15 Things to Know Before Manaslu Trek

Scenery and wildlife

Without a doubt, Manaslu Trek leads to the magical scenery of nature which is not much disturbed and spoiled. From the lowlands, hills, and ridges to the world's 8th highest mountain view, trekkers experience the range of landscape along with the diverse flora and fauna preserved by Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area. The trails run through these two conservation areas sharing the remarkable stay and walk. The jaw-dropping view and encounter of wildlife cheer up trekkers to have a hard climb.

Even the snowcapped mountains are closely viewed, namely, Manaslu, Nagadi Chuli, Himalchuli (7,893 m or 25,896 ft), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m or 25,823 ft), Shringi (7,187 m or 23,579 ft), Langpo (6,668 m or 21,877 ft) and Saula (6,235 m or 20,456 ft).

Tibetan influenced Culture

The local lifestyle, traditions, and culture of people living in the Manaslu region are highly influenced by Tibetan culture. The border of Tibet is too close and the influence is widely visible. Especially, Tsum Valley showcases and preserves the authentic Tibetan culture, religion, and traditions which have forced the Government to impose special permits in order to limit tourism and preserve the authenticity of Tsum valley. Trekkers could observe monasteries, sacred caves, Chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags.

The rich cultural heritage is evident in the several large Buddhist monasteries like Shringi Gompa in Bihi, Mu Gompa (largest monastery of Manaslu area), Panago Gimpa, Mani Dhungyur, Gurwa Gompa, Rachen Gompas, Dephyudonma, and Rachen Gompa. Lokpa village is believed to be blessed by Padmashamva centuries ago. The famous Tibetan saint named Milarepa was believed to have meditated in the Piren Phu cave.

These sites have been abundantly painted with Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on the stones, long prayer flags, and Buddhist paper scripts. Spin prayer wheels in a clockwise direction, walk left to the sacredness of structures, use two hands for donation and greet people with the word “Tashi Delek” which Tashi = auspicious, and Delek= Blessing/ Goodluck.

Best Season for Manaslu Trek

Spring (March-May) and Autumn Season (September-November) are regarded to be the best for Trekking in Nepal on any of the trekking trails. Though Monsoon (June-August) and Winter (December-February) Seasons do supply pleasant views and experiences, trekkers feel uneasy to trek during the rain and snow.

Spring Season is neither hot nor cold as summer is about, to begin with, winter ends. Vegetation starts to bloom and upgrades itself into a colorful texture. The clouds are swept away leaving the clear bright bluish sky and mighty silver mountains with dry paths without snow and rain.

Similarly, Autumn welcomes winter and sees off the summer, and spreads yellow and orange color into the green lush vegetation. The Autumn season makes the mountain shine brighter and the sky flaunts clearer. These seasons are extensively preferred and loved by trekkers who make the trail busy.

Rain pours extensively during monsoon; flora bloom to the fullest, the clouds and mountains play hide seek, and trekkers long for the clear day and views. Whereas, the Winter season brings a clear sky and mountain view with short days, snowy paths,s and the quietest villages (People of higher altitudes shift to a lower altitude for winter). These seasons make trails wet and slippery.

Must not travel alone in Manaslu Trek

Manaslu Trek is exclusive with fewer trekkers and more restrictions. It consists of various permit requirements (details of the permit: How to get Manaslu Trek to permit?) as per the trekking route. The inclusion of permits and wilderness makes the area quiet and deserted.

Besides, Nepal Government restricts trekkers to travel alone in Manaslu Trek and must be led by a guide. Likewise, while trekking to a higher altitude and into a calm nature, it is better to have company as one may face any emergency as Altitude sickness, wildlife encounters, landslides, and avalanches. Therefore, trekkers must not travel alone in Manaslu Trek.

Accommodation in Manaslu Trek

Accommodation in Manaslu Trek consists of small teahouse lodges with basic amenities. Trekkers stay at available teahouse lodges on a sharing basis as per the package booked. Trekkers will be sharing rooms with other trekkers who hired the same company for the Manaslu trek. A Tea House lodge is a combination of a guest house, restaurant, and hall which varies as per the village. The rooms are with twin beds, blankets, and little additional furniture like small tables or chairs. Bathrooms are common with squatting toilets or western commode toilets. Tea house lodges have hot shower facilities with extra charges (excluded from packages).

Food and Water in Manaslu Trek

• Food in Manaslu Trek 

Manaslu Trek has teahouse lodges serving cuisines but with a Nepali twist. The menu throughout the trial is similar including Continental, Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan dishes such as Tibetan bread, toast omelet, eggs, Dal –Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetable curry), fried noodles, noddles soup, Chowmein, potatoes, momo, soups, pizza, pasta, spaghetti, fries. Cheese and some of the vegetables prepared are locally produced. But you should not expect it to be fancy as in the restaurants in the town. Soft drinks, snacks, energy bars,s, and beer are also available.

Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages are not recommended for travelers throughout the trek as it hardens their bodies to cope with high elevation. Interested travelers can drink and smoke while returning to a lower elevation.

• Drinking water in Manaslu Trek

You should be careful about your consumption of water in terms of both quality and quantity. You need to stay hydrated and half a liter of water every hour should be enough during Manaslu Trek.

Spring or tap water is available which is directly drunk by locals. But, we do not recommend you to do so as locals and your body mechanics are different due to the environment and surroundings. Drinking water options:

1. Packaged Drinking water is widely available which also increases the litter in the areas and the areas that do not carry any recycling operation. So, packaged water is less recommended by us.
2. Boiled water is available for purchase in different teahouses/ lodges.
3. Use purification tablets/ iodine/ chlorine.

Usually, experienced trekkers add flavored drink powder or vitamin C tablets to their bottles to add taste and extra nutrition. Carrying Two Reusable water bottles is recommended for Manaslu Trek.

Options of Manaslu Trekking Trail and Days Required

Manaslu Trek is untouched and has only 4 packages. However, you can combine or customize these packages and itineraries as per your requirement under the guidance of the trekking company. The options for Manaslu Trek as per the days required are:

1. Manaslu Circuit Trek 11-14 Days
2. Short Manaslu Circuit Trek 9 - 11 Days
3. Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek 14- 17 Days
4. Manaslu Tsum Valley and Larke Pass Trek 20-25 Days

During Manaslu Trek, make sure you visit the amazing side sites such as Pungent Monastery, Samagaun, Birendra Lace, Manaslu Base Camp, and Rui La base point (Tibet Border). You can also check the blog: How many days for Manaslu Trek?

Recommended to Pre-book Manaslu Trek Packages

Manaslu Trek demands many legal documents and permits with limited capacity to serve the trekkers. Additionally, Nepal Government has strictly made rules of a minimum of 2 trekkers in a group and the group must be led by a guide. Therefore, it is easier, more convenient, and more efficient to pre-book your favorite Manaslu Trek packages from a legally registered trekking company like Nepal Adventure Team. The freelancing guide is not allowed to apply for a permit. Per-booking of packages includes necessary meals, accommodation, and transportation during the Manaslu Trek. For details, you can click here on Manaslu Trekking.

Things to Pack/Carry for Manaslu Trek

While heading for trekking, it is essential to pack less, pack necessary things only, and avoid excessive luggage though you have a porter. Your unwanted luggage for trekking can be stored by the trekking agency for you. And if you have missed anything to you can purchase or rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara. For Manaslu Trek, you do not miss the following things in your bag:

1. Sunglasses – for sun protection
2. Sunhat – to protect your face, neck, and your scalp
3. Sunscreen – to avoid severe sunburn because of snow’s reflection
4. A warm hat, buff – to beat the cold at night time
5. Trekking trousers, t-shirt, socks, hand towels, and innerwear – quick drying/ moisture-wicking or retain moisture for a long day walk
6. Fleece jacket –insulation for warmth
7. Outer jacket – outers to stop the wind
8. Inner gloves (to retain heat) and Outer gloves (to protect from cold, wind, and snow)
9. Hiking boots
10. Duffle Bag – when you have a porter with you, it is easier to pack
11. Daypack – required to carry your essentials like water bottle, camera, phones, chargers, face towels, passports, wallets, etc
12. Sleeping bag – for warmth at night
13. Trekking poles – to take off the burden from your knees
14. Headlamp – for a night walk or to start the day very early
15. Water bottle – to hydrate regularly
16. Portable charger
17. Passport/cash – there is no card system
18. Water purification tablets – to purify your drinking water
19. Wet wipes and tissues – to avoid a runny nose and wipe your body parts
20. Lip Balm – protect your lips from the sun
21. Hand sanitizers – to disinfect your hands

Altitude Sickness 

Altitude Sickness is the main risk while trekking at a higher altitude which has to be handled carefully by the experienced guide or medical staff. During Altitude sickness, you may have a headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite as a symptom and creating a health hazard. The only way to avoid altitude sickness while trekking at higher elevations is to climb slowly and rest to acclimatize. Nepal Adventure Team has formed the itinerary to cope with higher altitudes and train the body to adjust to the thin air at a higher elevation. We also carry a first aid kit for basic support. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided to avoid sickness.

Cost and Price of Manaslu Trek

If you look for the price of Manaslu Trek, it entirely depends upon the packages supplied by the trekking company. You can even check the detailed itinerary, inclusion, and exclusion of the package on our page too: Manaslu Trekking.

Nevertheless, the minimum package price is USD 995 for Short Manaslu Circuit Trek- 11 days and the maximum price is USD 1375 for Manaslu Tsum Valley and Larkya La Pass Trek – 25 days with Manaslu Tsum Valley at USD 1285 and Manalsu Larkya La Pass trek at USD 1126.

The price mentioned may change during peak season, off-season, or any discounts offered.

Travel Insurance for Manaslu Trek

Before starting the Manaslu Trek, you must have travel insurance to meet up any contingent circumstances and unfavorable incidents. Insurance companies of Nepal only have Travel insurance policies for their citizens. So, you need to make sure you do travel insurance that covers the following areas:

1. Trip Cancellation Insurance
2. Travel Medical Insurance
3. Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance (look for a company that offers this service even around 6000m/ 19,685 ft)
4. Baggage coverage
5. Personal money, Passport, and travel documents
6. Accidental death and Flight Accident Insurance

These insurance companies are popular among the trekkers coming to Nepal:

1. Canada/America: World Nomads, Travel Guard, and Tugo.
2. British: Insure and Go, Direct Travel Insurance, BMC (British Mountaineering Council).
3. New Zealand and Australia: 1cover Travel Insurance, Cover-More Travel Insurance, Itrek Travel Insurance,
4. Europe and South Africa: Europ Assistance

Communication Services in Manaslu Trek

Communication service in Manaslu Trek is limited and it is a kind of vacation where one switches off the phone and basks in the wilderness. Nepal Telecom network is available in certain areas but cannot ensure that it is available at each step of the trail. Besides, WIFI and sky networks are available in popular areas such as Tsum valley, Samagaun, and Samdo village. In lower elevations different networks (Nepal Telecom, Ncell, Sky, Smart cell) are available. In case of any emergency, CDMA phones and satellite phones are used. If you are willing to buy a sim card while staying in Nepal, better to purchase Nepal Telecom as its coverage is better in the countryside. On the other hand, also carry battery backup as there is no consistency in electricity, and the cold sucks the battery of devices. Tea house lodges charge for charging phones/ devices.

Fewer Crowds in Manaslu Trek

Looking at the number of trekkers visiting Nepal, Annapurna and Everest's regions are the busiest leaving other Trekking routes with lesser trekkers. So, Manaslu Trek has fewer crowds and much tranquility and wilderness. Manaslu Trek becomes exotic because of its fascinating natural and cultural beauty accompanied by quietness and wilderness. Additionally, to preserve the authentic culture, off-the-beaten trail, and untouched nature, the Government of Nepal has imposed special permit requirements to trek in certain areas of the Manaslu region. This leads to tranquility and the least trekkers.

Responsible Tourism

Manaslu Trek revolves around the Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area which strictly protects and conserves nature and wildlife. Each trekker is abode by the rules and regulations of conservation areas aiming to not harm, protect, and promote natural beauty. Trekkers will be taking the memories and experiences by spending valuable time at Manaslu Trek and supporting responsible tourism. Nepal Adventure Team too aims at sustainable tourism and encourages and guides every trekker to practice responsible tourism.

The above-mentioned are the basic things to know before heading for Manaslu Trek and any other suggestions will be supplied by Nepal Adventure Team before the trek. You can also call/message for any queries related to Manaslu Trek and other trekking, tours, jungle safari, sightseeing, and travel activities in Nepal.