The Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tourism in Nepal is flourishing as the country saw a million tourists for the first time last year. Most of the millions came here to see mountains and trek around the mountain region. But, over the years, more tourists have heading out to explore the less traveled trails of Nepal like The Manaslu Circuit Trek which is one of the most beautiful treks one could go on. The Manaslu Circuit Trek features everything you’d want from a classic trek in Nepal: Epic scenery, intimate encounters with local people and their ancient culture, and a 5100m (17,000-ft.) Himalayan pass crossing. Well plan trekking PVT.Ltd trusted partners in Nepal organize weekly group departures during the Spring and Fall trekking seasons, as well as private treks that can run on any date from February to June and September through November. Relatively unknown here is some information that might be useful when going to Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Why is it called Manaslu Circuit Trek?
For Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp treks, the ending points of the treks are the base camps, and then from there, you return to your jump-off points. For Manaslu, it is different. Manaslu Base Camp Trek is more well-known by the name The Manaslu Circuit Trek. In this trek, Manaslu Base Camp is not the destination; instead, it is only a side trip. For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you are making a loop in your trek so you start in Sotikhola or Arughat, reach the Tsum Valley, stop by Manaslu Base Camp, cross Larke pass and then end up your trek in Besi Sahar in the Annapurna region. In Base Camps treks, these are normally your main destination and then you usually return to where you started. For a Circuit Trek, the starting point and endpoint are always different.
2. This is the killer mountain
Towering above the pine forests of Nepal’s Budhi Gandaki River Valley, the mighty Manaslu is nicknamed “killer mountain” by locals because more than 60 people have died on its treacherous slopes. The world’s eighth-highest peak may not be as famous as its bigger neighbors Everest and Annapurna, but it is really challenging due to its fickle weather.
3 Do not travel alone
These parts of Nepal do not have many tourists during the peak season because most haven’t heard of the trek so it is advised that you take someone along. Because the trek isn’t as safe as others, it is not permitted to go on one’s own. It is recommended that you take someone along with you and if want to know more, should you take a guide who will give you information about the village and the mountains are seen from there.
4. be careful of falling objects
The reason the government has asked trekkers not to go alone is that the region is dangerous and after the 2015 earthquake, it is also prone to landslides and rockfall. A reason why it is better to be in the know is to make sure you are safe. The danger zones come along as you pass from Khorlabesi to Tatopani and en route to Yaru and after crossing the Larke Pass. Ask the guides or the locals about more danger zones and keep yourself safe.
5. Book before you leave
The Manaslu trek is definitely one of the most alluring trails you could choose to go trekking in Nepal. Unlike ABC or EBC, you will not find a huge crowd of people flocking to the Manaslu circuit. This is because other mainstream trekking trails are more popular amongst tourists.
And because of that, there aren’t many tea houses or lodges around the place, and during the peak season finding a good lodge spontaneously can pose up to be a big problem. So, a smart move would be to book yourself a proper night’s sleep beforehand by talking to the owner of the place you stayed a day earlier, and they shall provide you the contact details of lodges for the next day.
The main problem might come at a place called Dharmashala where there is only one lodge with around eight rooms. Which is why it is advised to book in advance, otherwise you will have to spend the night in tents.
Required Permits
The Manaslu trek is within a restricted region of Nepal, meaning you’ll need a trekking permit to access this route. Solo trekkers are also not allowed, where a minimum group size of two people is required.
Accommodation during the Trek
Each night, you’ll be staying in local teahouses run by the local communities along the trek. Most teahouses are quite basic but comfortable, with two single beds in each room. There is a common area for meals and relaxing, which is a great place to stay warm around the fire at night. To see what teahouses look like.
How to get there
Take a bus from Kathmandu to Arughat of Gorkha. From there, you can take a jeep or walk for 5 hours to get to Solti Khola from where the trek normally starts. It’s completely up to you where you start your trek from. After Soti Khola, it’s time to stretch your happy feet along. The official Manaslu trek ends at Besisahar. However, you can cheat a little by catching a bus from Dharapani.
Phone network
Networks in the region are pretty poor so tour operators advise taking a CDMA SIM along with you as NTC and NCell don’t have proper connectivity around the region.
Charging
Besides the telephone network, the power in Manaslu Circuit is supplied through solar panels or local hydropower projects. Some places do not have access to power. The charging is easily facilitated in places supported by the hydropower projects. But you will definitely face difficulties in charging phones where solar power is used. And some lodges have even started to charge at a certain rate per hour.
DAY BY DAY OUTLET MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,345 m and then transfer to respective Hotels
Day 02: Free day in Kathmandu to prepare the permits
Day 03: Drive to Soti-Khola730 m via Arughat – 07 hrs
Day 04: Trek to Machha-Khola 930m – 06 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Jagat 1,410m – 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Dyang 1,800 m – 06 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Ghap 2,160 m – 04 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Lo-Gaon 3,180 m – 06 hrs
Day 09: Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,530 m – 05 hrs.
Day 10: Rest-Day for acclimatization and local excursion to scenic viewpoints.
Day 11: Trek to Samdo 3,860 m – 05 hrs.
Day 12:. Trek to Dharamsala 4,470 m – 04 hrs.
Day 13: Cross Larkya-la 5,106 m and to Bimthang 3,720 m – 08 hrs
Day 14: Trek to Dharapani 1,860 m – 06 hrs.
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotels – 06 hrs.
Day 16: International departure for homeward bound or to respective countries
Note: For the Manaslu Circuit Trek we need special Permits and do we need a Passport for this so that you should be in Kathmandu a day before starting the trek.
