Talk To An Expert ( Prakash Lamsal )
Talk To An Expert ( Prakash Lamsal )
Manaslu Circuit Trekking
Remained hidden from the outer world till 1991, Manaslu Circuit Trekking route allows circumambulation of Manaslu (8163m), the 8th highest mountain in the world. Larkye Pass (5160m) links Annapurna region with Manaslu. The journey continues along Manaslu and Annapurna. Many have preferred trekking in Manaslu as a better alternative for classical Annapurna Circuit Trek. Annapurna Circuit Trek is slowly losing its charm due to road access in most of the part of trekking route. Although the route was opened in 1991, Manaslu became popular only after 2010 and this is the perfect trekking destination for adventure lovers who are in search of wilderness experience.
Mountain Views
Shringi Mountain (7161m), Himalchuli (7893m), Ngadi Chuli or Peak 29 (7871m), Manaslu Mountain (8163m), Ganesh Mountain II (7118m), simnang Mountain (6251m), Saula Mountain (6235m), Cheo Mountain (6812m) and Himlung Mountain (7126m).
Part of Great Himalayan Trekking Trail
Ancient Gompas including Pung Gyen Monastery in Sama Gaon
Visit to Birendra Lake
Wild flora and fauna in Manaslu Conservation Area
Waterfall
Unique Landscape
Local Culture and traditions
Less frequented and off the beaten trekking experience
Friendly locals
Views of Himalayan Thar, snow leopard, blue sheep, musk deer and other animals
Altitude Variation
The altitude in Manaslu varies from as low as 600m to as high as 5500m. Thus, the variation in altitude provides us with great opportunity to view biodiversity. Also, Hindu culture is prevalent at less altitude while the Buddhist culture becomes more and more dominating with the increase in the altitude. The route at higher altitude is lined with mani walls and chortens.
Manaslu is the restricted trekking area. Entering Manaslu Region requires a permit fee for trekkers. Normal Restricted Area Permit (RAP) Fee for first week is $70 and you need to pay extra $10 per day if you want to stay longer.
Usually, the cost of Manaslu Circuit Permit fee during off season can be $50 for first week and it will cost you extra $7 in off-season. However, these price may change.
In addition to Restricted Area Permit Fee, you will also need to pay Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) Fee and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee both of which costs NPR 2000 each. Both MCAP and ACAP are managed by National Trust for Nature Conservation and the fee is utilized in conservation and community development.
Entry point for Manaslu Restricted Area is at Jagat while Exit point for Manaslu Restricted Area is at Dharapani.
The good thing is that you don’t need to pay for TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) fee.
Tsum Valley Permit Fee
Although the gee may vary from the given structure, usually you need to pay US$ 35 for first 8days if you visit Tsum Valley from September to November while it will cost you US$25 for first 8days if you visit this region in between December to August.
Manaslu trek permit and other restricted trekking permit are issued in the trekking department existing in the office of Nepal immigration. The office of Nepal Immigration is located in Maitighar of Kathmandu. Nepal Tourism Board does not issue Manaslu trekking permit. However, you must know that you cannot individually apply for Manaslu Circuit Trek. So, you must apply for permit through an authorized local trekking agency.
Documents necessary for Manaslu Trek permit
Original passport with Nepal entry visa with the arrival stamp
3 passport size photos
Travel Insurance which covers emergency evacuation up to 6000m
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Route
We will take 8-9hrs long drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar. If you want to save time, you can catch local jeep from Arughat to Soti River. The trail continues through scenic villages of Soti River, Maccha River, Jagat, Deng, Namrung and Lho to Sama Gaon. We will climb to the top of Larkya La Pass and descend to Bimtang. Trek ends at Jagat from where we will catch a jeep to Besisahar and drive back to Kathmandu. Larkya La links Manaslu region with Manang district that lies in Annapurna Region.
Accommodation and Food in Manaslu Circuit Trek
Previously, when it was just introduced to foreign trekkers, it used to be a remote area and the camping trek was the only option. But there have been significant changes over time. If we follow the standard trekking route, there will be no difficulty to find tea houses. Also, many new tea houses are being added up. So, light trek is possible in Manaslu. There is no need to carry camping gears. You can eat your meal at lodges. The price of food increases with the increase in altitude as mules are the only possible means of transportation. We can also provide Manaslu camping trek upon request.
According to the rule implemented by Nepal Government, you need to have a Group size of Minimum 2 people and you must compulsorily be led by a government registered trekking guide to enter the restricted Manaslu region. You will also need to bring your passport and 4 passport size photos. You cannot go for Manaslu Circuit Trek without guide.
What to do if you are alone and still want to participate in Manaslu Circuit Trek?
As the government strictly follows the rule of Minimum 2 people for the trek, the best idea to go for this trek if you are alone is to ask for a permission from another group to join them till Jagat and get separated from that group after Jagat.
Months from march to May and September to December are best season for Manaslu Trek. If you would visit Manaslu in October, you will notice that it is the busiest month for Manaslu Trek. In Nepal, monsoon season begins from June and ends in September. December to February is the winter season and you will have to endure the challenge of freezing wind which makes this trek miserable if not impossible.
Manaslu Weather
With the variation in altitude from 700m to 5160m, one can experience different temperature and climatic conditions in Manaslu. If you visit Manaslu during the month of Janauary and February, the temperature will be low and the weather will be cold. Lodges at high altitude will be closed down. So, it would be wise to bring your own tents. Weather is at its best in Months from March and April. Blooming rhododendrons will greet you and the weather is neither very hot nor very cold. During May, the weather remains hot and you will feel exhausted quickly. Monsoon season lasts from Month of June to the end of September. The trail will be slippery and there are chances of landslide. However, the views of blooming flowers and greenery makes the trek worth enough. October to December is best time to visit Manaslu. The month of October is in fact considered the busiest month for Manaslu trek. You will be greeted with clear views of lofty mountains and the sky remains clear.
Physical Fitness necessary for Manaslu Trek
Although Manaslu used to have the toughest trail in earlier days when it began to get exposure, there has been significant changes in past years. New trail has been opened and the condition of the existing trails have been greatly improved. Thus, it is not that challenging to join Manaslu trek these days. Anyone with normal physical fitness can participate in this trek. Manaslu Circuit trekking itinerary at Nepal Himalayas Trekking has been devised by our experts after exploring the area themselves and they have placed enough acclimatization days wherever necessary. Acclimatization is the key to conquer High Altitude Sickness whenever you climb to the increasing altitude. Thus, if you have a sound cardiovascular fitness and previous trekking experience, you are good to go. Expect to walk for 4 to 5hours in an average in one day.
Cost for Manaslu Trek varies according to the agency. You can save money on Manaslu Trek by choosing local trekking agency from Nepal instead of international travel agencies. Nepal Himalayas Trekking operates a flawless Manaslu trek Itinerary and allows high level of service quality which is not less in any manner than international trekking agencies.
Manaslu Trek After Earthquake 2015
After tragic earthquake that shook Nepal tremendously in 2015, Manaslu Conservation Area and the trekking trail was also affected. Lots of tea houses were partially or fully destroyed and the trekking route was interrupted at several points. However, it has been more than a year since the earthquake and many helping hands helped rebuild Manaslu region again. Most of the old tea houses have been replaced by new ones and they are absolutely safe to stay. So, tea house accommodation is still the best option after earthquake. The blockades due to landslide and earthquake have been removed and the damage has been nominalized. Hence, we can say that Manaslu trek is now normal. The local life has returned to normal. They are slowly forgetting the pain and trauma that they had to experience because of devastating earthquake. Bridges that were damaged have been fixed and reconstruction of trail has been done wherever necessary and the flow of tourists have been encouraging. So, Manaslu trekking is absolutely safe from aftershocks of earthquake and the number of trekkers entering through Jagat is increasing each day.
Equipment List for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Weather in Manaslu is usually cold. So, you should always come with enough clothes to combat the cold weather. It is best to have 2bags. Include all heavy items that will be in rare use during trek in one bag and pack your personal belongings like money, camera, toilet paper and tooth paste in another bag. The heavy bag will be carried by porters or mules.
General
Sleeping bag
Rucksack bag
Down Jacket
For Head and Neck
Hat to keep heat of sun off from your ears and neck
Lightweight Balaclava
UV protection Glacier glasses
Headlamp with extra batteries
A neck warmer
Hand
1 pair liner gloves
1 pair warm gloves (preferably woollen)
1 pair shell gloves
Body
Light thermal tops
Fleece jacket or pullover
Waterproof shell jacket
2 women sports bras (Synthetic)
Legs
2 pairs nylon hiking shorts
4 Underwear
2 pairs lightweight long underwear
1 pair soft shell pants
2 pairs trekking pants
1 pair cotton pants
Feet
4 pairs of liner socks
3 pairs heavy weight socks
1 pair light weight socks
1 pair water proof trekking boots
1 pair light trekking shoes
Medicines and First Aid Kits
Excedrin for headaches
Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for diarrhoea
Diamox 125 mg for altitude sickness
Miscellaneous
Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies).
Airline ticket
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Pocket knife
Water purification Iodine tablets
Toiletry kit
Toilet paper
Hand wipes
Liquid hand sanitizer
Towel
Cultural Note
Always walk to the left of Buddhist relics.
Move prayer wheels in a clockwise direction.
Remove shoes while entering temples.
Nepal Himalayas Trekking is one of the leading trekking Agencies in Nepal with several years of experience in tourism and hospitality sector. We believe in providing authentic Nepali experience. We are regularly operating both tea house trekking and camping style Manaslu trekking. So, you can make your booking for Manaslu Circuit Trek-2016 with us. We ensure your safety. Since your team leader will be a native who was born and raised in Manaslu Region itself, he is not only familiar with the native culture but he personally knows the locals which will make it easy for you to communicate with them and understand the local lifestyle and culture. Also, being a native, he is well informed and resourceful. Thus, he is capable of taking quick decision and lead you through an alternative trail known only to locals in case the normal trekking route is blocked due to landslide and other unforeseen circumstances. Quality Service at affordable price is our motto.
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