Manaslu Circuit Trek 7 Days

Why Is Manaslu Trekking Restricted?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a restricted trekking area by the Government of Nepal due to the need to preserve the area’s natural environment, maintain the Tibetan-influenced culture of the indigenous people, and regulate the flow of trekkers to the remote regions of the Manaslu Himal.

The Manaslu region is sensitive, both culturally and ecologically. Having restrictions ensures that the trekking activities are sustainable and economically beneficial to the surrounding communities. Therefore, trekkers are required to have permits and must be accompanied by a licensed guide, which ensures the safety of trekkers and support of the local culture through responsible trekking, while managing the soft tourism activities along the Manaslu Circuit.

Best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek 7 Days

The most optimal time to enjoy the Manaslu circuit trek is considered to be in the months of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) due to the pleasant weather which helps in clearing views of the mountains. The spring season presents a more warm environ, and with it is the blooming of the rhododendron which is decorated with a variety of colors, while autumn presents more of a dry season with less humidity. The seasons are most suited for the crossing of the high-altitude Larkya La pass which is one of the most important parts of a 7 day trek in the Manaslu circuit trek.

Difficulty level

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is classified as a moderate to challenging trek. The physical and mental endurance trekkers need as they complete the circuit is significant. The rugged terrain requires trekkers to walk 6 to 8 hours per day. Steep ascents, rocky pathways, and high-altitude crossings need to be tackled. The most difficult section is crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters. This section of the trek tests endurance and altitude acclimatization. While no technical climbing skills are needed, previous trekking experience is recommended to complete the Circuit Trek comfortably.

Can beginners join this 7 days Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not recommended to beginners. Hill Sherpa Trekking Team Extreme is of the view that one with a little experience would not want to do the 7 day trek. The strenuous nature of the trek and the fact that the trekkers are not acclimatized are some of the risks involved to the trekkers.

The increment in the altitude is accelerated and the Larkya La Pass which lies higher is traversed very early in the journey. This may be exhausting and risk of developing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This may not be pleasant to first time high altitude trekkers because they do not have a period of gradual adjustment, rest and recovery.

The 12 days Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary is recommended for beginners and first time trekkers who desire to undertake this trek and are physically fit. This trek will be designed using correct acclimatization days, reduced daily walking distances, and a slower pace of ascending making it a healthy, enjoyable trek and minimizing health dangers. This itinerary has been made so that the trekkers can have time to acclimatise to higher altitude, familiarise themselves with the nearby villages and also get the best of Manaslu region taking time to appreciate the culture and the nature.

With this option, beginners can enjoy the trek with one of our local, experienced Sherpa guides and really enjoy the trek as it is meant to be. It is meant to be a rewarding and memorable experience. For the beginners, trekkers need to keep safety and their trek enjoyment in mind. For this reason, the Hill Sherpa Trekking Team Extreme strongly suggests the 12-day trek over the 7-day trek for beginners.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek involves significant altitude gain, which carries the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). At elevations above 3,000 meters, hikers can suffer from headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and loss of appetite if AMS is not properly acclimatized. Trekkers can minimize these risks by climbing higher in increments, ensuring adequate hydration, and following the guide’s recommendations. Manaslu Circuit Trek guides are trained AMS professionals and can recognize early warning symptoms and can take the necessary steps, which can include mandating rest days and guide-assisted descents.

Preparation and Training for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

To achieve the aim of completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek special preparation must be made. Training activities of 6 to 8 weeks in duration to prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are highly recommended, and include aerobic activities that promote the development of a cardiovascular system (such as hiking, running, cycling, and stair climbing). Leg, core, and balance strength activities are also of great importance.

When embarking on practice hikes, utilizing a heavy backpack is recommended to simulate the conditions that will be experienced during the actual trek. It is also recommended that a trekkers mind be adequately prepared, given that the Manaslu Circuit Trek is characterized by rugged outback terrains devoid of amenities, as well as days that involve intense physical activity.

Alternative Routes Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek includes a number of alternate routes and even extensions for trekkers looking for additional Himalayan Trekking opportunities. The most popular extension is the Tsum Valley Trek which is famous for its monasteries, sacred caves, and rich Tibetan Buddhism. Other options include side trips to Manaslu Base Camp or extending the trek to connection the Annapurna Circuit via Dharapani. These options add to the cultural and scenic variety of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and make the experience even better.

Where to stay and eat

During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, accommodation is provided in small, locally-owned teahouses and lodges. These lodges have very simple rooms with twin beds and a shared bathroom that is clean upon arrival.

As the trek goes higher into the mountains, the facilities become even less basic. Remote lodges offer only a few options for meals that are designed to give trekkers the energy needed to make it through the long days of trekking. Meals include rice, soup, potatoes, and a variety of Tibetan bread. At higher altitudes, menu options are limited, but throughout the trek, meals are meant to provide the energy needed for the long days of trekking.

Transportion

Trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit begin by driving from Kathmandu to Machha Khola or Dovan. From Kathmandu, most take either a private jeep or a local bus. The drive is scenic, as the road leads along rivers, rural villages, and hills. Once completed, the trek starts at Tilje or Dhrapani, where the trekkers then road-return to Kathmandu. Although the drive is long and rough, it adds to the authenticity of the Manaslu Circuit.

What to anticipate

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an extremely remote and less commercial trekking experience in the Himalayas. Trekkers will witness and experience grandiose views of the mountains, wide and steep gorges, large and deep valleys, and Tibetan cultures and customs. Different from mass trekking use paths, this trekking circuit has a wild character and isolation. The amenities and supports along the circuit are basic, and the sense of reward and achievement is what adds to the already extreme sense of adventure and deep cultural and natural surroundings and experience. This is what makes the trek one of the most rewarding in Nepal.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is a necessity of the Manaslu Circuit Trek because it is a high altitude trek and the circuit is in a faraway location. It should include trekking up to a height of about 5,200 meters and should be covered by the insurance against medical emergency and evacuation by helicopter. The right travel insurance will cover things like illnesses and injuries among other emergencies that could happen during the trek and thus gives the trek a monetary security and relief.

Manaslu Circuit Trek 7 days requires permits

Due to the sensitive nature of the Manaslu region and the limitations on trekking, a variety of permits are required to be able to trek. These include the Manaslu RAP, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). All permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek have to be done through a licensed trekking company, and trekking with a licensed guide is a requirement. These permits are meant to sustain and manage the tourism, holistic preservation of nature, and economically assist the locals.