Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty Explained
There are multiple reasons that make Manaslu Circuit Trek technically difficult. Although the difficulty isn’t as strenuous as one might think, its high-altitude region makes it a bit challenging for beginners.
The entire route of the Gorkha-Lamjung-Manag region has rough terrain. And most importantly, the highlight of this trek, the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m is one of the longest ones here in Nepal.
However, learning about Manaslu Circuit Trek’s difficulties shouldn’t step you back from achieving your trekking goals. The region is extremely beautiful and you’ll even get to see the lifestyle and culture of the remote villages, which is an experience for a lifetime.
Besides, the risk of altitude sickness, choosing the inappropriate season for trekking, unpredictable weather and temperature, long drives on bumpy roads, and other factors can increase the challenge.
Making sure that you keep your mental as well as physical endurance strong is the best way to tackle the trekking’s difficulty. And with Mount Glory’s guidance, we definitely know you can!
Recommended reading: Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty in detail
Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit
For most treks in Nepal’s ideal time for trekking is the autumn and spring seasons. The same goes for the Manaslu Circuit Trek too.
During this time, the weather is neither hot nor cold (i.e. balanced). However, you should note that the higher-altitude regions have low temperatures throughout the year.
The spring season also offers you a view of Nepal’s national flower, the Rhododendron. When you’re on the hike from Deng to Namrung (on Day 4), this region becomes heavenly.
Although there shouldn’t be much chance of rain during this season, weather can still remain unpredictable. That’s the main reason many trekkers prefer the autumn season.
While you won’t be blessed with the Rhododendrons, the sky is pretty clear and the view of the mountain ranges is breathtaking.
Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t go for the Manaslu circuit trek during winter. The pre-winter and post-winter times are also pretty good. There’s a good chance to experience snowfall, which is another highlight of this trek.
However, Mount Glory doesn’t recommend trekking during the summer and monsoon seasons. During this time, the risk of landslides increases and the road condition here in Nepal is also pretty bad.
A good idea is to contact Mount Glory before planning this trip as we shall be providing you with detailed information. You’ll get to learn about the present weather scenario and whether or not it’s the best time to fly to Nepal.
Recommended reading: Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit
Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Permits and passes are always headaches, and nobody loves them. A similar is the case with Manaslu Circuit Trek as it’s in the restricted ‘Manaslu Conservation Area’.
You wouldn’t want to get these permits by yourself as it’s too much hectic. So, Mount Glory is at your rescue. We’ll ensure that you get every permit at the best price possible while you have your amazing time in Nepal. That’s our promise!
Earlier, only three permits were required. However, here’s the updated permit list for 2025 and 2026:
| Permit | Season | Nationality | Cost for a week | Cost beyond one week (per day basis) | Total Cost |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | September-November December – August | SAARC + Other countries | USD 70 USD 50 | USD 10 USD 7 | USD 70 + (USD 10 × no. of extra days you’ll spend in the region) USD 50 + (USD 7 × no. of extra days you’ll spend in the region) |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | All | Nepalese SAARC Other Countries | - | - | Npr 100 Npr 1000 USD 27 |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | All | Nepalese SAARC Other Countries | - | - | Npr 100 Npr 1000 USD 27 |
| TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card | All | SAARC Other Countries | - | - | Npr 1000 Npr 2000 |
| Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit | September- November December - August | SAARC + Other Countries | USD 100 USD 75 | USD 15 USD 10 | USD 100 + (USD 15 × no. of extra days you’ll spend in the region) USD 75 + (USD 10 × no. of extra days you’ll spend in the region) |
Note that if the Government of Nepal decides, the permits can change. And if you’re seeking to do the Tsum Valley trek, another permit is required.
Also, if you’re planning to film any documentaries or fly drones, extra charges will be applied. Make sure you inform Mount Glory regarding all the activities you wish to do beforehand so that we can work on the process immediately and ensure everything is delivered on time.
Recommended reading: Manaslu Trek Permit,Cost and Process of Obtain
Preparing for the Trek: Packing List For Manaslu Circuit Trek
You might be asking yourself, “What things should I carry for Manaslu Circuit Trek?”. To ensure you don’t miss out on anything, you need to plan first and then prepare a packing list.
Don’t want to? Well, Mount Glory Treks is here just for you. We’ve made a simple packing list that has everything you need from your bus travel to the end of the trek:
- Passport & visa: Valid for at least 6 months
- Insurance and Emergency: Should include search and rescue, medical evacuation, accidents, high-altitude trek rescue
- All the necessary permits that we mentioned earlier
- Photos and Identifications
- Copies and backups of your documents
- Nepali cash
- Headgear: Wide-brimmed hat, Sun Cap, Woolen Cap, etc.
- Body gear: Categorize based on base-mid-outer layer (thermals, jackets, sweaters, t-shirts, raincoats)
- Handwear: Inner and outer gloves
- Footwear: Trekking boots, Trekking Socks, Gaiters, Rain Shoe Covers, etc.
- Innerwear: Undergarments and sports bras (based on gender)
- Backpacks: Trekking bag, duffle bag, zip-lock bags, garbage bags, etc.
- Hiking Essentials: Trekking poles, Water bottles, Crampons, Swiss Army knives, etc.
- Navigation & Communication: Guidebook, Map, Local SIM cards, etc.
- Sleeping Equipment (optional), since you’ll have tea-house accommodation
- Toiletries & Personal Hygiene: Sunscreen, Lipbalm, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Moisturizing cream, Deodorants, Tissue papers, Wet tissues, Makeup items, etc.
- First Aid Kit With Medicines: Antibiotics, painkillers, Pain relief sprays, Adhesive bandages, personal medical prescription (important), etc.
- Food and snacks: Protein/energy bars, Dried fruits and nuts, Biscuits, Garlic and cloves, etc.
- Electronics and Accessories: Your smartphone, cameras, earphones, power bank, solar charger, Headlamp, extra batteries, etc.
- Optional Comfort Items: Sewing set, Small padlocks, Sunglasses, Purse, etc.
Accommodation and Food During the Trek
Unlike other very rural regions of Nepal, Manaslu Circuit Trek offers proper accommodation throughout the trail. This means that you won’t have to hassle on finding sleeping bags and rather get proper shared rooms.
However, during peak season, the upper regions might be out of the room (which is still a rare scenario). And even if that happens, Mount Glory shall pre-inform you and even help you rent those items.
In case this is your first trek here in Nepal, kindly do not expect to search for luxury. We’re going to travel to remote regions where barely any network can be found. As long as you’re getting healthy food to eat and proper accommodation, we have to consider that as a part of our luxury for the next 13 days.
That doesn’t mean you won’t get proper food at all. Throughout the Manaslu circuit trekking, the teahouses shall offer you all the necessary items you need. And Mount Glory shall ensure you get breakfast, lunch, and dinner every single day of the trek.
As you all might know, the main food item is Dal Bhat, and sometimes, momos can be offered. Coffee and tea are basic essentials which can be found in every teahouse for sure.
However, if you want any luxury food items that you know, you’ll have to purchase them from Kathmandu itself. Do carry your snacks but make sure those snacks won’t affect your overall health as you’ll be in high-altitude regions where hospitals won’t be found.
Cultural and Natural Attractions on the Trek
Many trekkers visit the Manaslu region to learn about the Tibetan lifestyle and culture. Our guests have always been positive after their return. So, we guarantee you that your trek is going to be worth it if you’re here to experience just that.
Let’s talk about the views and natural sceneries first. After entering the Manaslu Preservation Range, you’ll cross multiple suspension bridges, wooden bridges, bamboo woodlands, and Tibetan & Gurung villages.
This entire region falls near the Budhigandaki Waterway. Also, the views of mountains from the Great Himalayan Trail, which includes Mount Manaslu (816 3m), Himlung Himal (7126 m), Ngadi Himal (7871 m), Ganesh Himal (7406 m), and Annapurna II (7937m) is breathtaking.
You might have heard of Nepal having multiple ethnic groups and diverse cultural backgrounds. While you’ll get to see and learn that from Kathmandu itself, the Manaslu Circuit Trek shall give you a deeper dive into this subject. The main ethnic groups here include Gurung, Brahmin, Chhetri, Tibetan, and Nubri.
Coming to the villages, you’ll be passing through Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmashala, Bhimtang, Dharapani, and finally Besisahar too. These are the main ones, other tiny villages are also there, which we have discussed in detail in the itinerary section already.
Of course, the daring and enchanting Larkya La Pass is the main highlight. But along with that, here are the major natural attractions of the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
- Pungyen Gumba: 400 years old monastery which is about 9-10 km from the Samagaun Village and takes about 5-6 hours.
- Birendra Lake: A freshwater lake which is just 1 hour uphill climb from Samagaun.
- Manaslu Base Camp: Very popular among trekkers and takes about 5-6 hours from Samagaun.
- Tibetan border: Very close once you reach Samdo Village and is occupied by the Bhotia community (takes about 4-5 hours)
- Samdori Hill: Hard to reach and might take an entire day of your acclimatization day in Samdo (not recommended)
Challenges in the Manaslu Circuit Trek
When reading this article, you might have been pumped up to start your Manaslu Circuit Trek right away. But hold on! There are plenty of challenges more to talk about. Let’s list them down:
- Applying for permits is possible online but that’s just too time-consuming and difficult.
- For solar trekkers, Manaslu Circuit Trek isn’t the one. You need to find at least one hiking partner.
- Hiring trustworthy porters is pretty difficult to find.
- Even for a group comprising more than 8 trekkers, you need to hire an extra guide.
- There’s limited availability of Wi-Fi and internet access in the Manaslu region.
- There’s no 24/7 charging facility too. So, keeping your devices powered is a challenge.
- Getting to colder regions means you’ll have to either skip a shower or pay extra for hot water.
- There’s no proper filtration system even in the teahouses. So, you have to bring your own purifying tablets.
- Getting to the remote region means very less people know English, so communication can be difficult.
- You won’t find any ATM machines or online cash payment systems in the Manaslu Region. So, Nepali cash is a must!
- Mobile network coverage is very limited. So, you won’t be able to communicate with your friends/family back home easily.
- The culture in the Manaslu region is different. So, it’s important (especially for the ladies) to respect that and wear proper clothes.
- Not just that! You need to take your shoes off when entering the monasteries.
Most of these challenges can be easily overcome if you choose Mount Glory Treks as your travel agency. Why? That’s because we’re going to assist you in every aspect of your trekking, whether it be from the hiking side or cultural norms.
Essential Tips For Manaslu Circuit Trek
To ensure your safety and the difficulty also comes down during your Manaslu Circuit Trek, here are the various measures to follow:
- Hire porters and mules so you don’t have to carry all the heavy stuff yourself.
- Always carry your documents and permits in your handbag.
- Drink plenty of hot fluids during and after the trekking.
- Don’t indulge yourself in alcohol, smoking, or any other stuff that poses a risk during high-altitude treks.
- Store your cash in different parts of the bag, your pockets, etc. Don’t just rely on purses as in case you lose that, the entire money gets lost.
- Only purchase trekking gear of high quality and durability.
- Make a habit of using the ‘Namaste’ gesture as it helps you communicate well with the locals.
- Contact your guide immediately in case you feel difficulty breathing or show any other signs of altitude sickness.
- Make direct contact with Mount Glory in case you feel something’s not right.
Post-Trek Activities
Completion of Manaslu Circuit Trek doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to do. You’re in Nepal, the land of the Himalayas and we promise you that every corner of this country has something to offer to our lovely guests.
As we mentioned earlier, you can head to Pokhara once you reach Beshishar and try out various other activities.
Or go naturally, i.e. return to Kathmandu and visit other destinations in or near the district.
Here’s an amazing tip we’d like to share. Check your calendars before booking your Manaslu Circuit Trek. Try to visit here during the main festivals.
For example, if you’re choosing the autumn season for trekking, there are Dashain and Tihar celebrations going on all around the country. Similarly, during the spring season, Holi is celebrated.
Once the trek is over, you can extend your stay in Nepal to celebrate any of these festivals with the locals. Also, you could go on local food hunts. There’s so much to do in Nepal, and Mount Glory promises to be your friend throughout your Nepal trip.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost Breakdown
Your eyes might be on the price tag we have placed at the very top. Does US$910 per person seem a bit too much? We guess that’s the best price you’ll find on the internet.
When it comes to trekking, it’s not about which one’s cheap and which one’s expensive—it’s more about the quality of service. After all, you’ll be coming so far from your home country that you want to feel absolutely secure and that’s what Mount Glory does exactly.
In fact, even at that price, if you’re in a group, we’re definitely giving discounts. Our travel agency makes sure you won’t have the need to pay extra for any trekking-related stuff.
But just to be sure go through this section and in case you’re not satisfied, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly on our Whatsapp number (+977 9849856378).
Recommended reading: Updated Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost 2025
Booking and Payment Process
To confirm your booking for the Manaslu Circuit Trek package, hit the Reserve Now button on the right side of your screen. Then, fill up the provided form. Note that you need to make an advance installment of 20% of the package before the trip.
Don’t hassle with paying the remaining fee soon. You can come to Nepal, visit our office, meet us be happy, and then proceed with the final payment.
Once we receive the final payment, we will provide you with the necessary information, like agenda, adapt list, and arrangement tips.
Tipping Culture
One thing that we love about American and European culture is providing tips for the services that they love. While we are not saying Mount Glory also expects tips from you, there are some other professionals that do.
As Nepal isn’t the richest country in the world, the hard-working people do not have the best pay, which we’re pretty sure you’ve heard of.
Whether it be the guides, porters, or lodges staff, their pay in Nepal is quite low and it’s even hard to make a living out of it. While Mount Glory ensures the right payment from our side, there has been a history of our guests who provide tips to these professionals all out of love and respect.
There’s no bar on how much you have to contribute–it all depends on you. What we’ve seen our guests doing is they share at least 10% of their Manaslu Circuit Trek budget to the guides and porters.
It’s just lovely to see our tourists appreciating our hard-working Nepalese community. Thank you in advance!
Why Manaslu Circuit Trek is a Must-Do Adventure?
That’s all about the Manaslu Circuit Trek. We really hope you enjoyed reading this blog and we also hope that you’ve been motivated to come to Nepal now.
Amidst the popular treks like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is often overshadowed. However, its growing popularity, rich culture, extraordinary scenes, and lovely locals make it the go-to destination for quite a lot of people.
The sublime mountains and scenery, the achievement of reaching Larkya La Pass, less crowd with peaceful trail, rich history & cultural experiences, lakes & waterfalls, monasteries, and easy-to-do side arrangement trips are some of the reasons to choose Manaslu Circuit Trek.
You’re just one click away from your booking and meeting the best professionals in the travel industry. So, hurry up, and let’s do the Manaslu Circuit Trek together!
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