Have you ever been to a place where you can see the great amalgamation of culture and nature existing harmoniously? If not, then the Manaslu Nepal can surely be the destination you must visit at least once to experience such a blissful union of people, mountains, and nature. Yes, this blogger is talking about the home of the world’s 8th tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163 m). Today’s blog is about the Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide: permits, difficulty, cost and best season. The article can be the tool for you to book the amazing journey of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal.
The blog features various information that a trekkers must know before trekking. Know about the people, trail conditions, and attractions of the trail. After all these information, the chances of successful trekking trip become high. Note down that the trip investment must be returned fully in the form of memories after the successful completion of the trip.
Know about Trekking in Manaslu Nepal
Before we delve deeper into the Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide: permits, difficulty, cost, and best season, let’s know about trekking in Manaslu Nepal. The best way to explore the Manaslu region’s wonders of Mother Nature and grandeur of multi – ethnic culture is by trekking. Walking through the valleys, gorges, river banks, glaciers, lakes, villages, and passes can surely enhance the overall trekking experiences. In fact, the Manaslu Circuit Trek has it all for trekkers to experience from ancient culture to the mountain vista. Therefore, the trek is slowly becoming the commercial trekking route of Nepal.
Please note down that the trail is inside the restricted zone of Nepal. Therefore, trekkers must fulfill certain criteria for the trek. Solo trekking is strictly prohibited. You must be in a group of at least two trekkers. Unguided trek is not allowed. Trekkers must obtain the trekking package from the registered trekking company and they must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide. These are the basic rules of the restricted area.
Reasons of Recent Popularity of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal
Wherever you search in various social media platforms, you can get the wonderful videos taken in the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. People are buzzing around the mesmerizing videos and pictures shown in the internet. Therefore, the interests in the trek have increased significantly over the years. The main reason behind the rise of the trek route is the videos uploaded in these social media platforms. Additionally, the trail offers unique scenery different every hour of the trekking. Moreover, you can feel the change in the geography after crossing every ridge or corner. The region is truly a remarkable place to visit at least once.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide: Permits, Difficulty, Cost and Best Season
Now, let’s delve deeper into the Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide: Permits, Difficulty, Cost, and Best Season. This blogger has briefly explained about these things which a trekker must consider before the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Don’t travel to any places without obtaining enough information. Safety must be the biggest concern that a trekker must not avoid. The blogger strongly suggests you to find out every question’s answers before trekking in Nepal.
Permits
As mentioned above, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is inside the restricted region of Nepal. Therefore, a special restricted area permit (RAP) is required for the trek. The RAP costs 100 USD for a week with additional 15 $ for each additional day for the trek during the autumn season (September – November). Similarly, the RAP costs 75 $ for a week with additional 10 $ for each additional day for the trek during the spring, winter, and monsoon/summer season from December to August.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permits are also required. In addition, you need the local Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality entry permit. The cost of the conservation area permit is NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC nationals. It’s same price for both the conservation area permits. The local municipality entry permit cost is NRs. 1000.
Difficulty & Trail Condition
Few years before, the trail used to be rough and rugged without proper signage and tourists services. Nowadays, the trail is well trodden and it is as good as the Everest Base Camp Trek route and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route. However, there are some sections which are risk prone due to landslide and narrow trail. The section of the trail during the crossing of the Larke La Pass is rugged and full of boulders. The maximum altitude is 5106 m and trekkers must walk about 6 to 7 hours in an average every day for a week. Overall, the difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is moderately challenging.
Preparation for the trek must be focused on the things mentioned above. Build up the physical fitness level to make sure that you don’t feel lethargic after each day’s trek. Improve the cardio – vascular abilities to cope up the risk of altitude sickness. Get the travel insurance that includes the emergency helicopter rescue from the place above 5000 m. Perform regular exercises like running, walking, swimming, and cycling at least one month prior to the trek. Pack the essentials and use proper gear. Stay hydrated during the trek. Don’t over pace or under pace during the trek. Heed the instructions of your trekking guide.
Accommodation, Meals & Facilities
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Nowadays, the Manaslu Circuit Trek route is fully equipped to host trekkers with impeccable hospitality and quality services. Up above in such altitudes, you will find the quality tea houses of different styles. From luxury mountain lodges to basic tea houses, the trail is able to provide you a warm room to spend overnight. However, in the places like Samdo and Dharmasala, you may have to settle in the basic tea houses because of lack of options.
Surprisingly, you can enjoy food from across the globe during the trek. Almost every tea house has similar menu items full of Chinese, Indian, Nepalese, and Continental cuisines. These tea houses provide the internet facilities and there is no scarcity of electricity. Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit Trek route is slowly becoming the commercial trekking of Nepal. The mesmerizing thing is that the trail is still raw and yet to be spoiled by the modern touristic activities.
Cost
The budget depends upon the personal preferences and trekking itinerary. Normally, the Manaslu Circuit Trek package has 12 to 14 days itinerary including arrival and departure. The cost starts from 950 $ to 1600 $ for the standard trekking package. The luxury Manaslu Circuit Trek may cost you more than 2000 $ per person. Additionally, there is an option to use the helicopter ride which can cost you more.
Allocate around 35 $ to 50 $ for meals and 5 $ to 15 $ for lodging per day. Besides meals and lodging, allocate 10 $ to 20 $ for miscellaneous expenses per day. Tipping is not compulsory in Nepal but it is customarily compulsory. So, allocate around 100 $ for a porter and 150 $ plus for a trekking guide. Transportation cost ranges from 300 $ to 500 $ for the round trip and it is the overland transportation cost.
Best Season
Choose to trek in an ideal time for better trekking experiences. Well, according to the Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide blog, spring season (March – May) and autumn season (September – November) are the best times for the trek. During these times of the year, skies are clear, weather is stable, and scenery looks astounding. I strongly advise you to avoid monsoon season (June – August). However, early weeks of June can also be an ideal time to do the trek. Winter Manaslu Circuit Trek is also possible but it requires lots of planning and experiences. December to February is the winter season here in Nepal.
Total Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance: Machha Khola to Tilje via Larke La Pass
The road travel distance for both the road trip to trail head and the road trip from trail end to Kathmandu is about 358 kilometers. Total trekking distance of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is about 154 kilometers including the acclimatization hike to the Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m) and Birendra Lake from Samagaon.
Side Treks from Manaslu Circuit Trek Route
If time permits, please consider doing side treks during the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Some of the side treks are included in the regular itinerary and some destinations must be customized. The place is full of ancient monasteries which can be the spiritual place for you. Serene and spiritual valley of Tsum and off the beaten hike to Tibet border can also be the best option for side treks.
1. Serang Monastery
2. Manaslu Base Camp
3. Tsum Valley Mu Gompa
4. Pungyen Monastery
5. Birendra Lake
6. Tibet Border from Samdo/Dharmasala
Finally, this blogger hopes that the Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide: permits, difficulty, cost, and best season has helped you to plan for the trek. Visit Nepal and explore the majestic Manaslu region full of ancient cultures, myths, and mountain vistas in the diverse geographical terrain.
