Circuit treks are among the most popular in Nepal for advanced trekkers, and the Manaslu Circuit trek is the finest one. If you love trekking, you may know about the Annapurna Circuit trek. However, this trek has seen a bit of backlash because of all the constructions, making the Manaslu Circuit the next best option.
If you have previous trekking experience and love adventure, we highly recommend the Manaslu Circuit trek 20 days for your next adventure in Nepal. It will be a life-changing, exhilarating venture deep into the Himalayas, where the eighth-highest mountain resides.
The challenges and rewards of this trek will leave you with a sense of accomplishment and a new perspective on life. Starting the trek from the bustling town of Soti Khola, you will follow the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River and walk past rice paddies, and thatched huts.
The trail ascends north to the Manaslu Base Camp, exploring rhododendron-covered hills, landslide areas, and Tibetan refugee villages.
Major Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Complete one of the most sought-after and adventurous circuit treks in Nepal
- Enjoy offbeat trekking and cross Larkya La Pass
- Trek to the Manaslu Base Camp, the lap of the eighth-highest mountain in the world
- Discover the exotic flora and fauna of one of the restricted areas in Nepal
- Explore lush forests, beautiful valleys, and vast meadows
- Spend nights in lovely remote villages and experience the warm hospitality of the mountain communities
- Witness stunning mountain vistas and jaw-dropping landscapes
- Come across superb waterfalls, rivers, streams, and suspension bridges along the trail
What can you expect during the Manaslu Circuit trek in Nepal?
The Manaslu Circuit is an offbeat trek. The trek route is challenging and requires a lot of effort. Trekkers have to push themselves physically and mentally to complete this trek. The challenges bring high satisfaction and jaw-dropping mountain panoramas.
This trek traverses within the Manaslu Conservation Area and later enters the Annapurna Conservation Area. Throughout the trek, you will discover a wide variety of flora, fauna, and climates.
The trail is quite untouched and pristine, so infrastructure for the trekkers is limited compared to famous trekking routes. You will enjoy nature, beautiful valleys, no crowded trails, and the warm hospitality of the locals. The lives of the locals are quite remarkable.
The simplicity, fulfillment, and tranquility it carries are surreal. Meet Nepali communities like Gurung, Nubri, and others. Sama Gaon and Samdo are two main villages in the upper region. Manaslu Base Camp is one of the side hikes.
You will also explore the hidden Birendra Lake and visit the ancient Pun Gyen Gompa. The most epic part of the voyage is crossing the Larkya La Pass. It is challenging but also very rewarding.
Some mountains visible along the Manaslu Circuit trek route are Boudha Himal, Himlung Himal, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Kang Gurun, Simnang Himal, Shringi Himal, Naike Peak, Annapurna, etc.
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit trek?
The Manaslu Circuit is a challenging trek in Nepal. This trek is for advanced trekkers who have done minor treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill, Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley, etc. The Manaslu Circuit trek route is offbeat and steep.
The trail is spread over different climatic zones. Trek through lush forests, landslide areas, terraces, meadows, and glacier moraines. 6 to 7 hours of walking are required every day, and the elevation also increases daily.
Unlike most of the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary, we have designed a well-paced itinerary that gives you ample time to adjust to high elevation before you ascend to Larkya La Pass. One of the other challenges of Manaslu Circuit trekking is the limited tourist infrastructure along the way.
You will go off-grid for multiple days and spend time in nature. A simple mountain lifestyle and food will be your new normal until the trek ends, so it is important that trekkers adjust.
Are you ready for this adventurous trek?
The Manaslu Circuit trek 20 days is no joke. You have to commit physically and mentally to complete this trek. Beginner trekkers are not recommended for this trek as their first endeavor in the Himalayas. Your fitness matters a lot on this trek.
From the long daily walking hours (minimum 6 hours) to varying altitudes and environments, trekkers have to deal with a lot of elements. So, please make sure you can bear the changes, adjust to limited mountain infrastructure, and handle the challenges.
Essential tips for trekkers
- What to pack: We have curated a comprehensive Manaslu Circuit trek packing list, which you can find in the Useful Information section. Follow the list and arrange the necessary gear and essentials.
- Fitness preparation: The Manaslu Circuit trek is physically and mentally demanding. Your strength, stamina, and endurance should be on point for the best trek experience. Daily exercise, day hikes, strength training, and aerobic exercises like yoga, cycling, swimming, jogging, etc, are recommended.
- Hiking without a guide: Hiking without a guide is prohibited in the Manaslu region because of its restricted area status. Foreigners must be accompanied by a local registered Nepali guide, and a local Nepali trekking company like us must organize the trek. Moreover, there must be two trekkers in the group. You cannot count the guide and porter in the group.
- Cost & additional expenses: Our Manaslu Circuit trek cost starts from USD 1,899 per person. The cost of the package may differ depending on the group size and season in which you are trekking. Apart from the package cost, you also have to bear additional costs such as travel insurance, international flights, tips, shopping, etc. So, do a budget for them as well.
- Do not wear new trekking boots: Wearing brand-new trekking boots in the mountains can lead to painful blisters, making your trekking experience extremely challenging. To avoid this, we recommend buying your boots early and breaking them in before your trek.
- Download podcasts, movies, and songs for the journey: Regardless of all the views and interactions with the locals, you may get bored, especially while walking. We highly recommend you download a handful of podcasts, movies, and songs for your journey.
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS): During trekking, you may sweat a lot and high altitude dehydrates your body. We highly recommend packing a few ORS for the trek. It will provide an instant boost when you feel out of energy, keep you hydrated, and help you recover essential minerals and salt.
Customize the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary
Trekkers looking to customize their Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary or overall journey can contact us anytime. It will be a private trek, so you have the freedom to make any changes. The price of the package will also change accordingly.
Extend your adventure by combining the Manaslu Circuit trek with the Tsum Valley, a hidden gem of Nepal. Or, for the ultimate trekking experience, consider combining the Manaslu Circuit trek with the Annapurna Circuit, allowing you to conquer two incredible circuit treks in Nepal.
Additionally, we offer a range of day activities in Kathmandu to enhance your trip to Nepal. Bookings are open for the Manaslu Circuit trek 2024/2025 departure.
Best Manaslu Circuit trek service with Regulus Treks & Expedition
With over two decades of expertise and an excellent understanding of southern plains and northern Himalayan terrains of Nepal, Regulus Treks & Expedition offers the best Manaslu Circuit trek service. Whether you trek with us or explore cities, our team will make your journey unforgettable, safe, and hassle-free.
For the Manaslu Circuit trek, we provide native guides and porters who grew up in the region and have led several treks. Their knowledge, reliability, and trustworthiness will ensure a stress-free trekking experience. We will also assist you in obtaining a restricted area permit.
Unless there is any obstacle beyond our control, we 100% guarantee Manaslu Circuit trek departure. Whether you are trekking with your friends or embarking on a solo adventure, our expert team will make this once-in-a-lifetime voyage achievable.