Nar-Phu Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek

Drive to Soti Khola 

• The Distance between Kathmandu and Soti Khola is 136 km.
• Traveling to Soti Khola by jeep will take around 7-8 hours.
• The route to Soti Khola from Kathmandu is Naubise – Galchi – Kurintar – Muglin – Arughat and lastly Soti Khola.

Altitude sickness is the sneaky monster that sometimes attacks even the fittest trekkers beyond 2500m (8,000ft). As a result, preventing altitude sickness on the trek and remaining healthy throughout the trek should be your top priorities. With lower air pressure and lower inspiratory oxygen pressure, you’ll be hiking into the high-altitude zone. Acclimatization is the process of progressively becoming familiar with the new climate or changing environmental conditions. Almost everyone going quickly from lower to higher elevations requires altitude adaptation.

At elevations beyond 2,500 meters, AMS symptoms can be detected like:

• Increased breathing.
• Increased urination
• Restless sleep.
• Periodic breathing at night because of altitude.
• Shortness of breath.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Respiratory failure.
• Cerebral edema.

To guarantee that the condition does not worse, certain precautions should be taken. However, if the symptoms increase, it may be necessary to return to a lower height and seek medical assistance.

• Walk slowly and gradually, as our bodies require time to adjust to the oxygen level. At least one day of acclimatization rest is required for high altitude trekking, and you should go as high as possible before returning to a lower height for the night.
• To gain strength stamina, you should undertake various strength training exercises such as running, cycling, jogging, push-ups and going to the gym.
• The greatest remedy is to always stay hydrated. On your walk, instead of drinking cooled water, drink warm water and avoid alcohol, cigarette, and tobacco. You should also eat a balanced diet for strength.
• Before traveling to an altitude greater than 3000 m, you must properly acclimate. If your body displays any signs of altitude sickness, you must either stop immediately where you are or consider descending to a lower altitude.
• Bring a Diamox subscription with you on the trek because it is the most effective altitude sickness medication. However, you should consult with your doctor to see whether it is beneficial.

Drinking Water

Especially for trekkers, it is very necessary to hydrate your body at a higher altitude than in lower elevations to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness. Lack of fluid can be the main hindrance during the trek. You should hydrate your body with at least 3-4 liters of water daily (Tea, soup, or normal drinking water).

Annapurna region and Manaslu Region do not have a water shortage. You can get tap water, spring water throughout the trek but it is not safe to drink without purifying it. Also, the sale of plastic water bottles is banned in Annapurna Region since 2015. You will not get to buy plastic water bottles in the Annapurna region. In the Manaslu region, you can buy the plastic water bottle but, it gets expensive as you climb to a higher altitude and it pollutes the local ecosystem also. As you can easily get water throughout the trek and it’s safe to drink after purifying, better to bring your water bottle. We recommend you use a Reusable water bottle or water pouch favorable for both hot and cold water. You can also use a filtration system like LifeStraw. 

Here are some ways that you can use to make the water drinkable.

1. Boiled water

Boiling water is the best way to purify the water. As we are climbing to a higher altitude you need to boil the water for about 3-minute and season it with a pinch of salt before drinking. You can get free cold water in the teahouse but for boiled water, it cost around 1-1.5 USD per liter. 

2. Purification tablets or electrolyte powder.

Purification tablets like chlorine or iodine tablets are commonly used tablets by trekkers to disinfect the water. 1 tablet is enough for a liter of water. It takes around 30 min for the tablets to dissolve and become drinkable. Water, purified by tablets may leave a taste in your mouth.

Electrolyte powder is another option. Electrolyte powder is a better way to purify water than tablets because electrolyte powder contains minerals such as salt, Potassium, Magnesium, which are important for your body during the trek. 

3. UV Light water purifier/ SteriPEN.

It is a simple, effective, and environment-friendly way to purify water. It kills the bacteria and virus within 10 sec by exposing them to ultraviolet light using Steripen, without changing the flavor of the water. This is a highly recommended method of purifying water.

Electricity facility.

Despite the challenging geography and weather conditions, the Annapurna and Manaslu region has been providing electricity and access to the Internet.

Electricity in Annapurna and Manaslu Region is powered either by local hydropower electricity or Solar panels electricity, so you will not have issues with electricity or charging during this trek. At lower altitudes, all the hotel rooms have charging sockets and the use of electricity is free. However, at a higher altitude, there may be no charging socket in your rooms. There is a commonplace for charging usually in the dining area, and you may be charged extra for charging devices on a different basis (Per device, per hour, and voltage of your device).

Charging a mobile phone may cost you around 2$- 4$ per device at a higher altitude.

Internet Facility and Service

Internet and network facility is must need to contact your family, friends, employee, to post updates and upload photos during the trek.  Internet access/WIFI is available throughout the Annapurna and Manaslu Region, but it lacks a stable connection as you climb higher due to the lack of signal reach to the tower. At higher altitudes, you will have access to the internet, but have to pay extra. Most of the lodge/ teahouses in these regions has Wi-Fi availability. Some provide it free of charge while some charge an amount.

WI-FI service in higher altitudes will cost you around NPR 300/USD 2.5

However, you can connect to the internet via. your cellular network’s data package.

Both NTC and NCell cellular service network is available in Annapurna Region. But not in the Manaslu region. Only NTC -CDMA network is available in Manaslu Region, known as the SKY network. So, you have to use CDMA phones in the Manaslu region.

You can buy the Sky Simcard or NCell or NTC from the stores in Kathmandu for 1$. CDMA’s PDSN (Packet Data Switching Network) provides you high a speed internet connection up to Kang la pass which is the highest point of our trek. Your phone may not support a CDMA network, so first check your phone in any local cyber-shop if it supports a CDMA network. If not buy a phone/set in Kathmandu that supports NTC’s CDMA network.

NTC cellular service is most preferred over NCell. NTC provides good service and signal connectivity, in comparison to NCell.

For more information about the NTC CDMA network, here is the link.

Document needed to buy a sim card.

For foreigner = 1 passport size photo, Passport photocopy, or valid identity card.

For Nepali = 1 Passport size Photo, Photocopy of Citizenship.

Some useful tips to reduce the use of electricity.

• Extra batteries for the camera.
• Power bank with 5000-10000mAh.
• The solar charger and solar lamp (LuminAID lamp).
• As possible less usage of a device with low brightness, GPS, and WI-FI off.

The bag of a trekker also reveals the trekker’s level of experience. A good trekker should be a smart backpacker. You should be pre-prepared for the things that you need in the trek.

Here are some of the things that you need to take with you for the trek.

Travel documents

• Airline tickets with the itinerary.
• Travel insurance policy documents.
• Valid passport.
• Copies of passport.
• Passport-sized photos.
• Nepalese cash.
• Travel permits.

Clothing

• A pair of waterproof trekking shoes or hiking boots.
• A pair of flip flop slippers or running shoes.
• 2 sets of thermals (leggings and tops)
• Pairs of hiking long sleeve shirts or tops.
• Pairs of hiking shorts and pants.
• Fleece jumpers or a set of tracksuits.
• Good quality windproof down jacket.
• Lightweight waterproof rain jacket and pants.
• Neck gaiter, leg warmer, and packet of pocket hand warmers.
• 5-6 pairs of quick-dry socks, underwear, sports bra.
• Pair of inner and outer gloves.
• Knitted Hat, sun cap, beanie, or bandana.
• Glacier Sunglasses and eyeshade.

Trekking equipment

• Waterproof trekking bag of 40-50 liter and Rucksack of duffel bag (if your backpack is not enough for all your item and need a potter).
• Reusable water bottle (both hot and cold) of at least 1-2litre.
• A sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner.
• Trekking stick/ poles
• Crampons (If you are trekking in the Winter season, Jan-Feb).
• LED Headtorch or solar lamp (LuminAID Nepal lamp is best as it is solar-charged and very much portable)
• Plug adapter, Charging appliances, power bank, batteries.
• Pocket knife.
• Travel Wallet.

Toiletries

• Rolls of Toilet paper, wet wipes, and tissue.
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, body lotions.
• Portable mirror.
• Shampoo and soap.

Personal First Aid Kit

• Antibiotics
• Painkillers, Paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, Nicole
• Sanitary pads
• Anti-inflammatory spray.
• Anti-Nausea tablets.
• Anti-diarrhea pills or power.
• Altitude sickness tablets.
• Water purifying tablets or electrolyte powder.
• Mosquito and Insect Repellent.
• Salt or anti-leech oil (If traveling in the rainy season, Jul- Aug).
• Earplugs

You can buy or hire trekking clothes and equipment in Kathmandu. If you are buying it, you have to allow an extra day for shopping; however, if you are hiring it, you must inform us in advance so that we can arrange it before you arrive in Kathmandu. This way you can reduce the weight of your luggage and save time and money.

Branded, New or Used trekking clothes and equipment are available around the Thamel area at a reasonable price.

Accommodation

We will accommodate in star hotel during our stay in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will stay in Lodges/ Teahouses or Homestays.

Meal

During the trek, we will provide you three-time meals. You can choose from the given menu.

Breakfast– French toast, Cornflakes, Cereal, Pancakes, Bread butter, Eggs, Oatmeal, Tsampa porridge, Tea, etc. 

Lunch– Dal Bhaat set (Rice, Vegetable curry, Meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad) vegetable noodle soup, chicken noodles soup, Mushroom garlic soup, Fried noodles, Mo: Mo, Fired yak cheese Potato, etc. 

Dinner– Dal Bhaat set (Rice, vegetable curry, meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad), Mo: Mo, fried noodles, Spaghetti, Thukpa, Pizza, Stews, Fried Potato, etc. 

Besides these, there are a variety of other options of food. You have to buy, it from your pocket.

Transportation

By Bus- From Kathmandu airport to Hotel at Kathmandu and vice-versa. 

              From Kathmandu- Soti Khola.

              From Pisang to Beshisahar.

              From Beshisahar to Kathmandu.

Our well-qualified and professional staff will handle all your activities throughout your trek. They will do all the escorting. We are providing you with a highly experienced and licensed guide with fluent English speaking and has excellent communication as well as navigation skills. They will accompany you from Kathmandu and guide you throughout the trek. Each group of 4-5 trekkers will be assigned an assistant guide, as well as a porter for two trekkers (2*15kg =30kg). If your luggage weighs more than 15kg you will be provided a porter individually but you will be charged for 2 people.

All our lead guides, assistant guides, and potters are well professional and experienced. So, we hope for your respect and cooperation with them throughout the trek.

Every day will begin with the ringing of your alarm clock at 6 a.m. and a knock on your door from your guide with the invitation of breakfast. Get up, have breakfast, pack your backpack and get ready to start your day’s walk by 7 a.m.

You will walk through the green lush forests of Rhododendron, Pine, and Oaks beside Budhi Gandaki River, enjoying the scenery, crossing suspension- wooden bridge, clicking photos, creating memories, passing by other travelers, interacting with your guide, hearing each other’s stories.

Lunch will be served at a local teahouse in the late afternoon (1-2 am). Having lunch and an hour of rest, we will proceed to the day’s final destination as per the itinerary.

On arrival at the destination, check in at your accommodation. Get freshen up and some rest. As every teahouse where we stay has a large common dining area with a wood-burning stove in the center, there you will get to meet many travelers. You can sit there, laugh at each other stories, play cards, sing songs, play music, and have a good time. This will help you forget all the tiredness of the day. Later in the evening, you will have your dinner together. Enjoy the flavorful Nepalese Dal Bhat. There is this saying Dal Bhat power 24 hr. After dinner, your guide will give some short briefings about the next day’s trek regarding when you must get up, when we have to start our trek the next day, where we will stay the next day, how many hours we have to walk and so on.

During this trek, you’ll walk for a minimum of 3 hrs to a maximum of 12 hrs per day.  You will get to experience a glimpse of Tibetan and Buddhist cultures and their authentic village lifestyle. Annapurna region is the home of many Gurkha soldiers. We are sure you will be amazed by their culture, lifestyle, and scenery of mountains over the village. During this trek, you will get to see the 7^th and 10^th highest mountains of the world (Mt. Machhapuchre and Mt. Annapurna) and other peaks such as Manaslu, Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru; the lush forest of Rhododendrons, Pine and Oaks, and many other amazing beauties. You will acclimatize in Sama Gaon and Phu Gaon. Explore around the village. On our 20^th day, you will cross the world’s highest pass- Kang La pass. This day will be the most difficult in your trek, but the beauty along the way will be your main motivation to keep moving towards another stop. Your hard walk will be paid off with wonderful natural beauty, diverse culture, and lifelong memories.

Visa procedure.

To travel to Nepal, you’ll need a tourist visa that is valid for the period of your stay in Nepal. Better, if you have a tourist visa valid for at least 2 months because anything can happen during the trip, and staying in Nepal after your visa expires would result in you paying a penalty.  Apply for a visa at your nearest Embassy of Nepal or obtain an On-Arrival visa at immigration in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. But it’s better to contact your nearest Nepalese Embassy.

Here are the documents that you need, to apply for the tourist visa.

• The Tourist Visa Application Form for Nepal (Fully completed online and printed)
• Original Passport with at least 2 blank pages and validity of at least 6 months.
• Photocopies of your passport’s information page.
• At least 2 recent passport-sized photos of yourself with white background.
• Proof of accommodation in Nepal.
• Valid travel and return flight tickets.
• A bank statement from the last 3 months with a minimum closing balance of NPR2,00,000.
• Receipt of the visa fee for Nepal.

Note: 15 days tourist visa costs USD 30, but our trip is of 24 days so, apply for 30 days visa that costs around USD 50.

Entry permits and Requirements

Annapurna Region is a Conservation Area whereas the Manaslu region is a restricted area. So, to walk over these regions you have to take special permits from the Government of Nepal. The Entry permits that you need for this are;

Note: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit has to be issued from the Department of Immigration of Nepal, Kalikasthan, Dilli Bazar, Kathmandu. Besides that, MCAP Permit, ACAP Permit, TIMS Card can be obtained from Nepal Tourism Board in Bhirkuti Mandap, Kathmandu.

You cannot travel alone in a restricted area so, to issue both Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and TIMS Card, you need to apply from a local registered trekking agency with at least 2 members, accompanied by a licensed guide.

For more information about TIMS Card here is the link.

(If you are traveling from a travel/trekking agency your agency will arrange all the Permits.)

Documents required to get these permits.

• Complete the permit form with your passport details and tour details (Trekking area, Entry and Exit date, and point, Route of Trekking, Emergency contact information for Nepal and your Home country).
• Passport size photos.
• Original passport with a valid visa and Photocopies of passport personal information page.
• Copy of Travel Insurance policy to obtain TIMS card.

For Manaslu Restriction Area Permit.

• A letter of guarantee from the tour operator.
• Letter from TAAN.
• Copy of your International flight ticket itinerary (Date of arrival in Nepal) and Trek itinerary.
• Copy of TIMS Card and Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit.
• Copy of Company Registration Certificate, Tax Clearance Certificate, PAN Registration Certificate of the trekking company.

Trekking in Nepal is an adventurous and occasionally dangerous activity, especially at high altitudes. Trekkers must have travel insurance before visiting Nepal for trekking. You might come across some physical injury, illness, unexpected accident during the trek and all the medical expenses and loss has to be borne by yourself.

As you will be trekking the whole Manaslu region and Nar Phu valley, you need to choose an insurance policy that will cover all the possible risks that you may come across from the start of your journey to your final destination. The following threats should be covered by your travel insurance. The following threats should be covered by your travel insurance:

• Cancellation of Domestic and International flights.
• Lost and stolen baggage and passport.
• Hospital and Medical expenses (Physical injury, Acute Mountain sickness, Altitude sickness, sudden accident)
• Emergency rescue such as Helicopter.
• All high-altitude trek risk factors up to 5,500m.

You need to choose your travel insurance wisely so that, in the case of such an incident, your travel insurance will cover the costs.

You can get your travel insurance in either your home country or in Nepal.

Manaslu region is the restricted area of Nepal and Nar Phu valley is an unexplored Tibetan valley that lies within Annapurna Conservation Area. All travelers should travel responsibly in these areas.  It is not easy to travel around Manaslu without a guide and complete information about the Manaslu region. Manaslu and Narphu valley are very rich in culture and natural beauty, so there are some rules and regulations that you have to follow while traveling in these areas.

• Because you are traveling in restricted and conservation areas which is not permitted to go one on your own, obtain a special permit before traveling to this area.
• Annapurna and Manaslu regions are diverse in Tibetan and Buddhism, so respect local people, their culture, and religion. You can learn some greetings words to exchange greeting respectfully, for example, “Tashi Delek” which means Goodluck/Blessings.
• Trail in the Manaslu region is risky due to rockfall and landslides in some areas, so to bring a guide, for this reason, is compulsory.
• Shring Himal of Manaslu region is a much more scared mountain than Manaslu Himal, so don’t even think to set foot on it.
• Limit any negative activities that will impact their local culture and environment like: using curse words, disposal of Plastic garbage. As Plastic water bottles is banned in the Annapurna region in 2015, properly dispose of the plastic garbage (food wrappers, plastic water bottles) around mountains and forests.
• While visiting the monasteries follow the norms of the monastery. Ask for permission before entering and to click photos in any monasteries.

Your responsible travel will help Nepal achieve long-term sustainable tourism.

How much time should I spend on the path each day?

It depends on the person’s walking pace, but you should walk for at least 3 hours and no more than 8 hours per day.

How much money should I spend per day on trial? 

You will spend a minimum of USD 30 to 50 per day, including your accommodation and three meals. If you travel with us, your package includes accommodation and three meals per day. As a result, you should consider your expenses such as beverages, snacks, and hot water, as well as charges, Wi-Fi, and so on.

What permits are needed while trekking in Annapurna Region?

• Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit (ACAP entry permit)
• Tourist Information Management System card (TIMS Card)

How is the Drinking water facility in Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek? 

Drinking water is not safe, so you should purify or boil it before drinking it, or you can purchase mineral water at a cost.

How are the Tea Houses in Annapurna Region? 

Tea houses have excellent facilities because they offer a wide variety of food items on their menu. The rooms are spacious, with two beds and blankets. They have a western toilet and hot water for showers.

What should we avoid while trekking in Annapurna Region?

You should not disturb wildlife while trekking and should walk quietly; you should not listen to music while passing through the forest. It is best not to drink alcohol while trekking.