Embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a premier trekking experience in Nepal that encircles the Manaslu Conservation Area, offering unparalleled views of the world's eighth-highest peak, Manaslu. This 13-day journey, extendable to 20 days with a detour through the serene Tsum Valley, presents a splendid alternative to the well-trodden paths of the Annapurna Circuit.
  • DestinationNepal
  • Durations13 days
  • Trip DifficultyModerate
  • Group Size15+

Manaslu Circuit Trek-13 days Highlights

Explore the Wonders of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Key Highlights

Mount Manaslu (8,163m): Stand in awe of the world's eighth highest peak, a towering testament to the Himalayas' majestic beauty.

Larkya La Pass (5,106m): Navigate through this challenging yet breathtakingly beautiful high mountain pass, a highlight for many trekkers.

Iconic Regions: Traverse through the renowned Manaslu and Annapurna regions, each offering unique landscapes and cultural experiences.

Natural Wonders: Marvel at the pristine beauty of rivers, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring suspension bridges along the trek.

Flora and Fauna: Experience a diverse range of vegetation, from temperate forests to stark tundra, showcasing the area's rich biodiversity.

Sacred Sites: Visit the serene Nubri and Pungyen Monasteries, centers of spiritual life and culture in the region.

Cultural Landmarks: Encounter ancient monasteries, chhortens, mane walls, and the tranquil Birendra Lake, each with its own story.

Vibrant Communities: Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of multiethnic villages, home to Brahmins, Chhetris, Dalits, Gurungs, Sherpas, and Tibetans.

Cultural Immersion: Engage with local customs and traditions firsthand as you trek through these vibrant communities.

Mountain Panoramas: Enjoy unrivaled views of over two dozen mountain vistas, offering endless photographic opportunities.

Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of local crew members who ensure a safe and enriching trekking experience.

Personalized Journeys: Opt for a customized itinerary that caters to your preferences and pace, making your trek truly your own.

 

 

Overview

Embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a premier trekking experience in Nepal that encircles the Manaslu Conservation Area, offering unparalleled views of the world's eighth-highest peak, Manaslu. This 13-day journey, extendable to 20 days with a detour through the serene Tsum Valley, presents a splendid alternative to the well-trodden paths of the Annapurna Circuit.

Set against the backdrop of the Annapurna and Ganesh Himal ranges, Manaslu stands as a beacon of natural beauty among the 8000-meter giants. The trek begins in the vibrant terraces of Maccha Khola, winds through the dramatic gorges of the Budi Gandaki River, and ascends to the challenging but rewarding Larkya La Pass, before concluding in Beshi Sahar. Its path is less crowded compared to the bustling trails to Everest Base Camp, offering a more secluded and authentic trekking experience.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is both a physical and cultural odyssey, traversing diverse terrains from lush lowlands to icy high-altitude passes. The trek is adorned with long suspension bridges, quaint villages, and sprawling rice terraces, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry and natural splendor of the region. Opened to a limited number of trekkers in 1992, this route retains an untouched, pioneering allure reminiscent of trekking in the 1980s.

The journey's pinnacle, the Larkya La Pass, stands at 5,167 meters/16,952 feet, offering trekkers a breathtaking panorama that includes the majestic Manaslu. This high pass, often covered in snow, presents a formidable challenge that is met with unparalleled scenic rewards. The descent, aided by micro crampons, reveals a stunning glacial cirque framed by the Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru, with Annapurna II standing tall in the distance.

Sundar Nepal is ready to organize your all-inclusive trek through this visually captivating route, offering teahouse accommodations along the majority of the trail, with camping options available for off-the-beaten-path explorations. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not just a journey through the Himalayas; it's an adventure that tests your endurance and rewards you with some of the most striking landscapes and cultural insights Nepal has to offer. Prepare for an unforgettable trekking experience that combines the essence of adventure with the beauty of discovery.

 

Detail Itinerary

Cost Details

Cost Includes

Inclusions:

  • Accommodation: 11 nights in welcoming mountain teahouses, offering a glimpse into the life of the local communities and their hospitality.
  • Guide: Experienced guide for 12 days, ensuring safe and insightful trekking experience.
  • Transport: Kathmandu to Maccha Khola and Dharapani to Kathmandu local bus service, connecting you to the start and end points of the trek.
  • Permits: Manaslu & Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, plus Restricted Area Permit, ensuring legal access to this pristine environment.
  • Meals: 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 11 dinners, providing nourishing meals to fuel your trek. Options include vegan and vegetarian to cater to all dietary preferences.
  • Optional Services:
  1. Porter Service: Available for an additional USD 299, offering support to carry your belongings and ease your journey.
  2. Private Jeep Service: An option for USD 440, enhancing comfort and personalizing your travel experience within the region.

Cost Excludes

Exclusions:

  • Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast).
  • Travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Tips for trekking staff and drivers.

Trip Route Map

Manaslu Circuit Trek-13 daysMap

Good to Know

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remarkable journey around the world's eighth highest mountain, Manaslu, located in the Gorkha district of Nepal. This trek is renowned for its remote and untouched natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and challenging terrain. The circuit offers an in-depth experience of the Himalayan landscape and local traditions, making it an excellent alternative to the more crowded treks in Nepal. Here is some additional information that further outlines the trek's features and requirements:

Geographical and Cultural Highlights

  • Altitude Range: The trek typically starts around 600 meters above sea level and reaches its highest point at Larkya La Pass, which is approximately 5,106 meters high.
  • Diverse Ecosystems: Trekkers traverse through sub-tropical jungles at lower altitudes, high-altitude alpine forests, and finally, arid desert landscapes as they approach Larkya La Pass.
  • Cultural Richness: The region is home to various ethnic groups, including the Nubri and Tsum, whose Tibetan-influenced cultures offer a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles that have existed for centuries.

Trek Duration and Difficulty

  • Duration: The circuit is typically completed in 14 to 20 days, depending on the chosen route and pace of trekking.
  • Difficulty: It is considered to be of moderate to high difficulty. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and have previous hiking or trekking experience, especially at high altitudes.

Best Time to Trek

  • Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) are considered the best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. These months offer the clearest weather, with minimal precipitation and optimal temperatures for trekking.

Permit Requirements

  • Restricted Area Permit: Due to its location in a restricted region, trekkers need a special permit to access the Manaslu Circuit. The cost varies depending on the season and duration of the trek.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit are also required for conservation and maintenance efforts in the region.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

  • Altitude Sickness: Given the high elevations reached during the trek, it is crucial to be aware of and prepared for the risks of altitude sickness. Acclimatization days are built into most itineraries to help mitigate this risk.
  • Guides and Porters: Hiring a local guide and/or porters is not only mandatory for safety reasons but also contributes to the local economy. They provide invaluable knowledge of the terrain, culture, and language.

Accommodation and Logistics

  • Teahouses and Lodges: The trek offers basic accommodation options in teahouses and lodges, allowing trekkers to experience local hospitality. Facilities are simple but generally comfortable.
  • Remote Nature: Given the trek's remote location, it's essential to plan logistics carefully, including food supplies, gear, and emergency communication methods.

In summary, the Manaslu Circuit Trek presents an extraordinary adventure for those looking to explore the untouched beauty of the Himalayas. Its combination of challenging trekking routes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural exposure provides a deeply rewarding experience. However, thorough preparation in terms of physical fitness, permits, and logistics is essential for a successful and enjoyable trek.

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