Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Trek takes you through the remote and off-beat tracks of the Manaslu Region. Opened only in 1991 to foreign trekkers, this region still preserves its untouched and raw natural splendor.

The Manaslu Trek 12 Days Itinerary is the perfect choice for trekking in the region. Within the time frame, you will get to the base of the 8th tallest mountain in the world- Mt. Manaslu.

You will cross one of the most adventurous and challenging Passes of Nepal- the Larkya La Pass. This pass is also a vantage point to witness breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks.

Throughout the trek, you will get to enjoy views of the surrounding nature and diverse landscape. You can also savor the views of the green lush forest, diverse biodiversity, and glaciers. You also get a taste of the unique and traditional lifestyle and culture of the locals of the region.

Here is an outline of the Manaslu Trek 12-Days Itinerary.

Trek Facts

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Teahouse and Camping

Cost: US$ 1400-US$ 1,800

Best Time: February-May/September-December

Highest Elevation: Larkya La Pass- 5,213m

Highlights

• A genuine, off the beaten trail trekking experience in the wilderness
• A chance to witness nature in its wild, raw, and undisturbed state
• A chance to observe abundant wildlife and vegetation. You may catch sights of the Himalayan Goat known as Thar or Jharal and deer, marmot, Jhum (yak and cow hybrid) and yaks
• Amazing views of mountains like Ganesh Himal (7,140m), Shringi Himal (7,161m), Rani Peak /Lidanai Peak (6,693m), Himalchuli (7,750m), and Nadi Chuli / Peak 29 (7,871 m). Other mountains you can see are Mt. Manaslu/Kang Pungen (8,163m), Manaslu North (7,157m),  Naike Peak (6,211m) and many more.
• The adventurous, thrilling, and dramatic crossing of Larkya La Pass. From the pass, you can have amazing views of Kanguru (6,981m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Gyaji Kang (7,038m), Larke Peak (6,249m), Lamjung Himal (7,983m), Ratna Chuli (7,035m).
• Breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu (8163m)- the eighth tallest mountain in the world.
• A chance to witness the rich local heritage of the Manaslu region.
• A chance to see and stay at charming, traditional local villages.
• Availability of different small peaks to climb like Larkya, Samdo Himal, Panbari, Nirekha, Khayang, Saula. These make for great and exciting adventures or achievements to add to your Manaslu Trek experience.
• Far less crowded than the popular treks in the Everest and Annapurna Region. The Manaslu trail sees about 10 times fewer trekkers.
• Following the Budhi Gandaki river- a deep, long river gorge, with many suspension bridge crossings for the first half of the trek.

Things to know before 12-Days Manaslu Trek

Permits

For any trek in Nepal, you need to have the trekking permits. For this trek, you need 3 different permits. These are:

• Manaslu Restricted Permit
• Manaslu Conservation Area entry Permit (MCAP), and
• Annapurna Conservation Area entry Permit (ACAP)

You can get these from Kathmandu.

Solo or Group Treks

The Manaslu Region lies in the restricted trekking region of Nepal. The Government of Nepal does not allow any solo treks in these restricted regions.

Hence, you can not do the 12 days Manaslu Trek as a solo trek.

You need to have at least 2 trekkers in your group (not including kids below 10 years). You also can not do the trek without a local trekking helper.

You can not count the local trekking aide as a group member. You can hire more than one local trekking helper. The local trekking helper can be your local guide, porter, porter-guide, cook, or someone else.

Make sure that your local trekking aide has the professional license required to do the job. You cannot have a local Nepali without a license as your local trekking guide.

Accommodation, Meals & Drinks

You can do this trek as a teahouse or camping trek. There is basic accommodation in tea houses available throughout the trek.

A tea house in Nepal generally will have one dining hall, rooms on a twin sharing basis, and a communal bathroom and shower space. Most of the tea houses also offer basic meals and drinks.

Some of the foods on offer are Nepali Dal Bhat, pizza, macaroni, chow mein, momo, fried rice, and spaghetti. As you trek higher, the choices in the menu decrease and become more basic.

The meals are locally prepared, clean, and hygienic at most teahouses, but the taste can differ from what you are used to.

For drinks, you will get coffee, tea, ginger tea, hot chocolate, lemon tea, soft drinks, and cold and hot water.

Physical Fitness and Safety

The 12 Days Manaslu Trek has a moderate difficulty level.

Anyone with a moderate fitness level can go on this trek. You don’t need to be a professional trekker or athlete for this trek.

Yet, you do need to be comfortable walking for long hours for the entire duration of the trek. This 12-days Manaslu Trek is a rapid trek. So, it can be quite challenging for novice and beginners.

For the novice and beginners, make sure you prepare for the trek at least 4-6 months before the trek. The fitter you are, the more comfortable the trekking experience will be for you.

Also, make sure to consult your doctor before any high altitude trek like this one.

This way, you will be aware of any situation you may face during the trek. You can also prepare for whatever health complications you may face during the trek.

Let your trekking partner and local trekking staff know about any health complications you have. This way they can help you if it occurs. Doing these things will help boost your confidence to go on the trek.

Clothing, Equipment, and Supplies

For a 12 Days Manaslu Trek, make sure you pack everything you need for a high altitude trek in Nepal. Make sure to change your packing list according to the season you trek in as well.

To ensure you have everything you need during the trek, go through your packing list with your local trekking guide. A guide can let you know what changes you need to make.

Travel Insurance

The 12 Days Manaslu Trek is a high altitude trek. Like any other trek, it is an outdoor adventure in some of the highest regions of the world.

Most trek operators also do not accept clients without travel insurance. Make sure you get one from your home country. Also, make sure it covers altitudes up to 5000m and it includes emergency rescue and evacuation.

Customizing your Manaslu Trek 12-Days Itinerary

Most trek operators do have the added option of creating your own custom-made 12-days Manaslu Trek. The Manaslu Region is home to beautiful trek destinations like Manaslu Base Camp trek or Manaslu Circuit trek. The remote and beautiful Tsum Valley also lies near the trek route.

So, if you wish to create the custom itinerary, then you can obviously do so. This helps you to create an itinerary that better fits your needs and preferences.

Finally,

The Manaslu Trek 12 Days Itinerary is one of the best adventures you can embark upon while in Nepal. The Manaslu region is one of the well-preserved areas in Nepal. This journey takes you through amazing landscapes, beautiful villages, forests, and mountain scenery.

It also offers you the chance to get to know and enjoy the unique local lifestyle, hospitality, and culture of the Manaslu Region.

If you have any further questions and queries, feel free to contact us. You can also contact us to create custom itineraries for any treks and tours in Nepal.