Introduction:

The highest point of the trek is the Larkya La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 5,106 meters. From the pass, trekkers can see panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.

Manaslu Base Camp is located at an altitude of 4,700 meters, and it offers stunning views of the Manaslu mountain range. From here, trekkers can also see the surrounding peaks, including Ngadi Chuli, Shringi Himal, and Himalchuli.

Key Facts:

Follow the Step-by-Step Guideline:

Step 1: Obtain the Necessary Permits

Step 2: Hire a Trekking Guide or Porter

Step 3: Gear up

Step 4: Take a Bus or Jeep from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar:

Step 5: Arughat Bazaar to Soti Khola:

Step 6: Start your trek from Soti Khola to Manaslu Base Camp:

Best Time to Visit: 

Manaslu Base Camp and Everything you need to know about it - Verdict

Overall, the Manaslu Base Camp trek is an excellent choice for trekkers who want to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayas, along with the local culture and traditions of the region. It is also an alternative to the crowded Everest Base Camp trek and offers a more remote and adventurous trekking experience.

Manaslu Base Camp Key Facts:

6 Step-by-Step Guideline to Manaslu Base Camp Trek:

The Manaslu Base Camp trekis a rewarding and unforgettable experience for trekkers who are looking for a challenging and adventurous trekking destination in Nepal.

If you are planning to trek to Manaslu Base Camp, here is a step-by-step guideline to help you plan and prepare for your trip:

Step 1: Obtain the Necessary Permits

If you are planning to trek to the Manaslu Base Camp in Nepal, you will need to obtain a trekking permit from the Nepalese government. 

There are three types of permits that you may need, depending on the specifics of your trek:

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP):This is a special permit that is required for all trekkers who wish to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. The permit can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal, and the cost varies depending on the season and duration of the trek.
2. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):This permit is also required for trekkers who are planning to do the Manaslu Circuit trek, as the route passes through some parts of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ACAP permit can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or through a registered trekking agency.
3. (TIMS) card:This is a mandatory card that all trekkers must obtain before starting any trek in Nepal. The card contains important information about the trekker and the trekking route and helps to ensure the safety and security of the trekkers. The TIMS card can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or through a registered trekking agency.

It is important to note that all of these permits must be obtained before starting the trek, and trekkers must carry the permits with them at all times during the trek. Additionally, trekkers must also be accompanied by a licensed guide or porter at all times while trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Step 2: Hire a Trekking Guide or Porter

If you're planning to trek to Manaslu Base Camp, it's recommended that you hire a licensed guide and/or porter. A guide can help you navigate the route, provide valuable information about the area and culture, and ensure your safety during the trek. A porter can carry your gear and supplies, allowing you to enjoy the trek without the added burden of a heavy backpack.

The cost of hiring a guide and porter for the Manaslu Base Camp trek can vary depending on several factors, such as the duration of the trek, the size of your group, and the services included. However, as a general guideline, here are some overall range of costs:

1. Guide: The cost of hiring a guide for the Manaslu Base Camp trek can range from $20 to $30 per day. This typically includes the guide's salary, food, accommodation, and transportation.
2. Porter: The cost of hiring a porter for the Manaslu Base Camp trek can range from $15 to $25 per day. This typically includes the porter's salary, food, accommodation, and transportation.
3. Guide and porter: If you're looking to hire both a guide and a porter, the cost can range from $35 to $50 per day. This typically includes the guide's and porter's salaries, food, accommodation, and transportation.

It's important to note that these costs are just estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on the specific services included and the negotiation with the trekking agency. When hiring a guide or porter, it's important to work with a registered and reputable trekking agency to ensure the safety and well-being of both you and your guide/porter.

Step 3: 13 Types of Gear You Need:

Trekking to the Manaslu Base Camp in Nepal requires appropriate gear and equipment to ensure your safety and comfort during the trek. Here is a list of some essential gear that you will need along with an estimated cost:

1. Trekking boots: Good quality trekking boots are essential for a comfortable and safe trekking experience. You can buy brands like Salomon, Merrell, or La Sportiva, which are known for their quality and durability. The cost of trekking boots ranges from USD 50 to USD 300.
2. Trekking pants and shirts: You can buy lightweight, quick-drying trekking pants and shirts made of synthetic materials. Brands like Columbia, The North Face, or Patagonia are popular among trekkers. The cost of trekking pants and shirts ranges from USD 20 to USD 100.
3. Fleece jacket or pullover: A fleece jacket or pullover provides warmth and comfort during cold temperatures. You can buy brands like The North Face, Patagonia, or Columbia. The cost of a fleece jacket or pullover ranges from USD 30 to USD 150.
4. Down jacket: A down jacket provides insulation and warmth in extreme temperatures. You can buy brands like Mountain Hardwear, Rab, or Patagonia. The cost of a down jacket ranges from USD 100 to USD 500.
5. Thermal innerwear: Thermal innerwear helps to regulate body temperature and keeps you warm during cold temperatures. You can buy brands like Helly Hansen, Icebreaker, or Smartwool. The cost of thermal innerwear ranges from USD 30 to USD 100.
6. Warm hats and gloves: A warm hat and gloves are essential for protecting your head and hands from the cold. You can buy brands like The North Face, Black Diamond, or Mammut. The cost of a warm hat and gloves ranges from USD 10 to USD 50.
7. Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays and snow glare. You can buy polarized sunglasses from brands like Oakley, Ray-Ban, or Maui Jim. The cost of sunglasses ranges from USD 30 to USD 200.
8. Sunscreen and lip balm: Sunscreen and lip balm are essential for protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. You can buy brands like Neutrogena, Banana Boat, or Coppertone. The cost of sunscreen and lip balm ranges from USD 5 to USD 20.
9. Trekking poles: Trekking poles help to reduce the strain on your knees and provide stability on uneven terrain. You can buy brands like Black Diamond, Leki, or Komperdell. The cost of trekking poles ranges from USD 30 to USD 150.
10. Backpack: A backpack is essential for carrying your gear and supplies during the trek. You can buy brands like Osprey, Deuter, or Gregory. The cost of backpacks ranges from USD 50 to USD 300.
11. Sleeping bag and liner: A sleeping bag and liner are essential for a comfortable and warm night's sleep during the trek. You can buy brands like Marmot, The North Face, or Mountain Hardwear. The cost of sleeping bags and liners ranges from USD 50 to USD 300.
12. Headlamp and spare batteries: A headlamp is essential for navigating during the trek and for reading at night. You can buy brands like Petzl, Black Diamond, or Princeton Tec. The cost of headlamps ranges from USD 20 to USD 100.
13. Water bottles or hydration bladder: You will need a way to carry water during the trek. You can buy brands like Nalgene, Camelbak, or Platypus. The cost of water bottles or hydration bladders ranges from USD 10 to USD 50.

Step 4: Take a Bus or Jeep from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar:

Arughat Bazaar is a small town in the Gorkha district. The bus journey takes around 7-8 hours, while the jeep ride takes around 6-7 hours. 

The cost Breakdown can be found below:

1. By Bus - Take a bus from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar, which is the starting point of the trek. The cost of a bus ticket ranges from USD 5 to USD 10. From Arughat Bazaar, you can hire a jeep or a local bus to Soti Khola, which is the beginning of the trekking trail. The cost of a jeep or a local bus ranges from USD 5 to USD 20.
2. By Private Jeep - You can hire a private jeep from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, which is the beginning of the trekking trail. The cost of a private jeep ranges from USD 150 to USD 300, depending on the negotiation skills.
3. By Private Helicopter - You can take a private helicopter from Kathmandu to Sama Gaon, which is the base camp of Manaslu. The cost of a private helicopter ranges from USD 2,500 to USD 3,500, depending on the helicopter's size and the number of passengers.
4. By Domestic Flight - Take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar, then take a bus or jeep to Arughat Bazaar. The cost of a domestic flight ranges from USD 100 to USD 200, depending on the season and the airline.

Step 5: Arughat Bazaar to Soti Khola:

From Arughat Bazaar, you need to take another jeep or local bus to Soti Khola, which is the starting point of the trek. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, and the cost of a jeep or local bus ranges from USD 5 to USD 20, depending on the vehicle's condition and the number of passengers.

Note: Once you reach Soti Khola, you need to obtain the necessary permits and TIMS card from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the trailhead. The permit cost for Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) is USD 70 for foreigners and USD 35 for SAARC nationals. The cost of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is USD 20 for foreigners and USD 10 for SAARC nationals. The cost of the TIMS card is USD 20.

Step 6: Start your trek from Soti Khola to Manaslu Base Camp:

Finally, you can start your trek from Soti Khola and make your way to Manaslu Base Camp. The trek takes around 12-14 days, and you will pass through various scenic villages, forests, and high-altitude mountain passes along the way. You can hire a guide and porter for the trek, depending on your preference and experience level. The cost of hiring a guide ranges from USD 20 to USD 30 per day, and the cost of hiring a porter range from USD 15 to USD 25 per day, including food and accommodation. You also need to budget for food and accommodation during the trek, which can range from USD 20 to USD 40 per day, depending on your preferences and the season.

Best Time to Visit: 

The best time to visit the Manaslu Base Camp is during the trekking season which is from late September to November and from March to May. During these months, the weather is generally clear, and the visibility is excellent, making it ideal for trekking and enjoying the stunning mountain views.

In September and October, the weather is stable, and the skies are clear, providing excellent views of the mountains. The temperature is also moderate, and the weather is dry, making it perfect for trekking.

From March to May, the weather is warmer, and the days are longer. The rhododendrons are in full bloom, and the landscape is incredibly beautiful. The weather is generally dry, and the skies are clear, providing excellent views of the mountains.

It is worth noting that the Manaslu region can experience heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which runs from June to August, making it challenging to trek in the area during this time. The winter months from December to February are also not recommended for trekking in the Manaslu region due to the harsh weather conditions.

Manaslu Base Camp and Everything you need to know about it - Verdict

Manaslu Base Camp is a popular trekking destination in Nepal, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Manaslu mountain and the surrounding landscape. The trek is challenging, but the rewards are worth it. The trek takes you through remote villages, lush forests, and high mountain passes, providing an opportunity to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of the region.

Overall, the Manaslu Base Camp trek is a fantastic adventure for those seeking a challenging but rewarding trekking experience in Nepal. It offers stunning views, a unique cultural experience, and a chance to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature.