Manaslu Circuit Trek

Overview Departures Itinerary Inclusion Exclusion Gallery

Trip Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is widely regarded by experienced trekkers as one of the finest extended mountain journeys in Asia. This extraordinary 18-day expedition completes the circuit around Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest peak at 8,163m, offering an unparalleled blend of pristine wilderness, dramatic mountain scenery, and authentic cultural immersion in one of Nepal's most remote and restricted trekking regions.

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, following the Budhi Gandaki River through dense forests, suspension bridges, and charming stone villages. The trail winds through spectacular gorge sections with dramatic cliffside paths and cascading waterfalls, passing through traditional Gurung, Magar, and Tibetan-influenced communities. As the landscape transforms from subtropical forests to high-alpine terrain, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Manaslu's north face and surrounding Himalayan giants.

The highlight of the journey is the crossing of Larkya La Pass at 5,160m, one of Nepal's most spectacular high-altitude passes, offering 360-degree panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Chekargo Glacier, Manaslu, and the Annapurna range. The trek descends through Bimthang and Dharapani, connecting briefly with the Annapurna Circuit trail before completing the circuit.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a physically demanding yet immensely rewarding Himalayan adventure with spectacular mountain panoramas, remote wilderness, and authentic cultural experiences in one of Nepal's last great trekking frontiers.

Best Seasons to Travel

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, offering stable weather, clear mountain views, safe trail conditions, and comfortable temperatures. Spring offers blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn provides crisp, clear views with excellent visibility at Larkya La Pass. Off-season travel during monsoon (June-September) brings landslide risks, while winter (December-February) makes the high pass challenging due to snow and ice.

Notes to Travelers

This trek is physically demanding and recommended for experienced trekkers with strong fitness levels and prior high-altitude trekking experience. The circuit reaches altitudes over 5,100 meters at Larkya La Pass and covers approximately 177 km over 18 days.

The Manaslu region is a restricted area, which means:

A licensed guide is mandatory
Solo trekking is not permitted
Special restricted area permits are required
Minimum group size of 2 trekkers

Permits required include: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS card, and a Local Area Entry Permit (Rs. 1,000 per person).

Accommodation throughout the trek is in basic teahouses and community lodges. At higher altitudes like Samdo and Dharamsala, facilities are very basic with limited amenities. Temperatures drop well below freezing at night, especially at Larkya La Pass, so warm gear is crucial.

The trail involves steep ascents and descents, narrow cliffside paths, landslide zones, and glacial moraines. Crossing Larkya La Pass requires an early morning start (3-4 AM) to navigate snow and ice safely. Trekkers should be comfortable with heights and prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather.

Transportation includes a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola/Soti Khola (7-9 hours) and a return drive from Dharapani via Besisahar to Kathmandu (7-8 hours). Road conditions can be rough and delays may occur.

Highlights

Trek around Mount Manaslu (8,163m) – the world's eighth-highest mountain with close views of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, and surrounding peaks
Cross the legendary Larkya La Pass (5,160m) with stunning 360-degree Himalayan panoramas stretching to the Tibetan border
Trek along the pristine Budhi Gandaki River through dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and suspension bridges
Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture in traditional villages like Lho, Sama Gaun, and Samdo
Visit ancient monasteries and mani walls, including the Pungyen Gompa near Sama Gaun
Day hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,400m) for close-up views of the north face of Manaslu
Walk through diverse landscapes from subtropical forests and terraced fields to glacial moraines and high-alpine terrain
One of Nepal's most remote and least-crowded major trekking routes

Fixed Departure Dates

Early booking recommended due to limited seats.

September 01, 2026

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December 31, 2026

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February 23, 2027

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May 30, 2027

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Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu.
- Highlights: Arrival in the capital city of Nepal, welcome by our representative, first glimpse of the Himalayan atmosphere
- Activity: Transfer to hotel, rest and recovery from your flight
Day 2 : Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola (890m) or Soti Khola (730m)
- Highlights: Scenic 7-8 hour drive along the Trishuli River, passing through Dhading and Arughat, views of terraced fields and rural villages, arrival at the trailhead
- Activity: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola or Soti Khola, hotel check-in, meet your trekking crew, prepare for the trek
Day 3 : Trek Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
- Highlights: Crossing suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River, subtropical forests, natural hot springs at Khorlabesi, Gurung villages, MCAP checkpoint entry
- Activity: Trek from Machha Khola, cross the river, pass through Khorlabesi and Dovan, ascend to Jagat village, permit verification at the restricted area checkpoint
Day 4 : Trek Jagat to Deng (1,800m)
- Highlights: Follow the Budhi Gandaki River through narrow gorges, waterfalls, dense forests, views of Mt. Shringi Himal (7,187m), traditional stone villages
- Activity: Trek from Jagat through Sirdibas, Philim, and Ghap, cross numerous suspension bridges, arrive at Deng village
Day 5 : Trek Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
- Highlights: Gradual ascent through forests and Tibetan-influenced villages, views of Manaslu range, ancient mani walls, traditional stone houses, rhododendron forests
- Activity: Trek from Deng through villages like Rana and Prok, pass through forests and farmland, cross streams, arrive at Namrung with views of the surrounding peaks
Day 6 : Trek Namrung to Sama Gaun (3,530m) via Lho
- Highlights: FIRST MAJOR MANASLU VIEWS, the best views on the circuit, Lho village with Manaslu's north face dominating the skyline, Tibetan-influenced culture, Pungyen Gompa views
- Activity: Trek from Namrung through Lho village, pass through Shyala, arrive at Sama Gaun (Samagaon), the largest village in the Manaslu region with health post and conservation office
Day 7 : Trek Sama Gaun to Samdo (3,860m)
- Highlights: Gradual ascent through high-altitude valley, yak pastures, views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks, Tibetan border area, ancient trade route
- Activity: Trek from Sama Gaun through open terrain, pass through yak pastures, arrive at Samdo village, explore the high-altitude settlement with views of Tibet
Day 8 : Acclimatization Day in Samdo (3,860m)
- Highlights: CRITICAL PRE-PASS ACCLIMATIZATION, day hike to 4,500m viewpoint, views of the Tibetan border, traditional trade route, wildlife spotting (blue sheep)
- Activity: Rest and acclimatization day, hike to a nearby viewpoint (approximately 4-5 hours), prepare for the challenging Larkya La Pass crossing, overnight at Samdo
Day 9 : Trek Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m) / Larkya Phedi
- Highlights: Gradual ascent along the Marsyangdi River, high mountain scenery, wildlife spotting, base camp atmosphere, early dinner and bed for the pass crossing
- Activity: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (also known as Larkya Phedi), the base camp for Larkya La Pass (approximately 4-5 hours), rest and prepare for the early morning start
Day 10 : Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and Descend to Bimthang (3,720m)
- Highlights: LARKYA LA PASS CROSSING – one of Nepal's most spectacular high-altitude passes, 360-degree panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Chekargo Glacier, Manaslu's massif, Annapurna range, prayer flags, glacial moraine
- Activity: Early morning start (3-4 AM mandatory), ascent to the pass (5,160m), celebration at the top, descent through snow and glacier sections, arrive at Bimthang (8-10 hours total), overnight at tea house
Day 11 : Trek Bimthang to Tilje (2,300m)
- Highlights: Descent through lush forests, rhododendron and pine, views of Annapurna range, traditional villages, warm-up after the pass crossing
- Activity: Trek from Bimthang, pass through Gowa, descend through forests and villages, arrive at Tilje, overnight at tea house
Day 12 : Trek Tilje to Dharapani (1,860m)
- Highlights: Gradual descent through terraced fields and villages, views of Annapurna II, junction with the Annapurna Circuit trail, completion of the Manaslu Circuit
- Activity: Trek from Tilje through village settlements, cross the Marsyangdi River, arrive at Dharapani, celebration and rest
Day 13 : Drive Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar
- Highlights: Scenic drive through the Marsyangdi Valley, views of the Annapurna range, return to the capital
- Activity: Drive from Dharapani to Besisahar (5-6 hours), continue to Kathmandu (7-8 hours), hotel transfer, rest and relax
Day 14 : Rest and Exploration in Kathmandu / Farewell Dinner
- Highlights: Free day in Kathmandu, last-minute shopping, exploration, farewell dinner celebration
- Activity: Free day in Kathmandu for shopping and exploration, farewell dinner with Himalayan Karma Treks
Day 15 : End of the Program / Fly to Your Destination
- Activity: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, farewell

Cost Inclusion

Airport transfers on arrival and departure in a private vehicle
4 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB plan (twin-sharing basis)
Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Dharapani to Kathmandu transportation by private jeep/tourist bus
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
Local Area Entry Permit (Rs. 1,000 per person)
Tea house/community lodge accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
One experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) to carry your main luggage
Insurance, salary, meals, and accommodation for guide and porters
Medical kit (basic first aid)
All government taxes and official expenses
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu on the last evening
Complimentary duffel bag from Himalayan Karma Treks for storing and carrying your trekking gear

Cost Exclusion

International airfare to and from Nepal
Nepal entry visa fee (available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport)
Travel and medical insurance (mandatory, covering emergency evacuation and high-altitude trekking up to 5,200m+)
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, internet, battery charging, hot showers, etc.
Alcoholic beverages, cold drinks, bottled water, and extra snacks
Extra meals and accommodation in Kathmandu beyond the itinerary
Extra porter services (if required beyond the standard 1:2 ratio)
Tips for guide, porters, and drivers (recommended but at your discretion)
Any additional costs due to flight cancellations, weather delays, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances
Personal trekking gear and equipment (sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles, etc.)
Emergency evacuation and medical treatment costs