The Manaslu Trek, also known as the Manaslu Round Trek, around 8156 m Mt. Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest mountain, was formally opened to the foreign trekkers in 1991, though mountaineering expeditions have long had access to the region. HW Tilman and Colonel Jimmy Robert crossed the Larke Pass looking for an interesting mountain to climb in 1950. But today, in these days, the area draws thousands of trekkers and mountaineers. It is not as busy as Everest and Annapurna Trek. People who like to avoid roads and crowds and like more authentic culture that is less western-influenced will definitely choose Manaslu to trek. And moreover, the Manaslu area is full of wilderness experiences; now there is no need to organize a camping trek.
A teahouse trek in the Manaslu region is possible now as the lodges and homestay facilities have been open in the area for the last few years. This trek is now ever more popular for its range of scenery and cultural variety. Manaslu Teahouse Trek is the best alternative trek to Annapurna Circuit to avoid road access and disturbing construction.
Restricted Area Manaslu Trek Permit
To trek to Manaslu, you will have to arrange your trek through a government-authorized trekking company in Kathmandu, and trekking with a licensed guide is an obligatory. There must be at least two foreign trekkers to get the permit. Manaslu trek permit costs:
September to November: USD 100.00 per person for first week and USD 15.00 per person each extra day after 7 days
December to August: USD 75.00 for 7 days per person, and after 7 days USD 10.00 per person.
Beside the restricted route permit, you will need an additional two permits. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entrance permit. NPR. 3000.00 Per person MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) entrance permit. NPR. 3000.00 per person.
Manaslu trek Itinerary
Travel from Kathmandu to Arughat (525 m) local bus or a private jeep may take you further than Arughat, depending on the state of the road ahead. Sleep there or continue to Soti Khola (Several lodges) 700 m to get a head start. Otherwise, the standard itinerary with days of 6 hours or less of walking is as follows: However, we can customize your itinerary as per your interest and according to your previous trekking experience, level of physical fitness and stamina you have to walk.
General Outline Itinerary of Manaslu Trek
Day 01: Drive to Machha Khola (887 m), 6-7 hours.
Day 02: Trek to Jagat (1345 m), 7 hours.
Day 03: Trek to Deng (1860), 6–7 Hours.
Day 04: Trek to Namrung (2600 m), 7 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Syala (3480 m) 6 Hours.
Day 06: Day hike to Pungyen Gompa (4700) and trek to Samagaon (3520 m).
Day 07: Rest and acclimatization day. Explore around and relax.
Day 08: Trek to Samdo (3860 m) 3 hours walk.
Day 09: Trek to Dharma Saala (4460 m). 4 hour trek.
Day 10: Trek to Bimthang (3750 m) and traverse Larke La (5135 m).
Day 11: Trek to Tilche (2360 m). 7 hours walk.
Day 12: Trek to Chyamje 6-7 Hours.
Day 13: Drive to Besisahar and connecting drive to Kathmandu/Pokhara.
Accommodation
Manaslu region has already developed teahouses as it is more popular than Annapurna Circuit. In the past, visiting the remote parts of Nepal was only possible by camping and trekking for adventure holidays. Due to the increasing number of travelers, small lodges in the major places are being developed. So, now you can trek by staying in local lodges (tea houses) without camping in this famous trekking area. Manaslu trekking can be done either way: staying at lodges (teahouses) or camping.
Prepararaion
You have to arrange this trek through a registered trekking agency, even though you may just be two people with a single guide. The agency is necessary for arranging the permit, as individual tourists are not permitted to do that. Prepare as you would for any other trek equipment-wise. Water purification such as chlorine (drops or tablets), iodine, or a portable filter will be needed. Get fit. Wilderness Excursion strongly recommends travel insurance for all the clients who are going to join our Manaslu trek. Your travel insurance must provide and cover against personal accidents, medical expenses, emergency helicopter rescue services, and personal liability.
How to get there.
The Manaslu Round trek generally starts at Soti Khola or Machha Khola as road building works are in progress. There are daily public bus departures leaving in the morning. Advance booking may be required in the peak season. Dashain & Tihar festival falls in October/November, and many locals go back home to celebrate the festival so local buses may get full soon. Wilderness Excursion can arrange a private Jeep from Kathmandu to Arughat on our client request.
Best season or when to trek?
The best times to trek to Manaslu are from mid-September to early December in the autumn season and March to May in the spring. The weather is sunny and warm during the day with breath-taking views; however, the weather condition in the Himalaya is associated with the Indian Ocean. Trekking in the summer or monsoon season (June to Aug) will be affected by rain, but the summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist.
Variations
Manaslu trek is possible to start from Gorkha Bazaar, which is closer to reach from Kathmandu on a smoother road. We can find connecting transport to Barpak, where there is accommodation, and continue via Larpak to join the main trek. Many people add Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek that will need 1 week extra with Manaslu Round Trekking. This used to require camping or pre-arranged homestays, but can now be done as a teahouse trek, staying at lodges (though facilities are more basic than on the main trekking route). Itineraries can be as short as 7 days, excluding rest days, or as much as 21 days, taken at a relaxing pace with plenty of exploring. It is also entirely possible to combine with the Annapurna Ciruit: from Dharapani, continue to Manang and over the Thorung La at speed, having already acclimatized. Then fly or bus out from Jomsom to Pokhara. Other options include the trek to Nar and Phu, Tilicho Lake, taking advantage of trek-earned acclimatization and fitness.
How much does it cost?
Manaslu Trek price will be according to how we organize your tour. Including 5 star hotels and using a 4WD Jeep will cost a lot, and including just budget hotels in Kathmandu and using local buses will reduce the trip cost. Also, group size will differ the package price. We offer the value for money Manaslu trip packages. Please kindly visit the following trip packages.
Side trips in Manaslu trekking
Popular day trips include a visit to Manaslu base camp from Samagaon, Kaal taal from Prok, Hinang Gompa Himalchuli Base Camp from Lihi, Pungyen Gomp from Shyala, Birendra Taal from Samagaon, and a hike to the Rui La border with Tibet, which is 6-7 hour return trip from Samdo. (For more about suggested: (Side trips in Manaslu)
Stay safe
The principal danger is altitude, specifically going too high too quickly. Taking a day for acclimatization at Samagaon, Samdo, may be helpful. Follow these instructions for altitude sickness prevention. Another serious danger is being pushed off the trail by donkeys & yaks, which has resulted in the deaths of some trekkers. Be alert for the bells of approaching donkeys, and make sure you are on the inside of the trail, out of the way of donkeys, and wait until they have passed before proceeding. There are also cases of trekkers being fashed off of trails by landslides and avalanches. Cold and wind can be dangerous, so suitable clothing is essential. Snow and ice may be a problem at the Larkya La Pass, and some trail sections and stream crossings may be icy, especially in November or later. Trekking poles and light crampons or minispikes can be very helpful in reducing the risk of slipping, particularly on the steep descent after crossing the pass. Gaiters may be helpful in deep snow or blowing snow.
Get out
At last, ride a local bus from Besisahar to return to Kathmandu or continue onward to Pokhara. or If you still have time and are interested in Annapurna Circuit Trek (Thorong-la Pass) 5416 m, rather than coming back to Besisahar, you can right start your trek to Annapurna From Dharapani. But you will need TIMS Card permit. Because your restricted permit will not be valid any more. But the good things is your ACAP permit is still valid. For information on whether you will make an Annapurna Circuit or not, you need to buy ACAP permit in advance because, after Manaslu, you end up making your trip in Annapurna region, which is why it's required. so why not if you have time another adventure. Maximum in 1 week more you will reach to Pokhara.
Your Financial Protection
We realize that financial protection is a consideration when choosing a company to book a holiday property through. Wilderness Excursion holds a license with the Authority to operate adventure activities under the supervision of the Nepali government. We are a fully bonded adventure operator authorized by the Nepal Government, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Nepal Tourism Board, Industry Department, Company Registration Office, Nepal National Bank, and the Taxation Office. We are also affiliated with several prestigious regulating bodies, such as NATTA, NMA, TAAN, and KEEP, with whom we have a bond. We know that the last thing you want to worry about when you’re planning your trip of a lifetime is whether your money is in safe hands. As a leading adventure provider, it’s our job to make sure your finances are secure, so when you book with us, you can be confident that we do just that. To ensure that you have complete peace of mind, Wilderness Excursion is an authorized adventure travel agency. Please kindly check our legal documents if any doubt.
