Mountains that can be seen during the Manaslu circuit trek
Nepal is home to 8 out of the 14 highest peaks in the world. One of the key offerings of traveling to Nepal is to take in the stunning sights of these Himalayan giants. There are numerous reasons to visit Nepal, including its friendly people, obviously spectacular peaks, its cultural heritage sites, and its world-class treks. The biggest offerings of all are perhaps the incredible sights of Himalayan giants such as Mount Everest, Manaslu, Lhotse, Annapurna, Ama Dablam, and Machhapuchhre. Among all of these attractions, today we will be talking about the Manaslu circuit trek.
13 days Manaslu circuit trek treks take you to the world’s eighth highest mountain, beginning in the busy market town of Soti Khola, going up and back along a different path, and ending in Syange. The beautiful and less crowded compared to peers Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp offers wild and wilderness experiences with authentic local culture and people. Not only that during the trails you will able to enjoy the spectacular sights of mountains. Here are some mountains that can be seen from the Manaslu circuit trek;
Mount Manaslu
Mount Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It is obvious that during the trail you will see a giant big peak which is at an altitude of 8,163 meters. The Manaslu name is derived from the Sanskrit word Manasa which refers to the mountain of the Spirit. Each year thousands of people come here just to see the spectacular sights of the snow-capped mountain.
Larkey peak
Another spectacular mountain that you will witness and have to climb during the Manaslu circuit trek is Larkey Peak. The peak is considered to be a challenging peak in Nepal. It is located at the Manaslu Himalayan ranges at a height of 6219 meters or 20398 feet.
While climbing the peak, you will be able to explore the rich culture of the local community of the Manaslu area and the spectacular geography near the Tibetan village. During the Larkey peak climb, you will also have to cross an attractive mountain pass i.e. Larkya la at an elevation of 5200m. The pass is famous as the world’s longest trekking pass which can be done without the use of any climbing gear.
Himlung Himal
Himlung Himal is another mountain that you will witness during the Manaslu circuit trek. 7126 m tall peak is located in Nepal's western region just above the ancient Tibetan village of Phu in the Naar-Phu region in the northeast of Annapurna and northwest of Manaslu. The peak is considered to be one of the safest and most rewarding peaks in Nepal. The climb of Himlung Himal through the typical course represents no specialized issues. The trail leads through day snow and ice with no stone climbing sections. The climbing season is in the fall and spring.
Cheo Himal
During the Manaslu circuit trek, you will witness the spectacular sights of Cheo Himal. The beautiful Himal is situated at 6,820m above sea level, in the Peri Himal range in Manang district west Nepal. Cheo is about 3 km far from Himlung. The mountain was climbed by the Japanese Shigeki Imoto, Nepalese Ful Bahadur Rai, Tshering Sherpa, and Dambar Bahadur Gurung in 1992 from the southeast ridge.
Gyaji Kang
Gyaji Kang is one of the most notable peaks during the Manaslu circuit trek. It is at an altitude of 7,038 meters and situated nearby to the localities Nemjung Goth and Himlung. The trek takes you through the remote Tibetan setting villages of Nar and Phu on the Tibet border in the most northern part of Manang, Nepal. This will help you to learn more about the culture, tradition and so on. This area was very lately explored so it is known to limited climbers only. Therefore very few teams have climbed this peak.
Nemjung
Nemjung is located approximately 150 kilometers northwest of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu and about 25 km northwest of the eight-thousander, Manaslu. The summit of the Nemjung is at an elevation of 7,140 meters above sea level. The peak was first climbed on October 27, 1983, via the east edge by a joint expedition from the Hirosaki University Alpine Club and Nepal led by Junji Kurotaki.
Kang Guru
Kang Guru is another gorgeous mountain that is located in the Manang region of Gandaki Province. The summit of the Kang Guru is at an elevation of 6981m above sea level. The peak is one of the highest peaks of the Larkya sub-range of the Nepalese Himalayas. Furthermore, the Larkya range lies northwest of Mansiri Himal and northeast of the Annapurnas. Thus, while on the Manaslu circuit trek, make sure to ask your guide which one is Kang Guru.
Annapurna II
Annapurna II is another giant peak that you will witness during Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is a part of the Annapurna mountain range located in Nepal and is the eastern anchor of the range. Moreover, it is the 16th tallest highest mountain in the world and the second-highest peak of the Annapurna mountain range. The peak was first ascended by a British/Indian/Nepalese team led by J. O. M. Roberts via the West Ridge, reached by hiking the North face of Annapurna IV in 1960. The summit of the Annapurna II is at an elevation of 7937m above sea level.
Mt. Hiunchuli
During the Manaslu circuit trek, one can observe the rich culture of the local people with the majestic views of the mountain. You will be able to see the shiny snow-covered mountain of Hiunchuli. It is situated in the Annapurna massif of the Gandaki Province in north-central Nepal. Furthermore, Hiunchuli is the extension mountain of the Annapurna South. There is a narrow section of the Modi Khola valley between the Hiunchuli and Machapuchhare. The valley is also an access point to the Annapurna Sanctuary. The peak was first climbed by the U.S. Peace Corps volunteer Craig Anderson in 1971.
Mt. Ganesh
Not only Manaslu, Annapurna, you will able to witness Mount Ganesh which is a sub-range of the Himalayas located mostly in north-central Nepal, but some peaks lie on the border with Tibet. The summit of the Ganesh is at an elevation of 7422m. The highest peak in Ganesh Himal is Mount Ganesh I i.e. Yangra.
Manaslu Conservation Area
Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) was established in October 1998 by the Nepal government. It encompasses 1663 square kilometers area. It aims to preserve natural resources and rich cultural heritage. It also promotes ecotourism to improve the livelihood of the local people of the Manaslu region.
MCA is home to different rare inhabits and floras. It preserves 33 species of mammals, 11 species of butterflies, 3 different sorts of reptiles, and 201 kinds of birds. There are 11 kinds of forests, more than 50 kinds of useful plants like herbs and shrubs, as well as almost 2000 species of plants.
Apart from them, Manaslu Conservation Area covers the villages like Sirdibas, Chhekampar, Chumchet, Bihi, Prok, Lho, and Samagaun. MCA is divided into three different geographical regions on the basis of ethnicity and nature. They are Nubri Valley, Tsum Valley, and the Kutang. The altitude goes up from almost 600 meters to the top of Mt. Manaslu at an elevation of 8,163 meters above sea level. As a result, the climate changes from place to place.
The Samagaun, Prok, and Lho come under the Nubri Valley lies in the northwestern part of the Manaslu Conservation Area. On the other hand, Chumchet and Chhekampar are included in the Tsum Valley, which lies in the northeastern part and the Bihi is only one village that comes under Kutang. Among these valleys, the Nubri and Tsum have their own distinctive features and are mainly popular valleys of the Manaslu region. The former is typically famous for Buddhist education where many monks and nuns live there. You can explore the historic Buddhist Monasteries. But the latter is popular for the Tibetan Buddhist culture which is situated nearby the border between Nepal and Tibet.
Before 2001, no any tourist got permission to enroll in the Manaslu region. Then the Nepal government handed over the responsibility of MCA management to the NTNC for 10 years and later extended the time again for 10 years. It means 20 years in total aiming to upgrade tourism in the Manaslu sector and improve the lifestyle of the local communities.
Before, the Manaslu area was deprived of basic services including safe drinking water, electricity, schools, and hospitals. As well as the development of infrastructure was also neglected. So, they depended on animal husbandry, natural resources exploitation, and non-technical agriculture. Therefore, NTNC started to work out the program named as Manaslu Ecotourism Development Project. NTNC worked in cooperation with the Nepal Government and the Asian Development Bank under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation's Second Tourism Infrastructure Development Project.
Many field programs were held and implemented to motivate and increase the locals' capacity and enhance their leadership for managing the natural heritages. Now, the MCA is being managed by the Integrated Conservation and Development Program (ICDP) approach which emphasizes on the management of natural resource sustainability.
However, the prime objectives behind the establishment of the Manaslu Conservation Area are listed below;
- To manage and preserve the natural resources and the cultural heritage of the Manaslu region
- To upgrade the eco-tourism in order to improve the lifestyle of local inhabitants
Things to do in Manaslu Conservation Area
- Trekking
- Mountaineering
- Bird Watching
- Red Panda Tracking
- Snow Leopard Tracking
- Himalayan Thar, etc
Some places to visit in Manaslu Conservation Area
- Larke La Pass
- Tsum Valley
- Samagaun
- Pungyen Monastery
- Birendra Lake, etc
Some names of Protected Mammals
- Red Panda
- Musk Deer
- Snow Leopard
- Gray Wolf
- Protected Mammals
- Lynx
- Leopard Cat
- Tibetan Brown Bear
- Himalayan Bear
- Assamese Monkey, etc
Some names of Protected Birds
- Impeyan Pheasant
- Crimson Horned Pheasant, etc
Please, step gently into the fragile Himalayan land of the Manaslu region and follow some rules for maintaining the natural and cultural heritage. They are;
- Do not disturb the wildlife and their habitats
- Do not damage or remove any plants
- Do not purchase animal parts and antiques
- So not light open fires
- Support the local economy in the best possible way
- Use and encourage alternative energy sources for firewood
- Make sure that you and your trekking support crews do not burn firewood for heating
- Dispose of rubbish things properly at the proper sites
- See that your trekking support staff does the same
- Carry out all other non-biodegradable and toxic rubbish
- Use a water purifier instead of plastic mineral water bottles
- Ask permission to Photograph people
- Do not give anything to the beggers
- Avoid wearing revealing clothes and avoid outward displays of physical affection
Manaslu Circuit Trek Food and Accommodation
As it is known, Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in the remote region of Nepal. It is a less-explored place. And it is also a kind of tea house trek in the Himalayan sector of Nepal.
So, tea houses are used as Manaslu circuit trek accommodations. A tea house is like a small hotel or lodge in a mountainous area. It offers basic facilities only in the higher elevation while you can expect more facilities in the lower elevation.
All the rooms are provided on a twin-sharing basis. But you may get a single room as well in low-altitude places. Hot showering, mobile charging, attached bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi are the basic features of lower-elevation tea houses. But only a twin-shared room, a clean pillow and blanket, sharing traditional toilets, and a charging plug are offered in the higher altitude hotels in the Manaslu region.
You need to pay a small amount for mobile charging and Wi-Fi. So, we recommend you buy an online data pack from the mobile SIM card and get connected with us and your family.
Taking a small mobile charging backup may prevent you from wasting money for charging a mobile in upper elevated places in Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Regarding the food in the mountain during Mt. Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can get Nepali dishes like Daal, Bhat, Tarkari, and pickle mostly in all the hotels. But both Asian and Western foods are also served. You can get verities of meals, especially in the lower-elevation tea houses. Normally, lunch and dinner are similar, but you can have a choice.
Please, read the following tentative Manaslu circuit trek food chart;
Breakfast: two boiled eggs/fried eggs, pancakes, porridge, juice, tea, coffee, Tibetan bread, toasted bread with jam, Muesli, fruits, vegetables, cornflakes, and others
Lunch/ Dinner: Rice, Lentil, seasonal vegetable, pickle, Thendug, Spaketi, Chowmein, Momos, Steak, Sherpa Stew, Macrooni, vegetable soup, non-veg soup, tomato salad, spinach salad, onion salad, mushroom soup, potatoes, Korean Ramen, Papad, Prawn, Rice pudding and apple pie as dessert, soft and hard drinks, and others.
We highly recommend you have a fresh vegetable soup for your health benefits.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
Normally, the Manaslu circuit trek 2023/2024 is considered one of the moderately strenuous trekking destinations in Nepal. Because you are going to cross the Larke La Pass over 5000 meters above sea level. It is very tiring to cross the Pass. But the outstanding Himalayas views, unspoiled natural features, and diverse ethnic cultures encourage you to complete the entire trekking.
Manaslu circuit trek difficulty depends on some of the factors that appear during trekking. Such as high altitude sickness, long walking distances, unpredictable weather, remote landscapes, and heavily loaded backpacks.
However, all our guides are Nepal government-certified licensed holders. They are first aid trainers as well.
Besides, most of our guides and porters belong to the Himalayan region of Nepal. And we always send them on trips related to their living zone because they know technically well about every single trail of their area.
So, you do not need to be worried. We handle everything. We may even charter the helicopter in case of emergency. But the Helicopter hiring fees must meet your travel insurance policy.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance
The Manaslu circuit trek distance is approximately 160 km from Sotikhola to Dhararpani. The former is the Manaslu treks Nepal starting place whereas the latter is the ending point.
Similarly, Sotikhola lies in the Manaslu region while Dharapani is located in the Annapurna region. It means, that the Manaslu circuit treks Nepal adjoin the Annapurna zone at the end of trekking. If you want you can even extend your trekking duration and join the Annapurna Circuit Trek as well within a single itinerary.
It is 14 days of Manaslu Circuit Trek in total. You need to walk for almost seven to eight hours per day. We have calculated 2 days for acclimatization.
If you are physically fit and have a high-altitude trekking experience, you can cut off the trekking days and enjoy the short round trekking to Mt. Manaslu. In the same way, we can even add more days if you require.
But you have to arrive in Nepal 2 days before your trip starts. Because the Nepal government requires your original passport for making MCAP permit card. As you know, it is a restricted area of Nepal.
However, we can customize it as per your requirements. So, please know about the distance of trekking before planning the itinerary of the circuit trek to Manaslu.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Route
Our Manaslu trek route includes many different culturally rich villages, pristine Mt. Manaslu, and pure and authentic ethnic traditions. Gurung and the Tsum are the ethnical tribes of the Manaslu region.
We have designed the Manaslu trek for 14 days including two resting days. The trek begins from Sotikhola and ends at Dharapani.
Machchha Khola, Jagat, Deng Khola, Namrung, Sama Gaun, Samdo Village, DharmaShala, Bimthang, and the Tilije are other places included in the Manaslu circuit trek route.
Larke Pass with an elevation of 5,160 meters is the most challenging walking day of the entire Manaslu trail in Nepal.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Acclimatization
Acclimatization is one of the major concerns of every trekking package. Having proper acclimatization prevents you from getting high-altitude sickness.
So, we have designed this trekking to the Manaslu region concerning those acclimatization factors. We have added 2 more extra days for rest.
Larke La Pass is the highest pass of Manaslu trekking. It is situated at an elevation of 5160 meters above sea level. It is the hardest point of the entire trekking route to cross. So, you need to be well acclimatized before crossing this Larke Pass.
However, all our trained guides and porters assist you during trekking. If you get contacted with altitude sickness, our guide will descend you to lower altitude places. If it seems serious, you will be transferred to the Hospital in the capital city of Nepal. We will hire a Helicopter if the situation demands.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
Manaslu circuit trek cost depends on the size of the groups. More groups offer a low cost while few take a high price. A Manaslu round trek starting spot is reachable over land. You do not need a flight. So, it is a cheaper destination as compared to its peer Everest base camp trek.
Besides, the services that you want to buy also affect the Manaslu Circuit trek cost. For example; if you hire a porter only, the trekking price would be cheaper when compared to hiring a guide.
Similarly, if you buy a full board Manaslu circuit trek package with us, then it may cost a bit expensive. But this package offers various facilities. For instance; you can have three times meals. You can get seasonal fruits as complementary during trekking days.
On the other hand, you can only hire a porter and pay for everything yourself. It costs cheaper for you. You can order food and pay yourself concerning your budget.
You can also rent a room in comparison ranging from low to high cost. In this way, you may save money.
Manaslu circuit trek is possible after getting a special MCAP permit from the Nepal government.
For more information, please visit our circuit trekking to Mt. Manaslu cost button where you can see the price list and offers. If there is anything to be negotiated, you can contact us at any time.
Manaslu Round Trekking days in detail
It is the Manaslu trek 14 days itinerary. However, you will walk only for 13 days including two acclimatization days.
Another extra day is reserved to make a Manaslu circuit trek permit. To buy MCAP special permit, you need to submit your original passport. And the permit can be bought during office days only. So, please schedule your Manaslu circuit trek itinerary concerning this factor.
It means you need to arrive in Nepal two days before your circuit trek to Mt. Manaslu starts. One day is for arrival and the next one is for trek preparation and permit collection.
The Manaslu trek in Nepal begins from a place called Soti Khola. It lies in the northern part of Nepal in the Dhading district. You can reach there after almost 6 hours of road drive. It is scenic driving. You can explore the White Water, green forest, towns, and the highway during driving.
From Soti Khola, the circuit trek to Manaslu embarks on. The trail goes ahead along the terraced farmland, green forest, steep ridges, and suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Finally, you will reach your today’s destination. It is Machchha Khola with an elevation of 890 meters above sea level. You are going to spend your night over there.
After having your breakfast, the trekking to the Manaslu circuit begins in the morning. It is a fluctuated walking. Because you are going to walk ascending and descending pathways, on the way, you will reach a place, known as Tatopani. It is a natural hot spring place. You can have a bath over there and get a rest. From there, you will cross another suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Then again crossing another precarious bridge, you will ascend steeply on a stone staircase. You can explore the typical Gurung village on top of the stair. Then, you need to cross one more suspension bridge again and will reach Jagat.
You will leave Jagat after eating breakfast in the morning. You will go up steeply to Salleri and come down to Sirdibas. It goes continuously and crosses a suspension bridge again over the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail takes you to Philim. It is a large Gurung ethnic village in the Manaslu region. You can have lunch there and know them and their culture closely. After having a rest, the Manaslu treks of Nepal continue. From there, you will walk with nature only because of the lowest number of houses established in the far distance. You will walk along the millet fields in Eklebhatti and cross the Budhi Gandaki River again. It moves ahead through the forest of Bamboo and finally takes you to Deng after crossing a small Deng River.
Today, you are going to Namrung Village for an overnight stay. In the beginning, you will cross the Budhi Gandaki River and reach Bhi. You will cross this river several times today as well. The trail goes through lush forests, alpine vegetation, and old-fashioned ancient ethnic houses. So, this day is essential for experiencing the cultural sections of the Manaslu region. You see lots of Gompas en route. While walking, you realize the forest becoming thinner to thinnest. After climbing a ridge, you will enter the Namrung Village.
Today, you enjoy your breakfast in front of the magnificent Himalayas views. You can see the beautiful Ganesh Himal and Mt. Himal Chuli. After finishing breakfast, your trail starts again. Your Manaslu trek ascends sharply through the forest and reaches the village, known as Lihi. This place is famous for stupas and terraces. Then you will descend. While descending, you can uncover the close-up Mt. Ganesh Panoramas.
Then you will pass many villages with different mountain views. You can see the majestic Mt. Manaslu vistas from Lho village. You can explore the renowned Ribung Gompa over there.
Another village is Shyala. It offers extraordinary mountain ranges like Himal Chuli, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and other neighboring peaks.
Finally, you will reach Samgaon where you will spend your two nights. It means you will have a day's rest for your proper acclimatization. You can spend your day roaming around the village or go for a short hike to Pungyen Gompa. It is an ancient monastery. You can see the great Manalsu glaciers from there. Besides, you can visit the thousands of Mani walls with Buddhist texts.
This is one of the easiest trekking days while comparing to other Around Manaslu trek days. You will go down and cross the Budhi Gandaki River Bridge. During walking, you will pass lots of Mani stones. As you move ahead, you will get closer to the Tibetan border. The trail passes the forests of birch and juniper. Then again cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. And the continuation of your walking takes you to Samdo Village. You will spend two nights in this village as well. Because you are getting into the higher elevated places day by day. And to be well acclimatized is mandatory for reducing the risks of getting high altitude sickness. So, you can spend your rest day visiting the surrounding places or joining hiking to observe the Tibetan border. You can explore the delightful mountain views as well.
Today, you are going to Dharmasala. It is the shortest walking day of entire trekking days. En route to Dharmasala, you will pass the Larke Bazaar. It is a seasonal Tibetan market. You can witness the Larke Glacier while descending the Budhi Gandaki River. After having a short climb, you will reach Larke Phedi. You will have lunch and dinner in the same place. Now, you can take a rest.
Today, you are going to cross the Larke La Pass. So, you need to wake up early in the morning, have a delicious breakfast and move ahead. It is the most challenging day of the entire trekking day. Because you are going to walk across the moraine glacier. It is steep to steeper walking trails. So, this day is considered a difficult day for the trek to Mt. Manaslu Circuit.
You need to start your journey very early in the morning before the wind comes. You will cross numerous villages, and see the beautiful valleys, and glaciers. As you walk on Larke Pass, you will be astounded by the gigantic views of Larkya Peak and Cho Danda. After crossing the Pass, you will see the outstanding Mt. Himlung, Mt. Cheo, and Annapurna II. Then you will descend toward Bimthang Village.
In the morning, after having breakfast, the Manaslu circuit trekking Nepal, a trek through the Himalayas to the Manaslu trail moves on. This is the final trekking day. Today, you will go to Tilije. It lies in the Annapurna region of Nepal. If you want, you can extend your Manaslu circuit trek to the Annapurna circuit trek. It can be named Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek. A trail continues along the Dudh Koshi River in the beginning. It goes through a forest of rhododendron. It passes some villages and reaches Tilije by walking along the lush terraced fields and climbing a ridge. During walking, you will be surrounded by lots of Himalayan views. Such as Himlung Himal, Lamjung Himal, Mt. Manaslu, and Cheo Himal.
In the morning after having your breakfast, you will have a short trek to Dharapani. This is the end of your trekking to the Manaslu circuit region. Today, you will have a drive to Kathmandu. It takes almost 10 hours to reach there from Dharapani by private vehicle. This drive offers mountain views, landscapes, and river streams.
After reaching Thamel, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Manaslu Circuit Trek without Guide
A solo trek to the Manaslu circuit is not possible activity. Because Manaslu is one of the prohibited areas of Nepal. It is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet.
To enter this region, you must buy a special Manaslu Conservation Area Permit. And you must hire at least a porter to join the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal.
So, the trek to the Manaslu circuit region is possible only with a guide. Otherwise, foreigners are not allowed. There are more than two check posts for checking your Around Manaslu trek permit and the guide.
Therefore, be prepared for hiring either guide or a porter for joining the Manaslu treks in Nepal. It helps to promote this isolated region as well.
We arrange everything for you including the MCAP permit, guide, and porter according to your wishes.
Manaslu Round Trek Best Season
Generally, spring and autumn are considered to be the best seasons for trekking in the Himalayan region of Nepal. So, March to May and September to November are taken as the Manaslu circuit trek's best season.
March, April, and May are the end of winter in Nepal. So, the temperature gets a little bit higher, but it neither be cold nor hot in the daytime. It would be colder at night in the higher elevation.
The sky looks clear and the day strengthens longer. As a result, you can see vivid mountain views. You can walk till evening. Besides, it is the time of blossoming the floras like rhododendron in the Manaslu region. Due to the warmer days, there would be a chance of seeing the wildlife as well.
September, October, and November fall under the autumn season in Nepal. September is the end of the monsoon period. From this month, the festival begins in Nepal till the mid of November.
As it is the festive period, you can get a deep knowledge about our culture and get the opportunity to celebrate with the locals.
Likewise, the temperature remains stable during these months. So, trekkers can go ahead with a tension-free mind regarding the weather. The clear sky offers clear Himalayan Panoramas.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Gears
Below are the tentative lists of Manaslu circuit trek equipment. Please, check the details;
- Sun Hat
- Winter Hat
- Scarf
- Sunglass
- Sunscreen
- Lip care
- Thermal Gloves
- Warmer Gloves
- Inner leg and body Thermal wear
- Warmer T-shirts
- Down Jacket for the winter season
- Fleece Jacket
- Inner Trouser
- Warmer Trekking Pants
- Warmer Socks
- Trekking Boots
- Slippers
- Rain Coats for Monsoon
- Waterproof Jacket and Pants
- Thermal Bottle
- Water Purification (will be provided by Rising Adventure)
- Trekking Pole
- Head Lights
- Backpack
- Sleep Bags (provided by Rising Adventure if needed)
- Personal Accessories
You can take other things as well as per your requirements.
Why should I hire a guide for Manaslu Trek?
Hiring a guide for every trek in the Himalayas of Nepal is an outstanding activity, though it is doable alone. But the Manaslu circuit trek solo is impossible. You must hire a guide if you wish to join the Manaslu trekking. The Nepal government would not allow you to enter the Manaslu region without a guide. However, the guided tours in Nepal make you feel stress-free, provide company, and extend the chance of trip success rate.
There are lots of reasons for why the government of Nepal focuses mandatorily on hiring a guide, especially for trekking to Manaslu. One of the major factors is that Mt. Manaslu lies in the remote region of Nepal and this region is categorized under the restricted area of Nepal. It would be dangerous to walk alone in this sector due to the off-the-beaten trails and the unequipped tea-houses. You must buy a special permit to go into this region.
The safety and security of the trekkers are another important factor for hiring the guides. As you know, the Manaslu circuit is a strenuous trekking. It is a difficult trek as you need to cross over 5000 meters Thorang La Pass and the path is steep and rocky. So, if you are with a guide, s/he will assist you in walking at a maintained pace, and make you aware of upcoming obstacles earlier like the bad weather or puzzling routes. S/He also teaches you about the guidelines for coping with those hindrances during the trekking to Mt. Manaslu. A guide contacts his/her offices if some unavoidable circumstances happen to you. For instance, if you get sick, a guide applies the first-aid medication and takes you to the nearby hospital if possible. If not, s/he will call his/her manager for the helicopter rescue.
Therefore, managing the proper itinerary is also a concerning issue. An expert guide must possess the quality of managing a proper itinerary. Because a trekking itinerary is a plan for what and when to do and where to go. Similarly, it includes the acclimatization days too for not getting the acute mountain sickness while going up towards the higher elevation. Both a guide and a trekking company help you in making preferable trek preparations.
Another reason is that the Manaslu is an isolated place. The trail is longer as well as confusing due to the lack of villages and the signboards on the route. As a result, there would be a possibility of getting lost or catching the wrong way. So, you must hire an experienced guide in coordination with the reputed trekking agencies to complete the trek safely. The company provides a hassle-free trekking plan with adequate preparation.
As it is well-known that Manaslu is located in a distant zone. Almost all the residents do not understand the foreign language even Nepali because they mostly speak their mother tongue only. It means if you hire a guide, s/he helps you in reducing the language gap between you and the locals. It would be easier for you to learn about the history, culture, architecture, and tradition in a translating way.
At last, hiring a guide does not mean that you will be charged expensively. It means that you are promoting local tourism as well as the economy of this backward region of Nepal. In this way, the local gets the employment and promotes their living standard. It also supports growing small businesses. But it is beneficial for you as well because a guide helps you in searching the nice accommodation in the mountains.
