Highlights

Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return cost?

The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return varies from $3000-$4000 {for 3 pax only} depending upon the number of days you choose to trek. The longer the trek, more expensive it will become. Similarly, the price will differ with the accommodation choices and group sizes also. Normally, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers a comprehensive package which is inclusive of all the cost and expenses for the entire journey from the moment you land in Nepal till the moment you fly back home. However, you could also choose to buy only service-based package from us when we will be providing you only the supporting field staffs plus trekking permits and you have to arrange the rest by yourselves.

How is the Accommodation during the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return?

In Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return, we will provide you the teahouse accommodations. A teahouse is typically a mountain lodge which is a combination of a lodge or a guest house and a restaurant or a café with basic furniture and interiors suitable for the social hangout. Few teahouses have attached bathrooms and the central heating furnace. Also some of the teahouses provide the European toilets these days while Asian style of toilets are available in every teahouses. Hot showers are available but on extra cost. The same goes with the hot drinking water since they use the gas or solar to boil the water. Sleeping blankets are usually provided but we recommend you to carry your own sleeping bags for the hygienic purpose {can be arranged on request}. At the same time, it’s better to carry your own toiletries including the towels.

What are the permits that I need for Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return?

For Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return, you will need to make 3 permits: Manaslu Restricted permit, MCAP {Manaslu Conservation Area Project} and TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System).

How does this tipping system in Nepal work and do I have to tip?

Tipping is not compulsory for Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return however tipping is all about showing your gratitude and appreciation. We care about our staffs in the fields so we expect you to look after them in return for them looking after you throughout your journey. They are your closest friend in the remotest parts and also your protector whenever anything seems to happen to you. So tipping is highly expected and we’ve made it mandatory too. The amount of gratuities can be determined by yourselves. Normally, a guide expects around $5 or more per day per person while a porter expects $4 or more per day per person.

Can I charge my phones, batteries or other electronic devices in Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return?

You can sometimes charge your electronic devices during Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return but only by paying small amount or fees for charging. Don’t forget to buy a plug adapter or socket fittings before you leave Kathmandu.

Is there WiFi and mobile signal on the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return?

Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return route has mobile network coverage in some days, thanks to the Nepalese telecommunication companies called Ncell and NTC. You can buy one of these Sim cards from any local phone shops in Kathmandu. It is wiser to buy a sim card with around 4 GB data in Kathmandu and use the mobile data in the trek to avoid paying extra by buying WiFi on the trek.

WiFi is available in some of the teahouses in Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return route and cost some charges. However, the signal varies from place to place and please don’t expect to receive the fast data coverage in the trek.

When is the best time to trek to Manaslu Circuit?

Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return can be done throughout the year. However in average, Spring {March, April and May} and Autumn {September, October and November} are the best times or seasons to trek to Manaslu Circuit. Spring and Autumn are known as the Peak season or Busy season in Nepal. It’s because the temperature is moderate during these seasons and the best panoramic mountain views are guaranteed while during other Summer {June, July and August} and Winter {December, January and February} season, the clear weather is not guaranteed. But if you are an explorer, a photographer and a peace lover, less busy season can also be the right time to do Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return. The problem is the weather is harsh cold in winter and there’s snow everywhere while the summer has rainfalls and clouds obscuring the mountains and the views are not so great most of the time.

Do I have to worry about the altitude sickness in Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return?

The itinerary of our Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return is perfectly designed by Nature Lovers Treks and Tours and has separated enough time in the places to let the body acclimatize well in high altitudes. As long as you follow the guide, you should be fine. Altitude sickness in fact can affect anyone regardless of the age or the fitness level, so it is very important to walk slowly and gradually as you go higher. Learn more in details about Altitude Sickness to prepare yourselves for the upcoming Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return.

Do I need to be healthy and physically fit for Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return?

When it comes to trekking in the mountains, health and fitness of a person plays a vital role. If you are a healthy person without any serious medical problems, Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return is for you but if you have any sorts of medical issues, please consult to your doctor before coming to Nepal for the trek. We will be gaining the high altitude of 5106 m above the sea level which is not a joke. People normally start to have breathing problems above 3000 meters from the sea level, if they have pre-existing health conditions.

Now when it comes to the fitness level required, Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return demands high physical fitness. The trekking includes daily walks of about 4-8 hours and involves many ascents and descents including crossing of the longest high pass in Nepal which means you need lots of practices before you start the trekking journey. You will be traversing through the forests, high passes and high hills. If you do not have the previous trekking experience, that’s fine but obviously if you have previous experiences, it will be lot easier. For those not having previous trekking experiences, please exercise regularly for at least two months prior to your trekking departure. Go for the morning walks, do some jogging as you get time, participate in some cycling activities, etc. This way, you will be good to go for trekking to Manaslu Circuit.

What kind of food items or meals can I eat on Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return?

Only breakfast is included in Kathmandu while full board meals or full meals are included during the trek. Tea and coffee will also be provided during the entire trip. During the trek, you will have your breakfast and dinner in the same teahouse where you spend the night while the lunch will be served en route towards the next destination of the day. There are limited choices to choose from; Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, Continental, etc.

The most common and the highly recommended food during the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return is typical Nepali Dal Bhat {rice and lentil}; even better without meat, means Nepali Vegetarian Dal Bhat. You can also eat other food items such as seasonal vegetables, noodles and spaghetti, pastas, pizzas and French fries, soups, etc. depending upon the availability. For the beverage, you can either choose warm, hot or cold beverages; soft drinks, beer and hard drinks. For the breakfast, you can order cereals, breads, noodle soups, egg dishes, etc.

Do I need a travel insurance for Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return?

Travel insurance is a must when you trek to Manaslu Circuit. Therefore before you come to Nepal, please make sure you have your insurance documents with you since our insurance companies cannot insure foreign nationals. Because of the reason that they cover all the expenses, if you face some unfortunate happenings and you have to be rescued or medically assisted during the trip or if your belongings are lost or stolen. We strongly advise you to take out an insurance which covers any medical risks up to 5000 meter as well as the medical evacuation from the mountains.

<strong=””>Can I use my debit or credit cards during the trek?</strong=””>

In general, most of the places in Nepal don’t accept the card payments as they are remote and of limited use to them. So, we recommend you to withdraw some cash before departing for the journey. ATMs will charge you minimal service fee for withdrawing money and you will also get good exchange rate from the banks.

How much weight of luggage can I take during the trek?

Our porter is allowed to carry maximum of 25 kg so, since 2 clients will share one porter, both of your combined weights shouldn’t be more than 18-20kg. We care about our porters and he also has his personal belongings to carry as well.

For the important things and your personal items, you might have to carry your own backpack. But please, only carry the essentials and you will have to leave the rest of the unimportant items, either in the hotel’s locker room or in our office store for free.

Is there any age limit for Manaslu circuit trek?

Not, at all. No matter if you’re 5 years old or 85, you can trek as long as you can. In fact, the children seem to adapt to the high altitudes faster than an adult. So, as long as you’re willing to hike the Himalayas, you can hike no matter what your age is.

How do you take the remaining balance on arrival in Kathmandu? Do I need to pay you by cash or I can use my card?

On arrival in Kathmandu, you can pay the remaining balance either on cash or by card. We prefer to be paid in cash (doesn’t matter which currency) rather than by card but however, you can also swipe your card which will incur you extra 3.5% charge from the bank.

How big should my backpack be?

It all depends on what you wish to carry on your day pack. We recommend a backpack between 20-40 liter or roughly the size of a school bag.

If I have to use a restroom during the hike or trek, where can I use the restroom?

You can easily access the restrooms of any teahouses on the trail. If in case it’s urgent and you cannot find any teahouses around, you can always go off the trail to ease yourself.

Can I leave my luggage in Kathmandu?

Definitely, you can leave your excess stuffs in Kathmandu. Either you can leave them on the hotel’s locker room or in our office store for free.

What about extra days and nights in Kathmandu?

For any extra days and nights in Kathmandu which is outside of your schedule, you can let us know beforehand and we can book the hotels for you and also other add-ons or activities as you may like. If under unforeseen circumstances you get extra days in Kathmandu after the trek, we shall work out the right solution for you.

What if I get sick or injured during the trek?

Like we said earlier, we, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. Our professional team is always with you and monitoring you to ensure your wellness and safety. Our experienced and well-trained guide will use his emergency skills in case of emergency; either if you get injured or if you get sick. If it’s regarding a symptom of altitude sickness or AMS, you will have to go down to the lower altitudes as fast as possible in order to gain your energy back. You can always continue in the later days or retreat as per your choice. In case of necessity, he will arrange the rescue helicopter for you as well to get the quick medical attention in Kathmandu.

How cold is it during the Manaslu circuit trekking?

The places in the mountainous region are always cold no matter which season or what time. But the temperatures vary depending on the season and altitude.

What gears and equipment do I need to pack for Manaslu Circuit Trek with Heli Return?

Choosing the right gear and equipment is important as well for the successful trek to Manaslu Circuit. Pack the right gears and equipment but remember, packing as light as possible is the best way to go when trekking to Manaslu Circuit. You should read this What to take for travel to get all the details on what you need to pack or carry.