This Manaslu Circuit Trek is the most peaceful and least crowded trail in Nepal. Recently, the Manaslu circuit trek has become very popular among tourists and locals. The trekking trail of the Manaslu circuit is one of the oldest trails in the region. It was used as a trade route between Nepal and Tibet. Manaslu Circuit region falls under the Manaslu Conservation area and is protected as a restricted area. The Manaslu area started giving permits to the trekkers in 1991.
Is it possible to trek solo in Manaslu?
No, it is not possible to trek solo in the Manaslu Circuit area. The Manaslu Circuit area falls under the Manaslu Conservation area, which is a restricted area. So, the Nepal government doesn’t allow trekking solo in the Manaslu Circuit area. It is a prohibited area to go for a solo Manaslu trek. There are certain rules and regulations that we must follow before starting the trek.
You must have a Manaslu circuit partner for the Manaslu circuit trek since you cannot go for the Manaslu Circuit solo. The major requirement for the Manaslu Circuit trek is that you must be in a group or have a partner for the trek. Plus, you must have a licensed trek guide. This is made to ensure the safety of the trekkers in the Manaslu region. We will help you find a Manaslu trekking partner if you still need one. The area is remote and remains untouched still today. The trekking route of the Manaslu region has yet to be explored further. Only a few parts of the route have been explored, so it remains under the restricted area.
Permits required for the Manaslu circuit trek
The Nepal government has made a list of certain permits for the Manaslu Circuit trek. The Manaslu region has an open border with Tibet, so it requires a permit to enter and trek the area. You must have a permit from an authorized and registered travel agency. The Manaslu permit cost depends on the itinerary and the number of days you are going to stay there.
To trek in the Manaslu circuit area, you will require three permits in total: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These permits help to conserve and preserve the region’s environment. These areas are remote and still untouched by the crowd.
The Manaslu circuit permit cost differs according to the trekking season. From September to November, the Manaslu Restricted Area permit will cost around $70 per person for the first week and $10 extra days. From December to August, it will cost around $50 per person for the first week and $7 extra per person per day thereafter. You do not need the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) for the Manaslu trek.
The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) costs around $27 for foreigners, NPR 1,000 for SAARC countries, and NPR 100 for Nepali tourists. You can get a permit from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. The ACAP costs around $27 for foreigners, NPR 1,000 for SAARC countries, and NPR 100 for local tourists.
How can a guide help you in the Manaslu Circuit trek?
While trekking in the Manaslu Circuit area, you will need a guide for your safety and information. A guide is fully responsible for everything during the trek, from showing paths to managing your accommodation and food. Trekking without a guide in a restricted area is very risky.
A guide will help you out with various things in the trek. As a trekker, you only have a little information on the trails as much as the guide does. A guide will help you choose the best path for the trek and will provide you with information on the mountain’s altitude and the region. They have all the information required for the trek. They will help you to get the permit and arrange your trek from the start to the end. A guide has a cultural understanding of the Manaslu region, so it will help you communicate and respect the locals.
If solo is not allowed, then how can you find a partner for the trek?
As we have already mentioned, trekking solo in the Manaslu area is not allowed. If you have a group of people, it is fine, but if you do not have a group or a trekking partner, you do not have much to worry about.
You can find a Manaslu trekking partner through various channels. You can contact the travel agency to arrange a partner for you, Manaslu Trek. You can fill out the forms made by the companies. You can also find out about it through various social media channels and campaigns.