Manaslu Circuit Trek is a great Tea-House Trek and often called as the best all-round trek in Nepal. The trek takes you around the Manaslu Conservation Area and leads to a breathtaking view of the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu.

Unlike Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded but it is equally beautiful. It is remote and physically demanding yet culturally enriching and scenically uplifting.

“The Manaslu Circuit Trek features everything you’d want from a classic trek in Nepal: Epic scenery, intimate encounters with local people and their ancient culture and a 5100m (17,000-ft.) Himalayan pass crossing.”

Major Attractions of Manaslu Circuit Trek

Some of the top highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek are as follows

The trek is wild and remote, yet there are teahouses at everyday stage, so trekkers don’t need to bring tents and food, making it more accessible and affordable than similar treks.
Diverse landscapes ranging from subtropical forests to the high Himalayan passes.
Crossing over Larkya La Pass (5,135m), the highest elevation point on the trek.
Experience the exemplary cantilever bridge.
Discover the timeless culture and lifestyle of the Manaslu region.
Enjoy the stunning mountain sights as this trek offers glimpses of Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and Larke Himal.
Discover rare and abundant wildlife (Thar, Agali, Pika, Himalayan Marmots, if lucky Snow Leopard). Manaslu is home to 33 different species of mammals, 110 species of birds, and 211 species of butterflies.

Best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu and the entire Annapurna Region, along with the rest of Nepal has 4 distinct seasons. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

The months from March to May and from October or November are the most popular for trekking at the Annapurna Massif.

Generally, Autumn and Spring are considered to be the best seasons to trek in the Manaslu region as the weather is calm and clear most of the time. The temperature is bearable even in high altitude regions and days are mostly sunny. The colorful forests in winter and the blooming of wildflowers in winter make trekking in these seasons more beautiful.

During Summer, the region gets heavy rainfall. Thus, the views get obscured and the trail might become slippery. So, it is difficult to trek in this region in summer. However, with proper planning and preparation, it is not impossible. In fact, you will get to witness the blooming of colorful alpine flowers. It is also the best season to explore the wildlife and forest.

Unbearably low temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions of Winter make it difficult to do this trek. It is fun to trek in the lower Manaslu region, but due to heavy snowfall and blizzards, it becomes almost impossible to trek in the higher region.

What must be said is that every trekking season offers its own excitement and atmosphere for hikers.

Food and Accomodation

During Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will stay in Tea-Houses run by local Sherpas or other ethnic groups.

Tea houses are not luxurious but are equipped with all the basic services and warm hospitality. Usually a room in these places has two beds and shared bathrooms/toilets (some have attached bathrooms with hot water as well).

You can expect to have all the common food items such as soup, noodles, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, dal-bhat, fried rice, eggs, etc. You can also try some traditional dishes in local communities.

And on the way, you might also encounter a cheese factory or two.

Required Documents

Manaslu Restricted Permit

The Manaslu trek permit costs USD 75.00 for the first seven days and USD 10.00 each additional day during Feb-May.

And during September to November The Manaslu trek permit costs USD 100.00 for the first seven days and USD 10.00 each additional day.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The Entry fee for SAARC Nationals is 200 NPR per person and for other Nationals is USD 30.00 per person.

TIMS Permit

And the TIMS cost USD 20.00 per person.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

As you will be entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will need a permit for this as well.

All permits are arranged by your trekking provider. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is because of its average duration and exclusivity a more expensive trek in Nepal.

Prices vary between 1000 USD and 1400 USD or 900 EUR and 1200 EUR per person.

(Note: Two trekkers are compulsory for the trek.)