The 9-day-long Manaslu Circuit Trekking is one of the underrated trekking trails in Nepal. This journey starts walking from a small village in Gorkha District called Machhakhola. The trail then extends up to the altitude of 5,106 meters (16,751 feet) at Larke La Pass.
Manaslu Short Trek has been open for international travelers only since 1991. Thus, it is a wise decision to choose the hiking trail before it’s too crowded like the Everest Region.
To start the trek you need some permits and a compulsory guide along with you which needs to be managed with a proper cost. This is still a restricted area for travelers so there are a few formalities you need to do before hopping on the journey.
Along the trail, you can also see the giant mountains Manaslu, Annapurna range, Ganesh, and Lamjung.
Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The best time for a 9-day short Manaslu trekking is from March to June and September to December. However, the middle time of both Spring and Autumn is the best time to walk up to Larke Pass.
As this region is still under development, many construction works are going on in the region. Thus, you should avoid the monsoon season, especially for the trip.
9-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek: Is It Right For Me?
This journey can start from anywhere between 9 days to 17 days. Thus, depending on the fitness level, time availability, price, and plan, the trekking in the Manaslu region can be decided.
As this 9-day trekking avoids acclimatization, you need to be physically fit to perform the journey. This is because for the unfit people without acclimatization reaching the Larke La pass at 5,106 meters is risky.
Thus, if you are an avid trekker with good physical fitness and less time, this short journey is the right choice.
Permits and Guides for Manaslu Circuit Trek 9-Days
Manaslu Circuit Trek opened for international travelers only in 1996. Thus, it is still considered a restricted zone. However, you can get permits to trek in this place and see the amazing Manaslu throughout the trail.
Permits
For doing the 9-Day short Manaslu Circuit Trek you need 3 different permits.
I. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): For the MRAP you need to have a Visa issued on your passport first. Once the Visa issuance is confirmed, then only you can get the permit. This means, that until and unless you arrive in Nepal, your MRAP cannot be issued. The MRAP cost is $100 for the first 7 days and $15 per day for additional days from September to November. Remember, you cannot issue this permit if you are a solo trekker.
Thus, you need to be associated with a trekking agency like us and its guide. Also, the trekking permit cannot be issued for a single traveler. You need to be 2 trekkers at least.
Additionally, the MRAP fee is $75 for the first 7 days and $10 per day for additional days from December to August.
II. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): The MCAP can be easily issued once you arrive in Nepal with a Passport copy. This will have a fee of $30 per person.
III. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): The ACAP is also similar to the MCAP. This will cost $30 per person.
Guide
For issuing the MRAP you already need to have a Licensed Guide. Thus, you need to have booked the trekking with a renowned trekking agency. This way you can easily set off the trail.
The guide generally charges $35 per day for the journey. This charge is inclusive of his/her salary, food, transportation, and accommodation.
9-Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost Breakdown
The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost generally ranges from $850-1100 per person. The budget of the total expedition varies depending on the number of trekkers, food, transportation chosen, accommodation, and number of days. Do not worry if you are a single traveler. With around a $150 single supplement charge, you can still join many groups who are on the way to the circuit.
Book this Trip
To book the 9-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can contact us via our number at +977-9851083619 (Ramkrishna Timalasina) WhatsApp. Additionally, you can keep in touch with us via our e-mail info@himalayanst.com or book the trip directly from this link.
