Manaslu Region Treks

Manaslu Region Trek Overview

Manaslu region trek takes you through diverse trails with equal cultural diversity. The Manaslu Circuit trail is one of the most popular ones in Nepal. The trekking region is crowded with enthusiastic trekkers all year long. The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is just as popular among beginner trekkers. And, since the Manaslu Conservation Area Project has been progressively protecting and conserving its natural aspects, you will have an opportunity to dive into nature’s most appreciable elements.

The Manaslu region is a restricted area. Hence, anyone looking to go on this trek must have the required permits and follow the documentation rules. However, this does not mean you will have difficulty getting in. Depending on a reliable trekking agency will help you get through most trek processing hassles. If you want to go on a circular trek in the Manaslu area, you will get to the highest point in Manaslu, which is called the Larkya La Pass. The Manaslu base camp trek is just as good an option for basic trekkers.

Popular Manaslu Region Treks

If you’re up for an adventure of a lifetime, both beginners and expert trekkers are recommended to visit the Manaslu trekking region. The Manaslu Circuit itinerary has been designed with convenience in mind. Over the years, many have gone on this wilderness trek and succeeded in their journey. You can be relieved if you wonder about the challenges you might face in the pathways. Having a decent level of fitness, adequate mental preparation, and taking along a reliable guide will help you succeed smoothly.

Following are all the things you need to know about the top three Manaslu treks:

Manaslu Circuit Trek – Starts at $799

Every adventurer must go on the Manaslu Circuit Trek at least once. The highest altitude you will reach during this trek is 5106m above sea level at Larkya La Pass. The circuit trek circles the entire region, meaning you can explore Manaslu fully. You will be driven from Kathmandu to the famous Prithvi Highway. From there, trekkers will move past the Budhi Gandaki River. You will cross significant locations along the trails, including Jagat, Deng, Samagaon, Samdo, Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, and Larkya La, before driving back to Dharapani.

It usually takes 12 days to complete the Manaslu Circuit trek. The trek resembles the Everest Base Camp trek in the Khumbu region. And it comes just as close to the experience in the Annapurna Circuit. For the first seven days, trekkers mostly have to ascend the pathways. Then, the other 3 days can be spent the rest of the days trekking downward. A majority of inhabitants that you will meet in Manaslu are from Thakali, Magar, and Chhetri, Brahmin communities. If you want to go on this adventure trek, you can book a package with us for USD 799 per person. 

Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek – Starts at $1449

The Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek is a 21 days long journey. It is similar to the experience as you trek to the Manaslu Circuit, which is longer and has more places to visit. You will not only enjoy the view of the massive Manaslu mountain, but you can also enjoy the beauty of Ganesh Himal up close to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Other significant locations you will be trekking are Rachen Nunnery, Gumba Lungdang, Chhokang Paro, Milarepa Cave, Mu Gompa, and a hot spring between Macchakhola and Jagat.

The per-person cost of this trek is USD 1,449. This adventure trek is very similar to the Annapurna Circuit Trek because of the condition of the Himalayan trail. What’s more exciting about this trek is it will satiate the trekkers in all ways possible because it is long. And you will get more days to rest. You can also trek to Larkya La High Pass during this visit. Any adrenaline junkie would love each aspect of this trek.

Tsum Valley Trek – Starts at $749

The 11-day Tsum Valley trek will cover every important element of Nepal trekking. It can be considered a shorter version of the 21-day journey in Tsum Valley in the Manaslu region of Nepal. This trek is similar to the Three High Passes Trek in Khumbu. The Manaslu trails also take you through a natural hot spring close to the Budhi Gandaki River, Milarepa Cave, and the Ganesh Himal Base Camp.

Since Guru Rinpoche, or Padmasambhava, is believed to have meditated in the Milarepa cave, you will see the dominance of Buddhist culture in significant parts of the trek. Further, though you won’t be trekking to the base camp of Manaslu, going to the Tsum Valley trek will give you a close glimpse of the mountain. Compared to the two other treks above, beginners are recommended to trek to Tsum Valley for 11 days. You can book our package for this trek for USD 749 per person.

Why Choose the Manaslu Region for Trekking?

Planning to go on your next adventure in Nepal? You should consider Manaslu Region trekking! The following are some reasons why you’d love to trek around Manaslu:

• Kathmandu and Pokhara excursion: When you trek to Manaslu, you can go on short excursions to Kathmandu and Pokhara. Both locations are accessible in your journey. Kathmandu’s hustle and bustle and the cultural experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites will be a knowledgeable and fun experience. Anyone who wants to experience peace in a lively city will love spending time in Pokhara. 
• Manaslu breathtaking views: For around 18 days, especially on the trek to Tsum Valley, you can enjoy the most breathtaking views of Manaslu. These mountains include Gyaji Kang, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, Kang Guru, and Nemjung. 
• Exploration of different Nepalese cultures: You can explore not only one but several cultures throughout the journey to Manaslu. There is much to know and learn from the densely populated city dominated by Chhetri, Brahmin, and Newari communities in the hills to the Tibetans, Sherpa, Magar, and Gurung communities in the mountains. 
• Wildlife experience: The upper part of the Manaslu area is rich in wildlife species. Some common animal species are red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan muskie deer, gorals, mouse hares, black sheep, etc. Along with Himalayan Monal, there are 101 species of birds in Manaslu. 
• Less busy trails: The trails of Manaslu are much less busy than those of other treks like EBC and the new Annapurna Circuit. You can trek peacefully when you’re in this location without a crowd bothering the tranquility of Manaslu.
• Monasteries and prayer wheels: Plenty of monasteries and prayer wheels will be on the way, no matter which route you trek from. The prayer flags, along with them, will make your trip even more authentic. This gives the surroundings an aesthetically pleasing appearance all day, regardless of the season. 
• Larkya La Pass: You can take a short day hike to Larkya La Pass. This is the highest point of the trek. You must spend days walking on the trails to reach this high pass. 
• Take on another trek: If you want, you can take on a second trek after you complete your Manaslu journey. The most common trek among trekkers is the Manaslu Annapurna trek, where they traverse one place after another in a single day within a month. The Annapurna region is quite accessible from Besisahar. 

Trekking Tips for Manaslu Region Treks

For a successful trekking experience, be sure to follow the tips below:

• Trek during the peak seasons: Always remember that going to one of the best treks during the best months can make your trip all the better. Some peak seasons are spring and autumn. The spring season starts from March to April, and autumn lasts from September to November. 
• Take along a licensed trek guide: The Manaslu circuit trek is one of the more strenuous journeys in Nepal. Whether trekking to the Tsum Valley or going around Manaslu, you need a licensed trek guide. The guide can take you around major landmarks in the trek, briefing each of their specialty. 
• Acclimatize properly: Trekkers need proper rest and acclimatization after days of walking. Acclimatizing also helps you avoid altitude sickness. 
• Carry necessary permits: You cannot forget to carry essential permits like the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit, Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP). 
• Stay hydrated: Carry a bottle of water on the trek. The more you stay hydrated, the more you feel energized throughout the trek. You can also avoid acute mountain illnesses if you’re hydrated enough. 
• Go on a trip around Kathmandu: After the Tsum Valley or the Manaslu Circuit Trek ends, you can go on a short trip to Kathmandu. You can extend your stay there if your budget and time allow.