Is Manaslu circuit trek intended for anyone?

Manaslu circuit trek which which once served as a significant trading route between Nepal and Tibet is quite challenging. However, the gain in elevation is very gradual starting from 700 m/2296 ft to an altitude of 5106 m / 16,751 ft which eventually makes an easy on acclimatization strategy. Anyone with sound fitness can join the trek. Nevertheless, it is not appropriate for someone with very weak ankles, knee, heart, or lung problems - a necessary check-up and consent from your doctor is a must.

What permits do I require for Manaslu Circuit trek?

Manaslu being a restricted area you need to be affiliated with the Local company and local guide and the permits required are: Special permit for M.C.A.P (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) , A.C.A.P permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and T.I.M.S (Trekking Information Management System ). Prior to your arrival Nepal Pyramids arranges all the required permits.

Is there any possibility to customize Manaslu Circuit trek?

Yes with Nepal Pyramids everybody reserves the right to customize their trip as per their requirements. However, with the Manaslu Circuit trek we suggest to refer with Nepal Pyramids for the most convenient itinerary. This is because we don’t want to make it strenuous and next, we don’t want to give away with Larke pass owing to any health issues. We together can come up with a remarkable plan.

Is it possible to do Manaslu circuit trek during Winter?

We don't personally recommend Manaslu during winter. From mid-December till late February People from this region tend to escape the winter chill which results in the closure of tea houses along the way. Due to the heavy snowfall and the extreme chill factor people especially from the settlements before and after the pass would head down to the warmer region temporarily abandoning their tea houses. So trekking in winter would result in much longer distance walking, and the chances of the lunch place being closed is probable.

Any physical training required for Manaslu Circuit trek?

Manaslu Circuit is more than a moderate trek. With a tightly scheduled itinerary, it can transform into a strenuous trek as well. However, the Nepal Pyramids itinerary is planned for a very slow altitude ascent which anyone with sensible fitness can join. Anyone with a medical history and under-prescribed medication, weak lungs, heart, knee, or ankle needs to seek medical consent before considering the Manaslu Circuit trek. Some physical training is a must to prepare grounds for the ultimate trekking experience and fun.

What equipment’s Nepal Pyramids provide for Manaslu Trek?

Nepal Pyramids provides you with a very warm sleeping bag with fleece liner and wind-stopper duvet jackets with attached hoods. We also provide you with a Nepal Pyramids duffel bag to fit all your gear in, a plastic bag to separate your clean clothes from the dirty ones. Furthermore, there are takeaway items like - a Nepal Pyramids T-shirt, a duffel bag, a Trekking map, and buff headwear.

How many hours per day do we usually walk?

Excluding Lunch BUT including multiple breaks that we take during our trek we usually walk around 6/9 hours. Since the Manaslu circuit is feasible counterclockwise walking hours are longer also because there is more of the gradual up-walking trail. However, our Manaslu itinerary is designed to make your walk more relaxing in the serene beauty than making it exhausting. You have the freedom of a free stroll (under your leader's supervision) and we set enough space for you the enjoy your trip.

What is Food and Accommodation like in Manaslu circuit trek?

Accommodation in Manaslu is reasonably basic due to the once unpopularity of the region. Only a few years ago Manaslu wasn’t as popular as it is now. Until then it was more of a camping trek where tea houses started lately. Manaslu doesn’t yet provide the luxury that most popular destinations in Nepal do. Sharing rooms and Dormitory facilities can be a typical story at Manaslu trekking. However, Nepal Pyramids always give our best to accommodate you in the best available tea houses. You have a variety of choices for the food and so far with Nepal Pyramids absolute contentment prevails in regards to meals and Local Tea-House.

Any risk of Altitude Sickness at Manaslu Trek?

Acute mountain sickness is something more of a reaction that materializes in our body under the lower rate of oxygen level. It’s a mountain ailment that is fatal. It’s hard to predict who of what age and physical fitness can actually get of A.M.S. However, Nepal Pyramids delivers professionals who are well equipped with medication and oxygen cylinders to deal with A.M.S. Besides, there are ample preventive strategies to deal with any mountain sickness. Food poisoning, severe diarrhea, and stomach problems are other very common mountain ailments that can be nightmarish than the A.M.S. So far with us there haven't been any reports of Altitude sickness casualties in Manaslu. The trek has a very gradual ascent and all our high-altitude itineraries are designed for proper acclimatization.

Hot Shower, WiFi and Charging facility at Manaslu?

After the 2015 earthquake that caused an enormous effect in the Manaslu region, the charging facility may not be possible everywhere. It is always wise to carry some extra batteries or fully charged power bank batteries to charge your devices - besides, your batteries run out pretty quickly in the cold. Over trivial cost, all tea houses provide you with basic hot showers that include solar showers, gas showers, or Bucket showers. As for the WiFi - you need to be very well prepared to get going without internet for the next 2 weeks as there is less or no chance of WiFi in the Manaslu region.

Manaslu Circuit Trek 18 Days | Detail Itinerary

Manaslu Circuit Trek Via Larke Pass Trip Highlights

The scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola through the countryside roadway.
Witness the pristine wilderness and enjoy the less-trodden area.
Experience the thrill of being in the remote Himalayan Valley that offers solitude and tranquility which is hard to find on more popular routes
Enjoy the diversity of landscapes that range from the subtropical region to the alpine.
Walking into the deep gorges trail of Budi Gandaki River among the gigantic landscape.
Cross abundant Suspension Bridges since Manaslu is the LAND OF THE SUSPENSION BRIDGES.
Trek on the ancient legendary salt-trading route through the classic Gurung villages.
Witness the Tibetan-Buddhist culture and the territory of the rustic lifestyle.
The grand view of Mt, Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world, and its neighboring mountains.
Side excursion to stunning Pung Gyen Gompa and holy Birendra Lake.
Crossing the challenging high mountain pass of Larke La Pass @ 5,106 meters with the most dramatic views.
Overnight at a paradise-like valley of Bhimthang - The Paradise on Earth.
Conclude the trek by joining the most prominent Annapurna Circuit Trail.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Via Larke Pass Trip Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trek offers anyone the opportunity to walk into the less-trodden enchanting deep valleys. This region of Manaslu was the main epicenter of the tragic 2015, 8.2 Magnitude earthquake. Though the 2015 EARTHQUAKE has undeniably brought about a transformation it is still very charming. Manaslu Circuit Trek is the best alternative to the Annapurna Circuit Trekwhich is part of a Great Himalayan Trail.

The region of Manaslu is still a RESTRICTED AREA. The Government of Nepal permitted trekkers to Manaslu Circuit only in 1991. Manaslu is also the region of the Suspension bridge and the sky-high cliffs. Despite its popularity and the construction of new tea houses in the region since 2010, the Manaslu Trek however is very remote and basic. In comparison to other tea-house treks in Nepal, Manaslu still needs progression.

Though we need a special permit to get through, the picturesque beauty of the Manaslu region cannot be denied. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is famous for its stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and cultural diversity.

Furthermore, it is less trodden and offers anyone a variety of trekking options. Starting from the District of Gorkha we eventually finish our trek in a Different district of Manang completing a distance of 177 km / 109 miles.

We don't recommend the Manaslu Circuit Trek during the winter season starting from December to February. It's pretty challenging if you want to know the difficulty level of Manaslu Trek. However, the ascent is very gradual which on the other hand provides enough acclimatization time for everyone.

Manaslu being a restricted area Trekkers are not permitted to trek alone without a Local Guide. All foreigners must be affiliated with a local company, obtain special permits, and be accompanied by a local guide.

Mt. Manaslu and its Legends - Traditional Stories

Mt. Manaslu: The 8th Highest Peak in the Mighty Himalayas.

Situated in the heart of Gorkha district stands the formidable Mt. Manaslu which is the 8th highest mountain in the world. This beautiful spear-like mountain stands at a height of 8,163 meters / 26,781 feet. Mt. Manaslu, which is in the western Himalayan range of Nepal presents climbers with challenging grounds to assess their technical climbing skills.

Mt. Manaslu is very popularly known as the " Mountain of the Spirit,". To the question, Why Manalsu assume this name? carries ample legends and myths that circle the region. The mountain holds deep religious and cultural significance for both Buddhist and Hindu faiths in the region.

According to ancient legends, it is believed that Manaslu was once a protecting Goddess of the region. Over time the Goddess transformed herself into a towering form to protect local villages from wicked spirits.

Furthermore, there are many legends about Mt. Manaslu according to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. All these stories that prevail in the region give the mountain a divine meaning and significance.

In Hinduism, the legend has it that the Hindu deities often visit this peaceful, beautiful mountain to enjoy its views and receive its sacred blessings.

In the Buddhist tradition, Manaslu is one of the four sacred holy mountains. To the Buddhist, legend has it that the Bodhisattva of Compassion resides on Mt. Manaslu.

So in both Hinduism and Buddhism, Manaslu is seen as a holy place where gods and saints reside. These rich legends add to the mountain's sense of wonder and mystery for both local Nepali people and international visitors. With all these legends the summiting of Manaslu becomes a spiritual journey through a sacred landscape.

Today, the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) preserves the area's stunning alpine ecology. Endangered species like Snow Leopards, Himalayan Red Panda, and Musk Deer roam the region under the watchful presence of the mountain's divine spirit.

The First Ascent of Manaslu:

The first successful ascent of Mt. Manaslu was on May 9, 1956, by a Japanese climbing team. The team was led by Toshio Imanishi who summited Manaslu along with a Sherpa Climber, Gyalzen Norbu. After the four failed attempts on Manaslu by the Japanese Expedition Team from 1950 - 1955, this was the FIRST successful ascent of Manaslu by the Japanese. This successful ascent established a historical achievement for Japanese mountaineering. After this first ascent, Manaslu gained global recognition as a climbing challenge for the most experienced mountaineers. To climb Manaslu. proper technical skills, physical conditioning, and provisions are an absolute must.

Today Mt. Manaslu has become a center of attraction for climbers wishing to test their skills and walk against one of Nepal's divine peaks. Every climbing season, expedition teams swarm to the base camp who are there to conquer the divine mountain.

It is believed that the spirit mountain watches over every corner of the region and protects it from any evils. Furthermore, with its blessing and guidance, it lets climbers be victorious over it with generosity. Those who are successful in their quest for the Manaslu summit are forever grateful to the divinity of the mountain.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Trip Profile:

The starting point of our Manaslu Circuit Trek is Machha Khola. We organize private jeeps or private vehicles as per the group size that will depart from Kathmandu as soon as possible in the morning. We start early to skip the traffic on the highway and also because the drive is 8/9 hours long. This scenic drive cruises through several remote villages and dense forests.

First, we will drive to Malekhu (70km) from Kathmandu, and then leaving the highway we will enter the Dhading District through the countryside roadway. Gradually we will enter the District of Gorkha and via Aarughat and Soti Khola we will reach Machha Khola where we will spend our first night.

Leaving Machh Khola we trek to Jagat and gradually enter the restricted area of Manaslu. Following the Budi Gandaki River, we will walk the gorge trail leading us the the ancient village of Philim. Gradually, via Bihi Phedi and Namrung, we will get to the traditional village of Lho which offers you a stunning view of Manaslu Peak.

As you walk this trail you will encounter ample prayer walls, flags, stupas, and chortens that give you a sense of Tibetan Buddhism's influence in the region. Crossing more suspension bridges and through the ancient villages, we will reach the beautiful town of Shyala. As you walk through this town you feel like you are out of civilization. The very ancient architecture setting makes Shyala a medieval town that looks like it has been isolated from the rest of the world.

We will spend a Rest Day at Shyala and take an acclimatization hike to Pung Gyen Gompa. The next day we will further walk to another unique town of Samdo via the Birendra Lake. Birendra Lake is a beautiful shimmering lake at the base of Manaslu. The next day we will do a short hike to Larke Base Camp, a basic settlement. Now we will prepare for our challenging mission of crossing the Larke Pass.

If you are looking for an extended version of Manaslu Trek it's good to opt for the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek combination.

Larke Pass 5106 m/16,751 ft is the highest point in the Manaslu Circuit trek. Moreover, this is a classic and tough ancient salt trading route that links the Manaslu Valley with the Annapurna Valley. The view from the Larke pass is simply Terrific with Chuli, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Larke Peak, Himal Chuli, Annapurna II, and Mt. Manaslu.

After the pass, the valley opens up in a very paradise-like setting. We will stay overnight at Bhimthang. Moreover, this village is uniquely located in a Himalayan meadow at the lap of Manaslu and Himalchuli which is simply incredible. Soon we enter the tree line area with lush green woodland and cruise towards the famous Annapurna circuit trail followed by spectacular views.

Likewise, we have details on the beauty of significance of the Manaslu Circuit Trek check this Blog Post: 10 Beautiful Reasons To Do Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Important Information

Complimentary Equipment:

While in Kathmandu, during our Pre-Trek Briefing meeting, we provide you with complimentary gear like a waterproof Duffel Bag, a company Tshirt, a buff (neck gaiter), 2 Toilet Rolls, a Trekking Map, and a Baseball Cap. The duffel bag will serve as a means to pack all your necessary trekking gear and as for your Luggage, it will be safely stored at the hotel Safety Store.

The equipment we Provide:

Besides the complimentary equipment, WITHOUT ANY EXTRA COST, we provide you with PrimaLoft wind stopper jackets, a Warm Down Sleeping Bag (-30) with liners, a Walking Stick if required, and Yaktrax (mini crampons where required). However, it is crucial to have your personal lightweight down and fleece jacket, outer shells (wind stopper), and other essential items like woolen hats, gloves, etc.

Your Daypack:

In addition to the provided duffel bag, all trekkers must have their own daypack with a waterproof cover. This daypack will be used to carry your daily necessities such as cash, important documents, water supplies or rehydration bladder, a camera, toiletries, sunscreen, a notebook, and extra clothing, etc.

Drinking Water Supply:

Since we are committed to environmental sustainability and responsible trekking practices, we truly discourage the use of single-use mineral water bottles along all trekking routes. To minimize plastic waste and protect the pristine Himalayan environment, we supply you with safe, boiled drinking water throughout your journey. All your bottles and bladders will be refilled in the morning after breakfast and in the evening after dinner. We kindly request that you carry enough reusable water bottles and a rehydration bladder to stay hydrated. Together, we can make a positive impact on the delicate ecosystem.

Assigning Porters and Assistant Guides (Sherpas):

For your comfort and convenience, we assign one porter between two trekkers. The porter will be responsible for carrying the duffel bag throughout the entire trek. It is important to note that the weight of your duffel bag should not exceed 12/13 kg as the weight limitation for porters is 25/30kg max.

The assistant guides will be assigned as per the size of the groups. Nepal Pyramids assigns assistant guides from groups of 4 and above.

NOTE: if you are flying to any high mountain airports in Nepal like Lukla or Jomsom, your overall weight limitation including your duffle + daypack is strictly limited to only 15kg / 33 pounds.

Your Extra Luggage:

Don’t be concerned about your extra luggage - all your extra luggage and suitcases will be safely stored at the hotel SAFETY STORE in Kathmandu. This way, you can travel light knowing that your belongings are safe and secure.

Tipping Tips:

Tipping is a gesture of appreciation, a caring way to express gratitude for the dedication and effort of the remarkable local staff who have been your support team and a guiding star throughout your trek. Without these people, your incredible adventure achievement would not have been possible. The practice of tipping, at 10% of the trip cost, is a tradition that allows you to give back, acknowledging the extraordinary efforts of your guides, porters, and assistant guides. It is a way to honor their dedication, hard work, and the way they have made your Nepal trip memorable.

Caution at the Airport on Arrival:

Upon arrival, we strongly advise against entrusting your bag to anyone other than our office representatives. There will always be either your Trek Leader or the Nepal Pyramids representative to receive you at the Kathmandu Airport. There have been cases where unknown airport personnel needlessly help your luggage for a few seconds and claim for TIPS. We request all our travelers NOT to trust these airport personals rather look for our team with Nepal Pyramids banner who are there to ensure that your belongings remain safe.

We hope this information clarifies the important details regarding your trip. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. We want to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience in Nepal.

Why our clients adore us!

7 AuthenticTraveler Reviews

Patricia BrackeBelgium,November 27, 2024
5-Star Review for an Amazing Manaslu Circuit Trek
Our Manaslu Circuit Trek with Nepal Pyramids was an incredible experience! The entire journey was very well-organized, ensuring that we could fully enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas without a single worry.
The guides (guide Karma and assistant guides Jay and Taze) were experienced, professional, and always made us feel safe. Karma his knowledge was impressive as he shared insights about Nepal, its people, culture, and nature. The team also ensured we were well-prepared each day, providing all the information we needed to make the trek a success.
The materials and equipment provided were good, which added to the comfort and ease of the hike.
The entire team was not only professional but also genuinely kind and supportive, making the experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable trekking experience in Nepal, Nepal Pyramids is the way to go. I truly recommend them.
Jorick VandaeleBelgium,November 24, 2024
Adventure made easy!
My first time in Nepal and we have had a royal welcome and a great trekking experience. We were a group of 8 friends, all we had to worry about was the air tickets to Kathmandu. All the rest is taken care of by Sunil and his team. Good climbing material, down sleeping bags, big porter bags, 3 experienced guides walking along, 5 porters ( that were also well equipped), medical kit, permits...etc etc.. price is also a lot better then booking trough a intermediate booking agency
So "adventure made easy" you will not regret booking them.
Freija De CorteBelgium,November 23, 2024
Oh what a perfect trip!
What a trip!
We did the manaslu circuit - which is an unforgettable experience. The trek takes ca 11 days and starts low in the valley after which you gradually climb until 5100 m in the Larke pass.
Also the organisation was perfect : good planning before departure, warm welcome in Kathmandu, excellent material to use on the way, high focus on safety in every aspect and a top team to guide us.
I do not think we could have had a better travel organisation than Sunil’s team from Nepal pyramids trekking!
And so many memories to keep :
Oh what a trip!