MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK
The Manaslu Circut Trek circles Mt. Manaslu which is the eight highest mountain at 8,156m. Earlier Annapurna Circuit trek enjoyed the status of the world’s best trek for many years. However, the allure of the Annapurna Circuit trek diminished when a jeep track was built connecting Besi-Sahar to Manang. Furthermore, with better lodging facilities, the Manaslu Circuit Trek has taken over as the best trek in the Himalayas and perhaps the world. Trekking in the Manaslu region is fairly long. But the rewards are well worth the commitment. This trek requires crossing the dramatic Larkya La pass (16,700ft).
Manaslu is beautiful, remote and culturally fascinating. Brahmins, Chhetris and Gurungs inhabit the sub-tropical lower Buri Gandaki region. Nubriba’s, who are the indigenous people of the Nubri valley in the Manaslu region, inhabit the sub-alpine and alpine parts. They are direct descendants of Tibetan immigrants who settled here in the early 1,600’s. Since Manaslu is a restricted area, trekking in this region requires both a conservation area permit and a restricted area permit.
WHY TREK WITH US?
- All our Manaslu Circuit Treks are private treks for a minimum of one participant for a date of your choosing. Hence, small groups allow us to provide a private, premium and personalized experience.
- We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. However, some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. Do read this article “Value offered by Crystal Mountain Treks” to learn more about this. We urge you to compare apples to apples.
- Established over 35 years ago, we employ only the most professional and friendly staff. Additionally, most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals.
- Most importantly, we are also proud to give back to our community through our giving arm – 3 Summits For Nepal – managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a lodge trek. Consequently you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. Albeit the quality of the lodges in the Manaslu region are not comparable to those on the Everest trek, they are getting better every year. Additionally, meals are also quite varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on treks in Nepal.
BEST SEASON
The best seasons for the trekking the Manaslu Circuit are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-early December). It is NOT recommended to do this trek in Winter months of late December, January and February. Still, you could come in late monsoon in September.
Read about the effects of the post-monsoon rains on treks in early October.
TREK RATING
We have rated the Manaslu Circuit trek as “STRENUOUS” which is 4 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). The highest altitude reached is at the Larkya La pass (16,700 ft) and the highest overnight elevation is at Dharamsala (14,700 feet). To allow for proper acclimatization, there are two acclimatization days and a couple short days. And average daily hiking times is 5 to 6 hours with one long day of around 8-9 hours. Regardless of the rating, it is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.
MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK VIDEO:
On May 6, 2024, Chris Natsuume, who has completed multiple treks with Crystal Mountain Treks, embarked on a 20-day trek to Manaslu Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. In fact, Chris is on a quest to trek to all 14 Base Camps of mountains over 8,000 meters. He was accompanied by Crystal Mountain Trek’s guide Reinji Sherpa and photographer/videographer Devraj Rai. This is a video account of their trek. They began their trek late in the Spring season. And hence experienced some cloudy days and pre-monsoon rains.



































