Manaslu Circuit Trek is a glorious trek in western Nepal. Traveling Kathmandu to Gorkha distance of 60km, the Manaslu circuit trekking route begins from Arughat. The 17-day trekking to the Manaslu circuit is best only when you choose the right season and the best time for the Manaslu trek.
What is the best time for the Manaslu circuit trek?
Spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, November) is the best time for the Manaslu circuit trek. You can enjoy the favorable time, the best weather, moderate temperature, and decorated surroundings with amazing mountain ranges.
Why Manaslu circuit trek in October and November?
November and October are the best months of autumn for the Manaslu circuit trek. You can enjoy the natural as well as cultural beauty of the Manaslu region during October and November.
Along with trekking, you can also get a chance to enjoy the glowing environment of the most significant festival Dashain and Tihar in Nepal. Every Nepalese celebrates the occasion grandly which creates positive vibes during the trekking as well.
There are a lot of key points that one should know to complete the Manaslu Circuit at an easy pace.
Choosing the best time for trekking
Always choose the best time for trekking in the Manaslu region. Manaslu circuit trek in October and November is the best for amazing views of Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu, Ngadi-Chuli, Himal-chuli, Bouddha Himal, and Tsiring range. Blooming flowers on terrace farming increases the beauty around Manaslu.
There will be the least chance of rainfall, no slippery path, and no snowfall during October and November.
Proper preparation for the Manaslu trek
You should properly prepare for the Manaslu Circuit trek by doing regular exercise before 3 months of trekking. Morning walking, physical training, running, cycling, and swimming can be done to increase the strength for walking 5, or 6 hours every day. It is important to do a physical checkup to know your body condition.
Packing list
You should pack all the essentials such as clothing, medicines, water bottles, gadgets, goggles, sunscreen, gloves, torchlight, tooth brush, and toothpaste. Some essential packing lists for the Manaslu circuit trek in October and November are listed below:
- Warm jacket – down jacket,
- Water and windproof jacket (alternatively bring a poncho or umbrella)
- Long-sleeved synthetic fleece (windproof material, if possible)
- Thermal underwear.
- Hat, a pair of gloves, and a scarf.
- Comfortable hiking trousers. (loose fitting)
- Shorts and trousers, or a skirt.
- 2 pairs of warm wool-blend socks.
- 2 pairs of running socks or liner socks.
- Proper hiking boots.
- Running shoes and flip-flops.
- 2-3 T-shirts.
- Water bottle.
Beyond this packing list always remember your medicine, bandages, crampons, rain cover, and extra shoes. Depending on your interest you can also take chocolates and dry fruits of your choice to enjoy during the trek and breaks.
Permit
Since the Manaslu circuit is a restricted area, you require a special permit for the Manaslu circuit trek from a registered trekking company. It will always be better to plan Manaslu circuit trekking with the local trekking company than the licensed guide will take a permit for you and manage teahouses in the Manaslu region.
The required permits and Cost for the Manaslu trek
- Special area permit
The special permit cost for the Manaslu Circuit trek is 70 USD for 7 days, which covers the period starting from Jagat and ending at Dharapani. If you plan to extend your stay beyond the initial 7 days, you will need to pay an additional 10 USD for each extra day after the initial 7-day period.
- Annapurna conservation area permit – 3000 NPR Per person
- Manaslu conservation area permit – 3000 NPR Person
Note: There should be minimum 2 trekkers and a guide to issue the Manaslu trek
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is a kind of illness that occurs during high altitudes. You will come to know the altitude sickness after 6 to 24 hours of attaining high altitude. You should be careful about altitude sickness by knowing its symptoms:
Symptoms
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
- Feeling unsteady
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty sleeping
If you feel symptoms of altitude sickness occurring in your body then follow the following recovery measures of from altitude sickness.
- Do not climb any higher for the next 48 hours
- Descend to a lower altitude if possible
- Take complete rest until you feel well
- Do not exercise
- Do not smoke
- Drink plenty of water
- Take external oxygen supply if necessary
- Take anti-sickness medicines
Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days Itinerary
Here is 12 Days Manaslu circuit trek itinerary which starts from Kathmandu and ends at Kathmandu. If you are not comfortable with this itinerary please contact your Trekking agency they will send you a customized plan according to your request.
| Day | Activity | Altitude | Duration |
| 1 | Drive to Maccha Khola from Kathmandu | 930m (3,051ft) | 8-9 hours |
| 2 | Trek to Jagat | 1,410m (4,625ft) | 6-7 hours |
| 3 | Trek to Deng | 1,804m (5,917ft) | 6-7 hours |
| 4 | Trek from Deng to Namrung | 2,630m (8,626ft) | 6-7 hours |
| 5 | Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon | 3,860m (11,578ft) | 6-7 hours |
| 6 | Rest day & side trip to MBC and Bihendra Lake | 3,860m (11,578ft) | 6-7 hours |
| 7 | Trek from Samagaon to Samdo | 3,860m (12,660ft) | 4-5 hours |
| 8 | Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala | 4,460m (14,629ft) | 4-5 hours |
| 9 | Trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larke pass | 3,700m (12,139ft) via 5,160m | 8-9 hours |
| 10 | Trek from Bimthang to Tilije | 1,700m (5,576ft) | 5-6 hours |
| 11 | Trek from Tilije to Dharapani and Drive to Besisahar | 1,080m (3,542ft) | 5-6 hours |
| 12 | Drive back to Kathmandu | 940 m/ (3051 ft.) | 8-9 hours |
Is it possible to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek without Guide?
No, it is not possible to do the Manaslu Circuit trek without a guide because it is listed as a Special or restricted area in Nepal. Therefore, you have to hire a local Nepalese trekking company to proceed with the permits and a licensed guide for the trek. There are several checkpoints where the guide needs to be present for check-in and check-out with all permits and licenses. However, you can do the Manaslu Circuit trek without a porter.
ADD-ON
If you have a vacation longer than 15-17 days, you can consider adding other treks such as the Tsum Valley, Annapurna Circuit trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, or Larkey peak climbing Please feel free to contact us, and we will provide you with the best suggestions based on your time and budget.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a less crowded and popular trek in Nepal then the 12 Days Manaslu circuit trek is best for you. As we mentioned above, October and November is the best time to trek in the Manaslu region. Even though it is not possible to trek in Manaslu region without a guide and needs a minimum of 2 travelers to issue a permit. This is the perfect trek for both beginners and experienced trekkers. For beginners, you need to prepare the Manaslu circuit trek properly as mentioned above. If you want more details about the Manaslu trek or other treks in Nepal please feel free to contact us.
