The Manaslu Conservation Area is a trekker’s dream, it spreads over 1,663 square kilometers of Himalayas unspoiled beauty. It has been ever since prudently overseen by The National Trust for Nature Conservation, it does not only cover the staggering bio-diversity of snow leopards, red pandas and the Himalayan tahr but also that of the region’s predominantly Tibetan influence population. As you hike here, your money goes straight into the conservation and to the people who live in these mountains.
Different from the crowds of Annapurna and Everest, Manaslu has something to offer, the raw untouched beauty. Around this majestic eighth highest mountain in the world based on its height of 8,163 meters, you will walk approximately 180 kilometers or 110 miles in 13 to 14 largely remarkable days.
The trail passes through each geographical form possible, extending from the sticky subtropical jungles right to the awesome alpine forests and crossing over the Larkya La Pass at a dizzying 5,106 meters. On the way you meet 500 year old villages with monasteries looming on the hills and people living their ageless routine.
Why Trek the Manaslu Circuit in May
May is the month when Manaslu really comes to light. The climate is just perfect, comfortably mild temperatures between 10C and 20C for the lower parts of the region. There may be occasional showers in the afternoon once the monsoons start to loom but these are normally short rainfall to calm the dust and wet the path. Slightly up, towards Larkya La Pass it gets much colder, but not unbearable with correct layering outerwear.
Many people are not aware of this but the absence of crowds in May compliments a warming peace. Autumn seeks a lot of people on the trails but in May it is quiet. Perfectly relaxing for awkward tourists to immerse themselves with the native populace and enjoy the grandiosity of the scenery.
Nature performs a fantastic performance as well, the slopes are covered with rhododendrons of varying hues while the valleys are a carpet of lush green, perfect contrast with the snow clad highlands.
Sometimes in the afternoon, rain turns the trails a little slippery as said before, but again, as you have the proper clothing and a good guide (us), all of this simply makes the trip much more exciting. Additionally, mornings are crystal clear, if you crave for the views of the mountains with a sunrise, here it is.
Permits and Regulations
There are some administrative procedures which you have to start before you can put your feet on the trail.
First on the list is The Special Restricted Area Permit (SRAP), sounds like the name of a nightclub but is a necessary officiality. This one costs between $75 per person for a week and extra $10 for each day beyond one week. May all seem much, but this is a measure the Nepalese government has taken to conserve both the environment and the specific Nepalese culture.
Buckle up ‘cus there’s more. The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) costs roughly 100 Rupees for Citizens of the country, 1k for SAARC beings, $75 for foreigners beyond. This little piece of paper is your ecotax, the money you pay helps to maintain this area in its natural state for yourself and future trekkers.
Since the trail drops into the Annapurna region after Larkya La Pass, you’ll require the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) as well, another $30 for another good cause.
Now here is a much needed infp, if you wish to travel solo, you simply cannot. The regulations demand at least two people undertake the trekking process, and they should be accompanied by a licensed guide (us again).
“But it’s expensive,” sure a little, but having someone with intimate knowledge of these trails, familiar with the culture and maybe even capable of treating altitude illness? That’s priceless. Also, your guide can tell several special historical facts of the area that a guidebook may not hold.
Trek Difficulty and Preparation for May
Honestly speaking, the Manaslu Circuit is not a piece of cake. Daily you’ll be hiking in the range of 6 to 8 hours on rocks and uneven terrain that would even make a mountain goat or a GOAT pause to consider. Of course, you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete, but a little preparation will make the journey far more pleasant.
Start preparing 3 to 6 months ere the intended trek. Don’t become a one trick pony, add two-a-day aerobic activities (like running, swimming or cycling) and strength training for those legs that’ll be doing most of the climbing. If you can try it on some hills, even better. Your body will thank you when you are halfway to Larkya La Pass, trust.
May is overall relatively dry and good, although those early monsoon showers can present a lot of surprises. Some sections may become fairly slick, so balance and the strength of your legs becomes your ally.
The biggest challenge? Altitude. The higher you go the thinner the oxygen content and even top athletes may succumb to this on the ascendance stages of the trekking process. That’s why acclimatization days are provided in the programme, they are not rest days, they are stay alive days, do not ignore it to save a few dollars.
Accommodation and Food Along the Trek
Your evenings and nights will be in teahouses, basic establishments offering fundamental facilities all listed and built along the trail. In May, finding a comfy bed can be much easier even on the spot but it’s better to arrange with the guide in advance. Especially along the Larkya La Pass, a wise person will consider it.
Majority of the tea houses provide simple rooms with beds as well as blankets and the best part is that some teahouses in the higher altitude areas may even provide wifi and hot showers at a little extra cost.
When it comes to food, dal bhat will soon be your new best friend, plain and healthy. This humble dish of lentil soup and rice is the fuel of choice for trekkers and porters alike. Here’s the kicker, these pretty tea houses provide free refills!
You can also enjoy steaming momo (dumplings) & tenderizing bowls of noodle soups. Climbing up from here the menu slim even more – fresh vegetables become luxury when everything needs to be carried up by porter or Yak due to the lack of readymade food stations (tea houses).
Packing Guide for May
May is a bit unpredictable month, a little trickster so to say and you need to pack accordingly. Your buddies will be:
- A nice waterproof jacket and bottoms and a pack cover for the occasion if the rains decide to surprise you.
- Trekking poles, this one’s for your knees when you’re going downhill. Let’s not torture them.
- Tops, bottom-wears, and wearable layers that range from t-shirts and pants for the warm valley climate right up to warm fleeces and trousers that will be needed in the cooler evenings.
Your feet will be a vehicle, so wear proper boots that are waterproof. Please do not forget a basic first aid kit, including altitude sickness pills, water purification tablets, and lots of sun block. The mountain’s heat pierces more than you think.
For the adventurous tech savvy trekker you can think of carrying an extra charger for your portable devices. Power can be the powerful money puller if you don’t do so up in highlands. The cost escalates. And while we are at the topic of charging, your own energy levels matter as well, keep yourself well charged. Grab a few energy restoring snacks for when you get low between teahouses.
Flora and Fauna in May
Indeed, the best time that the mountains are alive is in the month of May. Between 2000 and 3000 meters the hillsides are covered with Rhododendrons that grow in red, pink and white colors.
The forests are a biodiversity hotspot for the oak, the pine and the bamboo creates a different stratum of life. This is also the apt time for wildlife watching as well. Do not miss the snow leopard, blue sheep and if you are lucky enough the red panda is also visible here.
Bird watchers, do not forgo your telescopic eyewear, Himalayan griffons can be sighted gliding high up in the sky while the bluish plumaged Impeyan (the national bird of Nepal) might be found strutting across the forest floor.
This diverse biota is protected by sustainable efforts of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP). They were founded in 1998 and orient on safe, reasonable, and eco-tolerant travel and invariable support for the community and environment around.
Only stick to established tracks, dispose of everything that you brought in the park properly, and respect that you are a guest in those animals’ habitats. Do not be a burden to their peace.
Altitude Sickness Awareness
Now about the primary difficulty of high altitude touring, altitude illness. At high altitudes there is a relative lack of oxygen, and a human needs some moments to adapt, or acclimatize. Some of the symptoms that should be expected include headache, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. The golden rule? Climb up gradually and do not ignore the signals your body is trying to send.
Your guide will arrange rest days for members in order to get used to the altitude depending on the places such as Sama Gaun at 3,530m. Utilize these days, the ‘climb high, sleep low’ adage is for you. This means you take day hikes to higher elevation or region, but sleep at a lower altitude. Drink plenty of water, don’t drink alcohol, do not smoke, and do not be a hero just for brags, if your body is saying stop then by all means stop.
For the worst cases of altitude sickness there is no better remedy than to go lower. In the more isolated zones of the Manaslu Circuit, an evacuation could be required. If signs of HAPE or HACE are manifesting rapidly, stop the trek. This is although a rare happening when correct acclimatization procedures are undertaken, still it’s important to know and be mentally prepared.
Cultural Aspects of the Manaslu Circuit
The Manaslu Circuit is not just a walk through beautiful nature, it is walking through an open-air museum. Seeing the ribbonlike road pass through the villages such Sama Gaun, Lho and Shyla will take you through an experience of the Tibetan lifestyle.
Lapillo and blue sky prayer flags are seen swinging in the wind, Mani walls that have Buddhist prayer inscriptions are on the paths, and countless age old monasteries telling the tales of Buddhist legacy for your eyes to witness.
Sama Gaun is very unique, not just for the breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, but an opportunity to tour the large monastery and experience the religion and faith of the people. Fantastic monastery where you get a feel of the Tibetan/Nepalese civilization.
You will not really find many festivity events in May as it is not the season for it, though occasionally the little community or religious celebrations can be witnessed in villages.
Depending on the type of celebration, there might be some sparkling residual energy lingering after the Losar, the Tibetan New Year observed earlier in the year, and before the arrival of spring. The villages may also have occasional agricultural festivals at the onset of the monsoon season too.
What Makes May a Unique Time to Visit
May provides the best ratio of gorgeous countryside and good trekking conditions. This aspect of having white summits that are sharply delineated against green ridges makes for a photographers’ delight. With fewer trekkers on the trail compared to the peak autumn season, you’ll have more authentic interactions with locals and a more peaceful experience overally.
Mostly the climate is quite decent and does not pose much of a problem to the traveler except for the occasional pre monsoon shower that may fall on you as mentioned before.
Weather is not THAT sunny, and hence trails can be full day undertakings without the fear of extreme heat. Whether you are walking, jogging, hiking or cycling, you will have to deal with the blessed sight of enchanting charm stemming from the flowers of spring and the animals coming back to life in the area.
Safety Tips for Trekking in May
Weather Forecast and Preparation for Unpredictable Rain
The downpours in May are light but highland trails can become quite slick rather fast even at lower altitudes. To plan for the weather you will need to consider incorporating checking on the daily forecast as one of the activities you engage in during the morning. Your raincoats, waterproof bags and jacket covers, and raincoats should always be within reach, not tucked away, or hidden in some corner.
Staying on the Right Path and Hiring Experienced Guides
The Manaslu Circuit throws you some pretty remote and tricky places. When visibility is low because of rain or fog, it is important to remain on the trails, venturing off path is not only reckless, it can be unsafe.
That is why having a licensed guide is important, it really comes in handy as the terrain is almost wholly inaccessible to vehicles. Not only do they tell you where to go, they know every hill, valley, and cloud, and the best approach to take. Especially where the path is not clear, round about Larkya La Pass.
Safety Gear to Carry in May
Since it is rainy in the afternoon, but also moderately warm in the evenings, layering is needed in May. You will require clothing for hot sunny days as well as for wet and cold ones. Take trekking poles for balance when the paths become slippery especially after a downpour. Do not forget your UV protection, high altitude will actually be hot.
You still also want a rudimentary first aid kit with appropriate medication for altitude sickness, blister relief, and all the other items one would expect. Last of all, good waterproof boots should be worn in order to avoid wet and soggy feet when hiking.
Budget and Costs for the Trek in May (Permits, Guide/Porter Fees, Accommodation, Food)
The trekking of Manaslu Circuit involves a few special permits. The Restricted Area Permit will cost approximately $75 per person for a week and extra $10 for each day beyond one week. roughly 100 Rupees for Citizens of the country, 1k for SAARC beings, $75 for foreigners beyond and Annapurna Conservation Area would be USD 30.
There is no option to avoid the services of a licensed guide on this trek and this will cost you around USD 25 to 30 per day. In case you would need a porter to assist you in hauling your stuff, you will have to part with 15 to 20 USD per day.
Tea houses generally charge USD 5 to 10 for a night stay and a meal of dal bhat or noodles will cost between USD 5 to 7. Broken down, food costs and stays could take time between USD 20 to 30 daily.
How Can You Keep The Cost Down?
- Go in a group because it is cheaper to share the cost of a guide.
- Eat local food, they are cheaper most of the time they are more delicious
- Fill up snacks from Kathmandu as they become costly the more you ascend up the mountains.
- The obvious thing to do for saving money is to avoid buying bottled water and instead use water purification tablets.
FAQs
Can Beginners Do the Manaslu Circuit in May?
Manaslu Circuit is possible for beginners but it is necessary to be well prepared. May is the best for this because the climate is relatively moderate, especially to those people who have not trekked at higher altitudes before. But for the beginners, one is suggested to have some background experience or do some practice trekking beforehand.
Is Trekking in May Safe Due to the Approaching Monsoon?
It is safe to trek in May since the monsoon is often said to begin in June. However, usually there is sometimes pre-monsoon rain and therefore the hiker should make sure of carrying his or her rain gear besides checking on the weather forecast from time to time. Crews will help you to avert probable hazards caused by rain.
How Do I Deal with Altitude Sickness?
Do not climb steep, up at substantial heights all of a sudden and without prior steps toward acclimatization. Heart and nerve health tips include, taking plenty of water, avoiding alcoholic drinks, and respecting your body. If you develop symptoms such as headache, nausea or dizziness, just lie down and come down if needed. In the worst-case scenario, evacuate urgently, but do it only following the guidance of a guide.
What Are the Food and Accommodation Conditions Like in May?
Anytime in May, trekkers encounter tea houses and lodges on the trek. They offer small and plain accommodation facilities and group-meal settings. The food that it consists of are basic Nepali foods such as dal bhat, noodles and potatoes. During this time of the year, the lower tiers are not going to be crowded as much as the upper tiers might still be.
