Manaslu circuit trek can be started from Machhekhola, which is about 9 hours drive from Kathmandu by Local bus or 6 hours drive by Private Jeep. Manaslu Circuit trek is becoming popular among trekkers for its great landscape, rich culture, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Manaslu, the 8th highest in the world, as well as Ganesh Himal, Annapurna Himal, and other beautiful small peaks. Manaslu circuit trek is an ideal trek as it's for two weeks, which is not too short and not too long a trek. The terrain includes rice fields, green hills, and then all the way to the Himalayan snow peaks. There are lodges along the Manaslu Circuit Trek, so we can buy our food at the guesthouses where we stay overnight. There are a few restaurants on the trailside for freshly made local & international dishes.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights
- The Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the best treks in Nepal for its cultural heritage, Himalayan peaks, and ancient Buddhist monasteries.
- The Manslu Circuit Trek offers magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu, the 8th-highest mountain in the world.
- Manaslu Circuit Trek offers the most views of the Annapurna peaks as we enter the Annapurna region after Larky La (Larky Pass).
- The Manaslu Circuit Trek is Ideal for hikers, as it's about 2 weeks long.
- The Manaslu circuit trek offers enough time to acclimatise as the elevation gains are gradual
How hard or difficult is the Manaslu Circuit trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek can be classify it as a moderate & adventurous trek. The Himalaya treks are always going up and down several times as the valley is made in that way, which means that you will have the opportunity to experience different landscapes almost everyday. The Larky Pass at 5460 Metres or 17913 Ft is not an easy trail at this altitude, but we forget all our hard work as the pass offers more than just great views.
How long is the Manaslu circuit trek?
The Manaslu circuit trek has an ideal length: it’s not too long or too short. The 10 days of hiking are followed by the first day of driving and the last day of driving back to Kathmandu. This two-week trip is suitable for most international holidaymakers.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
As the Manaslu Circuit Trek is on the Nepal government’s special area list, we need to obtain a special permit, which costs US$100 for 7 days and US$15 per additional day. On top of the special permit, we need to get MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project), & Also ACAP.
(Annapurna Conservation Area Project) As we exit from the Manaslu circuit trek, we head to the Annapurna circuit region. We need at least one full day to obtain the trekking permits and other logistics. For the issuance of the Manaslu Circuit Trek special permit, we need a copy of the trekker’s passport and either a copy of the Nepali visa or the visa submission number. The ACAP & MCAP permit costs US$25 each.
Preparation for Manaslu circuit trek
One needs to be in good physical fitness condition. You can start walking around where you live, swimming, bicycling, and any other activities to keep you fit for this trek. Our youngest trekker was 11, and our oldest was 72. So, the ages aren’t a big issue, but with hiking experience or physical fitness.
Food and Accommodation during Trek
The trekking lodges along the Manaslu Circuit trail and the little restaurants on the trailside offer freshly made, good food. The food can be chosen from the menu, which offers many local and International dishes. We will have breakfast at the lodge where we sleep, then stop for lunch at the trail-side little restaurants. We provide delicious, healthy food throughout this trek.