Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek 10 Days
- Exploring the diverse ethnic communities of the Manaslu.
- An opportunity to view the 8th highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu and many other mountain ranges such as Ganesh Himal, Mount Himalchuli, Mount Annapurna and Larkay Peak.
- Crossing the Larkya La pass, the highest point of Manaslu Circuit Trek.
- Following the trails of Budhi Gandaki River, one of the deepest rivers of Nepal.
- Wild and remote trek where you will find less number of trekkers along the route.
- The Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Spectacular views of the Mount Manaslu glacier and Dudh Kunda (lake).
Outline Itinerary for Manaslu Circuit Trek 10 Days
Day 01: Drive to Machha Khola (6-7 hours, 900m)
Day 02: Machha Khola to Jagat (6-7 hours, 1410m)
Day 03: Jagat to Deng (6-7 hours, 1804m)
Day 04: Deng to Namrung (6-7 hours, 2630m)
Day 05: Namrung to Samagaun (6-7 hours, 3530m)
Day 06: Explore Samagaun
Day 07: Samagaun to Dharmashala (7-8 hours,4460m)
Day 08: Dharamshala to Bimtang (8-9 hours, 3270m)
Day 09: Bimtang to Dharapani (5-6 hours, 3560m)
Day 10: Back to Kathmandu from Dharapani by jeep or bus (7-8 hours)
Best Time of the Year for Manaslu Circuit Trek
There are four seasons in Nepal namely, summer, winter, spring, and autumn. All these seasons are lovely for trekking the Manaslu Circuit. So, the choice is yours but do note that the difficulty level of the trek also depends upon the time of the year you wish to trek.
The most favorable season for trekking the Manaslu Circuit trek is in Autumn and Spring. During this season, the weather and temperature of the Manaslu Circuit are also clear and stable.
Autumn Season
Autumn falls in the month of September, October, and November in Nepal. It is one of the most suitable seasons for trekking and mountain climbing in Nepal. Many trekkers and mountain expeditors around the world visit Nepal during autumn.
The weather and temperature of the Manaslu region are fairly calm during autumn. It is neither too hot nor too cold in the region which is perfect for trekking. You may see many trekkers along the same route if you trek to the Manaslu Circuit in Autumn.
Spring Season
Spring is one of the most beautiful months in Nepal that falls in the month of March, April, and May. During these months, dry plants start to grow and you can see greenery all around. You can also see some rhododendron along the route to the Manaslu Circuit. Although you might expect some light rainfall during the night in late May, the weather is clear the next morning.
Spring is also one of the most popular seasons for trekking after autumn. The weather and climatic condition of the Manaslu region are also favorable during Spring. You can also expect some light occasional snowfall but it will not last long.
Along with Autumn and Spring, you may also trek to the Manaslu Circuit during summer and winter seasons. The trek might be challenging during these seasons but it is definitely achievable. The only thing that might make the trek challenging is because you might expect some rain and snow during these seasons.
Manaslu Circuit 10 Days Trek Difficulty
Distance
The total distance you need to cover to reach Manaslu Circuit is 177 kilometers. This means you need to cover a distance of 15-20 kilometers a day. But it also differs according to the length of your walking days and starting point.
In the Manaslu Circuit 10 days trek, you might have to walk through uphills and downhills which may be difficult if you are a beginner in trekking. However, if you are someone who is used to trekking ups and downs, this trek will be easy for you.
Altitude
One of the biggest challenges of the Manaslu Circuit trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass which is at the altitude of 5213 meters. You may face some difficulty while crossing this pass. Higher the altitude, the more difficult it is for the trek. As you move to a high altitude, the amount of oxygen in the air becomes thin.
Due to this, you may also have a problem with breathing. This may also result in altitude sickness. So, descend to a lower altitude if you feel any of such problems.
Weather
The weather and temperature of the Manaslu region determine the difficulty level of the trek. Manaslu Circuit trek becomes more difficult during winter and monsoon season. During the winter, the trails may also be covered with snow. This will result in difficulty while you are trekking. Similarly, during monsoon, the routes to the Manaslu Circuit is usually muddy and slippery. So, to avoid such challenging trek, it would be best to trek to the Manaslu Circuit during autumn and spring.
Food and Accommodation during 10 days Manaslu Circuit Trek
You can find several teahouses and restaurants along the route to the Manaslu Circuit. These teahouses will provide you with simple but proper food and nice accommodation facility. The cost of food and accommodation is quite reasonable. The prices may also differ according to the time of the year you are trekking.
You may not find varieties of food items in the restaurants of Manaslu like in Everest and Annapurna regions. But you can find normal breakfast, lunch, and dinner which are very tasty and gives you the energy to walk.
The cost of the food and accommodation differs according to the type of lodges you stay or the food you eat. The cost of food is normally 5-10$ per meal.
Similarly, the cost of accommodation is between the range of 20$- 25$ per day.
Tips for 10 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek
Walk Slow
Walking slowly is one of the important things to consider while high altitude trekking. Manaslu circuit trek has different ups and downs for which the key to reach the destination is walking slowly. It would be best if you do not rush just with the aim of reaching the target destination.
Take Rest
You may have difficulty in trekking when you walk continuously for many hours non-stop. So, to avoid pressure on your feet it is better to take some short breaks while walking. This will make you feel less tired and motivate you to walk further.
Hydrate Yourself
Hydrating is very important when trekking to a higher altitude. Drink water, it will boost your confidence and energize you. But, remember, drinking too much water is not good. Just take a few sips of water between your treks and continue walking again.
Check Weather Forecast before Leaving for Trekking
Before you leave for trekking, it is better to check the weather forecast. Checking the weather forecast before leaving will help you avoid some occasional problems such as heavy rainfall or wind. You can save yourself from getting caught in heavy rain or a storm. So, it is always better to check the weather forecast.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Without a Guide
For an easy and comfortable trek, it is always better to hire a guide and a porter. A guide will make sure that you don’t lose your track while trekking. Similarly, porters carry your bags up to 10kg-15kg.
You may feel difficult while crossing the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit trek, Larkya La Pass. In such a situation, you must believe in your potential and must show your physical strength; your guide will also act as a motivator.
Hiring a guide and a porter is always beneficial. Getting to know about the local life of the people living in the Manaslu region is easier with the help of a guide. The cost of hiring a guide is 30$-35$ per day and the cost of hiring a porter is 20$-25$.
Packing List for Manaslu Circuit Trek 10 Days
Packing a proper list of items is very necessary before leaving for the Manaslu Circuit trek. The things you pack will also depend upon the time of the year you are traveling. The packing list is comparatively less in autumn and spring than in winter and monsoon seasons.
A list of items you need to pack for Manaslu Circuit trek are as follows:
Clothing
- Hiking boots
- A pair of hiking socks
- A pair of trekking trousers
- Down Jacket
- A couple of cotton t-shirts
- Woolen gloves
- cap/hat
- Fleece jacket
- Windcheater
Toiletries
Teahouses and lodges in the Manaslu region may not provide you with proper toiletries. So, it is always better to pack all the toiletries you might need.
Some of them are:
- Toilet papers
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Soap
- Shampoo
- moisturizers/ lotion
- Cotton towel
- First Aid Kit
- Antiseptic cream
- Vicks vapor rub
- Bandages
- Mosquito repellent cream
- Antibacterial ointment
- Safety pins
Others gears
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- tampons/ sanitary pads
- Sleeping bags/ tents if you plan on camp trekking
- Hot water bottles
Final Review on Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Trek is a unique destination in Nepal which was opened only in 1991 for trekkers. It is one of the restricted regions in Nepal for trekking so you may not see many trekkers along the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Need Help Planning a Trip to Nepal?
If you are planning on trekking to the Manaslu Circuit, Mount Mania will provide different travel packages. We can even customize your trip if you want. You can contact us if you have any questions regarding the 10 days Manaslu Circuit Trek.
