Overview
Manasalu Circuit Trek is one of the holy trails, in comparison to another Famous trail like ABC, Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, this trail is one of the remote trails of Nepal. The natural beauty and the Highest Mountain attract Trekkers to Lure. This trail is getting popular and it attracts many Novice trekkers as well as experienced trekkers too because of the remoteness and the extreme adventure.
Climate Of Manaslu Circuit Trial
Due to the diverse geography and variation of altitude, there are different climatic zone. Trekking in Manaslu Circuit will start from the tropical zone which is 710 meters above sea level and ascends through passing subalpine, alpine and Arctic Zone which covers the range of 4500 meters. Manasalu Region is located in the central west part of the Himalaya.
Weather is always unpredictable at high altitude; the climate and weather vary throughout the year from sunny to cold and dry to wet.
The month of January is the coldest month, however, the temperature drops below 0 degrees at the high altitude of the Manaslu region.
September to November is the month of autumn which offers the best climatic weather, the walk under the clear crisp skies and stable temperature will be exotic.
June, July, and August is the month of summer and monsoon, the weather will be challenging due to the significant rainfall.
So, the best season is the best time to explore the Manasalu circuit trek. Spring and autumn are the best seasons that offer significant views of stunning mountains and a stable climate.
Manasalu Circuit Trek In The Month Of Spring Season
March, April, and May are the months of the spring season. This season is classified as the perfect season which means the best time to trek and climbing. To explore with the best memory and soulful experience trekkers choose the season.
This season the trail will be busy and you will meet a lot of fellow trekkers on the way but not so busy as the Everest region and Annapurna Region. Pre-monsoon is the best time, it is a time of fresh bud bloom and nature will be so attractive with the colorful wildflowers and rhododendron.
Highlights Of Spring Season In Manaslu Region
- Low risk of Climatic hazard and Landslide, this is the safest season to trek Manasalu Circuit.
- The trekking route offers you to walk down to clear blue skies across the colorful forest.
- The temperature will be mild and stable it means easy to walk on the trail.
- Clear view of stunning Mountain
Manasalu Circuit Trek In The Autumn Season
September, October, and November are the months of Autumn Season, it offers the warm temperature and chilly during the night.
This is the peak season which means the trekking and climbing season. Enthusiast trekkers choose this season because the best climate will make easy to ascend to the higher altitudes and offers the best views.
The end of monsoon will bring pleasant weather and the season starts with a fresh climate which is perfect for the trekkers to trek. The season offers a stable temperature during the day and chilly at night.
At the high-altitude, a lower temperature is normal and common. October and November are dry most of the time so the trail will be clear and the risk will be zero.
Highlights Of Autumn Season
- Trail will be clean and dry
- Low risk on the trail
- Weather will not be so challenging, but the extreme change in the weather of trans-Himalaya is common
Manasalu Circuit Trek In Monsoon/Summer
June, July, and August are the months of Summer and Monsoon. This is the time of frequent downpours in the Manasalu region. Manasalu is considered as the king of rain. during this season, the country receives 80%of rainfall. It brings more challenges and thrills during trekking to the Manasalu circuit. The extreme change in weather may bring many difficulties in the various section of the trekking trail.
The monsoon season is classified as the offseason for the trekkers, the weather will be mostly dark and cloudy. This season denies the sparkling view of the mountain. However, the continuous rainfall and difficulty on the trail add more adventure while trekking.
After the mid of June, the rain will gradually start and the temperature will be humid, so, it is better to start the trek on the first week of June, only if you are planning to trek in this season
This season the trail will be muddy and slipper also the trail will be isolated because of the offseason.
Highlights Of Monsoon Season
- Less crowed on the trail
- Discounts on food and accommodation
Manasalu Circuit Trek In Winter
December, January, and February are the months of winter. This is the season of extreme challenges in the Manasalu region. The heavy wind will dare you but the views will be sophisticated. The weather will be cold and dry, the skies will be clear but the trail will be fully covered with thick snow.
During day time the temperature will be warm but the wind will be cold, however, in the evening temperature will significantly drop to -20 degrees.
Till early December, the weather will be similar to last of Autumn, the winter will arise constantly so it is possible to trek till December.
Once the trail will again be isolated. The local people from the high altitude will descent down to the city. January will be the coldest month of the year, only a few adventure seekers will make their way to this trail.
Highlights Of Winter Season
- Extreme adventure
- Majestic mountain views
How Much Distance Will You Cover In Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The starting point of the Manaslu circuit is Arughat village of Gorkha district. And the ending point is Besisahar village of Lamjung District, the Annapurna Region. During Manaslu Circuit, you will have to cover a distance of 177 km in total.
The highest point of the Manaslu circuit is Larke La Pass, which is at the altitude of 5106 meters above sea level. This trek makes the circuit bypassing the challenging Trans Himalaya from Manasalu Conservation Area to Annapurna Conservation Area.
The average walk per day will cover the distance of 15-20 kilometers.
Special Permit Requirement For Manasalu Circuit: Restricted Area
Manasalu region is the restricted area because it touches the Tibetan border. Individual trekkers are not allowed to trek in Manaslu Circuit solo; it needs a minimum of two a person in a group or you can join with another group. To do this trek you need to hire an authorized guide and it is compulsory. Permits will be issued by the department of Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. Permits detail are as follow:
- RAP (Restricted Area Permit)
- MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area) special Permit to check-in
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) to check out
- September to November the permit cost USD 100 per person per week and USD 15 Per Person Per day beyond one week.
- December to August the permit costs USD 75 per person per week and USD 10 per Person Per day beyond one week.
You need 2 passport size photos, a copy of Passport and insurance document to apply for the permit.
For more information on permits, click here.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival to Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport – TIA) (1,350 m/4,450 ft)
Bharal Airport Representative will receive you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu. The trip details and itinerary will be discussed. You can enjoy the clamor of Thamel in Evening.
Day 3 : Drive to MachhaKhola (890m/ 2,965 ft) – 8–9 hrs
At first we will cross to Akhu Khola after that we will pass to Arughat through Dhading district, The journey continues along the Budhi Gandaki River and the trail is sandwiched between two gigantic hills. The route encompasses waterfalls, forests, terraced farmlands and villages. The short uphill climbing will take you to Lapubeshi eventually towards Machha Khola.
Day 4 : Trek to Jagat (1,365 m / 4,545 m)-6–7 hrs
The journey will be continued through the terraced farmlands and end up near the Tatopani (natural hot water springs). Once you have enjoyed this delightful gift of nature the overnight will be in Jagat for this day’s trekking.
Day 5 : Trek to Pewa (1,870 m/ 6,135 ft) – 8 to 9 hrs
The trip then climbs further upwards along the Budhi Gandaki River Valley. The forests of the rhododendrons and pines will be on trail while the magnificent village of Pewa waits us for the overnight sleep.
Day 6 : Trek to Ghap (2,250m / 7,382ft) – 7 to 8 hrs
Again on this day also the journey continues amidst the jungle of unique vegetations however the shape of forests starts to change. While climbing the trail you will be enlightened by the mere view of Shringi Himal. Once you have reached the Buddhists village of Ghap you will be amazed to see how the cultural differences exist in Nepal in just a day’s walk.
Day 8 : Trek to Sama Gaon(3530m) – 6 to 7 hrs
After witness the spectacular views of the Mountains the trekkers trek towards Samagaon. The Tibetan influenced villages that you see on the way have one thing in common as the village gate called Kanis. The trekking descends down and cross the Damonan River and then take uphill climbing to plateau at Syala. This place offers the breathtaking mountain views as well. The view of Mt. Manaslu, Himchuli, Ngai Chuli etc can be seen very clearly. The village is referred as Samagaon because of the monastery present in it.You can stroll around the thousands of the Mani with Buddhists scripts as well as pictures. You can explore the Birendra Lake or Pungyen Gompa. Ponder at the thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures. We see women wearing a nice silver spoon as jewelry at Sama Gaon.. Sama Gaon, the closest village to Manaslu base camp.
Day 10 : Larkya La Phedi (Dharma Shala) (4,465 m) – 5 to 6 hrs
The journey then heads towards Dharma Sala or Larkya La Phedi. The first place trekkers reach is Samdo. The terraced farmlands, wooden bridge on Budi Gandaki River and the valleys will be passed before making towards the Dharmasala. You can have the outstanding view of the Larkya Glacier from this place. Take proper rest for the daunting trekking and crossing of the high altitude pass tomorrow.
Day 11 : Trek to Bimtang (3,590m) via Larkya La Pass(5100m) – 8 to 9 hrs
You should be extremely careful during this time of the trekking. As it is very challenging because of the possibility of storms and windy conditions trekkers are take very early to cross the pass. The trip starts with the subtle crossing across the moraine. When trip descends to Lake it becomes rugged rough and vivid towards the steep grassy slopes on south. You will descend and cross about four frozen lakes and finally make the pass. From the tip of the pass you will be rewarded with the remarkable views of the Mountains like Himlung, Cheo, Kangguru, Menjung and others. The journey then reaches the small meadow and as you move forward it becomes large. Bimthang is the village for the day’s trek stop point.
Day 12 : Trek to Tilije – (2310m) 7 to 8 hrs
From this beautiful village Bimtang trip continues towards the tilije along the Dudh Khola. The crossing of the wooden bridges, rhododendron forests and villages of the Gurung community make the trip thrilling experience again. The beautiful Marshyandi Valley looks larger and then the houses of the tilije area starts to appear.
Day 13 : Drive to Besisahar - Kathmandu (1,350 m/4,450 ft.) – 8-9hrs
Along the Prithvi Higway the journey then heads to Kathmandu. You can see the highway lifestyle of the people on the way as well.From Dharapani the adventurous jeep drive will take you to the Besisahar of Lamjung district. You will have good hotel or lodge in Besisahar for the relaxation.
Day 14 : Transfer to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your international departure
The amazing Nepal trekking ends once we bid farewell. Our Airport Representatives will take you to Airport and with promise to meet again we bid farewell. Bharal Adventure is always there for the best arrangement of your holidays.
Day 7 : Ghap to Lho Gaun (3180 m/10430 ft.) ; Walking Distance: 10.5 Km, Duration: 7 Hours
While hiking from Ghap we reach Namrung at first after walking around 3 hours . Namrung village has breathtaking views of Mt. Hiunchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Singri Himal. These are the views from where breakfast is served. We take a difficult trail through a forest as we head towards Lho and arrive at Lihi. The mountain vegetation makes way to more significant Buddhism as we proceed. The area ahead of Namrung is occupied mostly by Tibetans. Before arriving at Lho village we will reach at Lihi, which offers stunning chortens, barley-filled areas, and views of Mt. Manaslu. After reaching at Lho village, you stay the night at a hotel.
Day 9 : Trek to Samdo (3875m/12710ft); Walking Distance: 8.00 Km, Duration: 4-5 Hours
Descending to the Budhi Gandaki River, we follow the trail leading to Larkya-La passing through several Mani walls and juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We descend down across the Budhi Gandaki through a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a headland between two forks of the river. A white Kani is visible from a stone arch which we will pass through to get to Samdo.
Day 2 : Preparation for trek and for Manaslu Special Permit
This day we'll buy the equipment's and necessary thing for the trek as well as we also need original passport for making special permit. So , it might take a day for making Manaslu special permit.