Hiking through serene mountain scenery, undiluted Himalayan culture, and insights into the unique experience of a great ancient historical, religious, cultural, ecological, and archaeological significance place in Gorkha district, Lower Manaslu Trek is a uniquely popular trek. It is also famous for historical tours, pilgrimage tours, agro-tourism, and community-based homestay treks. Manakamana temple, Gorkha Durbar, Sita cave, traditional art and craftsmanship, and wonderful views of snow-capped mountains are the main attractions of the tour.
Lower Manaslu Trekking starts after driving 3 hours to the Cable car station at Kurintar and 10 minutes from Nepal’s first cable car to Manakamana Temple. Manakamana Temple is known as a wish-fulfilling and Royal Goddess of the King of Gorkha. Lower Manaslu Trekking is a recently introduced trekking trail. The trek region lies in the lower valley of the Manaslu area of the Gorkha District. Trekking around lower Manaslu offers the trekkers unique experiences of the historic, religious, ecological, and cultural significance of the Gorkha district.
Gorkha district is the earliest capital and origin of modern Nepal, The late King Prithivi Narayan Shah started the unification of today’s modern Nepal from here. Similarly, the Gorkhas army is also worldwide recognized as the name of legendary brave warriors after their crucial contributions to the British during the Second World War.
Besides the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Lower Manaslu Trek offers the experience of Moderate trekking, Historical tour, Pilgrimage tour, Agro tourism, and community-based homestay. This lower Manaslu trekking is an ideal substitute for the Manaslu circuit trail which is considered pretty challenging in most sections—lasting fewer days and with an authentic experience of the region’s delights.
Lower Manaslu Trek is compatible with all. This trail is less packed with tourists so you can enjoy everyday life in Lower Manaslu. So, the lower Manaslu trek also gives us options to live the everyday life of locals and enjoy homemade meals.
The Lower Manaslu Trek commences from Ghairung near the religious Manakamana Temple and the trail progresses through Gorkha Bazaar, Sirandanda, Barpak, Laprak, Lambai Kharka, and Dharche Danda before trail ends at Gyampesal.
Trekking to Lower Manaslu is one of the best destinations to explore enriching and unparalleled historical, religious, cultural, ecological, and archaeologically essential places. This trek is a fully supported homestay to perceive more in-depth about locals and remarkable information about Nepal countryside people of Lower Manaslu.
While the Lower Manaslu Trek will take trekkers into the off-the-beaten path and closer to serene nature, they also have to be prepared for the trail’s difficulties. The facilities of the region are basic as it lies in a remote area. Similarly, access to modern amenities is also limited. The weather at the higher elevations can be unpredictable. It can create difficulties for the trekkers.
The trail consists of some challenging and steep sections. The terrain can get uneven and rocky. So, one has to ascend and descend on tough trails. Likewise, trekkers may have to cross rivers using suspension bridges. The daily trek takes around 5 to 6 hours on average. Each day, trekkers have to be ready to trek 15 to 20 km. Therefore, it can be physically demanding and can also be mentally challenging. The trekkers should undertake training to increase their physical endurance and stamina.
Another difficult part of the Lower Manaslu Trek is the elevation. The highest elevation during the trek is at 3,220 meters. Although it is lower in comparison to many other trekking routes in Nepal, there is a risk of altitude sickness. Beginner trekkers are more susceptible to getting the sickness than seasonal ones. When trekkers move too fast without proper acclimatization, it can also cause trekkers to suffer at high elevations.
So trekkers need to prepare physically and mentally. Proper equipment and gear are also necessary to tackle uncertain weather conditions. To avoid altitude sickness, ascend gradually and acclimatize properly.
We offer fixed departure dates. If these dates are not suitable for you or if you prefer to schedule your own departure, please contact us.
| No of People | Cost |
| 1 | $999 |
| 2-5 | $899 |
| 5-10 | $799 |
The best time for the Lower Manaslu Trek is from September to November and March to May. It falls in the spring and autumn season respectively. These two seasons are the peak season for trekking in Nepal. The weather and climate are perfect for trekking. Similarly, the temperature is also moderately warm and favorable. The sky is clear and there is a minimum chance of rainfall or snowfall in higher elevations.
The vegetation is also lush and green during these seasons. The rhododendron forests along the trail blooms during the spring season. It is the best time to enjoy the scenery of Lower Manaslu Trek. During these seasons, trekkers can witness the diverse biodiversity of the region. They can also get a panoramic view of Mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges.
The summer falls in the monsoon season. The trail is muddy and slippery. There are risks of landslides. So it is not safe for Lower Manaslu Trek in summer. During winter, the higher elevation experiences heavy snowfall. So, check with the travel agency before embarking on the journey during the summer and winter seasons.
The documents required for the Lower Manaslu Trek include:
International trekkers need to get visas to travel across Nepal. It allows them to travel freely and participate in activities including trekking. They can get a visa from the Nepal Embassy in their respective countries. They can also get the visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
The visa cost for SAARC country residents is free. For non-SAARC residents, the visa costs:
Trekkers need to take four permits for the Lower Manaslu Trek. They will need a TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System), Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. Manaslu region is classified as a restricted area by the government of Nepal.
Hence, trekkers need a restricted area permit. Similarly, the trek route also goes through the Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area. So, trekkers also have to get a permit for both conservation areas.
The cost for a TIMS Card is USD 20 per person for an unlimited number of days.
The cost for a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit differs as per the season.
From September to November, it costs USD 100 per person for the first seven days. Then onwards, it will cost an additional USD 15 per person per day. From December to August, it costs USD 75 per person for the first seven days. From the eighth day onwards, it is an additional USD 10 per person per day.
The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit costs USD 30 per person. Likewise, the cost for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is USD 30. The cost remains the same throughout the year for both conservation areas.
Travel insurance ensures the safety and security of the trekkers. The insurance helps to cover medical emergencies. The rough terrain can sometimes lead to injuries. Similarly, the high elevation can cause altitude sickness and need immediate rescue. At such times, travel insurance helps to cover medical expenses. The travel insurance can also cover baggage loss, trip postponement, and trip cancellation. Make sure to check the policy of the insurance before getting one. Also, consult with the insurance provider and trekking agency.
