Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a captivating journey through the foothills of Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain globally. This trek not only fulfills the dreams of avid trekkers but also provides an intimate encounter with the stunning Himalayas.
Bucket-list Achievement: Experience the thrill of accomplishing a bucket-list item as you trek through the mesmerizing landscapes surrounding Mount Manaslu.
Close Encounters with the Himalayas: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Himalayas, witnessing their majestic beauty up close and personal.
Exploration of Kathmandu: Begin your adventure in the ancient city of Kathmandu, where you’ll delve into the rich tapestry of Buddhist and Hindu traditions and culture.
Expert Local Partners: Rest assured, you’re in good hands. Our partner boasts over 20 years of experience guiding trekking groups in the Himalayas and is registered with reputable organizations like the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal and the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
While our itinerary outlines the journey, flexibility is key, and alterations may be necessary or desirable. The unpredictable nature of travel in the Himalayas adds an element of adventure. Specific destinations or wildlife encounters mentioned are not guaranteed, and travel times are approximations subject to local circumstances.
Country: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Area: Approx. 147,181 sq. km
Population: 8,982,771 (2016 estimate)
Capital City: Kathmandu
Languages: Nepali (44.6%), Maithili (11.7%), Bhojpuri (6.0%)
Religion: Hinduism (81.3%), Buddhism (9%), Muslim (4.4%), Other (5.3%)
Time Zone: UTC+5:45
Spring (Mar–May): Rhododendron blooms, temperatures 16-23°C.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Monsoon season, hot and wet.
Fall (Sept–Nov): Best trekking season, pleasant weather, temperatures 23-25°C.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Challenging trekking, freezing cold in Himalayan region, lower elevations 9-12°C.
Prepare for the trek based on your current activity level and trekking experience. Aerobic fitness is crucial, including running, cycling, and swimming. If possible, train at high altitude for ideal preparation.
By air: Nepal Airlines and international carriers operate flights. By road: Entry points include Indian-Nepal and Nepal-China borders
For all visitors to Nepal, excluding Indian nationals, obtaining an entry visa is mandatory. It is imperative to ensure that your visa covers the entire duration of your trip, accounting for any buffer days. In most cases, a 30-day visa suffices for the duration of our packages. Visas can be obtained either through your local Nepalese Embassy or consulate or upon arrival in Kathmandu.
However, nationals from certain Asian and African countries are required to secure a visa in advance. Opting for visa acquisition before your arrival is recommended to circumvent potential delays at the airport. The visa remains valid for a period of 6 months.
https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/online
On-Arrival Visa Fee:
Multiple entry 15 Days – 30 USD
Multiple entry 30 Days – 50 USD
Multiple entry 90 Days – 125 USD
Note: It is advisable to carry sufficient cash (in US dollars or other major currencies) to facilitate payment of the visa fee. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted.
Arrival
Manaslu expert: Our representative will greet you at the airport after customs, holding a placard with our company’s logo and your name. If any issues, contact our emergency hotline.
Luggage
Store unnecessary belongings in the hotel in Kathmandu during the trek. Porters allowed 10kg per traveler.
Communication
Phone and internet services available in major cities. Postal services at the Central Post Office in Kathmandu. Internet services may be weak in remote areas.
Culture
Nepal values hospitality. Respect local customs, greet with “Namaste,” respect privacy, and follow cultural norms.
Manaslu Expert, will procure all necessary permits for trekking on your behalf, and the associated costs are already incorporated into your package. Therefore, no additional payment is required for permit acquisition. The following information has been compiled to enhance your understanding.
To embark on the Manaslu Circuit trek, securing multiple permits is imperative: the Manaslu Conservation Area entry permit, the Manaslu Restricted Area permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit, as the trek involves crossing the Larke La pass and entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit
The fee is NPR 3,000 for international trekkers and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, per person per entry. Encompassing an expansive area of 1,663 sq. km, the Manaslu Conservation Area spans altitudes from 600m to 8,163m, boasting diverse flora and fauna.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
Gorkha Manaslu Area (Chumnubri Rural Municipality, Ward No. 1, 2, 3 & 4)
September to November: USD 100 per person per week, USD 15 per person per day exceeding 1 week
December to August: USD 75 per person per week, USD 10 per person per day exceeding 1 week
Gorkha Tsum Valley Area (Chumnubri Rural Municipality, Ward No 3, 6 & 7)
September to November: USD 40 per person per week, USD 7 per person per day exceeding 1 week
December to August: USD 30 per person per week, USD 7 per person per day exceeding 1 week
Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Accommodation consists of mountain lodges managed by local entrepreneurs. Rooms typically feature two single beds, occasionally one single and one double-sized bed, with a mattress, warm blanket, and pillow each. Facilities vary, with attached baths in lower regions and common bathrooms in higher camps.
Food on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The package includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a variety of Nepali, Oriental, and Western cuisine. Special dietary requirements can be communicated to your guide. Additional orders at lodges incur extra costs.
Drinking Water
Ensure hydration by drinking 3 to 4 liters of water daily. Carry a water bottle and purification pills. Refill at recommended places and purify before consumption. Bottled water costs USD 1 to USD 4 per 1-liter bottle at higher elevations.
Nepalese Currency for Personal Expenses
Carry extra cash in Nepalese rupees, preferably obtained in Kathmandu. A suggested amount is USD 20 to 25 per person per day.
Official currency is Nepalese Rupee. Exchange currency at banks or authorized exchanges. ATMs in major cities accept Visa and Mastercard.
Electricity and Charging
Some lodges charge USD 1 to 3 for device charging. Solar-powered lodges may have limited energy.
Internet and Mobile Network
Limited coverage by local operators; local sims can be acquired for internet access.
Additional/Special Gear
A quality sleeping bag and down jacket are required, available for borrowing. Crampons may be necessary, especially during Larke La pass summit.
Group Dynamics and Insurance
Walking in groups is encouraged. Travel insurance covering medical expenses, evacuation, and trip cancellation is essential. Ensure all activities in the itinerary are covered.
Health and Safety
Prior medical check-ups and physical fitness training are advised. Altitude sickness precautions are followed, with the highest point at Larke La pass (5,106m). Detailed guidelines and do’s and don’ts are provided.
Altitude Sickness
A significant risk at high altitudes. Understand symptoms, acclimatize properly, avoid rapid ascent, stay hydrated, and never travel alone. Treatment includes descending, providing oxygen, Gamow bags, and Diamox pills.
Rescue/Evacuation
In rescue situations, guide coordination and insurance details are crucial. Proof of insurance and emergency helpline information must be carried.
Gratuities
Tipping is expected, not mandatory. Tip guides $3-$5 per day and porters $2-$4 per day if the experience is excellent.
Packing List:
The packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Trek should include essentials like sturdy hiking boots, insulated clothing, rain gear, a warm sleeping bag, and a good-quality backpack. Other items to consider are a first aid kit, water purification tablets, snacks, a camera, and trekking poles. It’s essential to pack light while ensuring you have everything you need for varying weather conditions and different altitudes.
Best Time to Trek:
The best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures, making for comfortable and enjoyable trekking experiences. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, and the winter season (December to February) can be extremely cold at higher altitudes, so trekking during these periods is not recommended.
Emergency Contact
In case of emergencies, contact our local representative (Manaslu Expert & Skyway Nepal Treks) Leave a detailed message if there’s no immediate response.
Hiring a Guide, Permit, and Transport:
Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for both safety and cultural reasons. Local guides possess valuable knowledge about the region, its culture, and the best routes to take. They can also help with language barriers and ensure a smooth trekking experience. Regarding permits, the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires a special restricted area permit and a trekking agency is required to obtain it for you. If you are trekking alone or in a small group, Manaslu experts can help you join other trekkers to share the permit costs. Additionally, they can assist you in arranging transportation from Kathmandu to the starting point of the trek.
Share the Special Permits:
Trekking Alone or with Fewer Than Two People:
If you are planning to trek the Manaslu Circuit alone or with fewer than two people, you will need to obtain a special permit known as the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This permit is required for all trekkers entering the Manaslu region, and it is designed to regulate the number of visitors and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Assistance from Manaslu Experts:
When trekking alone or with a small group, arranging the necessary permits and logistics can be challenging. This is where Manaslu experts can be incredibly helpful. These experts are local trekking agencies or tour operators specializing in the Manaslu region.
Manaslu experts have experience in obtaining permits and organizing trekking logistics, making the process much smoother for individual trekkers or small groups.
They will assist you in obtaining the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which are all required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Trekking with a Licensed Guide:
Hiring a licensed guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is highly recommended. A licensed guide not only ensures your safety and provides navigation assistance but also enriches your trekking experience with valuable insights into the local culture, customs, and traditions.
If you choose to trek with a licensed guide, we will be responsible for arranging the necessary permits on your behalf. We will coordinate with the local authorities and trekking agencies to secure the permits before the trek commences.
Sharing the Permit Cost:
The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is more expensive compared to other trekking permits in Nepal due to the restricted nature of the region. However, the cost of the permit can be shared among a group of trekkers.
If you are trekking alone or with only a few people and wish to share the permit cost, Manaslu experts can help you join other trekkers or groups who are planning to trek around the same time. By doing so, you can divide the permit expenses, making it more cost-effective for each individual.
Benefits of Sharing the Permit:
Sharing the permit cost not only reduces the financial burden for individual trekkers but also contributes to forming a larger group, which can enhance the overall trekking experience.
Trekking in a group allows for more camaraderie, increased safety, and an opportunity to meet fellow trekkers from around the world, fostering a sense of community during the journey.
Flexibility in Permit Arrangement:
Manaslu experts have established connections with the local authorities and trekking agencies, which allows them to handle permit arrangements efficiently and promptly.
We can adjust the timing of your trek to coincide with other trekkers who are willing to share the permit, maximizing your chances of finding trekking companions and reducing permit costs.
By collaborating with Manaslu experts and sharing the permit cost, solo trekkers or small groups can overcome the challenges of obtaining permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and enjoy an enriched trekking experience in one of Nepal’s most beautiful and culturally significant regions. It’s essential to communicate your preferences and requirements to the Manaslu experts to ensure a seamless trekking arrangement that aligns with your needs.
