Conquer the Around Manaslu Trek: a Beginner Guide to Solo Trekkers in Nepal

Manaslu circuit trek is a dramatic journey through the rugged beaten path of Manaslu that provides opportunities for adventurous experiences for solo and group trekkers. Trekking around Manaslu is challenging, but this trek is worthy and achievable for solo and bigger travelers.

Short Trek Overview of Manaslu Circuit

• Trek route: The round trip around the Mount. Manaslu (8163m), is considered the eighth-highest peak in the world.
• Trek Distance of Manaslu Round: Approx. 160 KM (99miles).
• Trek Duration: 11 days to 15 days and up to 20 days (depending upon the itinerary you chosen)
• Trek Difficulty of Manaslu Circuit: Considered a moderated to a challenging level of the trek. From 700m to 5106m above sea level demands a good level of physical fitness and prior trek or hiking experience.
• Best time to Trek: autumn season (October to November) and spring season (March to May) offers stable weather conditions for trekking in Manaslu.

Key Highlight of the trekking in Manaslu

• Witness a stunning vista of mountains, cascading waterfalls, scenic villages, dense forests, and green valleys offering a wide range of wildlife phenomena including rare species of wild animals’ natural herbal plants, and blooming flowers.
• Discover and experience the unique mountain culture and culture with the Buddhist-influenced community and their festivals.
• Trekking through the most beautiful part of Manaslu Conservation Area. A home to thousands of wildlife species.
• Touching the thrilling adventurous pass at high altitude, Larkya Pass stands at an elevation of 5106m and offers magnificent views of surrounding peaks and glaciers.
• Escape the crowd zone and slightly enter the remote and authentic village that lets you experience the true essence and energy of the Himalayas.

Manaslu Circuit for Solo Trekkers: A Step by Step Guide

Embarking the journey around the world's 8th highest mountain is a dream of many domestic and international travelers. As long as you are planning your Manaslu Circuit Trekking follow this is a compressive step-by-step trek guide to make the journey memorable.

Essential Trek Permits and Documents

• Manaslu Restricted Area permit
• Manaslu Conservation Area permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
• Travel Insurance
• Travel passport and visa

Gear and packing list for solo Manaslu adventure trek

Essential Trekking gears

• Recommended Clothing
• First aid medications
• Personal items
• Other required essentials

Get a detailed information about gear and equipment  for trekking in Manaslu

Preparation for the successful trek in Manaslu

• Physical and mental preparation
• Training and fitness activities
• Acclimatization Tips & guidelines
• Strong mindset and mental fortitude
• Trek with Hiring Guide and Porters
• Trek with a registered trekking company.

Day–by–Day itinerary Breakdown for Manaslu Circuit Solo Trekking

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu & prepare for the trek
• Day 2: Travel to the Trailhead of the Manaslu Trek.
• Day 3: Trek Macha Khola to Jagat
• Day 4: Trek Jagat to Deng
• Day 5: Trek Deng to Namrung
• Day 6: Trek Namrung to Sama Gaon
• Day 7: Rest day at Sama Gaon
• Day 8: Trek Samagaon to Samdo
• Day 9: Trek Samdo to Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi)
• Day 10: Trek Crossing Larkya pass and trek to Bhimtang
• Day 11: Trek Bhimtang to Dharapani via Tilje
• Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu

Detailed trek itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map for Solo Trekkers.

A map is essential for making an adventure trekking. Find out the Manaslu Circuit trek map live on Google

What does Manaslu offer to Solo Trekkers?

• Stunning landscape and scenery
• Mountain views include Ganesh Himal, Himlung Himal, and the famous Mt. Manaslu)
• Mountain glaciers, lakes, and mysterious rivers.
• Lush Greenery forest with its diverse flora and fauna.
• Cultural experiences on the trek
• Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries and Chortens
• Typical local village and multi-cultural community.
• Experiencing local life, and culture festivals.
• Respect local costume.
• Support local business
• Take permission before taking a picture.
• Wildlife encounter on the Manaslu trek
• Snow leopard ( Rare encounters at high altitude)
• Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer
• Red pandas and other Himalayan wildlife,

Altitude sickness safety guide on Manaslu Circuit solo Trekking Tips

• Prevention and treatment of altitude sickness
• Recognizing symptoms
• Follow the proper medication and guidelines
• Decent is the best cure
• Stay safe and Healthy
• Carry water purification and proper sanitation
• Pack Sun protection cream, body lotions, and other necessary personal items.
• Drink plenty of water and neutralist food,
• Environmental consideration
• Follow leave on trace on trail principal.
• Respect the environmental phenomena.
• Manage waste disposal properly.

Detailed about Altitude sickness & safety tips on Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Food and Accommodation

Tea house trek

• Type of accommodation: Budget and Luxury tea house and lodge. Accommodation can be private and sharing basis.
• Food options: Nepali authentic dishes, and other meals like Momos, Noodles, and breakfast items.

Budgeting for Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Accommodation costs

• Approx. USD 10 per person per day.

Food and drinks

• Approx. USD 15 per person per day

Permits and fees

•  Approx. SD 200 including MCAP, restricted area permit & ACAP (permit cost will increase in autumn and decrease in spring)

Transportation

• Approx. USD150 per person (cost will be lower for sharing transportation and public transportation will cost around USD15 to USD 20 per person)

Guide and porter cost

• Guide cost of USD30 to USD 35 per day is mandatory (porter cost is USD 18 to USD 20. porter is optional)

Cost breakdown for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Potential risk on the trek during 11 Days Adventure on Manaslu 

• Suddenly changing weather conditions like snow, rain, and wind in the mountains.
• The trail can be slippery, rocky, and avalanches during winter and rainy seasons.
• Wild animals can be encountered like snow leopards and bears.

After and before the trek you can do additional activities.

• Explore cultural heritage sites like temples, and stupas.
• Exploring old markets and shopping for Nepali handicrafts and souvenirs
• Pre-trek day hike around the Kathmandu valley.
• Kathmandu valley tour

For detailed Day Tour Package 

After the trek, you can extend your trip by trekking to other destinations in Nepal.

Things to know before Mount. Manaslu Solo Trekking

Planning a trek with proper guidelines is crucial. Know about each requirement from packing list to visa process, accommodation, and trekking destination.

Here is a list of things trekkers must know before the trek 

 

Conclusion: Is the Manaslu circuit trek right for you? : A beginner perspective.

If you are planning to Manaslu Trekking, you must know that the trail is a challenging and rewarding adventure in Nepal. With a blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. It requires essential preparation and determination to make a successful contribution to the iconic Himalayan journey. If you are ready to touch the sense of a challenging landscape, off-the-beaten route, and mountain activities Manaslu is to trek once in a lifetime.

From the perspective of a beginner or first-time trekker, high-altitude trekking seems challenging it needs strategic preparation and export guidance.

For more comprehensive trek guides check our Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal 2025 planning guide blog post.