Manaslu Circuit Trek Food and Accommodation
As it is known, Manaslu trekking lies in the remote region of Nepal. It is a less-explored place. And it is also a kind of tea house trek in the Himalayan sector of Nepal.
So, tea houses are used as Manaslu circuit trek accommodations. A tea house is like a small hotel or lodge in a mountainous area. It offers basic facilities only in the higher elevation while you can expect more facilities in the lower elevation.
All the rooms are provided on a twin-sharing basis. But you may get a single room as well in low-altitude places. Hot showering, mobile charging, attached bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi are the basic features of lower-elevation tea houses. But only a twin-shared room, a clean pillow and blanket, sharing traditional toilets, and a charging plug are offered in the higher altitude hotels in the Manaslu region.
You need to pay a small amount for mobile charging and Wi-Fi. So, we recommend you buy an online data pack from the mobile SIM card and get connected with us and your family.
Taking a small mobile charging backup may prevent you from wasting money for charging a mobile in upper elevated places in Manaslu trekking.
Regarding the food in the mountain during round trekking to Mt. Manaslu, you can get Nepali dishes like Daal, Bhat, Tarkari, and pickle mostly in all the hotels. But both Asian and western foods are also served. You can get verities of meals, especially in the lower-elevation tea houses. Normally, lunch and dinner are similar, but you can have a choice.
Please, read the following tentative Manaslu trek food chart;
Breakfast: two boiled eggs/fried eggs, pancakes, porridge, juice, tea, coffee, Tibetan bread, toasted bread with jam, Muesli, fruits, vegetables, cornflakes, and others
Lunch/ Dinner: Rice, Lentil, seasonal vegetable, pickle, Thendug, Spaketi, Chowmein, Momos, Steak, Sherpa Stew, Macrooni, vegetable soup, non-veg soup, tomato salad, spinach salad, onion salad, mushroom soup, potatoes, Korean Ramen, Papad, Prawn, Rice pudding and apple pie as dessert, soft and hard drinks, and others.
We highly recommend you have a fresh vegetable soup for your health benefits.
Around ManasluTrekking Difficulty
Normally, Manaslu trekking 2023/2024 is considered one of the moderately strenuous trekking destinations in Nepal. Because you are going to cross the Larke La Pass above 5000 meters above sea level. It is very tiring to cross the Pass. But the outstanding Himalayas views, unspoiled natural features, and diverse ethnic cultures encourage you to complete the entire trekking.
Manaslu circuit trek difficulty depends on some of the factors that appear during trekking. Such as high altitude sickness, long walking distances, unpredictable weather, remote landscapes, and heavily loaded backpacks.
However, all our guides are Nepal government-certified licensed holders. They are first aid trainers as well.
Besides, most of our guides and porters belong to the Himalayan region of Nepal. And we always send them on trips related to their living zone because they know technically well about every single trail of their area.
So, you do not need to be worried. We handle everything. We may even charter the helicopter in case of emergency. But the Helicopter hiring fees must meet your travel insurance policy.
Manaslu RoundTrek Distance
The Manaslu circuit trek distance is approximately 160 km from Sotikhola to Dhararpani. The former is the Manaslu treks Nepal starting place whereas the latter is the ending point.
Similarly, Sotikhola lies in the Manaslu region while Dharapani is located in the Annapurna region. It means, that the Manaslu circuit treks Nepal adjoin the Annapurna zone at the end of trekking. If you want you can even extend your trekking duration and join the Annapurna Circuit Trek as well within a single itinerary.
It is 14 days of Manaslu trekking in total. You need to walk for almost seven to eight hours per day. We have calculated 2 days for acclimatization.
If you are physically fit and have a high-altitude trekking experience, you can cut off the trekking days and enjoy the short round trekking to Mt. Manaslu. In the same way, we can even add more days if you require.
But you have to arrive in Nepal 2 days before your trip starts. Because the Nepal government requires your original passport for making MCAP permit card. As you know, it is a restricted area of Nepal.
However, we can customize it as per your requirements. So, please know about the distance of trekking before planning the itinerary of the circuit trek to Manaslu.
Around Manaslu Trek Route
Our Manaslu trek route includes many different culturally rich villages, pristine Mt. Manaslu, and pure and authentic ethnic traditions. Gurung and the Tsum are the ethnical tribes of the Manaslu region.
We have designed the Manaslu trek for 14 days including two resting days. The trek begins from Sotikhola and ends at Dharapani.
Machchha Khola, Jagat, Deng Khola, Namrung, Sama Gaun, Samdo Village, DharmaShala, Bimthang, and the Tilije are other places included in the Manaslu circuit trek route.
Larke pass with an elevation of 5,160 meters is the most challenging walking day of the entire Manaslu trail in Nepal.
Manaslu Round Trek Acclimatization
Acclimatization is one of the major concerns of every trekking package. Having proper acclimatization prevents you from getting high-altitude sickness.
So, we have designed this trekking to the Manaslu region concerning those acclimatization factors. We have added 2 more extra days for rest.
Larke La Pass is the highest pass of Manaslu trekking. It is situated at an elevation of 5160 meters above sea level. It is the hardest point of the entire trekking route to cross. So, you need to be well acclimatized before crossing this Larke Pass.
However, all our trained guides and porters assist you during trekking. If you get contacted with altitude sickness, our guide will descend you to lower altitude places. If it seems serious, you will be transferred to the Hospital in Kathmandu. We will hire a Helicopter if the situation demands.
Cost
Manaslu circuit trek cost depends on the size of the groups. More groups offer a low cost while few take a high price. A Manaslu round trek starting spot is reachable over land. You do not need a flight. So, it is a cheaper destination as compared to its peer Everest base camp trek.
Besides, the services that you want to buy also affect the Manaslu trek cost. For example; if you hire a porter only, the trekking price would be cheaper when compared to hiring a guide.
Similarly, if you buy a full board Manaslu trekking package with us, then it may cost a bit expensive. But this package offers various facilities. For instance; you can have three times meals. You can get seasonal fruits as complementary during trekking days.
On the other hand, you can only hire a porter and pay for everything yourself. It costs cheaper for you. You can order food and pay yourself concerning your budget.
You can also rent a room in comparison ranging from low to high cost. In this way, you may save money.
Manaslu trekking is possible after getting a special MCAP permit from the Nepal government.
For more information, please visit our circuit trekking to Mt. Manaslu cost button where you can see the price list and offers. If there is anything to be negotiated, you can contact us at any time.
Manaslu Round Trek Itinerary
It is the Manaslu trek 14 days itinerary. However, you will walk only for 13 days including two acclimatization days.
Another extra day is reserved to make a Manaslu circuit trek permit. To buy MCAP special permit, you need to submit your original passport. And the permit can be bought during office days only. So, please schedule your Manaslu circuit trek itinerary concerning this factor.
It means you need to arrive in Nepal two days before your Manaslu trekking starts. One day is for arrival and the next one is for trek preparation and permit collection.
The Manaslu trek in Nepal begins from the place called Soti Khola. It lies in the northern part of Nepal in the Dhading district. You can reach there after almost 6 hours of road drive. It is scenic driving. You can explore the White Water, green forest, towns, and the highway during driving.
From Soti Khola, the circuit trek to Manaslu embarks on. The trail goes ahead along the terraced farmland, green forest, steep ridges, and suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Finally, you will reach your today’s destination. It is Machchha Khola with an elevation of 890 meters above sea level. You are going to spend your night over there.
After having your breakfast, the trekking to the Manaslu circuit begins in the morning. It is a fluctuated walking. Because you are going to walk ascending and descending pathways, on the way, you will reach a place, known as Tatopani. It is a natural hot spring place. You can have a bath over there and get a rest. From there, you will cross another suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Then again crossing another precarious bridge, you will ascend steeply on a stone staircase. You can explore the typical Gurung village on top of the stair. Then, you need to cross one more suspension bridge again and will reach Jagat.
You will leave Jagat after eating breakfast in the morning. You will go up steeply to Salleri and come down to Sirdibas. It goes continuously and crosses a suspension bridge again over the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail takes you to Philim. It is a large Gurung ethnic village in the Manaslu region. You can have lunch there and know them and their culture closely. After having a rest, the Manaslu treks of Nepal continue. From there, you will walk with nature only because of the lowest number of houses established in the far distance. You will walk along the millet fields in Eklebhatti and cross the Budhi Gandaki River again. It moves ahead through the forest of Bamboo and finally takes you to Deng after crossing a small Deng River.
Today, you are going to Namrung Village for an overnight stay. In the beginning, you will cross the Budhi Gandaki River and reach Bhi. You will cross this river several times today as well. The trail goes through lush forests, alpine vegetation, and old-fashioned ancient ethnic houses. So, this day is essential for experiencing the cultural sections of the Manaslu region. You see lots of Gompas en route. While walking, you realize the forest becoming thinner to thinnest. After climbing a ridge, you will enter the Namrung Village.
Today, you enjoy your breakfast in front of the magnificent Himalayas views. You can see the beautiful Ganesh Himal and Mt. Himal Chuli. After finishing breakfast, your trail starts again. Your Manaslu trek ascends sharply through the forest and reaches the village, known as Lihi. This place is famous for stupas and terraces. Then you will descend. While descending, you can uncover the close-up Mt. Ganesh Panoramas.
Then you will pass many villages with different mountain views. You can see the majestic Mt. Manaslu vistas from Lho village. You can explore the renowned Ribung Gompa over there.
Another village is Shyala. It offers extraordinary mountain ranges like Himal Chuli, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and other neighboring peaks.
Finally, you will reach Samgaon where you will spend your two nights. It means you will have a day's rest for your proper acclimatization. You can spend your day roaming around the village or go for a short hike to Pungyen Gompa. It is an ancient monastery. You can see the great Manalsu glaciers from there. Besides, you can visit the thousands of Mani walls with Buddhist texts.
This is one of the easiest trekking days while comparing to other Around Manaslu trekking days. You will go down and cross the Budhi Gandaki River Bridge. During walking, you will pass lots of Mani stones. As you move ahead, you will get closer to the Tibetan border. The trail passes the forests of birch and juniper. Then again cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. And the continuation of your walking takes you to Samdo Village. You will spend two nights in this village as well. Because you are getting into the higher elevated places day by day. And to be well acclimatized is mandatory for reducing the risks of getting high altitude sickness. So, you can spend your rest day visiting the surrounding places or joining hiking to observe the Tibetan border. You can explore the delightful mountain views as well.
Today, you are going to Dharmasala. It is the shortest walking day of entire trekking days. En route to Dharmasala, you will pass the Larke Bazaar. It is a seasonal Tibetan market. You can witness the Larke Glacier while descending the Budhi Gandaki River. After having a short climb, you will reach Larke Phedi. You will have lunch and dinner in the same place. Now, you can take a rest.
Today, you are going to cross the Larke La Pass. So, you need to wake up early in the morning, have a delicious breakfast and move ahead. It is the most challenging day of the entire trekking day. Because you are going to walk across the moraine glacier. It is steep to steeper walking trails. So, this day is considered a difficult day for trekking to Mt. Manaslu round.
You need to start your journey very early in the morning before the wind comes. You will cross numerous villages, and see the beautiful valleys, and glaciers. As you walk on Larke Pass, you will be astounded by the gigantic views of Larkya peak and Cho Danda. After crossing the Pass, you will see the outstanding Mt. Himlung, Mt. Cheo, and Annapurna II. Then you will descend toward Bimthang Village.
In the morning, after having breakfast, the Manaslu circuit trekking Nepal a trek through the Himalayas Kathmandu to Manaslu trail moves on. This is the final trekking day. Today, you will go to Tilije. It lies in the Annapurna region of Nepal. If you want, you can extend your Manaslu trekking to the Annapurna circuit trek. It can be named Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek. A trail continues along the Dudh Koshi River in the beginning. It goes through a forest of rhododendron. It passes some villages and reaches Tilije by walking along the lush terraced fields and climbing a ridge. During walking, you will be surrounded by lots of Himalayan views. Such as Himlung Himal, Lamjung Himal, Mt. Manaslu, and Cheo Himal.
In the morning after having your breakfast, you will have a short trek to Dharapani. This is the end of your trekking to the Manaslu region. Today, you will have a drive to Kathmandu. It takes almost 10 hours to reach Kathmandu from Dharapani by private vehicle. This drive offers mountain views, landscapes, and river streams.
After reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Manaslu Circuit Trek without Guide
A solo trek to the Manaslu circuit is not possible activity. Because Manaslu is one of the prohibited areas of Nepal. It is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet.
To enter this region, you must buy a special Manaslu Conservation Area Permit. And you must hire at least a porter to join the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal.
So, the trekking to Manaslu region is possible only with a guide. Otherwise, foreigners are not allowed. There are more than two check posts for checking your Around Manaslu trek permit and the guide.
Therefore, be prepared for hiring either guide or a porter for joining the Manaslu treks in Nepal. It helps to promote this isolated region as well.
We arrange everything for you including the MCAP permit, guide, and porter according to your wishes.
Manaslu Round Trek Best Season
Generally, spring and autumn are considered to be the best seasons for trekking in the Himalayan region of Nepal. So, March to May and September to November are taken as the Manaslu circuit trek's best season.
March, April, and May are the end of winter in Nepal. So, the temperature gets a little bit higher, but it neither be cold nor hot in the daytime. It would be colder at night in the higher elevation.
The sky looks clear and the day strengthens longer. As a result, you can see vivid mountain views. You can walk till evening. Besides, it is the time of blossoming the floras like rhododendron in the Manaslu region. Due to the warmer days, there would be a chance of seeing the wildlife as well.
September, October, and November fall under the autumn season in Nepal. September is the end of the monsoon period. From this month, the festival begins in Nepal till the mid of November.
As it is the festive period, you can get a deep knowledge about our culture and get the opportunity to celebrate with the locals.
Likewise, the temperature remains stable during these months. So, trekkers can go ahead with a tension-free mind regarding the weather. The clear sky offers clear Himalayan Panoramas.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Gears
Below are the tentative lists of Manaslu trekking equipment. Please, check the details;
- Sun Hat
- Winter Hat
- Scarf
- Sunglass
- Sunscreen
- Lip care
- Thermal Gloves
- Warmer Gloves
- Inner leg and body Thermal wear
- Warmer T-shirts
- Down Jacket for the winter season
- Fleece Jacket
- Inner Trouser
- Warmer Trekking Pants
- Warmer Socks
- Trekking Boots
- Slippers
- Rain Coats for monsoon
- Waterproof Jacket and Pants
- Thermal Bottle
- Water Purification (will be provided by Rising Adventure)
- Trekking Pole
- Head Lights
- Backpack
- Sleep Bags (provided by Rising Adventure if needed)
- Personal Accessories
You can take other things as well as per your requirements.
Manaslu Conservation Area
Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) was founded in 1998. It covers 1,663 square kilometers. It aims to preserve natural resources and rich cultural heritage. It also promotes ecotourism to improve the livelihood of the local people of the Manaslu region.
This region is home to different floras and faunas. Almost 2000 sorts of plants, 11 kinds of forest, and 50 useful plants are grown up there.
On the other hand, more than 30 mammal species, 110 species of birds, 3 kinds of reptiles, and 11 species of butterflies can be found in this conservation area of the Manaslu region.
Please, step gently into the fragile Himalayan land of the Manaslu region and follow some rules for maintaining the natural and cultural heritage. They are;
- Do not disturb the wildlife and their habitats
- Do not damage or remove any plants
- Do not purchase animal parts and antiques
- So not light open fires
- Support the local economy in a possible way
- Use and encourage alternative energy sources for firewood
- Make sure that you and your trekking support crews do not burn firewood for heating
- Dispose of rubbish things properly at the proper sites
- See that your trekking support staff does the same
- Carry out all other non-biodegradable and toxic rubbish
- Use a water purifier instead of plastic mineral water bottles
- Ask permission to Photograph people
- Do not give anything to the beggers
- Avoid wearing revealing clothes and avoid outward displays of physical affection
