Short Manaslu Circuit Trek -10 days

Larkya La: The Pass on the Manaslu Circuit

Larkya La, at 5,160 meters (16,929 feet) above sea level, is the tallest and one of the most difficult points of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is the highlight of the trek, as it offers a spectacular panoramic view surrounding peaks like Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal.

Although crossing Larkya La is tiring due to its altitude, the accomplishment of touching its summit makes it worthwhile. Most trekkers take precautions in planning the day they will succeed in crossing the pass; many stay in a nearby village such as Samdo or Dharamshala for appropriate acclimatization before making the final push.

Thus, the weather may not be predictable, which makes it advisable to bring snow and extreme cold equipment, especially if trekking through the pass in the early morning. r

Best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The best seasons for trekking in the Manaslu Circuit trek are autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May). During these months, there remains clear weather and moderate temperatures that create conditions just right for trekking. Autumn is the peak trekking season in Nepal, as weather conditions remain stable, chances of rain are fairly low, and some of the best surrounding mountain views, including that of Mount Manaslu,.  Daytime temperatures range between 10 and up to 15 degrees, and nights tend to get very cold, especially at the higher altitudes. Spring tends to have those conditions, though the buds are blooming with the color of rhododendron, but tends to attract many more trekkers as opposed to autumn. However, the seasons both provide excellent visibility in addition to a pleasant temperature range, and the conditions are just perfect during the trek.

Monsoon, which falls within the months of June to August, can very well be avoided for trekking because the trails become muddy and dangerous, with high chances of landslides. Winter, from December to February, is also very harsh at higher altitudes where it is freezing and has heavy snow cover, making traveling very difficult and uncomfortable.

Difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trek with moderate difficulty, and a good amount of physical fitness and previous trekking experience is required. The trek is for about 10 days, covering a trekking distance of about 177 kilometers (110 miles). The area is rugged and at times quite challenging as it goes over some steep ascents, narrow trails, and suspension bridges. One of the major challenges is crossing Larkya La Pass, which is at an altitude of 5,160 meters (16,929 feet). This high-altitude pass demands that trekkers acclimatize well to avoid altitude sickness. Trekking at this altitude can be tough aerobically, with trekkers needing to be prepared for long trekking days, typically 5 to 8 hours a day depending on the terrain and the altitude.

The trek, in fact, goes through some dramatic changes in altitude from low areas that are generally carried over with lush forests into high regions with a very spartan, alpine landscape. The condition of the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the higher reaches, where snow and strong winds are common. It is important for the trekkers to be physically fit and mentally prepared for these treks, as it requires stamina and the ability to cope with altitude discomfort.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Accommodation

Unlike other trekking routes like Annapurna or Everest, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is not famous for its types of accommodation. Most trekkers would stay in teahouses, small family-run lodges with simple rooms that give meals.

The lower parts of the trek, such as Soti Khola or Arughat, tear down to pretty comfortable tea houses with some kind of basic rooms with beds, pillows, and blankets. As you climb higher into elevations, the teahouses become very simple and less well equipped. In Samdo and Dharapani, for example, the teahouses can be very basic and not with lots of facilities; rooms are usually common, and at some point, shared bathrooms should be used.

The upper sections of the route, particularly approaching Larkya La Pass, have teahouses that are pretty minimal with heating or electricity. Charging facilities for electronic devices are available in some teahouses, but they are slow and may be charged a small amount. Wi-Fi is rare and is not always available, especially in the more remote areas.

Teahouses will not offer complete comfort; thus, trekkers have to carry their own sleeping bags for the upper altitudes, as nights can be very cold. It usually consists of Nepali traditional dishes like dal bhat, momos, and other noodle dishes, although a few also sell Western-style dishes like pancakes and pasta.

In short, prepared as the Manaslu Circuit Trek is, it offers incredible adventure through the remote but culturally rich parts for very beautiful mountain view scenery. The best time to visit is during the autumn or spring seasons; the trek is moderately difficult, and accommodation along the way is basic but functional, giving trekkers a chance to relax and enjoy themselves after every day’s trek.

Manaslu Trek Walking Distance

Embarking on the 10-day Manaslu Trek is an epic Himalayan adventure, exploring some of the most remote and less-traveled trails in the region. Over the course of the trek, you’ll cover an approximate distance of 180 km (111 miles), averaging 15-20 km per day. This means you’ll spend around 5-6 hours walking each day, depending on the terrain and the altitude.

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola, a distance of around 140 km, where you’ll settle in for the night. The next day, you’ll start your trek towards Jagat, covering a distance of approximately 15–18 km, trekking along the well-marked trails through the forest and the riverbanks. As you move forward, the trek gradually increases in elevation, taking you through the villages of Deng and Namrung with distances of 12–15 km and 13–15 km on those days, respectively. Each of these days involves a mix of uphill and downhill sections, offering diverse walking experiences and beautiful views of the mountains.

By the day of You will finally trek from Day 5 to Samagaun, which is the Tibetan village, covering a distance of about 15–17 km. In this place, you will rest and adapt to the altitude before the strenuous nature of the ascent toward Dharamshala on Day 7, an approximate trek of 16–18 km. This day would be one of the physically demanding because it will lead to the base of the Larkya Pass. The next day would be up to Larkya Pass, where you will have to settle a long way ahead at 20-22 km as it goes up to 5,160 meters before going down to Bimtang for a much-needed rest. The following day is more relaxed for trekking towards Dharapani with about 15–18 km through beautiful valleys and forests.

On the last day, you’ll take a 180-200-kilometer drive back to Kathmandu, which will take about 7-8 hours with several scenic views along the way. Distance might not seem like a huge concern, but altitude and rugged terrain make each day something special. Composed of physical stamina, mental toughness, and proper acclimatization, this trek is devoted to allowing you to relish the views, culture, and feeling of accomplishment once it’s done. If you’re new to trekking in the Himalayas, prepare for the worst, especially on higher elevations; be ready at training to lift your own gear.

Remoteness during the Manaslu Circuit Trek

This Manaslu Trek takes in the remote, isolated part of the Himalayas from the west-central prospects; you cannot expect the services and amenities in the region like in other regions. There isn’t a proper mode of transportation in the region, and the locals are pretty much dependent on porters and yaks to carry the goods. Therefore, the region also hasn’t seen much development due to the lack of transportation facilities.

You will be able to enjoy a moderate level of services and amenities during this trekking; however, they are pretty much limited along the route. For instance, there are no well-developed medical facilities along the trail, internet, telephone, and electricity, which are pretty much limited in the higher regions.