Do off-beaten paths and silent terrains excite you? If it does, you need to check out the Manaslu Circuit Trek! The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a wonder; it’s adventurous and will delight you!
The Manaslu Region is a region filled with wonders. Firstly, the most interesting feature is the Manaslu Conservation Area. The area is home to several endangered animals, along with a vast majority of flora. Undoubtedly, this region is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those who love exploring the wild.
Additionally, the trekking route unfolds the amazing landscapes that cover most of the region. Throughout the way, you’ll be mesmerized by lush forests, alpine meadows, lakes, and high mountain passes. The notable natural features are the Budhi Gandaki River, Larkya La Pass and the views of the stunning peaks of Mt Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, and also Annapurna II. The trek also takes you to the base camp of Mt Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Explore the beautiful valley of Kathmandu and visit the UNESCO world heritage sites- Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- The trek takes you through various landscapes, from lush green forests to rugged mountain terrain, with glaciers, rivers, and waterfalls.
- Walk through suspension bridges to cross the Budhi Gandaki River.
- Admire the wilderness of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Step in the area, home to 2,000 species of plants, 201 types of birds, and 11 types of butterflies. Also, you can look at musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan serow, golden eagle, snow partridge, and many others.
- The trek offers breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, and other surrounding peaks such as Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna II.
- Pass through many small traditional villages inhabited by people from different ethnic groups, such as the Gurungs, Tibetans, and Tamangs. You can experience their unique cultures, lifestyles, and traditions.
- Remote and off-the-beaten-path: Unlike other popular treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is relatively less crowded and offers a more authentic and adventurous experience.
Route Overview
Let’s look at the route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The trip begins upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. He’ll hold a Nepal Hiking Team display board and escort you to the hotel.
Then, we’ll take you on a sightseeing trip the other day. You’ll be taken to Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa. After that, we start the journey with a drive from Kathmandu to Jagat.
The trek then starts from Maccha Khola to Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho Gaun, and then Samagaon. Throughout the trail, you’ll get to see small mani walls and chortens, which are engraved with Buddhist prayers and decorated with prayer flags.
Then, there is an acclimatization day at Samagaun. At Samagaun, we’ll take a short hike to Manaslu Base Camp, which is situated at 4750m. After acclimatizing, we’ll continue making our way to Samdo. Then, we halt at Samdo and then head to Dharmasala. Crossing Larkya La Pass, we’ll now reach Bhimtang and stay there for the night.
After resting for the night, we’ll make our way towards Goa, and then trek to Tilike. From Tilije, we’ll take a drive to Kathmandu marking the end of the trek.
When is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Before booking the trek, let’s discuss the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The most favorable time for the trek is on any dates in March-May and September- November. The hikers will enjoy the trek to the fullest in these mentioned months. But why? Because these months lie in Spring and Autumn, considered the best seasons for trekking.
The monsoon and winter seasons are not advised for trekking in the Manaslu region. The weather conditions will not be favorable with heavy rainfall and snowfall. This leads to high chances or risks of injuries.
Hence, we advise you to choose only the best time for the trek.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficult?
Yes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is graded as a challenging trek. The walking distance, terrains, and altitude level all contribute to the difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
On average, you’ll walk for approximately 6-7 hours daily through roughed terrains mixed with steep uphill and downhill. These paths are rocky and rugged and can be difficult to cross.
The second factor is the altitude level. The maximum altitude level is 5,106m. There is a greater risk of altitude sickness at this level. For this reason, we have prepared the itinerary with enough acclimatization days to help your body acclimatize to the altitude.
Here is how you can train yourself-
- Join the gym for strength training.
- Includes HIIT training.
- Involve cardio in your daily routine like walking, running, and jogging.
Moreover, our trekking guides are highly trained and well-experienced to make sure your trek goes smoothly.
Alternate Treks
Do you want to look for more alternative treks in the Manaslu region? If you do, we have some recommendations for you
Firstly, we have the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which consists of a 14-day trek. It follows the same route as the 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek package with only one exception. The 14-day package does not include a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. Besides that, these packages follow the same route.
Secondly, if you are looking for a package with longer trekking days, then you can check out the Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek, which lasts for 20 days. Likewise, this package also stands out as there is more touch to the Buddhist culture and also trek to Tsum Valley in the route which you’ll traverse on this journey.
Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is an unforgettable adventure that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. If you are interested in this trek, do send us an inquiry and book the trip now!