Introduction to the 12-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek
The trek around the world's eighth highest peak, Mount Manaslu, which stands at an altitude of 8,156 m, is one of the stunningly beautiful trekking destinations that lies in the northeast of Gorkha. The journey offers the best of the best glimpses of the Himalayan ranges, along with an exquisite landscape and the warm hospitality of local communities, which gives a once-in-a-lifetime achievement for nature excursionists.
Trekking towards the Massif Manaslu began in the year 1,991 and was only possible for long campaign treks. In those days, there wasn't a proper place to stay or food to eat for travelers. The locals were engaged in their farms, and they didn’t know the value of tourism. Now, people are educated, they know the real meaning of tourism, and they are engaged in the tourism business. Most of them have good teahouses and provide the best services, due to which the Manaslu region becomes more popular for teahouse trekking than campaign trekking, though people still do campaign treks.
While doing the Manaslu Circuit trek, a backpacker will get goose bumps in every single step. The hidden valley displays the crystal-clear mountain ranges, and the mountains you will encounter during this excursion are Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft), Himalchuli (7,893 m/25,896 ft), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m/25,823 ft), Annapurna II (7,937 m/26,213 ft), Annapurna III (7,555 m/24,786 ft), Shringi (7,187 m/23,579 ft), Lango (6,668 m/21,877 ft), etc.
Trekking to Manaslu Circuit is more famous for the variety of flora and fauna. The region comes under the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), and an excursionist will get the opportunity to encounter a wide range of wild and rare species. Red panda, snow leopard, musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, langur, rhododendron, juniper, pine tree, oak tree, Himalayan monal, impeyan pheasant, etc. are some of the rear species that can be seen during the Manaslu journey.
Each traveler is pleasantly surprised by the Manaslu Circuit's traditional excursion because of its distinctive beauty, which is a gift from Mother Nature. The lush landscape, towering waterfalls, sounds of birds, green valley, pasture land, prayer wheels, memorials, etc. are more than enough for travelers to embark in the Manaslu region.
Naturally blessed, Manaslu Valley is inhabited by Gurung, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Magar at the lower elevation, whereas Sherpa and Tibetan ethnic groups live at the upper elevation. While doing this adventure, backpackers will get to know the mixed culture of local communities very closely and can experience the livelihood of people in the mountains.
The 12-day Manaslu Circuit itinerary starts with the drive to Machhikhola, followed by Jagat, Dyang, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmasla, Bhimtang, Dharapani, Besisahar, and back to Kathmandu. The itinerary of Manaslu Circuit is very flexible; it can be stretched to 19 days of Manaslu Circuit with the Tsum Valley Trek or shortened to 12 days of adventure.
How worth it is doing the 12-day Manaslu Circuit adventure?
The naturally blessed Manaslu valley that passes beneath Mount Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft) is a hundred percent worth it for a real nature enthusiast. The valley combined the magnificent glimpse of crystal-clear mountain ranges, towering waterfalls, lush landscapes, vibrant and colorful hills of rhododendron during spring, the warm hospitality of the locals, immense chortens and gompas, and a quiet and fresh environment in one place. It won’t be wrong if I say, “Heaven is a myth; Nepal is real.
Every year, thousands of travelers visit the 12-day Manaslu Circuit in Nepal to experience the unveiled beauty of nature. The journey surprises you at every single step. Dear adventure seekers, if you are looking for an authentic hiking experience in the Himalayas of Nepal and looking forward to creating memories and happiness, I would highly recommend this adventure and achieving a once-in-a-lifetime hiking experience in the alps of Nepal.
What should I expect during this incredible journey?
The 12-day Manaslu Circuit hike is an off-the-beaten trekking destination that lies in northern Nepal, close to the Tibet border. Culturally, naturally, and historically rich, Manaslu Valley never disappoints a single alpinist, unless the weather gets worse. While doing this venture, an excursionist will have the opportunity to explore the living standards of the locals, the beauty of nature, and the Buddhist religion.
Local communities located around the 12-day Manaslu Larkya La Pass primarily participate in the tourism sector, with less emphasis on agriculture. Locals in the lower part of this journey are involved in both tourism and agriculture. They run a teahouse and grow a variety of crops like maize, barley, corn, potatoes, wheat, and other vegetables. In the upper regions, individuals are involved in hotel operations, farming, and potato cultivation.
The naturally blessed Manaslu Valley offers an eye-catching vista of Mother Nature. The dazzling snow-covered mountain ranges, including the world's eighth-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu, lush landscapes, vivid landscapes, and diversity of flora and fauna, attract trekkers during the 12-day Manaslu Circuit journey.
As you begin your 12-day Manaslu Circuit Odyssey, you will have the opportunity to experience mixed cultures and regions of people in the early days. As the itinerary increases, you will meet people who practice Buddhism and Tibetan cultures.
Trekkers will witness the things described in the preceding paragraphs as they embark on this incredible adventure.
Is there an acclimation day or hike for the 12-day Manaslu Circuit excursion?
12 Days of Manaslu Circuit is a moderate-to-challenging hiking destination in Nepal. It is an act of hiking in the alps that leads trekkers to an altitude of 5,106 m/16,752 ft over Circuit and requires them to spend the night at 4,460 m/14,632 ft in Dharamsala. So, the acclimation hike or rest days are a prime key for trekkies to avoid altitude sickness and keep the body friendly with the everyday increase in elevation.
On our 12-day Manaslu Circuit itinerary, we will rest at Samagaun. On this day, a backpacker will have a variety of options for how to spend their time. Either take a full rest or do a short hike to Birendra Lake or Pungyen Gompa. However, Pungyen Monastery sits atop Mount Manaslu, providing a breathtaking view of Mansiri Himal. Sitting on the lap of Mount Manaslu, Birendra Lake, which is beautifully decorated, offers immense peace and joy.
Note: On the rest day at Samagaun, alpinists also have the option to do Manaslu Base Camp, but we highly recommend Pungyen Gompa or Birendra Lake for a hike because it is far and there is no lunch place during the day.
Who can join this voyage?
The incredible journey to the 12-day Manaslu Circuit is a moderate-to-challenging nature hiking destination that amazes every traveler with the adorable beauty of Mother Nature and the welcoming gestures of the local communities. Anyone doing this adventure needs to be strong, both physically and mentally. Regularly gaining elevation and walking for 6-7 hours on an uneven, rough, and rocky trail with immense ascent and descent is not a joke. We have clearly illustrated below how to train yourself for this adventure, as well as what the possibilities are if you are differently abled.
Is it possible for differently-abled individuals?
There is a good saying, “When there is a will, there is a win.” Keeping this in mind, Nature Excursion Pvt. Ltd. will organize this trip with our best team, even if you are physically different from others. We strongly advise you to join this adventure with your close and dear ones, who will never leave you in any situation. We provide an extra team to support you and look after you in difficult situations. We also recommend an easy Manaslu circuit trek instead of a 12-day rapid Manaslu circuit.
Can overweight people join the 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek?
While overweight travelers are interested in hiking around Manaslu Region, we recommend the Easy Manaslu Trek rather than the 12-day Manaslu Circuit. It’s because the 12-day Manaslu Circuit is a rapidly made itinerary that requires a quick gain of height and a walk of 6-7 hours every day. We prepare the itinerary for physically fit travelers who can walk on the rough and rocky path with many ascents and descents for 6-7 hours continuously.
Is the 12-day Manaslu Circuit trek possible for kids and elderly people?
Backpackers with limited time and a good fitness level typically opt for a 12-day Manaslu Circuit itinerary. The hiking route takes you through rough and rocky terrain, featuring immense ascents and descents in the alps. Therefore, we recommend that young and elderly individuals opt for the easier Manaslu Circuit instead of this challenging adventure. The easy adventure will be more reliable and comfortable, and a trekker needs to walk approximately 5–6 hours on an everyday basis, along with a few extra acclimatization or rest days.
How fit do I have to be for the 12-day Manaslu Circuit adventure?
Notably, a good level of physical fitness is very important for the traveler who is planning for the short 12-day Manaslu Circuit trek. The journey includes a number of steep ascents and descents on a narrow path on the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River, rambling at higher elevations, walking for 6-7 hours every day, and so on.
We strongly advise a trekkie who is planning for the 12-day Manaslu Circuit event to be well prepared before diving in. How could you prepare for it? It can be as simple as engaging in daily jogging, cycling, cardio training, weightlifting, swimming, and yoga. If a trekker completes all of this training a month before the excursion, you will enjoy each moment of your journey.
Can it be done on the rest day at Manaslu Base Camp?
Manaslu Base Camp, nestled in the Himalayas of central Nepal, provides a stunning glimpse of the world's eighth-highest peak, Mt. Manslsu, as well as the valley's beautiful landscape and Birendra Lake. Yes, a trekker can do it on a rest day, but it takes 7 to 8 hours, and there are no tea huts for lunch during the hike.
Hiking to Mount Manaslu's base camp is challenging for hikers because it is rough and steep on a narrow path. During this adventure, we will have a rest at Samagaun. A backpacker has the option to do Pyungen Gompa, Birendra Lake or hike to base camp. All are equally beautiful. People who want to have a rest day will go to Birendra Lake and Pyngen Gompa because they are close by the village. On the other hand, if a trekker feels more comfortable and wants to do the big hike, it will be the best option for them.
What other options are available during the Manaslu round if we want to make our itinerary longer?
On the other hand, the Manaslu Larkya La Pass itinerary offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing for customization upon request. You can tailor the program to span from 12 days to a month. Trekkies with limited time and good physical fitness can do the Short Manaslu Trek. On the other hand, those seeking to unwind while trekking and possessing sufficient time in Nepal can opt for the Easy Manaslu Trek.
Some of our popular trekking itineraries from Manaslu Region include: Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 days; Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek 19 days; Manaslu Larkya La Pass, et cetera. Here are some of our most popular itineraries; we can even make a customized itinerary based on our valued guests' requests.
Why choose Nature Excursion Pvt. Ltd. for our 12-day Manaslu Circuit Odyssey?
At Nature Excursion, we understand that you are traveling to a new zone and seeking an expert travel leader to assist you in making your excursion remarkable and enjoyable. To meet your expectations, we provide a mountain friend (guide) who is more active, energetic, loyal, innovative, and, more importantly, they possesses decades of guiding experience in the Himalayas of Nepal. They never miss an opportunity to entertain you with singing, dancing, and sharing the history of Nepal, ensuring your journey is both entertaining and electrifying.
As our organization is service oriented, we are more focused on customer safety and satisfaction, and we are doing it. Our native leader, who will lead you on a 12-day journey around Manaslu Valley, is good at speaking English and knowledgeable about the valley.
Specifically, we have been based in the trekking and tourism industry in Nepal for the last two decades. So we organize your vacation in such a way that you will enjoy every moment of it. From the day of your arrival, during the trek, and until your departure, our dedicated team will always be there to assist you.
Here are the advantages you will get from joining us:
- Free airport pick-up and drop-off services
- Get a down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffel bag (you need to return after the trip).
- T-shirt
- An appreciation certificate is given upon the completion of the journey.
- A native mountain leader with decades of guiding skills and experience
- In case of an emergency, we will provide you with immediate helicopter evacuation and medical assistance (involving charges payable by your travel insurance company).
- During the trek, an oxymeter and first aid kit are essential.
- We offer free luggage storage at our office.
- We had a farewell dinner after the end of the trek.
