Before embarking on the journey for the Manaslu circuit trek or any other trek or expedition, Recreation Holidays is always one step ahead to recommend to travelers the necessary information about the trip facts for the Manaslu trek and other renowned Himalayan destinations. Manaslu is a remote destination, so it can be fun but won't be much easier. So, proper information and guidelines of the area are key elements for the trek.
Just one day away from Kathmandu the unspoiled hidden gem of Nepal, Manaslu trekking has become a prominent choice for adventure-seeking and nature lover traveler enthusiasts, Nestled between the Tibetan borderline and the Nepalese Himalayan range profound destination. Among the dozen trekking in Nepal, like the Everest Trek, Langtang Trek,and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Manaslu Trek is renowned for its remote and ruler routes which can be a great experience for those who want to immerse natural and cultural beauty themselves.
Trekking in the lap of the world’s eight-highest snowcapped peak Mt Manaslu(8163m) is superbly romantic and worthy in itself. Located in the west-central part of Nepal is part of Mansiri Himal also known as the mountain of soul and sprite.
Manaslu trek has been open for trekkers since 1991 AD for trekking and climbing purposes. Similarly, T-sum Valley was opened in 2008 AD for trekkers. But the Mt. Manaslu was scaled by Japanese climbers in 1956 AD. However, before the trails were taken as salt trading routes between Nepal and Tibet. The ancient trails run beside the big Budi Gandaki River and the government has recognized it as a restricted area with the aim of culture and wildlife protection and conservation.
Manaslu region is home to diverse cultural ethnicities that offer unique and beautiful traditions, customs, and festivals as their religion and cast. Magar, Tamang, Gurung, Brahman, and Chhetri have high majority populations whereas Tsumbas culture in the T-sum Valley area. Similarly, the region is highly dominant in Tibetan Buddhism traditions. The Buddhist Monastery, stupa, Mani walls, prayer flag, and meditative Milarepa cave are interesting and showcase the hope and conviction of people in god.
Although, discovering the wildlife, flora, and fauna, it comes to know that between 1500 to 2000 species of flowering and herbal plants can be found. Whereas, the region is known for its shelter for rare and endangered animals like Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Musk Deer, species of birds, reptiles, and winged insects like Butterflies, Grasshoppers, and many others.
Generally. Manaslu trekking takes over 10 days and requires a restricted area trekking permit along with a conservation area permit. The stunning over 10-day Manaslu trek takes a deep insight into the beautiful village, natural water lake, cantilever & wooden bride, relaxing river, peaceful Valley, off-beaten trails, yak sheds, and shepherds aside the trails, and uniquely designed tea house along the trails can be a mesmerizing and new experience. The view of the major attractions of the trek Mt. Manaslu and the other 10 peaks over 6000m is impressive and breathtaking.
The treks lead you from Kathmandu to Sotikhola via drive continue your hike from Machha Khola and follow the Jagat, Philim, Deng, Namrung, Samagaun, Samdo, and take to the highest mountain glacier pass larky la Pass (5104m) which is bit difficult but the closest view of the mountains is extraordinary.
Interesting Fact about the Manaslu Trek
- Manaslu is an off-beaten remote trekking destination.
- The trail is renowned as an ancient salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet.
- Trails lead through the amazing cantilever bride and Budi Gandaki River.
- The home of the world’s eighth mountain, Mt. Manaslu, is also known as the Japanese mountain after being first scaled by a Japanese expedition team.
- Less crowded trekking trails.
- Multi-ethnic indigenous cultural people.
- Famous Buddhist monasteries, stupas, caves, and Buddhist culture villages along the trails.
- Enormous Birendra Lake.
- Home of species of wildlife, flora, and fauna.
- The highest glacier mountain pass of the trek is Larky la Pass.
- Open for trekkers in 1991 and 2000 AD.
- Tea house and lodge trekking.
- Rich cultural and warm hospitable people.
- Restricted area trekking so at least two person required for trekking. Solo trekking is not allowed.
- Variable weather conditions.
- Witness the other prominent snow-capped Himchuli, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Shringa, and surrounding peaks.
- Manaslu Conservation Area is the best conservation area among the six conservation areas in Nepal.
- Machha Khola is a gateway to several trekking routes, Manaslu Circuit trek, Manaslu Base Camp trek, and T-sum Valley trek.
Best Time For Manaslu Trekking
Trekking is a key activity that offers the manifesting experience of the Himalayas like great Mountain Views, greenery, smooth trails, diverse cultures, traditions, and a perfect climate. Concerning the view and all the visibility and mind-blowing experience, spring and autumn are highly recommended. Likewise, spring is mid-season for trekkers including March April, and May which are enormously renowned for the smooth trails, blooming forests, flowers, and visible weather where travelers can take the closest insight into massive peaks. Whereas, autumn is the high season for trekking and mountaineering activities. Thousand of tourists ascend and descend to and from the Himalayas for trek. It is post-monsoon time so everything feels tranquil and peaceful. The trails become mild and smooth with dynamic visibility, the volume of trekkers increases, and hills become full of snow. It makes me feel like the real heaven exists somewhere on this planet.
Permit Required to Trekking in Manaslu Region.
Manaslu trek is a beautiful adventure journey inside the Manaslu Conservation Area which requires a different trekking permit including a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and a restricted area permit issued by the Nepal Tourism Board and the immigration department. Here is a price list for the permit for Manaslu trekking.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit Fee:
- MCAP entry For SAARC citizens it costs 1000 Nepalese per person.
- MCAP entry is free for other nationalities it costs 3000 Nepalese per person.
Annapurna Conservation Permit fee:
Manaslu trek touched the part of Annapurna conservation as well so it required an ACAP permit as well.
- ACAP entry For SAARC citizens it costs 1000 Nepalese per person.
- ACAP entry is free for other nationalities it costs 3000 Nepalese per person.
Restricted or Special Area Permit fee:
- Autumn Season (September to November) - will cost USD 100 per person for the first week and USD 15 for each extra day beyond a week.
- For the rest season (spring, winter, and summer) - will cost USD 75 per person for the first seven days and USD 10 additionally for every single day beyond.
- If you add T the Sum Valley trek together will cost USD 40 per person for the first week and USD 7 per day beyond the week in the autumn season between September to November. Whereas, it costs USD 30 for the first week and USD 7 per additional day beyond a week.
- Beyond The Manaslu trek, trekkers, can join the Annapurna Circuit Trek or follow the Annapurna Base Camp route constantly by issuing a TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management Card) costs RS. 1000 Nepalese for SAARC nations and RS. 2000 Nepalese for other nationalities.
Note: Trekking in any restricted area without a permit and guide porters is charged a fine or offender. Other trekking destinations like Everest, Annapurna, and Lang-Tang require trekking permits and guides as a concern to your safety rules set by the government and related bodies.Besides, there are several things to considered before planning your holiday in mountains.
What are the options for meals and accommodation along the Manaslu trekking route?
Hygienic Meal and accommodation are fundamental for the trails. It plays a significant role in accomplishing the trek. During the Manaslu trek the tea house provides trekkers with a hygienic Nepali traditional food DAAL-BHAT (rice and lentil soup with fresh curry and testy pickle) as dinner and lunch. Besides, you can order other food items as available like Egg noodles, Spaghetti, Momos, Thukpa, fried rice, oats, cornflakes, honey bread, pancakes, porridge, and hot drinks as a morning meal.
Accommodation during the Manaslu trek is a prominent major part. It offers you a unique tea house with a tiny room with multiple beds and with shared toilet. The room in the tea house is well managed, hygienic neat, and clean with a perfect view of the mountains from the door and window or front passage. Manaslu is remote trekking so, along the trails many tea houses welcome you with warm hospitable people and their attractive culture.The major thing to know is the price of the room is not as expensive as in a city but the meal and food items are a bit expensive due to its remoteness.
What specific preparation and gear should trekkers consider or recommend before embarking on the Manaslu Trek?
Manaslu is one of the best off-the-beaten trekking in Nepal that, requires full of physical to mental prepration and packing gear & equipment. Before, embarking on the journey you must focus on your physical fitness for a week like cardio, cycling, and running to make your trip hassle-free and enjoyable. Similarly, you must have proper itinerary planning, cultural consideration, and health and safety preparation. To make the trip smooth and memorable you wisely need to pack your gear like, a wind and waterproof down jacket, trail-friendly trekking shoes, a pair of shocks, a t-shirt, trousers, a trekking bag, a water bottle, a medical kit box, toiletries accessories, sleeping bag, trekking pole, shoe crampons, torchlight, a sun protection cream, and other essentials item.
Are there any specific challenges or difficulties trekkers might face along the Manaslu trek?
Manaslu is considered as one of the best high-altitude trekking in Nepal. It is common to face certain challenges and difficulties during the trek, at high altitudes. Knowing the challenges and difficulties of the Manaslu trek its makes the journey interesting too. Some points that you have to be aware of during the journey.
- Altitude sickness- is one of the major challenges and issues that trekkers face during trekking, but you don’t need to worry more. To reduce altitude sickness, stay hydrated, eat diet meals, and make an acclimatization day as you go higher, don’t go higher if you feel the symptoms, tell your guide.
- Weather condition: in the mountains, weather can change at any time. So, early you have to be prepared for it carry a raincoat, water poncho, bag cover, warm clothes, grip shoes, and be updated with the next step weather forecast.
- Limited Infrastructure and resources: there are fewer tea houses and lodges in the Manaslu area in comparison to other destinations. So, it is better to make a reservation early for proper meals and accommodation otherwise, sometimes you have to manage in the dining hall or sitting hall with guides and porters in season time but it adds more fun to the trip.
- Cultural consideration: it’s difficult to know the local language and culture cultures but for this, your guide and porters will assist you to engage.
- Remote location: if you are traveling first time walking off the track and ascending or descending can be difficult for you but after a few days of trekking it becomes familiar.
- Travel insurance: Comprensive travel insurance is indespensable safegaurd,that privode protection agnist the any kind of energencies rescue and medical facilitation. For porper insurance guidlne our travel guide.
What is the average cost associated with the Manaslu trek, including permit and accommodation?
Trek is expensive rather comparing the city area but not that much. But if calculating a daily budget for accommodation and meals it starts RS. 3000 per person including three time meals. For the cost of the permit, it is different from the season which is already mentioned above. For more cost information contact us or visit Recreation Holidays.
Conclusion for Manaslu Trek
The Manaslu trek showcases an unparalleled adventure for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and the unique charm of indigenous communities, this trek is truly a hidden gem in the heart of Nepal. It offers not just a physical challenge but also a meaningful journey through an area steeped in history and tradition. The awe-inspiring views from the Larkya La Pass, and encounters with vibrant local cultures, make the Manaslu trek an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a novice adventurer, the allure of Manaslu beckons, promising memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace the spirit of exploration, and let the wonders of this remarkable region unfold before you. Keep updating with Recreation Holidays. Prepare for an unforgetanable adventure in one of hiddens gem of Himalayas.
