Manaslu Circuit Trek- 13 Days Itinerary and Cost

Generally, people get up pretty early in the mountain villages to begin a day full of breathtaking adventure. Breakfast is provided at your lodge or teahouse, usually consisting of porridge, eggs, and Tibetan bread with butter tea, which prepares you for the day.

After breakfast, pack essential things in your daypack like water, snacks, a camera, and a light jacket if the weather changes.

The trek usually starts at 7:30 AM. The initial hours will often be spent on meandering trails through a lush forest, across suspension bridges, and past terraced fields. The pace is moderate, with frequent breaks to rehydrate, regain your breath, and take in the surroundings.

It is uphill, with quite a few steep sections; however, most days require minimal technical skill. Along the way, you'll encounter local people, including farmers, traders, and fellow trekkers.

You will stop around noon to have lunch at a village or teahouse, where you can refuel with local fare such as dal bhat, momo, or noodle soups. Many times, lunchtime views are spectacular, and you can rest while soaking in the beauty of the mountains.

After lunch, you'll trek again for another 3 to 4 hours, depending on the day's itinerary. The afternoon treks are generally slow, and the trail starts going upwards, making the paths more rocky or challenging.

You'll pass through traditional villages with fluttering coloured prayer flags in the wind and Buddhist stupas dotting the landscape. The farther you go, the more Tibetan influence you will notice, especially in the architecture and culture of the locals.

By late afternoon, you will reach your destination for the day, where you check into a lodge or teahouse. These accommodations may vary from simple, cozy rooms to more comfortable options, but they provide a warm environment to relax after a long day of trekking.

These days are mostly spent relaxing, talking with the other trekkers, having dinner at night, and preparing for the next day of the trek.

Acclimatization is important on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, especially when reaching high altitudes. Some of your days will include an acclimatization hike to help your body adjust to such varying elevations so that you can keep on trekking upward, both safely and comfortably.

These acclimatization days often involve short hikes up around the nearby viewpoints or villages, offering fantastic opportunities with tremendous views of the surrounding peaks.

Autumn is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek between September and November. The weather is generally clear, the temperatures are comfortable, and the views of the mountains are at their finest.

Spring, ranging from March to May, is another excellent alternative. It is appealing because of the flowering plants and lively hues of nature.

Autumn-Monsson (September to November):

Autumn is supposed to be the best season for Manaslu trekking. Skies are clear, crisp air, and you see snow-capped peaks at their best. Moderate temperatures make this season favourable.

Spring (March to May):

The second-best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit is when the colourful trails of rhododendrons and other wildflowers bloom. The weather is pleasant, and the mountain views are spectacular.

Winter (December to February):

It is still possible to trek during this time, but it can get extremely cold, especially at higher altitudes. Snowfall may block the Larkya La Pass, making the trek challenging.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August):

The summer/ Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, making the trails muddy and slippery. The chances of landslides and limited mountain views make it less ideal. However, the lower regions are lush and beautiful during the monsoon.

Autumn (September to November):

The weather is stable, with daytime temperatures between 10°C and 20°C in lower regions. Nights and higher altitudes can drop to around -5°C.

Spring (March to May):

Daytime temperatures are warm, ranging from 10°C to 18°C, with cooler nights. At higher altitudes, temperatures can drop to -3°C to -6°C.

Winter (December to February):

The temperatures drop significantly. In lower areas, daytime temperatures remain around 6°C to 10°C, while at higher altitudes, it can fall to -10°C to -15°C at night.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August):

The temperatures are warmer, ranging from 18°C to 25°C. However, the heavy rain makes the trails slippery. There is high humidity and frequent leeches in the lower regions.

To trek in the Manaslu region, you require three permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, also known as MRAP; the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, known as MCAP; and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, known as ACAP. You will need the MRAP because the Manaslu region falls into the restricted area category.

The price for the MRAP varies depending on the season: from September to November, it is USD 100 per person for the first 7 days and USD 15 for each additional day, while from December to August, it is USD 75 per person for the first 7 days and USD 10 for each additional day.

In addition to this fee, MCAP and ACAP cost NPR 3,000 (about USD 25) per person. These permits help preserve the region's natural beauty and manage the flow of trekkers.

You cannot trek the Manaslu Circuit independently. You must hire a licensed guide and join a group with at least two trekkers. The permits are issued through registered trekking agencies in Nepal.

For the permits, you require a valid passport, four passport-sized photographs, and details of your trekking itinerary. Your trekking agency normally handles the application process on your behalf. These permits are checked at several checkpoints along the trail, so it is important to keep them accessible.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderately to highly challenging trek due to its remote location, long walking hours, and high altitudes. Trekkers must walk 6 to 8 hours daily on rugged trails with steep ascents, descents, and uneven terrain.

It reaches a peak at the Larkya La Pass, which is 5,106 meters high. The trekking becomes physically exhausting since the air is thin, and altitude sickness could be a factor. Acclimatization is necessary to avoid health issues and ensure a safe trek.

The trek requires good physique and stamina, as some days involve long stretches without access to modern facilities. Even the weather conditions vary: it is colder at high altitudes, and snow is likely, especially in late autumn or winter.

Because of its remoteness, Manaslu has limited infrastructure, including very basic accommodations and meals. Thus, it is more challenging than, for instance, the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp.

Accommodations around the Manaslu Circuit Trek contain teahouses and lodges majorly, especially on the trail. Facilities here are not very fancy compared to other luxury treks but decent enough for a tired traveller after having had a really long, tiring walk the whole day. Here, you go with the detailed kinds of accommodations that you can come across in this trek:

Teahouses:

The most common accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is teahouses. Teahouses are small, family-run lodges that offer basic rooms with twin beds, blankets, and pillows. The walls may be thin, so carrying a sleeping bag for added warmth is highly recommended, especially at higher altitudes.

The rooms are basic but clean, and the toilets are shared. The lower regions have some teahouses offering hot showers (at extra cost) and charging facilities for your electronics.

Lodges:

At the more popular stops, such as Sama Gaon and Samdo, you might find better accommodations than your standard teahouse, although still basic: a bigger room, a thicker mattress, and amenities such as a private toilet are available on rare occasions.

However, keep your hopes up for high-class accommodations or luxury service, considering the remoteness of the area and the lack of supplies. Dining Areas:

Most dining rooms contain a fireplace that burns either wood or sometimes yak dung and warms the room. The fireplace also acts as a social point where one can share experiences with fellow trekkers over dinner and food after a hectic day.

Camping (Optional):

Though less frequent these days, some trekkers prefer camping for a more adventurous experience. Trekking agencies can arrange tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and a crew to set up the campsite. Camping may be necessary in unexpected situations, such as overcrowding in teahouses during peak seasons or if trekkers prefer exploring off-the-main trails.

Facilities at Higher Altitudes:

As one goes higher, especially around Larkya La Pass, accommodation is more basic. The teahouses here may have less supply, and heating facilities may be minimal. Rooms are very simple, with thinner bedding, so the trekkers rely on their sleeping bags for warmth. Access to hot water or electricity also becomes scarce at higher altitudes.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost can vary depending on the services you choose, but on average, it ranges between USD 900 to USD 1,500 per person for a standard 13-day trek. The cost includes permits, guide and porter fees, food, and accommodation.

Special permits like the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) are mandatory, adding to the total cost.

Accommodation along the Manaslu Trekking route is typically in teahouses, which offer basic rooms and meals. Meals usually include Nepali, Tibetan, and simple Western dishes, and costs increase as you trek to higher altitudes.

Hiring a licensed guide and a porter to carry luggage is highly recommended, as their fees are part of the overall expenses. Transportation to and from the trek, often involving a jeep or bus to the starting point at Soti Khola and back from Besisahar, is also included in most packages.

Additional expenses, such as travel insurance, personal gear, snacks, tips for guides and porters, and extra charges for charging devices or Wi-Fi, should also be considered.

While the cost of the trek may seem significant, the experience of exploring the remote and beautiful Manaslu region makes it well worth the investment.

Here's a list of essential items to pack for the trek:

Clothing

• Trekking boots (comfortable and waterproof)
• Lightweight trekking pants (2-3 pairs)
• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
• Fleece jacket or sweater
• Down jacket (for cold nights)
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• T-shirts (quick-dry material)
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sun hat or cap
• Trekking socks (multiple pairs)

Gear

• Backpack (30-40L for daily use)
• Duffel bag (if porters are used)
• Sleeping bag (rated for -10°C to -15°C)
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Water bottles (1-2 litres)
• Sunglasses (UV protection)

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo
• Quick-dry towel
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper

Health and First Aid

• Altitude sickness medication (Diamox)
• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicines
• Personal first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic cream, blister care)
• Water purification tablets or filters

Miscellaneous

• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolates)
• Camera and charger
• Extra batteries or power bank
• Notebook and pen
• Copies of permits and identification documents
• Lightweight book or entertainment for the evenings

Food on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is basic and heavy and aims to keep trekkers going. Teahouses and lodges line the trail, offering nourishing meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Food choices for each meal breakdown as follows:

Breakfast

Breakfast is served early in the morning to prepare the trekkers for a whole day of walking. The most common options include pancakes with honey or jam, Tibetan bread or chapati served with eggs (boiled, scrambled, or fried), and porridge made from oats, served with sugar, honey, or milk.

Muesli or cornflakes with hot milk are also available in some places. Trekkers may also have tea or instant coffee with biscuits for a quick energy boost. Breakfast is simple, but it helps provide you with enough energy to get started.

Lunch

Lunch is usually available in teahouses along the route during a mid-day break. The most popular option is dal bhat, a wholesome meal consisting of rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and pickles, often with unlimited refills.

Trekkers can also be provided with fried noodles or pasta with vegetables, eggs, meat, and potato-related dishes like boiled, fried, and mashed potatoes. Traditional Tibetan meals like thukpa—a soup with noodles—and mo: mo, a kind of Tibetan dumpling, are available everywhere. These are the real energy providers for the day's trekking.

Dinner

Dinner is a hearty meal served at teahouses after a long day of trekking. Main dishes include dal bhat, noodles, pasta with vegetables or eggs, and soups to warm the body up, such as garlic soup and vegetable soup, to help prevent altitude sickness.

Trekkers are also given potato-based preparations or traditional thukpa to satisfy them with a hot, filling meal. Simple desserts of apple pie and snacks such as popcorn or biscuits are sometimes available for a sweet end. Dinners are the same as lunches but are served in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Beverages

It is very important to take liquids during the trek, so water, black tea, ginger tea, green tea, and mint tea will keep you refreshed, keep your body warm, and give you energy.

Hot lemon with honey is a very popular way to hydrate, while boiled water is also available at minimal cost for drinking purposes. In addition, most teahouses serve instant coffee and herbal teas.

Trekkers are encouraged to carry reusable bottles and water purification tablets to ensure clean drinking water.

Depending on the group size and preference, a different route can be used to start and end the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Arrangements can be made through local buses, jeeps, or private vehicles.

The Manaslu trek starts from Soti Khola, a small town in the Gorkha district. The journey normally starts from Kathmandu, which takes about 7 to 9 hours by road. After completing the trek, the trail ends at Dharapani, a village that connects with the road network leading back to Kathmandu.

From Kathmandu to Soti Khola:

You can take a local bus or hire a private jeep. Local buses are economical but take longer and may be crowded. The journey takes about 9 hours, with rough, bumpy roads, especially in the final stretch. For a more comfortable ride, a private jeep can be rented. Though slightly expensive, it is faster and offers flexibility with stops.

From Dharapani to Kathmandu:

Normally, from Dharapani, where the trek finishes, trekkers take a shared or private jeep to reach Besisahar, the major town on the way. From Besisahar onwards, you have either a local bus or an arranged private jeep to get you back to Kathmandu, which takes about 8 to 10 hours in total.

Hiring a licensed guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is mandatory because the region is restricted in Nepal. The guide ensures your safety, manages logistics, and helps you navigate the remote trails and local villages.

They assist with communication, as English is not widely spoken in many villages. Trekking with a guide provides a well-organized experience, helping you deal with challenges such as altitude sickness, food, and accommodation arrangements.

For those considering the Manaslu Circuit Trek without a guide, it's important to note that trekking solo is not allowed due to strict government regulations. A guide is required to obtain the necessary permits for safety reasons, as the trails are remote and have limited infrastructure.

While it might seem cost-effective to trek independently, having a guide enhances your experience and ensures a smoother, safer journey.