Are you dreaming of a Himalayan Adventure far away from crowds, WiFi and city noise? Then Manaslu Circuit Trek might be calling your name. The Manaslu Circuit trails will offer you towering peaks, peaceful villages, suspension bridges and raw wilderness. Still, a question roams in the trekker's mind: Can you actually trek Manaslu solo? Let's find out together.
Nepal is the dream destination of many adventurers around the world. Nowadays, among all the Nepal trekking routes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is becoming increasingly popular among trekkers. It is especially famous among the people who like quiet and less crowded trails. This trail offers you a beautiful view of Mount Manaslu. This alluring peak is the 8th highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,163meters. The trails combine with deep valleys, Buddhist culture, and traditional villages. Many people who love freedom and self-discovery often choose this region for trekking.
To answer your ‘Is it possible to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek solo?’ question, the simple answer for you is NO. You can not trek completely solo in this region. This is a restricted trekking area. Still, you can trek solo legally by hiring a licensed guide. Even though you are alone, you can experience the Manaslu Trekking Circuit by following the Nepalese trekking rules. In this blog, you will get everything clear about permits, cost, safety itinerary, and challenges. You will also get an acknowledgment on how you can complete this amazing journey solo.
Introduction to the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most amazing and rewarding trekking routes in Nepal. This region lies in the Gorkha District of western Nepal. This circuit also circles Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), which is also the 8th highest mountain in the world. The word Manaslu reflects the “mountain of the spirit”. This very peaceful and spiritual trail. This trek usually takes 14 to 18 days to complete and is around 177 kilometers.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from the lower hills filled with rice fields and warm weather. Then you will slowly have to climb into high mountain terrain with snow-covered peaks and glaciers. Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters is the highest point of the trek. It is one of the longest high mountain passes in Nepal. The Manaslu region is less crowded and more untouched than the other trails, like the Everest or Annapurna regions.
Villages of these tracks are heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhist Culture. You can spot the monasteries, player flags, main wall and traditional stone houses during the trek. The trail will take you through the Manaslu Conservation Area. This conservation area protects wildlife such as Himalayan thar, snow leopard, blue sheep, and musk deer.
Manaslu trek offers you a real adventure, a chance to experience local mountain life so closely. This region is in a remote location. So, this trail demands strong fitness, good preparation and careful planning from every traveler. Due to the region's demanding and restricted nature, trekking enthusiast get curious with questions like ‘Is it Possible to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek solo?’.
Are Solo Treks Officially Allowed?
Most people want to do the Manaslu circuit trek solo for peace, freedom and adventure. The government of Nepal does not allow for complete solo trekking in the Manalsu region. This area is close to the Tibet (China) border. So, this area is declared as a restricted trekking zone and is very remote. If you are planning to trek in this region, you should follow certain rules.
Nepal law clearly says that a solo traveler can not get trekking permits alone. To get a permit, you must have a licensed trekking guide. You must go through a registered trekking agency. Also, you should have at least two people on the trek. You may wonder how solo travelers still trek there?. You will get help from trekking agencies to group solo trekkers for permit purposes. Even if you are alone, an agency will add your name to another trekker to make your permit valid. Don’t worry, you do not need to walk together. You can enjoy trekking in your own space with your guide.
There are valid reasons behind all the rules. First, this region includes steep trails, landslide areas, long river crossings and high altitude risk. Secondly, many parts of these regions have poor phone networks and no hospitals either. If you get lost or fall sick, the rescue becomes so difficult. So, trekking alone in this area without a guide is not safe and not allowed here.
As a simple answer, no, you cannot trek fully solo in the Manaslu region, but yes, you can do it as a solo traveler by hiring a guide or joining a permit group.
Required Permits and Total Cost for Solo Trekkers
If you are willing to trek in the Manaslu Region, all travelers must get special permits issued by the Nepal Government. Manaslu is a restricted area; you can only get permits through a registered trekking agency. You cannot get it individually. As a solo traveler, you need three permits.The first essential permit is the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP). This permit costs USD 100 for the first 7 days during the main trekking season. If you stay a little bit longer, then you must pay USD 15 per extra day. If you plan your trek during the off-season, then the cost gets slightly cheaper. You just have to pay USD 75 for the first 7 days.
The second essential permit is the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). You have to pay USD 30 for the permit. This permit supports nature conservation and a local community project in this region. The final essential permit is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). This permit is necessary because the trek ends in the Annapurna Region. You have to pay USD 30 for this permit.
It is a legal requirement for solo trekkers to hire a licensed guide. Hiring a guide will cost you USD 25 to 35 per day. The cost depends on the guide's experience. Some trekkers also hire a porter to help carry heavy backpacks. Hiring a porter can cost you around USD 20 to 25 per day. Porter can carry up to 20-22 kilograms of weight.
In summary, Permits cost around USD 160 to 200. If you hire a guide for a 14-day Trek, it costs around USD 350 to 400. As a solo traveler, you need to spend USD 500 to 900 on permits and guide service. This cost doesn't include meals, accommodation, or transportation. Accommodation in the tea house ranges from USD 5 to 15 per night. A meal like Dal Bhat costs around USD 5 in high-altitude villages. Planning a Manaslu Circuit Trek as a solo traveler requires careful budgeting for permits, guide service, food and accommodations. You should keep extra funds for emergencies, charging electronics and small luxuries.
You should understand these costs beforehand to help solo trekkers prepare better. Great preparation will help you to enjoy the trek without surprises. Especially since the region is remote and services are limited.
How Solo Travellers Can Still Complete It?
You can not complete a trek alone in the Manaslu region, but solo travelers can easily do this trek legally and safely. There are many trekkers who travel alone each year and still complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek without any issues.
On the very first step, you should contact a trekking agency in Nepal. Permits are only issued through registered agencies. These agencies will arrange everything, including permits, licensed guide transport and accommodations. Agencies will also help you by finding another trek to share a permit. This will allow trekkers to meet the legal requirement of having at least two people on a permit.
Even sharing permits, you can walk at your own pace, your own schedule and keep your privacy, but there will be a guide with you for safety. The Guide will help you in many ways. Guide will speak the local language, arrange tea house accommodations and check weather updates. You will also get help in preventing altitude sickness and get assistance during emergencies.
You can hire a private guide if you prefer full freedom. Hiring a private guide costs a little more but provides help to customize your journey. You can choose your walking hours, side trips, rest days and photo stops without depending on the group.
Even if you are a single traveler, completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek is 100% possible and practical. By following simple legal rules and planning properly, the trek can be completed.
14-Day Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek
This trek usually takes 12-14 days to complete. Your trek route starts at Soti Khola and ends at Besisahar after crossing the high Larkya La pass (5,160m). Here is a simple and Practical 14-day itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m)
Day 2: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m)
Day 3: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410m)
Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,804m)
Day 5: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
Day 6: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,180m)
Day 7: Trek to Sama Gaun(3,520m) from Lho
Day 8: Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaun
Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3,875m)
Day 10: Trek to Dharamshala/ Larkya Phedi (4,460m)
Day 11: Cross Larkya La pass (5,160m) then Trek to Bimthang (3,590m)
Day 12 : Trek to Tilije (2,300m)
Day 13: Trek to Dharapani (1,860m)
Day 14: Drive to Besisahar, then Kathmandu
This itinerary includes all safe altitude adjustments, one acclimatization and realistic walking hours. This itinerary is suitable for solo trekkers with a guide. This trail offers you a good balance of nature, villages, monasteries, and mountain views.
Best Time for the Solo Manaslu Circuit Trek
The best time to trek Manaslu is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Autumn is the most popular season for trekking. During this season, you can spot stable weather, clear skies and spectacular mountain views. You will find moderate temperatures, safer trails in this season, which make it ideal for solo trekkers. This seasons also offer a mixture of adventure and comfort.
Another second-best season is spring. This season will offer you warmer temperatures, a blooming rhododendron forest, and lively villages. These amazing factors make the trek visually stunning and enjoyable for photos. You should avoid trekking during the winter season. The months from December to February are not recommended for solo trekkers. In these months, Larkya La pass receives heavy snow, tea houses are closed at high altitude and temperatures drop to -20°C or lower.
Another risky season is the Monsoon. The months of June to August are also a risky period. Landslides, slippery trails, and poor visibility create risks to travelers. High chances of risk are especially on river crossings and steep sections.
If you plan Ta trek in the recommended season, you will be rewarded with open tea houses, safer trails, and proper weather conditions for acclimatization, which are necessary at high altitudes. You should plan very mindfully around these seasons to maximize safety and comfort.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Accommodation, Food and Safety
The Manaslu Circuit is a tea house trek. Trekkers need to stay in simple lodges on the trail. You will get rooms with basic beds, blankets and shared toilets. In the high altitude villages like Sama Gaun, Samdo and Dharamshala, facilities become more limited. Some of the tea houses will provide you with Wi-Fi and charging facilities, but they can be slow or inconsistent. In peak season, for solo trekkers, you need to book a room through guides to ensure availability.
Food along the trail is hearty and sufficient for high-altitude trekking. In most tea houses, you will be served dal bhat, noodles, soup, potatoes, eggs, and tea/coffee. Dal Bhat can be the best option because this provides you with energy for long walking days. It is budget-friendly, and you can get a free refill. When you reach a high altitude, the price of food will increase. Food will range from USD 5 to 9 per meal.
Safety is another important factor on this trek. This trek trail passes through remote stretches, landslide-prone areas and high-altitude passes. It is mandatory to follow the guide instructions. As a solo trekker, you must stay hydrated, take acclimatization days and always be prepared for sudden weather changes. A licensed guide safeguards you in emergencies, navigation and health issues. Guides also make trek safe and more manageable.
Final Conclusion: Is it really Possible to do a solo Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is possible for solo travelers. But you cannot complete the trek alone. The Nepal government legally requires licensed guides and permits through the agency. Guides and permits are necessary because the trail passes through a restricted and remote high-altitude region. As a solo trekker, you can walk at your own pace, enjoy your privacy and experience the adventure independently. Still, hiring a guide guarantees you safety, proper acclimatization and provides support in emergencies.
You can find a permit partner through agencies. Having a trekking partner will make it legally possible to complete the trek while following the regulations. The Manaslu Circuit will offer you stunning Himalayan views, Tibetan culture, peaceful villages and off-beat trails. You will find it less crowded here than on Everest and Annapurna. For an extremely rewarding trek, you need to make good preparation, manage your budget efficiently, get necessary permits and trek alongside an expert guide. With the proper planning, the Manaslu Circuit Trek provides a true Himalayan adventure for those who are seeking challenge and serenity.