Manaslu Circuit Trek - 13 days

Trekking Information

Accommodation in Manaslu Circuit Trek

Accommodation in the Manaslu Circuit Trek is generally in the teahouses/guesthouses. Private rooms with shared bathrooms and basic facilities are typically available throughout the trek. A compulsory sharing of rooms during the peak of seasons at Dharmasala. An additional charge for charging a camera, phones, and a bucket of hot water. A nice idea to have a power bank or solar battery, wipes, and toilet paper for convenience.

Meals in Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu is a remote area. So, expect the meals to be local and simple. Mostly the vegetables are locally grown and organic. “Dal Bhat” with curry is the main dish. A good energy diet for travelers to trek for 7-8 hours. Animals’ meat is difficult to find as raising animals is difficult at that altitude. For one’s good health, it is advisable to eat vegetarian food. If one wishes to eat meat consult with the guide. Meals in Manaslu circuit are healthy and suitable for trekkers. Pack some energy bars and chocolates as the availability of teahouses may not be at all places.

Drinking water for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Bottled waters are available costing from 1-4$ as the altitude rises. Most of the trekkers carry their water bottles and fill up the water at the teahouses. Likewise, one can easily refill water from the water sources directly from the mountains. Perform water treatment by using water purifying solutions. So, carry water purifying drops or tablets. If any doubt, pay some charges and get boiled water from the teahouses.

Phone Network during the Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Phone networks in the Manaslu region are hard to find. Only 40% of this region has phone signals which may be unstable. But no worries as the facility of satellite phone for emergency contact is there.

Internet Connectivity

The internet connectivity in the Manaslu region can be only found in a few places. One can get a Wi-Fi facility at Sama Gaun and Samdo by paying extra charges. Likewise, purchase a 4G sim card with an internet package to use the internet facility.

Transport for Manaslu Trek

Manaslu Trekking is adventurous as mostly the trails are off-beat. Public transportation is the best way as there is no means of airways. A drive on a local vehicle from Kathmandu to Arughat. Then on a local jeep from Arughat to Soti Khola. One can also book a private jeep and drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola.

Reaching the starting point of Manaslu Trek

Soti Khola is a beautiful small village abundant with natural beauty and the flowing Budhi Gandaki River nearby. Soti Khola is the starting point of Manaslu Trek. A ride on a public vehicle from Kathmandu to Arughat and on a jeep to reach Soti Khola. For a comfortable ride, book a private jeep and ride from Kathmandu to Soti Khola.

Permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Permits are mandatory while trekking in any region of Nepal. Manaslu is a restricted area of Nepal and three permits are required to trek here. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) both cost USD 30 for foreigners and NPR 1000 for SAARC nations respectively.

Manaslu Restricted Permit is quintessential and the price varies in (Sep-Nov) and (Dec-August) months. For the September to November month, per person is USD 100 for the first week with an additional USD 15 per day individually afterward.

For the months between December and August, per person is USD 75 for the first week with an additional USD 10 per day individually afterward.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance plays a key role and acts as a safety shield from unanticipated events. For all travelers/trekkers, a safety net against travel-related expenses. Make sure that an altitude above 4000 meters is covered along with all medical expenses, luggage loss/ theft, flight cancellations, and emergency evacuations. Tie up with a trusted travel insurance company before the travel.

Extra personal expenses during the trek

Trekking in the mountains means dealing with lots of uncertainties. Thus, a high chance of extra expenses during the trek. Also, access to ATMs and banks is difficult here. It is requested to carry extra cash for the following purposes:

• For your Travel Insurance.
• Extra or personal porter.
• Hot showers, internet access, battery charging, laundry, and other extra services in the mountains.
• Flight cancellation due to extreme weather conditions
• Emergency evacuation cost.
• Souvenirs from the Himalayas, such as medicinal herbs, paintings, and other things.
• Any kind of drinks, energy bars throughout the trek, tips to the guides and porters at the end of the trek.

Luggage limitation for Porter

Porters are one of the key people in the trekking journey. They carry the luggage on their back with the help of a strap and ascend and descend on the rugged, slippery, twist and turn trails. They perform commendable work which amazes the trekkers, as well as, respect grows for them. Mostly porters carry luggage more than their body weight. But, concerning all factors like health, and difficulty level the maximum luggage limitation is 66 pounds which are approx. 20 kg.

Trip Safety

The trekking trip with HST is in safe hands as the guides are well-trained, professional, seasoned adventurers with over one decade of experience. They are experts in their fields and are technically competent, friendly in nature, and have proven safety performances with no casualties. Trekkers’ safety is topmost priority. Thus, personal protection equipment and first-aid kits are readily available with guides. The itinerary is designed in consideration of proper acclimatization to accomplish the trek. One most important piece of advice while traveling to the Manaslu region is to stay on the side of a wall while mules are transporting goods. A chance of mules pushing causing mishaps and to prevent it, it is advisable to let the mules pass and stick to the side of the wall. It's mandatory to hire a guide for the Manaslu Trek and solo travel is prohibited. The guide makes your trip journey smooth and safe. HST is always giving its best to meet the diverse needs of international clients and wishes our clients to have safe, satisfying, exciting, and extraordinary experiences.

How tough is Manaslu Trek for trekkers having various experience levels?

Manaslu Trek Nepal is moderately difficult. A perfect adventurous trek for trekkers who love challenges and are passionate to explore and can walk at least 6-8 hours a day. Anyone with good physical fitness, excellent health, and strong determination with a positive attitude can accomplish the Manaslu Circuit Trekking. A trekker with no experience can also complete this trek. Before that, it is suitable to participate in cardiovascular exercises (running, jogging, push-ups, and pull-ups), build core strength, and hike on hills under different weather conditions before a few months of this trip. Inform us before confirming a trip, if one has health-related issues.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization at Manaslu Circuit Trek

Altitude sickness is common in the mountains over 3000 meters elevation. Our HST team has strategically planned the acclimatization stopover at Sama Gaon. It helps trekkers to adapt to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. Headache, nausea, breathlessness, vomiting, loss of appetite, and in extreme cases hallucinations and unconsciousness are primary symptoms of altitude sickness. Only a few percent of trekkers suffer and a proper caution can let you be safe here. It is advisable to let the guides know if you have any of the primary symptoms. Some key points to avoid altitude sickness are:

• Do warm-up hikes and stretching before starting the journey for the day.
• Drink an adequate amount of water. Keep rehydrating at regular intervals. It is best to drink a liter every hour you've walked then. Set yourself to urinate further throughout the day and night.
• Get plenty of rest & sleep. Don't push yourself too much while walking. The key is to ascend slowly and gradually. You should trek slowly and gradually.
• You need to have an applicable balanced diet throughout the journey. Avoid too-much salty food and alcohol throughout the trek.
• If necessary take the capsules for Altitude sickness by consulting with your guide. If you feel too uncomfortable descend immediately.

Best time to visit Manaslu Circuit Trek

Autumn (mid-September-October-November) and Spring (mid-March-April-May) are considered the best seasons for the Manaslu Trek. The perfect weather, fully-operated teahouses, better roads (compare to rainy and winter seasons), and hours of daylight make the trekking remarkable. Manaslu region is likely to have lots of rain during the rainy season making it tough to trek. Likewise, a lot of snow during the winter season makes it difficult to trek. Off-season trekking by experienced trekkers can be done but it is still considered risky. Trekkers are requested to do organized planning and medications before venturing the Manaslu trek.

Equipment checklist for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trekking on the off-beat path is an extraordinary experience. To make it more remarkable proper equipment is required. Thus, our HST representative provides you with the necessary equipment checklist and mostly preferred lightweight and they are mentioned below:

Upper Body: -

• A long-sleeve thermal base layer
• Trekking shirt
• Insulation layer
• fleece jacket
• Warm Down Jacket
• Gloves
• waterproof jacket
• T-Shirt lightweight

Head: -

• Beanie and ear warmers
• Sunhat & Scarf
• Headlights with extra batteries

Face: -

• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen
• Dust Masks
• Lip Balm
• Face /Body wipe

legs & Boots: -

• Trekking Pants two pairs
• waterproof jacket
• Trekking boots
• Sport Shoes
• Gaiters
• Crampons (If snow or Ice)
• Slippers
• Thermal Leggins
• Underwear & thick Socks

Essentials Gear: -

• Trekking pole
• Sleeping bag
• Towels
• Raincoat
• Water bottle
• Backpack or Day pack

Toiletries: -

• Quick drying towel
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• soap
• Shampoo
• Small mirror
• Nail cutter

Personal accessories: -

• Money
• Camera
• Phone
• Watch
• Power bank
• Extra batteries for the Camera

Extra: -

• Diary & Pen
• Books
• Extra Passport copy and Photos
• Binocular
• Firsts Aid Kits

Note: The above list can be customized as per the seasons and necessity of the trekkers.

Tipping in Nepal

The tour operators of HST are members of the government-registered Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal. You may wish to tip the guides and porters and it is completely your personal choice. You may tip about 10% of the trekking cost or more than that.

Benefits of Choosing Hillary Step Treks (HST)

• Our experienced team of over one decade has accomplished treks in Manaslu Treks and other treks too.
• Our guides are fluent in English, and Nepali dialects. They know the terrain, culture, people, and the Manaslu region through & through.
• HST provides you with the best value services for your money. No hidden cost, every step with HST is transparent and clear. We value our clients over profit any day.
• Your safety is the top priority while trekking with the HST team. Thus, in case of an emergency first-aid kit or provision of rescue teams as a requirement.
• We are a government-registered company providing you with real care services at the best reasonable rate.
• Our company also has 70% repetitive clients over the years which shows their trust in us.
• We go the extra mile to assure you of a complete trekking experience in Nepal. HST is your ideal choice for trekking in Nepal.

FAQs of Manaslu Circuit Trek

1, Is there Bank, ATM & Money exchange available during the Manaslu circuit trek?

No, there isn’t Bank, ATM & Money exchange during the trek. You have to take enough Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu for your extra expenses.

2, Can I use Private transportation instead of public transportation?

Yes, you can use private transportation instead of using public transportation it will be hassle-free travel.

3, What is the Luggage limit for Porter to carry?

Hillary Step Treks will provide one porter for two trekkers to carry a combined 20 Kg of Luggage (10Kg for each trekker)

4, What permit is required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek (MCT) trek?

Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area so we need to buy a special permit from Immigration There are 3 permits required. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) & Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). For the Restricted Area permit, immigrants require an original passport

5, Do guides and Porters have Insurance?

All, Hillary Step Treks Guides & Porters are covered by Insurance as well as Salary, Meals, Accommodation, equipment, etc. during the trek.

6, Can I trek Manaslu circuit solo?

No, You can't travel solo as Manaslu Circuit is restricted area they require minimum 2 person to Apply permit.

7, What documents do I need for the Manaslu Circuit trekking?

You need to submit the following documents by WhatsApp or Email after the advance deposit.

• A Copy of Passport copy
• P.P size Photos
• Flight details (Arriving and Departure date)
• Travel insurance which should include emergency evacuation