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Description
The Manaslu Circuit is considered one of Nepal’s best high-altitude treks, circling the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Manaslu (8,163m). It offers a quieter, potentially more authentic experience compared to the Annapurna or Everest Base Camp treks.
- Difficulty: Strenuous / Difficult. Requires good physical fitness due to length, altitude, and challenging terrain.
- Length: Approximately 170-190 km.
- Duration: Typically 12-18 trekking days (excluding travel to/from Kathmandu).
- Elevation Gain: Significant, starting around 700m-900m and ascending over the Larkya La Pass at approx. 5,106m - 5,167m. Acclimatization days are essential.
- Scenery Highlights: Diverse landscapes ranging from subtropical forests along the Buri Gandaki River to alpine zones. Passes through traditional Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages, suspension bridges, waterfalls, monasteries (e.g., Pungyen Gompa), and offers stunning views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks (Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna range). Crossing the Larkya La Pass is a major highlight and challenge.
Travel Information
- Accessibility: The trek typically starts from Soti Khola or Machha Khola. Reaching the trailhead requires a long drive (approx. 7-10 hours) from Kathmandu via bus or jeep, often to Arughat first or directly to Soti Khola/Machha Khola.
- Parking: Not applicable in the traditional sense due to the remote start point accessed via hired transport.
- Best Time to Visit: Autumn (September - November) and Spring (March - May) offer the most stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures. Winter (Dec-Feb) is very cold with potential snow blockages. Monsoon (Jun-Aug) brings heavy rain, leeches, slippery trails, and landslide risk.
- Permits & Fees: Several permits are required and must be arranged through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. Trekkers must also be accompanied by a licensed guide. Key permits include:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): Cost varies significantly by season (higher in Autumn) and duration.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Fixed cost (approx. NPR 3000 / USD 30 for foreigners).
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required as the trek exits into the Annapurna region. Fixed cost (approx. NPR 3000 / USD 30 for foreigners).
- (Optional) Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit: If taking the Tsum Valley side trip.
- (Likely) Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit: Lower cost permit. Permit costs total roughly USD 150-200+ depending on season, duration, and nationality. A valid Nepal Visa is also required.
- Links: While specific AllTrails/Komoot links for the entire circuit weren’t found in the search, OutdoorActive has a route. Many trekking agencies provide detailed itineraries and GPX files.