Around Manaslu Trek 17 Days

Best Time

Being a high-altitude trek, the best time for our Around Manaslu trek is spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November). it is dry in the Himalayas with absolutely no chance of fog or mists or thick clouds. So the mountain views open up clearly with the colorful forests enliven with the chirping of birds, cascading waterfalls, and blooming rhododendrons.

The summer months of June, July, and August and the winter months of December, January, and February ring the misty weather and chilly temperatures respectively making this trip quite difficult and impassable.

Elevation and distance

The around Manaslu trek takes you to the base of the world’s eighth highest peak Manaslu which is erected at 8163 m above sea level. Our expedition ends when we make our way to the enormous Larke La pass at 5160 m above sea level.

The Manaslu region is located 177 km from Kathmandu whereas the Soti Khola – the beginning point of our trek is 140 km. We need around two weeks duration to cover this distance on foot thereby walking around 13 km per day.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

The 17-day around Manaslu trek includes ten days of walking days when we will cover approximately 13 km per day walking 5 to 7 hours. However, we may not always walk 13 km, we may sometimes only cover 5 km while some days even 20 km. Thus changing our everyday walking duration in accordance.

While most days need us to hike for 5 to 6 hours, the tenth day of the itinerary needs only 3 to 4 hours of hike as we trek from Samagaun to Samdo. It is the shortest and easiest walking trail of our entire trekking trip to Manaslu.

On the other hand, the twelfth day when we cross the Larke La Pass to reach Bhimtang will be the toughest trekking day when we walk for 8 to 9 hours.

Difficulty and Acclimatization

The around Manaslu trek is a moderately tough trek that takes you to some of the secluded regions of Nepal. The difficulty is mainly during the days at high altitudes, when the air is thin and you have to ascend and descend considerably. The biggest challenge here is preventing altitude sickness especially when crossing the Larke La Pass. The ascent to the Pass doesn’t require extensive knowledge or technical skill.

Therefore, to prevent altitude sickness, we offer a rest day at Samagaun and have planned carefully the walking hours per day. Most of our clients have no problems with the altitude when traveling in accordance with our itinerary.

Can a beginner trek to Manaslu Circuit?

The Around Manaslu Trek is suitable for any trekker who has a strong determination, and motivation and who enjoys a basic level of physical fitness with sound health. You should be able to walk for at least 7 hours a day over diverse paths. However, most of the time the trail is good, and wide but sometimes stony and steep.

Every now and then you cross a river via a metal suspension bridge. These suspension bridges are a bit wobbly, and can hang higher than 20 meters above the river, but are of good quality.

Therefore, the trail is safe but good fitness and experience with walking in the mountains are prerequisites.

Preparation and training

Although you are in sound health, still you need to prepare beforehand for the trip to increase your endurance, stamina, and cardiovascular health. For this, you can prepare by starting a half-hour morning walk every day. Slowly, you can increase your regime by running, and then begin cycling.

You can also go for some hiking adventures in your hometown or nearby mountains. And why not join a gym to strengthen your leg muscles?

And remember, this trip will take you to some of the remotest regions of the planet where modern infrastructure is not available. So be ready to surrender WIFI, hot bath, McDonald’s Snacks, etc for a few days.

Alternate Routes

If you want an exclusive Manaslu trek just for yourselves, you can choose the alternate route that takes you from Kathmandu to Baseri. Then passing through Kashigaun, Kerauja, and Dovan which then joins the path to Philim. This alternate route can be quite challenging for its remoteness and longevity as the trek needs at least 20 to 21 days to complete.

Likewise, you can also merge the Annapurna Circuit trek as you retrace your step back to Dharapani at the end of the journey.

Altitude Sickness

The high altitude is the main challenge of this trip particularly when you climb the Larke La Pass. Therefore, before climbing the Pass, to prevent altitude sickness, we suggest you climb quite a bit after arriving at the lodge, for better acclimatization.

In addition, you should take it easy, even if you are fit enough to run faster. Stopping a lot, taking photos, walking at a leisurely pace, and not wanting to ascend too quickly are the major preventive measures for altitude sickness.

If any symptoms appear, please inform our guide who will give you Diamox or Ibuprofen to relieve symptoms.

Transportation, Meals and Drink

Each of our tour packages is an all-inclusive service where we ensure all your transportation, meals, and drink needs are taken care of. We offer airport- hotel- airport and trekking pick up and drop via Car, Van, Hiace, or, tourist Bus. Our drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu will be by private transportation.

Additionally, you will stay in Kathmandu in a 3-star standard hotel with a free delicious breakfast every morning. Then during the trek, full onboard meals with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included will be provided. Try Dal Vat, Thukpa, spring rolls, chapati, noodles, Tibetan bread, dumplings etc for a change.

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/wifi

Despite the lack of modern infrastructure, most of the villages of the Manaslu region enjoy good coverage of NTC and NCELL coverage. The villages of Namrung, Lho, and Samagaun have good mobile reception where you can also enjoy the mobile data packages for continuous internet connection.

Likewise, you may be surprised but the tea houses of Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, Samdo, Bhimthang, and Dharapani have good WIFI connections but it will cost some additional fees from USD 3 to USD 5.

Similarly, with a 24-hour electricity supply in all villages, charging your gadgets will be easier but again you have to pay an extra fee for the service.

What to expect?

The trek around the Manaslu has all the ingredients that make walking in Nepal an unforgettable experience: remote villages of Hindu and Buddhist populations, and a very varied landscape with the high snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the background.

The first days we follow the Budhi Gandaki valley past rice terraces and subtropical forests. Then we pass small, lively Tibetan villages where monasteries and chortens bear witness to the Buddhist faith. The highest point of the tour is the high mountain pass Larke La. This pass is located right below the peak of Manaslu, in an unreal world of rocks, snow, and ice. The view is incredibly beautiful.

We then descend past extensive glaciers and through yak meadows into the habitat of the Gurungs. Here the Annapurnas dominate the horizon. Finally, we reach the Marsyangdi Valley from where a jeep ride takes us back to Kathmandu.

Permits

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) are the permits we need for around the Manaslu trek.

The cost and the process of issuing these permits are included in our service. Our guide will collect your passport and photo to obtain these needed permits.