Manaslu Short Trek 10 Days

Manaslu Short Trek or better known as 10 days Manaslu Circuit Trek is a comparatively quick return and challenging High-Pass Trek. It is a hike which circumnavigates Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the eighth highest peak in the world. The trip has been thus planned by our travel experts to be shortened by 5 days as compared to the classical Manaslu Circuit Trek. Here the journey expedites during the days of acclimatization and also the point where the trek begins. The travelers however need to prepare themselves as the journey demands a high level of physical fitness.

The trip also features Larkya La Pass (5106 m / 16752 ft), one of the longest passes in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is located in between Dharmashala and Bimthang, and is the highest point in the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu Conservation Area

Established in 1998, Manaslu Conservation Area is one of the protected regions of Nepal. Moreover, it covers 1663 km2 in the Mansiri Himal range of the Himalayas in the Gorkha District. The area comprises mountains, glaciers, and watercourses. In elevation, the area ranges from 1400 to 8156 m (4593 to 26759 ft), the highest point being the peak of Mt. Manaslu.

The region is home to 33 species of mammals including snow leopard, musk deer and Himalayan tahr. There are over 110 species of birds and three species of reptiles and over 1500–2000 species of flowering plants. At least four species of frogs are present: Amolops formosus, Nanorana liebigii, Ombrana sikimensis, and Duttaphrynus himalayanus.

Manaslu Trek in brief

In brief, the trip begins by passing via many of the restricted areas with a special permit issued. Moreover, it allows you to explore ethnic Hindu and Buddhist culture through a diverse range of flora and fauna. Not to mention, the circuit passes into two conservation areas viz. Manaslu Conservation Area & Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail therefore passes via many raging rivers, precarious bridges with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. In contrast to previous times, the trip is now considered to have been much easier than it used to be with greatly improved trails along the Budi Gandaki river gorge.

Kathmandu Day Tour

The package also takes you to explore the historical civilization of Kathmandu Valley. Here you will get an insight into UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Note: The trip requires a minimum of two or more members to have been registered with trekking guides accompanying the group in order to obtain the special permit slip.

Trek Map

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Additional information on Manaslu Short Trek:

Booking Your Manaslu Short Trek:

We are offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Manaslu region for 2024 and 2025. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 100 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 999 per person upfront. Moreover, if you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We also accept all of the convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Arrival and Departure via International Flights:

For your 10 Days Manaslu Short Trek, you should plan to begin your trip from Kathmandu on Day 1 and end on Day 10. You should thus also manage to arrive in Kathmandu a day before the trip begins and check into your desired hotel. May we also remind you that the travelers must also book an extra night of hotel after they arrive in Kathmandu on the final day of the trip if there is a return flight scheduled for a day after.

Note: You may however request us to book the hotels for you for additional costs. Also, having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Packing for the Manaslu Short Trek:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your Manaslu Short Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Airport Transfers:

If you want us to provide you with airport transfers after your arrival in Kathmandu, you can do the same with some additional costs. However, you must share your flight details with us in advance. Our airport representative will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name ‘Cordial Trek’ and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. You may also opt to choose the airport transfers for your departure with us for additional costs.

Trek Starting and Ending Days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 3 to Day 9. As Manaslu Trek requires a special permit to travel to the restricted areas of Nepal, we must obtain one for you as well. It takes a day to do the same, so Day 1 consists of a full Day Kathmandu Day Tour included in your pay.

You’ll therefore take a long scenic drive to Machha Khola via Soti Khola, a small settlement and the start point of your trek on Day 2. The trek commences on Day 3 and ends on Day 9. Expect to spend 8 nights and 7 days completing the Manaslu Short Trek. You’ll begin your trek from Machha Khola and end at Dharapani with overnight stays in places like Jagat, Deng, Namrug, Sama Gaun, Dharmasala and Bimthang. Each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon, with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route.

Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu:

In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in a 3 Star Hotel with twin/double sharing beds for Day 1’s night halt.

Accommodation in the Mountains:

During the trek, your accommodation options are Guest Houses & Teahouses. Although basic, these teahouses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food:

In Kathmandu, your package includes breakfast only, typically served buffet-style. But if you plan to leave for your trek in the early morning, you have an option to receive a packaged breakfast as well. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trekking trail.

Drinking Water on the Trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountain experience.

Cash for Extras and Tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 150-200 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside USD 100-120 for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Baggage and Weight Limit:

As mentioned above, the total weight a porter can carry is a maximum of 25 kgs. If you are a solo traveler, you can utilize it to the max. Else, two travelers are provided with one porter. So each one of you can load a maximum of 12.5 kgs to your porter. Please ensure you carry-on your items to stay within the weight limit. Additionally, you also have an option to carry some of your goods in your backpack as well. If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at the Kathmandu hotel for storage at no cost. Remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Highlights of Manaslu Short Trek:

1. The trip requires a special permit to trek inside the restricted area bordering Tibet, an autonomous region of China.

2. The hiking trail features an unbeaten path that circumnavigates Mt. Manaslu.

3. This quick return trip is an exceptionally short one that completes the journey within ten days.

4. The trip crosses via Larkya La High Pass at 5106 m.

5. Travelers get insight into traditional Tibetan culture and local lifestyle.