If you want a trek in Nepal that still feels real and serene, the Manaslu Circuit is where you go. I know whenever you think of Nepal, you think of Everest or Annapurna by default. But the Manaslu Circuit trek is a hidden gem. Unlike the crowded treks of EBC and Annapurna, Manaslu is quieter, raw, and genuine.
You don’t have to rush with the crowd, you simply go with the flow and follow the trails wherever they take you. The charm of Manaslu is so mesmerizing that your stress vaporizes, and you are inclined to let yourself lose and enjoy breathing the crisp air to your heart’s content.
Let’s get you familiarized with everything you should know about Manaslu.
12 to 14 Days Itinerary
Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world, which means it is not gonna be an easy trek. It takes around 12 to 14 days to cover the Manaslu trek, depending on how fast you can walk and how good you acclimatize. The trek begins in the Soti Khola and ends in Dharapani. Here’s how it’ll flow:
Soti Khola to Machha Khola
Starting at Soti Hhola, you’ll trek through hot, green, and kind of humid trails that take you through several rice fields, waterfalls, and suspension bridges. At this point, you’ll probably still be wondering if you actually need trekking poles (you do).
Machha Khola to Jagat
At this point, the trail tightens and climbing begins. You start seeing a mix of ethnic groups and small stone villages. It is still warm down here.
Jagat to Deng
From Jagat, it is a gradual climb where you’ll see forested sections and river crossings. The trail starts giving Buddhist influence with the prayer wheels and mani stones, but the environment still feels rugged.
Deng to Namrung
Deng is where altitude starts to show up in your breathing. This is the part where you realize, ‘Oh, I’m really in the Himalayas.’
Namrung to Lho and Samagaun
It is honestly one of the best stretches. You get to see beautiful pine forests, big monasteries, and kids running around in wool hats while yaks graze the fields. Samagaun is where you take an acclimatization day because it gets harder going forth.
Samagaun to Samdo
This day will be a short hiking day, and you’ll see wide landscapes. At this point, the trails grow quieter, and Tibetan cultural influence is rich.
Samdo to Dharamsala
The climb from Samdo to Dharamsala is short but tough due to the higher altitude. You move slower but that’s completely normal.
Larkya La Pass to Bimthang
This is a big climb. Long, steady, breath-and-step, breath-and-step kind of morning. Reaching the Larkya la pass feels like an accomplishment. Dropping into Bimthang after that is pure relief; it feels like a peaceful valley reward.
Bimthang to Dharapani
Now that you are descending, you start seeing green and warm forests again. Your knees might be sore due to lactic acidosis, but your heart will be full.
Best Season to trek Manaslu
If you want a short answer, go in either the Spring or Autumn season. The spring season begins in March and lasts till May. During this time, the snow starts melting and the mountains start feeling alive again. This season is slightly warmer and welcomes you with its blooming rhododendron forest.
On the other hand, the Autumn season begins in September and lasts till November. During this season skies are clear, and the mountain views are very picturesque. Therefore, many trekkers pick it as the perfect weather for trekking.
You should avoid the Winter and Monsoon seasons. The snowfall is very heavy in winter and covers most of the trails with meters of deep snow. The monsoon season risks landslides and natural disasters more than any other season.
Trek Requirements
Manaslus is a restricted area, which means you can’t enter it without a permit. Most treks of Nepal, like Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, etc, require RAP, MCAP, and ACAP permits since the trails are not so fun. They are remote and dangerous if you’re not careful.
You also need a registered guide who knows every nook and corner of the trek. You can find a reliable trekking agency like Mosaic Adventure that will take care of everything from permits to travel, lodging, and food. Contact them
Final Thoughts
If you want a trek where you can unplug without trying, where the trail feels honest, and where nature and culture still beat tourism, the Manaslu Circuit is that place. It’s serene and yet offers the best landscape views that make your jaw drop. So, if you want to escape your suffocating routine, get in touch with the Mosaic Adventure team at info@mosaicadventure.com or via Whatsapp on +9779823816556 to book yourself a refreshing trip to Manaslu.
