Manaslu Round Trekking

Manaslu Round Trekking as a holiday destination

The Manaslu Round is the 10th most famous trekking trail in the world. Although the trail has been dissected with roads at numerous places, it remains a fascinating route that offers magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu (8163m), the eighth tallest peak in the world; as well as experiencing the cultural heritage and rich bio-diversity of the region. The highest point of the trail is the Larkya La Pass, widely considered to be the most dramatic pass in the Himalayas.

The trek begins with a 3-mile vertical climb up the Budhi Gandaki river, The path then sweeps through gorges with glacial backdrops; passes over suspension bridges and through fields of barley, following the ancient salt-trade route from Tibet into the highlands. From here, the trail crosses into the herding meadows of the Gorkha region before ascending once more to the Larkya La Pass (5235m), the highest point of the hike.

The best seasons for this trek are March-May and September-November. The monsoon season effectively floods the region from June-August, whilst the Himalayan winter makes the region impassable during the early months of the year. Over half of the 2000 annual visitors to Manaslu make their trip in October.

Ethnicity/cultural experience

Ascending into ethnic Tibetan territory, there are numerous monasteries, Mani Walls and Chortens along the route, as well as traditional Gurung and Tamang villages.

Getting there/coming back

The trek starts at Arughat Bazaar in Gorkha District. There is a 5-6 hour bus ride from Kathmandu (Rs 700). Private jeeps are also available, but these are more expensive.

Trekking in the restricted area

This route is off the beaten-path, away from the ‘teahouse treks’ walked by the vast majority of trekkers to Nepal. These relatively untouched areas are called ‘restricted’ due to the limited number of visitors permitted to enter every year. Please check with us for availability. Unlike the more popular treks, the practise of catering to trekkers is not as ‘developed’, although there are basic lodges and teahouses available on the route. This trek requires an additional permit fee that can only be arranged via a trekking agency (we can provide this). The initial permit is valid for 10 days, with each additional day costing extra after that.

Scenic beauty

The Manaslu Round trek offers breath-taking views of Mt. Manaslu, as well as of its surprising peaks, as well as the nearby Annapurna range. The route also offers the chance to refresh at a natural hot spring along the way.

Difficulty level

This trek is strenuous, it is strongly recommended that you have some prior trekking experience. Every trek in the Himalayas requires a certain level of physical and mental fitness. You should be in good physical shape and feel comfortable hiking up and down 7-12 miles per day whilst carrying about 10 pounds.  It is recommended that you carry out at least one hour of aerobic activity 3-4 times per week for at least 1 month before starting the trek. Aerobic conditioning is important, as it enables your body to better metabolize oxygen and prepare for thinner air (there is 40% less Oxygen than at sea level). If you are in any doubt of your physical readiness, please consult with a doctor beforehand. Always remember that stamina, confidence and continuity are more important than speed.

Further afield

Staying for longer than 10 days in the restricted area becomes increasingly expensive, but there are plenty of opportunities for trekkers to explore nearby non-restricted routes such as the Annapurna base camp, Poonhill or Jomsom-Muktinath trails.

Packing List for Manaslu Round Trekking

If you are planning to venture on the Manaslu Round Trekking in other season

• ravel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher, passport sized photos
• Binoculars, alarm clock and torch/flashlight/headlamps, ear plug and eye mask,
• Reading and writing materials, travel games like , chess, backgammon, scrabble,
• Hand sanitizer, lip balm, face and body moisturizer, light weight towel, toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, multipurpose soap, deodorant, nail clippers, sanitary pads
• Money-cash and money bag,
• Sleeping bag
• Day pack (with waist straps), refillable water bottle
• Sun hat, sunglasses, scarf
• Bag liner,
• Sewing kit, swiss army knife, lighter, a small padlock
• Wind and waterproof shell jacket and trousers
• Comfortable walking shoes, running shoes and sandals
• Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination
• Lightweight thermal gloves
• T-shirts
• Underwear and shorts
• Long sleeved shirt
• Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces
• Lightweight long trousers
• First Aid Kit
• Regular medicines

If travelling during winter:

• Layered clothing/thermals
• 1 heavyweight or 2 light weight wool jumper/sweater/fleece jacket
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket
• Down jacket or down vest
• Fleece or wool trousers
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens
• A four season sleeping bag
• Thick, warm wool hiking socks
• Optional Gaiters