Manaslu Circuit Trek - 15 days

Manaslu Conservation Area

The Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) is a protected area located in the Gorkha District of Nepal, centered around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Established in 1998, the conservation area covers approximately 2,162 square kilometers and is known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural heritage.

This particular area encompasses varied ecosystems, including subtropical forests at the lowest altitude to alpine meadows and glaciers at a higher altitude.

This MCA is additionally a paradise of biodiversity, including some rare species such as snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep. 

Flora includes the low-grown species, for example, rhododendrons, junipers, and pines at lower levels, and alpine plants such as edelweiss at higher heights.

Trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area requires a special permit, and it is recommended to hire a licensed guide or join a trekking agency due to the remote and sometimes challenging terrain.

The Larkya La Pass

The most worthwhile point of the trek is the Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters). Crossing this past is not easy, but the reward is indeed worth any struggle put up. The trail to Larkya La is challenging and would generally call for an early morning start to avoid dire weather conditions (such as snowfall and high winds).

Panoramic views of Mount Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, as well as Ngadi Chuli, are scattered from the apex of the pass. The snow-clad peaks and glaciers paint quite an elaborate picture. With the arrival of the descent, one boasts into Bimtang Valley, where it gets incredible and much more open and much less rugged.

Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit

Spring: The best time to trek in Manaslu is between March and May. It is generally stable weather with warm temperatures at lower altitudes and pleasant conditions up high. Rhododendrons also bloom at this time.

Autumn: Autumn being the most popular season for trekking in Nepal is Sept-Nov. The best time to trek is definitely during this period. It boasts a clear sky, crisp air, and temperatures favorable. But for this reason, it is the most crowded season; book your accommodation and permits ahead of time.

Monsoon: It rains heavily in this part of the world during the monsoon months, and the trail gets slippery to hike, with the possibility of landslides; thus, trekking is not advisable from June to August.

Winter: Although most people do not trek here in winter, the temperatures drop quite a lot, especially at some higher altitudes. The pass itself, Larkya La, may be covered in snow and the route can become dangerous for those ill-prepared, but well-prepared trekkers can still enjoy a wonderful trekking experience.

Why Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is often said to be one of the best and most beautiful trekking experiences that can be found anywhere in Nepal due to the fact that:

It offers breathtaking views: The trek thus leads to fabulous views that include the lofty Mount Manaslu, the Ganesh Himal, and the whole of the Annapurna range. The change from lush and subtropical forests to bare alpine is a feast for any nature lover.

Not Crowded: As it is, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the quietest trekking trails as compared to its more popular neighbors such as Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp. Thus, a trekker can live a real experience of nature without all the thundering noise of tourists.

Culture: There are possible routes in this trekking route from traditional Gurung, Tibetan, and Magar villages where you can feel the warm and rich culture of the local people's hospitality. Visit ancient monasteries, admire different architectural styles, and meet some locals to know their customs and living.

Diversity for Flora and Fauna: This region of the country has huge biological heterogeneity and thus marvelous ecosystems that have a shelter of hoards of wildlife and plant species. The trekkers may meet endangered species, the snow leopard and the red panda, and those enchanted rhododendron forests and terraced fields.

 Challenging Yet Rewarding: This trek can be classified as moderate as there are huge gains and losses concerning altitude. Crossing the high mountain passes, like Larkya La (5160 meters), brings one an exhilarating sense of adventure and accomplishment due to magnificent views of all the surrounding peaks.

 Visiting Cultural and Historical Sites: Historical sites and monasteries, such as the sage Samagaon village and the remarkable Manaslu Base Camp, are included in the trek's itinerary, which enhances the experience of trekking. 

 Exclusive Trekking Journey: Manaslu Circuit Trek brings a completely new path for the trekkers- nature-culture and epistemology adding more adventure. This track is uncommercialized and helps trekkers to connect more with the environment and local communities. 

Eco-friendly: The trek calls all to eco-friendly tourism practice, community-based conservation work, and thus the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Packing list for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Packing for the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires careful consideration to ensure you have everything you need for the varying weather conditions, rugged terrain, and remote villages. Here's a comprehensive packing list to help you prepare for your adventure:

Clothing

Lightweight thermal underwear (top and bottom)

Fleece jacket or down jacket

Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants

Trekking pants, Socks

Warm hat, Sun cap

Insulated gloves

Trekking shoes

Gear

Backpack

Sleeping Bag

Trekking Poles

Water Bottle and Water Purification

Headlamp

Personal Items

Toiletries

First Aid Kit

Towel

Sunglasses

Camera

Power Bank

Snacks

Food and Accommodation

Food: Almost all traditional Nepali dishes make up the food. Dal bhat-a lentil soup served with rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat- is an essential energy source for the trek. 

There are various other popular dishes, including momos (literally fold in Tibetan, they are dumplings) thukpa (a hearty noodle soup), and fried rice or noodles.

 Most of the tea houses on the trek can accommodate vegetarian and some vegan diets, but you should inform your guide beforehand.

Accommodation: The accommodation is mainly tea houses, with basic rooms with wooden beds and shared bathrooms. Some facilities have changed over the years, and most now provide a more homey feel for their trekkers to have meals together and enjoy. 

In the bigger villages, private rooms can usually be held but always at a higher cost. Amenities are basic, especially when you go to higher altitudes, where hot showers and electricity may not always be available.