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Extra Info

Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The most favorable periods to undertake the Manaslu Circuit Trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons.

• Spring (March to May): This season is characterized by stable weather and moderate temperatures. A major highlight is the blooming of rhododendrons and wildflowers, which turn the hillsides into a vibrant landscape. You may also encounter mountaineers preparing for expeditions at Manaslu Base Camp during this time.
• Autumn (September to November): Widely considered the peak season, autumn offers the clearest mountain views and sharpest visibility after the monsoon rains have cleared the air. The weather is generally dry and stable, making it the safest time to cross the high Larkya La Pass.
• Winter and Monsoon (Off-Season): Trekking in winter (December to February) brings extreme cold and heavy snowfall, which can block the Larkya La Pass and lead to the closure of high-altitude teahouses. The monsoon season (June to August) is characterized by heavy rain, slippery trails, leeches, and a higher risk of landslides.

Physical Fitness & Preparations for the Trek

The Manaslu Circuit is classified as a moderate to challenging trek that requires a high level of physical and mental preparation. Because you will be walking for 6 to 8 hours daily across rugged terrain and ascending to altitudes above 5,000 meters, a dedicated training regime is essential.

• Training Regime: It is recommended to begin training 2 to 3 months before your departure. Focus on cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling, and swimming to build stamina. Strength training for your core, back, and legs will help you manage steep ascents and descents. Practice hiking with a weighted daypack to simulate trek conditions.
• Acclimatization: To prevent Altitude Sickness (AMS), proper acclimatization is vital. Standard itineraries include at least two rest days, typically in Sama Gaun and Samdo, where you "walk high and sleep low" to help your body adjust to the thinning air.
• Legal Requirements: You cannot trek the Manaslu Circuit alone; the Nepal government requires a minimum of two trekkers accompanied by a licensed guide. Additionally, you must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and conservation area permits (MCAP and ACAP) through a registered agency.

Accommodation for Manaslu Circuit Trekking

The Manaslu region is a remote area where accommodation is primarily provided by locally-run teahouses and lodges. These facilities offer a humble but authentic mountain experience.

• Room Standards: Rooms are generally simple and provided on a twin-sharing basis. They typically include two single beds with thin mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Because bedrooms are unheated and can be very cold, carrying a high-quality sleeping bag is strongly recommended.
• Facilities and Amenities: Toilets are often shared and predominantly squat-style, though some lodges at lower altitudes may offer Western-style facilities. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic device charging are usually available but require an extra fee, typically ranging from USD 1 to USD 5.
• Common Areas: The dining room is the heart of the teahouse and the only area that is heated, usually with a wood or yak-dung stove. It serves as a communal space where trekkers gather to eat, stay warm, and socialize in the evenings.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

Since the Manaslu region borders Tibet and contains protected environmental zones, the Nepal government requires several specific permits to ensure security and conservation. Trekking independently is strictly prohibited; you must be part of a group of at least two people and be accompanied by a licensed Nepali guide.
The primary permits required for your 14-day journey include:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): The cost of this permit varies by season. During the peak autumn months (September to November), it costs USD 100 per person for the first seven days, plus USD 15 for each additional day. From December to August, the fee is reduced to USD 75 for the first seven days and USD 10 for each extra day.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): This permit is required for entry into the protected region. The fee is NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 30) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Because the trek ends in the Annapurna region after crossing the Larkya La Pass, you will also need an ACAP permit. This fee is also NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 30) for foreign nationals.
• Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality Entrance Fee: As of September 2024, a local government fee of NPR 1,000 (approximately USD 10) is required for all travelers. This is typically collected at the checkpoint in Jagat.

These permits cannot be obtained individually and must be processed by a registered trekking agency on your behalf. While a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is standard for many other routes in Nepal, it is generally not required for the Manaslu Circuit as the Restricted Area Permit serves as the primary tracking document.

Packing List for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The most significant things to be included on the backpack are:

• Base Layer
• Body Wear
• Trekking Shirt
• Trekking Trouser and Shorts
• Fleece Jacket
• Down Jacket Waterproof Jacket
• Sunhat and Warm Hat
• Gloves(warm and Light)
• Trekking Boots
• Hiking Boots
• Trekking Shocks (4-5 Pairs)

Others

• Duffel Bag 
• Day Backpack
• Sleeping Bag and Layer
• Trekking Poles water Bottles
• Towels
• Water purification tablets
• Headlight
• Small medical kits to put some emergency necessary medicines which you need 

You need to pack your bags lightly because you will not be able to carry heavy loads along with the trek. You will not be able to enjoy your journey in the Himalayas unless you pack wisely. You will be sleeping in small lodges and tea houses during the entire trip. Please be prepared with the right clothes as per the season. It will get colder at the higher elevations especially during winters. You can also consult us or simply visit our comprehensive packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. 

Visa Process

All visitors to Nepal require a visa except Indian nationals. Citizens of SAARC nations, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, are exempt for up to 30 days.

Obtaining a Nepal visa is straightforward. You can apply online at https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/ within 15 days of your arrival. The application requires your hotel address in Nepal and a digital passport-sized photo.

Once submitted, print the confirmation page and present it at the immigration section of Kathmandu airport along with your passport and the visa fee.

How to Book Manaslu Circuit Trek?

To book the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you'll need to book a trip with a government authorized trekking agency in Nepal like us. Nepal One Adventure will handle the necessary permits, guide, and porters services you will be needing during the trek. To confirm a booking, we require 10% of the whole trip cost. The money will be used to prebook the hotels (which will be very hard to get during peak seasons), and acquire the required permits. You can pay the remaining payment right before we start your trek, i.e. upon arriving in Nepal.

After the initial booking, we will need your detailed informations i.e documents like passport copy, photo, flight details, travel insurance, etc. We will ask for these documents within a week of booking your trek. While booking with us, we want to let you know that we are concerned about your safety, and all your documents will be safely with us.

Also during the trek, you will constantly have the experienced guide to provide you with the best recommendations throughout the trek.

Last Minute Bookings of Manaslu Circuit Trek

If you have, all your documents ready, along with travel insurance, we take the last minute bookings too. We will do our best to run your trek on intended time, if everything goes as per time. You need to pay full amount before 24 hrs of the trek departure date. For customised treks, please stay in touch with us to check availability and arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions