Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days

Why is Manaslu Circuit trekking restricted?

The Manaslu Circuit trek was largely off-limits to visitors til 1991 and it continues to be the special restricted destination till now. A special entry permit known as the RAP (Restricted Area Permit) is mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary.

Therefore, traveler undertaking this journey must travel in pairs with the company of a certified local guide and organize their Manaslu Circuit trek 12-day journey through a reputed and government-recognized trekking agency such as ours.

These rules are in place to protect the diverse unique culture of the Manaslu region. Additionally, the area’s lush forests are home to many threatened species such as snow leopards and red panda.

The region’s closeness to Tibet is also one of the reasons for the implementation of this restriction as Tibet also follows a similar kind of strict tourism in their territory.

Additionally, the neighboring Annapurna circuit has somehow lost its original charm due to the overflow of tourists so the government has wisely decided to maintain the Manaslu Circuit’s restricted status to preserve its natural beauty.

Best Time For 12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek

The best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek will be the enchanting seasons of spring and then autumn.

Beginning from March till the lasting days of May, the springtime breathes a splendid life into the landscape of Manaslu. It is a joyful period after winter till the arrival of summer when the surrounding peaks of the Manaslu range burst into bright colors.

The rhododendrons- the national Nepali flower- bloom with incredible beauty creating a stunning feast for the eyes. However, the higher grounds may still remain under the thin coat of snow.

Autumn spanning from September till last November offers the best transparent weather conditions. The monsoon rain clearing the air creates the best clear cloudless sky, wonderful for the walking and the visuals of the high mountains.

Beginning from December till the end days of February winter sets in Manaslu immersing the region under the extremely cold environment. Sometimes snowfall can be heavy and the cold becomes extreme in the higher grounds of Larke Pass.

June, July, and August days welcome the high heat and heavy rain posing the threat of landslides and cloud-filled days most of the time. So the winter and the summer seasons would not be the best time for the Manaslu Circuit trek.

12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek: Level of Difficulty

The 12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek presents a medium intermediary challenge to the new trekkers whereas the experienced hikers will find it to be a fairly easy trekking destination in Nepal.

The trail leading to the circuit of Manaslu does not involve any technical hardships but the challenge lies in the basic conditions, high altitude, and the thin air of the elevations.

We would like to emphasize that there will be no climbing involved in this journey and the Larke Pass itself is a non-technical trekking mountain pass but its altitude rises above 5000 m requiring a long arduous journey on the day.

There will also be demanding ups and downs of the mountainous landscape where hikers have to spend 4 to 7 hours a day and sometimes even 8 to 9 hours on the rugged tracks.

Therefore, above the average fitness and good physical conditioning are necessary to handle such long periods of walking. Likewise, one should remain attentive to the high altitude conditions as well.

On our Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary, we will be sleeping at the 4460 m altitude of Dharmasala which can be quite tough for those not accustomed to such heights.

However, we like to point out that our 12 days Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary has been crafted to accommodate all levels of adventurers and not just athletes. With a bit of preparation, this trek can be undertaken with relative ease.

Can a newcomer participate in our Manaslu Circuit trek 12 days adventure?

Yes, if you are just setting out on your first trekking adventure, then Manaslu Circuit trekking can be your perfect adventure trip that will allow you to explore pristine landscapes and experience a sense of adventure that is becoming increasingly rare in Nepal.

However, it is vital that you fully understand that this hiking journey is a complete high-elevation trek that will travel you through some of the least known tracks of the Manaslu.

The route around Manaslu is still in the early phases of attracting Western tourists and its has just been over ten years that Manaslu has been accommodating trekkers in their modestly built tea houses.

Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit trekking route still lacks the decent amount of lodges and comforts. You will also have to take the account of the changing landscape in your everyday journey.

Some days may take you through the dense forest and some days through the challenging mountain or glacial terrain. Additionally, you should also be ready to give up some of your daily comforts such as WiFi, hot showers, or private latrines. And, in exchange, you will be able to form a deep connection with nature’s untouched beauty.

Acute Mountain Sickness in Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 days journey

The Manaslu Circuit trek 12 day journey while a very breathtaking and thrilling journey across beautiful nature comes with the inherent threat of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or commonly known as altitude sickness.

As you go beyond the 3000 m mark from day 6 of our Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary, the thinning air may start to have its influence on you. Then, each day on your journey, you will begin to increase elevation eventually leading you to Larke Pass on day 10 that exceeds the 5000 m mark.

Taking into account this gain, we have carefully planned the daily distance that you will travel each day so you will slowly and consistently start to get used to the high air.

As the hiking portion begins, you will keep on progressing with a 3 to 6-hour walking duration followed by a well-deserved rest day at Sama Gaun so your body will be well-adapted before you get ready to face the tough challenge of the Larke Pass.

If you require additional time on the trail, such accommodations can be made. Even after these precautions, some trekkers may still encounter symptoms such as mild headaches, fatigue, appetite, and sleep loss, and a general sense of malaise.

Even if one sign is visible, you should remain alert and inform our guide who will start to monitor your condition and check your pulse and oxygen levels. If necessary, he may travel you down to a lower altitude or temporarily suspend your trekking days.

We suggest you to keep hydrating yourself during the trekking days and incorporate lemon and garlic into your diet. Additionally, you can also choose to take Diamox (anti-edema and diuretic medicine) for your quick acclimatization.

However, please ask your physician first before its use to ascertain that you have no contraindications for this medicine.

Preparation and Training for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Before setting on for our Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary, please ensure that you have a vigorous health condition. In the existence of any severe form of health issues such as asthma, lung or heart conditions, it is wise to seek permission from your doctor before proceeding with us.

These types of health conditions can often worsen in the high altitude air where immediate medical assistance may also not be readily available.  However, if you enjoy good vitality and fitness, then you can prepare for the trip 45 days before your trip date.

The best preparation and training regimen would be to put on your walking shoes and explore the beautiful mountain trails of your area. If not, you can also engage in the gym and follow a well-established workout plan.

If you plan to prepare at home, then how about practicing squats, cycling, running, jogging, and some stair climbing? For the mental calmness, you can engage in meditation and yoga poses. There are many online videos available for home practice.

Before you set out on the 12 days Manaslu Circuit trek journey, make sure you have the appropriate gear such as trekking jackets, quality backpacks, fleece jackets, thermal attire, good and durable walking shoes, t-shirts, etc.

Alternate Paths and extension to Manaslu Circuit trekking

If you long for the untouched raw beauty of nature with the sounds of the wild and the vibrant unique culture of the locals, then you can also consider taking a different route to the Manaslu Circuit trekking.

You can journey from Kathmandu to Manabu and start walking through the uncharted trails of Yarsta, Kasigaun, Keranja, Runchet, and Hulchuk. Here, the trail will join the one coming from Dobhan and you can continue on towards Jagat.

Please understand that these areas are just beginning to welcome tourists, so you may not find the usual comfort of lodges or tea houses. Instead, you will have the unique privilege to stay at the home of the locales and experience their hospitality firsthand.

Now, if you are not too tired and want to take the Manaslu circuit trek a bit too far for few more days, then you can also intertwine the Tsum Valley trek adventure as well.

This journey will allow you to experience the true and diverse nature of some of the exquisite settlements of the Tsum Valley such as Lokpa, Chumling, Chekampar, Nile, and Mu Gompa.

Or, you can elevate your experience with the virgin beauty of Nar and Phu Valleys by integrating the Nar Phu trek into your Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary.

However, if you are exhausted from the minor comforts and wish to indulge in luxury with nature, then how about walking along the trail of Annapurna Circuit after completing the Manaslu Circuit trekking at Dharapani.

This way, you can also see the minor Tibet in Nepal in the Mustang and Manang districts and it will also allow you to traverse the celestial Pokhara city on the way home.

Accommodation and Dining Options

Our Manaslu Circuit trek cost includes comprehensive coverage of all your accommodations and dining experiences during the course of the journey.

In Kathmandu, you will be comfortably lodged in a twin-sharing room of a reputable three-star hotel where your each day will begin with a complimentary breakfast.

Throughout the course of the trek, all meals- breakfast, lunch, and dinner- will be provided to you in the overnight lodges and tea houses en route.

The dining menu will be diverse from Dal Vat to noodles, burgers, local pizza, and many more. You can also explore the local delicacy and the traditional cuisine of the Manaslu region.

Transportation

Our Manaslu Circuit trek cost also includes an extensive transportation service that will accompany you throughout your journey. The service features the airport transfers to and from your hotel, shared transport either bus or jeep for transit to Machha Khola from Kathmandu, a local jeep for the transfer from Dharapani to Besi Sahar, and finally a comfortable Hiace for Kathmandu travel from Besi Sahar.

Travel Insurance

We urge each of our participants of our Manaslu Circuit trekking to not neglect travel insurance. First of all, the attainment of the restricted area permit is not possible until you possess valid travel insurance.

Secondly, no one is protected against the accidents, unforeseen natural calamities, injuries, and sudden onset of medical emergencies. If god forbid such unfortunate incidents occur, then insurance will save you a great amount of money.

Helicopter evacuation and treatment in Nepal can cost you tens of thousands of dollars, therefore, it is wise to invest a couple of hundred of dollars in good and all round travel insurance and be calm throughout the journey.

When adding the coverage to your travel insurance, please ascertain that your policy includes the support for the search and rescue. Many insurance companies omit the extreme activities in the mountains that including trekking.

So make sure you have this activity included in your policy along with the extensive medical coverage, repatriation, and medical transfer to your home country.

Needed Permits for the Manaslu circuit trekking

To venture in our 12 days Manaslu Circuit trek, we must be in possession of RAP (Restricted Area permit) for Manaslu along with the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) permits.

Each participating trekker will have to make the payment of 3000 NPR for the ACAP and MCAP permits while the fee for the restricted permit to the Manaslu region varies by season.

When hiking in autumn and spring, each trekker will have to make the payment of USD 100 while trekking in winter and summer, each will have to pay a fee of USD 75.

You don’t have to fret about it as our Manaslu Circuit trek cost also covers these essential permit fees along with their procurement.