Manaslu Circuit Trek | Manaslu circuit trekking in Nepal

Generally, when people think about trekking in Nepal's Himalayan region, most prefer to trek to the Base Camps. The facts reveal that 326 base camp treks in Nepal offer fabulous mountaineering experiences to trekkers. Two of the most famous Base Camp treks in Nepal are the Everest Base Camp trek (EBC) and the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, but the Manalsu circuit trek, which is the 8th highest peak in the world, is gaining popularity as much as EBC and ABC. Mansalu circuit trek offers a magnificent, unspoiled natural paradise, a rural valley, jaw-dropping views of panoramic peaks, a mixture of rich cultural heritages, candid adventure, incomparable scenic beauty, and biological varieties. As this peak is located near the Tibetan border, people of the Manaslu region are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak their own vernacular. During the trek along the Tibetan settlement, it is an ample opportunity to get to know about the lifestyle and the culture of the local people.

Where is Mt. Manaslu located, and what is the possible access to reach the Base camp?

Mt. Manaslu stands tall as the 8th-highest peak in the world, located in the northern Himalayan range in Gorkha District. Though this Mt. Manaslu is not as popular as other base camp trek but, it is gaining its publicity among the trekkers who have a desire to explore the isolated region of Nepal. As the region is very isolated and remote, the possible access to reach the trail head (Aarughat or Sotikhola) is either by private 4*4 Jeep or Local buses. There is a vast difference compared to other famous treks like Everest Base Camp, as there is easy access by flight up to Lukla.

What is the classic itinerary of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Normally, the number of days required for the Manaslu trek ranges between 14 and 22 days, including rest days and side tours. Depending upon the season, customized Manaslu circuit trek itineraries are arranged for the trekkers. During the months of monsoon season (June to September), 17 days Manaslu Trek Itinerary is arranged. If trekkers want to include some side trips like the Tsum Valley Side Trip during the Manaslu trek, then the itinerary is organized up to 22 days. The trailhead of this trek is either Arughat or Sotikhola. The best period of time to enjoy the Manaslu Trek is during the months of March-April and October-November. The itinerary is organized in that way, which makes trekkers enjoy every bit of this trek.

How much does it cost to get Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit cards?

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permit is one of the most important things you have to take with you. Because of the open border linked with Tibet, to control excessive border exit by foreigners, the government has issued a special permit. The permit should be issued by the government of Nepal and should be authorized by a local Nepali trekking agency. Trekkers without a permit card may get in trouble, so to avoid such kind of confusion, trekkers must take permit cards with them. Manaslu Trek cost is a bit costlier than other famous EBC or ABC treks, which is because of the special permits. Normally, it costs USD 50 for the first 7 days, then after that it only costs USD 7 for each following day.

Why is it called the Manaslu Circuit Trek instead of Manaslu Base Camp?

Generally, most of the base camp treks end in base camp, but in the case of the Mansaslu Base Camp trek, it is diverse. Manaslu Base Camp is also called the Manaslu Circuit trek because base camp is not a particular spot in this trek, but during the trek in Manaslu, base camp is visited as a side trip. During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the trailhead is either Sotikhola or Arughat, then the trail takes you to Base Camp via Tsum Valley, continues toward Larkey La pass, or the trek ends in Besi Sahar. In fact, in the Base Camp trek, the starting point and ending point of the trek are the same, but in the circuit trek, it is totally different. Among other circuit treks in Nepal, the Annapurna circuit trek is popular all over the world.