Manaslu Circuit & Larke-La Pass Adventure

Manaslu Circuit & Larke-La Pass Adventure is ‘an adventurous traverse from one scenic valley to another beautiful location and adventurers around the world must have trekked and explored most of the popular areas of the Nepal Himalayas. Over the past decades and present Nepal’s Himalayas still stands as the number one trekking destination, as well for various adventures.

Trekkers in search of fresh new destinations around the Himalayas. Vertex Holiday suggests scenic and cultural treks around the Manaslu Himalaya range. Where one can enjoy Manaslu Circuit crossing high Larke-La Pass a traverse from the picturesque valley of Manaslu to beautiful Manang. For this exciting and wonderful adventure, Vertex Holiday provides full information on how and when to book with other useful details.

For travelers interested in providing the important, necessary information to make your adventure holiday memorable, enjoyable, as well worth the experience.

01: Useful Tips for Manaslu Circuit Adventure:

Staying healthy and physically fit. Book with the right and reliable local or overseas trekking agencies.
Make sure the company is registered with the Nepal Government’s respective Tourism Department.
Get information about the trek departure dates.

Check the date of departure that fits with your holiday from work. Search the website to choose the company of your interest and choice. On booking acquire much information regarding the trip. Purchase the trekking gear required according to the season. Understand the nature of trekking and the group size to join. Get to know about the trip cost with includes and excludes.

02: How to stay fit before and after booking the Larke-La Pass Adventure:

Know about the terrain and trails including the altitude of the trek before departure for Larke-La Pass Adventure. Practice some light exercise few hours of walks ups and downhill. Jogging, swimming, aerobics, and Zumba or Yoga exercise. Check with your family doctor regarding AMS symptoms (Acute Mountain Sickness) or other common sickness. Know about your past medical history to be aware of. Check which food is right and best for you to keep fit. Get information on what types of food, and meals are available on trekking.

Inquire regarding the local hospitals and health posts available on treks. Be prepared for the standard itinerary that suits your time in Nepal. In case of server sickness and accidents, what are the means to get back?

03: Packing and buying the right gear for the trek:

Make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of travel. Legal passports and carry at least 6-8 PP. size photos if required. Carry all necessary documents required for the treks. Purchase Travel & Medical Insurance it’s a must and important. Know the shortest air route to Kathmandu, when buying airline tickets. Get the right clothing and trekking gear required as seasonal wise. Make sure if sleeping bags and duffel bags are provided by the local agents.
Buy perfect-fitting trekking boots that can withstand rain and snow. Inquire about the things that can be bought in Kathmandu for the trek including trekking maps of the area. Get the visa from your own country from the Nepal Embassy or Consulate if not available. On arrival at Kathmandu International Airport can obtain the visa. Carry US$, Euro, Sterling Pounds, or any other foreign convertible currency in cash also to get a visa from the airport. As well as to pay the remaining balance to local agents or by credit card, where a 5 % surcharge is added. Get to know the location and standard of hotels in Kathmandu.

04: Things To Know About Local Culture during Larke-La Pass Adventure :

The upper Manaslu of the Larke-La Pass Adventure is populated by Buddhist religion and culture. Respect the local heritage and culture.
On trekking or traveling anywhere take care of local ecology. Follow the rules as maintained by the local villagers.
Ask your guide or village person when taking photos of people or inside the monasteries. Maintain hygiene and take care of litter and the fragile environment. Be happy and show your right positive attitude to enjoy the holiday.

05: Trekking Routes, Trails & Village Including Local Lodge:

Using hot showers and re-charging electronics ask the price first. Maintain the rules and customs of the villages and lodges on the route. Never bargain on food and accommodation except when buying souvenirs. Check the food menu and order as per your delight. Always be thankful to the villagers and lodge owners depending upon the
services.

Use only boiled filtered water for drinking and ask for the price per liter. Interacting with locals feel safe and enjoy their culture and customs. Make sure what types of transportation are provided for the drive start of
the trek and at the end.

01: Staying Healthy And Physically Fit As Well As Being Aware Of The Trekking With Full Information:

01: Useful Tips for Manaslu Circuit  and Larke-La Pass Adventure :

Always best to make yourself fit and healthy to enjoy the rest of your life as well for the trek in the Himalayas.

•  First and most important is staying fit sound, and healthy to cope with the Himalayan high-altitude terrain.
  Being fit and in good health physically then search for the best local agents in Kathmandu, Nepal. For instance, Vertex Treks & Expeditions is a company known for reliable and best services and affordable prices.
• All reliable local companies to choose from should be recognized by the Government of Nepal Tourism Department, as well as by TAAN. (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal). Including trekking guides holding government-approved licenses to guide.
•  Check the date of departure that fits with your holiday from work.
  Get information about the trek departure dates. Make sure that you have picked the right dates and itineraries as per your holiday duration for the trek.
•  Search the website to choose the company of your interest and choice.
  Before booking the trip of your interest and choice surf the websites to find the right local company. As well as the standard of the services that are provided according to the trip price, checking the dates for trek departures. If not joining with the group inquire if it’s possible to join the trek as an individual or solo.
•  On booking acquire a lot of information regarding the trip.
  Before booking the trip get to know much of the trek itineraries, with all information and details related to Manaslu Trekking and Larke-La.
• Being aware nature of the trekking trails, and altitude with safety measures required for the trek. As well as information on the guide to lead the trek, and how safe and responsible the company can take care of.
•  Purchase of the trekking gear required according to the season.
  Make sure of the trekking list and items to buy from home before the trek departure and flying to Kathmandu. Inquire if it’s too much to carry from home, and ask if it can be bought or hired in Kathmandu.
•  Understand the nature of trekking and the group size to join.
  It is important to know the trail condition and route of the treks, as well as the number of trekkers in the group. Making sure the nationality of each person joins makes the trek more enjoyable knowing the members for the trip. Remember Manaslu is a Restricted Area, where a minimum of 2 people is required, solo and individual trekkers are not allowed.
  Where trekkers for Manaslu Circuit must join with a reliable local company led by Government authorized and licensed guide.
•  Get to know about the trip cost with includes and excludes.
  After paying much of the trip cost, must be fully aware of what’s included and excluded in the trip cost. So that they won’t be any misunderstanding between you and the company. If in doubt there is always time to discuss with the respective companies if something is missing in the trip cost. Must declare before the trek departures, as the guide only follows the rules of the company.

As well as guiding the trekkers safely and soundly offering information on the respective areas of trekking.

02: Staying Fit For Manaslu Circuit and Larke-La Pass Adventure :

A physically fit person can enjoy the best of holidays, as well as being healthy and wise taking the right types of food to stay fit. Therefore the following points must be taken care of before taking on the Manslu Circuit and Larke-La Pass Adventure.

• (a): Know about the terrain and trails including the altitude of the trek.
  Staying fit will be a great advantage to enjoy the whole trekking. As well as to rejoice in the harmony of local cultures and scenic views. The first thing is to know the trail conditions how steep up to climb and descent as well. Including gain in altitude every day before reaching the overnight stop.
• (b): Practice some light exercise few hours of walks ups and downhill.
  A simple exercise will be great to start with a walk of a few hours walking or running ups and downhill. But do not overdo it to make yourself tired and breathless, take it easy at a normal safe pace and get advice from the concerned agents or medical experts.
• (c): Jogging, swimming, aerobics, and Zumba or Yoga exercises.
  A short Jogging around your hometown or in the park, daily an hour jog in the morning or late afternoon. Besides jogging exercises, swimming aerobics or Zumba are best to keep yourself fit and healthy, including some Yoga practice for breathing and leg and lung exercise.
• (d): Check with your family doctor regarding AMS symptoms (Acute Mountain Sickness) or other common sicknesses.
  Before and after booking the trip, get a medical checkup even though you are fit and able. But altitude sickness or AMS can occur to any fit person at any time if one is not careful. Where your doctors or friends who have trekked in the Himalayas will help you with information regarding the AMS.
• The company that you have booked will also provide information and details of altitude sickness symptoms and how to take precautionary measures.
•  Know about your past medical history to be aware of.
  Most people being busy at work might be unaware of some hidden medical problem that you do not realize. If some people have done some minor or major operation or surgery, and taking pills as per the medical advice.  Better to know your past illness so that on treks the old symptoms won’t occur, and your guide and leaders should know also about your medical history. So that they can take extra attention and care for you if needed.
•  Check which food is right and best for you to keep fit.
  One of the most important is your diet, and what you consume and eat most as at present more western people are vegetarian. If you have a special diet or are allergic to some foods, let the company know beforehand then the guide will provide you with food of your choice during the trek.
•  Get information on types of food, and meals available on trekking.
  It is better to know and be aware of what types of food are served on route trekking on overnight and lunch stops. Most standard lodges around bigger villages and settlements serve a full comprehensive food menu.
• From Continental, Indian, Chinese, Nepali, and Tibetans some places serve Italian, Mexican, Japanese, or Korean cuisine also. Including fresh bakeries’ products as well. Order according to the menu where most foods are cooked hygienic, some smaller villages have basic lodges, and provide simple meals but good, but especially the Nepalese famous Dal Bhat, or noodles and Tibetan bread or Chapattis, unleavened bread.
  (i): Inquire regarding local hospitals and health posts available on treks.
  Best to know about medical facilities available on route treks around the main villages, and what precautionary measures are taken by the local company or guides. As accidents and unfortunate incidents can happen anywhere and at any time.
• Be prepared for the standard itinerary that suits your time in Nepal.
  Always know the full itinerary details, about precautions, and the route of trekking and places for overnight stops. Regarding the local culture and custom as well the itinerary have enough days for acclimatization and exploring the local villages. As well the itinerary suits your international flight schedule and the duration of your holidays for the trek.
•  In case of server sickness and accidents means of transportation?
  One of the most important is knowing, what means of transportation are available on route trekking. If someone has to return home earlier breaking the trip halfway, due to a personal problem. As well as if someone gets very sick or gets wounded by unfortunate accidents.
• Right to know the types of fastest transport for emergency evacuation, which will be walking back to a road-head getting on local vehicles, or using the helicopter services. This is why you’re medical and travel insurance comes in handy and important to claim the cost incurred by sudden illness or accidents.

03: Packing & Buying The Right Gear For The Larke-La Pass Adventure Trek:

Packing and buying the right kinds of equipment and clothing will make it worth trekking during the Larke-La Pass Adventure, as well as carrying the necessary documents and papers required for Nepal and trekking.

• Make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of travel.
  The first thing is to check your main ID and passport, which should not exceed the expiry date minimum of 6 months. For dual citizen passports, use only one country passport. It will create problems in acquiring a Nepal visa and necessary trekking permits.
• Legal passports and carry at least 6-8 PP. size photos if required.
  Make sure to carry a passport with dates that do not expire within 6 months of traveling overseas. Carry at least 6-8 recent passport-size photos, required to obtain the Nepal visa as well as trekking permits.
•  Carry all necessary documents required for the treks.
  Check that you have all the necessary documents required for the treks and travel when leaving your home country.
•  Purchase Travel & Medical Insurance it’s a must and important.
  Most importantly getting the best Travel & Medical Insurance should cover all medical bills incurred. Including expenses on emergency evacuation by various means of transportation from private vehicles to Helicopter services if required.
•  Packing and buying the right gear for the trek:
  The other important is buying the right types of trekking gear as per the list provided by Vertex Holiday. At present, most of the trekking gear can be hired or can be bought in Kathmandu as well. If it’s too much to carry from home at a reasonable price.
•  Know the shortest air route to Kathmandu, when buying airline tickets.
  To make it easier find the airlines with the cheapest and best shortest route to Kathmandu from your home country. Normally transit is mostly in Middle Eastern countries when traveling from Europe for the flight to land at Kathmandu-Nepal International Airport.
•  Get the right clothing and trekking gear required seasonal-wise.
  When buying warm and light clothing season-wise, where spring is quite warm in the lower areas of Manaslu. But be prepared for the cold climate around Upper Manaslu till the end of trekking.
•  Make sure sleeping bags, duffel bags are provided by the local agents.
  Important to know if sleeping bags and duffles is included in the trip cost.
  If not one can bring a four-season sleeping bag with an inner linear, necessary to use a sleeping bag of your own. Even though spending overnights in the comfort of a nice local lodge. Duffel or kit bags, are best to have semi-waterproof, one can buy them in Kathmandu as well of good quality.
• Buy perfect-fitting trekking boots that can withstand rain and snow.
  The first important thing when buying trekking gear is trekking boots, buy a little larger. So that it can fit with thick socks required in cold mountain terrains. As well as a few centimeters of space for the movement of your toes from the cold freezing temperatures. The boot to buy that is snow or water-proof, if not carry a wax to put on boots in snow-rain conditions.
•  Inquire about the things that can be bought in Kathmandu including trekking
  maps of the area.
• Besides normal gear to bring from home, due to flight weight allowance. If it’s too much to carry. Where most items required for trekking are available in the stores and shops in Kathmandu as per your choice of brands. Make sure with your booking agents the things that can be bought in Kathmandu.
• Do not forget to buy the best trekking maps in Kathmandu of the trekking area and routes.
•  Get the visa from your own country from the Nepal Embassy or Consulate if not available. On arrival at Kathmandu International Airport can obtain the visa.
  On booking with Vertex Treks & Expeditions, obtain the Nepal entry visa for the number of days or more required for the Manaslu Circuit trek. Can get a visa from your home country through Nepalese Embassies and Consulates.
  If not, can get on arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport at the Immigration Desk.
• Make sure to carry extra cash and photos required for the visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport.
•  Carry US$, Euro, Sterling Pounds, or any other foreign convertible currency in cash also to get a visa from the airport. As well as to pay the remaining balance to local agents or by credit card, where a 5 % surcharge is added.
  On paying the advance trip cost to the local agents in Kathmandu, the rest of the remaining trek payment can be paid on arrival, before the trek departures.
• All balances should be made in cash with convertible foreign currencies like US$ or Euro, if not can be paid with an applicable Credit Card. On Credit Cards, 3-5 % extra is added as a surcharge on top of the main remaining trip cost.
•  Get to know the location and standard of hotels in Kathmandu.
  It is always best to know about the hotel location in Kathmandu. Although the company provides transportation with representatives, staff, or guides to pick up the guest on arrival. But sometimes the international connecting flight can get delayed without notice. You might land in Kathmandu on short notice in this situation it will be good to know the hotel and its location. So, you can take a taxi to the hotel where your room will be at your disposal.
•  Know the shortest route to Kathmandu, buying airline tickets.
  When booking for the trek first make sure which airline is the best to connect flight to Kathmandu. Cheap and the best that can reach and land in Kathmandu a few days ahead before the trek departure dates. As well for flying back home on time taking the best shortest and easiest route.

04: Things To Know About Local Cultures And Trekking Routes for Larke-La Pass Adventure :

It’s always good and best to be aware of the local cultures of Nepal, as well as for the Manaslu Circuit trek and Larke-La Pass Adventure Where there are norms on certain religions’ mode of dress and respect entering religious temples and shrines.

•  The upper Manaslu is populated by Buddhist religion and culture.
• The lower areas of Manaslu till mid hills to Jagat, are populated by a mixed group of hill tribes with Hindu and Buddhist religions.
• Respect the local heritage and culture.
  Always follow the guide’s advice of do’s and don’ts walking around villages with shrines and religious monuments. The villages from Jagat with more Buddhism, encountering rows of prayer walls and spinning bells. Walking clockwise of the Mani-Prayer walls and monuments is a sign of respect following the local culture and customs.
• On trekking or traveling anywhere take care of local ecology.
  All trekkers should follow the norms as Responsible Travelers, taking of pristine nature. Always walking on the right path, and not disturbing the ecosystems and wildlife, respecting the local culture and customs.
• Not picking flowers or herbs without the advice and permission of the local villagers.
•  Follow the rules as maintained by the local villagers.
  The villagers on the route are cheerful and friendly like in all parts of Nepal Himalaya region. Welcomes visitors with warm smiles and is humble and polite but does not take for granted doing wrong with a negative act of attitude. Where the trails and lodges foods, and rooms are well maintained by the village communities.
• Where you can interact and know the depth of local cultures customs and rules maintained by the villagers for visitors.
•  Ask the guide or village person when taking photos of people or inside
  the monasteries.
  Never take a snap or photos of elderly people and families without permission from the concerned person. Your guide will advise regarding taking photos of a person, as well as visiting the monasteries’ interior.
• Some monasteries may charge some fee or donations for taking photos inside.
• Maintain hygiene and take care of litter and the fragile environment.
  Upper Manaslu from Jagat village is a restricted area till you cross the high Larke-La pass to the Manang region. The guide on treks as well as trekkers should use the designated dumping or disposal site for rubbish and litter, especially around the villages. If not carry it with you till a proper disposal site is found on route trekking.
•  Be happy and show your right positive attitude to enjoy the holiday.
  Feel happy and show gratitude and the right attitude while exploring the villages and monasteries. Have time to chat and interact with the cheerful locals, enjoy having refreshments, and learn more about the local impressive cultures and customs.

05: Trekking Routes, Trails & Village Including Local Lodge:

Be aware that Manaslu Circuit and Larke-La Pass Adventure fall within the Manaslu Conservation Area which is categorized as a Restricted Areas of Nepal. Where special permits are required. It was closed to outside visitors but opened from 1992 onwards. Restricted is maintained to control the flow of trekkers and to maintain its pristineness as it has been for hundreds of years.

•  Using hot showers and re-charging electronically ask the price first.
  Every lodge and tea house on the route is well equipped with hydroelectricity or solar power. Where visitors can re-charge their electronic items and gadgets, paying a fee for every hour per item used for charging.
• To enjoy hot showers or buckets of warm water to refresh oneself needs to pay some amount. Better know the price first before taking a shower and a bath from the respective lodges and inns.
•  Never bargain on food, or accommodation except for buying souvenirs. While staying in lodges on route trekking, where all food and accommodation are included on the trip cost. However, some trekkers might order extra foods and snacks, where all prices are fixed as recommended by the village committees.
• So, there is no issue of bargaining the price, except if you are buying local souvenirs. You can bargain sometimes slightly for a lower price if interested in the items you intend to buy.
•  Check the food menu and order as per your delight. In the big group of more than 4-6 and above, a set of meals will be served of various types of items. Set meals for groups saves time and fuel energy, as well as makes it much better to serve by the lodge. For vegetarian and special dietary needs inform the company and guides beforehand.
•  Be thankful to villagers and lodge owners regarding the services. Most meals served on lodges are hygienic, good nutritious, and healthy from continental, Chinese, Indian Tibetan, or Nepali. Be thankful and show kind gratitude that will encourage the local chef or lodge owners to serve better and keep the standard and qualities.
•  Use only boiled filtered water for drinking, ask the price per liter.
  On trekking, the best is to use boiled and filtered for drinking and taking caution as water is the main reason for sickness. We do not encourage bottled water due to eco-trekking commitment, as plastic bottle creates garbage unless it is recycled. Few places have water filling stations which cost much cheaper than the lodge. Check it with your guide, all safe-boiled drinking water needs to be bought from the lodge or restaurants throughout the trek as per liter wise.
•  Interacting with locals fee safe and enjoy the culture and customs.
  One of the best ways of traveling to foreign countries especially the Himalayan areas of Nepal. Trekkers will be amazed and surprised by the friendliness and hospitality of Nepalese people. A good way of understanding the local simple farm life and interacting with the friendly villagers on route trekking. Makes a wonderful way to enjoy the Larke-La Pass Adventure on the Manaslu Circuit or all around the Himalayas.
• Make sure the types of transportation are provided for the drive from the start
  and at the end of trekking. On this trek, the Manaslu Circuit overland journey involves both ways, due to the rough dirt country road. Using four-wheel drives or similar types of vehicles at the beginning of the trek and the end from Dharapani village.

Make sure what types of vehicles are included, private chartered or on a sharing basis with other trekkers and locals before taking the Manaslu Circuit and the Larke-La Pass Adventure . From Kathmandu to Gorkha town on a good road, then starts with winding downhill dirt tracks to Arughat and Maccha-Khola to begin the treks. Similarly the end of the trek at Dharapani village around Manang district, the drive on rough winding downhill till Besisar town.

Reaching Besisar town on the same vehicles driving along the main highway or might transfer into a local bus for an exciting drive back to Kathmandu.