miles the trail steadily gains elevation of just 500 meters, which makes the day hike easy and perfect to warm up your trekking legs for difficult hikes ahead.
The trail traverses through cliffsides, waterfalls, and small settlement areas, and crosses suspension bridges multiple times. The entirety of the trial is accompanied by the Budi Gandaki River all the way to Jagat. On the journey to Jagat, the trail passes through villages like Khorlabesi, Tatopani, Dobhan, and Yaruphant.
The ever-changing scenery as you pass through gorges, waterfalls, valleys, small settlement areas, and cliffsides is undefinable with words.
Upon reaching Jagat you will be checked in at a lodge.
The third-day hike will take you from Jagat to Deng. The day hike is quite long and exhausting with an elevation gain of approximately 490 meters,
The trail leaves behind Jagad and traverses alongside the burbling Budi Gandaki River. The trail passes through huge rocky cliffs, stony beaches, beautiful green hills, and ravines. The trail comes across village and settlement areas like Sardi Bas Bazar, Philim, Bhangsing, Nyak, and finally Jagat. As the day hike approaches the latter half trekkers will get glimpses of Lapchun Himal, situated at the Tibet-Nepal border.
Though the elevation gain is just 490 meters, the day hike comprises a few ascends and descends which can be exhausting considering the huge distance that is going to be covered. The trail also crosses suspension bridges multiple times and passes through landslide-prone sections.
After reaching Deng, you will be checked in at a lodge or guest house where you will have an evening meal and a good night’s sleep.
The day hike on the fourth day of the trek stretching around 19.5 km or 12.11 miles and gaining elevation of 740 meters will get you from Dent to Namrung. The trail today enters the Nubri Valley, the abode of the Nubri People. The day hike is a bit more exhausting than the previous day’s.
Leaving Deng behind the trek initially moves laterally alongside Budi Gandaki until the suspension bridge crossing. After crossing the suspension bridge you will have to climb an arduous section to Bihi Phed. Afterward, the trail observes a steady elevation gain all the way to Nemrung, with a few ascents and descents throughout the journey.
The trail traverses through huge rocky cliffs, bucolic villages, and forests primarily of pine and oak. You will cross several suspension bridges and get to observe many waterfalls as well. The trail passes through villages like Bihi Phedi, Prok, Ghap, and finally to Namrung.
As you reach Namrung you will be directly beneath the mountain range bordering Nepal and Tibet. The views of Mt. Saula, Pangpoche, Khayan, and other adjacent peaks will appear prominent.
After reaching Namrung you will be checked in at a lodge.
The hike on the fifth day of the Manaslu Trek will get you from Namrunh to Lho. The distance between Namrun to Lho is 10.5 km or 6.5 miles and the elevation gain is 530 meters. The day hike is easier than the previous day’s hike.
The trail stretching on the hillside continues advancing lateral to Budi Gandaki river. You will pass through stone walls with Buddhist Matras engraved on it. The trail passes through beautiful villages, farmlands, meadows, and apple orchards. The views of the mountain will become more and more prominent. From Lho you will get the first glimpse of majestic Mt. Manaslu. Though there are some with high gradients requiring more effort, the trail is comparatively easy.
The trail passes through villages like Banjam, Lihi, and Sho finally reaching Lho. The scenery is amazing from all the villages but the view of mountainscapes and surroundings from Lho is absolutely mindblowing. There is Manaslu View Point at Lho from where you can enjoy an amazing view of the 8th highest peak on the planet. If you reach Lho early we suggest you visit Manaslu View Point to enjoy a beautiful sunset on Mt. Manaslu.
After you reach Lho you will be checked in at a lodge in Lho.
The day hike takes you from Lho to Samagaun, another beautiful village inhabited predominantly by Nubri People. The distance between Lho and Samagaun is approximately 7.91 km or 4.92 miles, with an elevation gain of just 350 meters. The hike reveals a picturesque canvas with a mountain panorama as a backdrop.
Bidding farewell to the beautiful village of Lho, we will hike upwards to Ribum Monastery. At Ribum Monastery you can get blessings and pray for your safety and successful trek. The trail then traverses through a pine forest along a small stream. Throughout the day hike, the trail observes steady climb except for a few sections. The dirt path is rocky and at some sections slippery too, so trekkers need to be cautious.
After hiking for some time and passing through the pine forest trekkers reach Shyala. The beautiful village features homes with colorful roofs with a mesmerizing view of the Mountain peaks on all sides.
Moving further ahead you will cross a suspension bridge twice and the trail will again enter the pine forest. Then follow the walk through a meadow as you approach Samagaun. Samagaun is the largest village on the trail.
You will be checked in at a lodge. You can explore Samagaun if you arrive early and enjoy a beautiful Himalayan sunset.
The day is designated for acclimatization. Gaining elevation too quickly without acclimatizing can be dangerous and cause altitude sickness. It is important that we give our bodies enough time to adapt to the rarefied atmosphere as we gain altitude.
A rest day at Samagaun is a strategically planned rest day that allows our bodies to adapt and obviate any chances of altitude sickness. But the rest day is not actually a rest day, you will indulge in a day hike of your preference unless you want it otherwise.
You can choose from three hikes of different difficulty levels. Birendra Lake hike is an easy day hike to Birendra Lake, which is situated just above Samagaun. The hike lasts around 2-2.5 hours to complete.
The hike to Pungyen Gompa is a moderately difficult hike that lasts around 5-6 hours and culminates at Pungyen Gompa providing a mesmerizing view of Manaslu Massif. The elevation gain is approximately 530 meters.
The hardest hike is to Manaslu Base Camp which can be completed in 6-7 hours. Situated 4800 meters above sea level, the elevation gain is a staggering 1270 meters or 4166 ft. At Manaslu Base Camp you can enjoy a majestic view of the surrounding mountain panorama, glaciers, and valley beneath.
Indulging a day hike will help your body acclimatize better, however, if you don’t want to do anything physically exerting you can still explore the beautiful village. Read more on this blog on Samagaun Village to learn more about the village and navigate your way around.
Samagaun to Samdo is another easy day hike. The hike can be completed in approximately 4-5 hours depending on your pace. The distance between Samagaun to Samdo is 8.46 km or 5.26 miles with an elevation gain of around 330 meters.
Leaving behind Samagaun, you will get on a slightly uphill trail through sparsely spread pine trees to an open meadow. The beautiful valley offers trekkers a chance to relish the beautiful scenery of the mountain panorama. You will come across shrines and stone walls with Buddhist mantras engraved on them.
The trail then stretches laterally with an unnoticeable incline with few steep sections until it reaches a confluence where two streams merge to form the Budi Gandaki River. Although the trail is not steep there are some icy sections that need utter caution, also the trail is rocky, and making sure that you don’t step on loose rocks or stub your shoes on rock is necessary.
As you are hiking beyond treeline elevation, the vegetation changes drastically. You only see small shrubs and bushes.
After you reach the confluence point of two streams, the trail ahead becomes steeper which is the final stretch of the day hike. As you approach Samdo, a beautiful perspective of the valley and landscapes surrounding reveals itself to you.
At Samdo you will be checked in at a lodge/tea house.
This is the second designated acclimatization day. The sections ahead are the toughest part of the trek, so the additional acclimatization day ensures that not only your body is acclimatized but is rested as well.
You will do a short hike to Samdo Peak lasting 2-3 hours. Samdo Peak is situated around 300 meters above Samdo village. From Samdo Peak you can enjoy a beautiful view of the entire landscape. The view of Samdo Village, the beautiful valley, and the surrounding mountain range including Manaslu can be savored from Samdo Peak.
After getting a good rest at Samdo you will get on a day hike to Dharmashala. The distance between Samdo and Dharmashala is approximately 5.98 km or 3.71 miles and the elevation gain is 620 meters. The hike though short has some steep sections which can be hard on legs and lungs.
Leaving behind Samdo you will begin traversing along the trail laid on the hillside. The trail enters an arid region devoid of greenery. The rocky trail crosses a small stream and passes through Buddhist shrines on its way to Larkya Bazar. From Larkya Bazar the trail further advances westwards along the lateral moraine of Larkya Glacier gaining elevation steadily all the way to Dharmashala.
Dharmashala is the last stop before you cross the Larkya La pass. Until now there are only 4 Lodges/Tea-houses that cater to trekkers, so during peak trekking seasons you might not get a room at lodges. In such cases our guides will set up tents for the night, so we would like to tell our clients to be ready for such situations.
After reaching Dharmashala, if we’ve secured a room you will be checked in, however, if we were not able to book a room for you our guide and porter will set up the camp.
Now this is the climactic day hike of the entire trek and the most difficult too. You will gain an elevation of almost 800 meters and then afterward descend around 1400 meters. The highest point reached is at Larkya La Pass, which is elevated 5,213 m above sea level. The distance between Dharamshala to Bimthang is approximately 14.5 km or 9 miles.
You will follow the trail that stretches along the lateral moraine of Larkya Glacier. The arid landscapes become more deserted as even grasses and bushes begin to disappear. Continuing on the rocky path of glacial debris, you will pass through several Buddhist shrines on your way to Larke Pass. The chances of snow on this section of the trail are high, so we suggest you be extra careful when approaching the Larkya La Pass.
After reaching Larky La, you will begin your descending hike to Bimthang. The descending trail is also steep and can be hard on the knees. We suggest you take enough breaks on your hike to Bimthang.
After reaching Bimthang you will be checked in at a Teahouse/Lodge.
The day’s hike is quite long but since you will lose elevation it won’t be very hard. The distance from Bimthang to Tilije is approximately 25 km or 15.53 miles and the elevation loss is around 1630 meters.
You will depart Bimthang and continue your journey downward following the trail. The trail covers a significant walking distance and takes you from a dry region to a place with lush vegetation. You will pass through oak forests, rustic villages, farmlands, and pastures. The trail will also pass suspension bridges multiple times.
The trail passes through villages like Hampuk, Yak Kharka, Kharche, and Gho finally reaching Tilije following Soti Khola.
At Tilije you will conclude your amazing adventure of Manaslu Circuit Trek. The amazing odyssey of Manaslu exploration reveals to you the unblemished beauty of Manaslu. The ethereal mountainscapes and geographical marvels leave indelible marks on trekkers, and we are sure that you will be stirred by the beauty of Manaslu.
After reaching Tilije you will be checked in at a hotel where you will spend the night and get rest.
Today you will be driven to Tilije to Kathmandu. You will travel 200 km which lasts around 6-7 hours.
At Kathmandu, you will be dropped off with your belongings at the hotel of your stay. In the evening you can stroll the local market and buy gifts and souvenirs for family and friends.
Later, Breakfree Adventure will host you for an authentic Nepali Dinner at a traditional Nepali Restaurant. To commemorate your amazing adventure Breakfree Adventure will provide you with a certificate of Manaslu Trek Completion.
At dinner, we would expect to hear your experience and comments regarding our service, as it is important that we improve our weaknesses and reinforce our strengths.
Trip Note: The itinerary mentioned above is standard. Our Manaslu Circuit Trek proceeds and strictly follows the above-mentioned itinerary, however, if there are circumstances, beyond our control, that prevent us from following the itinerary then necessary changes will be made. These circumstances can be landslides, traffic obstructions, floods, heavy snowfall, big thunderstorms, government decrees, political protests, etc.
We also operated private trips.
The essence of high-altitude treks in the Himalayas is to explore unblemished nature, gaze upon the ginormous mountain peaks, and discover the unadulterated and fascinating cultures, religions, and lifestyles of local communities. When a trekking trail gets over-commercialized, it loses its intrinsic characteristics to entities who/try to make a profit exploiting its natural beauty. The trail which is overcrowded with trekkers might defeat the purpose of your placid retreat from the chaos. Well, that has been the plight of some of the trekking trails that have been very much commercialized because of their popularity, and these trails have become a banal subject.
Manaslu is a trial that a person will cherish if she/he agrees with the statement above. Even if a person thinks that a trek is all about offerings and not about ambiance, it still stands toe to toe against the renowned trekking trail of Nepal. The trail is not highly commercialized unlike other popular treks and that is exactly why the beauty of nature along the trail has remained unblemished, and the villages and settlement areas throughout the trail have remained unadulterated with external modern influence.
Manaslu Circuit Trail despite its innate charm and beauty, has been overlooked by adventurer travellers mostly because of its proximity to the famous and highly commercialized Annapurna Circuit Trek. But here less traveled and talked about doesn’t mean that Manaslu Circuit Trek is not a good trail, quite contrary it is one of the most amazing trekking trails in Nepal.
We organize private treks in addition to non-private treks/group join-in treks. Group discounts are based on your group size. The bigger your group is, the extra discount you will get.
Generally, the group trek we organize caps off at 16 people. But we can organize a group trek of any size as requested. The Trekker to Guide and Potter ratio for Manaslu Circuit Trek is 11:1:1, which means for every 11 Trekkers there will be one guide and one porter. The private treks have very malleable departure dates which will give you more than enough room to maneuver your plans, in contrast, non-private/group join-in treks have fixed departures, as we have to accommodate other trek members so the dates are stringent.
No, you cannot do Manaslu Circuit Trek solo. Manaslu Circuit Trail traverses through a restricted area. To enter the restricted area a special permit is required. The special permit, the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, is only issued to a party of at least 2 trekkers accompanied by a government-registered guide.
It is to promote safe and responsible trekking practices. Also, the Manaslu is a diplomatically sensitive region as it contains a non-militarized border with Tibet. Though the majority of the border runs along the mountain ridge, however, there are 3 passes and a valley through which Tom Khola(stream) flows through which one can enter Tibet from Nepal and vice-versa.
Also, the Manaslu Region is home to the Nubri Ethnic Group, with a distinct and fascinating culture, traditions, and lifestyle. Preservation of the cultural heritage and traditions of the Nubri people is also a contributing factor to declaring Manaslu a Restricted area.
In addition to that Manaslu region is a habitat to many rare and endangered wild animals only found in the Himalayas. A regulated trek observes less harm to the environment.
For these reasons, solo trek in the Manaslu region is banned as government and local bodies want to regulate the trek inside the Manaslu region to preserve its nature, promote safe and responsible trekking practices, preserve the cultural heritage and tradition of ethnic people, and address the border sensitivity.
After the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, the trekking route of Manaslu has been damaged and many sections of the trek route have been altered. Also, many lodges are under construction. So, it’s best to have one experienced trek guide who knows the area better for safety and it’s risky to go solo trekking in Manaslu.
Breakfree Adventures, a connoisseur of travel, trek, and tour planner for Holidays in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, has been at the disposal of explorers, adventurers, and travelers alike. We have been providing the best tailor-made trekking and touring packages to our clients. Our team of industry-leading professionals leaves no room for compromise, and our packages curated by experts have been satisfying explorers for the last 15 years, in addition, we also make bespoke trekking and touring packages addressing the meticulous needs of our clients. From our inception, we have served more than thousands of travelers and trekkers and have successfully ossified our name in this competitive market.
We at Breakfree Adventures are always striving to solve any issues that our invaluable clients might encounter and make their adventure, a lifetime memory.
With us, your Manaslu Circuit Trek is going to be filled with unerasable memories and awe-spiring moments, and all our hands are on deck to make it possible.
Though the trek can be done all over the year as per trekkers’ choice, the weather climate and weather might make it onerous and risky. So, it should not be neglected if you want to have the best experience, adventure, and exploration.
The best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these seasons the weather is favourable with clear blue skies providing the most spectacular mountain panorama. In spring the temperature ranges from 20 degrees in the daytime and falls to 5 degrees at night.
June to August is the time when the monsoon hits Nepal and there will be chances of domestic flight cancelation and roadblocks due to landslides, but some trekkers still prefer to trek in the monsoon too. This time will be the off-season for trekking so lodges along the trails and the trail itself will be less crowded which some may prefer that way. Monsoon is an inauspicious time of the year to embark on the Manaslu Circuit trek.
Autumn(September to November). As Autumn initiates precipitation begins to lessen and halts eventually, and the climate and temperature get milder. Autumn is an ideal time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek and is the peak of trekking season. The skies are clearer providing a clear mesmerizing view of surrounding landscapes and mountain panorama. As autumn approaches its terminal ending it starts to get colder and colder.
(December to February) is winter, the time when it starts to snow. Winter trek crossing Three Pass is also a perilous yet adventurous hiking experience and as the mist settles down you will get the most beautiful mountain views. In winter, lodges will have few guests, and trails less crowded. Winter is comparatively not a favorable time to trek.
The packing list depends upon the season you are trekking but it will be colder in the mountains around the year so packing warm clothing is suggested.
Click here to learn more about the packing list for Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Round Trek is a moderately challenging trek. The hiking generally in the lowlands is from 5-6 hours with periodic breaks to soak in the beautiful panoramic scenes of mountain vistas. The trek routes involve long climbs, steep descents, river crossings, gorges, and black-topped roads.
However, the toughest part of your trek is from Dharmashala to Bimthang (3890m/12,762ft) via Larkya La Pass (5,213m/17,103ft) – the highest point during this trek. The trek stretches to 14.5km/9 miles distance which is a significant hike through several steep ascend and descend.
This trek is done in remote areas of the Himalayas and is a faraway mountain journey, and the routes contain lengthy climbs, steep descents, and straight-forward roads.
To accomplish this trek, past trekking experience is beneficial, however you do not need any technical experience or skill.
Trekkers who can hike at a reasonable tempo for 6 to 7 hours each day can complete this trek. Some specific days might require longer walking hours. So, you ought to be fit as trekking at higher altitudes is highly demanding.
The more fit you are, the more you will enjoy the trekking. If you are in the right fit with good preparation, have a positive mindset, and self-confidence, you can accomplish the trek with no difficulties.
Participants with pre-existing medical conditions must tell us before booking the trek.
Temperature varies from month to month during the Manaslu circuit trek which are;
Manaslu circuit trek is done in the high region inside the high Himalayas, so you need lots of nutritious meals. You may get plenty of nourishing food in trek regions, but you will now not have as many alternatives as in cities like Kathmandu or Pokhara.
A number of the famous menu objects are –
The menu items in trek regions consist of – Asian, and Western delicacies, however as we pass up, the menu gets shorter and shorter.
We especially suggest you consume fresh vegetables and take liquids which include – green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup (have to) at high altitudes.
Though plenty of non-veg objects can be available in the Manaslu region, we suggest you keep away from them for hygiene concerns, especially meat products. Furthermore, we also encourage you to avoid dairy items, cheese objects, alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, and warm sweets.
Acclimatization while doing moderately challenging and strenuous treks like the Manaslu circuit trek is very important. If you don’t allow your body to acclimatize itself to a low oxygen content atmosphere, avoiding acclimatization can cause altitude sickness even to experienced trekkers. Altitude gains of as many as 5,000 meters or 16,404 feet require critical attention.
But our itinerary is carefully planned which prevents our trekkers from getting altitude sickness. The trick is to walk slowly and steadily, drink enough water (Don’t let yourself dehydrate), avoid alcoholic drinks or meat products, and follow your trek guide’s advice. Don’t walk too fast thinking you are fit enough as it may result in getting AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) you are hiking at the world’s highest locations where the oxygen level is very low, so you will easily get tired and dehydrated resulting in chances of suffering with Altitude Sickness.
Altitude illness in high mountain journeys is a common trouble, however, it is preventable and wishes instantaneous remedy. However, if you forget about the symptoms of altitude sickness, it can get severe.
Mountain sickness often starts from an elevation of 3,500m/11,482ft. Our trekking leaders and guides are properly experienced and use oximeters to monitor your oxygen degree for early detection of altitude illness and will take quick action to avoid further complications related to altitude sickness.
We’ve designed our itineraries so you don’t get altitude sickness with enough time for acclimatization and gradual ascents. As a precaution, we additionally suggest you drink lots of water. But, you need not worry about altitude illness, as our team looks after your health and suggests ways to take precautions. In case of extreme sickness, the best effective treatment is to descend immediately.
Each day will offer you a unique hiking revel that consists of- breathtaking views of surrounding mountains, hills, and landscapes, you will come across with beautiful waterfalls crossing the roads, you will see roaring rivers and streams, you will get to socialize with likeminded adventurers, and exploring the villages where you spend the night. You cannot resist taking pictures of the beauty that surrounds you. During the trek, our qualified trek guide will share facts and information about the locations as you trek.
Our porters will bring most of your bags, however, you may want to hold a small day backpack for your valuables.
In the morning after breakfast, we start on that day’s walk around 7 AM to eight AM, considering the period and nature of the trek day. After trekking for three to 4 hours, we can have lunch for about an hour and after relaxation continue the journey.
The afternoon hike is normally shorter – about 3 hours depending upon the location. After you reach your overnight lodge/tea house, you will be served snacks at the lodges, and afterward, you are free to discover nearby locations.
We will be served dinner at around 6 PM to 7 PM. After dinner, you get time for pleasant conversations. The trek guide will brief you about the next-day plan. After the briefing, you may want to socialize with group members or strangers, play on-board games like Monopoly, and cards, or go to room for rest to be prepared for the next day’s trek.
The communication is done mostly through cell phones. The internet provided at the lodges may not perform well, because of the remoteness of the location.
Our office will communicate with all our precious clients via our trek leader at least once a day through, WhatsApp, Telephone, Messenger, etc. whatever way possible, to make certain that our clients are satisfied, in good health, secure, and enjoying their trek.
Depending on the network you use, you might get a few mobile signals on your way, however, there may not be good network reception at high altitudes. Generally, you may get a wi-fi connection on all lodges you’ll be staying at.
The trekkers are themselves liable for food in Kathmandu. You can without difficulty visit many pubs, and restaurants located in the Thamel area serving a wide range of foods from Nepali, Indian, and Asian to cuisine. If you wish then you can have your lunch or dinner at the same hotel you are staying in. However, during Kathmandu Sightseeing lunch will be during the midday (usually at the Boudhanatha Stupa area around 1 pm). But in the evening, you can have your dinner at the restaurants of your choice at Thamel or order dinner in your hotel if you are too tired after the Kathmandu tour.
Further other expenses include paying for the visa for Nepal (USD30 per person), and a travel insurance policy purchase. During the trek, extra expenses for purchasing items such as alcoholic beverages, beers, snacks for the trek, hot and bloodless beverages, souvenirs, and many others might be incurred. We suggest our clients bring USD and change it to Nepali Rupees in Kathmandu at the many government-authorized money exchange counters located on almost every corner of Thamel.
Recharging your camera or your mobile phone is available at an additional cost in all lodges on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Trail. For drinking water during the duration of the trek, you can either purchase packed mineral water on your way (which is priced way too much than in Kathmandu or other cities) or you can purify the tap water with water purifying tablets. These purifying tablets can be bought in Kathmandu.
Manaslu circuit trek is done at a location at a high altitude, so there is a chance of bad weather conditions, altitude sickness, and different unforeseen activities like landslides.
So, travel insurance is obligatory for the trek. All trekkers ought to offer a replica of their complete travel insurance coverage certificates to us earlier than beginning the Manaslu circuit trek. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation as helicopter rescue and evacuation costs at high altitudes.
We can propose coverage corporations primarily based on our client’s revel, however, we do not sell travel insurance.
All trekkers have to send their detailed insurance records to us after trek booking. In case of emergencies, we will use your insurance policy and detailed insurance records for a quick and effective rescue operation.
We prioritize the safety of our trekkers more than anything. Our skilled guides who are familiar with all the nooks and corners of the trail will accompany you, they are well equipped with skills that are needed to traverse through this strenuous trek and tackle any adversities that our trekking group might encounter. If there are any protection concerns, we can also customize your itinerary to ensure your satisfaction.
Our trekking guides will measure the oxygen level of your body through an oximeter and take further actions, if needed, to avoid complications related to altitude sickness. Our itinerary curated by industry-leading professionals has emphasized acclimatization, thus we have one acclimatization day at Samagaun for your body to adapt to the rarefied atmosphere.
You’ll additionally have some free time to explore on your own once we accomplish the day’s trek. So, for the duration of that free time, you could discover for your very own.
But make sure, to not go far away from the guide. Besides our staff team, don’t give your belongings to hold. Also, don’t let strangers guide you through the trail, and don’t get separated from the group.
We strongly recommend you hold your vital documents and valuable gadgets with you competently. You may also need a neck wallet or a cash belt to ensure their safety. Hotels we use in cities have a deposit container with a lock, which is safer and easier to store your valuables.
Even though you may have a porter to carry your duffel bag, maintain your important documents with you and carry them yourself. At the same time as sharing rooms in guesthouses, keep your essential things closer to you and in a secure location.
Please make sure that the insurance organization covers the price incurred for mountain rescue at the best trek elevations along with medical costs.
While trekking along the Manaslu Circuit Trekking trail, an individual will require several permits. Along the trek, we will pass through some restricted areas and regions of the Conservation Project. To enter these regions any person is subjected to pay an entry.
Any individual who has embarked on this adventurous Manaslu Circuit Trek will require 3 permits they are:
The Manaslu special permit can’t be issued individually and needs to be done through a government-registered travel company. The cost of the permit is as below:
Accommodation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is basic accommodation. Every trekker trailing the Manaslu Circuit Trek trail will be accommodated in lodges which run by the locals often called tea houses. Rooms will have two beds or more and the toilet facilities will usually be mostly shared and outside of the bedroom. Heating will only be in the dinner area/hall. Lodges will provide blankets in the rooms and taking a sleeping bag along with you is also a good idea if you find a blanket insufficient to keep you warm.
Our motto is to relish the natural beauty, enjoy the adventure of traversing through remote regions of Manaslu, rejoice in hiking at the Himalayas, and leave only footprints behind. We are a sustainable tourism and eco-friendly trekking company.
Our trekking guides carry a trash bag and distribute it among the trekkers, so to avoid littering. We also request our clients to avoid littering and trashing pastures and forests.
In addition to the above-mentioned efforts, we work collectively with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Mission (KEEP) and organize eco-friendly treks that meet the expectancies of each vacationer as well as the communities residing in the trekking areas all over Nepal.
We are a government-legal, registered, and certified hiking and traveling operator in Nepal. We are also members of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
Tipping is at your discretion and should be primarily based on provider first-rate. In the Nepali lifestyle, a tip is a familiar and venerated manner to say thanks (Dhanyabad) to a good provider.
Almost all of our guests offer tips on the last day of the trek. The tip amount is entirely a personal choice that may be more or less depending upon your perception of service quality, length of trip, accommodations used, food served, and appreciation of the guide and porters’ work.
Before booking the tour, we require 15 percent of the fee in advance as a deposit which can be sent via credit card payment (an extra 3.5 percent applicable as a bank fee). You could send us vital files like passport copies, travel insurance copies, and arrival and departure flights to/from Kathmandu. The closing balance of your tour can be paid in cash or credit card whilst you arrive in Nepal.
It’s far best to book earlier, but if you are not able to accomplish that we have a unique provision for a last-minute booking. In the case of last-minute booking, we ought to acquire 100% percent trip payment 24 hours earlier than the trek departs. We do our best to operate the Manaslu circuit trek for you at any time. But, understand that there are probably delays due to events beyond our control.
Contact us at +977- 9851014557 (Bharat Sapkota) or e-mail us at [email protected]
After completing the trek, you may join other extra adventure activities for one day or more. There are numerous stunning and adventurous places in Nepal. You may spend your extras days in Kathmandu through various approaches, which include, the Everest Mountain flight, Everest Base Camp Trek, Bhaktapur and Nagarkot day trip, Chitwan Jungle Safaris, 2 nights 3 days Chitwan jungle safari tour, Chitwan Luxury Tour 3 Nights 4 Days, Annapurna Circuit Trek before flying back home.
After finishing the trek, we will organize a farewell dinner in the evening a day before you leave Nepal in Kathmandu. The Farwell Dinner will be at a Nepali Authentic Restaurant with a Nepali Cultural Show showcasing Nepalese culture and traditions with dance, and singing by dancers wearing different dresses of communities living in Nepal. At some point during the dinner, we shall gift you with a printed certificate citing your trek achievement and other goodies. We’d pretty much admire it if you would give compliments, and feedback (good or bad, we don’t mind) on the trek. This will help us improve our services for vacationers/trekkers coming to Nepal.
We suggest our customers add a few more days similarly to their trip duration so they do not omit their return flight. We propose our clients add 2 more days to keep away from any troubles with international flights.
The itinerary of the Manaslu circuit trek is a proposed itinerary; please be advised that it is probably essential to modify it because of external factors beyond our approach – which include unstable climate, flight cancelation/delay, traffic jams on the highway in between Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu, unavailability of accommodations, unforeseen governmental decrees, path, and ecological situations.
Please note: The Manaslu circuit trek package includes fixed departure dates from Kathmandu and may be fitted to accommodate your specific requests and schedule. Please look into our special departure dates for your trek. If the date does not fit you, then let us organize a private trek for you.
Our purpose is to give you the best trek experience of the Manaslu circuit trek. However, because of the character of the trek, we are now and again compelled to make a slight change in the itinerary. It can be due to bad weather or any other unexpected circumstances. The itinerary is well planned and glued; however, it additionally has some bendy areas. Therefore, we additionally count on our guests to be flexible for a few greater days in Nepal.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderately difficult trek. The Manaslu Circuit Trek trail is not as challenging as challenging trails like the Everest High Passes Trek trail or the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek trail but still harder than beginner-friendly treks. With the right preparation, good planning, and execution even beginner climbers can also do this trek easily.
The trail of Manaslu Trek resembles other trails found in the Himalayas. The majority of the first half of the trail moves along Budi Gandaki. There are steep ascends and descends that require additional efforts to traverse through than required to just walk on a lateral path. The length of the hiking part of the trail is 136 km or 84.5 miles which means the average distance covered each day is 15.2 or 9.31 miles.
The most difficult section of the entire trek is a hike from Dharmashala to Bimthang. Trekkers hike through one of the longest and highest passes in the world, Larkya La passes elevated 5,140 meters or 16863 feet above sea level. The distance from Dharmashala to Bimthang is 14.5 km or 9 miles. Dharamshala to Larkya La pass hike observes an altitude gain of 680 meters and the downhill hike from Larkya La to Bimthang observes an altitude loss of 1,420 meters or 4,659 feet. The hike in high altitude as such makes it even more difficult.
Other factors also determine the difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The physical fitness of the trekker is a major factor. Trekkers should be physically fit to hike for 5-7 hours each day. If trekkers are not physically fit, we suggest them to start training. Focusing on improving cardiovascular health, doing some short nearby hikes, and eating healthy for 8-12 weeks will prepare you physically for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Also, previous experience of treks in the Himalayas will determine how difficult the trek is going to be for an individual.
The condition of the trail is another major influencing factor. If the trail has been damaged or blocked by landslides, floods, or construction work, then hiking through such a trail will be difficult. So having a good knowledge of the condition of the trail is essential.
Similarly, the time of the year you will do the hike also determines the difficulty of the trek. The most suitable times of the year to do Manaslu Trek are Autumn and Spring. During these times there is a low probability of landslides, floods, or avalanches that can damage or block the trail.
Manaslu Circuit Trek during Monsoon and winter is difficult and risky to do. During Monsoon the chances of landslides and floods are high. The trail is wet, slippery, and infested in leech, making the whole trip harder. In winter, the trail to Larkya La pass from Dharmashala can be covered with snow a couple of feet deep, a navigating nightmare even for the seasoned trekker and guides.
So, the combination of these factors will determine the difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. If you are a beginner or novice trekker don’t worry you can still do this trek, but make sure that you are trekking during the right time of the year, the conditions of the trail are good, and you are physically fit. These things considered any novice or beginner can enjoy the adventure of trekking around Manaslu. The advice is similar to seasoned trekkers too, but if you are confident and want to experience off-season trekking in Manaslu when the trek is most difficult, then still Breakfree Adventure is here to serve you.
Breakfree Adventure champions eco-friendly and sustainable travel and trekking practices. We believe that we, humans, should comply with nature, and not disrupt its balance.
The ecosystem and environment of mountain regions have a profound impact on the ecosystem and environment of lowlands and valleys. Most of the rivers originate from glaciers of mountain regions, these rivers furnish low lands and valleys it flows through with flourishing life. So any negative impact on the environment and ecosystem of mountains will obviously affect the lowlands negatively.
Additionally, the ecosystem and environment of mountain regions are very sensitive to even minute disruptions. Global Warming has caused a recession of glaciers which has resulted in the bursting of glacial lakes resulting in flash floods that have swept villages. This is a perfect example of the fragility of mountain regions’ ecosystems and environments. Breakfree Adventures is well aware of this fact and conducts its operation with the principle of preserving nature.
We try our best to reduce the carbon footprint of our treks. Our trekking staff make sure that there is no garbage left. We also make charitable contributions to local as well as regional organizations that directly work to preserve the ecosystem, biodiversity, and environment.
Our guides, throughout the trek, carry a garbage bag to dispose of waste materials properly and avoid littering. During trek briefing, we also request our clients to avoid littering and trashing pastures and forests.
We provide our guide classes and involve them in seminars on sustainable trekking practices. So, our guides are well aware of practices that are best for nature, trekkers, locals, and them.
In addition to the above-mentioned efforts, we work collectively with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) and organize eco-friendly treks that meet the expectancies of each vacationer as well as the communities residing in the trekking areas all over Nepal.
We are a government-legal, registered, and certified hiking and traveling operator in Nepal. We are also members of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and contribute to the collective effort of the organization.
As a trekkering agency conducting many Manaslu Circuit Trek annually, to a greater extent it is our responsibility to preserve the nature of the Manaslu Region and we are committed to maintaining the natural balance that has given us so much.
All foreigners, besides Indians, require a visa to enter Nepal. Visa is to be had on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, and you may increase your visa at the valuable immigration office. Click here to understand more about tourist visas in Nepal.
The visa application would require a passport legitimate for at least 6- months and a passport-length photograph. The present-day visa rate costs USD30 for 15 days, which you need to pay in cash (Please bring the exact change of USD30 per person) on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Citizens of China and the SAARC nations will acquire a loose visa.
A few countries – Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan- may not get hold of an on-arrival visa. In case you are from those international locations, you should contact your local Nepalese embassy.
Nepali Rupees (NPR/Rs)
(USD 1 = NPR/Rs 132) at present (Subject to change)
You can exchange foreign currencies via the nearest banks and valid money exchange counters in Thamel, and also you can alternate small quantities of cash in hotels.
The simplest one hundred and 2000 Indian Rupee notes are legal in Nepal. You may also withdraw cash (in Nepali Rupees only) from one of the many ATMs in Kathmandu and other major cities.
Several ATMs in Kathmandu are open around the clock. In case you are using a foreign card – the most withdrawn quantity is 35,000 Rupees for a 500 Rupees processing fee. If you use Credit Cards provided to you by your banking partner, for exchanging foreign currency, you might get charged a processing fee of approximately four percent or more. Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa & American Express) are accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants.
The chances of finding a bank along the trekking trail are near null, so we encourage you to exchange foreign currency or withdraw enough money in Kathmandu. With enough Nepali Rupees cash on your hand, you can easily pay for the services and goods almost everywhere.