Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

The Manaslu region of Nepal is slowly becoming one of the hottest trekking destinations of Nepal. Even if the region is under the restricted zone of Nepal, the numbers of trekkers trekking in its trekking trails are on rise. The major reason behind this is the sheer beauty of the place. In the list of the most popular trekking routes of Nepal the Manaslu Circuit Trek route is on the top list alongside the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek route! Therefore, lots of people are curious about the authentic and scientific Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary.

In this blog, we will discuss about various things that affects the trekking itinerary and ways to utilize the trekking trip both culturally and naturally. At the end of the blog, trekkers will be able to plan the trek efficiently. If you have not checked out our Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost then we recommend you to surf it! You can find the cost analysis as well. For now, let’s find out about day to day activities through the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary blog!

Why the Manaslu Circuit is Nepal’s hidden gem?

Up until 1991, the region was strictly prohibited to the foreigners! The unrest between Tibetan Khampa and Nepalese government got settled and peace prevailed in the region in 1991. Since then, the entry is allowed in the region but it is still under the special restricted zone. There are countless hidden valleys where you can find plethora of ancient treasures hidden in the mountains. It is believed that ancient rulers and Buddhists monks have buried lots of historically significant treasures and artifacts in the hills of the Manaslu region. Cultural diversity, natural diversity, and pristine nature of the region make it the hidden gem of Nepal.

Special restricted area permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits are required for the trek. You need valid visa, passports, pp – sized photographs, trekking agency, and a trekking guide to get these permits. All these permits must be acquired in Kathmandu. Nepal Tourism Board office issues the conservation area permits while the special restricted permits must be acquired from the Immigration office in Kathmandu.

Do some cardio – vascular exercises and build good physical fitness strength before embarking on this trekking trip. You must be ready to walk up and down trail for about 6 to 7 hours in an average for more than 6 to 8 days continuously. The high – altitude places have lesser oxygen density. Therefore, you must prepare your body for this situation as well. It is never easy to finish the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary without proper planning and fitness level.

Essential Pre-Trek Planning for Manaslu

Proper planning and preparation are the essential tools for a successful trekking trip. You must acquire the travel insurance that covers all kinds of rescue, medical expenses, accidents, delays, and miscellaneous while trekking in the high – altitude places. Furthermore, you must allocate lodging, meals, and emergency funds. Contact the travel planners of the trekking agency from where you are trekking to know about things to pack and weather conditions. Don’t attempt to do solo or independent trekking for safety reasons and it is also the strict direction of Nepal Government that solo or independent trekking is illegal!

Follow acclimatization procedures honestly. The best way to acclimatize is to visit the famous Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m) via Birendra Lake. It is included in the standard Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary as well. Don’t underestimate the trekking route especially beyond Samagaon village!

Day-by-Day Itinerary Breakdown of Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

The first activity on this beautiful Manaslu Circuit Trek journey is the road trip to reach the trail head. It takes about 7 to 8 hours to reach Machha Khola from Kathmandu. The road distance is about 160 kilometers. Nowadays, some trekkers prefer to reach Jagat directly by jeep instead of stopping at the Machha Khola.

Follow the details Itinerary:

• 07 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
• 10 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
• 12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
• 14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Jagat to Samagaon

It takes about 3 nights and 4 days to reach the Samagaon village from Jagat. The first check post where permits are checked is in Jagat village. The trail is through green lush forests, terraced farmlands, and low – altitude villages. There are several suspension bridges on this section and majority of people living in these places are Gurung, Magar, and Dalits. 1000 m altitude is gained while trekking in these sections of the Manaslu Circuit Trek trail.

Trek to Manaslu Base Camp from Samagaon

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary consists of the acclimatization activity. This activity is crucial for the safe and successful completion of the trekking. Beyond Samagaon, trekkers have to spend overnight in the places above 3500 m from sea level. Therefore, it is highly risky in terms of altitude sickness. The journey from Samagaon to Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m) includes the Birendra Lake exploration as well. It is the beautiful lake which is about 1 to 1.5 hours from Samagaon. The overall time to reach Manaslu Base Camp and return back to Samagaon village is about 7 to 8 hours!

Samagaon to Dharmasala before Larke La Pass

The trekking trail starts to enter the barren landscape beyond Samdo Village. The trail is rugged and full of rocky boulders. Trekkers may have to walk over the debris of landslide. It is at the peak of the ancient salt trading route. Trekkers have to spend 2 nights and 3 days before attempting to cross the Larke La Pass (5106 m).

Manaslu to Annapurna via Larke La Pass Crossing

The most iconic moment of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary is the crossing of the Larke La Pass (5106 m). It is one of the longest high – altitude passes of Nepal. You must begin the crossing early in the morning before dawn! It takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach the top of the Larke La Pass. Relish the scenery of mountains from Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Annapurna range, and Dhaulagiri range from the top of the pass. The scenery of glaciers, lakes, and river valleys also looks spectacular from the top of the pass. It connects the Annapurna and Manaslu region of Nepal.

Tilje to Kathmandu via Besisahar

The final stretch of the Manaslu Trek itinerary is the road trip from Tilje to Kathmandu. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach Besisahar from Tilje village on a jeep. The road is bumpy and graveled with few sections plastered. It is a scenic jeep drive. Besisahar to Kathmandu takes about 6 to 7 hours depending upon the traffic and road conditions.

Accommodation and Food Options

Since 2000’s the trekking trail of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is fully equipped with necessary tea houses and eateries to cater trekkers. However, these establishments even got upgraded after the devastating 2015 earthquake. Lots of renovation works were done and new establishments were opened. Therefore, the quality of accommodation and food options are adequate for the trekkers.

You can find basic to moderate tea houses. Food choices range from local dishes to Chinese, Indian, and Continental cuisines. The best recommended food choice is local cuisine! It helps you acclimatize fully to the surrounding environment and weather conditions. Drinking water has two options. You can buy the expensive bottled water or get water purifying tablet and fill out the bottle from natural springs.

Cultural Highlights along the Route

There are ancient monasteries which were built 500 to 700 years ago. The most famous monasteries in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary are Ribung Monastery, Pungyen Monastery, and Samdo Monastery. If you take a little detour to the Tsum Valley then you can find more ancient and untouched traditions as well as culture! Besides this, you can also include 1 night 2 days in this itinerary then you can visit the famous Serang Monastery as well. Chortens, Mane Wheels, and local pagodas are also the highlights of the route.

There are ancient villages where you can find stone houses and Tibetan style architecture. These villages are Jagat, Lho, Samagaon, and Samdo. Majority of the people living in this trekking route are Gurung and Tibetans. Low – altitude places celebrate Hindu festivals like Dashain, Tamu Lhosar, Tihar, and other significant festivals. In the high altitude places, people celebrate Dumji, Mani Rimdu, and other Tibetan festivals. You can get the chance to immerse into the culture of people from Manaslu region and Annapurna region as well.

Practical Challenges and Solutions

Refrain from trekking without a trekking guide! Make sure that you have valid travel insurance and leave the copy of the insurance in city office of the trekking agency. The mobile coverage is throughout the trail except in few sections! There won’t be problem due to communication issues! If you wish to avoid delays then make sure to allocate at least a day as a reserve day!

You can get different types of Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary depending upon your preferences. Short Manaslu Trek itinerary and long Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek itinerary are also equally popular to explore this pristine nature!