QUICK INTRO
Manaslu Base Camp is located in the Manaslu region of Nepal. This is one of the most beautiful and rarely visited parts of the country. Close to the border of Tibet, not only will you experience authentic Nepali villages and life in the area, you also feel the cross over of the Tibetan traditions on this side of the country.
Mount Manaslu is also known as Kampunge and it is the 8th highest mountain in the world standing at 8,163 m (26, 781 ft). Manaslu in Sanskrit is "manasa" meaning soul or intellect.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
As mentioned this is a rarely visited region of Nepal, compared to the popular Everest or Annapurna region where foot traffic is heavy, the Manaslu area gives you a more authentic feel to it being that it's not as crowded just yet which creates more opportunity for you to fully engage with the surroundings and interact with locals.
That said, with years to come, the country is seeing more and more interest from tourists in this region and ongoing developments are happening at this moment to accommodate for the growth of foot traffic in the area. I highly suggest visiting this region NOW if you want to fully experience Manaslu without the crowd.
In terms of which season is best, it has its pros and cons but spring (March - May) and autumn (September - December) are ideal trekking conditions. I've been to Nepal in both of these seasons and I prefer the spring season for its clear skies, a bit warmer and consistent weather but the down side is this is peak tourist season meaning there's more foot traffic on the trails.
If you really must avoid the crowd, my advice is to go for shoulder season. Go around May or December nearing the end of the peak season.
HOW LONG IS THE TREK?
The length of the trek varies depending on your itinerary and the level of your fitness. In addition, many (including myself) typically combines it another trek. In my case, I've added the Annapurna Circuit after it.
If you were to do this trek on its own, it typically takes around 2 weeks (13-18 days) to complete the trek.
WHAT TO PACK
As with many treks in Nepal, I always try to pack as light as possible. You may also get a porter to take your main backpack up so you just have your day pack with you throughout the whole journey. Whichever option you choose, I still recommend packing as light as possible.
Here's what you need:
- Packs: Backpack (40L minimum) and/or daypack (optional), sleeping bag
- Headwear: Cap, toque (beanie), buffer
- Upper body: Jacket, windbreaker, thermal long sleeves (2), long sleeves (2), shirts (1 or 2)
- Lower body: Trekking pants, thermal pants (1 or 2), sweatpants (to change into when sleeping), undergarments (4-5)
- Feet: Trekking shoes, sandals or running shoes (wearing around the teahouses), socks (4-5)]
- Toiletries: Shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, hand sanitizer
- Accessories: Trekking poles (if you need it), cramp ons, solid refillable water bottle, camera, portable charger, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves
- Misc: Passport, cash, permits, travel insurance
DOCUMENTS & PERMITS
This part of Nepal have a bit more restrictions than the rest. For one, you cannot be in the area alone and you must have a guide who has an official license.
The two permits that you need are the Manaslu Conservation Area and the Annapurna Conservation Area permit as you will be in these regions. In addition, if you plan on heading to Tsum Valley, you need a separate permit for that as well called the Tsum Valley Restricter Area permit.
The cost for the Manaslu region varies depending on the season.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit - From September through November it's $100 USD ($125 CAD) and $15 USD ($19 CAD) for each additional day.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit - From December through August it's $75 USD ($94 CAD) and $10 USD ($13 CAD) for each additional day.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit & Annapurna Conservation Area Permit - $30 USD ($37 CAD) each so you're looking at a total of $60 USD ($75 CAD)
Depending on the trekking agency you go with, most of the time this is covered by the agency and they take care of everything for you. If you must get your own, the Nepal Tourism Board Office is located in Kathmandu where you could get your permits. Don't forget to bring your passport, insurance papers, visa, and 4 passport sized photos. If you don't have passport sized photos with you, you may take them in the office as well for an additional cost.
THE ITINERARY
As I mentioned earlier, the itinerary varies depending on what you like to include or exclude during your trek. With this itinerary, I'll take you through the most common itinerary and that is Manaslu Base Camp and Larke Pass.
Day 1 - Drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft.) to Soti Khola (730 m / 2,395 ft.): This is about a 7-8 hour drive. The road can be dusty and bumpy at times but overall it offers great views along the way.
Day 2 - Soti Khola (730 m / 2,395 ft.) to Machha Khola (930 m / 3,051 ft.): It's officially the first day of your trek. This is a fairly light 5-6 hr. day with a 200 m elevation gain.
Day 3 - Machha Khola (930 m / 3,051 ft.) to Jagat (1,370 m /. 4,495 ft.): It's a steady incline on this day. You will pass through different villages and cross many bridges that you will be crossing through this whole trek. You will also get your permit checked here for the region.
Day 4 - Jagat (1,370 m /. 4,495 ft.) to Deng (1,860 m / 6,102 ft.): It's another day of a steady incline to prime you for the weeks ahead.
Day 5 - Deng (1,860 m / 6,102 ft.) to Namrung (2,660 m / 8,727 ft.): On this day, you'll get closer to the border of Tibet, just about 6 km away. Most of the locals in this area are originally from Tibet and it offers a unique to see these villages with people from Tibet as well as the bridge between the two lifestyles from these two countries.
Day 6 - Namrung (2,660 m / 8,727 ft.) to Lho (3,020 m / 9,908 ft.): This is a half day hike up to Lho. There's a lot of developments happening in this village as it seems to be a favourite stop for many trekkers in the region. It is also such a vibrant and beautiful village. I highly recommend exploring it a bit after you get here as you will have the rest of the day to explore and roam around. make sure you check out the monastery which will be good for acclimatization. From here, you will get a glimpse of Manaslu.
Day 7 - Lho (3,020 m / 9,908 ft.) to Sama Gompa (3,390 m / 11,122 ft.): This is another half day trek up towards Sama Gompa. This is going to be your home base for the next couple of days and where you'll be heading up to Manaslu Base camp. Once you get settled in, I recommend acclimatizing up Birendra Taal (3,691 m / 12,109 ft.) which is a beautiful lake with gorgeous mountain backdrops including Manaslu. You'll also pass through a serene monastery. Going up here is perfect way to end your day and it also gets you ready for Manaslu Base Camp the following day.
Day 8 - Sama Gompa (3,390 m / 11,122 ft.) to Manaslu Base Camp (4,900 m / 16,076 ft.): This is the DAY! A 1500 m plus ascend to Manaslu basecamp. The switchbacks, the never ending incline will test you physically and mentally. Nonetheless making it to the top is extremely rewarding! I suggest bringing food on the go as well and just have them on your way back down as it might be a bit cold at the top for a celebration meal.
Day 9 - Sama Gompa (3,390 m / 11,122 ft.) to Phungen Gompa (4,050 m / 13,287 ft.): An easy 600-700 m elevation gain to Phungen Gompa, a serene wide open area which has a monastery in the middle of the towering Himalayan mountains. On the way here, you will get remarkable views of the Himalayan range that seems endless. This spot also has a different perception of Manaslu. Bring food on the go with you on this day to have it with the stunning views when you get up here.
Day 10 - Sama Gompa (3,390 m / 11,122 ft.) to Samdo (3,690 m / 12,106 ft.): On this day, you will get to Samdo midday which will give you an opportunity to acclimatize up at a viewpoint near by. And yes, I highly suggest acclimatizing on this day. even though you've been trekking on a daily non stop for the past week and a bit.
Day 11 - Samdo (3,690 m / 12,106 ft.) to Dharamsala (4,460 m / 14,632 ft.): From Samdo it's an ascend towards Dharamsala where you'll most likely sleep in what I call a box! Because it's another half day getting here, do some acclimatization once you get settled in. You'll be surrounded by the towering Himalayan giants and it'll most likely be a cold evening so be sure to dress warm. In fact, since you need wake up really early the next day to go through Larke Pass, I recommend wearing what you'll be wearing for your trek the next day so you don't have to change first thing in the morning.
Day 12 - Dharamsala (4,460 m / 14,632 ft.) to Bhimtang (3,590 m / 11,778 ft.) via Larke Pass (5,135 m / 16,847 ft.): It's an early one on this day but trust me, it is well worth it. You'll be catching the sunrise on the way up and if you have cramp ons or hiking poles, they're going to come in handy on this day as the trail will be snowy and icy. It'll also be dark as you make your way up so make sure you have a torch with you and pace yourself. Larke Pass is the oldest and longest pass in Nepal. This pass is definitely not for the faint of heart. There were a lot of endless hills, snow was extremely thick and the incline/switchbacks was real! Going down after the pass is going to be just as challenging.
Day 13 - Bhimtang (3,590 m / 11,778 ft.) to Dharapani (1,860 m / 6,102 ft.): Your descend continues towards Dharapani.
Day 14 - Dharapani (1,860 m / 6,102 ft.) to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft.): On this last day, your drive to Kathmandu will be a full day.
IS MANASLU WORTH IT?
ABSOLUTELY! The minimal foot traffic in the area at the moment is very attractive if you want an authentic Nepal experience. Also, since you'll get closer to the border of Tibet, seeing the bridge of the two lifestyles in two different countries offers a unique perception along your journey. The stunning views and landscape of the Manaslu region alone is more than enough to say it is well worth it.
BONUS TIPS
- Make sure you eat and hydrate properly
- Get an ample amount of rest, sleep early to make sure you're ready for the next day
- Slow down, go your own pace as this is not a race and take as many breaks as you want
- Acclimatization is your friend
- Stretch before and after you trek
- Cost of food tends to rise the higher or deeper you get in the region as with all the other treks in Nepal, dal bhat will not only get you the best bang for your buck but it is also very nutritious to keep you going throughout your trek
