Manaslu trek is one of the rural area treks of Nepal offering you a panoramic view of the mountains, landscapes and an insight into Buddhist culture. Mt. Manaslu (8156 m) is the world's eighth highest summit. Manaslu Trek is located in the restricted area of Nepal and it was opened for trekkers in 1991. The trek is less crowded than the Annapurna and Everest Region. It was not so popular a few years ago but now due to construction of roads in Annapurna region it is getting more and more popular among the trekkers. The trip to Manaslu Trek starts after six or seven hours of a drive from Kathmandu. Even this short drive offers you a stunning view of the mountains and a beautiful view of landscapes and valleys. During the trip you can see the closest view of Mt. Manaslu and many other peaks and mountain ranges. The route is challenging and the Larkya La Pass (5100 m) makes it more of an adventure. Some parts of this trek also continue through the Annapurna Region so trekkers must have a trekking permit of the Manaslu Conservation Area, Restricted Area and the Annapurna Conservation Area. A few days before you end this trek, if you want to go through the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can continue from Dharapani and you can experience another adventure trip through Throngla Pass (5416 m) and see an amazing view of the Annapurna and some parts of the Upper Mustang. A massive earthquake of 25 April 2015 has severely destroyed this region, though the Nepal government and the services of the Manaslu Conservation Area have already reconstructed the trail and the basic teahouses for trekkers.
Tea house Accommodation and Meals during Manaslu Trek
At the lower altitude a standard tea house accommodation is available in Manaslu trek and meals are basic but sufficient for trekkers which is served by the teahouses. You can find the private room for one or two person up to Shamdo and from Bhimthang to all entire trip but at Dharmasala there are only few teahouses so you may prepared to shared the accommodation with other trekkers. Teahouses in Dharmasala are really very basic and a group of 4-8 trekkers have to share the room during the peak season time. Compared to other places on this day at Dharmashala you may prepare with limited meals served by the teahouse. At the lower altitude than Dharmasala and from Bhimthang you have few choices on meals which you can choose freely from the menu card and place your order.
Internet and Mobile Phone Network in Manaslu Trek
Most of the places, even at the teahouse you can have a wifi facility in Manaslu trek. Once you are at Dharmasala and this is the most basic place during the entire Manaslu Circuit Trek so you may not expect internet and mobile phone networks on this day. If you would like to have the local sime card for using your own internet and calls then it is better to have a NTC sim card as it has wider coverage. Only a few places like Shamdo, Dharamshala and until you reach Phedi, crossing the larkyala Pass (5106 metres). Rest of the trip you will really have good coverage with net work during this trip.
Backpacking / Gears for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The lower part of Manaslu trail during the day is pretty warm and you can feel really hot in both spring and autumn season. Once you are over 3000 metres then morning and evening will start to be slightly chilly. The lowest temperature you have to prepare for this trek is up to -15 or 20 degrees in the worst weather condition so depending on your body's adoption of these temperatures every individual adaptation can be vary however for the reference you may have a below list of equipment for a gear list to Manaslu Circuit Trek. We will provide one duffle bag to each member to transport luggage during the trek and for your day bag about 35-50 litres of backpack is recommended to carry your valuables during the hike.
Upper Parts: Few pairs of t-shirts (3-4), couple of long sleep shirts, fleece jacket or marino shits, One down jacket, light glove , thick glove with water/windproof outer shell, waterproof jacket, windstopper, scarf for neck/ head, warm hat, sun hat, sunglass uv protection, suncream (+40 or more), trekking poles
Lower Parts: few pairs of shorts (2-3), underwear - 4-5 pairs , one trekking trouser, fleece or merino warm underpants , waterproof/ windproof trouser, gaiters, few pairs light trekking socks (3-4), warm socks -2 pairs, micro crampons, trekking shoes, light sport shoes or sandal
Toiletries: One quick-drying towel, antibacterial hand gel, tooth paste, tooth brush, shower gel, soap, toilet papers, tissue papers, nail cutter,face cream, wet waives ,
Miscellaneous: First aid kids, headlight with batteries, trekking maps, camera, books,water bottle, chargers, powerbank, water purifying tablets, vitamins, minerals, sleeping bag - 15 degrees minimum, small lock to secure your main luggage etc.
Price / Cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek
The price for Manaslu Circuit Treks depends on the package you choose. As you are already in trekking, there you do not have much option to upgrade your accommodation as most of the part has standard teahouses and some of the place like in Dharmasala has too basic teahouse for your accommodation so the price for the Manaslu Circuit Trek depends on the category of hotel you choose in Kathmandu, mode of transport either you are taking a private jeep or a shared local bus to Machhakhola and meals if it is limited or not limited makes the difference in the price of Manaslu Circuit Trek.
