Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is a perfect choice for adventure lovers who want to experience the beauty of Mt. Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak (8,163m). This trek offers a stunning combination of breathtaking mountain views, unique culture, and wildlife. It is a 16-day journey that takes trekkers through beautiful valleys, forests, and villages, all while moving closer to the majestic Manaslu mountain.

Starting the trek along the Budhi Gandaki River, trekkers pass through farming lands, lush forests, and deep gorges, slowly heading towards higher altitudes. As the trek continues, the views of the snow-capped peaks, including Manaslu, Annapurna, Gangapurna, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and others, become more stunning. The highest point of the trek is Larke La Pass at 5,167m, a challenging yet rewarding spot where you can see some of the most magnificent mountain landscapes in the world.

One of the highlights of the trek is the chance to see wildlife, including Tahr (wild goats), Agali (Blue Sheep), Pika (a small mammal that lives at high altitudes), Himalayan Marmots, and even Snow Leopards.

The Manaslu Himal region, where the trek takes place, is in the northern part of Gorkha District in Nepal. The area is known for its beautiful landscapes and is home to different communities. In the southern areas, people are mainly Hindu Newars and Buddhist Gurungs, while the northern areas have ancient Tibetan communities with their own languages and customs.

The trek covers about 170 kilometers (106 miles) and is considered difficult, so trekkers need to be physically fit. You will walk through dense forests and remote villages, and the trail gradually gets steeper as you approach the higher altitudes. On the 8th day, trekkers start to get amazing views of Manaslu and other surrounding peaks. There is also a rest day in Samagaon, where you can visit the Pungyen Nunnery or go on a side trek to Manaslu Base Camp.

After the rest day, the trek continues for the next three days until reaching Larkya La, the highest point of the journey at 5,160m (16,930ft). From there, the trail starts to descend into the Annapurna Region, where trekkers are greeted by glacial landscapes and warmer villages below.

The trek ends with a short descent to Tal, followed by a jeep ride back to Kathmandu, where the adventure concludes.

How Difficult is the Manaslu Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a challenging trek. It requires a good level of fitness because of the long days of walking, high altitudes, and steep climbs. It is not as popular or as easy as other treks, like the Everest Base Camp Trek, but that also makes it more peaceful and beautiful. Compared to the Everest trek, the Manaslu Circuit is more remote and less crowded, which gives you a unique and quiet experience of the Himalayas.

Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek

One of the extensions of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the Tsum Valley Trek. This part takes you to the hidden Tsum Valley, which is a remote and sacred area, known for its Tibetan Buddhist culture. The Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek combines both the main Manaslu circuit and the Tsum Valley, offering a richer cultural experience along with the beautiful natural scenery.

Permit Cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

To trek the Manaslu Circuit, you need several permits. The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit is required, as the area is a restricted zone. You will also need a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card, along with other permits depending on the route. The cost of the permits varies, and it’s important to arrange them before the trek begins.