How Much Does the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost?
Information about Manaslu Circuit Trek?Itinerary, Distance, Difficulty, and Cost
Why Choose?the?Manaslu Circuit?
For those looking to avoid the traditional Annapurna Routes and escape the masses, the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal is the perfect choice. Following an ancient salt-trading route along the steep-sided Budhi Gandaki River, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers the very best views of the Annapurna area. Here you will enjoy a background of snow-capped mountains with peaks more than 6,500 meters (21,300 feet) in height, glacier lakes, and beautiful flora and fauna all along the trails.
The area is primarily populated by two ethnic groups the Nubri and Tsum, offering a unique glimpse into the life of the original indigenous settlors.?While tourists have visited Nubri since Nepal’s 1950 tourism opening, Tsum still retains much of its traditional culture, art, and tradition. This circuit also passes through several Nepalese cultural heritage sites, including the Tamang and Sherpa settlements, offering an opportunity to experience a unique culture.
At 8,156m in height, Mount Manaslu is the highest mountain top in this area and the eighth highest peak in the world. Whether you choose to stay overnight in teahouses or prefer traditional camping, the Manaslu Circuit offers something for everyone.
How Long Is the Manaslu Circuit?
The Manaslu Circuit is one of the longer treks in Nepal and is usually tackled between 13 to 17 days. Most trekking companies recommend 14- or 16-day itineraries to allow for adequate acclimatization and comfort.
The total distance of the Manaslu Circuit is 177 kilometers (110 miles). However, the distance can vary depending on whether you choose to start the trek from Arughat Bazar or Soti Khola. We can offer customized options to suit your preference.
We are selling a?Short Manaslu Circuit Trek?as well but it is not suitable for all age-old trekkers and hikers. This Short Manaslu Circuit Trek for those who wish to experience a wonderful time in the Himalayas but have a limited vacation.
What Is the Best Season to Trek the Manaslu Circuit?
There are 4 distinct seasons in Nepal: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. While each season offers something special, the most popular months for trekking Manaslu, as well as the entire Annapurna Massif, are from March to May and September to November. You can read more about the most favorable trekking and hiking seasons in Nepal in this blog post.
Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit versus the Annapurna Circuit?
While the Annapurna Circuit provides everything you are looking for when trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary of Nepal, it is the second busiest trek in Nepal after the Everest Base Camp Trek. Therefore, the trails are often very busy and crowded. And, since increased popularity and demand requires modern infrastructure, some of the Annapurna Circuit is actually now tarred. While uplifting for the local communities, trekkers of course, are always looking for the most remote trails, which you are sure to find on the Manaslu Circuit. The Manaslu Circuit Treks offers everything the Annapurna Circuit offers, but the smaller crowds allow for a more authentic trekking experience.
In the past, camping was basically the only possible way to spend the night in this remote part of the world, these days you can find teahouses scattered along the trail.
Trekking companies know exactly how to navigate the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Check out the different options and get in touch here.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal Difficult?
Hiking or trekking in the Annapurna Region can be challenging after all, you are stilling trekking through the Himalayas of Nepal. This doesn’t mean that you cannot do it though. The average trek in the Annapurna Region is not difficult however, hikers and trekkers should still be moderately fit. If you like hiking and begin an exercise regimen well in advance of your trek, you can do it. If you are wondering what it physically takes to go trekking in Nepal, and what you can do to become the fittest version of yourself, you should keep reading.
How Much Does the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost?
As most foreign visitors to Nepal land in Kathmandu, they are likely to trek in regions other than Annapurna or Manaslu. In order to go trekking in the Annapurna Region, you have to actually travel to Pokhara. All the trekking providers will offer transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara either by bus or plane. It is important to note that the Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area, therefore, you need at least two people to trek in order to get a permit and a start date. Keep reading to find out which permit you need.
A typical trekking itinerary will usually build in the cost of the hotel accommodation in Pokhara and transport from Pokhara to Ghorepani.?Additionally, for the Manaslu Circuit, you will also need to pay for three trekking permits described below, issued by the Government of Nepal, as it is?impossible to hike in the Nepal Himalayas without a permits. The cost for the permits for the Manaslu Circuit depends on the month and number of days you will spend in this region.
Manaslu Restricted Permit:
The Manaslu trek permit costs USD 100.00 for first seven days and USD 15.00 each additional day during September to November. From December to August, the Manaslu trek permit costs USD 75.00 for first 7 days and USD 10.00 each additional day.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP):
The entry fee for SAARC Nationals is 200 NPR per person and 3,000 NPR per person for other Nationals.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
As you will be entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will need a permit for this as well.
All permits are arranged by your trekking provider. Due to the average duration of the trek and its exclusivity, the Manaslu Circuit Trek tends to be one of the more expensive treks in Nepal. Prices vary between the 1000 USD and 1400 USD or 900 EUR and 1200 EUR per person.
What Is the Best Itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
It can be hard to choose the right Manaslu Circuit Trek but if you want to do Manaslu right, try to spend as much time here as possible.?Also, since transfers from Kathmandu to Soti Khola are often included in the package, you should definitely spend a day in Sama Gaun for Acclimatization Day as well.
Our Mountain Magic Treks Pvt. ltd trekking experts recommend the?16-day itinerary?below and agree it will give you the best bang for the buck:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in the Tribhuvan International Airport in Katmandu, you will be welcomed by a representative of Mountain Magic Treks. Your representative will check you in to your hotel. You will have the choice to either rest or visit a famous tourist area in Kathmandu, Thamel. Here you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy authentic Nepalese cuisine in one of the best restaurants with our staff. You will also be briefed about your trek and receive your gear.
Day 02: Drive to Soti-Khola 730m – 05hrs.
We’ll get an early start and board the local bus after breakfast. Enjoy the scenic drive viewing rice paddy fields and terraces as we head towards Nepal North mid-west until we reach Arughat Village within the Gorkha district.?From here, our journey continues following the raging Buri Gandaki River upstream to a small farm village at Soti-Khola for overnight stop.
Day 03: Trek to Machha-Khola 930m – 06 hrs.
We begin our first day walk in Soti Khola where we follow the Buri Gandaki River upstream through farm villages, crossing over Nuali Khola where you will have views of the waterfalls. We will then cross a stream to Machha Khola (which means “fish stream”) for an overnight stop.
Day 04:Trek to Jagat 1,410m – 06 hrs.
After spending the night at Macha-Khola, we begin the morning with a walk following Buri-Gandaki River upstream. We will reach Khorla Beshi, a small farm village, and from here we continue on a winding path to reach Tatopani Village where you will see the hot spring.?You will have an opportunity for a soak in the hot springs if time allows. After a nice rest, we will continue the walk passing Dovan and Yaruphant Villages until we reach Jagat, a moderate size farm villages with shops and stores, for an overnight stop.
Day 05: Trek to Dyang 1,800 m – 06 hrs.
We depart Jagat in the morning onto higher areas, passing scattered farm villages with short climbs and downhill trails. We will cross over a bridge to reach Nagjet and Philim, a large village with spread-out farm houses. After Philim, we will walk through farm terraces of golden fields of wheat and barley and then climb on rocky ridge into bamboo forest area where we will stop at Dyang Village for an overnight stay.
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Day 06: Trek to Ghap 2,160 m – 04 hrs
Our morning walk from Dyang leads to a cooler area where you can slowly feel the rise in altitude as we enter the Himalayan alpine region. We will walk downhill to a river side to reach Bihi Bazaar, a small village near the river side.?From here, we will encounter other villages of strong Tibetan culture as our walk leads to a gentle trail with few short ups and downs. We will stop in Ghap Village for an overnight stay.
Day 07: Trek to Lo-Gaon 3,180 m – 06 hrs.
From Ghap Village our walk follows Burhi Gandaki River, crossing the river through small farm villages and cultivated farm fields of barley, wheat and millets. Upon reaching Numrung Village, you will have the first close views of Mt. Manaslu North Face and its adjoining peaks. As our walk continues, we will pass the villages of Banjham, Lhi and Sho as the altitude continues to rise. From here, we walk uphill for about an hour until we reach Lo-Gaon for overnight stop in a nice cozy lodge.
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Day 08: Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,530 m – 05 hrs
When we leave Lo-Goan, you will notice the tree lines begin to fade and flora is limited to a few short juniper bushes and some willow trees.?We continue our walk along a nice path with beautiful views of mountain peaks. Finally, the day ends at Sama-Gaon, a large mountain village located on route Manaslu base camp, Larke-la pass and to Tibet border, where we will stay for the night.
Day 09: Rest day at Sama-Gaon for acclimatization.
A necessary rest day for acclimatization before heading over Larke-la pass, at Samagaon. You will be able to explore this interesting village and experience the Tibetan culture.
Day 10: Trek to Samdo 3,860 m – 05 hrs
Today’s walk leads us to Samdo, the last village in the Manaslu area. Since Samdo lies close to Tibet border, the villagers of this area have long history of trading with Tibet which still exists. Here you can find many Chinese goods in the village shops and stores.
Day 11: Trek to Dharamsala / Larkya phedi 4,470 m – 04 hrs
After a nice overnight stay in Samdo Village, we take a short walk to Larke phedi or Dharmasala, where you will experience a more dry and barren part of the country. You will notice the altitude slowly gains with few short ups and downs. We complete the morning walk at Larke Phedi “base of the hill or pass”. You will have the afternoon free to relax, or take some short walks.
Day 12: Cross over Larkya-la 5,135m and to Bimthang 3,720 m – 08 hrs.
This is a big day and a highlight of the adventure as we begin early in the morning to reach the top of Larke-la pass at 5,135m. This is a long climb with views of Mt. Manaslu, Larke Peak, Bouddha Himal, Himal-Chuli and Peak 29. After a strenuous climb, we will reach the pass, our highest point of the trip marked with Buddhist prayer flags. We will enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding giant peaks before we begin our long descent to Bimthang, a beautiful place surrounded with forest of tall rhododendron and pines trees, for an overnight stop.
Day 13: Trek to Gho 2,560 m – 05 hrs
Today’s trek is an easier one and is downhill most of the way. We will walk through woodlands of rhododendron, pine, and oak trees, passing several farms until we reach Gho, located in the midst of a lovely forested area. Here we will stop for the night.
Day 14: Trek to Dharapani 1,860 m – 06 hrs.
We finish the trek on a downhill walk that leads us to Telje Village which is by the Marshyangdi River.?From Tilje we have about an hour climb to reach Dharapani, a large village with many fine lodges located in the Manang district and popular Annapurna Circuit trekking trail.
Day 15: Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.
Early morning transfer to bus or a smaller vehicle for a scenic and exciting drive to Kathmandu. We will drive through farm villages and towns along the Marysangdi and Trisuli River toward Mugling Bazaar. The journey will take about 5-6 hours until we reach the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city life.
Day 16: Transfer to international airport for flight homeward bound.
Last day in Nepal, the land of Himalayan wonders. Based on your international flight time, our staff will transfer you to airport for your flight homeward bound or to your respective destination. You will leave Nepal with a wonderful and memorable experience of Manaslu Circuit Trekking.
Below is a basic and comprehensive packing list suitable for any trek in Nepal, including your trek on the Manaslu Circuit:
Trekking Equipment lists
Obviously, there are other things you may want to pack for your trek, this is simply a guide. If you want the ultimate packing list, you can simply go here.
How Do I Get Fit for The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal?
Unless you live in the Himalayas, it will be hard to prepare for higher altitudes. After all, it doesn’t get much higher than Nepal. This is why we want to be clear up front: unless you have hiked at a higher altitude before, it will be difficult to get a 100% ready for your adventure. But don’t worry, there is absolutely no need to be 100% ready. You are not climbing K2 or Mount Everest, and not running a mountain race. This is trekking. In fact, you are actually supposed to take it easy, which is a rule of thumb when you want to prevent altitude sickness while in Nepal. It doesn’t matter how fit you are, once you are on the trails, you must stick to your own pace. But of course, the fitter you are, the more you can enjoy your days. Get fit!
Should I Hike More?
One solid approach to get the hang of what you do is to practice. Seeing that you are keen on a multi-day trekking experience, you obviously enjoy walking. Awesome, do it more. If you are fortunate to have access to hills or even mountains, the time has come to utilize them more frequently. When? If you are new to trekking, we recommend beginning your training about 6 months prior to the start of your trek, essentially walking for one to two hours seven days a week.?After about three weeks, you can start to build your strength by adding a pack of 10 to 15kg weights and extending training to a more drawn out climb of three hours to your week. Before long, you will begin to reap th e rewards of this moderate exercise regimen.
What Are the Health Benefits of doing the Manaslu Circuit?
Trekking and hiking offer many health benefits including a lower risk of heart disease, improved blood pressure and sugar levels, and of course it helps to control your weight. Once you are ready for the hills, it only gets better. According to Gregory Miller, president of the American Hiking Society,” a 5% to 10% incline equals a 30% to 40% increase in calorie burn.” Our personal health benefits are a clearer mind and an elevated mood. Trekking also keeps us sane. After a few months of solid hiking, it is time to put your endurance to the test. You can do back-to-back long hikes and simulate a few days of constant trekking by going hiking for a few consecutive days. Easy as that. Plan a smaller trekking holiday, or keep it simple by hiking your favorite route on repeat. If you are comfortable hiking for 4 hours a day, 3 days in a row while carrying a 10kg to 15kg backpack, you will be fine.
While there is more you can do to prepare for your Manaslu Circuit trek but these basic preparations will definitely help get you on your way. You can also focus on strength exercises and can simulate altitude with altitude masks. For more ideas as to how to get fit for your Manaslu Circuit experience, check this blog post.
What About AMS on the Manaslu Circuit?
Symptoms of AMS start to show within a few hours after arrival at high altitude and include nausea, shortness of breath, headache and inability to exercise. An overall feeling of fatigue will take all the joy away that you were experiencing until things get bad. You may struggle to fall asleep, experience dizziness, or suffer from a severe headache. You may also lose your sense of coordination, have trouble walking, or have tightness in your chest. If things progress to HAPE or HACE, you might get confused, experience shortness of breath while resting, and you will likely be unable to walk at all.
The higher the altitude, the more severe your symptoms can be. If you have watched Everest the movie, you know what we are talking about. But those guys were climbing and you are, fortunately, only trekking. There is a number of scoring systems for determining altitude sickness. Guides are trained in these systems and are experienced in immediate treatment. Although many people will experience some symptoms of altitude sickness, it doesn’t have to escalate. Be aware of the symptoms so that you stay healthy at higher altitudes. Read more about the prevention of AMS here.
Your guide knows how to diagnose AMS and will help to prevent severe symptoms.
Choose a reliable trekking company for the Manaslu Circuit here.
What Type of Accommodation Can I Expect While Doing the Manaslu Circuit?
You can expect to stay in a decent hotel in Kathamndu but during your trek or hike in the Manaslu Region, you will likely to stay in teahouses for the duration of the trek. Regardless of where you stay in Nepal, do not expect luxury. Accommodations are relatively basic but perfect for those who are resting their legs from hiking and trekking. Below you can read more about staying in teahouses.
I Read There Are Teahouses on the Manaslu Circuit What are they?
Teahouses are small hotels known as Bhatti which offer a certain level of comfort. Know that comfort, however, is a relative concept. Teahouses are comfortable to the extent that you have a place to sleep and where you can enjoy home-cooked meals. That’s right, teahouses are run by local families who have opened their houses to trekkers passing by. On the Manaslu Circuit you will find many teahouses. These can be a bit smaller and more basic than the teahouses on the Annapurna Circuit since they are harder to supply. Read more about staying in teahouses here.
Trekking companies book your accommodation for you. Find your perfect trekking company here.
How do you select a reliable trekking operator for the Manaslu Circuit?
The great thing about the internet is that you can find anything anywhere. The same goes for hiking and trekking providers. However, since there is so much on offer, it can be overwhelming to find a trekking operator of your liking. That is why Mountain Magic Treks does the selection for you.
We only partner with the best hiking and trekking providers – ones we can trust. You can be rest assured that the trekking operators on?www.mountainmagictreks.com?are reliable. If you want to browse our best offers for the Manaslu Circuit, take a look here. Read this if you rather browse other treks in the Annapurna Region
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map
Sometimes it’s easier to envision a trekking itinerary with a map. Please check out this map of the 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek of our partner Mountain Magic Treks
If you want to find out all you need to know about trekking in the Himalayas, don’t forget to read in our website and blog section about trekking and tours in Nepal!