Manaslu Circuit Trek-17 days Mt Manaslu Trek Season

Manaslu Trek-17 days Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best treks in Nepal in terms of stunning mountain views, scenery and culture. Manaslu is a challenging trek, suitable for healthy and physically fit trekkers.Trekking around Mt Manaslu is also ideal for families with children to senior citizens who love adventures. Manaslu Trek 17 days itinerary is as Kathmandu-Soti Khola-Machha Khola-Jagat-Deng-Namrung-Lho Gaun-Samagaun-Samdo-Dharamsala-Bimtang Phedi-Tilje-Chamje-Kathmandu. 

Manaslu Circuit is a good alternative of popular Annapurna Circuit Trek to experience untouched beauty of the Himalayas.The physically fit with experience of high altitude trekking is helpful to this moderate grade-Manaslu trek in Nepal. Manaslu is also an unexplored areas famous for peacefulness.The landscapes is truly more scenic and outstanding.The long trek takes you through some stunning valley and villages is so isolated, so we can reach there only on foot trekking.Similarly, Mt Manaslu trek is close to Tibet border, offers an ideal opportunity to see Tibetan villages and culture.

Power and Communication on Manaslu Circuit Trek
Networks in the Manaslu trek is pretty poor so we advise to take a CD-MA SIM along with you as NTC and Ncell do not have proper connectivity around Manaslu trek.Besides the telephone network, the power in Manaslu Circuit is supplied through solar panels and local hydro power projects. Some places do not have access to power. The charging is easily facilitated in some places supported by hydro power projects. But you will definitely face difficulties in charging phones where solar power is used.

Manaslu Trek Seasons
The weather is not really favorable one while trekking in Manaslu during winter season. The monsoon season is about to end in starting of September month. The skies are pretty clear in winter with bright sunshine which lets trekkers enjoy the best views of sparkling snow capped peaks. Few rainfalls may occur in the month of September but it does not last long. Then, October temperature is at its best, it is very moderate. In November it is quite cold in higher elevation areas whereas lower elevation it is very cool. But in December the temperature rises in the freezing zone in higher altitude areas. 

Accommodation and Food on Manaslu Round Trek
The new tea house lodges are building up, so you will have twin sharing comfortable tea house lodges/home stay accommodation during Manaslu Trek Package. It is nice to bring a good sleeping bag  rated minus 20 degree with you. You will get three times meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner in a day. The breakfast and dinner need to have at the same tea house lodge you stay at the night, and lunch will take in a tea house or guesthouse on the way to the day destination. The choice of the meals do not vary like other trekking in Annapurna and Everest. You can mainly get Tibetan bread, dalbhat, tsampa porridge, noodle soup, muesli, porridge, omelette and boiled egg with tea and coffee. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
You need to walk 6 to 8 hours every day that covers 10 km to 18 km trek in distance. A previous trekking experience, positive attitude and strong determination will surely helpful  to enjoy the trek around Manaslu. It is also necessary to have lots of willpower, tolerance of harsh condition, good health and reasonable physical fitness. Medical and evacuation/rescue expenses are the responsibility of the trekkers travel insurance

Manaslu Trek Permit
You need three permits-ACAP, MCAP and Manaslu restricted area permit trekking to Manaslu Circuit. We will take care of your trek permit on your behalf once you book Manaslu Trek with us-The Mission Eco Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.The Manaslu Circuit Trek isn’t possible to hike independently. You must hike with guide and there must be at least two people in your group as well as the guide.

Manaslu Round Trek Cost
Manaslu Trek package costs ranges from USD 1500 to USD 1800 and includes all transfers, accommodation, meals, permits, and even the hotel stay before and after the trek.

Internet, Wifi, Sim cards and staying Charged 
If you’re looking to stay connected while trekking the Manaslu Circuit, the options are fairly limited.

Wifi: Wifi is available at some guesthouses in places such as Samagaun, Samdo and Lho. There is however normally a charge for using the internet, and with slow speeds, you may end up wishing you hadn’t bothered. If there’s nothing urgent, our advice would be to wait until you get back from the mountains.Costs anywhere from $4 to $6 to use WiFi at the guesthouses. 

Sim Cards
4 G sim cards and packages can be bought at the airport, or from numerous vendors in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. They’re great in the city but as soon as you leave the coverage is patchy. We recommend Nepal Telecom and Ncell for 3G/4G coverage. It’s safe to say that in the mountains, neither are really any good.

Electricity: You will have to pay anywhere from $3 at low elevation to $5 to charge your power banks, cameras, and phones. The key is to get a fat power bank. Pay to charge that then charge everything from your power bank.Your power bank lets you charge your phone and camera batteries. Most of the places you stay let you charge your gear for an extra cost.

Day 1: Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Upon arrival at airport in Kathmandu, your guide will be expecting you at the airport and give you a comfortable ride to your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and possible to take in the local sights. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
In the morning, you will start your tour of the spiritual and historic sites of the Kathmandu Valley, several of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour includes the sites of the ancient Durbar Royal Square, in the city itself, as well as the Hindu Pashupatinath Temple, the monkey temple known as Swoyambhunath, and the Buddha Nath, the Buddhist shrine that is among the world’s largest stupas. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m/2328 ft,140 kilometers, 8 hours) 
Your guide will pick you up early in the morning for the long 8-hour drive from Kathmandu to Arughat, which is on good roads up to Dhading Bensi, but then moves onto rough dirt and gravel roads for the rest of the trip. Once you reach Arughat, it is another 90 minutes to get to Soti Khola. Stay overnight in Soti Khola.
Day 4: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m/2952ft, Walking Distance: 14.2 Kilometers/8.8 Miles, Duration: 5-6 Hours) 
Your trek will begin today, taking you along a rough and undulating path that leads through the dense woodlands, following the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. Then you will descend to the sandy riverbank to continue following the river all the way to Machha Khola. Stay overnight in Machha Khola.
Day 5: Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m/4395ft, Walking Distance: 22.2 Kilometers/13.8 Miles, Duration: 5-6 Hours)
The trek starts today with a crossing of the Machha River and passing through Khrolabesi, the trek takes you past one of the stunning hot springs of the region, at Tatopani, with its hot pools of water giving off clouds of steam. The trail continues through the woodlands, crossing the Dovan Khola River and on into the Budhi Gandaki Valley. From the valley, it is a steep climb up the valley along the riverbank to Jagat. Stay overnight in Jagat.
Day 6: Jagat to Deng (2095m/6871ft, Walking Distance: 20 Kilometers/12.4 Miles, Duration: 8-9 Hours)
Today, your trail continues through the well-paved village of Jagat, and ascends from the valley to the village of Sirdabas, and then down the other side to the suspension bridge across the river gorges to Philim Village. Out of the other side of the village, the trail passes through several impressive waterfalls, and through Ekle Bhatti, and then on up to the next two suspension bridges, crossing back and forth across the gorge. Then it is up to the Pewa Pass, and on through the valley to the village of Deng. Stay overnight in Deng.
Day 7: Deng to Namrung (2900m/9512ft, Walking Distance: 19.4 Kilometers/12 Miles, Duration: 5-6 Hours)
The day starts with a steep climb up to the next part of the trail, and descending to cross the river in the valley below. The route then heads up along the valley, through several small hamlets, with Mani stones set into the rocks alongside the trail. These mani stones must be passed on the clockwise side, and show that you are nearing the Tibetan area of the region. After lunch, you can take a side-trip to the small village of Prok, and then back down the hillside to Namrung Village. Stay overnight in Namrung.
Day 8: Namrung to Lho Gaun (3180m/10430ft, Walking Distance: 10.5 Kilometers/6.5 Miles, Duration: 5-6 Hours)
Today the walk follows a trail that is lined with a long Mani stone wall near Lho Gaun, and then up the hillside to the ridge, and the Pungen Glacier. The glacier descends from the beautiful Peak 29, which can be seen clearly from the road around Lho Gaun, and you can get close-up views of the glacier from the lateral moraine, as well as great views of Mount Manaslu. Then it is Back to Lho Gaun for the night. Stay overnight in Lho Gaun.
Day 9: Lho Gaun to Samagaun (3500m/11480ft, Walking Distance: 8.1 Kilometers/5 Miles, Duration: 6-7 Hours)
In the morning, you will head back towards the glacier, and follow the lateral moraine towards one of the most beautiful villages in the area, Samagaun. The village is small, but spread out, with mostly stone-built houses and a small monastery/temple. Stay overnight in Samagaun.
Day 10: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun
Today is a rest and acclimatization day, or you can spend the day exploring the treks around the village of Samagaun, which include a half-day and full-day trek. The full-day trek takes you towards the Manaslu Base Camp, which lies at an altitude of 4,750 meters, and takes around 7-8 hours for the round trip. The half-day hike is a trek to either the glacier across the valley from Samagaun or to the Birendra Tal Lake. Stay overnight in Samagaun.
Day 11: Samagaun to Samdo (3690m/12103ft, Walking Distance: 8.1 Kilometers/5.03 Miles, Duration: 3-4 Hours)
After breakfast, you will trek across the surrounding meadows and then gradually descend to the valley below, facing towards Mount Manaslu as you head towards Samdo. This small settlement is a Tibetan refugee village, and is just a single day’s walk from the nearby Tibetan border. After lunch, you can explore the area of the village and surrounds. Stay overnight in Samdo.
Day 12: Samdo to Dharamsala (4450m/14596ft, Walking Distance: 6.6 Kilometers/4.10 Miles, Duration: 4-5 Hours)
From Samdo, the trail crosses several streams to get to the trading village of Larkya Bazaar, which has thrived due to its long-running trade with the Tibetan people from across the border. After leaving the village, it is a steady climb up the hill to the site at Dharamsala. Stay overnight in Dharamsala.
Day 13: Dharamsala to Bhimphedi (3590m/11775ft) Via Larkya La Pass (5220m/17122ft, Walking Distance: 24.5 Kilometers/15.22 Miles, Duration: 8-9 Hours)
Today’s trek is a long one, walking for around nine hours, crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,220 meters, and down through the valley to climb again to the summit of Cho Chanda, one of the smaller mountains in the region. Then it is on further up to the steep pass of the mountain, which gives some great views of the Himlung Himal (7,126 meters), Cheo Himal (6,820 meters), Kang Koru (6,981 meters), and Annapurna II (7,937 meters). After cresting the pass, and enjoying the view, it is a steep descent through the remaining glacial moraines to the village of Bhimphedi. Stay overnight in Bhimphedi.
Day 14: Bimthang to Tilje (2300m/7544ft, Walking Distance: 26 Kilometers/16.1 Miles, Duration: 8-9 Hours)
The day starts with a gentle climb up through the rice paddies of Bimthang and up to the Karcher La Pass, before descending through woodlands filled with fig trees and the vast rhododendron forest. After leaving the forests, the trail crosses some wide meadows to the small settlement of Tilje. Stay overnight in Tilje.
Day 15: Tilje to Chamje (1410m/4625ft, Walking Distance: 19.4 Kilometers/12 Miles, Duration: 6-7 Hours)
The final day of the trekking takes you up over the small ridge from Tilje, and onto a stone-paved trail that passes through the small tribal village, and on to the bridge that spans the Dudh Khosi River. Then it is a climb up through a large arch, shaped like a giant chorten, and past the long Mani wall to the village of Thonje. As you leave Thonje on the other side, you step into the Annapurna Region, and then head on to the village of Dharapani, and the police checkpoint, where permits will be checked. Then it is on down the hillside to the village of Karta, and across the suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi Khola River gorge. The trail along from the gorge to Tal Village is lined with small stretches of Mani walls, and ends at the waterfall above the village. After descending from the waterfall and through the village, the trail descends to the final destination at Chamje Village. Stay overnight in Chamje.
Day 16: Drive from Chamje to Kathmandu by jeep and bus(Distance 215 Kilometers/133 Miles, Duration 8-9 Hours)
Today you will leave the Manaslu Mountains behind, and take the long drive back to Kathmandu. From Chamje, you will be collected in a jeep, which will take you to Besisahar, from where you will head to Kathmandu in a normal tour vehicle. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 17: Transfer to Kathmandu Airport
A few hours before your flight out of Nepal, our staff will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Tribhuvan Airport, saying goodbye to the guide that has taken care of you for the trip.

Cost Includes

• Airport transfers-Hotel/Airport
• Ground transfer between Kathmandu and Soti Khola and Chamje
• Twin Sharing 3 star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
• All meals and accommodations at the Lodges / Tea Houses during the trek
• English-speaking trek guide and porter (1 porter for 2 pax, 20kg in total) and their expenses.
• ACAP/MCAP permit and TIMS card
• Manaslu trek permit 
• Trekking map
• All the local taxes for trekking.

• Nepal entry visa fee
• International flight to and from Kathmandu
• Expenses of personal nature such as bar bills telephone calls, laundry, extra mileage and any extra costs incurred due to natural calamities, flight delays etc.
• Travel-Personal insurance, evacuation and medical expenses
• Tips and gratuities for the guide and porter
• Tissue for toiletry
• Water for shower and alcoholic/soft drinks in the mountain area
• Items not specified in the above in Cost Includes.

Manaslu Trek Guide 
A guide is required on this trek and the guide manages all of the logistics, distances, directions, and tea houses. The directions are not always very clear like on the Everest Base Camp trek and having the guide manage all of the logistics is great.The Manaslu Circuit Trek does require a guide. Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit can be done independently but the rules on the Manaslu Circuit are stricter about having a guide.
Money-Everything is payable in the local currency, Nepalese Rupees (NPR).Take plenty of small denomination notes as change is not readily available on the trail, particularly at higher altitudes. Also beware that ATM have max withdrawal amounts, and your bank may have a max daily withdrawal limit, so you may not be able to withdraw the total amount that you need all in one day. The amount of money you need to take on the Manaslu Circuit Trek will depend on whether you’re on an inclusive tour or not. If you are on an inclusive tour then you’ll only need money for any snacks or drinks over and above what’s included in your package. If you are paying as you go, then you’ll need to have enough cash to cover all costs: accommodation, food, drink, etc.
Manaslu Trek Packing List
We would suggest to take what you need and make your bag as light as possible.You can expect to need more warm clothes in the colder months. Also, crampons may be needed if there’s ice and snow on the pass. On the other hand, if you plan to trek with a porter then this will make choosing what to take a bit easier – just don’t overload your porter of course. Also, bear in mind that it’s very common to leave excess baggage at hotels and guesthouses in Kathmandu.

1 Rucksack-60 L to 70 L
1 Sleeping Bag
1 pair of pants that maybe convert to shorts
1 pair of shorts
1 Warm or thicker pair of hiking pants
1 Long sleeve quick-dry shirt
1 Long-sleeve thermal shirt
2 Short-sleeve t-shirts
1 Thermal long underwear
4 pairs of quick-dry underwear
1 Lightweight down jacket
1 Heavy-duty summit down jacket
1 Beanie
1 Cap
Sunglasses
1 Neck Buff
Gloves
Hiking boots
Microspikes
Head torch
Gaiters
1 pair of warm summit socks
2 pairs of regular socks
Sunscreen
Trekking poles
Water filter
Power bank
Insurance for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Travel insurance is compulsory trekking in Manaslu because the high altitude can lead to many illnesses, weakness in trekkers, and misjudgments. There is also a risk on trails for falls, avalanches, or other mishaps. 
Best Seasons Trekking Manaslu Circuit
Autumn-The best time to go trekking in Manaslu is from September to November. The weather is generally dry and clear, with warm sunny days and excellent visibility. There’s a lower likelihood of weather related natural disasters at this time of year, making for a much safer trekking environment. Furthermore, given that it’s the best season, it’s also the busiest.
Spring-The spring season from March to May is considered to be the next best option. The weather is generally clear although a little colder, particularly at higher altitudes. Mornings are sunny and flowers are in bloom. There is however a higher chance of rain, or even snow, and melting ice increases the chances of landslides or avalanches.
Summer-June to August is to be avoided. The monsoon is responsible for warm and wet weather, with cloud and mist making visibility extremely poor. You can hardly see a mountain. Leeches are a big problem at this time of year, as is the risk of landslides. As the Manaslu Region was one of the worst affected by the 2015 earthquake, there are many landslide areas – these can be more dangerous in wet weather.
Winter-In the winter, from December to February, temperatures in higher altitudes plunge. Snow and ice make this time of year unsuitable for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Drinking Water
The Manaslu Circuit is physically demanding and drinking plenty of water is a must.Drinking lots of water helps you acclimatize. Please drink at least three liters of water while trekking each day.Use an effective sterilization method to make sure your water is safe to drink.Purification tablets (we always have a few strips of these as a backup) and the Steripen is a perfect means sterilization the drinking water.Bottled water and hot water is available to buy throughout the trek, the cost ranges from USD 3 to USD 5 per liters.
Nepal Visa
Tourist visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan International Airport and at all land border crossings that are open to foreign travellers. While this is available for most foreigners, citizens of some countries are required to get a visa prior to arrival, while those from SAARC countries can get their visa free of charge.There are three different visa options and prices: Multiple Entry 15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD and 90 Days – 125 USD. In order to get a visa on arrival you’ll need four things:
One passport size photo
A passport valid for at least six months
At least one blank page in your passport
The visa fee in cash (US Dollars is best)