Highlights 

1- A complete teahouse trek

2- Less crowded and peaceful trek with off-beaten trails. 

3- Diverse flora and fauna of Manaslu Conservation Area.

4- Amazing hospitality of Gurung, Sherpa, and Tibetan ethnic groups. 

5- Cross one of the highest passes, the Larkya La pass.

6- Enjoy the stunning views of the highest peaks like Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Kang Guru, and Manaslu itself.

Overview- Surrounded by Annapurna to the west and Ganesh Himal to the east, the Manaslu circuit trek is one of the popular teahouse treks which still comes with off-beaten trails and natural beauty. The circuit takes you around Mt Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain peak with an altitude of 8163m. The Manaslu circuit trek was officially opened to foreigners in 1992 but has been gaining much popularity since 2010 when it became possible to stay in a teahouse around the entire circuit. The circuit follows an ancient salt trading route along the Budhi Gandaki river, ten peaks over 6500m, and a few over 7000m are visible from this circuit trek. Crossing the beautiful, snowcapped Larkya La pass is another main attraction of this circuit. Manaslu Base camp itself lies at 4800m, giving us a scenic view and insights into a rudimental rural civilization that typically represents the Tibetan lifestyle. The circuit falls under the protection of the Manaslu Conservation Area where you can see a lot of endangered wildlife like Himalayan Tahr, blue sheep, red panda, etc. along with diverse flora. The total distance of the Manaslu circuit is 177 kilometers and can be completed in 14-17 days. It is very important to understand that Manaslu is a restricted area and traveling solo is not allowed there. You need at least two trekkers and one licensed guide for this trek. 

Temperature and weather 

- Spring season (March, April, and May) is a beautiful time to trek the Manaslu circuit. You will have alluring views of Rhododendrons, and much greenery. The spring season has the lowest chance of landslides, and avalanches making it one of the safest times to travel. The temperature in the spring season can range from 6-22 degrees Celsius while it may fall to -6 degrees Celsius sometimes.  

  Summer (June, July, and August) offers the clearest and most pristine views of mountains and landscapes. Summer also known as the Monsoon season in Nepal have rainy and muddy days. You must be careful about the trails since they can be slippery due to rain. If you love rain and rainy weather this is the best time for you to trek the Manaslu circuit. The average temperature in summer is 25 degrees Celsius while it may fall to 10 degrees Celsius at night.  

 As soon as the monsoon is over autumn season gives us clear and fresh air. Autumn is the most stable season while others can be quite unpredictable. Autumn has the best moderate temperature which is around 21 degrees Celsius at low altitudes and 7 degrees Celsius at high altitudes. 

The winter season is the coldest, may affect your journey somehow with heavy snowfall blocking your way. Most of the teahouses in the Manaslu circuit are closed during the winter season due to extreme cold. In December the temperature can range from 8-12 degrees Celsius where it can be the lowest at -8 degrees Celsius. January has a temperature of 6-8 degrees Celsius while it may greatly fall at -6 to -10 degrees Celsius. Still, you can travel there but have to be more careful about the equipment and clothing.  

Best season to visit

The best time to travel the Manaslu circuit is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). With all the climatic conditions and bearable temperatures, these are the best seasons for you to travel. These seasons also have a clear atmosphere and blue skies with awesome views of mountains. Monsoons can be hazy due to rainy weather. December- early March may have a high chance of snowfalls and most of the lodges will be closed which makes these seasons not very ideal to trek. 

Food and accommodation 

Accommodation- being one of the remote areas, you may not have fancy lodges but you will not experience a shortage of beautiful teahouses. They have small rooms with a cozy environment. They provide one single room with twin sharing beds, blankets, and pillows. You may have to share washrooms with others. You need to know that once you reach the peak trek area, you have to share your room with other trekkers, especially in Dharmsala. That’s because of the high number of people visiting that area. It might cost you 1000-1200 per night.  

  Foods- foods in Manaslu trails are quite organic and healthy since they grow their crops. Even though you may not have many options for food, they serve quality traditional food Dal, Bhat, and vegetables. The transportation facilities in high altitudes are difficult and limited so you may experience an increase in the cost of food when you climb up. It’s better to have some packed foods and fruits for your journey. It might cost you around 200-400 NRS per day for your food. 

Transportation 

Direct public buses are not available from Kathmandu to Sotikhola so you have to make transit in Aarughat. Traveling from Kathmandu to Aarughat will take you around 6-7 hours. After Aarughat you can change the bus to Sotikhola. Most of the time the road up there is muddy and impossible to drive. So you need to walk up to Sotikhola which will take you 7-8 hours. Or else you can find a small minibus or jeep traveling from Aarughat to Sotikhola. However, if you want to go on a private vehicle or in a tourist jeep you can directly travel from Kathmandu to Sotikhola without transit in Aarughat. It will cost you around 200$ to travel. 

Helicopter- helicopter tour is available to people who are bounded by time but still want to visit this beautiful place but it is especially for Manaslu Base camp. The tour starts from Tribhuwan airport Kathmandu and flies to Sama Gaon, Barpak, and eventually to Manaslu base camp and back to Kathmandu. This helicopter tour provides an astonishing view of green vegetation, Himalayan ranges, sacred lakes, and many more. The ride may take a maximum of 5 hours. The price of the tour may depend on the travel agencies you have booked. They provide a package tour at a cost of around 34900$. Including food, accommodations, charges, permits, and everything you need for a tour. Again, a helicopter tour is available for those who want to go to the Base camp only.

Electronics and communication 

You can have proper mobile network coverage in Sotikhola and other places. However, you may have some difficulties when you start climbing to higher altitudes. They have satellite phones and sky phones in most places. All the guest houses in Sotikhola have internet access and offer you a Wi-Fi connection. You have electricity for charging your electronics and phones. You might have to pay extra money for these facilities in a few teahouses while most of them provide them for free.    

Guides and porters 

Manaslu is a restricted area hence you need proper guidance also being a less explored area it is risky to travel without enough knowledge about the directions. A guide will charge you up to 25-30$ per day. You can give them extra tips at the end of the tour if you want. Porters are also available all the time. They carry your belongings but they shouldn’t exceed 15 kilos. If you don’t have much stuff then you can also share your porter with others. They may charge you up to, 20-25 $. 

Permits and fees 

- Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit – this will cost you 30$, which is 3000 NRS for all nations but there is a discount and cost 15$ (1500 NRS) for SAARC countries. 

- Manaslu Trek permit- this will cost USD 70$ for the first 7 days and 10$ each additional day. 

- Annapurna conservation area permit- it usually costs 2000, 20$ to all nations but has a discount and costs 10$ for SAARC countries. 

Note- you can take these permits from the Nepal tourism board. If you want to take the permit from the entry point itself you will have to pay the additional charge

Safety and fitness 

Even though the Manaslu circuit is not difficult it has its challenges. You must be physically and mentally fit to travel there. The average walking hours can be around 5-6 per day. You can walk, run and start jogging 20-30 days earlier for your practice. You need to do some simple fitness exercises and build your knee strength just to be ready for the day. It’s not mandatory to be 100% fit. Since you will be trekking through some high passes, it is likely to suffer from altitude sickness which is why you need to stay hydrated throughout the journey and keep checking your oxygen level. It’s better to carry one handheld oximetry. Some symptoms of altitude sickness are shortness of breath, nausea, fast heartbeat, weakness, tiredness, etc. In any case, if you start having these symptoms you need to immediately talk to your guide or friends.

Other requirements 

Travel insurance- you need to always purchase your travel insurance. It usually costs around 150$(15000 NRS) good for 30 days. It is important to mention or cover high altitudes since trekkers sometimes really need to be evacuated from the helicopter. Travel Insurance depends on the details you have provided that’s why it’s important to notify them earlier about the altitudes you will be reaching 

 Nepal visas/passports - foreigners other than Indians need to have valid visas and passports before visiting Nepal. The passport must hold a minimum of 6 months of visa validity from the date of arrival. They can have a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport.

Clothing and equipment

Trekking trousers

Money/cash

Trekking shocks

Torch lights

Trekking boots

Scarfs 

Waterproof pants

Sunglasses

Waterproof jackets

Beanies and gloves

Warm shirts and t-shirts

Medicines

Thermal tops and bottoms

Toiletries

Underwear

Wash kit

Fleece jacket

Safety kit

Down jacket

Hand sanitizers

Trekking pole

Water bottles and water purifiers

Raincoats

Trash bags and tissue papers

Sleeping bags (optional)

Charger/adapters

Duffel bags

Power banks

Backpack

Camera

Crampons

Passport and travel permits

Passport sized photographs 

Summer/winter hats

Route and duration 

Day 1- Arrival at Kathmandu 

Day 2- Kathmandu- Sotikhola 

9-10 hours drive 

Day 3- Sotikhola- Machha Khola

6 hours walk

Day 4- Machha Khola- Jagat

7 hours walk

Day 5- Jagat- Pewa

6 hours walk

Day 6- Lewa-Namrung

6 hours walk

Day 7- Namrung-Lho 

4 hours walk

Day 8- Lho- Sama gaon 

4 hours walk

Day 9- Sama Gaon-Manaslu base camp/Pungyen Gompa/Birendra Tal (side day trip)

Day 10- Sama Gaon- Samdo 

4 hours walk

Day 11- Samdo-Dharmsala 

4 hours walk

Day 12- Dharmsala- Larkya La pass- Bhimthang 

10 hours walk

Day 13- Bhimthang-Tal 

9 hours walk

Day 14 Tal-Kathmandu 

10 hours drive 

This route takes 16/17 days with proper rest and a few days off. It cost around 2000$ to trek the Manaslu circuit including transportation, food, accommodation, permits, insurance, clothing, etc.