Manaslu Circuit Trek for Beginners: What You Need to Know

  • Updated on Aug 12, 2023
  • Govinda Gurung
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An undiscovered trail in the Nepalese Himalayas is the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The route takes you up and around Mount Manaslu's base while you spend each night in a different Tibetan village. The scenery is breathtaking, especially during the final few days of the circuit when you cross the Larke Pass, also known as the Larkya La Pass, at elevations of more than 5000 meters.

One of the best ways to experience Nepal's unique blend of ancient heritage and scenic beauty is the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world, rising to a breathtaking 8163 meters above sea level. The mountain's unspoiled tranquility and beauty are bizarre sights. 

To take part in the Manaslu trek, hikers must have a special permit, be in good physical condition, and have previous high-altitude trekking experience. Because the weather is typically clear and consistent, March to May or September to November are the best months for Manaslu trekking and Tsum Valley.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley is difficult, but it is doable for beginners with the right gear and a sense of adventure. Prepare to set out on a journey of a lifetime as you savor the serenity and beauty of the Manaslu area.

Table of Content

Best Time to Trek

The months of March to May and September to November are ideal for Manaslu Circuit treks. These times of year offer the best visibility, ideal temperatures, clear skies, and little to no precipitation, making it possible for you to take in the breathtaking scenery. The trails are at their best when they are offering a secure route. 

Rhododendron forests are in full bloom in the spring, adding vibrant colors to the trekking areas, while the autumn season attracts hikers who want to trek in a festive mood for Nepali festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Chhat, and Indrajatra.

Be familiar with Round Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Generally speaking, it is a good idea to learn everything you can about the location. It helps you adjust to the region's unique features, such as its climate, culture, traditions, and so forth. It takes roughly 14 days to complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Life Himalaya Trekking has designed a Manaslu Circuit Trek 18-day itinerary package with arrival and departure days for the convenience of our international clients. The majority of the trails on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are in decent shape. The Manaslu Trekking itinerary is fairly straightforward because no special technical knowledge is required. With a few exceptions, conditions can occasionally get a little difficult, like when the trail deviates to avoid landslides. 

Related Treks and Popular Route

Manage all Permit Cards before beginning Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek has been designated a restricted area by the Nepali government in order to reduce the danger to tourists. As a result, solo trekkers need a special entry permit in order to enter the Manaslu Region between Jagat and Dharapani. Remember that you must have a guide in order to hike up Manaslu. A licensed travel agent must also handle the processing of your permit. 

Three unique permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. From Jagat, until you cross Sama Gaun, you must have a Special Restricted Area Permit in order to access Manaslu. You must obtain additional entry permission (ACAP) after leaving Sama Village. The price of the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit depends on how long you stay between Jagat and Dharapani. It cost about USD 100 per person for the first seven days, and then starting on the eighth day, it rises to USD 115 per person daily. Similarly to this, Philim, where the Manaslu Conservation Area begins, must issue a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). From Dharapani to Besisahar, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is necessary. Both of these permits have a per-person cost of around USD 30 and call for a printed photo.  

Carry less weight as possible

The backpack is the most important factor in determining how difficult the Round Manaslu Circuit Trek will be. Undoubtedly, if you opt to carry all of your own gear and equipment, it will be more difficult. To make things easier on yourself, carefully consider what you need to bring and pack as little as possible. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can finish the trek with just a small daypack filled with the essentials. If you choose to trek with a porter in addition to a guide, the difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is significantly reduced. The Round Manaslu Circuit Trek guides are competent and authorized to lead treks by the Nepalese government. They prioritize your safety above the success of the trek because they care about you.

Eat a healthy meal at a high-altitude 

If you're going on a trip or a long walk, you might want to eat splurging. However, it might not be a good idea to overeat while trekking. Make an effort to eat a nutritious breakfast. It might give you energy for the day. Caffeine should be avoided in the morning because it dehydrates the body. Eat the Nepali dish Dal-Bhat for lunch and dinner. The main ingredients are rice, soup, and vegetable curry. The Nepalese proverb "Dal Bhat power 24 hours" claims that rice can sustain life for a full day. Drink at least 6 liters of water per day to stay hydrated. Foods that are not vegetarian should not be eaten at high altitudes because the lack of oxygen makes it harder for proteins to be digested. 

The egg is a suitable replacement. This protects sore muscles and replenishes lost muscle protein. To keep your energy levels high, keep dry fruits close at hand. While trekking, you should stay away from foods like chocolate, sweet snacks, energy drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

Always carry Travel Health Insurance

Outside of the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara, healthcare in Nepal is frequently subpar, and treatment is expensive at hospitals that cater to Western tourists. Make sure you have enough travel health insurance, as well as ready access to money to cover any necessary medical expenses, as well as any emergency helicopter evacuation and restoration costs. Your travel insurance policy must provide coverage for all medical issues, travel-related issues, and unforeseen mishaps that may occur on the trekking trail. We strongly advise you to go on a trek during the best times of year in this area to avoid any of these situations.

Permits

You will require three permits in order to go on a trek in the Manaslu region.

1. Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

You will pass through Samdo Village near Tibet while trekking the Manaslu Circuit. The Nepali government has declared this area a restricted zone in order to stop criminal activity against Tibet. Please be aware that only trek and tour companies registered with and authorized by the Nepali government are able to obtain this permit on your behalf in Kathmandu. This permit's price changes according to the month. This permit costs USD 100 for the first week in the autumn (September, October, and November), plus an additional USD 15 for each additional day. The permit costs USD 75 for the first week and an additional USD 10 for each additional day during the other (winter, spring, and summer) seasons. At the Jagat entry point, you must present this permit.

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit

You will require both an MRAP and an MCAP permit. The Manaslu Conservation area is supported by the money from this permit. This permit must be presented at the Philim entry point. Foreigners must pay NPR 3,000 (USD 23), while SAARC nationals can purchase this permit for NPR 1000 (USD 8).

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

You will also need an ACAP permit because the trek passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area. This permit can be obtained from Kathmandu or other regional offices. For SAARC citizens, the ACAP permit costs NPR 1000 ($8), while it costs NPR 3,000 ($23) for foreigners. This permit must be presented at the Dharapani checkpoint. You should check with your trekking agency or the Department of Immigration for the most recent information as permit specifications, fees, and rules are subject to change.

Accommodations On Manaslu Trekking

Tea Houses: Teahouses, which are compact guesthouses, are the most frequent lodging option for trekkers to Manaslu. They offer the essentials, including a bed, a blanket, and a pillow. The tea houses also serve food, frequently serving regional Nepali fare and Western-style fare.

Camping: For a more sedate and private hike, you can also set up camp alongside the hiking trail. All necessary camping gear, including sleeping bags, tents, and cooking utensils, must be brought.

Acclimatization

A high-altitude trek called the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you as high as 5,160m at the Larkya La Pass. As a result, acclimatization is essential for preventing altitude sickness. Here are a few strategies for adjusting. 

Gradual Ascent: According to experts, you shouldn't ascend from a low elevation to 2,750m (9,000ft) in one day. Therefore, it's crucial to increase altitude gradually. Your body will have more time to get used to the higher altitude. One of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid altitude sickness is to walk at your own pace. Tell the group you are traveling with if they walk more quickly. Don't hurry.

Days of Acclimatisation: You must give your body enough time to adjust to the high altitude. Therefore, in addition to ascending gradually, you must also spend a few days acclimatizing. Nevertheless, don't do anything as you adjust. We advise you to take short hikes or to explore the neighborhood.

Hydration: While trekking, you will quickly lose body water because the respiration rate will be higher at high altitudes. During high-altitude treks, you should drink a lot of fluids to replace this water loss. Additionally, experts advise consuming garlic soup for its additional health advantages. Health professionals recommend that you hike high and sleep low. The "golden rule" of high-altitude trekking is also known as this. 

Altitude medication: Despite taking the aforementioned safety measures, you should think about taking medications like Diamox as a preventative measure if you feel unwell. However, you must first get permission from medical professionals before using such medications.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

The trek involves traveling through six distinct climatic regions, ranging from subtropical to tundra, and gradually gaining altitude from 715 meters to 5218 meters. This trek is harder than most because it involves 177 kilometers of walking through thin air.

According to statistics, out of about 30,000 people, 3 to 5 people pass away on the Everest Base Camp Trek each year. Except for a few serious injuries brought on by altitude sickness, the Manaslu Circuit Trek has been relatively accident-free compared to Mount Everest Deaths. However, accidents are now few and far between thanks to well-planned trips and extra days for acclimatization.

Training and Fitness Regimen

You ought to be able to finish the trek if you are normally healthy. Please take note that you will enjoy your journey more if you are physically fit. So, here's how to get in better physical shape.

Cardiovascular Fitness: Cardio exercises, like running, cycling, or swimming, improve blood flow to the body, which in turn helps your body's cells receive more oxygen. There is less oxygen in the air because you will be trekking at a higher altitude, so your body needs to be effective. Therefore, starting cardiovascular training a few weeks prior to the trek is crucial.

Strength training: The Manaslu Circuit trek takes at least a week to complete, so you'll need to be physically capable of doing so. Therefore, we also suggest that you engage in strength training activities. For the difficult terrain, concentrate on building up your upper body, core, and leg muscles. Exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks will help you develop your inner strength.

Practice hiking: If you have the opportunity, you should also get some experience hiking or going on long walks while carrying a backpack. It'll give you a preview of what long-distance hiking will be like. 

Conclusion

Manaslu Circuit Trek is for you if you enjoy solitude and want to get away from city life. We hope this Manaslu Circuit Trek for Beginners guide will be helpful. You are not permitted to trek alone in the Manaslu region according to Nepali government regulations. You must therefore collaborate with a local trekking and tour company.

Leading trek and tour company Himalayan Frozen Adventure has over ten years of experience transporting trekkers to their destinations throughout Nepal, including Manaslu Circuit. You can reserve this trek with us for a hassle-free Manaslu Circuit trek in a fun-filled setting. You can contact us via email at [email protected] or over the phone, Viber, or WhatsApp at +977-9840396708.  

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