Short Manaslu circuit trek in a summary
The Manaslu Circuit is a challenging and rewarding trek that takes you through the remote region surrounding Mount Manaslu (8,163m.|26,781ft.), the eighth-highest peak in the world. The circuit, which can be completed in 14 days, offers stunning views of the Himalayas and takes you through a variety of landscapes, including forests, alpine meadows, and glacial rivers.
Along the way, you'll have the chance to interact with local communities and experience the rich culture and traditions of the region. The trek is physically demanding, so it is best suited for experienced hikers in good physical condition. However, the sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking beauty of the region make it a journey that is well worth the effort.
What to expect during the Manaslu trek?
The Manaslu circuit is an off-the-beaten trekking route that explores the natural wonders of the Manaslu Conservation Area. It is a fantastic trekking package for true adventure lovers who want to push themselves and test their endurance. The short Manaslu circuit trek begins at Machha Khola at 900m.|2953ft and gradually goes above the Budhi Gandaki river valley to Larkya La at 5160m.|16925ft.
If you have already trekked to Everest base camp and done the Annapurna circuit, then the short Manaslu circuit trek should be your next venture in Nepal. It is a restricted area trekking that takes you to upper Nubri, a well-protected and preserved Tibetan Buddhist community. The Manaslu circuit trekking involves lush rhododendron forests and hanging bridges over gushing rivers. You will walk past waterfalls, stupas, chortens, and streams.
Share the trail with yak caravans and occasionally with other trekkers. Follow a narrow river valley route that goes through picturesque villages and includes frequent steep slopes. On the way, you will be seeing views of many giant Himalayan mountains. At the start of the short Manaslu circuit trek of 14 days, Mount Annapurna (8,091m.|26,545ft.) dominates the west side of the sky, whereas the east part of flanked by Ganesh Himal (7,422m.|24,350ft).
Gradually, as the trail opens up from dense forests to vast meadows, the mountain views become prominent. Since the opening of the Manaslu circuit trek route in 1992, only a handful of travelers have discovered the unspoiled mesmerizing landscapes of the Manaslu region.
Mount Manaslu (8,163m.|26,781ft.), Annapurna II (7,937m.|26,040ft.), Shringi Himal (7,083m.|23,238ft.), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m.|25,823ft.), Himlung Himal (7,126m.|23,379ft.), Mount Kang Guru (6,981m.|22,904ft.), Gyaji Kang (7,038m.|23,090ft.), and numerous others embellish the skyline with their mighty presence.
One of the most fascinating places you will come across trekking is the 195 meters long Cantilever Walkway Bridge, built with the latest Swiss technology on the way before reaching Jagat.
As you make your way to the snowbound Larkya La pass, you will come across ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition. Many locals are either descendant of Tibetans or Tibetan refugees. During the short Manaslu circuit trek, you'll visit ancient monasteries like Pungen Gompa (in Sama Gaon at 3,870m.|12,697ft.).
Similarly, you will also explore Manaslu Base camp (4,400m.|14,436ft.) from Samdo. We also have an optional hike to Birendra Lake (3,691m.|12,110ft.) in Samdo.
Near the Nepal-Tibet border, the trail crosses the epic Larkya La pass. One of the most interesting facts about the Manaslu circuit trail is it is part of the Great Himalayan Trail.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance
The short Manaslu circuit trek covers approximately 127.5 kilometers in total. On average, you will walk 14 kilometers a day, which means roughly 6 to 7 hours a day. The day begins early. You will be hitting the trail by 8 AM (some days even earlier) to reach the destination by 4 PM - 5 PM. We will take a lunch break on the way and have dinner and breakfast at the tea house we'll spend the night.
Why short Manaslu circuit trek?
Our short Manaslu circuit trek itinerary allows you to do this world-class adventurous trek in 14 days. This 14-day itinerary fits travelers who commit to the usual two-week-long treks. The Manaslu trek is led by an experienced guide and supporting porters who will ensure your safety in the mountains. In total, you will be spending 9 days trekking and 2 days driving to and from the starting/ending point of the trail.
Best Viewpoints on the Manaslu trail
There are many spots on the Manaslu circuit trail from where you can witness breathtaking mountain landscapes. The trail is dotted with hills and mountains. Every new village unfolds a brand new scenery. But if we have to pick the best spots, then it will be Shyla (3,500m.|11,480ft.) and Bhimtang (3,720m.|12,205ft.). Both villages offer a stunning mountain panorama.
Transportation used during the short Manaslu circuit trek
Our short Manaslu circuit trek package covers 7 to 8 hours of jeep ride from the starting and ending point of the trail. As per the group size, we will be booking the four-wheeler. The ride cost is included in our short Manaslu circuit trek cost, so you do not have to pay extra money.
Likewise, we provide airport pick-up and drop service during your international flights too.
Permits for the short Manaslu circuit trek
Manaslu circuit trek requires three permits, and each of them is covered in our short Manaslu circuit trek package cost. Our team obtains the permit in advance for you. Below are the three permits needed for this trek:
Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)
September to November: USD 100 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 15 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.
December to August: USD 75 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 10 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit): NPR 3000 per person
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit): NPR 3000 per person
Similar trekking packages
We have many adventurous trekking packages in Nepal for all kinds of trekkers. Whether you are looking for a beginner-friendly trek or an advanced trek, we got you. And you can customize every package as per your need with us.
First of all, here are some of our other famous trekking packages in the Manaslu region- Manaslu circuit trek 16 days, Tsum valley trek via Barpak Gurung village, Tsum with Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Lower Manaslu trek 6 days.
Likewise, these are some similar treks for experienced trekkers in Nepal- Everest three high passes trek, Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu trek, Limi valley trek, Makalu base camp trek, and Kanchenjunga circuit trek.