Everything you need to know to visit Manaslu Trek

Everything you need to know to visit Manaslu Trek

Manaslu Trek is one of the lesser known trekking destinations but also the best alternatives for Annapurna and Everest Base Camp. Being less crowded compared to ABC and EBC, this trekking destination is gradually gaining popularity among trekking enthusiasts. Manaslu trek covers the synergy of nature, culture and adventure combined. Although a comparatively longer duration trek ranging from 12 to 19 days, the adventure and authentic himalaya experience is to the next level. As we circle the Manaslu Himal during this trek, the view range of the mountains becomes quite closer.

Manaslu Himal trekking trail is located within the premises of Manaslu Conservation Area in the northern part of central Nepal. Macha Khola would be your preferred village and the starting hub. Before 2021, the trekking trail would start from Soti Khola. However, after the road extension, you can reach Machha Khola. Now, if we are travelling from Kathmandu, it would take us around 8-9 hours to reach Machha Khola by 4WD vehicle. Once you have reached Machha Khola, you will be staying for the night. The next morning, we would travel to Jagat and hike for further 7 to 8 hours to reach our next destination - Deng. From Deng village, we need to pass through several stops like Namrung, Shyala, Pungyen Monastery and Samagaun. In Samagaun, we acclimatize for the day and hike towards Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake. From Samagaun, we continue our trekking to Samdo, Larkya Phedi, cross Larkya La pass and Bimthang. Finally our trekking journey would end in Dharapani.  However, our trip still continues with a drive back to Kathmandu where we would share our memorable experiences in our farewell dinner.

Manaslu region is quite renowned for the close-up views of multiple himalayan mountains, specifically Manaslu Himal including Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Cheo Himal, Himlung, Annapurna II and Kang Guru. Normally, it's ideal to visit Manaslu Himal trek during Autumn and Spring as these are the best time of the year to explore himalayan mountains. However, March till May is undoubtedly the best for Manaslu Himal as we could observe the season of Rhododendron blooming. The whole trail offers diverse forest views of pine, birch and rhododendron. The weather is also mild for the overnight stays.

September till November is an equally great time to visit Manaslu Himal because of the clear visibility similar to Spring. Autumn would be best for someone who likes to explore and understand diverse cultures. During autumn, most of the traditional village feels vibrant as it syncs well with lots of festive occasions. Manaslu region people have a lot of festivals related to nature, culture and spiritual dedication.

The monsoon is absolutely “No” for Manaslu region as it is highly affected by potential road blocks and landslides - not only in the trekking routes but also on the multiple sections of the highways specifically after the Arughat section. Winter is extremely cold on the higher altitudes of Manaslu trail and the accommodation facilities are quite inhabitable on those altitude levels above Samagaun. Thus, winter also becomes unmanageable for stays in the higher altitude of Manaslu region. For that reason, most of the local tour operators and tourism consultants do not recommend the monsoon and winter season at all for Manaslu region trek.

As we elevate to the maximum altitude of 5160m above sea level while passing Larkya La Pass, the reduced oxygen might be experienced and can cause high altitude sickness. Due to these scenarios, we sincerely suggest the visitors to acclimatize properly while staying on higher altitudes above 2500 metres.

Manaslu region especially while trekking Manaslu Base Camp and Larkya La Pass demands many essential items to carry during the trek. The items can range from clothing accessories to trekking gears. We advise you to equip yourself with good multiple warm layers of clothing, a pair of down jacket, thermals, hiking boots, sun protection cream, polarized glasses and hats to cover your forehead especially during mid-afternoon hike. We also sincerely suggest bringing crampons for your hiking boots while trekking Manaslu Himal as it would be highly essential on the higher mountain passes. Crampons would be essential during all seasons.

As Manaslu region trails are quite remote and have less connectivity of ATMs and mobile services, we also suggest our clients carry cash while travelling in these regions. The cash would specifically be required only for your personal expenses around the trail or any additional services not covered by your Manaslu Himal trekking package. For our guest convenience, we suggest they take their own hot water bottle which would be quite handy during the trail.

Manaslu region offers one of the most adventure treks in Nepal with lesser known places to visit. Although this remote region trek may not offer better accommodation compared to ABC and EBC, it does provide one of the lesser travelled experiences in Nepal. Because of its remoteness, it can also lead to high variability in the cost estimates depending upon the number of stays and where we stay.

The estimated Manaslu Circuit package might range somewhere between 1400 USD to 2400 USD. Now, let's break down the estimated cost.

For transportation, it can range from as low as $15 to $250 one way. If you are travelling from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola by Public Bus, it would range anything between $15-$25. For Private 4WD vehicle hire, it would cost somewhere between USD 200 to USD 250. This private hire is based on a per vehicle basis and one way travel.

Now, when we take an estimate for accommodation stays along the Manaslu region, it would cost somewhere around $5 to $12 per night in the lower altitude. The cost can range somewhere between $10 to $20+ as you elevate higher. Regarding the food we eat during the trail, it can cost somewhere between $30 to $40 per person on a daily basis. However, the cost might increase 10 USD to 15 USD as we elevate to a higher altitude. The increase in the cost might be due to various reasons, one being logistics issues. The additional $100 is required for a Restricted Area Permit which is valid until 7 days and USD 15 after 8th day on a per day basis. The fixed fee of USD 30 each is required for Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Area Permit. As a licenced trekking guide is mandatory, it would cost further $35-$40 per day. If you also require someone to assist with your baggage, a trekking assistant would cost you around $25-$30 per day.

Manaslu Region trek is one of the most challenging but less-travelled destinations to explore. With the highest elevation of Larkya La Pass (5160m) followed by Manaslu Himal Base Camp (4800m), this is indeed a “once in a lifetime” experience in Nepal. With the trek duration ranging from 12 to 17 days, Spring and Autumn are the best season to visit. However, avoid winter and Monsoon as it becomes quite unmanageable to meet the itinerary timeline.Manaslu region trek combines the harmonious relationship between Nature, People and culture.

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