Short Manaslu Circuit Trek - 8 Days

(Based on 13 reviews)
Short Manaslu Circuit Trek
  • Maxium Altitude
    5160M
  • Difficulty Level
    Strenuous
  • Trekking Season
    March to May and September to November

Trip Overview

The Short Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remarkable journey where trekkers explore beautiful picturesque areas of the Manaslu region of Nepal. This trekking experience allows the trekkers to enjoy several terrains, including subtropical thick forests and high alpine meadows, while being in between some of the highest mountains in the world, like the stunning Mt. Manaslu. There are also visible ancient Tibetan villages, as well as a rich culture from the Gurung, and the Tibetan people who settled in the area are extremely hospitable.

The trek itself usually takes about 8 to 14 days, which is ample time for one to adjust and immerse himself fully in the serene beauty. There are challenges to the trail, including the Larkya La Pass. The beautiful scenery makes it worth the effort the adventurers put in during this trek. There are also ancient monasteries that one can view, which makes them both educational, adventurous and photogenic.

The Manaslu Circuit, which is a remote yet untouched area in Nepal, is gaining immense popularity among people looking for less congested yet thrilling altitude areas.

How to Prepare Yourself for the 8 Days Short Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Preparing for the 8 days Short Manaslu Circuit Trek is perhaps the most essential thing. Whether it is preparing with physical fitness or mental preparedness, you must be physically and mentally ready to get on with this trek and face the adventure. From permits to preparing with trekking gears and equipment, it sums up all the essentials, which are described here:

Required Permits for Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

For all trekkers, obtaining the Manaslu Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is compulsory since the government of Nepal classifies the Manaslu region as a restricted area. The fee for this permit differs depending on the trekking season.

From September to November, it is 100 US dollars per person for the first week, and then it is increased by 15 US dollars for each additional day after the seventh day. For the other months of December to August, the charge during the first week is 75 US dollars a person, while for each subsequent week after the first, the charge is 10 US dollars.

Similarly, trekkers must also get the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit, which is mandatory to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. The cost of the MCAP permit fee is 30 US Dollars per person, irrespective of the trek’s number of days in the conservation area.

Lastly, trekkers should obtain an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, as people often trek through the base of the lower Annapurna region. The cost of the permit for international trekkers is NPR 3000 (USD 25). SAARC nationals are charged NPR 1000 (about USD 8), while Nepali trekkers need to pay NPR 100, which is about 1 US dollar.

Guides & Porters

While going on the 8 Days Short Manaslu Circuit Trek, the significance of guides and porters cannot be overstated. Guides possess fine details that the common people may not know about the culture, geography, and other relevant issues related to the trek. Such knowledge not only makes the trip safer because of adequate orientation in uncharted areas but also adds value to the trip as one learns about the diverse cultures and traditions of the people in the region. Good interpersonal skills can also be of assistance in emergencies, which is why the guides are important in the pack.

And the most important thing to remember is that you must have a professional/certified guide in your team for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Nepal Tourism Board bans any trekking activities in Manaslu Region without a guide.

About porters, a very big plus is that these will allow you to concentrate more on the trek. They will relieve you of carrying trekking equipment and enable you to reserve energy for the more challenging aspects of the whole journey. Their vast experience with mountain terrain and logistics helps in scheduling the pace of the trek as well as bringing about the timely arrival at the resting points.

Additional information about the trek

Food and Accommodation in 8 Days Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

During the Manaslu Circuit, you can taste some of the traditional Nepali food, offering calorie-rich meals, like Dal Bhat Tarkari (lentils, rice, and veggies). Such meals are, of course, full of nutrition, with the additional energy the trail demands.

Alongside the Indigenous flavours, there are quite a few popular fast foods, such as momos (dumplings), chowmein (stir-fried noodles), and the spicy Thakali Khana Set. The welcome feast with tea houses will give you your share of what it is like to be a Nepali. Experience the unique flavours and warm hospitality from the end.

Throughout the trek, tea houses will accommodate you, providing a simple but comfortable rest. They have shared bedrooms, bathrooms, and slightly limited internet facilities, adding a cosy atmosphere for trekkers to meet new friends.

In Kathmandu, however, travellers are offered upgraded comforts, such as a private room with an attached bath and hot showers before and after an adventure, something very well worth the effort.

Best Time for Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

Spring Season (March to May)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek has Spring as the best season to travel. During this season, the Manaslu region gets covered with vivid rhododendron forests on the slopes, painting the landscape with reds, pinks, and whites. Also, clear skies provide perfect views of all towering peaks, including Manaslu (8,163 m) itself.

Suitable temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees °C (50 and 59 degrees F) at altitudes even make this time good for trekking. At night, temperatures drop below freezing at the higher altitudes but are manageable with gear. Besides, melting snow further opens up high passes like that of Larkya La (5,160 m) with a magnificent view of peaks like Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.

Spring carries the highest traffic in the region, so make sure that you make an advanced booking at tea houses.

Autumn Season (September to November)

Autumn is another great season to go for the Manaslu Circuit. The region has crystal-clear visibility to the snow-capped mountains after all the monsoon rains clear out the skies. Weather conditions are stable during these months, day and night. The daytime highs range from 12°C to 18 °C (54-64°F) at altitude, while at night, it drops to around -6°C (21°F) in some high areas.

Another feature, besides the weather, is that it is a culturally-ignited season as the major festivals like Dashain and Tihar fall under the Autumn Season. This would be an excellent time for trekkers to get some real, local connections through preparing for and celebrating festivals.

In terms of scenery, the clean and crisp environment around the region with the clear mountain views makes Autumn one of the best seasons to go for the 8 Days Short Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal.

Travel Insurance for Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is the adventure of a lifetime, but you must not forget that this adventure does not come without risks. The unpredictable weather and high-altitude sickness are some of the things that need careful planning.

This is why you need travel insurance to safeguard you from unforeseen circumstances like emergency medical situations, injury, and cancellations of your trip. This will give you peace of mind as you travel the relatively wild Himalayan trails. Given the challenging terrain and limited access to immediate medical facilities, comprehensive coverage makes excellent, necessary precautions.

You can easily secure reliable travel insurance for your trek through trusted providers like MetLife, Allianz, GeoBlue and Seven Corner Travel Insurance, among others. You must tailor a plan that fits your adventure and be ready for every twist and turn on this unforgettable journey.

Electricity, Drinking Water During Trek

When you are trekking to the Manaslu Region, you will have access to different kinds of water resources like streams and waterfalls. Unfortunately, these are not always suitable for direct consumption.

For this reason, it is best to carry purification tablets or a portable filtration system to treat the water you have gathered from one of these natural settings to be safe and healthy.

However, bottled water can also be purchased at tea houses and shops along most mountain trekking routes. Generally, as it ascends, the price of bottled water is directly affected by the costs of transportation to the market. Hiking carries along a reusable bottle and avails of opportunities to treat the water, save money, reduce waste, and provide an eco-friendly-as-well-as-safe travelling experience.

To stay out of freezing temperatures, it is essential to carry hot water as well. We advise you to bring a hot water bag or thermos as you will need at least 3 litres of water per day to stay out of altitude sickness dangers.

Communication and Internet During Trek

In remote areas such as Larkya La Pass, regular communication proves a daunting challenge as there is little or no network coverage at greater elevations. Manaslu region has occasional weak signals that don’t facilitate communication.

Therefore, it is essential to bring NCELL or NTC SIM cards with active data and voice packs. You can use these in most regions of lower altitudes. Nevertheless, even these may prove to be ineffective in the extreme places.

For better communication in elevated regions such as Larkya La Pass, using a satellite phone is helpful. These devices provide peace of mind as they ensure contact in the event of an emergency, even when networks fail.

Currency Exchange and ATM

When going on the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek, you must finance yourself well, as currency exchange and ATMs do not exist on the trekking trail.

Ensure you exchange adequate cash in Kathmandu before proceeding. Thamel is full of reliable currency exchange centres. Banks and hotels in the city also avail this service. Currently, 1 USD is equivalent to approximately 134 NPR. Therefore, calculating your budget is comfortable.

Always carry enough Nepalese Rupee to take care of your meals, accommodation, and any other costs along the trail. Without an ATM system or exchange facilities during the entire trek, prepare yourself ahead of time to avoid any unnecessary hassle and focus completely on the adventure ahead.

Conclusion

Proper preparation, the right season, and safety measures ensure a perfect, authentic 8 Days Short Manaslu Circuit Trek package. Trekking in Nepal mixes up very typical community trek in a hospitable manner. You can also check our Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days package for more stay in typical community of Manaslu Region. Manaslu Circuit Trek offers adventurous and unforgettable trek in remote area of Nepal.

 

Trip Highlights

  • Beautiful views of the eighth-highest Mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu.
  • Explore the vibrant cultures of the Gurung/Ghale people along the way.
  • Meet a variety of animals and plants that are exclusive to the Himalayan area.
  • Hike along hard mountain routes such as Larkya  Pass.
  • Experience the peace and quiet of mountain lakes like Birendra Tal  and others along the way..
  • Discover hidden Himalayan communities such as Samagaon , Samdo and Bhimtang.
  • Beautiful views of waterfalls.
Guaranteed Departures

ALL INCLUSIVE PRICE

$985

1055
USD

-6%
7 Nights 8 Days

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    Detailed Itinerary

    The Short Manaslu Circuit Trek 8 Days begins at Kathmandu, where a scenic drive takes you to Jagat. First, you will drive to Soti Khola, the starting point of this trek. From this point, the drive leads into thick forests and terraced fields.

    The route passes through Khursani village and the traditional Gurung settlement of Lububesi, thereby revealing snapshots of the cultural richness. You will then reach Machha Khola, a little village bordering the banks of the Budi Gandaki River.

    The trail stretches through the river bank and crosses to Khorlabeshi, another pretty little Gurung village. From here, you will pass through  Doban, before reaching Jagat. Overnight stay at Jagat.

    On the second day of the trek, you will hike from Jagat to the village of Phillim, the beautiful settlement of the Gurungs. From Jagat, the trek goes through the lush green forests of rhododendrons, which leads to another village called Ekle Bhatti. Then, you have to go through the narrow Budi Gandaki Gorge and walk across the bamboo forest to reach Deng.

    It takes approximately seven and a half hours to get from Jagat to Deng. Overnight stay at Deng.

    Day three of the 8 Days Short Manaslu Circuit Trek will take you from Deng to Namrung at a height of 2,660 meters from sea level. The path climbs gradually, bringing you to Bihi Phedi and, after that, to Bihi. As you take on a short hike from Bihi Village, you will head towards the Rana Bridge, where you can have some scenic glimpses of the culture and beauty of nature.

    You will come across the paths of the Buddhist heartland: colourful mani walls, fluttering prayer flags, and chortens. Then, trekking for a couple of hours will get you to Ghap, after which the track continues through dense forests of rhododendrons, fir, and oak. There are several suspension bridges and stone steps on the route that take adventure before dragging you to Namrung.

    Overnight stay at Namrung.

    On the fourth day of trekking, you will make it to Samagaun, situated at an elevation of 3525 meters. The adventure begins by ascending from Namrung to the beautiful village of Lihi. After about two hours of trek from that point, it ascends into the quiet Buddhist village of Lho, rich in culture and Tibetan traditions.

    Further, the trail commences from Lho and stretches its way through beautiful thick forests with a magnificent glimpse of the snow-capped mountains along the Shyala village. The trail then leads toward a river passing by the base of Punggen Glacier, which finally opens out into busy Samagaun. Overnight stay at Samagaun, enjoying traditional Nepali cuisine, including Dal, Bhaat, and Tarkari.

    The fifth day of your 8 Day Short Manaslu Circuit Trek will start with an early breakfast in Samagaun before trekking to Samdo. The trek leads you through the rhododendrons and fir-covered forests. You will, alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, cross a beautiful wooden suspension bridge and finally steadily climb to reach the village of Samdo. From here, you can have beautiful sights of the mountain peaks of Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.

    From Samdo, you’d leave for Larkya La Phedi or Dharmasala, which is 4,460 meters in height. While you level this hike, take care not to forget about altitude sickness due to elevation gain and changing weather conditions. The way passes through Athahra Saya and Larkya rivers, which have another bridge at suspension crossing to this site known as Larkya La Phedi. This is an exposure to animated Buddhist culture through mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags. You then proceed to be rewarded with a view of the stupendous Larkya Glacier before exploring the rugged trails atop Salkha Khola.

    As you reach Dharmasala, you will stay at a stone guesthouse and spend the night among the dramatic Himalayan landscapes.

    Today, you will hike to Bimthang after leaving the marvelous Dharmasala. For this, you will cross a high altitude pass called Larkya La Pass at 5106 meters above sea level. The day starts after an early breakfast at Larkya La Phedi, after which you will set forth towards a rugged trail. In the course of your hike, you can also view four frozen lakes which can be one of the major attractions for today.

    From there, you will reach at 5,106 meters above sea level at Larkya La Pass, and you will be welcomed by the breathtaking views Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Dhaulagiri. After exploring the scenery, it’s time to descend back. The path leads by pasture to Bimthang, a tranquil valley featuring mani walls and fluttering prayer flags. This is where you will spend your night at a tea house.

    The seventh day of your 8 Days Short Manaslu Circuit Trek brings an adventure that starts from Bimthang. As we leave Bimthang and prepare for a journey to Gho or Dharapani, we must make a steep descent towards the Budhi Gandaki River. A few hours of trek from there will finally take you to the village called Karche. The walk from Karche is a delightful hour or so onward to the beautiful village of Gho.

    Crossing Gho, one will retrace his steps across the picturesque pasture and grasslands on the way to 1,920 meters altitude Tilje village. The trail will take you through various communities that have some intimate Buddhist cultures. We must continue our trek for the next few hours to reach Thonje village, followed by our last station at Dharapani.

    On the 8th or the last day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will travel from Dharapani to Kathmandu, either by private jeep or public bus. It takes you to Besisahar first and then takes you on a scenic drive for 6 to 7 hours to Nepal’s colourful capital city.

    After you arrive in Kathmandu, our staff will escort you to your hotel. You can either rest at your hotel or go explore the city’s beauty. You can immerse yourself in the bustling environment of the capital city. Whether you explore the nightlife in Thamel or go shopping; Kathmandu has much more to offer than you expect.

    Trip Includes


     

    • Airport pickup and drop.
    • 8 days Trips, Includes 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
    • Accommodation during the trekking.
    • Two nights’ accommodation (2* categories) in Kathmandu with Breakfast.
    • A cup of tea every morning during the trekking.
    • Kathmandu to Jagat and Dharapani to Kathmandu ground transportation by local bus.
    • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (8 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and accommodation.
    • Manaslu Conservation Entry Permit and Restricted area Permit.
    • Annapurna Conservation Permits.
    • Government taxes.
    • Local Taxes.
    • Sleeping bag, down jackets and duffel bag – if Necessary (Need to returned after the trek).
    • Farewell dinner with Nepali culture show.

    Trip Excludes


    • Personal Travel Insurance.
    • Nepal entry visa.
    • International airfare.
    • Drinks (mineral water, Tea, coffee, whisky) or other snacks and any meals beside breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hot shower, Battery charge, Wi-Fi charge etc.
    • Tips for Guide and potter (Tipping is Expected).
    • Personal expenses.
    • Personal trekking equipment.
    • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the “Trip Includes” Section.

    Trip Photo Gallery

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    Packing List For Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

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    Short Manaslu Circuit Trek  icon

    Clothing

    • Thermal tops and bottoms
    • Fleece jackets and pullovers
    • Waterproof/windproof jackets and pants
    • Warm hat/caps and gloves
    Short Manaslu Circuit Trek  icon

    Foot Wears

    • Sturdy hiking boots
    • Warm hiking socks
    • Sandals/slippers for your use at tea houses
    Short Manaslu Circuit Trek  icon

    Trekking Items

    • Trekking poles
    • Daypack, Duffel Bags, and dry bags to carry your items
    Short Manaslu Circuit Trek  icon

    Other Items

    • Sleeping pads and sleeping bags
    • Hot Water Bottle
    • Sunglasses for UV protection
    • First aid kit
    • Trek map and guidebooks
    • Trek permits

    Frequently Asked Questions

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    It takes almost two weeks to complete this trek; however, we have a short itinerary of 8 days for this package.

    No, to go for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you must hire a professional guide as per the regulation of Nepal Tourism Board.

    As Spring and Autumn have favorable climates with moderate temperatures they are considered as the best time for this trek. These seasons also come with high prospects of natural sightseeing activities.

    This trek takes you to the highest altitude of 5,106 m at Larkya La Pass.

    During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will indulge Nepali cuisine including Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari, accompanied by Tibetan Dumplings [momo] and Chowmein [noodles].

    You must obtain Manaslu Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit for this trek.


    13 Responses to Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

    • Brain K

      Unforgettable Manaslu Adventure with Mountain Treks Nepal

      Embark on a breathtaking journey through the Manaslu region with Mountain Treks Nepal. Our recent 08-day trek was an extraordinary experience, made even more special by our exceptional guide, Deepak, and the dedicated manager, Bharat.

      Deepak’s in-depth knowledge of the region and his warm personality made every day a delight. His expertise ensured smooth navigation through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rugged mountain passes. Bharat’s meticulous planning and support were instrumental in creating a seamless and stress-free adventure.

      The Manaslu Circuit offers stunning vistas, remote villages, and encounters with diverse cultures. The highlight was undoubtedly crossing the Larke La Pass, a challenging but rewarding experience. The team’s unwavering support and encouragement made it possible to conquer this feat.

      Mountain Treks Nepal’s commitment to providing personalized service and ensuring guest comfort was evident throughout the trip. Their attention to detail, from well-organized accommodations to delicious meals, contributed to an unforgettable experience.

      If you’re seeking an authentic and adventurous trek in the Himalayas, I wholeheartedly recommend Mountain Treks Nepal. With Deepak and Bharat at the helm, your journey will be truly extraordinary.

    • Mike joe

      Discover Manaslu's Hidden Beauty in short time

      Embark on an unforgettable journey through the remote and breathtaking Manaslu region with Mountain Treks Nepal. Our expert guides, Yaka and Bharat, will lead you through stunning landscapes, charming villages, and ancient monasteries.
      Thank you guys for your wonderful service.

    • lozendo

      Great Trekking experience

      I had an incredible experience on the Manaslu Short Trek with Mountain Treks Nepal! The team was fantastic, especially our guide Prakash, who was knowledgeable, friendly, and always ensured our safety and comfort. The scenery was breathtaking, and the accommodations were cozy and clean. The trek was well-organized, and the food was delicious. I highly recommend this company and this trek to anyone seeking a memorable adventure in the Himalayas. A special thanks to manager Mr. Bharat for his excellent service and support.

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