Manaslu Region is a top place for unexplored trekking experiences in Nepal. The abode of the eighth tallest mountain, Mt Manaslu, is full of happenings and offerings. Some of its offerings include majestic peaks, vast valleys, rich culture, diverse vegetation, and loaded natural resources.
And Manaslu Circuit Trek, which lasts 14 days, is the perfect itinerary to unravel all those experiences of the Manaslu Region.
But, as you might know, you cannot do Solo Manaslu Circuit Trek. You need to hire a guide and porter for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Yes, a licensed guide is a must, whereas having a porter is optional.
Why?
Manaslu Region is a restricted region by the government of Nepal to protect its natural and cultural beauty. This government approach aids in preserving the region’s loaded flora and fauna. Also, the area of Manaslu is remote and unexplored. Therefore, the government has made it compulsory to have a guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek.
So you briefly know why to hire guide and porter for Manaslu circuit trek. This blog contains all the necessary information about hiring a porter and guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek. It might be helpful for you.
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Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a fabulous experience in the unexplored Manaslu Region. It is a walk to unravel the less explored home of the world’s eighth highest cliff. The trek takes place in 12 days, and the highest altitude of the hike is Larkya La Pass(5,125m).
The hike begins from Soti Khola and progresses through Manaslu Region’s traditional settlements. Gradually, the dense forests, lofty ridges, rushing rivers, diverse vegetation, vast valleys, green grasslands, lakes, glaciers, and mountains begin to arise. The walk gets more and more beautiful as you progress ahead. Everything on this trek is a new experience as it is an off-the-beaten region.
You will experience the welcomings, lifestyles, and cultures of diverse people of the region. Likewise, the dramatic hike to Larkya La Pass(5,125m) will give you another thrill. Peaks soaked in snowfall like Himlung, Annapurna II, Manaslu, Gyaji Kung, Kang Garu, and others will appear too often on the trek.
In a nutshell, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a worthwhile opportunity to take part in the exploration of the untouched Manaslu Region. The peaceful trail is awaiting its visitors to make them fall in love with the region.
Hire a Guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes, you must hire a guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek. You will not get trekking permits for the trek if you do not have a guide. Guide means a licensed and experienced guide. They should be in the government's books as authorized and trained guides. If he is from the Manaslu Region, that is even better.
The government of Nepal has labeled the Manaslu Region as a restricted region. The government did it for better preservation and conservation of the natural diversity of the pristine Manaslu Region. Thus, foreign travelers are not allowed to travel to the region freely. They must be in a group of at least two hikers with a licensed guide. Hence, hiring a guide for Manaslu Trek is not an option but a compulsion.
Perks of hiring a guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Navigation of the trail will become a lot easier.
- Finding accommodation and food is not a problem.
- Better communication with the locals.
- Explanation and briefing about the places and things on the trek.
- A guide will be your friend in needs and emergencies.
- A guide can manage suitable accommodation and food discounts.
- A guide helps you in avoiding altitude sickness.
- The whole trek becomes more meaningful and memorable.
- A guide gives you tips and helps on the trek.
Hire a porter for Manaslu Circuit Trek?
It is your choice to hire a porter for Manaslu Circuit Trek, as it is not an obligation. A porter is somebody who will carry your loads and backpack on a trek. If you think your bag or loads are too heavy for walking, you can hire a porter.
Otherwise, you can just carry your backpack and walk with your guide. Unlike a guide, a porter is not necessary for the trek until you need it. It is all your choice to hire a porter for Manaslu Circuit Trek or not.
Perks of Hiring a Porter for Manaslu Circuit Trek
- A porter will carry your loads throughout the trek.
- You can just enjoy trekking instead of bearing heavy weights in the mountains.
- A porter will make sure your things are safe.
- A porter allows you to connect with the place.
- A porter makes your trip a bit effortless.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide Cost
A licensed trekking guide is a blessing for a trek like Manaslu Circuit Trek. The guide will lead you the right way, find your accommodation, arrange your food & water, explain the people & places and more.
Simply, he will make your entire trek a great experience. You have to pay them for the service. A licensed guide costs around 30 to 35 USD daily for Manaslu Circuit Trek. The salary includes the costs of food, accommodation, and insurance for your guide.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Porter Cost
Porter carries the load that you could not take on the trek. You will hire a porter only if your body cannot bear your backpack and things. In such cases, employing a porter can be a savior. Instead of a challenging trek, you will have a comfortable walk in the Manaslu region.
The porters cost around 20 to 25 USD per day; the salary includes their food, accommodation, and insurance expenses. You can also hire a porter cum guide. The person will guide you along the trek and bear your backpack or loads. It could be an option if you want to make the tour economical. A Porter cum Guide can cost you around 25 USD daily.
Things to consider to hire a guide and porter for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Expertise
Look for expertise while hiring a guide or a porter for the trek. If your guide is not an expert and has no or less experience, the service may not be good. Your guide should be good at communication skills. You should be communicating with each other. Likewise, the person should be an expert in managing and handling things. Only an experienced guide can have such expertise.
Licensed
Your guide and porter must have licenses for what they are doing. The government of Nepal issues licenses to aspiring guides and porters after scrutinizing. Plus, you can get trekking permits only if you have a certified guide. Hence, make sure you are getting a licensed guide. The trekking guide should not be illegally involved at all. Therefore, only the licensed guide and porter are more trustable and professional.
Local
A local guide can lead in the best way in the Manaslu Region. Local in the sense that the guide or porter should know the region, its place, its people, and its culture. You can have a beautiful trekking experience only with such a guide. Thus, ensure your guide is a local guy who knows everything about the region.
Full Time
You should choose an agency-based guide rather than a freelancer. The guides working with a licensed trekking agency as full-time guides are more expert and professional. You can expect more professionalism from such a guide. Therefore, choose a certified local trekking agency, and the agency will employ an expert guide for you.
At Last
Hire a guide and porter for Manaslu Circuit Trek and make the trek a memorable experience. You have understood why hiring a guide and a porter is necessary for you. The porter and guide are for making things easier and hassle-free. Yes, having a trekking guide in Manaslu Region is a compulsion. But that is for all good.
As you see, Manaslu Region is not as developed as Annapurna and Everest Regions. The remoteness of the place can sometimes be challenging. For this reason, a trustable guide is a gift. Your problems will not only be yours but ours with a guide. Likewise, the porter bears your heavy weights to make your trek easier.
Hence, hiring a guide and porter makes Manaslu Circuit Trek easier. You can reach out to us if you are also looking for the same. We have a great team of experienced guides and porters, and we have been in the business of helping adventurers in Nepal for a long time.
