Manaslu Circuit trekking – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

The Annapurna Circuit has been the most popular trek for quite long, but its repute is catching up with it. Those looking for sheer wilderness & genuine village experience have started to bypass the Annapurna Highway & hike the Manaslu Circuit rather. Though opened for hikers since 1991, the Manaslu Conservation Area remains untouched, with just a negligible fraction - 1/30th – of the tourists who trek Annapurna every season. Below listed are a few questions and answers that we usually get from our clients.

Who’s the Manaslu Circuit trekking for?

Probably most of the people would relish the hike but particularly those who’re fascinated in culture, wish to escape from the heavy crowds and are happy to get out of their comfort zone. For those who have missed the famous Everest Base Camp trekking or Upper Mustang Trekking, they will certainly like this trek.

What permit do I require for Manaslu trekking?

• Restricted Area Permit: US$ 70 per week (was $50 in 2011) + $10 per day extra

• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit: NRs. 2,000 (approx 20 Euro or US$30)

• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) per: US$10mit: NRs. 2,000 (approx 20 Euro or US$30)

Can I trek independently?

As per the rules, you should hike as a group of minimum 2 person and be escorted by a certified guide. People often purchase an additional permit for a “ghost trekker” & then go alone with their guide. To do this you require a real passport from a real (foreign) person.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trekking tough?

The Lonely Planet has described the Manaslu trek difficult than most other treks. But now this is wrong. There are now new trails that significantly decrease the hiking concerned & reduce the exposure. Now the trails are wide open and good unlike in Tilman’s time (1950) where in one part the trail was a few narrow planks resting on branches that had been hammered into cracks in the rock!

While many of the trails are wonderfully airy, high above the Budi Gandaki River, the trails are ideal for hiking. However, you need to be fit as there will be lots of ups and downs, but there’s nothing too extreme with this hike. Just take it easy while descending from the pass.

Can I do the Manaslu Circuit trekking in reverse?

Yes. But be cautious of proper acclimatization. The locals in Samdo & the lodge owners in Larkya Phedi come this way from Pokhara & Kathmandu as it is the quickest way.

If you’re not acclimatized, it will be wise to come through the Budi Gandaki valley, otherwise you’ve several days acclimatizing in Bimtang pursued by a leap to 5100 meters which is considered dangerous.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking – A Compete Different View of Nepal

Hiking around the Manaslu region provides a very unique chance to explore a genuinely undamaged province of Nepal. This province of Nepal witnesses a lesser number of trekkers throughout the year, which makes a trip here more exclusive & untouched. Opened for hiking since 1991, Manaslu offers an exceptional raw splendor along the border of Tibet and Nepal and now is a controlled trekking trail, permitting organized trekking groups special permits to get access into this province to explore its awe-inspiring circuit. On the whole, you can say Manaslu circuit trekking is a lifetime experience.

Manaslu boast a very unique atmosphere, which’s wonderfully affluent in biodiversity that has made this province one of the best traveler destinations in Nepal since long. The grand Himalayan ranges inside this province encompass cultural diversity & natural splendor with high elevation romantic glacier lakes & exquisite flora and fauna, which make this the most liked trekking areas in Nepal.

The Manaslu Circuit trekking starts with a drive to Arughat then to Soti Khola. The route then go through several settlements such as Jagat, Machha Khola, Philim, traditional hamelets, dense woodlands and relishing the picturesque vistas of the enclosing mountains concurrently. On the route, you’ll also come to see diverse flora and fauns of the Manaslu Conservation Area. The hike includes crossing the Larkya La Pass at a stature of 5,213m, then finally trek towards Besisahar, Dharapani and drive back to Kathmandu. Manaslu circuit trekking can be customized from moderate to difficult as per your wish. With adequate time to rest & acclimatizing during the journey you can successfully clear the obstacles.

Ideal time for Manaslu circuit trekking:

Ideal time for Manaslu trekking would be throughout the months of March to May and early September to November. Being a demanding hike for more than 2 weeks, it’s pretty essential to be in an excellent shape with great fitness level prior to joining this expedition. Just like Everest base camp trekking and upper mustang trekking proper acclimatization & other essential safety measures should be taken care of. Moreover, you need to ensure that you’re prepared to encounter the challenges that will come on your way.

Because the mountains are unpredictable places, be ready for the adverse weather, landslides or other natural causes. These changes almost always throw up something you had not thought you would do but end up being glad you did. I’d thoroughly recommend this trek.

EBC, Mustang and Manaslu Circuit Trekking Offer Famous Trek Spots in Nepal

With the challenging summit that soars very high above the mountain peak, trekking in the region of Everest base camp obviously gives plenty of adventures to individuals. Mount Everest is one among the frequently sought after tourist spot in the region of Nepal. It incorporates incandescent beauty in the form of magnificent mountain peaks as well as hills. At the height equal to 29 feet approximately, you will find Everest as an ultimate spot for mountain hikers and trekkers with a huge blue sky present in its backdrop.

Why Trek to EBC is So Special

Covered by greeneries in the vast area and snow capped mountains, Everest Base Camp Trekking constitutes the dream destination for large numbers of trekkers, while the best thing about the spot is that it lets individuals to be in midst of many friendly people of the local area. Furthermore, trek to the (EBC) Everest Base Camp allows individuals to get close encounter to the summit of the almighty Mount Everest.

The complete trek involves trailing to a high altitude of about 17,600 feet, where you have to pass through many grassy paths, quaint villages and steep rocks. Along with this, you will be able to trek in trails of footsteps followed by famous mountaineers and legendary adventures, like Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpa named Tenzing Norgay.

Trek to Upper Mustang Valley

Mountain trekkers may also be able to view the fabulous beauties present in hidden paradise of the popularly visited Mustang valley via Upper Mustang Trekking packages. Experts have said that Upper Mustang region is a mystique valley as well as the last forbidden Nepal kingdom that opened in the year 1992 for only foreigners.

Trek to this region lets travelers to witness many beautiful trans-Himalayan landscapes and Tibet’s Buddhist shrines of ancient times, like Chhortens, Stupas, Prayers walls, old monasteries of centuries and many more. Most of the people of local area also call Upper Mustang as the Mini Tibet of the country and it acts as a popular trekking spot in Nepal.

Trek to Manaslu Region

Manaslu Circuit Trekking or simply Manaslu Trekking involves a 14-day trek to tree house and circumnavigates to the eighth highest mountain peak worldwide located at about 8,156 meters. The trek includes almost every feature found in Nepal treks’ elements, like culture of Buddhist and Hindu religions, properly protected wildlife, wild flowers, rhododendrons, ranging rivers, sceneries of stunning mountains and precarious bridges and lots more.