The Manaslu Circuit trek is an incredible adventure in Nepal. It is a restricted area trek that explores the rich flora and fauna of Manaslu Conservation Area and takes you to the base camp of Mount Manaslu.
Mount Manaslu is the eighth-tallest mountain on Earth and is known as the killer mountain. Trekking to its base camp is challenging but also adventurous and very scenic.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is for experienced trekkers with good fitness. It is not an easy trek and demands serious commitment. The trek commences at Machha Khola and ends in Dharapani.
Between Machha Khola and Dharapani, you will trek through many picturesque Gurung and Ghale villages, rhododendron and pine forests, landslide and rockfall areas, alpine meadows, and cross Larkya La Pass.
You will trek with an experienced guide who knows the Manaslu Circuit trek route in depth. So, there is nothing to worry about. We book the best teahouses for our guests and make additional arrangements as per your requests.
Highlights
- Embark on one of the most adventurous and daring treks in Nepal
- Get a profound insight into the daily lives of Nepalese communities, such as Ghale and Gurung
- A culturally enriching and adventurous trek in Nepal
- Enjoy beautiful landscapes, a peaceful environment, and fresh air
- Spend nights in picturesque villages and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals
- Witness breathtaking mountain panoramas from day one and varying landscapes
- Trek through lush valleys, deep gorges, alpine meadows, and glacier moraines
- Discover a variety of vegetation and experience different ecosystems along the trail
- Walk following the Budi Gandaki River, crossing it several times via suspension bridges on the way
- Go on side hikes to places like Pungyen Gompa and Manaslu Base Camp
- Cross the challenging Larkya La Pass
- A perfect itinerary for adventurers looking for an advanced trek in the Himalayas
What is it like doing the Manaslu Circuit trek 15 days?
The Manaslu Circuit trek is not like the popular Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit treks. It is one of the extremely isolated and less explored trekking routes in the Himalayas.
During the first few days of walking, you will pass through lowlands with rice and millet terraces. The trail gradually ascends above the Budhi Gandaki gorge and takes you to the alpine zone.
You will see stunning waterfalls while trekking and cross several hanging suspension bridges. Every day, the elevation will rise around 500 meters, and the landscape will change.
Mountain vistas along the trail are breathtaking. You will see Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himlung Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru, etc. Likewise, the upper parts of the trail also offer views of glaciers.
The Manaslu Circuit terrain is offbeat. There will be many ascents and descents throughout the trek. Ascending Larkya La Pass is the most challenging. You will traverse glacier moraines and unclear, narrow tracks.
At the same time, Larkya La Pass is also the climax of the Manaslu Circuit trek 15 days. The mountain panorama from here is unbelievable. After Larkya La, you will descend to Bimthang and trek to Dharapani.
As you descend from Bimthang to Dharapani, you will enter the Annapurna region. Dharapani is one of the first villages you will explore during the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Some trekkers also choose to combine the Manaslu Circuit trek with the Annapurna Circuit trek for an ultimate trekking adventure.
The Nubri community of the Upper Mannaslu Circuit
The Nubri community is an indigenous Nepali group. Like Sherpas, they are natives of the Manalsu region. The Nubri Valley begins after Ghap village (on the way from Jagat to Namrung).
The local language is also known as Nubri. As per the records, it is one of the unheard, undocumented, and undiscovered languages in the world, and research is still going on.
The hidden Tsum Valley
Tsum Valley is situated northeast of Manaslu Circuit. The trail diverts from Lokpa village (on the way from Jagat to Deng). Tsum Valley is known as a hidden valley. It is more isolated, untouched, and less explored by tourists than the Manaslu Circuit.
You will hike to Mu Gompa and can also explore the Ganesh Himal Base Camp while trekking in Tsum Valley. Many trekkers prefer to do the Manaslu Circuit trek with Tsum Valley.
Is the Manaslu Circuit trek suitable for you?
The Manaslu Circuit trek is an extremely adventurous trek in Nepal. It is also a challenging trek and demands previous trekking experience. To do the Manaslu Circuit trek, you have to be in good shape.
So, anyone planning to do this trek must consider their fitness. The Manaslu Circuit trek is satisfying in all ways. You will enjoy the typical mountain lifestyle and the warm hospitality of the Nepali people.
The mountainous terrain will test your limits but also reward you with incredible views. The journey is not easy in terms of terrain, walking duration, high altitude, and limited facilities, but the wilderness, peace, and nature will fuel your determination.
Likewise, you have to be fine with getting uncomfortable on the Manaslu Circuit trek 15 days. If you have done the Everest Base Camp trek or know about this trek, you must have an idea of how well the trekking infrastructure is on this trek route.
Well, that's not the case with the Manaslu Circuit. You will have access to comfortable rooms, but the services are not even half close to what is available on the EBC route. Therefore, your determination, mindset, fitness, and endurance matter a lot when it comes to the Manaslu Circuit trek.
Do you think you can complete the Manaslu Circuit trek despite its challenges and demands? If yes, then we are here to help you streamline the trip.
Charging, hot shower, internet, and toilet during the Manaslu Circuit trek
Charging, hot showers, and WiFi cost extra money in the tea houses. These services may cost you Nrs 100 to Nrs 700. A hot shower usually costs between Nrs 500 and Nrs 700.
These are your personal expenses. Therefore, not covered by our Manaslu Circuit trek package. Make sure to budget a daily allowance for the trek.
- Charging: Charging areas are separately made in the tea houses. All trekkers charge their devices there. Carry backup like a solar power bank and spare batteries.
- WiFi: WiFi is available in many villages, but the network is not good. Alternatively, you can carry a Nepali SIM (NTC) to use data on the trail. Note that the mobile network is also patchy and not available in many sections of the trail.
- Hot shower: You can get a hot shower service in many villages. Due to the cold climate at higher altitudes, taking a shower is challenging even if the water is hot. So, we recommend alternating the shower days and using wet wipes to keep themselves fresh.
- Toilets: Some tea houses have Western-style toilets, but you also have to use squat toilets in a handful of places. In between the trails, you can use the washroom during lunch. The most useful advice is to carry toilet paper, soap, and sanitizer with you. Also, carry them in your daypack just in case you have to use them while hiking.
How do you prepare for the Manaslu Circuit trek?
Preparation for any trek highly depends on the trek's difficulty and your current fitness. In the case of the Manaslu Circuit trek, you have to be physically strong. Along with that, this trek also requires previous trek experience.
- Core strength: Weight training will help you strengthen your core. Train your back, legs, and shoulders. It will help you a lot during the trek.
- Long walking duration: Around 6 hours of daily walking is required during the Manaslu Circuit trek. So, if you are not used to long walks, start walking and increase the duration slowly.
- Stamina: Imagine constantly walking uphill and downhill with poor stamina. You will not enjoy the trek, and the journey will become very challenging. Therefore, build your stamina. For that, cardiovascular exercises such as swimming, running, and cycling are recommended.
- Mindset: You will not get the comfort of a city or town during trekking. You have to adjust to simple accommodations and limited facilities. Train your mind for that. By understanding the limitations of remote location, you will be less disappointed and enjoy the journey to the fullest.
- Previous trek experience: Before joining the Manaslu Circuit trek, we recommend doing a few day hikes and moderate treks. It will make you mountain smart, and coping with the challenges during the Manaslu trek will become somewhat manageable.
Trekking in a group or solo?
Trekking in a group of at least two trekkers is a must for the Manaslu Circuit trek because it is a restricted area for foreigners in Nepal. Solo trekkers can join our fixed departure groups. Our groups are small (2 to 8 trekkers).
Similarly, if you are a group of 2 or more trekkers, you can do a private Manaslu Circuit trek or join our fixed departures. Note that fixed departures include other trekkers as well.
Why book the Manaslu trek with Adventure Magic Treks
- We have been offering Manaslu Circuit trek service for more than 16 years. We are experts on this trek and have ample resources to provide the best trek experience.
- Our fixed departure groups are small. We provide attention to all of our trekkers. You can travel confidently with us.
- If our proposed Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary does not fit your requirements, you can customize it. Moreover, you can also pick your departure date and make other changes.
- Our guides and porters are well-trained to offer the best service. Likewise, our management team assists you 24/7 with your queries and requirements. You can travel safely and hassle-freely with us.
- We provide private airport transfers as per our itinerary.
- You will get a duffel bag to use during the trek.
- Our website allows you to easily book the Manaslu Circuit trek and pay the booking deposit.
- We have the best Manaslu Circuit cost and price transparency.