10 Days Budget Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
The Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty is at a moderate level. This exhilarating Himalayan trekking adventure is suitable for both beginner and experienced trekkers alike. Due to the need to overcome one of the high Himalayan passes this exploration can be slightly difficult to undertake for beginners.
However, as you don’t need any prior trekking experience, you can make up for less experience with a little bit more effort while preparing for the trek. Here are some slightly challenging hurdles of your Budget Manaslu Circuit Trek that you have to overcome during your exploration:
Altitude Gain: This is one of the significant challenges in this classical Himalayan adventure. With the rise in altitude during your trek, the risks of altitude-related sickness also proportionally increase. Thus, you need to be attentive to any symptoms of altitude-related sickness and follow the effective acclimatization process in your trek. Starting your trekking from Machha Khola [900 meters/ 2,952 feet], you will reach the highest elevation point of this adventure, Larke La Pass [5,213 meters/ 17,103 feet].
Trekking Distance: The Manaslu Circuit Trek distance is approximately 177 km (110 miles) long. During this exciting circuit trek, you will trek for about 5-6 hours/ per day on average. Thus, the Manaslu Circuit Trek distance can be physically exhausting if you are not well-prepared for this adventure.
Weather Factor:Trekking past the sub-tropical forested region, you will also explore the alpine Himalayan altitude during this exploration. As the alpine climatic conditions are not predictable, you may face unfavorable climatic conditions even in peak seasons. So, during this Himalayan trip, you need to be ready for any kind of weather conditions that the Himalayan region throws your way.
Remoteness: This exciting circuit trekking adventure takes place in the remote-secluded part of the Himalayan region. So, due to the lack of proper development in the region, you cannot expect the high-end services and amenities of an exotic vacation hub. Thus, you will have to also prepare yourself mentally for the inconveniences and challenges that you have to face due to the remoteness of this adventure.
Permits
The permit requirement list for the Budget Manaslu Circuit Trek is slightly longer than that for other Himalayan explorations. You will need to collect four permits to explore the classical route of both the Annapurna and Manaslu regions.
- Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (RAP)
- Manaslu Consevration Area Project (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
- Trekker’s Information Management System Card (TIMS Card)
You will require the RAP to explore the region between Jagat to Dharapani in the Manaslu region. The cost for the Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu is US$ 100 (for December to August) and US$ 75 (for September to November). Both of these costs are for the first week; you will have to pay US$ 15 and US$ 10 for each additional day spent in the restricted area, respectively.
As for the MCAP, it costs around US$ 10 for the SAARC nationals and US$ 30 for the citizens of other nations. ACAP also has a similar cost, US$ 30 for all foreign trekkers and US$ 10 for the citizens of SAARC nations.
The cost of a TIMS Card is US$ 10 for SAARC nationals and US$ 20 for other foreign nationals. You will be able to get all the necessary permits required for the Manaslu Circuit from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu.
Is Manaslu Circuit Right for Me?
Budget Manaslu Circuit Trek is an exciting adventure to the west-central part of the Himalayas. With this exciting trekking package in the Himalayas, you will be able to explore the alluring base region of the eight highest mountains in the world without breaking the bank.
If you are worried about the difficulty factors of this adventure, you can easily overcome them with sufficient preparation. As you will acclimatize moving along with your trekking journey, it won’t be that difficult to trek across the high Himalayan pass, Larke La Pass.
The overall success rate of this exciting Himalayan trek is 98% to 100%. In Manaslu Circuit’s trekking history, even children and elderly trekkers have conquered this trekking route successfully. So, if you are determined and passionate about this exciting trek, you will be able to overcome the mild Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty without a hassle.
Training and Preparation
Although the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty is on the milder side compared to other remote and high-altitude explorations, you shouldn’t underestimate its difficulty. You to trek for a long duration during each day of the trek.
Furthermore, each day’s trekking adventure takes you to even further heights where even simple tasks can be exhausting due to thin air. So, your preparation should be focussed on enhancing your strength level to handle long days of trekking carrying your backpack.
Similarly, you should also consider including cardiovascular exercise to improve your body’s function to deal with thin air and low oxygen saturation levels. You can set your training duration for 4-6 weeks or adjust it after doing a thorough physical assessment.
Recommended Exercises
For Strength and Endurance:Squat, plank, push up, pull up, calf raise, lunge, bench press, upright row, leg curl, leg press, deadlift, dips, etc
For Cardiovascular: Lateral shuggle, cardio, aerobics, jumping jack, lateral shuffle, swimming, jogging, jumping rope, dancing, etc
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
The Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost is around approximately US$ 900 to US$ 1700. But for the best value Budget Manaslu Circuit Trek, Marvel Advnture has brought this budget-friendly trekking package at just (Add cost here $$)
We don’t compromise when it comes to the integrity of services and experience during your exploration. This budget circuit trekking package will take you across all the major highlights of the region, including some side detours around the incredible valley enroute.
Your trekking package will include the cost of food, accommodation, land transportation, guides, porters, all necessary permits, government taxes, and our service charges. However, the personal nature expenses, tips, visa, travel insurance, etc are not covered by your package.
Accommodation, Food and Beverages
The Budget Manaslu Circuit Trek takes place in the remote and isolated part of the west-central Himalayan region. Although it is not a mainstream trekking route, due to its growing popularity, the services and amenities in this trekking route have significantly improved.
Accommodation
During your 10 Days Budget Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will spend 9 nights at the teahouses/lodges enroute. The teahouses in this remote region are mostly run by the locals, and you can expect a moderate level of service.
The rooms are warm to shelter you from the cold alpine temperatures. Each of the rooms in the teahouse has 2-3 beds. You will receive clean sheets, a comfy mattress, and a warm blanket during your stay at these teahouses.
On the topic of the bathroom facilities, attached bathroom facilities are quite limited in the region. Lower regions do have Western-style bathroom facilities and hot showers. However, at high altitudes, you will have to buy a bucket of hot water for the bath.
Food
Food exploration is another exciting part of this classical trekking adventure. During Manaslcu Circuit, you will be able to taste a diverse range of dishes that represent diverse cultures and traditions.
Including the regional dishes from all over the country, the Tibetan and Indian culture-influenced delicacies are other star dishes of this trekking adventure. You will also be able to enjoy the continental and other western cuisines with slight Nepali touches on this trek.
Menu for Breakfast: Bread, toast, eggs, tea, coffee, juice, muesli, cornflakes, oats, Tibetan bread, paratha, chapati, porridge, pancake, etc
Menu for Lunch and Dinner: Traditional dal bhat tarkari, Thakali set, dhindo, gundruk, chhoyela, Yak steak, momo/dumplings, chowmein, pasta, spaghetti, thukpa, shyaphale, kwati, tsampa, etc
Beverages
During this circuit trek, you will also have the opportunity to taste a diverse line of beverage options. From buttermilk, fresh juice, and canned drinks to cold and hard drinks, you will be able to enjoy a wide variety of delightful beverages in this adventure.
The beverage option in the alcohol segment also comprises regional-local delights to the branded drinks. However, don’t go overbroad while consuming alcoholic beverages, as they are known to make the acclimatization process difficult.
For drinking water (recommended limit of 3-4 liters/per day), you can fill up your bottles at the clean water stations. You can also buy boiled and filtered at the teahouses which cost about US$ 1- US$ 2. Just don’t forget to use purification tablets or solutions in your water before drinking it, even if they are from clean source.
Safety Factors
In your Budget Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will be guided by a government-certified and trained guide. Your safety and well-being during your adventure are our top priority during this high-altitude adventure. So, we will check your oxygen saturation level and overall physical condition during each day of the trek.
If you are wondering about what happens if you get sick during your trek, your trekking guide will report the situation of every day trek to the head office. So, by coordinating with us, your guide will make the decision. Whether, the trekker should be transferred to the nearest health facility or evacuated to Kathmandu via helicopter.
If necessary, Marvel Adventure also can make arrangements for bottled oxygen and a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) if needed. So, you can rest assured and enjoy the magical trekking experience while we take care of every aspects of your adventure.
Preparation and Packing
The weight limit for porters is about 20kg to 25kg. As a single porter is assigned for two trekkers during the trek, if the weight of your baggage exceeds the recommended limit, you will have to carry it on your own. You can also hire an additional porter for your luggage, but it does cost you extra.
You are recommended to pack as light as possible for this adventure without missing out on the basic essentials. You will trek through different climatic zones and across the diverse landscapes in this trek. So, you need to pack considering several factors of the trek.
Head and Body
- Sunhat, cap
- Knitted hat, beanie
- Headscartf, handkerchief
- Neck gaiter
- Hiking shirts (full, half)
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof/ windproof shells
- Thermal sweater
- Down jacket
- Hiking shorts/ lightweight cotton pants
- Waterproof/windproof trousers
- Heavy woolen/fur trousers
- Thermal innerwear/undergarments
Foot
- Light socks, thick woolen socks
- Trekking boot
- Ankle support
- Water resistance gaiter
- Slippers/sandals
Toiletries
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, facewash
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Bar soap
- Small mirror
- Hairbrush, nail clipper
- Face wipes, wet wipes, and tissue paper
- Toilet paper
- Deodorant
- Foot powder
- Sanitizers
- First aid kit
- Personal medication
- Other hygiene products
Gear/Essentials
- Sleeping bag
- Backpack
- Trekking poles
- Packing sack
- Duffle bag
- Binoculars
- Headlamp
- Camera
- Power bank
- Map, GPS
- Thermos bottle
**Note: Don’t forget to change enough cash into local currency for snacks and shopping, as there are no ATMs along the trekking route**
Electricity and Internet
During this exciting circuit trekking adventure, you will be able to use both electricity and the internet. The Himalayan region in Nepal is an isolated part with a very moderate level of development. Still, you will be able to use the electricity and internet services in this circuit trekking adventure.
The lower Manaslu region is well-equipped with hydro-powered electricity. So, you will able to easily charge your devices and use the different modes of entertainment. However, at higher altitudes, due to the inaccessibility of hydropower, the settlements are solar-power reliant.
You will have to pay US$ 2 to US$ 4 to charge your gadgets, depending on the altitude of your trekking route. However, as for internet services in the region, it is pretty much limited. The teahouses/lodges at the lower trekking trails do have internet services available for the guests.
But they are pretty much basic, and the services may not be reliable. You can also purchase the internet package from mobile networks like Ncell and NTC. However, they also can be unreliable at times, depending on the region.
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