Manaslu Circuit Trek

Difficulty level of the trek

The difficulty level of the Manaslu circuit trek from Kathmandu is graded as moderately challenging. It is for various reasons. For example, the Manaslu circuit trek distance is 166 km that is covered within 12 days with an average walking time of 6-7 hours per day. 

During the trek, you will need to walk on the varied Manaslu trek route, including steep ascents and descents through the varied landscapes. The landscapes include subtropical forests and alpine 

environments. Furthermore, the unpredictable weather conditions also pose challenges for the trek. It is because you have to deal with the weather conditions up to an altitude level of 5,160 meters. So, proper training with planning of the itinerary from the professional guide is necessary. 

Best time to go for the trek

The Manaslu circuit trek best time is during months like March, April, May, September, October, and November. During these months, the weather conditions remain stable with a chance of rainfall very low. The temperature is mild, which makes it perfect for the Circuit Trekking of Manaslu. 

During the months of March, April, and May, the rhododendron flower blooms, making the trails beautiful. While the months September, October, and November come with the festivals and offer cultural immersion and unique festive cuisine. 

As these months are the peak trekking season, the Manaslu circuit trek price may be higher than usual. 

Permit required for the trek

The permits required for the Manaslu circuit trekking are the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit. 

Solo trekking is not available so you will need a guide from a registered trekking agency with at least two people accompanying you. Without these requirements, you may be unable to get these permits. Also, permits cannot be obtained solo as processing through an authorized trekking agency. 

Food and accommodation during the trek

During the Circuit trek of Manaslu, the accommodation options include teahouses with basic but comfortable lodging. Those teahouses feature shared rooms, bedding, blankets, and common dining areas. Some tea houses may offer the wifi and hot showers with an additional Manaslu trek price. 

In the lower elevation, you can find the modern rooms with attached bathrooms. However, in the higher regions, like in Dharamshala, you may find the basic rooms with shared dorms and squat toilets. 

In terms of food, you will have the diverse options: 

• Breakfast options: Tibetan bread, breakfast set, chapati sandwiches, boiled eggs, omelets, hash browns, hot drinks, porridge, paratha, & Pancake. 
• Lunch options: Dal Bhat, Thukpa & Thenduk, Momo (Dumplings), Noodles & Pasta, Pizza & Burgers. 
• Snacks: Chips, chocolate bars, dry noodles & peanuts. 
• Desserts: Rice pudding, apple pie, etc. 

Electricity, Telephone, and Internet 

During the circuit trekking of Mount Manaslu, electricity is available for the charging devices at a small cost. However, the sources may be different; like in the lower elevation, the source is hydropower, while in the higher elevation, you may only find the solar power. 

You can use the local SIM cards provided by telecom companies like NCELL and NTC. You can buy their SIM card and use it for calls and messages. In some places, there may not be network coverage. You can also use a SIM card for the internet. 

Several teahouses offer the wifi services at a small cost. The wifi speed is good; however, the speed may be unreliable during the peak season due to the surge in the number of users. The Manaslu circuit trek cost inclusion section has great services included in it. Make sure you check it out before the trek. 

Toilet and shower facility

On the Circuit trekking of Mount Manaslu trail’s lower elevation, there are several teahouses that feature Western-style toilets. While if you go above, especially above 2,500 meters, the squat toilets become prevalent in teahouses. 

The trekking to Manaslu circuit itinerary involves trekking through the remote places. So, in some places between the trekking trails, you may not find the toilets. So, before heading out for the next destination, make sure you use the toilet.

Drinking water availability

The drinking water is available in the teahouses on the Circuit trek of Mount Manaslu trail and also refill it into your personal bottle. Or you can buy the water bottles in the shops on the way. 

There are other alternatives, like you can use purification tablets or UV sterilizers to purify and drink the water from the open sources like waterfalls and streams. 

Altitude sickness issues and acclimation

During high-altitude treks like the Manaslu circuit trekking, the altitude sickness issues can be a serious concern. The Manaslu trek itinerary includes trekking up to 5,106 m, which may be hard for some trekkers. 

For example, those with the pre-existing medical condition, beginners or the unprepared one may face symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

These symptoms are called the symptoms of acute altitude sickness. If left untreated, it may lead to severe conditions like high-altitude pulmonary edema and high-altitude cerebral Edema. 

To prevent altitude sickness issues, you can follow the acclimatization strategies like gradual ascent, rest at strategic points, hydration, including high-carbohydrate foods in your diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and more. 

Weather and temperature

The weather and temperature vary from the altitude level and the seasons. According to my real experiences, the higher elevation and daytime are colder than the lower elevation and nighttime, respectively. Below is the seasonal breakdown of the weather and temperature.

• Spring season

The average day temperature is 15°C and the average night temperature is 0°C. The weather conditions are stable with less chance of precipitation and clear skies. 

• Summer season

The temperature can go up to 25°C in the day and at night, the temperature floats between 5°C and 10°C. the weather is hot and humid. There is frequent rainfall and the higher elevation may be covered by the fog. 

• Autumn season

The temperature is little cooler than that of spring season as it is the transition of the summer season to the winter season. The weather is stable. There is less chance of rainfall. And good temperature for the trekking.

• Winter season

It is the cold season. The temperatures drop significantly. In the day, the temperature drops below 5 °C. While in the night temperature, especially in December, the temperature drops below −20 C. There is heavy snowfall in the higher elevation, making it almost impossible to trek. 

Group crew and leader

We, Mystic Adventure Holiday, provide a certified and experienced guide along with local Sherpa staff. If we have more than 8 guests for the trip, we arrange for a porter to carry your luggage, and 1 porter will carry the bag of 2 guests. It is all included in the Manaslu trek cost inclusions.

Trekking equipment and gear

As the itinerary of the Manaslu trek, you will need lots of the equipment and gear to complete the gear and equipment. Some of the recommendations are:

• Clothing like moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms, Fleece jackets or light-down jackets, Windproof and waterproof jacket and pants, Lightweight, quick-drying pants, and moisture-wicking t-shirts
• Footwear including waterproof boots, moisture-wicking socks, & trainers or trekking sandals.
• Trekking equipment like a duffle bag (90–100 L), trekking pole, sleeping bag, day backpack (30–35 L), and more. 
• Miscellaneous items like head torches/headlamps with extra batteries, water bottles/reservoirs & purification tablets, Manaslu circuit trek maps, or GPS devices.

Customize the itinerary and trip extensions

We provide customized trips for those travel enthusiasts who couldn’t book a suitable date for our planned package. Make sure to mention your scheduled time and date. We will organize a private trip to the Manaslu Circuit trekking.

In addition to Manaslu Trekking, Mystic Adventure Holidays can organize trips to Annapurna, Everest, Manaslu, Mustang Trekking, Mountain Flight, water rafting, Jungle Safari, City Tour (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan or Lumbini), Homestay Tour, Nepal Cultural Tour, Tibet Tour, Bhutan Tour, or India Tour Extension as per your time limit.

Tips to make the journey smooth

• Try to do the workout and exercises that help to build endurance and increase strength. 
• Pack all the essential items but try to pack light and avoid unnecessary things. 
• Follow the "climb high, sleep low" rule to reduce altitude sickness risk.
• Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-dense food items.
• Pack some snacks to have on the way.
• Carry the Manaslu circuit trekking map during the trek. 
• Use the satellite phones or GPS phones to stay connected to each other during the trek.
• Respect the local culture and customs.
• Ask permission before taking the photos of the person or any object. 
• Withdraw cash from the city to use on the trail, as there are no ATMs.
• You can use the Nepali SIM for the internet connection.
• You can tip any amount you like to the crew members. To give you a general idea, this is what we recommend: USD 100 to the porter & guide, USD 50 to the assistant guide, USD 5 to the tour guide, and USD 2 to the driver. You can hand the tip directly to the person in an envelope.