Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal is a challenging yet rewarding off-the-beaten-path adventure in Nepal that circles the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m). The Manaslu Circuit Trek Route is known for its diverse landscapes, rich Tibetan–influenced culture, and less crowded trails. The journey traverses through beautiful river valleys, dense forests, suspension bridges, Buddhist monasteries, and traditional villages offering spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Kang Guru Himal, Annapurna II, and many other mountain peaks.
What is the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal?
Manaslu Circuit in January
Manaslu Circuit is the coldest time in January. The temperature drops significantly at higher altitudes. The daytime temperatures barely rise above freezing reaching 5°C the most and during the night, the temperatures fall as low as -15°C. The trail is very quiet due to extremely harsh weather, and heavy snowfall that often covers the Larkya La Pass, making the cross impossible/ very risky. Most of the teahouses of higher altitudes remain closed. So, we highly recommend experienced trekkers only with proper gear and essentials to attempt the Manaslu Circuit Trek in January. The conditions during January are extremely challenging but highly rewarding providing stunning snow-covered Himalayan views.
Manaslu Circuit in February
February is also one of the coldest months in Nepal. It is cold but offers slightly better conditions than January. The days start to get longer, with clearer skies in the morning time. The nights can still get cold and snow can block the trails, but the trails are quiet and an adventure in itself. Trails may be icy and slippery, but if you enjoy cold and solitude, you can venture out for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in February too.
Manaslu Circuit in March
March month marks the beginning of the spring season. Snow starts to melt, making trails more accessible. The Larkya La Pass still might have some leftover snow but the temperature starts to rise making a comfortable rise during the day, but the nights can still get cold at higher elevations. The main highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in March is the blooming rhododendrons in the lower region adding vibrant colors to the landscape and making trekking more joyous. March month is ideal for those seeking fewer crowds, fresh mountain air, and clear skies.
Manaslu Circuit in April
April is undoubtedly the most popular and one of the best months to trek the Manaslu Circuit. The weather is stable, days are warm and the skies are clear offering magnificent views of the Himalayan Peaks. Rhododendrons are blooming along with other wildflowers, making the forests colorful and beautiful. The Larkya La Pass gets easier to cross and the temperature is pleasant and the trails are in great condition. Manaslu Circuit Trek in April attracts many trekkers, making it one of the most popular months for trekking.
Manaslu Circuit in May
The days are warmer, and the temperature continues to rise especially in the lower altitudes during May. The landscape transforms into lush greenery with pre-monsoon rains slowly starting towards the end. The skies are clear mostly but fog can sometimes affect the distant mountain views mostly during the afternoon. Larkya La Pass is generally snow-free by May, making it one of the easiest times to cross. It’s perfect for trekkers who prefer warmer conditions and fewer crowds than in April.
Manaslu Circuit in June
June is the start of the monsoon period of the year. Trek during early June can be favorable for trekking, but by mid to late June, heavy rain becomes frequent. The trail becomes muddy and slippery due to heavy rain, increasing the risk of landslides in many areas. Despite the heavy rain, the landscapes rejuvenate with vibrant greenery. The mountain views are blocked by the clouds and the region sees fewer trekkers, making the trail peaceful but challenging. So, Manaslu Circuit Trek during June is only recommended to experienced trekkers who are comfortable with unpredictable weather.
Manaslu Circuit in July
July is the peak of the monsoon season in the Manaslu Region. Continuous rainfall makes the trail wet, and slippery and increases the risk of landslides. River crossings become more dangerous due to swelling streams. Views of the mountains are often obscured by thick clouds and mist. However, the region looks incredibly lush and green. Leeches and insects are common at lower altitudes. July is not ideal for trekking unless you are particularly interested in the monsoon landscape and can handle wet conditions.
Manaslu Circuit in August
August is the end of the monsoon period in the Manaslu Circuit. The beginning of the month can have similar challenges as July but the weather is more suitable at the later part of August. Starting of the month, has muddy trails, and landslide risks are high, especially in narrow river gorges. Humidity levels rise, making trekking uncomfortable at times. However, if you trek towards the end of August, you can have occasional clear days with a glimpse of mountains. So, the Manaslu Circuit Trek during August is only attemptable for seasoned trekkers who are familiar with Nepal’s monsoon trekking.
Manaslu Circuit in September
September marks the beginning of another best season of trekking. Early September may still have light rain and cloudy skies, but by mid-September, the skies clear up, revealing breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. The air feels fresh, the rivers are full, and the landscape is lush green. Trails start drying, and teahouses reopen after the monsoon. Hence, the Manaslu Circuit Trek in September is a wonderful time to trek for those looking for fewer crowds but still enjoying great mountain views and vibrant surroundings.
Manaslu Circuit in October
October is undoubtedly another popular season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The weather is stable incredibly, the skies are clear and temperatures are very ideal for trekking. The weather is warm during the day and cool during the night. The Larkya La Pass gets relatively easier to cross and the entire region offers breathtaking views of the mountains. The landscape is colored brown by the Autumn, making it photogenic and picturesque. However, the Manaslu Circuit Trek in October is the peak season for trekking, so you should expect more trekkers along the trail and busy teahouses.
Manaslu Circuit in November
Manaslu Circuit Trek in November is also one of the excellent months for trekking, with stable weather and clear skies. Temperatures begin to drop especially at higher altitudes, and nights can get very cold. By late November, the snow may start appearing at higher elevations, including the Larkya La Pass. However, the views remain incredible, with dry trails and golden autumn colors in the forests. It’s perfect for trekkers who prefer a quieter trail with great visibility and manageable cold.
Manaslu Circuit in December
Manaslu Circuit Trek in December marks the start of winter, and cold temperatures return to the Manaslu region. The lower parts of the trail are still accessible, but snow starts accumulating at higher elevations, making Larkya La Pass crossing risky by late December. The air is dry and crisp, offering clear mountain views. Fewer trekkers venture out during this time, providing peace and solitude. With proper winter gear and preparation, experienced trekkers can enjoy the beauty of Manaslu under snow-capped peaks.
Hence, the best Seasons to go for the Nepal Manaslu Circuit Trek are March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn), offering stable weather, clear skies, and excellent mountain views. However, winter offers solitude and adventure for experienced trekkers, while the monsoon is generally not recommended due to the risks of landslides and poor visibility. Let us know of your time, season, and preferences, Walk Mountain will help in your successful trek to Manaslu Circuit.
What are the permits required for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal?
As Mt. Manaslu lies in the restricted region, there are quite a few permits required to trek the Manaslu Region. Following is the list of Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits and the cost required for trekking in the Manaslu Region:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Because of the restriction in the Manaslu Region, you need to take a Restricted Area Permit Pass issued by the Government of Nepal before the trek. The cost of the RAP varies from season to season. From September to November, it would cost you 100 USD per person and an additional US$15 for an additional day. From December to August, it would cost you USD 75 per person and an additional US$ 10 for each additional day.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from Manaslu Conservation Area and ends at Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an ACAP permit as well. The ACAP costs around 25 USD per person.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
As stated, Manaslu Circuit starts from the Manaslu Conservation Area, so you need to have a Manaslu Area Conservation Permit that costs you around 25 USD (NPR 3000) per person.
The permits can be taken with the help of a registered trekking agency like Walk Mountain Pvt. Ltd.
Accommodation & Meals during the trek to Manaslu Circuit in Nepal
The Manaslu Circuit Trek accommodation is primarily in teahouses and lodges along the route. The teahouses of the Trek offer basic twin-sharing rooms with shared toilets. The lodges at lower altitudes provide ample facilities, whereas at higher altitudes like Samdo and Dharamshala, the facilities get more basic. The toilet can sometimes be of the Western and sometimes the squat style.
During your trek to Manaslu Circuit, you will be provided three meals a day, i.e., breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menus are simple but sufficient for the Manaslu high-altitude trekking. The food menus get basic at higher altitudes. We recommend that you have Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), a Nepali dish with unlimited refills. Other options like noodles, soups, fried rice, potatoes, eggs, and Tibetan bread are also available on the menu.
The water during the trek is available everywhere, but we recommend you use purification tablets or boil the water before drinking. The extra facilities like Wi-Fi, hot water (for bathing/drinking), and extra blankets require extra money. The amount gets higher as you ascend toward a higher altitude.
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The 12-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty is strenuous and is ideal for trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience. The toughest section during the trek is crossing Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m/ 16,929 ft of altitude. This section is tough due to thin air, steep ascents, and the possibility of snow and wind.
So, if you are an inexperienced trekker, it might be quite difficult as the trek requires quite a high level of physical endurance for its completion. Hence, if you are an inexperienced trekker, let us know beforehand so we can prepare accordingly and help you complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal.
Preparation Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal
- Start training 3 to 4 months before the trek.
- For the physical endurance part, you can start doing cardio exercises for better breathing, strength and endurance exercises for better physical endurance.
- For mental preparation, you can go for yoga, a positive mindset, and set realistic expectations.
- You can also practice multi-day hiking with backpacks ranging from 8 to 10 kg.
- It is also very crucial to acclimate to avoid altitude sickness.
Is travel Insurance necessary during the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Route?
While trekking to higher altitudes, it is very hard to predict the conditions and challenges that might unfold. The danger is inevitable during the trek, and we cannot avoid it. Though we cannot avoid risk, it is better to minimize the risk as much as we can. Hence, to be free from risk and danger that might occur during the trek, travel insurance is very crucial for the high- altitude trekking like the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The Manaslu Circuit Trekking Route is an off-the-beaten-path and encompasses trekking on dangerous trails, so it is better to have travel insurance in case of any kind of danger that might occur during the trek. At higher altitudes, the medical services are not that well developed and might require medical evacuation; hence, it can cost you a fortune without travel insurance. So, we highly recommend that you do your travel Insurance helping you to save from additional costs that might occur during the trek.
Risk of Altitude Sickness and Its Preventive Measures on the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a high-altitude trek that takes you from 900 m (Macchhakhola) to 5,160 m (Larkya La Pass). The range in altitude makes it one of the most challenging treks in Nepal in terms of altitude gain, increasing the risk of Altitude sickness/ Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real risk and must be taken seriously. Many trekkers surely get mild symptoms during the trek, and in severe cases, the symptoms can turn into life-threatening if not managed.
Altitude Sickness is caused by the body’s inability to adapt quickly enough to the decreasing oxygen levels as you gain elevation. At 5,000m, there is about 50% less oxygen compared to sea level, which forces your body to work harder, especially when walking uphill or crossing high passes like Larkya La. Ascending too fast without proper acclimatization doesn’t give your body enough time to adjust, increasing the risk of AMS.
Common Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
- Constant headache (the most common and early sign)
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite and extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep Disturbances
- Swelling of hands, feet or face
If ignored, the primary symptoms of altitude sickness can escalate into more serious conditions like HAPE and HACE. So, if you have any symptoms of Altitude Sickness, make sure to make your guide aware of the symptoms.
