Best Time to Round Trek Manaslu Circuit
The best season to trek for travellers is to journey in the spring period (March to May) and the autumn period (September to November). At these periods the best climate for trekking in the Manaslu region and the best forms of the main attraction of this zone are presented. Along the trails, the blooms of rhododendrons are observed during spring. Most of the high-elevation trails have moderate temperatures and are suited for day hikes.
In autumn, the weather is clear, and you are treated to the view of the world’s eighth tallest mountain, Mt. Manaslu (8163m). No worries about rain, and everyone would have much time to look at the nature view, including Larkya La Pass, with an altitude of 5106m.
Another best time is winter in December, January and February. However, the weather can be substantially icy and very cold at higher parts of the mountain.
But in terms of the monsoon season, which is June to August, the mountain receives heavy rains and slopes, and trail slides are frequently seen. Therefore, to get the best trekking experience on the Manaslu circuit, you should go for it in the months of either April, May, September or October to enjoy the beauty as well as to enjoy the serene environment of the wonderful trek.
What to Expect in a Teahouse in Manaslu Round Trekking?
On the 14 days Manaslu trek, you will be staying at a teahouse that is located on the trail. The tea houses are not only resting stops but also represent Manaslu's cultural hospitality. Usually, the owners of such places are friendly and open and with an authentic feel around the place. The rooms are normally rather simple but have everything you need: At such altitudes as in mountains, wooden beds and warm blankets for cold nights. With meals taken in the comfortable dining areas, there is a place for socialising with other trekkers around what they did on the previous day. The more interesting thing is that both the traditional Nepali cuisines as well as the continental meals make sure we do serve you the number of meals you need to replenish yourself after a day trekking. Some teahouses offer hot showers for an extra charge.
What Kind of Food is Available on the Manaslu Trek?
Meals on the Manaslu Circuit are a mix of local ingredients with tasty staple foods in order to give you energy for a day of trekking. Not only this, the teahouse menus will not be as varied as it does in other frequented treks as only a few tourists are taken to the restricted area each year. The food you get is always fresh and hot, which makes you able to walk all through this picturesque Manaslu region.
You will be eating breakfast in the overnight teahouse. Breakfast options may include an omelette made from chillies, onion and tomato, a spicy Nepali breakfast or the hot maize and millet breakfast porridge with milk is served. You can even have some toast or Tibetan bread with jam or honey and some Nepali spiced tea or salty Tibetan tea.
Lunch will be at a small teahouse on the trail, where they serve dal bhat or noodles, etc. Both lunch and dinner options are somewhat similar. Garlic soup is really highly recommended and highly recommended to trekkers because of its benefits in fighting against high altitudes.
Are There Hot Showers on This Trek?
Yes, in Manaslu Trek, you can take a hot shower, but there’s a price (extra). On average, a hot shower will cost you around $3 to $5. The gas cylinders that are used to heat up the water are carried up on mules, so it’s better if we can try and save water during your trek by limiting your number of showers.
It takes time and energy to wash your clothes in cold temperatures. Hence, many trekkers change their clothes instead of taking showers. The majority of lodges at lower altitudes have hot shower facilities. At higher elevations, the availability tends to be less frequent.
14 Days Round Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty Level
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek, however. Difficult uphill climbs and rocky paths mean trekkers will have to walk on different kinds of terrains and this requires good physical strength and stamina. Generally, the overall distance covered during a trek is 177 km, which requires you to trek nearly 12.64 km a day and takes about 14-18 days. The biggest difficulty is the altitude — Larkya La Pass (5160m) is the highest point of elevation that can cause acute mountain sickness if there is no acclimatization period. Untamed weather conditions, inadequate accommodation facilities, and remoteness of the place make this trip’s difficulty level higher, and the pre-planning and training before are necessary.
Charging Your Equipment on the Manaslu Trail
Most teahouses in the Manaslu region provide electricity, often from solar panels. But charges for charging electronic devices such as phones and cameras run between $1 and $5 an hour, with fees higher at higher altitudes.
In order to save on expenses and keep your devices powered, it’s a good idea to strap a power bank or portable solar charger. If you’re a trekker, solar chargers can then be attached to your daypack as you go so it harnesses sunlight. You can also try to save battery life by turning off non-essential applications and turning down the screen brightness.
Do I Need a Porter for the Manaslu Trek?
Though optional, hiring a porter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek can make your trek much more enjoyable. The trails you take are mountain high mountain trails, and by walking, you are walking long hours, which can be tough carrying a heavy backpack. Porters can handle up to 20 kg of load, and with the terrain, altitude, and humidity, trekking with just a small daypack containing essentials such as water, sunscreen, and a camera is possible for you. Hiring a porter will cost you $20 to $25 per day inclusive of their food, accommodation and their insurance.
Packing List For Round Manaslu Hike
The 14 days Manaslu circuit trek begins with a lot of preparation. Here's a concise packing list to guide you:
Travel Documents:
- Passport valid (with excellent photocopies)
- Nepal Visa
- 4 Passport-size Photos
- Travel Insurance
- Permits: Manaslu Restricted Area, Manaslu Conservation Area, Annapurna Conservation Area, Chumnubri Municipality Fee.
Clothing:
- Lightweight Thermal Tops
- Polypropylene Sleeve Shirts - Long/Short
- Fleece Pullover or Jacket
- Waterproof Jacket
- Some agencies provide Down Jacket
- Synthetic or down-insulated Jacket.
- Fleece or soft shell soft jacket.
- Hiking Pants
- Underwear (moisture-wicking)
- Sports Bra (for women)
- Wool or fleece Lightweight Gloves
- Heavyweight Gloves or Mittens
- Brimmed Hat/Sun Cap
- Warm Knit Hat
- Bandana or Head Scarf
- Balaclava or Buff/Neck Gaiter
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
Footwear:
- Well-broken Hiking Boots
- Trekking Sandals
- Gaiters
- Moisture-wicking hiking socks
- Thermal Socks
Equipment:
- Trekking Backpack (40-60L)
- Daypack (35-45L)
- Sleeping Bag Liner
- Trekking Poles
- Headlamp with Extra Batteries
- Duffel Bag (90L)
- Raincoat/Rain Poncho
- Water Bottles (1-2 litres)
- Water Purification Tablets or Filter
- Thermos
- Garbage Bags
- Small Locks
- Dry Bags or Plastic Bags
Personal Items:
- Personal Medications
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Lip Balm with SPF
- Insect Repellent
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet Wipes
- Toilet Paper
- Towel (quick-dry)
- Camera and Extra Memory Cards
- Notebook and Pen
- Book/Diary/Games
Optional:
- Binoculars
- Navigation Equipment
- Ear Plug
Manaslu Circuit Round Trek: Travel Insurance Requirements
Precaution is to be taken when planning a Manaslu Circuit Trek, and taking travel insurance is not only advisable but mandatory. Here are the key requirements and considerations for travel insurance specific to this trek:
Comprehensive Coverage
Your insurance should cover your doctor or medical expenses for an injury or illness incurred during the trek, for example, altitude sickness.
Air evacuation may not be available in emergencies in remote areas and also helicopter rescue should be included. Secondly, ensure it’s specifically in your policy.
High-Altitude Coverage
Check to make sure your insurance includes trekking above 6,000 meters. The Manaslu Circuit is close to 170 km long; standard policies may not cover this far.
Proof of Insurance
If you’re booking your trek or going on your trek you may have to show you have insurance. Have physical and digital copies of your insurance at all times.
Solo/Group Trekking
Ammonite Adventure Treks offers private group treks and group sharing treks. If you have your group, the greater the number of trekkers in the large group, the greater the discounts.
Any number is accommodated and an assistant guide is offered for large groups. One porter for every two trekkers. 9 kg maximum weight pack per trekker.
Other Personal Expenditures on Trekking
The package includes all the Manaslu Round trekking charges except for food and accommodation in Kathmandu. There are plenty of hotels and lodges in Kathmandu, and you can make an online reservation.
You will have to carry some cash for Kathmandu accommodation and meal charges, visa, insurance, snacks, drinks, tips, souvenirs, and other personal expenses.
Bring high denomination notes in cash to exchange them with Nepali Rupees as the trekking areas accept only Nepali currency.
Ammonite Adventure Treks Trekking Crew
Our well-experienced and professional Sherpas and guides will be with you during your 14-day Manaslu Round trekking, so your experience will be comfortable and deserving. Our guides are not just licensed but well-skilled and experienced guides. Porters will be organized by us for carrying your luggage, one porter will accompany two trekkers, maximum of 18 kg load.
In case you want, we can also organize one porter for each person on demand.
Our crew members are local people from remote higher Himalayas, and their physiological acclimatization to high altitude is very good. So they will not be bothered sleeping at high altitudes. We pay a high wage to our crew members and offer them insurance, dressing, diet, and accommodations while trekking.
Our guides and porters are given medical care in the case of illness or accident. We ensure that our workers are content because we believe that only a contented individual is able to make other people content.
Our expert trek leaders have:
- Have extensive training in wilderness first aid
- Have successfully taken the Trekking Guide course from Nepal sanctioned by the Nepali government
- Speak English and most major languages.
- Trained in preserving biodiversity and conservation
- Can have engaging stories related to the history and culture of the area
- Superb communication skills over multiple cultural divides
- Ability to crisis management when things go sideways
- Organized with scheduling and logistics
- Strong empathy, compassion, and sensitivity to the needs of trekkers
- Follow sustainable and responsible tourism practices
Booking and Payment Process
Ammonite Adventure Treks is a government-registered and bonded Nepal trek and tour operator. Additionally, we are members of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN). Hence, book safely with us.
We require 10% trip cost in advance so that we can book the trip. You can make payment by bank transfer, Western Union, or online directly from our website. You can pay the remaining trip cost in cash, credit card, bank transfer, or western union upon your arrival in Nepal. Payment details and mode of payment will also be notified to you via email.
After you have booked your trek, we would appreciate it if you could forward us other papers such as photocopy of passport, passport photos, travel insurance policy and departure and arrival flight schedule within seven days of your trek booking. There are not many domestic flights to Lukla and Lukla airport is very crowded during trekking seasons.
Last minute Booking
We also accept last-minute reservations for the Manaslu Round trek by Ammonite Adventure Treks. You are required to pay the trip cost in advance, 24 hours before the day of the trek. We try our level best to operate the trek within schedule, but last-minute reservations could be postponed due to bad weather or flight situations beyond our control.
Extension of the Trip
If you wish to stay in Nepal beyond the trek, we can arrange activities for you. Sightsee in and around the Kathmandu region or go on a Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting, or canoeing.
Feedback
Once you complete the Manaslu Round trek the Ammonite Adventure Treks will ask you to join a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. You will get a completion certificate printed and have the opportunity to provide feedback on your trek.