Manaslu and annapurna circuit Trek

1. Guide and Support Team

Your Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek will be led by an experienced, English-speaking trekking guide familiar with the route, local culture, mountain conditions, and high-altitude trekking. Our trekking team works together to manage daily activities, organize accommodation, transport luggage, and provide assistance throughout the journey.

Your Nepalese Trekking Team

• Lead Guide (Sirdar): Leads and coordinates the trekking team, manages daily operations, oversees logistics, and monitors the safety and progress of trekkers.
• Assistant Guide: Supports the lead guide, assists trekkers along the trail, and helps coordinate daily activities and accommodation arrangements when required.
• Porters: Carry personal trekking luggage between overnight stops, allowing trekkers to walk comfortably with a lighter daypack. Porters receive appropriate Equipment, insurance, and fair working conditions.

Your guide monitors the group's well-being and assesses weather, trail, and altitude conditions. The itinerary may be adjusted when necessary to prioritize everyone's safety. All safety-related decisions made by the guide must be respected.

2. Trekking Difficulty and Physical Preparation

The Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging high-altitude adventure designed for trekkers with good physical fitness, endurance, and previous multi-day trekking experience.

The journey involves approximately 5–8 hours of walking on most trekking days, with some longer and more demanding stages, particularly during the crossings of Larkya La and Thorong La passes.

The route reaches elevations above 5,000 metres, with Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m being the highest point of the journey. Steep ascents, long descents, rocky trails, changing weather, and high-altitude conditions add to the challenge.

Preparation recommendations:

• Build cardiovascular endurance through regular hiking, running, cycling, or swimming.
• Practise walking on uneven and steep mountain trails.
• Include strength training for your legs and core.
• Gain experience with multi-day trekking and high-altitude environments.
• Prepare mentally for long walking days and basic mountain facilities.
• Train with a backpack to become comfortable carrying your personal daypack.

You will generally carry only a daypack containing personal essentials, while porters transport your main trekking luggage according to the agreed baggage allowance. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.

3. Accommodation

Hotels in Kathmandu

During your stay in Kathmandu, accommodation will generally be provided in a comfortable 3-star category hotel on a twin-sharing basis, including breakfast, according to your package arrangements.

Hotels may include Hotel Himalayan Suite or Sampada Garden, subject to availability and booking confirmation.

Tea Houses and Mountain Lodges During the Trek

The Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit routes offer a network of local tea houses and mountain lodges. Accommodation is generally arranged in twin-sharing rooms, providing a comfortable place to rest after each day of trekking.

Accommodation facilities generally include:

• Twin-sharing rooms with basic beds and bedding.
• Shared bathrooms and toilet facilities at many locations.
• Common dining areas for meals and relaxation.
• Heating, generally available in the dining room.
• Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic charging facilities, often at additional costs.

In lower villages, accommodation facilities are generally more comfortable. However, facilities become increasingly basic at higher elevations, particularly around Dharamsala, Thorong Phedi, and High Camp.

Private bathrooms may not be available at every overnight stop. Trekkers should be prepared for simple accommodation and changing mountain conditions.

4. Meals and Drinking Water

Nutritious meals are important for maintaining energy throughout the trek. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are generally served at local tea houses and mountain lodges.

The menus offer a combination of traditional Nepali dishes and familiar international meals, depending on location and availability.

Typical Daily Menu

• Breakfast: Eggs, toast, Tibetan bread, pancakes, porridge, tea, and coffee.
• Lunch: Dal bhat, fried rice, noodles, pasta, soups, and seasonal vegetables.
• Dinner: Rice, lentils, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, noodles, soups, and hot drinks.

Dal bhat is one of the most popular meals during the trek because it provides a good source of energy for long walking days. Meal options depend on the location, food supplies, and availability at individual lodges.

Drinking Water

Safe drinking water is essential throughout the trek. We recommend carrying reusable water bottles and suitable water purification equipment, such as purification tablets, drops, or a reliable water filter.

Your guide will advise you on safe drinking water arrangements and available refill points along the route. Bottled water may be available in villages at an additional cost.

To reduce plastic waste, we encourage all trekkers to carry reusable bottles and avoid unnecessary single-use plastic.

5. Transportation and Domestic Flights

Transportation is an important part of the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek because the journey begins with a long overland drive and finishes with a domestic flight from the Mustang region.

According to the itinerary, transportation includes:

• Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu.
• Private vehicle transportation from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola.
• Private vechicle from Jomsom to Pokhara. ( flight are optional / extra cost )
• Domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
• Private vehicle transfers for airport and other required ground transportation according to the package arrangements.

Important Information About Domestic Flights

Flights between Jomsom and Pokhara are highly dependent on weather conditions, visibility, and operational schedules. Delays and cancellations can occur, sometimes requiring additional waiting days or alternative transportation.

If the Jomsom–Pokhara flight is cancelled, alternative road transportation may be required. This can involve a long and potentially uncomfortable journey.

We recommend keeping contingency days in your international travel schedule and avoiding international flight connections that leave insufficient time for unexpected delays.

Any additional costs arising from flight cancellations, alternative transportation, or extended accommodation will be handled according to the agreed package arrangements.

6. Group Size

The Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek is suitable for both private departures and small-group trekking arrangements. Small groups allow for better coordination, personalized attention from the guide, and a more enjoyable trekking experience.

Group size, guide arrangements, porter support, and final pricing will be confirmed before booking. Private departures can also be organized upon request.

7. Personal Equipment and Baggage

Proper trekking equipment is essential for comfort, safety, and protection against changing weather conditions, especially when crossing Larkya La and Thorong La passes.

Trekkers should bring suitable clothing, warm layers, waterproof outerwear, trekking boots, and other personal essentials.

Recommended Personal Equipment

• Four-season sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain temperatures.
• Warm down jacket and insulated clothing.
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers.
• Comfortable, well-broken-in trekking boots.
• Thermal base layers and warm trekking socks.
• Warm gloves, hat, and sun hat.
• Sunglasses and high-altitude sun protection.
• Trekking poles.
• Headlamp with spare batteries.
• Personal medication and toiletries.
• Reusable water bottles and water purification equipment.
• Comfortable trekking backpack and waterproof covers.

Main Baggage Allowance

Your main trekking luggage will be carried by porters according to the agreed baggage allowance. We recommend keeping your luggage compact and avoiding unnecessary items.

You should carry a small daypack containing drinking water, snacks, rain protection, warm clothing, valuables, personal medication, and other essential items.

Items not required during the trek may be stored at your Kathmandu hotel, subject to hotel arrangements.

8. Emergency Communication

Mobile phone coverage is available in some villages along the Manaslu and Annapurna trekking routes, but reception becomes limited or unavailable in remote mountain sections.

For safety, your trekking guide will coordinate communication and emergency arrangements according to the location and available facilities.

Satellite communication equipment, such as a satellite phone or satellite messenger, may be used where necessary, depending on the operational arrangements.

Trekkers should keep their mobile phones charged and carry a power bank. Charging facilities are available at many tea houses, sometimes for an additional fee.

9. Health, Safety, and Altitude Awareness

The Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek reaches elevations above 5,000 metres, where the risk of altitude-related illness increases. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and careful monitoring are essential.

Our experienced guide monitors trekkers throughout the journey and adjusts the walking pace or itinerary when necessary.

• Important Safety Recommendations
• Follow the recommended walking pace and acclimatization schedule.
• Drink sufficient water throughout the day.
• Eat regular meals and maintain your energy levels.
• Inform your guide immediately if you experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, unusual fatigue, or breathing difficulties.
• Avoid ascending further when experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness until properly assessed.
• Carry personal medication and inform your guide about relevant medical requirements before departure.
• Follow your guide's instructions during high-altitude pass crossings.
• Avoid walking alone, particularly in remote mountain areas.

Travel insurance must cover high-altitude trekking up to at least 5,500 metres, emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and helicopter evacuation.

Emergency evacuations in remote mountain areas may take considerable time because of weather conditions, altitude, and accessibility.

10. Medical Check-Up and Travel Insurance

Good general health and physical preparation are important for completing this challenging Himalayan adventure.

Before departure, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider about high-altitude trekking, physical preparation, vaccinations, existing medical conditions, and any medications you may need.

A dental check-up before travelling is also advisable, as access to dental services is limited in remote mountain villages.

Your travel insurance should cover:

• High-altitude trekking up to at least 5,500 m.
• Emergency helicopter evacuation.
• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization.
• Trip interruption and unexpected travel expenses.

Please carefully check your insurance policy to ensure that it covers the actual maximum altitude and activities included in your itinerary.

11. Weather and Best Season

The best seasons for the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek are spring and autumn, when weather conditions are generally more favorable for trekking and mountain views.

Spring (March–May)

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons for trekking in Nepal. The weather is generally pleasant, rhododendron forests bloom, and mountain views are often spectacular. Higher elevations can still experience snow and cold conditions.

Autumn (September–November)

Autumn is considered one of the best trekking seasons, offering generally stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable daytime temperatures. It is an excellent period for crossing both Larkya La and Thorong La passes.

Winter (December–February)

Winter brings very cold temperatures at higher elevations, with possible heavy snowfall and pass closures. Crossing both high-altitude passes may become difficult or unsafe.

Monsoon (June–August)

The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, cloudy mountain views, slippery trails, and possible landslides, particularly in the lower sections. This is generally a less favorable period for the trek.

12. Trekking Permits and Regulations

The Manaslu and Annapurna regions require several permits and official documents. Alpinist Club arranges the necessary trekking permits according to the itinerary and applicable government regulations.

Required Trekking Permits

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Required for trekking through the restricted Manaslu region.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Required for entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for trekking through the Annapurna Conservation Area.
• Tsumnubri Rural Municipality Fee 

Trekkers must follow the applicable restricted-area regulations, including guide and group requirements. Permit conditions, regulations, and fees may change according to government rules.

13. Responsible and Sustainable Trekking

At Alpinist Club, we believe that exploring the Himalayas comes with a responsibility to protect their natural and cultural heritage.

The Manaslu and Annapurna regions are home to diverse ethnic communities, ancient monasteries, sacred landscapes, and fragile mountain ecosystems.

We encourage all participants to:

• Respect local customs, religious traditions, and monasteries.
• Ask permission before photographing local people.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife and natural habitats.
• Minimize plastic waste and carry reusable water bottles.
• Use water responsibly in mountain communities.
• Respect local homes, agricultural land, and grazing areas.
• Support local communities by using local tea houses and purchasing locally available products.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout the trek.

Together, we can help preserve the extraordinary landscapes and cultural heritage of the Manaslu and Annapurna regions for future generations.

14. Booking Procedure and Payment

To confirm your Trek reservation, we require a 15% advance payment through bank transfer.

After confirming your booking, please provide:

• A copy of your passport.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• A copy of your travel insurance.
• Your international flight details.

The remaining balance can be paid upon arrival in Nepal through cash, bank transfer, Wise, Western Union, or credit card, subject to applicable transaction charges.

Our team will assist you with the payment process and pre-departure arrangements.

15. Last-Minute Bookings

Alpinist Club can arrange short-notice trekking departures, subject to permit processing, guide availability, transportation, and accommodation arrangements.

For last-minute bookings, all required documents must be submitted promptly, and full payment is required at least 24 hours before departure, subject to the time needed for permit processing.

Please note that last-minute arrangements may be affected by weather conditions, road delays, and limited accommodation availability.

For assistance:

• Phone / WhatsApp: +977-9767482155
• Email: info@alpinistclub.com

16. Extend Your Adventure in Nepal

Why end your journey after exploring Manaslu and annapurn circuit trek? Nepal offers many opportunities to extend your holiday with additional adventures and cultural experiences.

Alpinist Club can arrange:

• Kathmandu Valley cultural and heritage tours.
• Chitwan National Park jungle safaris.
• Bardiya National Park wildlife experiences.
• Let us know your interests, and we will help create a customized extension to your Nepal holiday.

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Final Preparation

The Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek is a remarkable journey combining two legendary Himalayan routes into one unforgettable adventure. From the traditional villages and Buddhist monasteries of the Manaslu region to the spectacular mountain landscapes of the Annapurna region, every stage offers a unique cultural and natural experience.

Crossing Larkya La and Thorong La passes is a major achievement and requires proper preparation, good physical fitness, and respect for high-altitude conditions.

With Alpinist Club's experienced trekking team, carefully organized logistics, and local knowledge, you can enjoy a rewarding Himalayan adventure.

Join Alpinist Club and discover the extraordinary beauty of the Manaslu and Annapurna regions in one incredible journey.