Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Overview of Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Be the part of Manaslu circuit trek, to circumvolve the 8th highest peak of the world; Mt. Manaslu (8156m). Manaslu lies in the great Himalayan ranges near Annapurna and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges lying just between the Nepal and Tibetan Border.

Manaslu is one of the alternative of Annapurna circuit trek; which is relatively less crowded and starts from Seti khola of Dhading and end to the Besisahar of lamjung. It is an 18-20 day trek itinerary including the rest and sightseeing days in Kathmandu along with acclimatization days. It can be extended to 22 days on inclusion of Tsum valley Trekking.

15 days Manaslu trek consist of the larke la pass (5160m) as the highest altitude elevation during trek. The trek covers almost of 160km of walking in Manaslu trek is packed with the alluring nature in the form of picturesque landscape, rocky mountain terrain, verdant, lushly forest; alpine pine, birches and rhododendron forests.

Manaslu is the antique treasure gem of Himalayas which offers the marvelous and magnificent view of the glorified Himalayan peaks. This wild, remote and strenuous trek yet leading inside the paradise makes the jaw dropping moments continuously. Manaslu trek explores the majestic height and exceptional views of glorious Mount Manaslu and its peripheries.

This fascinating trekking region is flourished with vivid colorful and antique flora and fauna, enchanted Himalaya views, cultural villages and many more unseen and untouched beauty of nature .This trek offer picturesque view of Manaslu, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Himlung Himal, Chyo Himal, Nemjung Himal, with several mighty peaks.

The unique, historic stony foot trails of Himalayas, verdant and lushly forest, crystal clear glacier water surging through streams and rivers, the alpine pine, Oak, Fir and rhododendron forest, high altitude cattle like yak and sheep, the historic Sherpa villages, monasteries and temples and their enriched culture tradition and their cuisines will definitely melt your heart and blow your mind to experience such hospitalities on such harshest altitude in the world. Manaslu is one of the adventurous trekking route which are labelled as restricted due to the compulsion for requiring travel guide during trek. This trek route has the maximum steep altitude elevation during the trek and requires much acclimatizing days during trek.

15 days Manaslu trek provides the constant view of the Himalayan ranges from the starting to the ending point in the trek. Samagaun, Dharmasala and Dharapani can be perceived as the best places to observe the natural beauty. These places are the incredible to observe this epic natural picturesque Himalayan Ranges. Manaslu circuit trek is equipped with lodge houses and tea houses continuously. Manaslu circuit trek don’t need any tent or cooking equipment but the high expectation in fooding choice must be dropped as it doesn’t offer much on menu.

The Manaslu circuit trek leads you from the steamy lowland hilly plain to the highland gorges of kali gandaki with winding turquoise rivers through numerous waterfall which provides a magnificent scenarios of the nature. Manaslu trek was only opened from 1991 with initial 200 trekkers now welcomes 8000 trekkers yearly into the circuit trek. In good seasons, the path is almost covered with the trekkers and the lively environment is seen in such harshest altitude.

 Difficulty Level of Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu circuit trek difficulty lies from moderate to hardest trek in the world according to one’s strength and enduring capacity. This trek demand extra physical fitness so one should not be suffering from the knee or ankle problem alongside heart and lung diseases.
This trek is completed by 5-6 hours walk per day with small backpack having enough breaks in between. Thus preparing for this trek with adequate exercise and fitness 1-2 months prior the trek date, are seen crucial. These could include, daily walking, go for a hike, a long walk once in a week, doing yoga related breathing etc.
Manaslu circuit trek almost covers 160 minimum walkable distance thus one must be physically fit, mentally prepared and good stamina. These capacities makes this trek easy, and achievable within time frame.

Food and Accommodation of Manaslu circuit Trek 

Food and accommodation are the priorities for every travelers during their trek. As, Manaslu circuit trek almost lies in the rural part of the country and the 5star hotels or the best food and lodging cannot be achieved. However there are presence of excellent lodge houses and hotels. An overall 15 nights are stayed in the trek and 2-3 days are added to the stay in Kathmandu. The hotels are mostly twin sharing and the single bedroom can be managed upon your request.

Food is essential during the trek. Burning of food is the essence for energy to achieve this 5000s meter trek. There’s a saying in Nepalese “Dal Bhat power, 24 hour” meaning the dal bhat gives you the power to withstand for almost a day. The national cuisine is dal bhat however Sherpa’s cuisine or the foods such as momo noodle soups and other local dishes curries, lentils and vegetable can be prepared upon your wish and request.

Breads, eggs, pizza, momo, ramen noodles, desserts such as ice-cream, porridge, and steaks are commonly found and included in the menu. No traveller must worry about their foods as we prepare a detailed list of your taste and include it to the hotel and place of your stay during the trek.
We hand select the best hotels during the trek where we provide standard meals of the day as breakfast, lunch and dinner. We highly encourage you to drink green tea, hot or warm water, coffee and want you to be fully hydrated in course of trek.
We strongly encourage you to avoid the hard drinks and highly caffeinated drinks and dairy products as they may cause difficulties in higher elevation to your physiology and health.

Best Time to Visit Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Travelling to the altitude above 5000s is the hardest and the proper sense of the climate is a must. However the meteorological condition cannot be accurately forecasted by the weather reports. It is important to know about the proper knowledge in the season where the climate fluctuation is less and gives the immense opportunities in enjoying picturesque views with the scenic mountainous trek to the highest altitude mountain of the world.
Tourist, professional climbers or locals travel the Manaslu  circuit trek throughout whole year. However there can be ups and downs during the path. Thus, the proper time for travelling can be in spring or autumn. The vivid and alluring blue skies and fresh verdant lushly green paths make this trek memorable.

In the spring i.e. between February and June has the best achieved climate. The temperature lies between the ranges of 20 degrees to 5 degrees in the night. The skies or clear, no hue or cloud are seen, the path are green and lushly, the adequate snow on mountains and the drizzling crystal clear water on stream alongside the pine and rhododendron forest.

Similarly, the best season is between Septembers to early November. This is also the best time as lots of traveller are seen in the trek and a rapid peak or influx in tourism is seen. No fluctuation in weather with the adequate temperature make this season excellent. The Nepalese major festivals; Dashain and Tihar also lies in this season. The skies are clear and the season is excellent for the trekking.

Though not highly preferred, rainy season from early June to late august can be the time to achieve trekking. This season has the most changeable climate i.e. from clear to rainy weather. However, the time isn’t harshest as no snow falls in this season and one can enjoy the monsoon alongside the rocky mountain terrain.

The period between late Novembers to early February is not preferred as it is the winter season and have the harshest cold. The most casualties heard occur during this season. The continuous down pouring of icefall and the temperatures to the minus degree Celsius in minutes makes this trek almost impossible. Thus choosing the best time is must while pursuing this luxury trek in Nepal.

Acclimatization for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Acclimatization is the process of adjusting the physiological condition of body with the environment. The body needs to acclimatize while changing the high elevated altitude during its rapid changes and is crucial. The period of acclimatization must be selected according to physiology and the strength.

In Manaslu Circuit trekking, acclimatization are normally preferred in Sama Gaun (3520m), Dharmasala (4420m) and Bhimtang (3750m) region. This acclimatization increases the oxygen saturation in the body and maintain your health to the fittest. The latter is for the enjoying the serenity of the trek and enjoying the peaceful Himalayan ranges.

As elevation above 5000 is regarded dangerous and altitude sickness can occur luxury trekking provide you with emergency relief procedure with standby Heli services during the travel. The oximeter and oxygen cylinders are kept to the guides or porters for your safety as requested.
The detailed itinerary are prepared with the advice and guidance of guides, locals and porters where the suitable acclimatizing days and the walking distance are chosen.

Altitude Variation and Travel Days and Time 

The altitude generally varies from 1400m i.e. in Kathmandu to 5160m i.e. Larke La pass where Manaslu base camp lies at an altitude of 4700m. The altitude gradually rises to 5160m and the later days it gradually decreases. Manaslu Circuit Trek  is usually covered in 14-18 days of foot travel including acclimatizing days. The walking time is usually preferred as 6-8 hours a day. This makes the trek a moderate to difficult trek style and can be achieved with little strenuous effort.

Communication Media and Strategies on Manaslu Circuit Trek 

In the lower part of the trek, communication can be maintained via SIM phones or via the internet media. After the elevated altitude the signals tend to lower and the lodge house or guesthouse gives the accessibility of Wi-Fi or internet accessibility. Sat phones are also available. During the travel, we as a responsible party always maintain the contact to our client at least once a day via various media and full detailed media are briefed for the proper communication channeling to prevent any mishap during the trekking.

Travel Insurance for Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Trekking to the places like Manaslu circuit trek has many possibility of failure and mishap. As in such elevated altitudes anything may go wrong and may cost everything on line. Thus travel insurance must be prepared before going for trekking. This insurance must cover the essential medical check-up, heli rescue during any medical conditions or any calamities during treks.

The insurance policy is not sold by Graceful adventure and the trekkers must prepare their insurance certificate by the certified insurance company. The certificate must be presented to Graceful and the submission of document results in proper coordination to the rescue mission or any possible mishaps where full flex medicals equipment may be required.

Travel insurance is compulsory for treks like Manaslu circuit trek. There can’t be proper prediction of what the future may bring and the method of minimization or prevention is applied for such cases.

Visas and Permits to Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Visas on arrival are almost available to all foreigners where Indian do not need any visa processing. For the visa knowledge and in formation one can visit the site of immigration of Nepal’s website. Some certain countries are restricted from visa on arrival thus they must contact to their local embassy prior to departure such as Nigeria, Libya, Ghana, Swaziland, Cameroon, Iraq, Palestine e.tc.

The visa fee include $50 USD for 1 month. Similarly $125 USD for 3 month. This fee must be paid by the trekkers themselves.
Similarly 2 entry fees for the national park must be made i.e.

1. Annapurna conservation area entry fee
2. Manaslu conservation area entry fee and
3. Manaslu area Special Trekking Permit.

The fee for 1ST and 2ND is to be paid to national tourism board accounting for NRS 3000 beyond SAARC nationals and NRS 1500 for SAARC nationals.

Similarly for 3RD fee it is NRS 2000 for all foreigners and must paid in the Lukla area.

These entry fees are all paid by our guides and porters and you do not need to worry about the queuing the offices.
Apart from these no any processing fees are required to achieve Manaslu circuit trekking fees.

Payment & Exchange Rate 

The fees for the travel are to be made in cash or via mobile banking services. The fees must be paid in Nepalese Rupees and 70% of the booking must be paid via mobile or internet banking. After you arrive in Kathmandu or start your trek, you must pay the remaining sum in cash or mobile banking for the starting of travel.

The exchange rates are usually found in the exchange site of Nepal. The cash are used in Nepalese Rupees and there are only ATMs present in the Kathmandu and Namche bazar areas. Thus, trekkers must arrange the suitable cash mechanism for the hand cash during travel.

Electricity and Internet on Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Electricity and internet are generally accessible on the small fee payment to the hotel and lodges. Electricity is generally preferred via solar batteries and power so payment is done for the cell phone charging and essential gadgets charging.
Talking about the internet facilities, they are now accessible in the various guest houses and lodges of Bhimtang, Dharmasala and Sama Gaun.

Transportation facilities for Manaslu circuit Trek 

Transportation facilities are usually preferred via private vehicles where clients are transported and picked up from the ending point i.e. to Seti khola and at last from Besisahar.
However, according to the wishes of the client they can build the customizable package and can freely travel via local buses and end via the local buses. As there are no roads or any help can be performed, in cause of casualty, fatality or calamities the heli facilities are to be made stand by for the unforeseeable circumstances.