Manaslu Circuit Trek
Tucked away in the remote northern region of Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking journey that loops around the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). While the more famous Everest and Annapurna regions draw the bulk of trekkers, Manaslu remains a relatively untouched trail that offers pure Himalayan wilderness, vibrant Tibetan-influenced culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes without crowds. If you crave adventure, cultural immersion, and serenity, the Manaslu Circuit is your answer.
Trekkers crossing the mountain paths during the strong winds.
This trek takes you through lush green foothills, dense forests, remote villages, high-altitude passes, and eventually to the snow-clad grandeur of Larkya La Pass (5,160m), one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal. It’s challenging, rewarding, and above all, deeply spiritual.
Highlights of the Trek
- Off-the-beaten-path experience with fewer trekkers
- Stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, Himlung, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna II, and more
- Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,160m) – the ultimate challenge
- Rich Tibetan-Buddhist culture and ancient monasteries
- Biodiverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows
- Homestay and teahouse experiences with warm local hospitality
Where is the Manaslu Circuit?
The Manaslu region lies in Gorkha district, northwest of Kathmandu. The circuit starts at Soti Khola and ends at Dharapani, which connects to the Annapurna region. The trail encircles Mt. Manaslu and gradually ascends through the Budhi Gandaki River Valley before culminating at the high mountain pass and descending into the Marshyangdi Valley.
This trail is a part of the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected region rich in flora, fauna, and traditional communities.
Recommended Read: Best places to visit in Nepal
Best Time to Trek Manaslu
The best months to trek are:
- Spring (March to May): Rhododendrons bloom, the weather is mild, and the skies are clear.
- Autumn (September to November): Crisp views, stable weather, and vibrant festivals like Dashain and Tihar.
While it’s possible to trek in early winter or late monsoon, conditions can be unpredictable and the Larkya La Pass might be snowbound or dangerous.
Trekking Permits and Requirements
Unlike other regions, the Manaslu Circuit lies in a restricted area and requires:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – for exit through Dharapani
- A minimum of two trekkers accompanied by a licensed guide
Solo trekking is not allowed due to safety and conservation reasons.
Manaslu Circuit Trek 14-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m)
Kick off your journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. The route winds through picturesque hills, terraced fields, and traditional villages, offering your first glimpses of rural Nepal. The drive takes approximately 7–8 hours, depending on road conditions.Day 2: Trek to Machha Khola (900m)
Begin your trek by following the Budi Gandaki River. Cross suspension bridges, walk past waterfalls and lush forests, and reach the small riverside village of Machha Khola after about 6–7 hours of trekking.Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1,410m)
Today’s trail leads through narrow gorges, forested hillsides, and charming Gurung settlements. After several ups and downs and river crossings, you’ll reach Jagat, a checkpoint village with traditional stone houses.Day 4: Trek to Deng (1,800m)
The trail climbs steadily past stone steps, cliffside paths, and bamboo forests. You’ll trek through villages like Salleri and Philim before arriving at Deng—a peaceful hamlet surrounded by pine forests.Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2,660m)
Ascend through changing landscapes as the terrain starts to feel more alpine. Enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and pass mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens before arriving at Namrung, a culturally rich Tibetan-influenced village.Day 6: Trek to Lho (3,180m)
Continue your climb through forested trails and quaint villages like Lihi and Sho. The views of Mount Manaslu and other snow-capped peaks become more prominent as you approach Lho, home to the beautiful Ribung Gompa.Day 7: Trek to Samagaon (3,530m)
Hike through forests and fields with panoramic mountain vistas all around. Samagaon, a scenic village nestled beneath the Manaslu massif, offers insights into traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture and daily life.Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon
Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude. Optional hikes include a challenging walk to Manaslu Base Camp or a less strenuous but scenic trek to Pungyen Gompa, an ancient monastery offering superb views of Manaslu and its glacier.![]() |
Lama doing rituals. |
Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3,860m)
A shorter and gentler hike today takes you to Samdo, a picturesque village just a few kilometers from the Tibetan border. The stark, windswept landscape reflects the Tibetan Plateau’s influence, and the local culture is deeply Tibetan as well.
Day 10: Trek to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460m)
This short trek brings you to the base of the Larkya La Pass. You’ll arrive at Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi) by early afternoon, giving you time to rest and prepare for the next day’s challenging high-altitude crossing.Day 11: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m), Trek Down to Bimthang (3,590m)
This is the most demanding yet rewarding day of the trek. Begin early to cross the majestic Larkya La Pass, where you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After soaking in the beauty, descend steeply to the alpine meadow village of Bimthang.Day 12: Trek to Tilije (2,300m)
Descend further through rhododendron forests and pastures with views of Mt. Manaslu in the distance. Cross several rivers and small settlements to reach Tilije, a charming Gurung village known for its hospitality.Day 13: Trek to Dharapani, Drive to Besisahar
From Tilije, make your way to Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit. From here, you’ll drive to Besisahar, the administrative center of Lamjung district and a bustling town by Himalayan standards.Day 14: Drive Back to Kathmandu
Complete your incredible journey with a drive back to Kathmandu. Relax, reflect, and perhaps celebrate your achievement with a delicious Nepali dinner in the city.Accommodation and Food
The trail is now well-served with teahouses and lodges, though they are more basic than those in Everest or Annapurna. Expect:
- Simple twin-sharing rooms
- Shared bathrooms (especially at higher altitudes)
- Hot showers (at an extra cost)
- Delicious local meals – dal bhat, Tibetan bread, thukpa, momos, tsampa, and more
In places like Samagaon and Lho, you’ll find cozy teahouses run by Tibetan Nepali families. You can also try local butter tea and interact with monks at the nearby monasteries.
Culture and People
The upper Manaslu region is home to ethnic groups like the Nubri and Tsum, heavily influenced by Tibetan culture. You’ll pass ancient mani walls, chortens, and monasteries where Buddhism is deeply ingrained in daily life.
Prayer wheel of the monasteries.
Villages like Lho, Samagaon, and Samdo resemble high-altitude Tibetan settlements. The people here speak Tibetan dialects, wear traditional robes, and follow centuries-old rituals. You’ll often see monks, prayer flags fluttering, and yak caravans plodding along the trail.
Interacting with locals gives a rich dimension to the journey—these are some of the warmest people you’ll meet, despite living in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
The Challenge of Larkya La Pass
At 5,160 meters, Larkya La Pass is the trek’s high point and greatest challenge. On the last day, you start early (around 4 AM) to make the long, cold climb over scree, snow, and ice. The ascent is tough, but the panoramic reward from the top is unforgettable—views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II stretch across the skyline.
The descent to Bimthang is steep but scenic, dropping you into alpine meadows and glacial valleys. It’s a day of extremes—exhaustion and exhilaration.
Why Choose Manaslu Over Other Treks?
- Less crowded than Everest or Annapurna
- Rich cultural interaction with Tibetan-influenced communities
- Scenic diversity – rivers, jungles, glaciers, and high passes
- Affordability – costs are lower than EBC treks
- More adventurous – feels raw and real, like trekking used to be
The Manaslu Circuit is perfect for experienced trekkers or first-timers with decent fitness who want something more soulful than commercialized trails.
Tips for a Successful Trek
- Train beforehand: Cardio, hiking, and endurance training help
- Pack wisely: Layers, a down jacket, good boots, gloves, and a sleeping bag rated to -10°C
- Acclimatize properly: Take your time at higher elevations
- Carry snacks: Energy bars and electrolytes go a long way
- Respect local culture: Ask before taking photos, dress modestly in villages
- Go with a trusted agency: For permits, guides, and safety
Cost of the Trek
A fully guided Manaslu Circuit trek typically costs USD 1,000–1,500, depending on group size, inclusions, and season. This usually covers:
- All permits and paperwork
- Guide and porter salaries
- Transportation (Kathmandu–Soti Khola and Dharapani–Kathmandu)
- Lodging and meals during the trek
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (pre/post trek)
Independent travel is not allowed due to the restricted permit rule, so booking through a registered trekking agency is essential.
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