Why Manaslu Circuit Trek Is Less Crowded?

Less crowded in Manalsu Trek

8 Mar 2023 Chandra Gurung

Do you prefer trekking on a crowded expedition or a quiet one? If your answer is less crowded or quiet, you must consider trekking in the Manaslu Circuit. The famous Manaslu Circuit trek is a less crowded trekking spot because the flow of tourists in this area is relatively low compared to other trekking places like Annapurna Circuit Trek, Everest base Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, etc. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is becoming increasingly popular, so read this blog until the very end to find out more.

Location of Manaslu Circuit Trek

It is located in the Gorkha district of Nepal, on the western side of the country.  In the hamlet of Soti Khola, the walk begins and ends with a stroll around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Before arriving in the village of Besisahar, the trip travels through various scenery, including lush green forests, terraced farmland, and a high mountain pass.

Manaslu Circuit Trek: Less Crowded Expedition

The Manaslu Circuit trek is named after Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world. You can embark on a far-flung, off-the-beaten-path journey in Nepal with the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Restricted Manaslu Circuit

You will travel through breathtaking high-altitude scenery, secluded communities of the Tsum and Nubri ethnic groups, and lovely natural environments. Even though this trek takes a trekker around the Manaslu Base Camp beneath the great Mount Manaslu, it is less crowded. It is less crowded for a few reasons, which are as follows:

1. Restricted Area

The Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area, a restricted area. Trekkers are required to obtain a special permit to enter this area.  Mainly three permits are required, which are a special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit), and  Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit). Nepal’s permits for these trekking destinations are more expensive than those for other popular trekking destinations. The higher cost of the permit may deter some budget-conscious trekkers.

2. Remote Location

Getting to the Manaslu Circuit Trek is challenging because it is situated in a remote region of Nepal. From Kathmandu, the trailhead is a long trip via unpaved roads that takes several hours. A road does not connect the Manaslu Circuit and the rest of the nation. If you become ill, you may have to trek up to a week to reach the closest road.

3. Difficulty Level

Each trek’s difficulty level for trekkers will vary depending on several variables. Including the trekker’s level of physical fitness and endurance, how easily they can access resources along the way, the weather, the trail’s conditions, etc. While talking about Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Manaslu Circuit walk is a challenging trek that entails passing high mountain passes and arduous terrain. 

In the beginning, there are a lot of ups and downs. You usually must return to the river to cross the bridge and climb back up. Hence, untrained hikers who need to be in better physical shape could find this hiking location challenging. Moreover, hikers seeking a less strenuous and more accessible walk may forego this one and choose a different location.

4. Less Developed Infrastructure

The Manaslu Circuit Trek’s infrastructure is not as well-developed as other well-known trekking locations in Nepal. Moreover, Manaslu Circuit is less well-known than other trekking routes. As a result, there are fewer teahouses and lodges along the trekking path, and the amenities might not be as luxurious as elsewhere. 

Less crowded manaslu

It implies that trekkers must be more self-reliant and may need to bring extra supplies and equipment. Also, the areas with the finest and most luxurious accommodations are far apart. Trekkers need to walk several miles to get there.  As a result, it discourages some hikers who seek plusher lodging.

Also, these tea houses and lodges are mostly occupied, accommodating only a few trekkers throughout the prime trekking season. Since prevention is always preferable to cure, trekkers visit other trekking destinations other than Manaslu Circuit trek because they are already aware of the region’s sparse lodging options. 

Trekkers make sensible selections by switching hiking locations rather than going there and suffering there. Many of these actions contribute to the Manaslu Circuit being a less popular trekking location.

5. Less Marketing

Marketing describes the actions to increase a product’s popularity and recognition among the general public. Marketing is done through advertising on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and other platforms.

Content marketing is another method of marketing. It entails producing content, such as eBooks, infographics, or video lectures, that contains information about specific products.  

Furthermore, compared to other renowned trekking locations in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is less well-known. That is a result of the improper promotion of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. There isn’t marketing and promotion of the trek in social media and content marketing, contributing to its lower popularity. 

Similarly, it hasn’t been long since trekkers have shown interest in the Manaslu Circuit trek. It is yet to gain popularity among national and international trekkers.

Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek

As already mentioned, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area. Three different permits are required to reach the destination in Manaslu Circuit Trek, which are described below:

Donkey as transportation during Manaslu Trek

I. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

Foreign nationals who wish to hike in Nepal’s Manaslu region must get the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), a special license. The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit was established in 1991 by the Nepalese Government. To control and promote tourism in the region while safeguarding its natural and cultural assets. 

The immigration office in Pokhara or the Nepal Tourist Board (NTB) in Kathmandu is responsible for issuing the permit. Any foreign nationals wishing to hike in the Manaslu region must submit the Manaslu RAP, whether they travel independently or with a trekking agency. The permit has a minimum two-week validity and costs US $100 per week per person. US $25 is charged for each extra week.

II. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

To visit the Manaslu Conservation Area in Nepal, you must have a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). The government of Nepal implemented the MCAP to control tourist influx and promote environmentally friendly travel in the area. 

MCAP is required at Philim, where the Manaslu Conversation Area begins. The Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or the sub-regional office in Gorkha are the places to get the permit. The permit costs US$70 per person and is valid for 30 days.

Additionally, trekkers must purchase a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card in addition to the MCAP, which costs an additional US$10 per person. The TIMS card records the trekker’s personal information and hiking itinerary to safeguard the safety and security of trekkers in the region.

III. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP)

Foreign visitors can explore Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) with the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The ACAP was established to control the effects of tourism on the environment and nearby communities and assist in funding conservation projects in the ACA. 

The trekkers must show this permit from Dharapani until the trekker leaves ACAP in Beshi Sahar. Each person must pay Rs. 3000 for the permit. The Nepal Tourism Authority and accredited trekking companies in Nepal both sell the ACAP. Before entering the ACA, ACAP is necessary. Failure to abide by the rules will result in penalties.

Which Month in Manaslu Circuit Trek Is Less Crowded?

The winter months of December, January, and February are less crowded for the Manaslu circuit trek. There is a high likelihood of snowfall at this time, and the temperature is very chilly. On the other hand, September to November and March to May are the best times to hike the Manaslu Circuit. Because the weather is typically clear throughout these months, and the mountain views are breathtaking. 

The trail may be congested with trekkers during these months, and lodging and permits may take a lot of hard work to obtain. Note that the risk of landslides and flooding makes trekking the Manaslu Circuit during the monsoon season (June to August) not advised.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded than other trekking excursions like the Everest Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is because the Manaslu circuit trek is situated in a segregated and remote region of Nepal. The journey involves returning after traversing a bridge and stumbling through rocky terrain. 

In a similar vein, the infrastructure isn’t well developed. Regarding lodging, there are fewer teahouses and hotels with limited amenities. These facilities can only accommodate a limited number of guests. Many trekkers are forced to live in tents under the stars during the peak season due to a lack of homestays.

Despite the difficulties, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a beautiful excursion that offers a distinctive cultural experience and breathtaking natural landscape. The trail passes through isolated areas where you can get to know the locals and discover their way of life.

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Manaslu Circuit Trek