The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is an exciting adventure that lets you explore the stunning Himalayan scenery and learn about the local culture. It's tough, so you must be fit and have some hiking experience. Along the way, you'll see amazing views of mountains like Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The trek starts in villages like Soti Khola and ends in places like Dharapani or Besisahar, passing through beautiful landscapes and traditional villages.
A major highlight of the trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass, which is high up at 5213 meters. From there, you can see incredible panoramic views of the mountains around you. During the trek, you'll also come across the Budhi Gandaki River and forests filled with rhododendron, pine, and juniper trees. You'll notice the scenery changing from snowy mountains to lush greenery as you go. Even though more people are discovering this trek, it's still less crowded than some other routes, so you can appreciate a quieter and more peaceful journey.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Cost Breakdown
This guide helps you plan your trek to the
Manaslu circuit Trek properly. The total cost for the Manaslu trek is $920, which covers everything you need. This includes two nights of basic accommodation in Kathmandu and transportation from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola by bus. During the trek, your food and accommodation are also covered.
The cost of trekking the Manaslu Circuit can be divided into several parts. For food, expect to pay $5 to $10 for meals like Dal Bhat, a typical Nepali dish. Variations for breakfast and other options are available at higher prices.
Accommodation in tea houses, with shared rooms and basic facilities, costs around $5 to $10 per night. Transportation from Kathmandu to the trek's start and end points can be by local bus for $15 to $20 or a private jeep for $180 to $200 each way.
You'll also need a licensed guide, who costs $25 to $50 per day, and a porter, who costs $20 to $25 per day. Permits are required, including the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, each costing $30, plus the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, which varies from $75 to $100 depending on the season, and additional fees for extending to TSUM Valley.
Travel insurance, covering helicopter rescue, is compulsory and costs between $150 and $250 for 30 days. Additional expenses include international airfare and small charges for refreshments.
Best time to Travel Manaslu Circuit
March, April, and May are the best months to hike the Manaslu Circuit because the weather is much better during these months. You can see amazing views of Mt. Manaslu and other glaciers. The weather is not too cold, like winter, or hot, like summer, so many people like hiking during these months.
Walking on the trail, you'll pass by bushes with colourful flowers called rhododendrons. It's really beautiful. It's also a great time to hike in September, October, and November because it's fall. The skies are clear, and you can see the mountains well. The weather during the day is usually nice and steady, so you can enjoy the amazing views, which might include big snowy peaks.
Trek cost for solo trekker in Manaslu.
When you want to trek alone in Manaslu, you typically need at least one other person to get the necessary permits. But if you're trekking solo, some trekking agencies can help you out, although it will cost more. These agencies can arrange for another person's passport to accompany you on paper so you can still get the permits legally.
It's important to know that trekking alone in remote places like Manaslu can be risky. That's why having a guide with you is highly recommended for safety. A guide can help you guide through the trails, teach you about the local culture and nature, and ensure everything goes smoothly.
Having a guide also supports the local tourism industry and creates jobs for guides in the area. So, even though it might cost more to trek solo with a guide, it's a good idea for your safety and for helping the local community.