What is the best time to go for Manaslu trekking?

The best times to trek to Manaslu are spring (March, April, and May) and fall/autumn (September, October, and November). Red rhododendrons and other lovely wildflowers blanket the lower Himalayas in the spring. The days are nice and warm. The breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and verdant hills are unmatched. After the monsoon, autumn arrives, with the sky looking clearer than ever. Again, the temperature and weather remain mild, with fewer prospects for snow and rain.

Why Manaslu Circuit and not Annapurna Circuit?

Annapurna Circuit is an equally beautiful trekking destination. The only difference is that Manaslu has off-the-beaten trails with so much fewer hikers and is more remote than Annapurna. So, Manaslu provides an authentic trekking experience. If you want to wander in the remote Himalayas with fewer people and more nature, Manaslu is the one for you.

Can I trek solo in Manaslu?

Unfortunately, solo trekkers aren't allowed in the Manaslu region. The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you around the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is a restricted area that needs special permission, a certified trekking guide, and a minimum of two trekkers to trek. It is a relatively new trekking location, so very few people choose this difficult, high-altitude journey. Therefore, you don't have to deal with the crowd.

What are the risks of altitude sickness in Manaslu Circuit?

Altitude sickness, also referred to as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a matter of worry for hikers trekking above 3000 meters. Although each person is affected differently, common symptoms of AMS include headaches, shortness of breath, exhaustion, lightheadedness, and loss of appetite. By drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet, the symptoms can be controlled. The patient should be immediately transferred to a lower elevation if their health worsens. In dire situations, the patient will be airlifted to a hospital in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

How to prevent AMS during the trek?

Enough acclimatization, a nutritious diet, constant hydration, and an appropriate amount of sleep work best to prevent AMS. Alcohol is your enemy while ascending as it dehydrates your body, so avoid it at any cost.

Do I need travel insurance for Manaslu trekking?

There may be times when you must be rescued by a rescue helicopter when trekking in the high Himalayas because of a natural disaster or an urgent medical emergency. Travel insurance is extremely beneficial in these situations. Therefore, travel insurance has become a must for the Manaslu Trek. Ensure that your insurance covers helicopter rescues.

Does the trek have network facilities?

Communication may be challenging due to the Manaslu region's remote location. However, some teahouses offer Wi-Fi connections (usually with patchy or limited coverage) for an additional fee. We advise bringing an NCell or NTC 4G SIM if you plan to use internet services anywhere phone signals are received. The Manaslu Region has improved NTC network performance than NCell.

How can I charge my phone and batteries?

You can charge your devices' batteries in the tea shops you pass along the journey for a small cost. The tea house where you spend the night might offer the service for free. Solar energy enables both room lighting and battery recharge. A power outage could happen due to low amounts of sunshine. Carrying extra batteries or a power bank is the best option. As batteries drain more quickly in the cold, use your devices sparingly and keep them close to your body to keep them warm.

Can I get trekking gear in Nepal?

The streets of Thamel are lined with shops that provide trekking supplies. You can get anything at Thamel, including trekking poles to rain gear. The cost is also very affordable in contrast to the one in your country. Don't expect incredible quality, but they're suited for the Himalayan environment. For occasional trekkers, renting trekking equipment can be a terrific option.

Do I need to carry cash for the trek in Manaslu?

Yes. Our trek package includes overnight stays in a mountain lodge and three simple meals each day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). However, snacks, drinks, tea, coffee, and other extra costs, are your own to bear. Bring some cash with you because the remote lodges do not accept other payment methods. As foreign currency is not accepted, please bring Nepalese rupees.

Is there an ATM along the route?

There aren't any ATMs along Manaslu's trekking routes. The best action is to withdraw money from Kathmandu before leaving for your adventure. If you've brought cash from your country, make sure to exchange them for Nepali rupees before the trek.

Is this trek customizable?

It surely is. We are flexible enough to accommodate any modifications to your schedule and trip itinerary as long as you reserve a private trek. If you're inexperienced, we can go slowly and extend the trip by a few days. We can also accommodate your request to forego the cost of the potters if you carry your own bag. However, the group departure trips cannot be altered because doing so might be unfair to other group members.

Why trek to Manaslu with Outfitter Nepal?

At Outfitters Nepal, we provide fully inclusive excursions at the most reasonable prices possible with no additional fees. Your security, joy, and priceless memories of your experience are guaranteed. We take pride in being an ecologically responsible trekking company and work hard to reduce our carbon footprint. Above all, we are here to meet all of your expectations because we have been in the trekking business for more than ten years and know what is expected of us. You can be sure that our knowledgeable, cheerful guides and potter will look after you very well in the untamed Himalayas

Manaslu Trekking 13 Days | Cost for 2024, 2025

Manaslu is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal. It is equally challenging due to its off-the-beaten trail on the remote Himalayan terrain. This Manaslu Trekking 13 Days Itinerary is designed by experts to show you the best of the Manaslu Region without facing many difficulties. When most itineraries include only one acclimatization day, we've included 2 rest days to help your body better adapt to the increasing altitude. In those 13 days, you'll be trekking for 9 days, acclimatizing for 2 days, and taking road transport for 2 days, which is a perfect combination even for first-time trekkers. Sounds interesting? Let's find out more!

Mt. Manaslu is situated in the west-central part of the Nepalese Himalayas, making it one of the closest popular treks from Kathmandu city. 8-10 hours of drive from Kathmandu in a combination of black-topped and dirt road take you to the starting and ending point of the trek. The bumpy yet scenic ride takes you through the countryside of Nepal, featuring small towns, terraced fields, gushing rivers, lush green hills, and snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Trekking in the Manaslu region was only permitted in 1991, making it one of the newest trekking trails in Nepal. Although it has gained enough popularity in the last 3 decades, it still isn't as popular as other major trekking routes in the Everest and the Annapurna regions, which is actually good news for us as there'll be fewer trekkers on the trail. It is perfect for solitude lovers. The remote location of the trek and simpler facilities along the trail is a dream come true for a true adventurer to enjoy the Himalayas in the most natural form.

Derived from the Sanskrit word "Manasa," which refers to intellect or soul, Manaslu means "mountain of the spirit." Manaslu justifies its name as it tests your spirit. It is not easy to encircle the world's 8th-highest mountain, soaring as high as 8163 meters on foot. But is it even an adventure if it does not push your limits? Imagine the feeling of satisfaction you'll get after overcoming each challenge. Moreover, our trained trekking guides will always be by your side to help you move forward. So, get out of your comfort zone and join us in this Manaslu trekking Adventure of 13 Days.

Outfitter Nepal is a pioneer in the Nepalese trekking industry with in-hand experience for 2 decades. We have a competent team to provide you with the best experience in the mountains. Customer safety and satisfaction are our utmost priorities, and we live by them. The positive reviews shared by our guests speak for themselves. Ready to book? Let us know! Want more information? Continue reading.

Best Features of Manaslu Trekking

Off-the-beaten trekking experience in the restricted area of the Nepalese Himalayas
Trekking around Mt. Manaslu, the world's 8th-highest mountain peak
Traverse through agricultural lands, lush woods, gushing rivers, barren hills, and rocky mountains
Crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5106 meters
Mesmerizing close-up views of Manaslu, Himlung, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, etc.
Hike in the stunning landscape and rich vegetation of the Manaslu Conservation Area & Annapurna Conservation Area
Witness unique wildlife like Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Red Panda, and even, Snow Leopard
Indulge in the simple lifestyle and ancient Buddhist culture of the locals

What to expect from Manaslu Trekking?

Expect endless views of the deep valleys and giant walls of rocky mountains covered with snow. Expect to transport yourself from the concrete jungle to the actual jungle with abundant flora, fauna, and tranquility. But most importantly, expect the unexpected when you're in the Himalayas! Although we follow a certain itinerary, nothing is certain due to the dramatic weather changes in the mountains. But our team is well-prepared for any setbacks and will keep you safe. That being said, let's have a quick look at what it's like to embark on this 13 Days Manaslu Trekking journey.

The excursion starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola in the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Machha Khola is where you start trekking. You walk past small villages, terraced fields, and lush forests, crossing several suspension bridges and interacting with the local Gurungs to reach the alpine landscape with barren fields and snowy mountains. You cross the dreading Larkya La pass at 5106 meters before finally ascending down toward the ending point in Dharapani. You then take a jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar and then swap to a local bus to travel back to Kathmandu.

What does a typical hike day at Manaslu Trekking look like?

Every day is an unforgettable experience in Manaslu. In addition to walking through verdant woods with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, you will appreciate visiting nearby villages and learning about the people who live there and their distinctive culture and traditions. You will be accompanied by a licensed guide on the trip who will share important information about the locations you visit.

A hot cup of tea or coffee in the morning gets the day started. Depending on the duration and difficulty of the route, we leave for the day's hike between 7 to 8 am, following breakfast. After 3 to 4 hours of walking, we will take a lunch break. After taking an hour or two to recover, we will resume our journey to the next overnight stop. The walk after lunch usually lasts between 2 to 3 hours. Some days, we conclude the hike at the lunch place and stay over there. When we reach our overnight lodge, we take a quick rest and gather around the fireplace in the dining hall for some chitchat. After dinner and sound sleep, the cycle resumes the next day again. But every day is distinct from the one before it. The vegetation and village life alter as you climb to a greater height.

Is Manaslu Circuit Trek right for you?

Are you in good physical shape? Do you have the mental strength to cope with the cold environment of the Himalayas? Have you done any high-altitude treks before? If your answer to all 3 questions is "yes," the Manaslu Trekking is right for you. Even if you don't have prior experience, with proper training, you'll be fine for the trek. And by training, we mean cardiovascular workouts, weight lifting, and hiking up and down a hill carrying a backpack. If age is your concern, fear not! You can do this as long as you're physically and mentally fit. If you're trekking with children or senior citizens, we can customize the trip to make it efficient for all.

Major Attraction of Manaslu Trekking

Pyungen Gumba

Pyungen Gumba is an ancient monastery consisting of a Buddhist temple and living arrangements for the monks who live and meditate there. The gumba, situated east of Nubri Valley, is one of the side treks you can do during Manaslu Circuit Trekking. Shyala and Sama Gaon are the nearest human settlements to the gumba. So on the day of acclimatization at Sama Goan, we take a detour to Pyungen Gumba. The round trip of ascends and descends takes about 5-6 hours, so make sure to pack some lunch and water before you leave.

Birendra Taal

Birendra Taal, translating to Birendra Lake, is a turquoise-colored glacial lake near Sama Gaon. The water source of this stunning green and blue lake is Manaslu Glacier. Reaching the lake takes an hour of mostly-flat hiking in the alpine forest. If you don't feel like hiking to Pyungen Gumba on the day of acclimatization at Sama Gaon, you can go to Birendra Lake instead. It's relatively shorter, and the beautiful lake might relax your body and mind.

Manaslu Base Camp

Manaslu Base Camp, located at an elevation of 4400 meters, is another day hike from Sama Gaon. In comparison to Pyungen Gumba and Birendra Lake, Manaslu BC is longer and much more intense as you gain almost 1000 meters altitude rise from Sama Gaon. It's a full-day hike, and we only suggest you go for it if you feel absolutely healthy and have not experienced any symptoms of altitude sickness. Despite the challenges, a day hike to Manaslu Base Camp can be an excellent preparation for Larkya La Pass.

Larke La Pass

Larke La Pass is the highest point in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, situated at 5106 meters above sea level. On day 11 of our 13 days Manaslu trek, we start the trek early in the morning to reach Larkya La Pass for sunrise. The glorious sunrise glow over Larkya Peak, Mt. Manaslu, Ratna Chuli, Cheo Himal, and other surrounding mountains is mindblowing to watch. Although it's a challenging trek, it gives you the best perspective of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Unique Culture

Hindus and Buddhists coexist in the Manaslu region. You will learn about Hinduism at the beginning of the journey, and as you go along, you will experience the Buddhist culture of the Tibetan descendants who've lived there for a long time. You'll notice many mani walls, monasteries, prayer wheels, and chortens along the path. This area's remoteness has retained its culture and traditions for many years. You get to see the ceremonies that have been performed here for centuries. The residents here are friendly and humble, and they will welcome you with warm smiles.

Client ReviewsTravelers talk about Outfitter Nepal

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J
JoannaPoland,April 05, 2023
Wonderful experience!
Outfitter is providing very professional services. We did Manaslu Circuite Trek with amaizing guide Balla. trek was pritty challenging but extremely rewarding. Beautiful views, outstanding nature and wonderful Nepali comapanions made it so special. We felt very safe under Balla's care. He was clearly explaining every day of the trek so we knew what to expect. His great sense of humor, knowledge and experience helped us overcome Larke Pass adventure. We wholeheartedly recommend Outfitter as a company, Balla as a guide and suprtive potters. Everyday was executed according to the plan with respect to weather but same time whole Team was open to changes. Outfitter was was a VERY good choice. We are very greatfull!