Short Manaslu Trek - 10 Days

Want to observe most of the Manaslu region within a short period? We recommend you do the Short Manaslu Trek, a trimmed version of the Manaslu Circuit Trek which can be completed within 10 days. 

Geography: Himalaya

Location: Manaslu Region

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Duration of Trek: 10 Days

Average Walking Duration: 5-6 hrs per day

Max Altitude: Larke Pass (5,160) 

Ethic People: Sherpa, Tamang, Magar, Gurung

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodges

Transportation: Private or Shared Jeep / Local Bus

Overview

The Short Manaslu Trek is a shorter version of one of the popular Manaslu Circuit Trek, which offers stunning views, rich cultural experiences, and diverse landscapes.

Although this trek is considered a less crowded trek in Nepal, the popularity of the Manaslu trek is increasing every year.

Typically, this isolated Circuit hike in the Manaslu region takes about 12 to 18 days to complete. However, with the help of expert trekking guides and porters, it is possible to shorten the trek to around 10 days if you are well-prepared, acclimatized, and willing to trek longer hours each day.

This Short 10-day Manaslu Circuit Trek which takes you to the lap of the world's 8th highest mountain in the world (Mt. Manaslu 8163m) is created for people with limited time here in Nepal. 

We at Hiking Bees have created this 10-day Manaslu hike itinerary keeping in mind that we maintain the balance between the walking hours and resting hours enough to trek the Manaslu region within a short time and still not stressing the body of the trekkers.

Outline Itinerary for Short Manaslu Trek 

This Short 10-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is created for people with limited time here in Nepal. 

• Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930m/3,051ft) on a local bus or private jeep
• Day 2: Trek from Machha Khola to Salleri (1,410m/4,626 ft)
• Day 3: Trek from Salleri to Bihi Phedi (1,985 m)
• Day 4: Trek from Bihi Phedi to Lho Gaun (3,180 m)
• Day 5: Trek from Lho Gaun to Samagaon (3,520 m) via Pungyen Gompa
• Day 6: Acclimatization day in Samagaon (Optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp)
• Day 7: Trek from Samagaon to Dharam Shala (4,470m/14,665ft)
• Day 8: Trek to Bhimtang (3,720m/12,205ft) via Larkya La Pass (5,160m/16,929ft)
• Day 9: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani (1,910m/6,266ft) 
• Day 10: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu / Pokhara

Located in the Gorkha district of Nepal, This Short Manaslu Trek is a beautiful off-beaten trek where you can find diverse landscapes and Tibetian-influenced culture. During the hike, you get to experience the village mountain lifestyle alongside the remoteness of the Gorkha region.

Short Manaslu Circuit Hike offers us some of the best breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Annapurna, (both 8,000m + mountains). You can see these mountain ranges throughout the hike making your trek a beautiful adventure. Some of the popular mountains you can see during your hike are Ganesh Himal (7,140m), Himalchuli (7,750m), Shringi Himal (7,161m), Manaslu (8,163m), Manaslu North (7,157m), Naike Peak (6,211m) along with Annapurna II (7,937m) and many other mountains lying on the ranges of Annapurna and Manaslu.

Larke Pass (5,160) is one of the major highlights of this trek. It is one of the longest passes in the Himalayas of Nepal. After crossing the Larke Pass/ Larkya La Pass, trekkers feel a sense of achievement as trekking at such a high altitude is not an easy thing to do.

In this Short trek, You can expect a few tourists on the trail, local peoples, animals, farmlands, monasteries, temples, rivers and waterfalls, green forests, snow-capped mountains, and Tibetan culture and traditions. Some may even consider this Manaslu trek as a virgin trail as the mountains, culture, and lifestyle haven’t been influenced by modernization yet. 

As the trek lies in a restricted area of the Manaslu region, you need all the required permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking (ACAP, MCAP, Manaslu Restricted Area Permit).

How Difficult Is the Short Manaslu Trek?

The short Manaslu trek is regarded as a moderately challenging trek. Generally, this trek is recommended for experienced trekkers. However, a novice may also be able to do this trek with appropriate guidance and support. Various factors come into consideration when determining this trek's difficulty level. 

Factors include altitude, length of the trek, terrain, weather conditions, physical fitness of the trekker, availability of facilities, and other travel amenities.

Along with physical fitness and necessary preparation, mental preparation is equally necessary for the Manaslu trek. When the trekkers are aware of the level of difficulty of the trek beforehand, they can make all the necessary preparations for a successful journey. 

If someone is mentally not prepared and doesn't know how much they are hiking for the day sometimes people get hopeless and tend to give up easily.

Short Manaslu Hike is definitely not an easy trek however it's not that a normal physically fit person can't complete it. You don't need to be an athlete it's just that you need to be in shape and should have proper motivation in your head.

Learn more about the Manaslu Trek difficulty

What is the best time for the Manaslu trek?

The best times for the Manaslu trekking are Spring (March to May) before the monsoon and Autumn (September to November). These seasons are labeled peak trekking time, as the weather is more predictable and presents a picturesque environment. Trekking during these periods offers a more consistent and comfortable experience. 

In the time of spring and autumn, the weather conditions are optimal for trekking with clear mountain views and lush landscapes. 

You’ll have longer days so that you can get plenty of time to hike in the daylight. Along with the proper temperature and beautiful sceneries, there are very few to no risks of landslides during this time.

Being a less crowded trek destination most of the tea houses are closed during the off-seasons, so it’s better to opt for this hike when tea houses are well stocked with proper food and accommodations. 

Food and Accommodations for Manaslu Trek

This trek is in a remote and restricted area, so you can expect the food and accommodation to be quite basic with sufficient facilities. You can find decent lodging and food options in the local community along the trail.

You can find a variety of food items (veg/non-veg) in the tea houses that fulfill the necessary nutrient levels for a trekker to complete their journey. The expenses for food items are cheaper in the lower regions and get more expensive as you ascend to higher altitudes.

Here are some of the popular food options available during your short Manaslu Trek

Breakfast

• Porridge: Often made with oats, sometimes with added fruits or nuts.
• Bread and Eggs: Tibetan bread or chapati served with boiled, fried, or scrambled eggs.
• Pancakes: Various types including plain, apple, or chocolate.
• Muesli: Sometimes served with hot milk or yogurt.
• Tea and Coffee: Various types of tea (ginger, lemon, masala) and instant coffee.
  
  

Lunch and Dinner

• Dal Bhat: The staple meal of Nepal, consisting of rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry. It's nutritious and provides ample energy for trekking.
• Noodles: Various noodle dishes, including soups and fried noodles, often with vegetables or meat.
• Momos: Tibetan-style dumplings filled with vegetables, meat, or cheese.
• Thukpa: A hearty noodle soup with vegetables and sometimes meat.
• Fried Rice: Often served with vegetables or meat.
• Pizza: Available in some teahouses, though the quality and style can vary.
• Spaghetti: Simple pasta dishes with tomato or cheese sauce.
  
  

Sample Meal Plan for a Day during Manaslu Hike

• Breakfast: Porridge with honey/Tibetan bread with jam, and a cup of tea.
• Lunch: Dal Bhat with vegetable curry, pickle, and lentil soup.
• Afternoon Snack: A chocolate bar or some biscuits.
• Dinner: Vegetable momos with garlic soup and a cup of masala tea

The local community provides accommodation units like tea houses, homestays, lodges, shops, etc to the trekkers. Since Manaslu is a less crowded trekking destination, you won't have any trouble finding a place to stay during the trekking journey.  

Short Manaslu Trek Highlights

• Experience the unique cultures of the Gurung and Tibetan communities.
• Thrilling bus offroad adventure
• Panoramic vistas of the Manaslu range, including views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
• Beautiful rivers like the Budhi Gandaki with numerous suspension bridge crossings.
• Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries and chortens that are integral to the local culture.
• Cross the popular Larke La  Pass (5,160m), one of the most thrilling part of the trek, offering spectacular views and a sense of accomplishment.
• Unlike the more crowded Everest and Annapurna regions, the Manaslu trek offers a more serene and authentic trekking experience.
• Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, Pungyen Monastery, And other Glacier Lakes.
• Stay in teahouses run by local families, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the mountain communities.
• A chance to relax in natural hot springs.
• Walk along trails that have been used for centuries by traders and pilgrims.

• Airport pickup and drop service by private car. (Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel) and (hotel to the Airport on the farewell day)
• All kinds of transportation services, notably local vehicles.
• 10 nights of Trekking Lodge (tea house) accommodation throughout the hike.
• Breakfast, day meal, and supper are all included in the full board hike package.
• One incredibly skilled, accommodating, and kind guide, and all the staff's meals, lodging, and so on.
• Administrative fees and governmental taxes.
• Charge of the special Manaslu hiking permit because we require special authorization to enter the Manaslu region since it is in restricted territory.
• Trek guide and Porter insurance.
• ACAP and MCAP permit.
• Necessary equipment (Down Jacket, Duffle Bag, Sleeping Bag).
• Hot bag for a good night's sleep.
• Assistant Guide for a group with more than 6 people.
• Emergency Rescue Arrangement service which will be funded by your travel insurance.
• First-aid supplies include an oxygen meter to check pulse rate.
• Energy Supplements (Cookies, chocolate bar, etc.) once a day.
• Seasonal fruits as dessert after dinner.
• Certificate of trek completion along with a Hikingbees t-shirt.
• Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali kitchen.

• Your entrance visa (30$ for the first 15 days of arrival) and international travel costs.
• Meals not listed in the "Daily food Inclusions"
• Porter ( additional $20 per day )
• Private Jeep ( additional $450  for round trip )
• Personalized hiking kit
• Traveling and Medical insurance
• Tips for guide and porter.
• Drinks, snacks, water as well as other individual needs and expenses

Important Considerations for Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

1. Permits: You need the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
2. Guide: Hiring a licensed guide is mandatory for the Manaslu trek.
3. Accommodation: Teahouses are available along the route, but booking in advance during peak season is highly recommended.
4. Altitude: Proper acclimatization is crucial due to the high altitudes involved.
5. Physical Fitness: The trek is demanding, so good physical fitness is necessary.

Also check: things to know before Manaslu Circuit Trek

Wi-Fi, Electricity, and network coverage during The Manaslu trek

Unlike Annapurna and Everest's region trek facilities like electricity, wifi, and network coverage are comparatively not proper in the Manaslu region. You may need to be prepared for a little challenge and plan your trek accordingly. 

Here’s a short breakdown of wifi, electricity, and network coverage on the Short Manaslu Trek.

 Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi availability on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is limited and generally not very reliable. Here’s what you can expect:

• Soti Khola to Samagaon: Wi-Fi is sporadically available in some teahouses, particularly in larger villages. The connection is often slow and may not support large data transfers or video calls.
• Samagaon to Samdo: Wi-Fi is more challenging to find, and if available, it tends to be very slow and sometimes costly.
• Samdo to Dharamsala: Connectivity becomes even more sparse, and most teahouses may not offer Wi-Fi at all.
• Dharamsala to Besisahar: As you descend and approach more populated areas, the availability of Wi-Fi improves slightly, but it remains inconsistent.

Electricity: Electricity availability varies along the trek and can be inconsistent due to the remote nature of the region. Here’s a breakdown:

• Lower Sections (Soti Khola to Namrung): Most teahouses have electricity, often generated by solar panels or small hydro plants. Charging electronics is usually possible, but there may be an additional fee.
• Mid Sections (Namrung to Samagaon): Electricity is available in most teahouses, but power cuts are common. Charging fees apply.
• Higher Sections (Samdo to Dharamsala): Limited and less reliable electricity. Some teahouses might have solar power, but it’s primarily used for lighting and essential services. Charging options are scarce and may be more expensive.

Network Coverage: Mobile network coverage on the Manaslu trek is not very reliable and varies by provider. Here’s what you can expect:

• Lower Sections (Soti Khola to Namrung): Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell provide some coverage in lower villages. The signal strength is generally better in open areas.
• Mid Sections (Namrung to Samagaon): Coverage becomes less reliable. NTC tends to have slightly better coverage than Ncell in these areas, but expect frequent signal loss.
• Higher Sections (Samagaon to Dharamsala): Very limited to no mobile network coverage. Only specific high points or certain villages might have a weak signal.

Nepal Government Rules for Manaslu Trek

Manaslu region being a restricted area, trekkers and visitors were not allowed to enter the region because of the increasing amount of visitors in Nepal. This rule was implemented in 1991 AD. However, The restriction was removed later but visitors were only permitted to enter the region when they fulfilled certain criteria.

Some of the major points of the criteria are:

• Trekkers must be in a group of at least two people.
• Trekkers must have a licensed trekking guide with them throughout the trek
• Solo trek was strictly forbidden
• Permits should be made from a registered trekking agency