Manaslu Annapurna Trekking - 12 days

Best Time to Trek

Spring (March through May):

Spring! Now that's a fantastic time to be wandering around Manaslu and even dipping into the Annapurna foothills. The weather usually plays nice – think pleasant, warmish days perfect for walking, and then things cool down nicely at night as you get higher, so you'll want a cozy layer. The rhododendrons! The forests, especially between places like Deng and Namrung, just explode with color. It's like nature's putting on a show just for you, with all sorts of wildflowers joining the party. And the views, crystal clear, most of the time. You get those knock-your-socks-off vistas of Manaslu itself, Himalchuli, and all their snowy buddies. It’s a sweet spot if you want amazing scenery without the absolute peak-season crowds you get later in the year.

Autumn (mid-September rolling into November):

Let's talk about the king of trekking seasons in Nepal: autumn. This is when most folks agree it's just a chef's kiss. The monsoon's done its job, washed everything clean, and it’s like someone’s wiped the sky with a giant squeegee – you get these unbelievably crisp, clear views of the big peaks. Seriously, postcard-perfect, so sharp you feel you could reach out and touch them. The air's cool and fresh, just perfect for hiking, and you don't have to worry much about rain or unexpected snow dumps, especially on the pass. The trails are usually in great condition, too, all dry and easy to follow. Plus, you might catch some of Nepal’s biggest festivals, like Dashain and Tihar, which is a real treat, seeing all the local celebrations and energy. 

Winter (December, January, February):

Winter is for the seriously committed, the folks who don't mind a bit of a challenge. It gets seriously cold, especially once you're up past 3,000 meters. Nights will have you snuggling deep into your sleeping bag, and then some! Snowfall is pretty common, and the big hurdle, Larkya La Pass, can often be snowed in or just too treacherous to cross with all the ice. 

Monsoon (June through early September):

Monsoon season. In this season, most trekkers stay home, and for good reason. It’s wet. Wet, especially down low. Trails can turn into slippery mud baths. And there's a higher chance of landslides mucking things up or blocking roads to even get to the start. Rivers get all swollen and angry, making crossings a bit dodgy. 

Required Permits for Trek

The Manaslu "Special Zone" Permit (That's the MRAP):

• Right, so a big chunk of the Manaslu trek, basically from when you hit Jagat, until you get to Samdo, is what they call a "restricted" or "controlled" area. It's partly because it's super close to the border with Tibet and partly to help keep its unique culture and pristine nature, well, pristine. They like to know who's wandering around.

The Manaslu Park Pass (MCAP—Manaslu Conservation Area Permit):

• This is your entry ticket into the actual Manaslu Conservation Area. Think of it as chipping in to help look after all that amazing wildlife and the stunning forests, and keep the trails in good shape. It's for a good cause!

The Annapurna Park Pass (ACAP—Annapurna Conservation Area Permit):

• After you've conquered that mighty Larkya La Pass, your trail eventually leads you out of the Manaslu area, and you pop into the Annapurna region!

You can get all these permits issued by the Nepal Tourism Board from Kathmandu or Besisahar. Also, your travel company, Himalayan Pinnacle, will arrange all these permits for you.

Trekking Difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit is ranked in the category of moderately to strenuously difficult high-altitude trekking when considered with the journey in the Annapurna. It is a very difficult expedition into the Himalayan wilderness, traversing the various landscapes from hanging bridges to traditional mountain villages, with the highest confluence at Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters. 

The days are so long that trekking may last anywhere between six and eight hours on either rutty or steep roads. There is no technical climb involved, but trekkers need to be physically fit and have good stamina and some experience at high altitude. When crossing Larkya La, trekkers get an excess height of 3,500 meters and carry with them the risk of getting altitude sickness; hence, pace should be maintained, and acclimatization must be observed. 

Compared to routes that run to Everest and Annapurna Base Camp, the route in the Manaslu trek area is far less commercialized; as a result, the number of teahouses and their crude amenities are also low, which indeed might attract trekkers seeking offbeat trekking in Nepal. A well-managed, well-guided expedition with the right mix of attitude and knowledge will make the Manaslu Circuit one of the most rewarding and scenically attractive treks in the Himalayas, blending modern adventure with real cultural experiences.

Meals and Accommodation

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in local teahouses—simple, family-run lodges with basic rooms and typical Nepali hospitality. Most teahouses have twin-sharing rooms with wooden beds, foam mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Hence, it is wise to carry a warm sleeping bag, particularly in higher altitudes. The rooms are mostly unheated; bathrooms are often small and wet, sometimes shared, and have squat or Western-style toilets in common. Charging your devices can fetch you a small charge while you are waiting, but the Wi-Fi is either slow or absent beyond Namrung.

Meals

Usually, trekkers eat at the same teahouse where they stay. These teahouses have fixed menus approved by local authorities. The most common and nutritious meal would be the Dal Bhat, the traditional Nepali rice-lentil soup-vegetable-curry-pickle-until-picked. Others would be momo or dumplings, fried rice, noodles, pasta, pancakes, eggs, and Tibetan bread. The food is generally fresh and vegetarian, though the variety may lessen as you ascend toward the remote region. It is crucial to keep yourself well hydrated, and therefore, boiled water, herbal tea, or bottled water (where available) should be your pick. 

Mostly, trekkers carry water purification tablets or a filter so that they do not have to buy bottled water made of plastic. 

In all, food and accommodation on the Manaslu trek are basic but sufficient, offering comfort, nutrition, and a cultural experience throughout the journey.

Solo Trek or Hire a Guide

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit is considered a restricted area trek in Nepal, meaning that solo trekking is prohibited. The Nepalese government, given trekking-related safety, insists on a licensed guide escorting all groups and that groups comprise at least two persons other than the guide. These provisions have been facilitated to trek upon trekking in a route that is quite remote and delicate in the Himalayan region. A Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and all other permits would have to be obtained by a government-recognized trekking outfit; thus, independent and solo trekking without any guide is completely prohibited. 

In contrast to the hot and happening tourist routes such as Annapurna and Everest Base Camp, the Manaslu region is under less commercial pressure than the others. There are hardly any villages out here, accommodation is quite limited, and the infrastructure is barely the required backbone to guide you.

Besides being a legal necessity, hiring a guide is an experience that adds to the charm of the trek. A local guide experienced with mountain trekking will be invaluable for trail boardwalks and caution regarding ongoing altitude problems in passing Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters, and insight into the ethnic Tibetan villages visited along the way. Another crucial function the guide will perform is to facilitate meetings with permit checkpoints and coordination challenges in these remote areas where English is almost nonexistent. Most trekkers also hire porters to lighten their burden of carrying heavy loads during all-day trekking. 

So now, in places where trekking solo is an option, the Manaslu Circuit is not one of them.

Packing Essentials

While trekking in Nepal’s Annapurna Region, you must pack the items needed to make your journey comfortable. Here are the detailed items that you need to pack for your trek:

Clothing Essentials

• Moisture-wicking base layers (thermal tops & bottoms)
• Insulated down jacket (lightweight & compressible)
• Fleece jacket or mid-layer
• Waterproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Waterproof trekking pants
• Trekking pants (2 pairs)
• Quick-dry T-shirts/shirts (2–3)
• Warm hat/beanie
• Sun hat or cap
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Thermal gloves (plus lightweight inner gloves)
• Warm trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
• Lightweight gloves for daytime
• Sports bra/underwear (quick-drying)
• Sleepwear or camp clothes (thermal is ideal)

Footwear

• High-quality trekking boots (broken in)
• Camp shoes/sandals (for evenings)
• Gaiters (optional, for snow/mud protection)

Bags & Storage

• Trekking backpack (40–50L for personal use)
• Small daypack (20–25L for essentials)
• Dry bags/stuff sacks (for organizing gear)
• A rain cover for a backpack

Water & Hydration

• Reusable water bottles (1–2 liters)
• Hydration bladder (optional)
• Water purification tablets or filter (must-have)
• Thermos flask (for carrying hot water or tea)

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Quick-dry towel
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Biodegradable soap/shampoo
• Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper (carry enough!)
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Nail clipper & tweezers
• Travel mirror (optional)

First Aid & Medications

• Personal medication (with prescription if needed)
• Diamox (for altitude sickness – consult doctor first)
• Painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen)
• Antiseptic cream & band-aids
• Blister treatment (e.g., Compeed)
• Anti-diarrheal tablets
• Rehydration salts (ORS)
• Motion sickness tablets (if prone to nausea on rough roads)

Electronics & Accessories

• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Power bank (10,000 mAh or more)
• Charging cables (USB, Type-C, etc.)
• Universal adapter (Nepal uses Type C/D/M plugs)
• A lightweight camera or phone with a good battery
• Solar charger (optional, useful in remote areas)

Documents & Money

• Passport with visa
• Printed copies of trekking permits (MRAP, MCAP, ACAP)
• Travel insurance (with high-altitude trekking coverage)
• 4 passport-sized photos (for permits or backup)
• NPR cash
• Travel card/ID copies
• Small lock (for your room or bag)

Snacks & Extras

• Energy bars, trail mix, or nuts
• Electrolyte powder/tablets
• Instant coffee/tea bags
• Reusable cutlery/mug (optional but handy)

Optional but Helpful

• Trekking poles (highly recommended for descents)
• Sleeping bag liner (extra warmth & hygiene)
• Lightweight book or journal
• Earplugs (for snoring teahouse neighbors)
• Duct tape (multi-use repairs)
• Small sewing kit
• Lightweight packable down slippers