The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14 to 18-day restricted-area loop around Mount Manaslu (8,163m) in Nepal’s Gorkha District, crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,160m through remote Tibetan villages and ancient Buddhist culture.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is now the preferred route for serious trekkers, taking over the title from the Annapurna Circuit. It combines stunning high-altitude scenery, deep Buddhist culture, and genuine isolation. Furthermore, it has less foot traffic than any other comparable circuit in Nepal.
Our team has decades of experience on this circuit. Therefore, we know exactly where it rewards patience and where it demands respect. This guide covers permits, costs, itinerary, difficulty, and the insider details only a local operator would know.
What Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a high-altitude loop around Mount Manaslu in Nepal’s Gorkha District. It takes 14 to 18 days and crosses the Larkya La Pass at 5,160m. It passes through remote Tibetan villages and requires both a Restricted Area Permit and a licensed guide.
What Makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek Different from Other Treks in Nepal?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek stands apart because it offers a true restricted-area experience alongside one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal, all without requiring technical climbing skills.
Most famous trekking circuits in Nepal carry heavy traffic. Manaslu, however, sees significantly less. In fact, the upper valleys around Samagaon and Samdo preserve Tibetan refugee culture far more organically because tourism remains minimal here.
The circuit passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, home to snow leopards, red pandas, and over 110 bird species. Consequently, wildlife encounters at altitude are a real possibility. Our guides always brief trekkers on what to look for and the best times to spot possible encounters.
Vibe Check
- Remote and raw
- Deeply Buddhist
- Physically demanding
- Culturally rich
- Uncrowded wilderness
At a Glance
| Trek Facts | Details |
| Region | Gorkha District, Gandaki Province |
| Duration | 14 to 18 days (recommended) |
| Maximum Altitude | 5,160m / 16,929ft at Larkya La Pass |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Best Seasons | March to May, September to November |
| Permit Required | Restricted Area Permit + MCAP + ACAP |
| Starting Point | Soti Khola or Machha Khola |
| Ending Point | Dharapani (connects to Annapurna Circuit) |
| Nearest Airport | Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu |
| Mountains Visible | Manaslu 8,163m, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli |
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Plan your Manaslu Circuit Trek with Nepal Footprint Holiday, Government of Nepal registered and based in Kathmandu.
How Tough Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Long trekking hours, steep ascents, and remote trail conditions that keep you far from rescue access make this a genuinely challenging route.
Crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,160m is the hardest section. It requires an alpine start, leaving camp at approximately 3am to reach the summit before afternoon weather closes in. Although the descent to Bimtang is long, the views of Manaslu’s south face make it the most photographed day of the entire circuit.
Specifically, trekkers need prior high-altitude experience above 4,000m before attempting this route. We strongly recommend completing a shorter trek first. The Langtang Valley Trek is an excellent warm-up from Kathmandu, and the Tamang Heritage Trail is another solid preparation route for Manaslu.
Our fitness recommendation:
- Train for 10 to 12 weeks before departure with loaded pack hikes
- Built to carry 8 to 10kg over 4 to 6-hour sessions on uneven terrain
- Consult a travel medicine clinic about acetazolamide (Diamox) if flying from sea-level cities
Insider Tips
- Best season: October and November deliver the clearest skies and most stable Larkya La conditions
- Local food to try: Dal bhat with locally grown buckwheat roti and dried yak meat in Samagaon
- Transit: Jeep from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat takes 7 to 9 hours; book a private jeep for comfort
What Permits Do You Need for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires three separate permits. Arranging all three in Kathmandu before departure saves significant time at checkpoints.
Under Nepal’s 2025 mandatory licensed guide regulation, all trekkers entering restricted areas must travel with a guide licensed through the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). Solo unguided trekking is not legally permitted. Our team processes all documentation in Kathmandu, typically within 24 hours of arrival.
For current official fees, visit the Nepal Tourism Board website. First-time visitors can also check the Nepal visa requirements before booking.
| Permit | Cost (2025) |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit | USD 100 for first 7 days (Sep-Nov) |
| Additional Restricted Days | USD 15 per day |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit | NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 22) |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit | NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 22) |
Additionally, trekkers planning multiple permits across regions should read the Nepal trekking permit guide for a complete cost breakdown.
What Is the Cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek costs between USD 1,400 and USD 2,500 per person. This depends on group size, itinerary length, accommodation standard, and booking source. Booking directly with a Kathmandu-based operator saves 20 to 35 percent compared to international agencies.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Restricted Area Permit | USD 100+ |
| MCAP + ACAP Permits | NPR 6,000 (approx. USD 44) |
| Licensed Guide (per day) | USD 30 to 40 |
| Porter (per day) | USD 25 to 30 |
| Tea House Accommodation | USD 8 to 20 per night |
| Meals (per item) | USD 5 to 12 |
| Kathmandu to Soti Khola Jeep | USD 200 to 350 (shared) |
| Travel Insurance | USD 80 to 200 |
Travel insurance is mandatory for international trekkers and must cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation. Without it, evacuation from the Larkya La area costs USD 4,000 to 9,000. Fortunately, providers such as World Nomads, True Traveller (UK), and ERGO (EU) offer solid high-altitude policies.
Although this seems a significant investment, trekkers consistently describe Manaslu as the best-value high-altitude experience in Nepal. The remote area trekking overview compares costs across all restricted-zone circuits for those weighing options.
What Is the Best Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary?
The best Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary spans 16 days and includes two acclimatisation days. Rushing the schedule is the most common cause of altitude sickness on this route.
Most itineraries begin in Kathmandu, transfer to Soti Khola by jeep, and follow the Budhi Gandaki River gorge upstream. Then the trail opens into wide Tibetan plateau country around Samagaon before the Larkya La Pass crossing and the descent to Dharapani.
| Day | Route | Approx. Altitude |
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Soti Khola (drive) | 730m |
| Day 2 | Soti Khola to Machha Khola | 869m |
| Day 3 | Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,410m |
| Day 4 | Jagat to Deng | 1,804m |
| Day 5 | Deng to Namrung | 2,630m |
| Day 6 | Namrung to Samagaon | 3,530m |
| Day 7 | Acclimatisation in Samagaon | 3,530m |
| Day 8 | Samagaon to Samdo | 3,860m |
| Day 9 | Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya La Base) | 4,460m |
| Day 10 | Cross Larkya La Pass, descend to Bimtang | 5,160m to 3,590m |
| Day 11 | Bimtang to Tilije | 2,300m |
| Day 12 | Tilije to Dharapani | 1,943m |
| Day 13 | Dharapani to Besisahar (drive) | 760m |
| Day 14 | Besisahar to Kathmandu (drive) | 1,400m |
What Are the Villages Like on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through some of the best-preserved Tibetan communities in the Himalayas.
Samagaon is the cultural heart of the circuit at 3,530m, sitting directly beneath Manaslu’s south face. The Pungyen Gompa above the village is one of the most atmospheric monasteries in Gorkha District. It holds centuries-old murals and unobstructed mountain views. Our guides always arrange a visit during the acclimatisation day.
Lho Village, at 3,180m, has a hilltop monastery that frames Manaslu perfectly. Many trekkers consider this the best photograph of the entire route. However, the village rewards slower exploration: local cheese, mani walls, and prayer flags strung across the valley.
Namrung marks the transition from the subtropical gorge to the Tibetan plateau. The landscape shifts dramatically here. Therefore, trekkers notice the cultural change immediately: stone mani walls replace terraced rice fields, and the architecture becomes distinctly Tibetan.
Insider Tips
- Best time for cultural visits: October and November coincide with post-harvest festivals in Samagaon and Lho
- Local food: Try chhurpi, a hard dried yak cheese sold in villages, and Tibetan bread (tingmo) in Samdo
- Gear note: Bring a small donation for monastery visits; our guides brief you on local customs before each stop
Moreover, trekkers interested in combining cultural depth with high altitude often extend their journey into the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Dharapani.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Safe?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is safe when you are properly guided, realistically fit, and give acclimatisation the time it needs.
Since 2025, Nepal law requires all trekkers on restricted routes to be accompanied by a government-licensed guide. This rule exists because the Larkya La section carries real risk: rapidly changing weather, potential for altitude sickness, and no permanent rescue infrastructure. Our guides carry satellite phones and maintain emergency protocols with helicopter operators in Kathmandu.
The trek difficulty grading guide provides an honest assessment of every Nepal route for those comparing options before committing. In short, the Manaslu Circuit sits well above routes like the Poon Hill Trek in difficulty, yet it remains below full expedition-style routes.
Government of Nepal registered · Kathmandu-based · 10+ years guiding experience
FAQ Schema: Manaslu Circuit Trek
Q: How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek? The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes 14 to 18 days. The recommended itinerary is 16 days, including two acclimatisation days at Samagaon and one rest day near Samdo. Shorter versions compress rest days and increase altitude sickness risk.
Q: What is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek? The highest point is Larkya La Pass at 5,160m (16,929ft). Trekkers cross this pass on approximately Day 11, departing camp at around 3 a.m. to reach the summit before afternoon weather closes in.
Q: Is a guide required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek? Yes. Since 2025, Nepal law requires all trekkers in restricted areas, including the Manaslu Circuit, to hire a government-licensed guide registered with TAAN. Unguided trekking is not legally permitted and carries serious safety risks.
Why Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek a Life-Changer?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not a gentle introduction. The early days push you through the narrow, hot Budhi Gandaki gorge relentlessly. However, when you reach Samagaon and see Manaslu’s full south face rising above the monastery, every single step makes sense.
The pass crossing is the moment trekkers reflect on for years. The pre-dawn cold, the headlamp cutting through thin air at 5,160m, the sky turning orange at the summit. In conclusion, no photograph prepares you for it. You have to be there.
We have guided this circuit with trekkers from over 40 countries. The feedback is consistent: Manaslu changes how people think about mountains, remoteness, and their own physical limits. If you are ready, contact our Kathmandu team, and we will plan every detail for you.