Kathmandu: Manaslu Circuit Trek 17 Nights 18 Days

The Kathmandu: Manaslu Circuit Trek is a captivating 18-day adventure that takes trekkers on a journey around the stunning Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak. Priced affordably from $1,161.88, this trek offers a unique opportunity to take in the remote Tibetan villages and breathtaking landscapes of Nepal. With comfortable teahouse accommodations and hearty Nepali meals, travelers can truly experience the local culture while navigating the challenging terrain and high altitudes. But what makes this trek truly special is the chance to witness the sheer grandeur of the Himalayas up close. Those seeking an unforgettable mountain experience won’t want to miss this opportunity.

Key Points

• The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an 18-day journey around Mount Manaslu (8,163m), starting and ending in Kathmandu.
• The trek features highlights like crossing the Larke Pass (5,106m) and descending into the Marshyangdi river valley, with opportunities to encounter traditional Tibetan villages and Buddhist monasteries.
• The trek is moderately challenging, requiring good physical fitness and acclimatization, especially for the high-altitude sections and long hiking days.
• The best time to undertake the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons, when the weather is clear and stable.
• The trek can be reached from Kathmandu via a 9-10 hour scenic drive to the starting point at Machha Khola, or by flying to Pokhara and then driving to the trailhead.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trek Overview and Highlights

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an 18-day journey that takes adventurers around the world’s eighth highest mountain, Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters).

The trek costs from $1,161.88 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Trekkers will cross the challenging Larke Pass (5,106 meters) and descend into the Marshyangdi river valley, encountering traditional Tibetan villages, Buddhist monasteries, lush forests, and alpine meadows.

It’s a remote alternative to popular treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions, offering a hidden gem in the Himalayas.

The trek can be canceled for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible and accessible option for outdoor enthusiasts.

Itinerary

The 18-day Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with a drive to Machha Khola (869m), covering a distance of 160 km that takes 9-10 hours.

From there, the trek continues through villages like Jagat (1340m) and Lokpa (2240m) before reaching Chumling (2386m) and Chhokangparo (3031m).

Trekkers then ascend to Nile (3361m) and hike to Mu Gompa (3700m) for acclimatization.

The route then descends to Chumling (2470m) and Deng (1860m) before climbing to higher altitudes like Namrung (2630m), Shyala (3500m), and Sama Gaon (3520m).

The highlight is crossing the challenging Larke Pass (5,106m) before descending to Dharapani (1960m) and driving back to Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Inclusions and Services

The Manaslu Circuit Trek package includes several key services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for trekkers. Accommodation, meals, transportation, and guides are all provided, allowing you to focus on the trek itself. Plus, airport pickup and drop-off, permits, and porter services are included, so you don’t have to worry about the logistics. The package also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

Inclusions	Services
Accommodations	Airport Pickup/Drop-off
Meals	Permits
Transportation	Porter Services
Licensed Guides	Free Cancellation

Accommodations and Meals

Throughout the Manaslu Circuit Trek, trekkers will enjoy a variety of accommodation options and hearty meals to fuel their journey.

Teahouses, also known as lodges, provide basic yet comfortable lodging along the trekking route. These family-run establishments offer shared dormitory-style rooms and shared bathroom facilities. Meals are typically Nepali-style, featuring local staples like dal (lentil stew), bhat (rice), and various vegetable and meat dishes. Some teahouses may even have simple Western options available.

Camping is another accommodation option, allowing trekkers to experience the stunning mountain landscapes in a more immersive way. Nutritious and filling meals are prepared by the trekking staff to keep adventurers energized throughout the trek.

[BULLET LIST]:

• Comfortable teahouse lodging with shared facilities
• Authentic Nepali cuisine to fuel the trek
• Option to camp for a more immersive mountain experience

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Trek Difficulty and Fitness

The Manaslu Circuit Trek presents a moderately challenging trekking experience, requiring a good level of physical fitness and endurance.

The trek involves traversing high-altitude passes, including the challenging Larke La at 5,106 meters, and covers a significant distance of around 150 kilometers.

Trekkers should be prepared for long days of hiking, with some days involving 8-10 hours of walking. The terrain can be strenuous, with steep ascents and descents.

Altitude sickness is also a concern, and proper acclimatization is essential.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is suitable for experienced trekkers who’ve a good level of cardiovascular fitness and are comfortable with high-altitude environments.

Proper training and preparation are recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Manaslu Circuit Trek is typically during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons.

These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions for trekking, with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and minimal precipitation.

• The spring season is known for its vibrant blooming rhododendrons, which paint the landscapes in a stunning array of colors.

• The autumn season provides crisp, clear views of the majestic Manaslu massif and the surrounding peaks, making it an ideal time for photography enthusiasts.

Both seasons offer relatively stable weather, with lower chances of snowfall, avalanches, and other potential hazards that can disrupt the trek.

Getting to the Trek

Getting to the Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts and ends in Kathmandu. Travelers can reach Kathmandu by plane from various international airports. Once in Kathmandu, they’ll need to take a private transfer or public transportation to the trek’s starting point at Machha Khola, about a 9-10 hour drive from the capital.

The drive is scenic, passing through rural landscapes and small towns. Alternatively, some trekkers opt to fly to Pokhara and then drive to the trailhead, which takes around 8-9 hours.

Regardless of the route, getting to the trek’s starting point is part of the adventure, allowing visitors to enjoy Nepal’s diverse culture before embarking on the challenging yet rewarding Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Important Notes

What’re some important notes to consider for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Firstly, the trek crosses the challenging Larke Pass at 5,106 meters, so proper acclimatization is crucial.

Plus, the trek offers a remote alternative to popular routes, but this means less infrastructure and amenities.

Finally, the weather can be unpredictable, and trekkers should be prepared for potential landslides, snowfall, and changes in the trail conditions.

• Proper acclimatization is essential due to the high-altitude crossing of Larke Pass.
• The remote nature of the trek means less infrastructure and amenities compared to popular routes.
• Unpredictable weather and potential trail changes require trekkers to be well-prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend or Shorten the Trek Duration?

Yes, the trek duration can be extended or shortened. Trekkers can customize the itinerary by adding or removing days, depending on their fitness level, acclimatization needs, and overall travel plans. The trek organizers are flexible in accommodating such requests.

Are There Any Optional Side Trips or Activities?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers several optional side trips and activities, such as hiking to Mu Gompa, a Buddhist monastery, or visiting Birendra Lake and Pungen Gompa. These add-ons provide opportunities to further explore the region’s cultural and natural wonders.

What Are the Payment and Booking Policies?

The trek offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Prices start from $1,161.88 per person, and bookings can be made online or through a travel agency.

Can I Customize the Trek to My Preferences?

Clients can customize the Manaslu Circuit Trek to their preferences, as the tour operator offers flexibility in adjusting the itinerary, activity levels, and accommodation options to suit individual needs and interests.

What Are the Recommended Packing Items?

The recommended packing items for the Manaslu Circuit Trek include warm layers, sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, water bottles, snacks, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, a headlamp, sunscreen, and personal hygiene items. Proper preparation is key for a successful and comfortable trek.

Recap

The Kathmandu: Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an exhilarating 18-day journey around the majestic Mount Manaslu. Trekkers can enjoy remote Tibetan villages, stunning landscapes, and the challenging Larke Pass, all while enjoying comfortable teahouse accommodations and traditional Nepali cuisine. This trek is suitable for physically fit adventurers seeking a unique cultural experience in the Nepalese Himalayas.

You can check if your dates are available here: