A Complete Guide to the Manaslu Trek

Manaslu Trek Overview

The eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu (8,163m/26,781ft), is circled by a well-known trekking path in Nepal called the Manaslu Circuit trek. Beginning in the village of Arughat, the journey ascends the Budhi Gandaki River while traversing the stunning and secluded terrain of the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Trekkers have the opportunity to explore the distinctive culture and way of life of the locals as the trail goes through several traditional villages, including Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaon, and Samdo.

The trek has several high passes to cross, including the Larkya La Pass (5,160m/16,930ft), the highest point. The tour usually takes 15-18 days to complete. The trek will also take trekkers through traditional Tibetan and Gurung villages and Buddhist monasteries. 

The Manaslu Circle Trek offers breathtaking vistas of the Manaslu range, including Ganesh Himal (8,163m), Himalchuli (7,893m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m), and Manaslu (8,163m) (7,422m). The Larkya La Pass (5,160m), located at the summit of the journey, provides impressive panoramic views of the mountains in the area.

The trek is a moderately tricky walk requiring high physical stamina and experience. Also, it is a restricted area that needs a specific trekking permit from the government of Nepal. 

A special permit is required to hike in the Manaslu Conservation Area, and walking with a certified guide is advised. The walk offers breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan Mountains and a variety of scenery, including high-altitude grasslands, terraced crops, and lush woods.

Highlights Of The Manaslu Trek

The Manaslu Trek is a stunning and challenging journey that gives hikers a unique experience in a less-traveled and secluded area of Nepal. The following are some of the top highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek:

1. Magnificent Mountain Views
The journey offers stunning views of the Manaslu range, including Ganesh Himal (8,163m), Himalchuli (7,893m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m), and Manaslu (8,163m) (7,422m). Another place where hikers can observe the panoramas is the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m), which offers sweeping views of the neighboring peaks.

2. Special Culture
Many traditional villages, including Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaon, and Samdo, are roamed during the journey, allowing hikers to observe the locals' distinctive culture and way of life. The Nubri and Tsum groups residing on this trail have their customs, dialects, and traditions.

3. Beauty in Nature
Rhododendron forests, bamboo groves, and endangered species like snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, and musk deer can all be found in the Manaslu Conservation Area. Aside from it, the walk travels through various environments, including lush forests, terraced fields, green meadows, and uneven terrain. Trekkers can expect to experience multiple continually changing landscapes while on their journey.

4. Unpopular and distant location
Compared to other well-known treks in Nepal, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the Manaslu trek is more isolated and unexplored. As a result, it offers hikers a more secluded and unique experience.

5. Strenuous Trek
The trek is mild to arduous and necessitates good physical condition and acclimatization. But the trail's scenic sights make the journey worthwhile.

6. Pass Larkya
The Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the walk, provides fantastic panoramic views of the neighboring mountains. It is a problematic but unforgettable experience to cross the pass.
 

Is Manaslu Trek Easy or Difficult?

Many visitors are interested in learning how challenging the Manaslu journey is. The Manaslu trek is moderately difficult. However, a fresher who doesn't have previous experience, isn't physically fit and hasn't got bodily stamina, and isn't well prepared with the right trekking tools will find the Manaslu trek an arduous trek.

On the contrary, an experienced person who is physically fit and has carried the necessary equipment will find this trek enjoyable and easy. Trekkers should be ready for arduous climbs and long days on their feet. To avoid altitude sickness, hikers must properly acclimatize because the route requires walking across various landscapes, including forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude passes.
 

What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on the Manaslu Trek?

Autumn and spring are the perfect seasons for the Manaslu Trek. In Nepal, the autumn season falls from September to November and is the most popular time to go trekking. During this time of year, the weather is generally clear and dry, with blue skies and excellent visibility, making it an ideal time to walk. During the day, it's warm and comfortable, and during the night, it's cool. In addition, autumn is harvest time in the region, which offers trekkers the chance to see local festivals and culture.

The spring season is in March and May. It's also a fantastic time to go on the Manaslu Trek as the weather is still pleasant and the temperature is gradually rising. Along the entire walk, there are vibrant rhododendron blooms and various wildflowers. The routes can, however, become muddy and hazardous due to snowmelt, and there might even be sporadic downpours, so it's vital to be aware of that.

The Manaslu region is not advised for trekking during the winter months of December to February due to the significant snowfall and severe weather that can make the trail hazardous and difficult to handle. Similarly, the monsoon season is from June to August, and trekking during this season is not advised. It is because of the high likelihood of monsoon rains, which can cause landslides and make the trail dangerous.
 

Different Permits We Need to Go on the Manaslu Trek

The Manaslu region contains various areas declared as restricted zones (between Jagat and Dharapani, which fall under Chumnubri Rural Municipality, Wards 1,2,3 and 4). It is practicable to control the unnecessary flow of trekkers in the Manaslu region. Hence, entry into the Manaslu region requires three specific permissions all trekkers must obtain. They are described below:
1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
To visit the Manaslu region, this is the primary permit needed. Only licensed trekking companies are authorized to issue the ticket, which the government of Nepal issues. The permit price varies depending on the time of year and how many days you'll trek.

2. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
ACAP permits are required for trekkers to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, part of the Manaslu Trek. You may pick up ACAP Permit from the Nepal Tourist Board offices in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

3. Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) Card
All trekkers in Nepal must obtain a TIMS card to ensure their safety and security during the trek. The card is available through the Trekking Agencies Association Nepal (TAAN) Office in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

It's vital to remember that in the Manaslu region, hikers must always be accompanied by a certified trekking guide who also needs a special permit to enter the restricted area. Trekkers must also have travel insurance, including emergency medical evacuation, because the trail can be difficult, and accidents can happen.
 

Things We Should Carry While Going on the Manaslu Trek

Trekkers must carry essential equipment and tools while going on the Manaslu trek. Some of them are as follows:

1. Trekking Gear
A reliable pair of hiking boots, trekking pants, a windbreaker jacket, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and a warm fleece or down jacket are all necessary trekking equipment. Since the weather can change during the day, it is imperative to wear layers of clothing.

2. Backpack
Your goods, such as a sleeping bag, additional clothing, and personal accessories, must be packed in a comfortable and reliable backpack. However, it shouldn't be heavy, which would make walking down the trail difficult. 

3. Sleeping Bag
As the nights in the highlands can be chilly, you must bring a comfortable sleeping bag. It is advised to bring a sleeping bag suited for temperatures below zero.

4. Water Bottle
Being hydrated is crucial while trekking. Trekkers should bring a water filtration device and a reusable water bottle because mountain water is dangerous to drink untreated.

5. First Aid Kit
The first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptics, painkillers, and medications.

6. Snacks
The walk might be physically taxing, so it's imperative to include energizing snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars.

7. Trekking Poles
Trekking poles can assist you in staying stable on rocky, steep terrain and lessen the strain on your knees.

8. Headlamp
A headlamp is required to hike in the dark.
 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Manaslu trek is overall a fruitful trek. It's an excellent chance to view the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu, and other Himalayan ranges. Similarly, if the walk is done at the ideal time, we can see a luscious red forest due to the blooming of rhododendrons, a national flower of Nepal, and other wildflowers. We can learn about the village life of the Nubri and Tsum ethnic groups and their unique culture and tradition. It's also a chance to know about one's physical stamina.