Manaslu Trek Guide: Here’s All You Should Know Before Embarking On This Challenging Feat
Manaslu Trek is a saga of the world’s eighth highest mountain ‘Manaslu’. This trek circles the mighty mountain standing at a height of 8,163 meters , Trekkers reach the highest point of Larkya Pass (over 5,100 m) to get unparalleled views of this mountain peak, one of the best in the Himalayas. The Manaslu trek offers trekkers an amazing experience with incredible views and passes through diverse vegetation including subtropical forests, river valleys, alpine forests and ultimately bleak and striking snow scenes.
Compared to other Nepal treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Trek offers a similar experience. This trek is challenging yet it has a natural and wild beauty. This route has recently been filled with tea houses and is one of the least crowded trekking routes in Nepal.
If you enjoy trekking for the joy of getting away from the crowds and having the mountains to yourself, then the Manaslu Trek is for you!
Why should you visit Manaslu Trek?
- Climb the challenging altitude of 5,106 m/16,752 ft at Larkya La Pass
- Only 2,000 trekkers visit this trek annually on a less crowded trekking route
- Experience thrilling suspension bridges, rhododendron forests and exquisite views of Manaslu and the Himalayas
- Typical tea house with hot food and warm accommodation facilities
- Authentic experience of Nepali culture without excessive commercialization like ABC and EBC treks
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Best time for Manaslu trek
The Manaslu trek is open all year round, however during winter many of the lodges in the upper camps are not open and you will have to camp alone.
The best weather of Manaslu trek can be experienced from:
- March to May – The weather is warm and it is also the rhododendron blooming season which makes it a beautiful time to trek.
- October to December – The weather is cool but you are gifted with clear skies and spectacular views. This is also the busiest time for the trek, especially October.
How to reach base camp of Manaslu trek
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The basecamp of Manaslu trek is Soti Khola and it is unique in the sense that you do not need to go there unlike the Everest Base Camp trek. It is also the nearest to Kathmandu.
Soti Khola is about 139 km from Kathmandu and takes about 6 hours by private jeep or about 8 hours by public bus.
Manaslu Trekking Route
Most Manaslu trek itineraries are built between 14 days to 17 days. There are several places on the Manaslu Circuit trek that have tea houses and trekkers decide to stop depending on the altitude gained.
An ideal Manaslu trek itinerary is over 15 days and includes two days of acclimatization in between. You’ll find that most itineraries include many of these rest stops Manaslu Track Map ,
Arughat – Soti Khola – Labu Besi – Maccha Khola – Dobhan – Jagat – Ghatta Khola – Ngyak – Deng – Ghaap – Lho – Sama Gompa – Samdo – Dharamshala – Bhimtang – Karche – Tilijie – Dharapani – Tal – Sayange – Lampta – Besisahar.
Trekkers also choose to explore other treks to avail the benefits of acclimatization on the trek. They continue to explore the Tsum Valley or even join the Annapurna Circuit trek from Dharapani to Jomsom.
This is a sample itinerary that can be followed for the trek –
day 1: Reach Soti Khola basecamp via Arughat.
Day 2 and 3: Trek into the Buri Gandaki Valley through hanging bridges, small settlements, terraced fields and waterfalls.
Day 4 and 5: Get your first view of the mountains as you gain altitude. The air starts to thin and you’ll cross more bridges and pass the entrance to the Tsum Valley.
Days 6 and 7: Pass through the Tibetan area and ‘mani stones’ (stones stacked on top of each other). Take a first look at Manaslu!
Days 8 and 9: Climb higher and finally relax for a day surrounded by snowy mountains.
Days 10, 11 and 12: Although the climb becomes more challenging, it offers extraordinary views of the mountains. Take a day of rest in between for adaptation.
Day 13: This is the most important day of the trek and the culmination of your hard work when you reach Larkya La Pass. You will cross glaciers and climb steep slopes to enjoy stunning views!
Day 14 and 15: Head to lower altitude villages where you’ll find hot apple pie and hot showers, much needed after the challenge you’ve just undertaken!
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Restrictions for Manaslu Trek
The Manaslu trekking area is a restricted area and you will need a permit to access it. You will need these two permits which cost around 2,000 NR.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP)
There is a minimum rule of two persons for the trek and you will also need a Manaslu trek guide for the trip. Its purpose is to avoid solo trekkers as the trekking route is unpredictable.
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Tips for Manaslu Trek
Ensure hygiene during travel, lack of hygiene is a major cause of illness during travel. Carry a hand sanitizer with you and use it consistently, especially before putting anything in your mouth, even water!
- Carry water filtration tablets with you and do not drink water that looks suspicious
- Maintain your fitness levels till the day you set out on the trek, for a tough trek like Manaslu you need to be in top shape.
- Use Diamox for acclimatization and do not rush to complete the trek. Enjoy the journey and spend enough time acclimatizing
- Carry appropriate thermal apparel, long sleeve sweat-free shirt, woolen/warm socks, hat and warm headgear covering ears, alpine trekking shoes, synthetic and warm gloves.
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FAQs About Manaslu Trek
What is the cost of Manaslu trek?
Trekking in Nepal is quite affordable and the main expenses of your trip will be flight costs and the cost of your gear. The major cost heads are as follows: 1. Permit – Rs 2,516 2. Guide – Rs 630 3. Food and accommodation – around Rs 630 at lower altitudes and upwards of NRs 1260 at higher altitudes 4. Buses to and from Kathmandu – all around Charges Rs 315 per journey, jeep costs around Rs 471, you may have to spend extra if you are not sharing the jeep with other passengers.
What is the fitness level required for Manaslu trek?
Manaslu trek is one of the toughest treks as you have to cover long distances and climb a lot of altitude. A good starting point to assess your fitness is to be able to run 10 km within 60 minutes. Make sure you get checked by a doctor before the trek as there are very few medical facilities on the trek.
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