Manaslu Base Camp Trek
- Friday May 15, 2020
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Manaslu Base Camp Trek is another famous trek in the Manaslu region. Situated on the Nepal-Tibet border in the Gorkha district, Manaslu Base Camp Trek is an isolated and remote trek that offers breathtaking views of the mountains, diverse cultures and ethnicity, and rich biodiversity. You can get picturesque views of Manaslu Himal (8153m), Ganesh Himal (7319m), Shringi Himal (7187m), and Himal Chuli (7893m) in this 15 Days Manaslu Base Camp Trek.
Manaslu Base Camp Trek takes you to the base of the world’s eighth higher mountain, Mount Manaslu. Manaslu was derived from Sanskrit, meaning “Mountain of Soul.” Located around 64 km east of Annapurna, Manaslu Base Camp Trail was opened for travelers worldwide just in 1992. Thus, the trail is still less explored, and the beauty is unaltered. It is an untouched natural paradise trail in Nepal.
When trekking on the Manaslu Base Camp Trail, you will come across several local settlements with welcoming and friendly locals. Most of the Manaslu Base Camp route inhabitants are of Tibetan origin. Thus, you can closely explore the authentic Tibetan lifestyle and find many Buddhist holy monasteries that make this trek spiritual and healing to the soul. Plus, the trail offers fantastic views of the Tibetan Plateau.
Manaslu Base Camp is located 4800 meters above sea level. Since most of the Manaslu Base Camp Trek trail is declared a restricted area by the Nepal Government, trekkers require a special permit to trek in the Manaslu region.
This Manaslu Trekking is strenuous and challenging. It might be pretty tricky for beginners. But, with proper preparation and planning, you can conquer this trek.
Major Highlights of This Manaslu Trekking
- Traverse the majestic Manaslu Base Camp with an up-close view of Mount Manaslu, the 8th-highest mountain in the world.
- Insight into the Tibetan and Buddhist culture
- Experience the remote and untouched nature of the Manaslu Region.
- Enjoy the peaceful and tranquilizing off-the-beaten trek in the less crowded region of Manaslu Base Camp.
- Trek to the beautiful Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Breathtaking views of Himlung Himal (7216m\23,345ft) and Mt. Manaslu (8153m/26,748ft).
- Visit many Buddhist monasteries and remote villages in the region.
- Natural eye-catching landscape, high glacier lakes, enthralling flora, and fauna.
Manaslu Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu
Day 2: Trekking preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Day 3: Drive to Soti Khola (710m/2,330ft) via Arughat (670m/2,198 ft) on private vehicle: 135km, 8-9 hrs drive
Day 4: Soti Khola to Macha Khola (890m/2,920ft) – about 14km, 6-7 hrs
Day 5: Macha Khola to Jagat (1340 M) – about 22km, 8-9 hrs
Day 6: Jagat to Deng (5,917 feet / 1,804 m) – about 21km, 8-9 hrs
Day 7: Deng to Namrung (2,660m/8,725ft) – about 12km, 6-7 hrs.
Day 8: Namrung to Samagaun (3,530m/11,578ft) – about 12km, 7-8 hrs
Day 9: Samagaun to Samdo (3,860m/12,660ft) via Manaslu Base Camp- about 8km, 3-4 hrs
Day 10: Acclimatization day in Samdo
Day 11: Samdo to Dharmasala, also known as Larke La base camp (4,460m/14,628ft)- about 7km, 3-5 hrs
Day 12: Dharmasala to Bhimtang (3,720m/12,201ft) via Larke La pass – about 12km, 7-9 hrs
Day 13: Bhimtang to Tilje(2300m) – about 16km, 6-7 hrs
Day 14: Tilje to Bagarchap (2160m) and Besisahar to Kathmandu – about 9hrs drive.
Day 15: Final Departure
When to do the Manaslu Base Camp trek?
Best time for Manaslu Base Camp Trek
The best time for the Manaslu Base Camp trek is during Spring and Autumn.
Autumn
September, October, and November are the autumn months in Nepal. During autumn, you will experience different weather conditions depending on the time of your trek. If you are trekking in early September, you may experience occasional downpours as it is the shoulder months between monsoon and autumn. Thus, the temperature is cool during early September. And you can experience dry and stable weather during October and November. The mountains’ views are best this season, with the most suitable weather and temperature for trekking. Thus, autumn is the best time to do Manaslu Base Camp Trek.
Spring
Spring is the second-best season for Manaslu Base Camp Trek. March, April, and May are the Spring months in Nepal. In autumn, the temperature is excellent, and the sky is bright and warm during spring. The temperature is just perfect for trekking in spring. And you can enjoy clear blue and cloudless sky and breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding landscapes. Thus, the stable weather condition of spring brings thousands of climbers and trekkers to the Manaslu region.
Off-Season for Manaslu Trek
Winter and Summer are two seasons that are considered the off-season for the Manaslu Base Camp Trek. But it is still doable in these seasons. All you need is good preparation, and you are good to go.
Winter
December, January, and February fall in the winter season. During December, you can always enjoy a clear sunrise and sunset. However, some teahouses might be closed as the local migrates to the lower region to avoid the cold weather. Besides, you must prepare for heavy snowfall while trekking in winter. Due to the heavy snowfall, January is not favored for the Manaslu Base Camp trek. It may provoke some trekking interruptions.
Summer/Monsoon
During the summer/monsoon, moderate rain is too common. Due to this, Manaslu Base Camp Trek is not considered during summer. Also, the temperature becomes colder due to the rain. But, the early morning walks in the drizzling rain can be a great refreshment. However, most trails are slippery and wet, making it more difficult to trek. However, you will witness the sky come alive after the dust settles.
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Necessary Packing List For Manaslu Base Camp Trek
Packing light and packing correctly is crucial for any high-altitude trekking in Nepal. A good packing list will protect you from any weather conditions in the high altitude of the Manaslu region. So, it would help if you had quality trekking equipment and proper clothing gear during the trek.
Here is the thing that you might not want to miss on the packing list during Manaslu Base Camp Trek:
- Pullover
- Expedition thermal tops
- Fleece Jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Windstopper jacket
- Cotton Trousers
- Shorts
- Thermal underwear
- Thermal gloves
- Cotton Pants
- Thermal Bottoms
- Sun hat
- Scarf
- Balaclava
- Thermal T-shirts
- Inner socks
- Sunglasses
- Head Lamp
- Sleeping bag
- Trek Bag
- First Aid Kit
- Water Bottles
- Thermarest pad
- Toiletries
- Wash towel
- Trekking shoes
- Waterproof trousers/pants
Physical Requirements and Preparation for the Manaslu Base Camp Trek
Physical Preparation
Manaslu Base Camp trek takes around 15 days to complete. You will trek for 6 to 7 hours daily to reach your destination. Plus, the trail is full of uphill and downhill with rocky terrain. Thus, this makes the trek even more difficult.
So, it would help if you prepared yourself physically before your actual trek. I highly recommend you start exercising months before the trek. Plus, you may seek assistance from experienced trekkers. It can be a great help.
Consult with your doctor
Health is a significant concern while trekking in high altitudes, such as the Manaslu trek. So, I recommend you consult your doctor and have a full body check before the trek. You may have pre-existing conditions in the blood, lung, and heart. So having your body checked is very important.
Travel Insurance
Since the Manaslu Base Camp trek is remote and isolated, you will have limited access to the Manaslu region. So, make sure to check on your insurance. Your insurance policy should cover all the medical charges that may come along the way and a helicopter rescue option in an emergency case.
Difficulties During the Manaslu Base Camp Trek
Landscape and Distance
Manaslu Base Camp trek takes you through various complex and oddly shaped landscapes. In addition, the total distance of this Manaslu Trekking is around 177 KM, and you will have to trek 15 to 20 km daily. That distance and the steep and rocky trail will surely question your stamina and perseverance. The early days of the trek can be challenging as the trail goes through the Budi Gandaki Gorge.
Crossing the Larke La pass at 5160 m is the most challenging section of this trek. Thus, you must be mentally and physically prepared to tackle these difficulties during the trek.
Altitude
The varying altitude is another factor that may cause difficulty during the trek. The Manaslu Trek begins at 710m at Soti Khola, taking you up to the trek’s highest point at Larke La Pass at 5160m. The body goes through considerable changes in the surroundings, and you must be able to adjust to that. Thus, there is a high chance of altitude sickness on this trek.
So, it would help if you prepared yourself to tackle all the risks of altitude sickness. Learning about altitude sickness and its symptom can be highly helpful. In addition to that, please consult your doctor regarding altitude sickness and its medication before the trek.
For more details: Manaslu Trek Difficulties
Manaslu Base Camp Trek Cost
If you have decided to do the Manaslu Base Camp Trek, you might be concerned about the trek budget. So, here are some detailed breakdowns of the cost:
For more info, please check: Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
Guides and porters Cost
A guide or porter is a must for trekking in the Manaslu region.
Guides are crucial to your safety during the trek. So, it is better to hire a licensed trekking guide in Nepal. He will take you through the safest route, give you information about the area, and help you find accommodation at the best price.
Likewise, having a porter will help you carry your luggage throughout the trek. So, you can have a leisurely walk without worrying about your luggage.
The guide will charge you around 25$ to 35$ per day, including their accommodation, food, and insurance. And 15$-20$ per day for the porter. A similar charge will be taken by a porter cum guide.
Transportation at Manaslu Base Camp Trek Cost
Soti Khola is the starting point of this Manaslu trek. You can quickly get a local bus and jeep to get to Soti Khola. It will cost you around $10 per person if you travel on a local bus. The jeep ride can cost you around $150 and $200.
However, you can share the jeep’s cost with other passengers, and it will cost you around $30.
Cost of Food at Manaslu Base Camp Trek
The higher the altitude, the higher the cost of the food. In this trek, a meal will cost you around $5. Thus, on average, you will be spending $20 on food for a day.
Cost of Accommodation at Manaslu Base Camp Trek
Manaslu Base Camp is one of the famous teahouse treks in Nepal. So, finding accommodation is not a problem in this Manaslu Base Camp Trek. The room can cost you around $6 – $9. The rooms are pretty basic, with twin sharing and a separate bathroom.
Required Trekking Permits and their Cost
To trek to the Manaslu Base Camp, you will require three Manaslu trekking permits.
- Restricted Area permit
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost
- September to November: USD 100 per week (Additional USD 15 per day beyond a week).
- December to August: USD 75 per week (Additional USD 10 per day beyond a week)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit cost is USD 23 per person.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit cost is USD 23 per person.
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Conclusion
Manaslu Base Camp trek is one of the best off-the-beaten-trail treks that offers you a great view of the mountain, diverse culture, varied landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Thus, you will have a great time in the Manaslu region.
Furthermore, if you have any questions regarding this trek or any other treks in Nepal, please get in touch with us.
