Manaslu Circuit Trek

The 11 nights 12 days trek in the Manaslu conservation area of Gorkha district is one of the best multi day trek that trekkers can do in Nepal. Manaslu Circuit Trek is an incredible choice for off-the-beaten-path lovers. It is the best alternative for those who want to avoid the more touristic trails like Annapurna and Everest. Mt Manaslu, with a height of 8,163m, is the main attraction of the trek, and the trails encircle the Mt Manaslu clockwise, so it is called the Manaslu circuit trek. With the Mt Manaslu trekkers can see the peaks like as Mt Manaslu 8163 m (26,781 ft), Himalchuli (7,893 m (25,896 ft), Ngadi Chuli 7,871 m (25,823 ft), Buddha Himal 6672 m (21889 ft), Cheo Himal 6,820 m (22,375 ft), Manaslu North 7,157 m (23,446 ft), Samdo Peak 5,177 m (16985 ft), Naike Peak 6,211 m (20,377 ft), Larke Peak 6,249 m (20,505 ft) and many more.

The other attractions of the trails are other peaks located around the area of the Mt Manaslu circuit trek trails, the Larke La Pass 5106 meters, the glaciers along the peaks, the Nubri Valley people and their unique cultures, the Birendra Lake and Mt Manaslu base camp and the Tibetan people and their cultures are the major attractions of the treks. Whether you love nature or culture or both, Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days is a complete package for all sorts of trekkers.

The Nubri community

The locals of the upper Manaslu Circuit are known as Nubri people, and Nubris are the natives of the upper Manaslu region. The Nubri valley begins from Ghap village.

They speak the Nubri language, which resulted in the name Nubri Valley and Nubri community. It is one of the undocumented languages that is still being studied.

Like language, the culture, traditions, and beliefs of the Nubri community are also different. Though we mostly talk about Manaslu Circuit's adventure, challenges, and views, the locals and their deeply rooted heritage also make this trek very special.

The tough part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the Larke La Pass

Larkya La Pass 5106 meters, is one of the highest mountain passes in Nepal. It connects the Manaslu region with the Annapurna region and lies the official border between the two different districts of Gorkha and Manang. The Larke La Pass begins from Gorkha Dharmasala and ends at Bhimthang, Manang.

As much as the pass is hard and physically demanding, the view from the top of the Larke La Pass is equally rewarding. You will see an excellent view of Samdo Peak, Naike Peak, Manaslu North, Larke Peak, Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and many others from the top of Larkya La Pass.

From the Dharmasala, you will begin the pass early morning around 4 am and will be at the top of larke la pass by 7-8 am or even 9 depends on your strength. The pass involves several ups and downs with the unclear trails passing through the moraines, boulders and some small lakes.

Once you are on the top of the Larke La Pass, you will have to descend to bhimthang and the descent is challenging due to the high slopes and slippery trails and some stone falling areas as well. The descent takes about 4-5 hours, so all in all it takes about 7-9 hours for the Larke La Pass.

MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK OVERVIEW

• DISTANCE: Approx 180 km (Machakhola to Dharapani)
• DURATION: 12 days (possible to extend)
• START/END: Machakhola/Dharapani
• PERMITS REQUIRED: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) 75-100 USD for 7 days (10-15 USD for each additional day); Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) 3000 NPR; Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) 3000 NPR
• BEST TREKKING SEASON: Autumn and Spring season
• TREK DIFFICULTY : Moderate – difficult (depending on fitness and weight carried)
• ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS : + 11000 metres (approx) / – 9850 metres (approx)
• MAX ALTITUDE : 5106 m (Larke La)
• GUIDE MANDATORY: The Manaslu region is a restricted area so you must trek with a guide
• ACCOMMODATION: Teahouses/Guesthouses in villages along the trail

Manaslu Circuit Trek highlights

• Perfect views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) and surrounding Himalayan peaks
• Remote, less-crowded trails through pristine mountain landscapes
• Authentic Tibetan-influenced culture, monasteries, and traditional villages
• Diverse scenery from subtropical forests to high alpine terrain
• Cross the iconic Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) – one of Nepal’s most scenic high passes
• Walk alongside glaciers within the Manaslu Conservation Area

When is the best time to do the Maanslu circuit trek?

The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the spring and autumn seasons, when the weather and trail conditions are most suitable for the trekking adventure.

Spring (March–May)

The spring season is the second-best time for trekking because the skies are clear, offering excellent mountain views and good visibility. You can see stunning mountain views most of the time, although in lower areas, there might be some haze. There is very little chance of snowfall and rainfalls so the trails are much nicer and stable to trek. Plus, in the lower area, the temperatures are pretty high, whereas in the higher areas, it is very suitable for trekking. In the area around 2500 meters to 3000 meters, you can see the rhododendron blooming. Due to all the favourable situations, the Larke la pass is also easier this time.

Autumn (September–November)

The autumn season is the best season to do the Manaslu trek because of the most Stable weather after the monsoon season. The trek offers the Crystal-clear views of the Himalayas because of the most beautiful weather of the years and trekkers can enjoy the temperature, which is very suitable for trekking. The trails' conditions are most favourable to walks. The festive time in Nepal is neither hot nor cold, which is why the treks at this time are most suitable and give the best experience.

Winter (December–February):

The most hazardous time to do the high altitude trek like the Manaslu circuit is because the weather is not beautiful, very cold temperatures at high altitude, and snowfalls may happen any day. The trek is very hard, although it is possible to do. If there is high snowgfalls the trails may be blocked, and you may have to return because it is very risky if there is a lot of snow on the way to Larke la pass.

Monsoon (June–August):

The monsoon season is very risky due to the floods and landslides in the trekking here in Manaslu. Now there is road construction going on, and the landslides and floods are majour issue during the monsoon season trek, plus there might be other issues such as leeches and wet trails.

Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty and challenges

The 11 Nights 12 days trek is more challenging than other trekking areas in Nepal, and Manaslu is one of the restricted areas. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is physically quite challenging and demanding as well.

The Mnaaslu circuit trek difficulty may vary person to person because a well-prepared professional trekker may enjoy the trek very much and find it easer while it can be very tough fiorn the beginners because the distances each day are quite big as compared to other treks of Nepal.

As per the Himalayan standards, the Manaslu Circuit is not recommended to first-time trekkers, but we do have many successful stories that show first-time trekkers completing this trek. It all depends on your preparation, fitness, and mindset.

Here are some factors that determine the level of trek difficulty.

Longer distance camps.

The Manaslu circuit trek trails in a lower area are quite longer camps and trekkers have to trek around 18 to 22 Km. This is quite a long distance, and the trail is not flat. The trails involves frequesnts accent and descents

High Altitude trek.

The Manaslu circuit trek reaches up to an altitude of 5106 meters, and the sleeping camps are also situated at altitudes above 3000 meters, which is why it is quite tough due to the high elevation.

Tough and long, Larke La Pass is 5106 meters.

The Larke La Pass, which is the ultimate goal of the trek, is hard to summit due to the Elevations, Tough trakking trails after the Dharmasala, which is filled with rocky boulders, moraine paths and some slippery sections with possible rockfall areas too.

Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days (Outline itinerary)

What to Pack for the Manaslu Circuit?

Packing right and light is very essential for the Manaslu Circuit, as you will be carrying your backpack for 10-12 days along with you, at high elevations, when you are running out of breath, a light backpack is such a boon.

Here’s what I packed, and you can follow this packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Feel free to make any modifications to this list if required.

Equipment/Gear List for the Manaslu Trekking

Clothing

• Trekking backpack (55 L)
• One down jacket (rated -5 degrees)
• One Sleeping Bag
• 4 pairs of light t-shirts
• 2 light trekking pants (convertible to shorts)
• 2 Shorts
• 1 thick trekking pant
• 1 windproof jacket
• 3 pairs of light socks
• 1 pair of thick trekking socks
• Three sets of innerwear
• 1 set Inner Thermals
• 1 pair of slippers ( for the rest days and evenings)
• One small Towel (Quick dry)
• Good quality trekking boots
• Rain jacket
• Sun hat
• Warm woollen hat (only recommended for colder seasons)

Other Essentials

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Charger and power bank
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, wet wipes)
• Trekking poles (1 Pair)
• Wallet and documents