Looking for a perfect trekking destination in Nepal? If you are someone who enjoys solitude and peace, the Manaslu Circuit trek can be your best destination. Manaslu circuit trek is one of the emerging trekking destinations so many people are still not aware of this trekking route.
However, this circuit trek is known for the majestic views of Mount Manaslu (8163 m) and the Ganesh Himal Range, epic sceneries and its off beaten track.
Along the path, you’ll be crossing some remote villages. The lifestyles in the villages are impressive. This means you’ll be broad to new cultures, practices, and religion.
This circuit trek in march is full of adventure and breathtaking views. The weather in Spring is favorable for trekking. Thus, you’ll have an easy cross over the high passes like Larkya La. Spring is also the best time to climb small peaks. In short, you can experience the best of Manaslu trek in spring. So, I recommend you to go on this trek during March, April, and May.
Trekking through the lowlands, you’ll see agricultural lands. The terraced fields of rice and millet look amazing. A major attraction of the trek is the Budi Gandaki Gorge. You’ll also see some cascading waterfalls at some places on the trail.
What would it feel like crossing the high suspension bridges? Have you ever experienced one? In Manaslu trek, you’ll be crossing many. It’s sometimes even scary crossing the high and long bridges.
Trust me, Manaslu trekking is full of excitement and wonder. If you’ve made up your mind, start preparing right away.
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Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek in March
March is the best time for Manaslu Circuit trekking. Describing March as the king of all months will do justice. It is the most beautiful time for those who love nature. Starting to trek from the lowlands, and ascending to greater altitudes through amazing topographic diversity will be a wonderful experience.
Some of the most interesting things about trekking to Manaslu Circuit in March are as follows:
- The amazing views of the surrounding including the majestic Himalayas including Mt. Manaslu, 8118 meters.
- The amazing forests en route covered with Rhododendron blossoms, especially en route Deng up to Shyala.
- Conquering Larkya La pass, the longest and the highest pass at 5,153 meters.
- The Manaslu Conservation Area, the local flora and fauna.
- The incredible glaciers and some of the freshwater lakes like Birendra and Ponkar Lakes look amazing in March.
- Traditional villages, beautiful lifestyles of the local people and diverse ethnicities.
- Walking across the beautiful Marsyangdi river
What is the Weather and Temperature like at Manaslu Circuit in March?
Before you choose to trek to any trekking destinations in Nepal, you should know when to go. Along with that, it is equally important that you get ideas on what the weather and temperature will be right at the place at the time you are trekking.
So, to plan a trek to Manaslu in March, find out what the weather is like. March, undoubtedly is a beautiful month. In March, everything you’ll see en route to the Manaslu circuit will look so beautiful. The atmosphere will be clean and beautiful. The clear views of the majestic Himalayas are breathtaking.
March is cold, but not so much. The temperature transits from cold to hot as the days proceed towards April. The lower regions are not so hot or cold. The moderate temperature is trek-friendly. You won’t have to overthink about difficulties due to bad temperature and clothing.
The chances of rainfall at the lower regions on the trek are very low. Even if it rains, the rainfall will not be heavy. The trekking trails will be warm and dry. You’ll have an easy walk.
Now, moving towards higher altitudes, the temperature will dip down a little. You will experience the chilly wind blowing through your face while you reach the top of Larkya La.
The temperature at upper regions in Manaslu Circuit trek can drop to around -6 degrees Celsius. But some warm clothes will be okay to beat the cold.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking in March: Accommodation and Food
The locals at higher settlements in Manaslu move to the lower and warmer regions in winter. With March spring begins and the temperature of the region starts increasing gradually. So, the locals will move back to the higher settlements.
So, unlike in winter, the teahouses and lodges at the higher altitudes will keep open in March. This means you will not have a huge problem with accommodation and food. Manaslu trek route isn’t as famous as the trek routes in Everest and Annapurna. So, you will see a limited number of teahouses and lodges to stay.
Because of a limited number of guest houses available in the route, you will most probably get a room onatwin sharing basis. If you want a single room and if it is available, you can have you for an extra cost.
The tea houses will be basic. But they will provide you with the basic facilities of bed, pillows, blankets, a common bathroom, and others. The teahouses will not be so cold. There are common dining halls that are kept warm.
Now you might be thinking what you’ll get to eat while you go trekking to Manaslu circuit in March. You can order what is on the menu. Since this trek route isn’t so popular, there will be fewer varieties of food that you’ll get to eat.
The most common food is Dal Bhat. Besides, you can also order continental foods like pizza, sandwiches, spaghetti, bread, pancakes, dumplings, etc. They might not be as good as you eat at the restaurant in the cities. But they are worth killing hunger.
Now, let’s move on to what you can drink while trekking in Manaslu. You can buy bottled water. They will be expensive as you trek to higher altitudes. But drinking it is safer than drinking water from taps, rivers, or streams.
Also, you can find some fruit juices and hot drinks at the shops and lodges. You can also taste local liquors. But it’s better that you don’t drink on your way up. Drinking alcohol might dehydrate your body and you may suffer from altitude sickness.
Is it Possible to Trek Alone in Manaslu Circuit in March?
The first thing you have to know is that you cannot do solo trekking in Manaslu circuit. It is because the Manaslu region is a restricted trekking area. There are certain criteria that you have to meet in order to be able to trek there. Trekking with an experienced guide and a group of 2 or more fellow trekkers is compulsory. This makes it clear that you cannot go trekking along in the Manaslu circuit at any time of the year.
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Trek Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Trekking in March
You have to get some permits to trek in the Manaslu Circuit. Some of them are:
Restricted Area Permit
- Required because Manaslu is a restricted trekking area
- Cost: September – November:- 100 USD per person per week & 15 USD per person per day (beyond 1 week). Similarly, December – August 75 USD per person per week & 10 USD per person per day (beyond 1 week).
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- Required because we will be walking inside the territory of Manaslu Conservation Area
- Costs USD 30 per person. For SAARC nationals, the cost is USD 10 per person
Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit
- Required because we will be walking through the Annapurna Conservation Area
- Costs USD 30 per person. For SAARC nationals, the cost is USD 10 per person
Tsum Valley Permit
- In case you want to do the Manaslu circuit with Tsum valley trek, you should get the Tsum valley trek permit.
- Costs September – November, USD 40 per person per week & USD 7 per person & day (beyond 1 week). Similarly, December – August USD 30 per person per week USD 7 per person per day (beyond 1 week)..
Difficulties While Trekking in Manaslu Circuit in March
Well, it isn’t easy to trek in the remote trekking trails of Manaslu. One has to be ready for lots of difficulties and challenges en route. It’s similar to how a player has to be ready for any level of difficulties and obstacles while playing games.
The most common difficulty during Manaslu trek is altitude sickness. When there is a high pass like Larkya La (5153 meters) en route, altitude sickness is something to look after seriously. You must be very careful while you trek up. Do not do more altitude in a single day. Huge altitude gain is not so good for altitude sickness.
Also, remember to drink plenty of water. This will keep you hydrated. More hydrated body, lesser the chances of altitude sickness. And, bring medicines for altitude sickness. You might need them.
Another thing you should know is the weather can get bad or even worse at any time of the year at the higher altitudes. So, you should always set up a positive mindset. Also, you should bring proper clothing and trekking gear on the trek.
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Some Useful Tips for Manaslu Trekking in March
- Wear knee caps if you have knee problems. The trails are off-beaten rugged trails with several ascends and descends.
- Do not carry unnecessary luggage. They will do no good but will add weight and make it more difficult to walk.
- Go with a guide. You’ll have a friend, a travel partner, and someone who’ll wisely plan everything on the trek. They’ll also help you find good accommodation and food on the trail.
- Check the current weather and temperature pattern in Manaslu. This will give you an idea of what to pack.
- Some physical training and exercises prior to the trek are very helpful.
- Take care of your body and health while you trek.
- Keep buffer days, in case you have to halt due to some emergencies (due to weather or others)
Packing list for Trekking in Manaslu During March
Packing is an important thing that affects how your trek is going to be. Every season in Nepal (autumn, spring, winter, and summer) has different weather and temperature graphs. So, you should bring things that will be suitable for the weather and temperature at the time you are trekking.
Listed below are some of the things that you might want to include in your luggage to Manaslu circuit trekking. Have a look at these. You have all your rights to decide what you want and what you don’t.
Clothing (Headwear, Handwear, and Footwear)
- Thermal base layers
- Comfortable pair of hiking pants and t-shirts
- Jackets and trousers (windproof and waterproof: for high altitudes and occasional rains)
- Sturdy Hiking boots
- A few pair of socks
- Extra pair of sneakers or sandals
- Sun hat or Cap
- Good quality polarized sunglasses
- Warm Beanies
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Antibacterial hand wash and sanitizer
- Toilet roll and wet wipes
- Towel
- Sunscreen for your face and body
- Body and face moisturizer
- Shampoos, Soaps, Combs, and others
Others
- Trekking poles; great for ascents and descends
- You might need crampons while crossing Larkya La Pass.
- Torchlight or headlamp
- Water bottle with filters. Water purifying liquid or tablets
- Camera and extra batteries (tripods recommended only if you are a professional photographer)
- A comfortable backpack and a duffel bag
- Excellent quality sleeping bag
- Some snacks including the energy bars
Conclusion
Manaslu circuit trek is a beautiful trek. In March, it is even more amazing to trek on the beautiful trails of Manaslu. You have to plan it beautifully, and it is going to be one of the most beautiful trekking experiences in your life.
Get ready to explore the exotic trekking trails of Manaslu. Wait! have you packed all the essentials. Make sure you have all the things properly oriented.
Contact us if you need any information regarding the trek.
See you soon!
