Manaslu Trek in October - Trek Overview
The trekking adventure in the standard packages in this off-beaten route starts with a drive from Kathmandu (1,400 meters) to Machha Khola (930 meters). However, if you are hiring a fully guided trekking package like Explorer Adventure’s 16-Day Manaslu Circuit Trekking, you will also enjoy a sightseeing day at Kathmandu before heading toward the mountain. After driving all the way to Machha Khola, you will then start your trekking part and move along the trekking route to reach Khorla Besi (970 meters). Moving further in your exciting trekking trail, you will then cross the natural hot spring of Tatopani on your way to reach Jagat (1,340 meters).
Then, continuing with the ascending route, you will traverse across high-altitude traditional settlements of central Nepal, like Deng (1,860 meters), Ghap (2,250 meters), Lho Gaon (3,180 meters) and Sama Gaon (3,530 meters). This high-altitude settlement is the closest settlement to the Manaslu Base Camp (4,900 meters), and you will enjoy an acclimatization day here before heading further. During the acclimatization day, you can do hikes to Birendra Tal (3,450 meters) or the Manaslu Base Camp to acclimatize properly to the new altitudes.
Pushing further ahead across alpine meadows, you will then reach Dharamshala, a.k.a Larke Phedi (4,480 meters). The next day, you will cross the Larke La Pass (5,106 meters), one of the exciting Himalayan passes from where you can enjoy the panoramic views of mountain peaks like Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, Gyaji Kung and other surrounding peaks as you descend down to Bhimtang (3,7720 meters).
Crossing this Himalayan pass will mark the end of your exciting circuit trekking journey of Mt. Manaslu, and you will make your descent to Gho Village (2,250 meters). On the following day, moving forward with your descending journey, you will head toward Tal Besi, crossing Dharapani (1,910 meters). Then, you will trek down to Besisahar (760 meters) from Tal Besi and board a comfortable vehicle to drive back to Kathmandu from there. During the final itinerary day of your Manaslu Trek in October, you will then depart for your home country. If your package doesn’t handle all your itinerary plans, then your trekking journey will end after your arrival in Kathmandu.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Manaslu Trek in October?
If you are wondering about what makes the Manaslu Trek in October so special, here are some aspects of this wonderful exploration that you will experience during this mid-point of the autumn season.
Ideal Climatic Conditions
The autumn season, which is considered the number one season for treks and mountain expeditions in Nepal, has earned such popularity due to its most stable climatic conditions. However, October, which is in between the post-monsoon climate of early Septemeber and the light snowfall of late November, is considered the most optimum period of the autumn season in overall.
During this middle point of the autumn season, you can expect the most favorable climatic conditions, dry walking trails, clear days, and pleasant temperatures. The mild temperatures of the season that are neither extremely hot nor freezing cold, accompanied by fresh mornings and breezes, make every day’s trekking adventure a refreshing experience in this month. The temperatures of the Manaslu region during October are approximately around
Temperature of Manaslu Region in October: Temperatures generally hover around 13°C to 25°C and average around 15°C to 16°C. At high altitudes, the temperature can drop as low as -2°C.
Breathtaking Mountain Vistas
Due to the low precipitation, the autumn season is generally known for the most incredible panoramic views of the Himalayan vistas. As there isn’t fog and clouds that cover the mountain views, you will be able to relish the breathtaking views of the sparkling Himalayan peaks from anywhere in your trekking route. The Manaslu Trek route is known for rewarding trekkers with stunning views of the central Himalayan peaks like Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal, including other magnificent peaks.
Thus, during your Manaslu Trek in October, you can enjoy the most spectacular vistas of these stunning peaks in the central Himalayas from your trekking trail. The crispness in the air also further multiplies the magnificence of these wonderful peaks.
Lesser Traffic
As both spring and autumn are the high seasons for trekking adventures in Nepal, you can expect the trails of the popular trekking adventures to be filled with trekking enthusiasts from all over the world. However, there are generally two reasons why you can expect a lesser crowd during your Manaslu Trek in October. First of all, among both peak seasons, the spring season is much warmer, even at the alpine altitudes, so most trekkers prefer this season for a comfortable experience.
Second, the Manaslu Trek is not a mainstream trekking route like the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek. So, even during the peak seasons, as most trekkers join the mainstream exploration, the traffic along this off-beaten route is light. So, you will be able to enjoy your exhilarating Himalayan journey in solitude, achieving a more serene experience during your trek in October.
Stunning Fall Color
Yes, the spring season welcomes trekking enthusiasts across the globe with its spectacular natural prospects; the entire landscape is covered with lushness and adorned with dotted colorful flowers. However, the foliage of the fall seasons, which has stunning shades of grey, yellow, green, and crimson, adds a completely unique experience to the trek and defines the beautiful cycle of nature. Trekking across the landscapes covered with foliage color and surrounded by epic mountain views is, without a doubt, a sweet memory in the lane.
Manaslu Trek in October is a testament to the fall color, as it is not influenced by any transiting points. You will be able to relish the true essence of the fall foliage in this month, which is captivating through and through.
Outstanding Festivals
Besides the fascinating natural allurements and other favorable trekking conditions, the festive ambiance is another highlight to look forward to during your Manaslu Trek in October. This massively culturally diversified Himalayan country celebrates some of the biggest festivals in the entire nation during the month of October. Dashain, which is celebrated for 15 days, is the biggest Hindu festival in Nepal and is celebrated during October.
Similarly, Tihar is another exciting celebration prospect when the entire country is decorated with colorful lights. Similarly, Mani Rimdu and Panchali Bhairab celebrations also often fall in this month. If you are curious about the culture and traditions of this diversified nation, you can take your time to gain some first-hand experience during your Himalayan adventure in October.
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How Difficult is Manaslu Trek?
This off-beaten trekking adventure in central Nepal is considered a moderately difficult trekking adventure. Despite its remoteness and the navigation of the rugged landscapes that are close to the complete Himalayan wilderness, a guided trekking adventure on this off-beaten trail is a comfortable journey. Manaslu Trek route is also pretty close to the mainstream Annapurna region, so it will not be like complete isolation from the world for about two weeks. Due to the milder difficulty aspects of this off-beaten trail, trekkers do not need any kind of prior experience in high-altitude treks.
Even if you are completely new to the Himalayan trek, you can join this exploration if you are a good health and are physically prepared. However, even if this trek has been labeled as a moderate Himalayan journey, you shouldn’t underestimate the challenges of this remote exploration. Two of the major hurdles in this trip are considered to be the overall altitude gain and the total walking distance. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the risks of altitude sickness also potentially increase if you don’t acclimatize properly.
You will join the off-beaten trekking trails of the region from Machha Khola (930 meters) and gradually move along high altitude points to reach the maximum elevation point at Larke La Pass (5,106 meters). So, the overall attitude gain in this trip is about 4,176 meters (13,700 feet), if you don’t follow the appropriate acclimatization process, there is certainly a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Similarly, the total walking distance on this off-beaten Himalayan trail is about 177 km (110 miles). You will need to walk about 6 to 7 hours during this remote wilderness exploration on average.
Although, due to stable climatic conditions, you will not face any trail or climate-related obstacles during your Manaslu Trek in October, pulling long hours of trekking still needs good physical preparation.
Efficient Training for Manaslu Trek in October
In order to create a proper physical preparation plan for the Manaslu trek in October, you need to first do a property physical assessment of yourself. If you exercise regularly based on a routine, you won’t have to set a long-duration training program for your trip. However, if you don’t workout that often, then the first step you should emphasize is getting your body accustomed to physical activities. You can consult with a trekking guide or experienced trekkers or hire a professional trainer to design a suitable training program.
Doing practice hikes is also one of the most effective ways to prepare for this trek. The practice hikes will help you understand the real physical demands of the trek, and you can work on the aspects that you are lagging behind on. The standard recommended period to train for the Himalayan trekking adventures in Nepal is about 3 to 6 weeks, but you can adjust the period according to your needs and how well you can fit the training into your daily schedules. Strength, endurance, and stamina exercises should be your top priority, as they will determine your overall comfort level during the Himalayan journey.
Strength Training Exercises: Lunge, Curl, Plank, Push Up, Glute Birdgem, Leg Extension, Leg raise, Weightlift, Deadlift, Plank, Overhead Press, Pull Up, Calf Raise, etc
Stamina Training Exercises: Jogging, Cycling, Jumping Rope, Mountain Climber, Swimming, Jumping Jack, Aerobic, Kick Boxing, etc
Permits Necessary for Manaslu Trek
The Manaslu region has a restricted area as well as a conserved area that have permits-based entry system. Similarly, during your exciting Himalayan odyssey, you will also pass across the conserved area in the Annapurna region, so the list of permits for this trek is slightly longer than other Himalayan endeavors.
Permits for Manaslu Trek
- Manaslu Restricted Area Entry Permit
- Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit
In this remote Himalayan region, the area in-between Jagat and Dharapani is considered a restricted area to protect the ancient culture, traditions, and wilderness of the area. Thus, you will need a Manaslu Restricted Area Entry Permit to access this area, which costs approximately US$ 100 in October (other months of the autumn season as well). In other seasons (spring, monsoon, and winter), this restricted area permit costs about US$ 75.
Both the Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit cost around US$ 30. Although these conservation area permits can be attained by the trekkers individually from the office of the Tourism Board, the Manaslu Restricted Area Entry Permit is only provided to government-licensed trekking agencies.
Note:Explorer Adventure will take care of all permit requirements and collect them on your behalf.
What Kind of Food and Accomodation Are Available?
As Manaslu Trek takes you to the remote parts of the central Himalayan region, the services here may not be exquisite and on par with the mainstream region. However, as this trekking route is the king of the off-beaten trekking category in the country, the food and accommodation facilities available in the teahouses are of moderate level.
Accommodation
During this remote Himalayan exploration, in a standard trekking package, you will spend about 12 nights on the mountain. In our 16-Day Manaslu Circuit Trekking, you will also spend 3 nights in Kathmandu. During your stay in Kathmandu, you will rest at a star hotel with all modern facilities. Although the accommodation facilities at teahouses/lodges are not on par with the star hotels, they still provide the best facilities according to their capabilities.
In your standard trekking package, you will rest in private rooms which has two or three adjacent beds. All the basic amenities like mattresses, pillows, and blankets are provided by teahouses/lodges during your stay, but we will still recommend you to bring sleeping bags. The teahouses/lodges at the lower region do have Western style toiletry and hot showers, but as you ascend higher, the facilities are limited.
Food
The month of October is a harvest season in Nepal; thus, during your off-beaten trekking adventure, you can expect a wide range of seasonal delicacies. The available menus at the teahouses generally consist of the traditional and regional dishes of the country, some other Asian cultural influences as well as Western options. You can expect the following menus along the teahouses during your Manaslu Trek.
For Breakfast: Tibetan Bread/Gurung Bread, Chapati, Tingmo, Toast, Sel Roti, Eggs, Tea/Coffee, Pancake, Muesli, Pudding, Fruits, etc
For Lunch and Dinner:Traditional Dal Dhat, Dhnido, Momo, Chowmein, Paratha, Thukpa. Shyaphale, Aloo Tama, Pizza, Pasta, Spaghetti, Sandwich, Burger, Steak, Fries, Soup, etc
Note: If you are wondering about whether you will be able to get the vegetarian and vegan options during your trek, almost all of the teahouses do have these options available. You can also request the chef not to include any ingredient you don’t prefer or are allergic to.
Packing Check-List for Manaslu Trek in October
The autumn season brings serenity and crispness to the atmosphere, although the temperatures are chill and fresh at the lower altitudes, it is colder at high altitudes. Light layers will be enough to trek along the lower trekking region, however, for the alpine and trans-Himalayan zones, you need to pack appropriate warm layers.Similarly, packing the helpful gear/equipment will add more comfort to your remote exploration.
You also need to pack enough personal hygiene/toiletries items as services available products at the teahouses in this remote route are limited. Don’t worry; you don’t have to carry all your luggage by yourself; Explore Adventure will also provide a helpful porter to trekkers (1 porter for 2 trekkers). The porter will carry about 15 kg of luggage from each of the trekkers, porter’s maximum weight carrying limit is about 30 kg.
Here are some of our recommendations for your journey on this off-beaten route during the month of October.
For Head and Body
- Sun blocking hat
- Woolen hat
- Lightweight gloves
- Insulated woolen gloves, mittens
- Lightweight t-shirt
- Warm thermal
- Breathable jacket, fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Insulated jacket
- Down jacket
- Comfortable hiking shorts
- Cotton pant
- Breathable trouser
- Heavy fur or insulated trousers
- Waterproof/windproof trousers
- Several pairs of undergarments in different layers
For Feet
- Lightweight socks
- Insulated warm socks
- Trekking boots (don’t forget to break in)
- Sports shoes or flexible trainer shoes
- Sandal or slipper for teahouse
- Waterproof feet gaiter (optional)
Personal Hygiene
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Travel towel
- Bar soap and shampoo
- Sunscreen cream
- Lip balm and moisture cream
- Wet wipes and tissue paper
- Toilet paper
- Shaving cream and razor
- Nail clipper
- Small mirror
- Bug repellent
- Foot powder
- Deodorant
- Handwash or sanitizer
- Female hygiene products
- Personal medication (if any)
- First aid kit
Trekking Equipment
- Trekking pole
- Sunglass with UV protection
- Sleeping Bag
- Packing sack color variants
- Duffle bag
- Wasateg bag
- Headlamp
- Powerbank
- Binoculars
- Water bottle and thermos flask
- Rain covers
- Map and guidebook
- GPS
- Multi-tool knife
- Duct tape
- Books and magazines
- Entertainment options
Some Helpful Tips for Manaslu Trek in October
- October has the most stable climatic conditions, but it is still important to prepare for the unexpected
- Keep yourself warm in the alpine zones; it's generally cold during the nighttime
- Don’t stand too close to the edge of the cliffs, and be careful while letting yak pass (stay on the mountainside)
- Be careful about your footing as you traverse across the foliage of nature
- Be prepared for the weather changes at high altitudes
- Stick to the safety guidelines and instructions of your guide
- Trek with a package that has enough acclimatization days
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
- Be mindful about altitude sickness related symptoms
- Communicate effectively with your guide in case of any issues
- Stay organized and flexible
