Is It Possible To Go Solo Trekking in Manaslu?

1 Sep 2022 Chandra Gurung

Is it possible to go solo trekking in Manaslu? One of Nepal’s most famous off-the-beaten-path treks is the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which takes place in a restricted area of Nepal that the Manaslu Conservation Area has long protected. 

Only in 1991 was the Manaslu region made accessible to foreign trekkers, keeping it original, unspoiled, and full of nature and isolation. Many hikers intend to climb Manaslu alone, but contrary to other trekking locations in Nepal, like the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and so on, climbing Manaslu alone is entirely prohibited.

The stretch between Jagat and Bimthang, designated a restricted area, is followed by the Manaslu Trail. Therefore, a guide must be hired to complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Because the trail travels through an undeveloped area and offers breathtaking views of the mountains in Nepal, particularly Mt. Manaslu, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is widely regarded as the most incredible option for the Annapurna Circuit Trek (8,512m). 

Similarly, the Manaslu region’s unique culture and traditions may still be seen because modernization has little touched them. Trekkers should be aware that going on the Manaslu Circuit Trek without a guide will prevent them from experiencing some of the trek’s most memorable moments and breathtaking sights.

Is It Possible To Go Solo Trekking in Manaslu?

Although autonomous trail walking can be enjoyable and exciting, you should be aware that many risks are involved. So, if you’re wondering whether it’s possible to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek alone, the answer is no.

To save trekkers from potential risk by providing adequate protection through Manaslu trip guides and porters, the government of Nepal has outright forbidden hiking alone in the Manaslu region.

Tsum Valley, Larkya La Pass, and Manaslu Base Camp, along with six other VDCs, are just a few of the stunning locations in the Manaslu region that share a border with Tibet. These places are all listed as restricted areas. Therefore, one needs the licenses to explore all of these regions. Hiring a knowledgeable guide for the Manaslu Trek is required to secure the permits. Similar to this, many trekkers still have yet to discover the natural splendor of the Manaslu region. 

Therefore, there is no option for an individual to trek to Manaslu to conserve and promote the living and natural beauties safeguarded by the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Additionally, the Manaslu region is home to distinctive traditions and cultures strongly inspired by the Tibetan lifestyle. There are several undeveloped settlements where you may see the straightforward yet fascinating way of living. 

To protect the villages and their traditions, the Nepalese government has declared it impossible to complete the Manaslu Trek without a guide. It implies that you need a certified government guide if you want to visit all of these settlements.

As a result, it is impossible to hike alone in the Manaslu region. The only option is to hire a knowledgeable guide who will make your trip safe and enhance your hiking experience.

The government of Nepal has set the following rules in addition to the requirement of a guide for the Manaslu trek:

• It is required to have a group of at least two individuals (excluding guides and porters).

• The only way to secure all the permits needed for the Manaslu Trek is with the assistance of a licensed local trekking company in Nepal.

• It is necessary to employ a government-licensed guide from a trekking firm. Because it is impossible to complete the Manaslu trip without a guide.

Why Do I Need a Guide for the Manaslu Trek?

You must realize that it is impossible to complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek without a guide if you are aiming to do so. You may now consider the advantages of hiring a guide for the Manaslu Trek. 

One of the most significant advantages of traveling with a guide is that you’ll have their company throughout the difficult journey. Behind the need imposed by the government of Nepal, you must understand that having a guide on your trip makes hiking stress-free and enhances your experience.

Here are some justifications for hiring a guide for the Manaslu Trek.

1. Remote and Rural Area

Being in a restricted region in Nepal is one of the key justifications for trekking Manaslu with a guide. Due to the undeveloped routes and inadequate lodging options, it is dangerous to travel alone in such places. 

For this reason, the government has made hiring guides while trekking in prohibited areas mandatory. Therefore, if you have someone with you, you may easily overcome all the challenges the rural Manaslu region has to offer.

2. Proper Route Navigation

The difficulty of trekking in Nepal increases when the pathways are unclear and poorly marked. Due to the long isolation and uneven, grassy, and narrow nature of the Manaslu trail, there is a high likelihood that you may get turned around or lose your way somewhere along the trip. 

It would help if you employed a knowledgeable guide to help you with this issue. Because they are familiar with every part of the Manaslu region. The guide’s extensive experience will keep you on the proper path and transport you securely to the Manaslu Base Camp.

3. A Carefully Crafted and Unique Itinerary

The Manaslu Circuit trek’s success rate is directly related to the route. The items and places you desire to encounter are not the only things you should include in your itinerary. 

It is more complicated than this because the ideal itinerary design requires accurate knowledge. The knowledge of the weather, trail, and other factors. To manage the schedule and include the majority of the views of the Manaslu region at the optimal time, it is always better to go on a Manaslu trek with a guide. 

For you to enjoy the trip safely, they also make sure to include enough acclimatization days on the program.

4. Safety and Health

Your guide serves as your guardian in the foreign land by offering protection and security in the event of unforeseen events. As you are all aware, the Manaslu trail is rough, uneven, and steep, making it difficult for you to walk at the same pace each time. 

In situations like these, the guide will offer recommendations and instruct you to maintain a slow pace. Additionally, they keep you informed of all potential concerns, such as altitude sickness, weather changes, getting off the path, etc. They constantly act as your powerful support system.

6. Effortless Trekking

Every hiker wants to experience stress-free hiking so they can take in more of the natural beauty. Trekking in the Himalayan region necessitates much planning before the trip. 

Without the advice and assistance of a Manaslu Journey guide, it is hard to prepare a packing list for the trek. Book lodging and flights, secure the necessary permissions, and do other things. 

Therefore, a guide is needed if you want to have everything ready by your side with the least amount of work.

Manaslu Trekking Cost

Your closest and most dependable companion on the hike is a Manaslu trek guide. By assisting you in overcoming the challenges of the Manaslu trek, they will help you make the route less demanding. 

Due to its remoteness, Manaslu treks without guides are also prohibited. Also, remember that a freelance guide cannot assist you in acquiring the permits necessary for this hike. Therefore, before setting out for the trailhead, you must engage a government-licensed guide.

The cost to hire a Manaslu guide varies according to their qualifications and experience. Hiring a certified guide for the Manaslu trip typically costs around USD 30 per day, which includes all costs and insurance fees.

Cost of Manaslu Porter?

Some hikers consider carrying a backpack the usual when exploring the Manaslu region. But no matter what, using a porter will always add something special to the walk. Additionally, trekking with a porter is not a bad option because you can experience freedom with less weight. 

Additionally, you won’t get weary quickly and will have more energy to relax during the voyage. Further, employing a porter will always help to strengthen the regional economy.

An average porter for the Manaslu trek costs between USD 25 and USD 30 per day, which includes all costs and insurance fees.

Manaslu Trekking Permits

If you wish to hike up Manaslu, you will require various trekking permits. Before beginning your journey to Manaslu, you need to look into the following categories of trekking permits:

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
• Restricted Area Permit.
• Tsum Valley Permit ( only needed if you intend to trek to Tsum Valley).
• You should be good for a Manaslu Trek if you have obtained all these permits.

If you get in touch with a reputable trekking company in Nepal, you can obtain the Restricted Area Permit. The Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is available at the Nepal Tourism Board’s office. Allowing a trekking organization to handle it for you may escape all the headaches.

The following documentation must be provided to the trekking organization to apply for a trekking permit:

• Four passport-sized photos.
• Your passport documents and entry visa.
• Insurance that covers evacuation up to 6000 meters.