Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek

Hotels in Kathmandu are not included in your trek.

Therefore, we recommend you check sites such as booking.com or hostelworld.com for a place that suits your style and budget.

We recommend you choose the Thamel area, which is the tourist hub in Kathmandu with plenty of accommodation, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife. Our office is also located in Thamel.

When you arrive in Kathmandu, take a day to explore the city. It is rich in culture, history, and folklore, and with seven UNESCO Heritage Sites, there is plenty to see. Again, please let us know on the booking form if you would like us to organize this tour for you. Otherwise, take some time yourself to discover the wonders of Kathmandu.  

Visas are available on arrival for people from most countries. Go online and fill in the form before you come. Print this form out and bring it with you. Payment will be made at Tribhuvan International Airport in USD cash. The visa on arrival is valid for 15 days, 30 days, or 3 months. 

Currently, in spring 2024, the cost of a tourist visa on arrival is:

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

Your Nepal visa is not a trekking permit.  Separate permits are required for trekking, and this is something will arrange for you.

While you may be coming to Nepal for the mountains, there is a lot of culture to take in. It would be a shame to miss it. This is one reason why our guides are normally from the area they are guiding clients through. Local knowledge is invaluable.

The Manaslu and Annapurna Trek passes through three regions of the country: Manaslu, Manang, and Mustang.  Each of these has different peoples and cultures. 

Overall, we can divide the culture of this trek into two groups: those who follow Hindu traditions and those who follow Buddhist traditions. With both cultures sitting side by side, there is a natural cross-over in many instances.

Manaslu: This area is inhabited mainly by people known as Gurung.  They migrated from Tibet around the 6th century.  Since they left Tibet before Buddhism established itself there, it was only after migrating to Nepal that they converted to Buddhism, so you may notice some differences in their Buddhist practice. In modern times, they have become known as the ethnic group from where the Gurkhas come.  Gurkhas are active in the Nepal, Indian, and British armies and, more recently, in the UN Peacekeeping Force.  

Gurungs speak their language, as do people from the Nubri and Tsum ethnic groups living in the Manaslu region. They, too, migrated from Tibet many centuries ago. With their different languages and different flavors of Buddhism, Bon, and/ or animism, these groups all live together peacefully.

 In the lower areas of this region, we also find Brahmin and Chettri groups that practice Hinduism. Into the mix come the Newars (who also inhabit a good deal of the Kathmandu Valley), who practice a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism unique to Nepal.  

Manang: There are also many Gurung communities in Manang, and the artifacts indicate that the majority of the inhabitants practice Buddhism.

Mustang: The Mustang region is an interesting case study. While the majority of people residing there are Buddhists, when we cross over the Thorong La Pass, the first town we encounter is Muktinath. Muktinath is the location of a key Hindu pilgrimage site. Here, the temple is surrounded by 108 water spouts, and there is an eternal flame, which is also a symbol of this unique holy site. Many Hindu pilgrims from India and Nepal gather here to worship and bathe in the sacred water spouts. 

The blend of culture and people and the stark and sometimes lush landscapes, backed by towering mountains, makes this trek truly unique.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trek are included in the cost. While meals are included, if you wish to have extra food, something special, or soft drinks/ beer, etc., you will have to pay for those yourself.

Breakfast and dinner are taken in the teahouses (trekking lodges) where you sleep.  The menus provide Nepali, Tibetan, Chinese, and Western cuisine.

Lunches will be taken in teahouses along the trail, which may have a more limited menu. On the acclimatization days at Sama Gaon and Manang, you will have a packed lunch with you.

On the subject of food, there are obvious differences between the menus on the Manaslu Circuit and the Annapurna Circuit parts of the trek.

The Manaslu area, namely Manang and Lower Mustang, sees fewer trekkers than the Annapurna Circuit area. As a result, the menus tend to be a bit less Westernized in Manaslu. That is not to say the food is not good; just less spaghetti and more noodles, less filter coffee, and more masala tea. 

A typical menu in the Manaslu area looks like this: 

• Soups of different kinds, mainly vegetable
• Tibetan bread  (deep fried)
• Nepali bread (chapati like)
• Momos (steamed dumpling packets with vegetables inside)
• Fried noodles with vegetables
• Fried potatoes – different varieties may be available
• Dal Bhat (Nepali curry and rice)
• Fried rice with vegetables
• A basic dessert – rice pudding perhaps.  We will also bring fruit with us for our clients.
• Porridge (breakfast)
• Eggs  (breakfast)
• Soft drinks
• Nepali tea
• Tibetan butter tea (an acquired taste!)
• Coffee (if available)
• Beer

A typical menu in the Mustang district of the Annapurna trek has a different range of local food, as well as those listed above. 

• Wild mushroom curry
• Dried yak blood sausage
• Buckwheat Dhindo (another acquired taste as its raw buckwheat dough)
• Alu ken (mashed rice and potato)
• Yak cheese 

Once you have crossed the Thorong La Pass into Lower Mustang, then the variety of food changes again!  Fancy a hamburger?  A pizza? Some ice cream and apple pie?  Now is your chance! 

There is little or no refrigeration in the more remote parts of this trek, so we recommend you not eat meat products that may have been lying around unrefrigerated for some time. Please check carefully at any teahouse in Manang or Mustang and decide for yourself. Or wait until you reach Pokhara.

Also, avoid alcohol on any high-altitude trek, as alcohol acts more quickly on your body at altitude.  Hangovers are both unpleasant and may hide any altitude-related problems you may develop.   

Based on our extensive experience, we recommend bringing snacks such as dried fruit and nuts, power bars, chocolate, etc.  We will also be bringing fresh fruit from Kathmandu for you at dinner time, but carrying your snacks is somehow comforting.

Lunch is taken on the trail and the menu may be limited. A good breakfast and plenty of snacks can often substitute for lunch if it is not to your taste on a particular day.

Soft drinks, beer, extra food, and extra tea/ coffee (as well as boiled water) are paid for by yourself. Be aware, the prices get higher as you do.  It’s a long way to carry goods so the high prices are understandable.  Please do not bargain at the teahouse. 

Stay well hydrated. This will enable you to enjoy your trek and lessen the risk of altitude problems.  

Vegetarians are well taken care of on treks in Nepal, as almost everything is plant-based.  However, Plant-based milk is unavailable, and with eggs served for nearly all breakfasts, vegans may wish to bring some extra protein sources with them or stick to Tibetan/ Nepali types of breakfast, i.e., fried rice and/or fried bread.  Lemon added to black is a delicious ‘milk’ tea substitute.

If you are wondering about where to get water on the trek, we can advise you not to drink the tap water without taking precautions such as adding purifying tablets or drops to the water and waiting for them to take effect, which is usually 30 minutes.

You can buy drops or tablets in Kathmandu, but it is probably easier if you bring them with you from home.  Remember to bring enough for 4 liters of water a day, and some extras.  You cannot buy these on the trail.  You can also bring a purifying bottle like a LifeStraw from home. 

Boiled water is available for purchase in the teahouse so carrying a stainless steel bottle for this purpose is a good idea.  Hot water on the trail in the chilly morning hours is great.  As is something to warm you at bedtime.   A reusable plastic BPA-free bottle is recommended as is a water camel or similar.

We do not use one-time use mineral bottles of water.  We encourage our clients not to purchase these either as we wish to keep the environment clear of unnecessary plastic waste.  You may be pleased to know that mineral water in bottles is not available in the Annapurna region.

Tips on Water:

To avoid dehydration, it is recommended that you drink 4 liters of water per day on the trek. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are considered extra beverages and are not included in those 4 liters. 

The price of ‘mineral’ water in plastic bottles is a) very expensive and b) not environmentally friendly.  Please do not buy even if it is available. Bring your reusable bottles as above.

Natural spring water can be purified and drunk using drops or tablets.

On the majority of treks in Nepal the accommodation is basic – a simple room with two single beds.   However, like the menu, the accommodation varies on this trek depending on the region you are in.

For example, the teahouses we find in the Manaslu area may have attached bathrooms, but some may not.  On the Annapurna section of the trek, the standard of teahouse is quite comfortable, and most will have sleeping rooms with attached bathrooms.

We should point out that in the settlements closest to the Thorong La Pass and Larke Pass have very limited accommodation and it may be that you have to share a sleeping room with another trekker, even if you have booked a private room.  Life on the trail!

As far as showers and toilets are concerned, again these are generally more basic than you will find in the city.  However, once you enter Mustang (on the Annapurna section of the trek) things are better and your room may have an attached toilet and shower. 

It is standard to pay extra for hot showers – the cost being between USD 2 – 5 depending on the location of the teahouse.  This applies in both the Manaslu region and the Annapurna region.  

Tips on Accommodation:

Bathrooms may be shared with other guests. Please understand this in the remote areas.  Discovering other cultures is what travel is all about.  

Bring your own warm (4 seasons is good) sleeping bag for warmth and cleanliness.

There is no heating in the sleeping rooms.

There is heating in the dining rooms.

Do not enter the kitchen unless invited.

Like the hot water for showers, electricity for charging your equipment is expensive.  You will pay around USD2 – 5 per item to be charged. 

ExtenAltitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when your body struggles to adapt to the decreased oxygen levels at high elevations. On the Manaslu Annapurna Trek, you’ll ascend to altitudes over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet), where the risk of AMS increases.

Common Symptoms of AMS:

• Headache
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness
• Fatigue or Weakness
• Shortness of Breath at Rest
• Difficulty Sleeping

Prevention Measures

Gradual Ascent with Acclimatization Days:

• Carefully Planned Itinerary: At Magical Nepal, we design our trekking schedules to include acclimatization days, allowing your body to adjust to higher altitudes gradually.
• “Climb High, Sleep Low” Strategy: We encourage short hikes to higher elevations during the day and returning to lower altitudes to sleep.

Hydration and Nutrition:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily. Herbal teas and soups are also beneficial.
• Balanced Diet: Consume high-carbohydrate foods to maintain energy levels. Our guides ensure meal plans that support your nutritional needs.
• Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: These can exacerbate dehydration and hinder acclimatization.

Pacing and Health Monitoring:

• Slow and Steady Pace: Our experienced guides set a comfortable trekking pace to prevent overexertion.
• Regular Rest Stops: We schedule frequent breaks to rest and monitor your well-being.
• Health Checks: Daily monitoring of your symptoms helps in early detection of any issues.

Emergency Protocols

In the event of altitude sickness symptoms, Magical Nepal has established protocols to ensure your safety.

Immediate Actions:

1. Inform Your Guide: Communicate any discomfort or symptoms promptly.
2. Assessment: Our guides are trained to recognize signs of AMS and will evaluate your condition.
3. Rest and Monitor: Mild symptoms may improve with rest and no further ascent.
4. No Further Ascent: Avoid climbing higher until symptoms have subsided.
5. Descent: If symptoms persist or worsen, we’ll arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude immediately.

Medical Support:

• First-Aid Kits: Our guides carry comprehensive first-aid supplies, including medications for AMS.
• Emergency Communication: We have access to communication devices to coordinate rescue operations if necessary.
• Evacuation Plans: In severe cases, we facilitate prompt evacuation to the nearest medical facility.

Preventive Medication:

• Acetazolamide (Diamox): May be used to prevent or reduce symptoms. Consult your doctor before the trek about using this medication.

Safety Commitment by Magical Nepal

Choosing Magical Nepal for your trekking adventure means:

• Experienced Guides: Our team is skilled in high-altitude trekking and first aid.
• Personalized Attention: Small group sizes allow for better care and monitoring.
• Reliable Support: From porters to support staff, our team works together to ensure your safety.
• Quality Equipment: We provide necessary gear like oximeters to monitor oxygen levels.

Altitude sickness is a serious concern on the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek, but with proper precautions and the support of Magical Nepal, you can minimize risks. Our focus on trek safety ensures that you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences of this incredible journey.

If you would like to hire a porter, that is an extra charge.  The cost of a porter is not included in the cost of the trek.   

If you are unsure if you need a porter or not for this trek, then you probably do need one!

Keep in mind that you will spend 18 days on the trail, with an average of 6 to 7 hours of hiking per day and two high passes to cross. The average pack weighs 10 to 15kg, so unless you are very confident you can manage it, we suggest you do not try. 

You might ask why a porter is not included in the price if it’s difficult for the average trekker to carry a pack for such a long trek.  Some clients do wish to carry their own pack, some wish to share a porter with a friend, and some wish to find another person (on a group trek) who would like to share a porter. Sharing a porter means also sharing the cost of hiring one.  So, it’s hard to include this in the trek price.

Apart from giving you the freedom to enjoy your trek more fully, by hiring a porter, you also support his family through the money you pay and his community with the same money that the family will then spend within the community.

Tips on Hiring a Porter:

A porter can carry a maximum of 20kg. We would prefer he carry less, so if you can reduce your pack, please do so for the porter’s well-being.

Sharing with another trekker is a cost-effective way to hire a porter.  Please ensure you both pack less than 10kg. 

Still unsure as to whether to hire a porter or not?  Remember, you will be carrying your day pack with water, sunscreen, snacks, and whatever you need during the day.  It begins to all add up.

If you hire a porter, you will still carry a day pack as the porter(s) walk much faster than we do and go ahead of the trekkers to the next overnight stop. ·   Porters are amazing people!  Let’s show them respect and appreciation.

This trek takes us through three districts: Manaslu, Manang, and Mustang. It also includes three regional areas, two conservation areas, two mountain ranges, two high mountain passes, and two different religions and cultures. Describe a typical day a little hard!

However, each day, you wake up and have breakfast in a teahouse (as trekking lodges are called in Nepal)—except for the days when you must rise extremely early to make it over the passes!

Each day, you set off on a chilly morning with the mountains rising above you. You may hike through pine or rhododendron forests, scramble over moraine, or both.

You take lunch on the trail and gaze at some of the highest mountains in the world.  This includes Mt Manaslu, the 8^th highest mountain in the world, and the Annapurnas – a magical range of snow-capped mountains, reportedly among the most exciting in the Himalayas. 

You meet many locals on the way, and pass through Hindu or Buddhist villages, depending on the area and the day.  You may visit a monastery and interact with lamas and monks. You may encounter yak or mule trains or even some local wildlife. 

You walk for hours, enjoying the views of mountains, rivers, gorges, and pastures until you reach your next teahouse destination. There, you sit around in the warm dining room, enjoying conversation and a delicious dinner before retiring to bed.

A typical day!

Crossing high passes: Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,765 ft) and the Larkya La Pass (5,135 m / 16,847 ft) are not typical days.  They are extremely tough and exciting days.

Larkya La Pass:

Starting with breakfast at 3 am to give you enough energy to make it through this 10-hour day, you set off before dawn to cross this high pass between Dharmasala and Bimthang in the Manaslu region. This incredible day is full of mountains, glaciers, and icefall views. 

As you gaze at Himlung (7,126m/ 23,379 ft), Kang Guru (6,981m /22,903 ft), and Annapurna II (7,937m / 26,040 ft), please pay close attention to the rough glacier moraines under your feet and safely reach up and over the pass.

Thorong La Pass:

This pass joins Manang with Mustang and is an ancient trading route. On this day, you will start out around 4 a.m., which takes approximately 9 hours to cross. Like the Larkya La, you must cross before the high afternoon winds set in.  

You can also see the sunrise from High Camp, which is a very steep climb up. Another 4 to 5 hours will see us at the top of the pass. Thankfully, after passing High Camp, there is a small teashop where you can get tea and chocolate. Crampons may be needed in February and March, which adds to the excitement.

Keeping a close eye on this slippery section, you can reach the bottom of the pass a couple hours after crossing the top. After a long day, you reach Muktinath, where a whole different world awaits! 

Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek is an incredible adventure, but it’s important to assess if it’s the right fit for you. 

This trek is best suited for individuals who have some prior trekking experience, especially at high altitudes. If you’ve completed multi-day hikes or treks like the Everest Base Camp or the classic Annapurna Circuit, you’ll have a solid foundation. Familiarity with walking on uneven terrain and coping with changing weather conditions is highly beneficial. The suitability of the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek largely depends on your ability to handle long days on the trail and adapt to varying environments.

Fitness Requirements

A good level of physical fitness is crucial for this trek. You’ll be hiking 6 to 8 hours a day, often on steep and rugged paths. The trek involves significant elevation gains, reaching altitudes over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet), such as the Larkya La Pass and Thorong La Pass. To enjoy the trek safely:

• Cardiovascular Endurance: Engage in regular aerobic exercises like running, cycling, or swimming at least three months before the trek.
• Strength Training: Focus on building leg strength through activities like hiking, stair climbing, and weight training.
• Stamina: Practice long walks with a backpack to simulate trekking conditions.

Mental Preparedness

Mental resilience is as important as physical fitness on the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek. Here’s what to consider:

• Altitude Challenges: Be prepared to face the effects of high altitude, including thinner air and potential altitude sickness.
• Basic Accommodations: Expect simple living conditions with limited amenities in remote areas.
• Unpredictable Conditions: Weather can be unpredictable; flexibility and a positive attitude are key.
• Cultural Differences: Embrace the local cultures and traditions with respect and openness.

If you’re physically fit, mentally prepared, and have some trekking experience, the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek could be a perfect adventure for you. This trek offers a unique blend of challenging terrains, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences that make it a memorable journey for the right trekker.

These popular trekking areas are best in the spring and autumn. On the plus side, the weather is magnificent—clear blue skies, not too cold at night, and lovely sunny days. On the other hand, the Annapurna region, in particular, sees a lot of trekkers during both seasons. Since Manaslu generally sees fewer trekkers, perhaps we can recommend the ‘shoulder seasons.”

Spring: (March to May) With rhododendrons in bloom and snow covering the mountains, this is a stunning season to trek in. At the beginning of March, it may still be cold, but by the end of the month, the weather should be much warmer.

Autumn: (September to November) The weather in these months is similar to spring. It is warmer at lower altitudes and not too cold at high altitudes. After the monsoon rains, pastures and forests will be lush, and rivers will run fast.  

Monsoon: (June – September) We do not run this trek in the monsoon because the monsoon makes trails very difficult.  Slippery trails, landslides, and overflowing rivers making crossing hard are just some of the downfalls of monsoon.  Plus, it’s not great to trek when wet through.

Winter (December – February): It is not recommended to trek in this area during the winter.  Trails may be hard to locate after snowfall and many teahouses will be closed as the locals leave the area for the winter. Mainly, the Thorong La Pass is likely to be closed due to deep snow making crossing between Manang and Mustang impossible.

We recommend spring and autumn as these months are excellent for trekking in the Manaslu and Annapurna areas.   Should these times be unsuitable for you, please talk to us about the shoulder seasons which are at the end of February and again at the beginning of June.

Also Read: Best Time to Trek Manaslu Region

Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek requires obtaining several permits due to the restricted nature of the region and conservation efforts. Understanding these requirements and adhering to trekking regulations is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey. At Magical Nepal, we handle all the necessary permits and ensure compliance with regulations, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.

Required Permits

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
   • Purpose: The Manaslu region is designated as a restricted area to preserve its natural and cultural heritage.
   • Cost:
     • September to November: USD 100 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 15 per person per day thereafter.
     • December to August: USD 75 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 10 per person per day thereafter.
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
   • Purpose: Supports conservation and sustainable development in the Manaslu region.
   • Cost: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 30) per person.
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
   • Purpose: Required when entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, supporting environmental conservation efforts.
   • Cost: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 30) per person.

How to Obtain Permits

We take care of all the permit arrangements on your behalf. Our experienced team ensures that all documentation is correctly processed before your trek begins.

Required Documentation

• Valid Passport: Original passport with at least six months validity and photocopies.
• Passport-sized Photos: At least four recent photographs.
• Nepal Visa: Valid tourist visa for Nepal.
• Travel Insurance: Proof of insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

Process

1. Provide Documents: Submit the necessary documents to Magical Nepal upon booking.
2. Permit Application: We apply for the permits through the Department of Immigration and relevant conservation authorities.
3. Permit Issuance: Permits are issued within a few working days. We will have them ready before your trek commences.

At Magical Nepal, we prioritize your safety and compliance with all trekking regulations. Our professional guides are licensed and knowledgeable about the region, ensuring that your trek is both enjoyable and lawful. By handling all logistics related to permits and regulations, we provide you with peace of mind.

Also Check: Manaslu Trek Permits | Annapurna Trek Permits

The Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek is not only a journey through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes but also an immersive experience into Nepal’s rich cultural tapestry. Trekkers have the unique opportunity to engage with the Gurung and Tibetan communities, gaining deep insights into their traditions, lifestyles, and local customs.

Gurung Culture: In the lower regions of the trek, you’ll encounter the Gurung people, known for their warm hospitality and vibrant culture. Their villages are characterized by traditional stone houses, terraced fields, and intricate wood carvings. The Gurung are primarily Buddhists and animists, and their way of life revolves around agriculture and livestock farming. Engaging with the Gurung community offers a glimpse into their ancestral practices, communal living, and traditional attire adorned with colorful fabrics.

Tibetan Influences: As you ascend to higher altitudes, the cultural landscape shifts towards Tibetan influences. The inhabitants here are of Tibetan descent, and their Buddhist faith is deeply embedded in daily life. You’ll walk through villages adorned with prayer flags, mani walls (stone walls inscribed with Buddhist prayers), and chortens (stupas). The Tibetan communities maintain traditional attire, language, and customs. Observing their daily rituals and monastic lifestyles provides a window into a way of life that has remained relatively unchanged for centuries.

Respecting local customs and traditions is essential to enhance your cultural experiences on the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek. Here are some etiquettes to keep in mind:

• Greetings: Use “Namaste” with a slight bow and hands pressed together to greet locals respectfully.
• Dress Modestly: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites or villages.
• Permission for Photography: Always ask before taking photographs of people, religious ceremonies, or inside monasteries.
• Respect Religious Symbols: Walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls as a sign of respect; this practice is known as “circumambulation” in Buddhism.
• Avoid Pointing Feet: Do not point your feet towards people or religious altars when sitting; feet are considered impure.
• Offer and Receive with Both Hands: When giving or receiving items, use both hands as a sign of respect.
• Interaction: Engage with locals politely, showing genuine interest in their way of life without imposing your own beliefs.

By embracing these cultural etiquettes and immersing yourself in the local traditions, you not only enrich your trekking experience but also contribute positively to the preservation of these unique cultures. The Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek becomes more than a physical journey—it transforms into a meaningful exchange that fosters mutual respect and understanding between trekkers and the local communities.

The trek cost is a fixed amount that includes a guide, accommodation, food, and public transport. 

There are some other expenses you should consider when considering this trek.

Transport: A local bus ticket to the starting point of the trek is included. The cost of a public bus or jeep from Muktinath to Pokhara is also included. If you prefer to hire a private jeep to start and end your trek, the cost is shared between however many trekkers in the group choose this option. 

Food: Three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included when on the trail. If you wish to eat more or drink soft drinks, extra coffee, beer, etc., you will pay for that yourself.

In the teahouse, you must pay for the electricity (whatever form it takes) to charge your phone or other items.  This is around USD2-5 each time, depending on the location.   If you want a hot shower, you must pay around the same amount per shower.  Note that prices are higher the higher up in the mountains the teahouses are.  Please carry Nepali rupees to pay for items in the teahouse and the small tea stops on the trail.

Tips: please calculate the tips for your guide and porter.  These can be paid in USD or other currencies.

Other expenses on the trail: Giving a small donation (USD 1-2) at any monastery visited is normal. If you are lighting the prayer lamps available, please pay a little more for them. If you are somewhere where there are local handicrafts for sale, you might want to carry money to purchase a souvenir to take home. These, too, should be paid in Nepali rupees.

We recommend bringing around USD15 per day, in Nepali rupees, plus the tips for the guide and porter. **

Before you come expenses: Join a gym!  If you are not a current member, you may consider joining a gym for a couple of months before you come.  You never know, you might even enjoy it!

Trekking boots are a must, and please wear them well before you come.  Trekking gear such as clothing, walking poles, water bottles, and the contents of your first aid kit including water purifying tablets/ drops and any usual medicines you take.

Also Check: Manaslu Trek Cost | Annapurna Trek Cost

Tipping your guide and porter at the end of the trek is normal practice to show appreciation. They have worked hard to make your trip as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. 

As to how much to tip, the standard rate is to tip the guide 10% of your trip cost (the amount you paid to Magical Nepal, not the total including additional items such as shower, soft drinks, charging, etc.). Porters are paid per day, so you should pay him 10% of the total number of days, in this case, 18 days. If you are sharing a porter with another trekker, you can share the cost of the tip.

These are the standard rates. If you are satisfied and happy, feel free to tip more.

Many teahouses on this trek have WiFi, especially in the Annapurna region. However, some settlements may not have access to WiFi because of their location or whose WiFi is unreliable. The same goes for phone data. At times, you will not be able to get a signal. The teahouses will also charge something for the use of their WiFi.

Tips for Communication:

On your arrival in Nepal, you can buy a SIM card at the airport (NTC works better in the more remote locations). This will allow you to connect to a local data internet package, allowing you to contact home via a data package when WiFi is unavailable.

Travel insurance for Nepal should include trekking up to 5,000 m / 16,404 ft. It should also cover helicopter evacuation and hospital treatments. Please read the small print before committing to a particular insurance company.

Magical Nepal has insurance for our guides, porters, and other staff. However, we cannot cover our clients, and foreign visitors cannot obtain insurance in Nepal.

Know more about Telephone Network and Internet Coverage in Manaslu

As Manaslu is a restricted area, all trekkers need a Restricted Area Permit. To obtain this permit, at least two people, plus a guide, must be on this trek. Trekkers cannot go alone without a guide. In fact, only a registered Nepali trekking company can obtain these permits on behalf of its guests.

A private trek does not mean you are traveling alone.  Normally, it means you are traveling with at least one friend.  So, you and your friends can trek with a guide, enabling you to set the pace (within the limits set by the guide) and stop where you wish.

If you are traveling alone, you can do a group trek. We will put you in a group with other people who wish to trek the Manaslu and Annapurna Trek at the same time as you do. There could be another person or 10 others—you won’t know until the trip is finalized. This is ideal for those traveling alone or those who love to meet and trek with like-minded people.

Cost: A private trek costs the same as a group trek. However, if you wish to hire a private jeep for the start and end of the trek, the cost is shared between the number of trekkers taking the jeep. So, in that way, it will cost more if you are two people than if you are, say, six people.

Depart from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola: Transport by local bus is included in the price of the trek.  Your guide will collect you from your hotel in Kathmandu around 5.30 am and take you by taxi to the bus station.  The buses for Machha Khola depart around 6 to 7 am, so leaving your hotel early is necessary.  The journey starts on the main Kathmandu to Pokhara highway, but when it turns off the highway, the road gets bumpy and dusty.  It takes around 9 hours.  There are stops along the way for local food. 

The alternative is to hire a private jeep (cost not included in the trek).  The price will be shared between trekkers who wish to take this option.  The jeep will collect you from your hotel in Kathmandu around 8 am and drive to Machha Khola.  The trip will take around 7 to 8 hours, and stops can be more frequent if you wish – for food, toilet, coffee (yes, there are a couple of good coffee stops along the main highway!), and photo opportunities.

After Muktinath: Having crossed over the high Thorong La Pass, had a good night’s sleep, and explored the Hindu temple and surrounds, you drive down to Pokhara via Jomson (the market town and airport for this area).  It is possible to break the journey at Jomson and fly from Jomson to Pokhara.  While this might seem a good alternative to the around 8 hours by road, it will entail either getting up very early in Muktinath to drive down to Jomson to catch the early morning flight (these flights only operate in the morning) or staying overnight in Jomson (at your own expense) if you wish to explore Muktinath first before heading on to Jomson.  This means extra money and extra time.  The short flight is also quite expensive at around USD125.  On top of this, the weather is unpredictable, and flights are often canceled due to bad weather.

We recommend driving from Muktinath to Pokhara, either by public transport (the cost of which is included in the trek price) or by private jeep (the cost of which is shared between trekkers). 

For those who want to customize their trip, this can be done for at least two people on a private trip.  Just talk to us.

Some ideas would be:

Side trek to Tilicho Lake: This adds an additional 4 days to the Manaslu Annapurna Trek and takes us to the beautiful and holy lake of Tilicho. Situated in Manang, this lake sits at 4,919 m /16,138 ft amidst forests, waterfalls, hills, and superb mountain views, including Machhapuchhre (known to us as Fishtail) and Annapurna.

Exploring the Nar Phu Valley: The Nar Phu Valley is another hidden valley in Nepal, and as such, it is a restricted area that sees fewer trekkers.  Yet it offers beautiful mountain views and insight into the interesting lifestyle of the local people.  Traditionally, nomads and the villages reflect this old way of life and their Tibetan Buddhism and Bon culture, a blend that the locals still practice today.  A trip to this fascinating area will add xx days to your trek.

A shorter itinerary: Does the Manaslu and Annapurna Trek seem too long or too difficult for a novice trekker? Then we can recommend the following treks, which are shorter, less strenuous, yet just as amazing. We will guide you through mountain trails, interesting villages, along rivers, and into Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, all under the gaze of the most wonderful mountain range—the Annapurnas.

• Manaslu Circuit Trek – 11 days
• Tsum Valley Trek – 11 days
• Annapurna Circuit Trek – 12 Days

Just ask us.

After completing the Manaslu and Annapurna Trek the relaxing/ vibrant city of Pokhara awaits.  We say relaxing/ vibrant as Pokhara can be anything you want it to be!

Explore the ancient Mahendra Cave and Davis Falls; climb up to the man-made Peace Pagoda for great views of the Phew Lake; learn more about pioneer mountaineers in the International Mountain Museum, and discover Hindu temples and sites.

Be active by paragliding, bungy jumping, or taking an ultra flight—all of which induce adrenaline and give you a bird’ s-eye view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Relax in your own way, whether by chilling in a lake-side restaurant, shopping for souvenirs, rocking the dance floor in a bar or nightclub, or enjoying a well-deserved massage.