The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a fantastic journey that gives you the opportunity to go through breathtaking scenery and charming paths, creating a special and enchanted mood for trekkers. You will get the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the local Gurung and Tibetan cultures and experience their way of life on this incredible walk. Your journey is made more pleasant by the friendly folks and their rich cultural heritage. Parallel to this, you will see vibrant prayer flags that symbolize the Pancha Mahabhuta (sky, air, fire, water, and earth) fluttering all around you. This promotes goodwill and positive energy for the duration of the journey.
Trekkers have taken an interest in the Manaslu Circuit Trek because of its remote location, tranquil surroundings, and challenging terrain. Along the trail, you will pass through verdant forests, charming towns, and breathtaking scenery. The breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped peaks are the reward for conquering the difficult Larkya La Pass.
With a breathtaking vista of the eighth-tallest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu (8163 m), this grade trip is fairly difficult. Along the trail, there are a lot of suspension bridges that bounce under your feet as you go across them, giving you a rush of excitement.
Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek
Wonderful vistas of numerous mountains, including Kang Guru, Himlung, Himal Chuli, Cheo Himal, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu
There are several waterfalls and lovely rivers along the route, including the Budhi Gandaki River.
Discover the customs and way of life of the stunning Himalayan villages.
excellent opportunity to see the region’s abundant flora and fauna.
beautiful views of the mountains across Larkya La Pass covered in snow.
Stroll across the suspension bridges and deep trees.
Along the route are numerous monasteries, including Numbri, Thunje, Pungyen.
Birendra Tal, an exquisite freshwater lake.
Explore the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is limited.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Route Overview
The trip begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, where you’ll be rewarded with views of picturesque hills and rivers. The first location you will spend the night in is Machha Khola, which is around nine hours away. Beginning on the second day of the trek, you will go uphill and through verdant forests to get to Jagat, where you will spend the night.
You will pass the stunning rivers and exhilarating suspension bridges en route to Deng on the third day. Along the route, you will get to see the stunning monasteries and stupas. Eventually, after hiking for seven or eight hours, you will arrive at Deng. You will cross the river on the fourth day of your walk while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the area. You will reach the quaint Namrung Village after five to six hours of walking, where you will spend the night.
On the fifth day of your hike, you will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery that includes views of the towering snow-capped peaks. You will travel through the lovely villages of Lihi and Sho, where you can learn about the way of life of those who live in the far-off region. It takes roughly six to seven hours to get to Lho village, where you spend the night.
The next day, you will need to walk for five hours to arrive at the lovely village of Samagaon, where you will also spend the seventh day getting used to your new surroundings. On your day of acclimatization, you might visit the lovely monastery or explore the picturesque areas. After eight days, you will climb uphill to arrive at Samdo. You’re going to be moving around.
You will be rewarded on the ninth day with the breathtaking view of the lovely peaks as you make your way towards the Dharmashala. From the village, you will be able to glimpse the stunning Larkya Glacier. To get to Dharmashala, you must walk for over four hours. The most difficult portion of this trip will be crossing the Larkya Pass on the tenth day. You will be rewarded, nevertheless, with expansive views of the magnificent peak. You will arrive at the picturesque Bimthang Village, where you will spend the night, after crossing the pass.
On the eleventh day, you have to walk for around seven or eight hours through valleys and lush forests with pathways that go past picturesque communities until you arrive at Dharapani, where you will spend the night.
Why Manaslu Circuit Trek in September?
Ethereal Sceneries
September offers beautiful sky, giving you the chance to take in the expansive vistas of the magnificent mountains. The trail captivates you with its immaculate settings teeming with colorful plants and animals. The idyllic settlements are set against the breathtaking mountain backdrop, creating a strange sight. Along the route, you’ll pass across breathtaking views of steep valleys blanketed in dense forests. The sight of waterfalls cascading freely over the cliffs is visually pleasing and invigorating. September offers brighter days that let you take in the breathtaking scenery and majesty of the natural world.
Serene Trails
Because fewer people use the Manaslu Circuit Trek route than other popular hiking areas, it is serene and calm. You can experience inner peace and the tranquility of nature on the less traveled trail.The fresh air and serene surroundings allow you to have a profoundly refreshing experience by reviving your soul through a strong connection with nature.
Pleasant and mild weather
The month of September is one of the best times to hike the Manaslu Circuit. The general trip setting is cozy and familiar thanks to the breeze and the laid-back vibe, which enhances the entire trekking experience.
September follows the monsoon season directly. The crisp fall air and brilliant foliage greet you in this month of October, creating a pleasing atmosphere all around. The pleasant weather makes it easier to stroll through the tough terrain and lets you take in the unobstructed views of the breathtaking landscapes.
Temperature and Weather of Manaslu Circuit Trek in September
The first month of the fall season, which follows the wet monsoon season, is September. Although there is a risk of some rainfall in the area in early September, the trails are often dry by late September. You are rewarded with captivating vistas of the breathtaking scenery throughout the fall months when the sky is clear. Similar to this, the mid- and late-September weather stabilizes and rewards you with unobstructed vistas of the snow-capped peaks.
Because the area is isolated, there are fewer tourists than at other places, allowing you to fully experience the peace and quiet of the surroundings. The temperature is cool at night and moderate throughout the day. In the lower altitude zones, the region’s typical daytime temperature is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. As one ascends higher into the atmosphere, the midday temperature might drop by as much as 7 degrees Celsius. The temperature will significantly decrease at night, reaching as low as 0 degrees. Because of this, it is imperative that you pack light and wear layers of clothing, as the weather in the mountainous area can change quickly.
Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek in September (Outline)
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m) & transfer to hotel.
Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khaola (7,10m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 3 : Trek from Soti Khola to Machhakhola (9,00m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Day 4 : Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1,340m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 5 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (2,095m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 6 : Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,900m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Day 7 : Trek from Namrung to Samagaun (3,500m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Day 8 : Exploration & Acclimatization Day at Samagaun.
Day 9 : Trek from Samagaun to Samdo (3,785m) Duration: 3-4 hours.
Day 10 : Trek from Samdo to Dharmashala (4,450m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Day 11 : Trek from Dharmashala to Bhimthang (3,720m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m) Duration: 8-9 hours.
Day 12 : Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,900m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 13 : Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu (1,350) Duration: 8-9 hours.
Day 14 : Transfer to the International Airport for your final departure.
What to Pack for Manaslu Circuit Trek in September?
To ensure that you have everything you need for the trip, it is imperative that you pack appropriately. You will require a number of supplies for the trip in order to ensure comfort, health, and cleanliness. Similar to this, bringing warm clothing will help you cope with the bitter cold in higher elevations. Trekking involves a lot of walking, so you’ll need to replenish your energy with appropriate drinks and snacks. The Manaslu Base Camp Trek essentials list is provided here.
- Sleeping Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Duffel Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof windbreaker or windcheater
- Thermal underclothes
- Rain poncho
- Down jacket (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece or wool trousers
- Sun hat or scarf
- Trekking pants (two pairs)
- Mittens or woolen gloves
- Hiking socks (several pairs)
- Moisture-wicking shirts, including t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or boots with spare laces
- Flip-flops or sandals for relaxing in the evenings
- Underwear (several pairs)
- Swimsuit or swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight/torch
- Sleeping bag (Sherpa Teams can provide this for you)
- Trekking poles (if desired)
- Hiking backpack with a capacity of at least 40 liters
- Small lock for your backpack
- Reusable water bottles (at least two liters)
- Water purification tablets or filtration device
- Wash towel
- Basic first aid kit
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
Accommodation Facilities in the Manaslu Region
Along the trail, the most popular lodging options are the residents’ tea houses and lodges, which guarantee a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Although the area is rural and the amenities may be rudimentary, the owners make sure that the meals are warm and filling, so you may recover quickly. Having a comfortable room with cushions and blankets after a strenuous day of hiking will make your stay enjoyable.
In a similar vein, you will be able to sample the regional specialties that the hosts have lovingly prepared. A large range of food alternatives might not be offered on the menu as you travel farther and higher up, but the nutrient-dense traditional meals will still help you stay nourished. During dinner, you can socialize with the locals and other hikers, which will make your stay more exciting and engaging.
How Difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Along the trail, the most popular lodging options are the residents’ tea houses and lodges, which guarantee a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Although the area is rural and the amenities may be rudimentary, the owners make sure that the meals are warm and filling, so you may recover quickly. Having a comfortable room with cushions and blankets after a strenuous day of hiking will make your stay enjoyable.
In order to acclimatize, you must plan ahead for a rest day during your vacation and be well-informed about the strategies to reduce the danger of altitude sickness, which is always present in high altitude zones. Altitude sickness symptoms include headaches, exhaustion, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, report them to the guide and head straight down to the lower area.
It’s also important to be ready for any changes in the weather because the mountainous area experiences unpredictable weather. It is crucial to verify the weather forecast ahead of time in order to ensure a smooth trek completion. The trails may get slick after an unexpected downpour, making it challenging to navigate safely. It is therefore essential to check the weather prediction and adjust your plans accordingly. In a similar vein, walking steep hills on challenging routes for an extended period of time could wear you out at some point along the journey. Therefore, it is crucial to assess your fitness level and mental preparedness before starting this journey.
Manaslu walk difficulty can be decreased by properly training for the walk and performing strength and balance exercises. This will enable trekkers to overcome frequent problems encountered throughout the trek. Strength training activities such as planks, squats, push-ups, pull-ups, and top stands are available. It improves your strength and range of motion. Energy-boosting cardiovascular exercises like jogging, cycling, swimming, and stair climbing are also beneficial.
In the same way, short hikes will help you warm up and improve your level of fitness. It will help you become more adept at navigating and increase your familiarity with the state of the trails.
Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek in September
During the trekking to Manaslu Circuit Trekkers must obtain specific permissions, which they must keep with them the entire route, as the area is a protected area.
1) Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
Autumn season (September- November)
- US$100 for the first seven days.
- From the eighth day onwards an additional US$15 per day.
Spring, Winter and Monsoon
- US$75 for the first seven days.
- From the eight day onwards an additional US$10 per day.
2) Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- US$30 for MCAP permit.
3) Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
- US$30 for ACAP permit.
Some Safety Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek in September
Stay adequately hydrated to avoid feeling tired, lightheaded, or having a sore throat.
Prior to embarking on a trek, include cardiovascular, strength, and balance training in your program.
Carefully thought out preparations for the hike will be helpful.
Try short walks and modest excursions to gain a sense of the terrain.
Ascend gradually.
Learn everything there is to know about altitude sickness.
Ensure that you have permissions.
Always focus on the information that your guide provides.
Carry everything you’ll need for your trek.
