Major Attractions of the Manaslu Trek 12 Days
Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
The journey to Manaslu begins in Kathmandu. You take a long drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola along the countryside, passing through Arughat Bazar. While traveling over the slope of Kathmandu Valley, you witness Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal behind the spectacular sight of lush hilly terraces.
As you move away from the city, you will notice a gradual change in the scenery and the entire atmosphere. The surroundings appear cleaner, greener, calmer, more peaceful, and less polluted. With each kilometer you move away from the Kathmandu valley, your excitement and joy escalate for this 12 Days Manaslu Trek.
Hiking through lush forests and picture-perfect villages
Manaslu Trek takes you through dense forests, home to various flora and fauna. You can see a variety of vegetation and wildflowers blooming in the region's hilly and Himalayan terrain, making the hiking even more blissful. There are also some rare animals to see, such as Blue Sheep and Himalayan Tahr.
Similarly, the trail passes through charming alpine communities. Inhabited mainly by Nepalese and Tibetan descendants, every community you visit in the Manaslu region has something unique to offer. The houses in these villages are built traditionally to preserve the cultural architecture that has been transferred from generations. A number of such beautiful houses clustered together make a perfect backdrop for picturesque photos.
Exceptional landscape with snow-capped mountains
The sight of the Manaslu region is unrivaled by any other trekking location in Nepal. The geological features that distinguish the landscape make it incredibly fascinating. The untouched nature and village ruins are like a paradise where only you and the Himalayas remain.
Throughout this Manaslu Trek 12 Days Itinerary, stunning views of snow-capped mountains such as Mt. Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and many others can be seen. You will be hiking through the base of some of these mountains. Getting this close to the Himalayas has to be one of the most incredible feelings in the world.
Relatively new and off-the-beaten Trek route
The Short Manaslu Trek 12 Days was only opened for exploration in 1992, making it one of Nepal's newest high-altitude trekking destinations. It also comes under restricted trekking routes that require special trek permits; hence the facilities available on the trekking trail might not be the best, but you'll still have decent food and accommodation.
The trail includes several steep climbs in the rough terrain of the Manaslu Region. The 12 days Manaslu Trek takes you through the Himalayas' challenging, rugged path, putting your physical endurance to the test. It's always good to have prior high-altitude trekking experience or at least be in good physical shape to commence the journey.
Peaceful and quiet trail to Larkye Pass Region
The Larkye La Pass, at 5,160 meters, is the trek's highest point and is regarded as one of the most challenging crossings in the Himalayas. No wonder why Manaslu Trek has fewer visitors than other popular treks routes in Nepal. Another reason for lesser trekkers on this trail is its location in a restricted area that requires a licensed guide and special permits.
The 12 days Manaslu Trek is ideal for trekkers who prefer calmness over the crowd and want to explore the wild outdoors peacefully. The quiet trail also allows you to interact with locals.
Rich cultural heritage and simplistic lives of locals
The Short Manaslu Trek route is densely packed with mani walls, monasteries, prayer wheels, and chortens. For decades, this region's isolation has preserved its culture and traditions. As a result, you get to witness the rituals that are still practiced here for generations.
Buddhists and Hindus exist side-by-side in the Manaslu region. At the start of the trek, you will learn about Hinduism, and as you progress, you will get to immerse into the Buddhist culture of the local Tibetan descendants who have been living in the area for a long time.
The locals here are humble and welcoming and will greet you with a warm smile and "Namaste" or "Tashi Delek." They are deeply committed to their family, community, and faith. Living far away from modern society and advancement has resulted in simple but culturally rich lives in the higher Manaslu region.
Trip Customization of Manaslu Trek
The above itinerary is a standard 12 days trek to the Manaslu region and Larkya La Pass. However, we can customize the trip according to your preference. If you have time restrictions, we can arrange the Manaslu Trek in 11 days. Or, if you're flexible, you can complete the Manaslu Trekking in 15 days. (cost is subject to change based on the number of days)
If you prefer comfort during the road trip from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, we can provide a private jeep for the additional cost of US$190.
We can remove the potter from the standard package if you're confident enough to carry your backpack.
What is the best time for Manaslu Trek?
The best time to embark on the 12 Days Manaslu Trek is Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November). The weather and temperature are most pleasant and consistent during this time, with pristine blue skies, wildflower blooms in lush green forests, rare birds singing melodious lullabies, and little to no rain.
Spring Season (March, April & May)
Spring season is the best time to trek to Manaslu short trek because you can see Mt. Manaslu and several glaciers in the region. Temperatures begin to rise in the middle of March, and snow-capped mountains look their best under clear blue skies.
The major attraction of trekking in Nepal in Spring is rhododendron flowers blooming in various colors throughout the forests. By the end of March, the winter snow has melted, and the route to cross Larkya La Pass is navigable. Daytime temperatures in the lower lands (Sotikhola, Khorlebesi, Philim, and Ghap) can reach 24°C, while in the upper mountains (Lho, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmasala, and Bhimtang) can go 18°C and drop to -4°C at night.
Autumn (September, October & November)
Autumn is another great season to go on the 12 days Manaslu Trek. The monsoon usually departs at the end of August, and by mid-September, the weather has stabilized, with clear skies revealing stunning mountain views.
Tourists are drawn to Nepal during this season by two major festivals: Dashain and Tihar. Daytime temperatures in the lowlands can reach 25°C, while in the high mountains can reach 15°C. In high areas, the nighttime temperature can drop to -6 °C.
Off-season (Monsoon and Winter)
Manaslu is not a year-long trek, unlike the majority of Nepalese treks. Trekking to Manaslu during the monsoon season (July to August) is not advised because you will be walking through landslide-prone terrain. There will be a lot of rain, the trails will become slippery, and it's not good to hike in soaking rain.
Winters are usually cold and snowy (December to February). This trek takes you through glacial moraines; the lodge at Dharmasla closes during this time, and crossing the Larkya La pass is nearly impossible due to heavy snowfall. Hence, trekking to Manaslu at this time of year is not favored.
Maximum Altitude in Manaslu Trek 12 Days
Manaslu region is situated high up in Nepal's northern territory, sharing the border with Tibet. During the Manaslu trek, you hike in the Manaslu Conservation Area, whose altitude rises from 600 meters and goes up to 8,163 meters which is the summit of Nepal's eighth highest peak, Mt. Manaslu.
However, the most elevation you will reach throughout the Manaslu Trek is 5,106 meters or 16,752 feet above sea level at Larkye La Pass.
Difficulty Level of 12 Days Manaslu Trek
Trekking in the Manaslu Region is rated as fairly strenuous. The trekker's physical condition determines the difficulty level of the Manaslu Trek. This trek can be challenging for first-time hikers on the Himalayan trail. You must walk for at least 5 to 7 hours per day. The course has numerous ups and downs that can become slippery, steep, rocky, and rock-filled at times. This journey necessitates physical fitness and good health.
Make sure you do some physical exercises before embarking on your journey. Increase your core strength by doing cardio exercises, running, jogging, or dancing.
Because numerous factors such as weather, temperature, and altitude also affect the difficulty level, having nature on your side is also a matter of luck.
Transportation Available for Manaslu Trek 12 Days
The starting and ending points of the Manaslu Trek journey are accessible by road from the capital city. As a result, you avoid the hassle of taking risky local flights.
Our package includes transportation from Kathmandu to Arughat by local bus and then by local jeep to Soti Khola, the starting point of the trek. It is 8-10 hours of a bumpy ride on partially black-topped and off-roads, so it can be a little out of your comfort zone.
For a more comfortable drive, we can arrange a private jeep for an additional cost of US$485 that takes you from Kathmandu to Soti Khola.
Accommodation during Short Manaslu Trek 12 Days Itinerary
Like most high-altitude trekking destinations in Nepal, this 12 days Manaslu Trek offers decent lodges and teahouses, depending on the elevation. Lodges are more common at lower altitudes, whereas teahouses are in the higher region.
The teahouses provide comfortable beds with warm mattresses, pillows, blankets, cold showers, hot showers (at extra cost), free Wi-Fi (where available), and other amenities. Typically, the rooms are small and shared by two people.
Booking a trip with us means you don't have to worry about accommodation. All the lodging and fooding facilities during the trek are included in our 12-day Manaslu Trek package.
Washroom and Toiletries in Manaslu Region
In the lower region of the Manaslu Trek, you might get an attached bathroom with a western toilet. However, it's best if you're okay with using communal restrooms with Asian-style squat toilets, as private attached bathrooms aren't available and reasonable at high altitudes. Carry your own toiletries for hygiene concerns.
Most teahouses on the Manaslu Trek have hot showers; some may charge an additional fee for this service. There may not be enough hot water for all trekkers at higher elevations with a water shortage, so we advise you to use as little water as possible. Showering at high altitudes is usually impossible due to cold temperatures, especially during the winter.
Meals Availabilities in Manaslu Trek
As you trek at high altitudes around one of the world's tallest peaks, your body will need plenty of carbohydrates and proteins. The food we provide on this trek is simple and sanitary. We encourage hikers to consume local cuisine and delicacies because they are far more hygienic than frozen foods, which take days to get to the trails.
We carefully select the best teahouses to ensure fresh, healthy, and delicious food. We recommend Dal Bhat, a Nepalese dish with enough calories to get you going. The lentils, beans, and pulses soup contain lots of protein and rice for the carbs. Seasonal vegetables will also be served in the guest's home, giving you additional body nutrients.
Additional food items like Momo (dumplings), locally grown Barley, Buckwheat, Millet, and Corn Roti (Bread), noodles, sandwiches, bakery products, tea, coffee, garlic soup (a must-have for high altitude), and more are also available on the menu. Buckwheat, millet, and barley are high-fiber, nutrient-dense cereals.
Drinking Water during Manaslu Trek 12 Days
We strongly support ecotourism; hence, we encourage our travelers to practice responsible traveling. Instead of buying bottled water (which might not be available everywhere), it's best to carry a water bottle and fill it with hot water in teahouses (at a little extra cost).
If you're concerned about the safety of drinking water in your 12 days short trek to Manaslu, feel free to carry a water bottle with a built-in filtration system to fill it with natural water on the way. Get some purifying tablets that you can add to your water to make it drinkable.
Connectivity in Manaslu Trek
Because of the remote location of the Manaslu region, communication at higher altitudes may be difficult. Most teahouses, however, have Wi-Fi connections (probably with limited or spotty coverage) that come with an extra cost to help you connect back home. If you want to use internet services wherever phone signals are received while traveling in Nepal, we recommend carrying an NCell or NTC 4G SIM. The NTC network works better in the Manaslu Larke Pass Region.
Electricity and Battery Recharge
The teahouses in the Manaslu region are equipped with electricity services to charge mobile phones and camera batteries at an additional cost. To be on the safe side, it is always advisable to be well prepared and carry some extra batteries or power banks.
Guide and Potter for Short Manaslu Trek
Since the Manaslu Trek falls under Nepal Government's prohibited areas, it's impossible to trek without a licensed guide. You must also be at least two trekkers in addition to the guide to hike in the Manaslu region. Booking a trip with outfitter Nepal means being accompanied by a professional guide fluent in English. We take trek to the Manaslu Region seriously while also making it enjoyable!
We provide physically fit young potters who will be carrying the baggage of two trekkers. Each potter carries a maximum weight of 20-22 kg, so ensure your individual baggage doesn't weigh more than 10 - 12 kg. You should also bring a small backpack for your essentials, as porters might not always be walking with you.
12 Days Manaslu Trip Permits Cost
In addition to the usual conservation area permits, hikers require special access to enter the restricted area of the Manaslu Region. In total, one needs the following 3 permits to commence the trek.
Restricted Area Trek Permit for Foreigners: Foreign trekkers in the Manaslu region must obtain a restricted area trek permit. The permit fee is determined by the number of days you intend to stay and the month you plan to visit.
- Autumn Season (September to November) – US$ 100 per person for the first 7 days and US$ 15 per person per day for the additional days
- Spring season (March to May) - US$ 75 per person for the first 7 days and US$ 10 per person per day for the additional days
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): The cost is US$ 30 per day, year-round, and there is no limit to the number of days you can stay.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): The cost is US$ 30 per day, year-round, and there is no limit to the number of days you can stay.
