Trip Overview
If you’ve ever wanted to trek in the Himalayas while enjoying spellbinding, crowd-free views of the eighth highest mountain in the world, consider embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. As one of Nepal’s best-hidden gems, it passes through the wild landscapes of the Manaslu Valley and ascends from lush jungles to high-altitude mountain passes. The unique environment of the Manaslu region is the epitome of pristine natural beauty and biodiversity. The Manaslu Conservation Area is a protected reserve where keen birders can spot more than one hundred different species across multiple forests and alpine habitats. The conservation area is also home to large mammals like the musk deer, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and notoriously elusive snow leopard. When you add in the spectacular mountain panoramas around every corner, it’s easy to see why the Manaslu Trek is regarded as one of the best hikes in all of Nepal.
The long ridges and glaciated valleys of Manaslu dominate the skyline during this entire two-week itinerary. The Manaslu Trek passes through several villages inhabited by the region’s major ethnic groups: Nubri, Tsum, and Gurung. Soti Khola, Samdo, and Namrung are just a few of the settlements you’ll explore during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Traditionally, residents of these towns have practiced lifestyles based on agriculture and livestock; these days, they also cater to trekking tourism. These villages now make it possible for you to enjoy comfortable teahouse accommodation each night, which will come as a welcome relief at the end of a long day’s trek. Staying in local villages also gives you the chance to get an intimate look at cultural practices that have remained unchanged for centuries.
These authentic personal encounters are still possible can be mainly attributed to the relative obscurity of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. As you trek in the 8,000-meter shadow of Manaslu and round a turn in the path to discover yet another timeless pastoral scene, you may begin to feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. But you’ll need a helping hand to understand this fascinating region fully. By choosing Nepal Hiking Team as your trekking partner, you’ll secure the company of a guide who can help you to get the most out of your experience on the Manaslu Trek. Your guide can interpret local customs and traditions to help you connect with local people and their enduring way of life in these remote mountains.
Highlights of the Trek
- Enjoy the spectacular vistas of the Manaslu, a Himalayan giant from different trek points, and a high-altitude pass of Larkya La (5000 meters).
- The access looks out across the peaks of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.
- Explore the villages of Namrung and Samagaon, serving as excellent vantage points.
- Immerse into your spiritual self in the region’s most well-known monastery, Ribung Gompa. Located in the trailside village of Lho Gaun. You’ll discover a colorful collection of religious artwork
- One of the lesser explored trails lying on the Tibetan side explores Western Nepal’s beauty in Gorkha and the prevalent Tibetan culture, lifestyle, and way of living.
- Also popular as a teahouse trek closer to the capital, the course takes you into the off-the-beaten paths as you travel into scenic and cultural trails.
- A part of the Great Himalayan Trail in Nepal, the trek offers everything that presents you challenges, fun and rewards you in its way.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficult?
We consider the Manaslu Circuit Trek to be one of the more strenuous packages the Nepal Hiking Team offers. You’ll reach a maximum altitude of approximately 5,106 meters, where the air is much thinner than it is at sea level, and physical exertion becomes difficult. However, our carefully crafted itinerary has built-in all of the time you need to acclimatize to the high elevation of the Manaslu region.
Our professional guides will also ensure that you are trekking at an appropriate pace, resting frequently, and staying hydrated. Before starting this itinerary, you should be in reasonably good physical condition, but you don’t need to be a professional athlete. Regular cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, running, and swimming, will help prepare you for the steep slopes of the Manaslu Trek.
Best Time of Year for the Manaslu Trek
The trekking seasons in Nepal are primarily dictated by the persistent rains of the summer monsoon and the heavy snows of winter. While it’s possible to enjoy the Manaslu Circuit Trek during these parts of the year, most travelers prefer to visit during two of the more comfortable seasons. The first option is to trek during the spring, which runs from March to May. You’ll benefit from pleasant hiking weather and good views; Manaslu itself is especially impressive at this time of year, still cloaked in the snows of winter. Springtime also brings rhododendron blooms to the forested hillsides, transforming the entire trek into a photographer’s delight. A second option is to undertake the Manaslu Trek between September and November during autumn.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Right for Me?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek begins at the town of Soti Khola, is only accessible by road. This means that you won’t have to worry about costly internal flights, and you’ll get a unique glimpse of Nepal’s countryside during the drive from Kathmandu. Once you get started, you’ll quickly discover that this trek is also very much off the beaten path: the region was first opened to tourism as recently as 1991. While you’re sure to see at least a few other trekkers, there’s a real sense of exploring the Himalayas as they have existed since time immemorial.
We’ve carefully developed here at Nepal Hiking Team, your route on the Manaslu Trek is not a loop. This makes you feel new and exciting every day because you’re never obliged to retrace your steps. This is a truly grand adventure, following an old trading route through the remote Himalayas alongside the winding watercourse of the Budhi Gandaki River. If this sounds like your cup of tea, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!
