Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal | Best Circuit Treks 2024

Q: Is a guide mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Yes. Because Manaslu is a government-designated restricted area, independent or solo trekking is not permitted. All trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide, and the Restricted Area Permit is arranged through a registered trekking agency such as Zeal Nepal Trek.

Q: How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

It's rated as challenging. Trekkers walk 5–7 hours a day over uneven trails, and the Larkya La Pass crossing at 5,106m is a demanding, high-altitude day. Prior trekking experience or strong cardiovascular fitness is recommended, though no technical climbing skills are needed.

Q: What permits do I need?

Three permits cover the route: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), since the trail exits into the Annapurna Conservation Area after Larkya La. Zeal Nepal Trek arranges all permits on your behalf.

Q: When is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most stable weather, clearer mountain views, and safer conditions at Larkya La. Winter brings heavy snow at the pass, while the summer monsoon (June–August) makes lower trails muddy and leech-prone.

Q: How high is the Larkya La Pass, and is it dangerous?

Larkya La sits at 5,106 meters. It isn't technically difficult, but altitude, cold, and long daily distances make it demanding. Proper acclimatization days — like the rest day in Samagaun — significantly reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Q: Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, and it should specifically cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation up to at least 5,500 meters. This is not included in the trek cost and is a mandatory requirement before departure.

Q: What is the accommodation like?

You'll stay in teahouses/lodges throughout, with basic twin-sharing rooms. Facilities become more basic the higher you climb, and hot showers or Wi-Fi may cost extra in the upper villages like Samagaun, Samdo, and Dharamsala.

Q: Can beginners do this trek?

It's possible for fit beginners with some hiking background, but it isn't considered a beginner-friendly trek due to the altitude and the remoteness of the route. Pairing up with an experienced guide, like those provided by Zeal Nepal Trek, makes a significant difference in safety and enjoyment.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Faqs

Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is Nepal’s rising star among Himalayan classics — a wilder, quieter, and arguably more authentic alternative to the crowded Everest and Annapurna trails. The route circles Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain, whose Sanskrit name translates to “Mountain of the Spirit.”

Over 12 days, the trail carries you from the humid, terraced river valleys of the Budhi Gandaki at under 1,000 meters, through pine and rhododendron forest, into high alpine desert near the Tibetan border, and finally across the dramatic Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters before descending into the Annapurna region on the other side.

What sets Manaslu apart from Nepal’s more famous treks is its sense of discovery. The region only opened to foreign trekkers in 1991 and remains a government-designated restricted area to this day, which means every trekker must travel with a licensed guide and hold a Restricted Area Permit.

In practical terms, this keeps trekker numbers low, teahouses uncrowded, and the trail feeling genuinely remote — you’re far more likely to share the path with a mule train or a monk than with a queue of other trekkers. Manaslu also skips the “trekking superhighway” feel that Everbase Base Camp or the classic Annapurna Circuit can have during peak season.

Culturally, the Manaslu region is one of the most rewarding trekking corridors in Nepal. The lower valley is home to Gurung communities, while the upper Nubri valley — from Namrung upward — is populated largely by ethnic Tibetans whose language, dress, architecture, and Buddhist monastic traditions closely mirror those across the border.

Along the way you’ll pass chortens, mani walls carved with Buddhist scripture, monasteries (gompas) that are centuries old, and villages such as Samagaun and Samdo that still trade yak caravans over Tibetan-border passes. Prayer flags in five colors — blue, white, red, green, and yellow, representing sky, air, fire, water, and earth — flutter over nearly every ridge and rooftop in the upper valley.

Geographically, the trek is a study in contrasts. You begin in subtropical terrain among rice terraces and banana trees, climb through temperate pine and rhododendron forest, and end in a high-altitude, near-desert landscape of glacial moraine and wind-scoured passes, all within less than two weeks.

Manaslu itself — along with neighbouring peaks like Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29), and Naike Peak — is visible for much of the upper trek, and the panoramic view from Larkya La takes in Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the northern wall of the Annapurna range.

In terms of difficulty, this is a genuinely demanding trek rather than a gentle walk. Daily stages typically run 5–8 hours, trail conditions range from well-graded paths to exposed, narrow sections above steep drops, and the trek climbs from under 1,000m to over 5,100m — a serious altitude gain that requires proper pacing.

The crossing of Larkya La is a long, cold, high-altitude day that should not be underestimated. That said, no technical climbing or mountaineering skills are required; this is a trekking route, not an expedition.

With a sensible itinerary that includes a dedicated acclimatization day (as this one does, in Samagaun), a supportive guide, and reasonable pre-trek fitness preparation, the Manaslu Circuit is achievable for most healthy, motivated trekkers — not just seasoned mountaineers.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Quick Facts

Duration: 12 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Trek Distance: Approximately 150–177 km round trip, depending on side trips
Max Altitude: Larkya La Pass, 5,106m (some sources list 5,160m)
Highest Overnight Stop: Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi, 4,460m
Starting Altitude: Machha Khola, 869–930m
Trek Grade: Challenging (strenuous, high-altitude pass crossing)
Average Walking Time: 5–8 hours per day
Best Seasons: March–May (Spring) and September–November (Autumn)
Accommodation: Teahouses/lodges throughout, twin-sharing basis
Group Size: Small groups or private/tailored departures
Starting Price: From US$1,265 per person
Permits Required: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Guide Requirement: Mandatory — independent/solo trekking in the Manaslu restricted area is not permitted

Trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Zeal Nepal Trek

Zeal Nepal Trek specializes in crafting safe, well-paced Manaslu Circuit Trek itineraries that balance adventure with proper acclimatization — because reaching Larkya La safely matters more than rushing the trail. With experienced, government-licensed local guides, transparent all-inclusive pricing, and full support with permits and logistics, Zeal Nepal Trek takes the stress out of trekking in one of Nepal’s most spectacular restricted regions.

Whether it’s your first Himalayan trek or you’re a seasoned high-altitude trekker chasing quieter trails than Everest or Annapurna, Zeal Nepal Trek’s 12-day Manaslu Circuit itinerary — priced at US$1,265 per person — is built to get you to Larkya La and back safely, with unforgettable views of Manaslu along the way.

Ready to trek around the world’s eighth-highest mountain? Contact Zeal Nepal Trek today to book your 2026 Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Day 1 :

Kathmandu to Machha Khola

Elevation: 1,400m → 930m | Transport: Jeep | Duration: 8–9 hours

The trek begins with a long but scenic jeep drive out of the Kathmandu Valley, heading northwest through Dhading district. The road follows the Trishuli River before turning to track the Budhi Gandaki ("Old River") upstream, passing terraced hillsides, small roadside villages, and, in the later stretch, rougher, unpaved sections as the valley narrows. Despite the length of the drive, it's a gentle introduction — you lose net altitude overall, dropping from Kathmandu's 1,400m to Machha Khola's roughly 930m, and it gives you a first look at rural Nepal before the real walking starts tomorrow. Overnight in a teahouse in Machha Khola.

Day 2 :

Machha Khola to Jagat

Elevation: 930m → 1,340m (net gain ~410m) | Distance: ~17–18 km | Duration: 6–7 hours

This is where the Manaslu Circuit officially begins on foot. The trail hugs the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing several suspension bridges strung with prayer flags and passing through small settlements including Khorlabesi and Tatopani — the latter named for its natural hot springs, a welcome (and optional) soak if time allows. The path alternates between riverside sections and short, sharp climbs around landslide-prone cliffs, so sturdy footing matters here. Jagat, a stone-paved Gurung village, is also the first official checkpoint where your guide registers your Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit.

Day 3 :

Jagat to Deng

Elevation: 1,340m → 1,860m (net gain ~520m) | Distance: ~19–20 km | Duration: 6–7 hours

Beyond Jagat, the Budhi Gandaki valley narrows into a steep, forested gorge, and the trail climbs and descends repeatedly through villages like Philim and Deng Khola. This section marks a visible cultural shift — as you move deeper into the valley, mani walls, chortens (Buddhist shrine structures), and carved prayer stones become more frequent, signaling the transition from Gurung lowlands into Tibetan-influenced Nubri. Deng, a small cluster of teahouses at 1,860m, sits just past this cultural threshold — and altitude-wise, this is also roughly the point where mild altitude effects can begin, so pacing becomes more important from here.

Day 4 :

Deng to Namrung

Elevation: 1,860m → 2,630m (net gain ~770m) | Distance: ~19 km | Duration: 6–7 hours

One of the bigger elevation-gain days on the trek, this stage climbs steadily through forested trail via Rana Gaun, Bihi Phedi, and Ghap, crossing back and forth over the Budhi Gandaki on suspension bridges. Namrung is a significant milestone: it's a well-established checkpoint village with the best-built lodges seen so far, and on a clear day it offers your first proper glimpses of high Himalayan peaks, including Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal. From here onward, the architecture, dress, and dialect are distinctly Tibetan-influenced.

Day 5 :

Namrung to Shyala

Elevation: 2,630m → 3,500m (net gain ~870m) | Distance: ~14 km | Duration: 5–6 hours

The trail continues climbing through Lihi, Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages, with the tree line thinning as you gain the Nubri valley's higher reaches. Lho, with its large monastery (Ribung Gompa) and an open field framed by mountains, is a highlight worth a short stop. From Lho onward, Manaslu itself begins to dominate the skyline. Shyala, a small, spectacularly situated village, offers close-up views of Manaslu (8,163m), Manaslu North, and Naike Peak — making it one of the most photogenic overnight stops of the entire circuit.

Day 6 :

Shyala to Samagaun (via Pungen Gumba)

Elevation: 3,500m → 3,530m, via a high detour to ~4,000–4,300m at Pungen Gumba | Distance: ~14 km | Duration: 5–7 hours

Although Shyala and Samagaun sit at a nearly identical altitude, this day includes an optional but highly worthwhile detour up to Pungen Gumba (also spelled Pungyen), a remote monastery perched with sweeping views over the Manaslu Glacier and icefall. The extra climb and descent add real elevation gain and loss to the day even though the net change is small — useful, in fact, for acclimatization. Samagaun itself is one of the largest and most important villages on the route: a sprawling, flat-roofed Tibetan-style settlement with mountain views in almost every direction, and the last real "hub" before the high country.

Day 7 :

Acclimatization Day in Samagaun (Birendra Lake)

Base Elevation: 3,530m | Optional Hike: Birendra Lake, 3,691m (round trip 2–3 hours) or Manaslu Base Camp, ~4,800m (full day, 6–8 hours)

This is a scheduled rest day, but "rest" is relative — the standard practice, and the healthiest way to acclimatize, is to hike higher and sleep lower. Most trekkers walk up to the turquoise, glacier-fed Birendra Lake directly beneath Manaslu's dramatic south face, a short and rewarding outing. Trekkers with extra energy and good acclimatization can extend the hike further toward Manaslu Base Camp at around 4,800m for closer views of the mountain's flanks and glacier, before returning to sleep in Samagaun. This day is not optional in terms of importance — it is the single most important buffer for a safe Larkya La crossing later in the trek.

Day 8 :

Samagaun to Samdo

Elevation: 3,530m → 3,860m (net gain ~330m) | Distance: ~8 km | Duration: 3–4 hours

A deliberately short and gentle walking day, designed to continue acclimatizing without overexertion. The trail crosses the Budhi Gandaki on a long suspension bridge and climbs gradually through juniper scrub and open, wind-swept terrain. Samdo is the last permanent village on the route and historically an important trading point with Tibet — the Tibetan border and the old trade route over the Rui La pass lie just a few hours further up the valley. It's a good village to spend the extra afternoon acclimatizing with a short walk toward the ridge above the village.

Day 9 :

Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi)

Elevation: 3,860m → 4,460m (net gain ~600m) | Distance: ~7–8 km | Duration: 3–4 hours

A short but noticeably harder day due to the altitude, this stage crosses a long wooden bridge out of Samdo and climbs steadily through increasingly barren, high-alpine terrain with views back toward Samdo and the peaks along the Tibetan border. Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi, meaning "foot of Larkya") is not a real village — just a handful of very basic stone lodges built specifically to stage the pass crossing. Facilities here are minimal and it gets cold fast once the sun drops, so most trekkers eat an early dinner and get to bed well before nightfall in preparation for tomorrow's early start.

Day 10 :

Dharamsala to Larkya La (5,106m) to Bimthang

Elevation: 4,460m → 5,106m → 3,720m (total ascent ~650m, total descent ~1,400m) | Distance: ~24 km | Duration: 8–9 hours

The defining day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Trekkers typically leave Dharamsala well before dawn — often around 4:00–5:00 AM — to cross the pass while winds are calmest and to allow enough daylight for the long descent. The climb to Larkya La is steady rather than technical, but the thin air, cold temperatures, and several false summits make it feel longer than the distance suggests. At the top, the reward is a sweeping 360-degree panorama that includes Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the northern wall of the Annapurna range. The descent is the harder half of the day: a long, knee-jarring drop across glacial moraine and loose scree before the trail eases into the alpine meadows and rhododendron scrub around Bimthang, a small, peaceful settlement with head-on views back toward Manaslu from the other side.

Day 11 :

Bimthang to Tilche

Elevation: 3,720m → ~2,300m (net loss ~1,400m) | Distance: ~18–19 km | Duration: 6–7 hours

A long but largely enjoyable descending day, dropping steadily through birch, rhododendron, and pine forest as the landscape turns visibly greener and warmer with every hour. The trail passes through the small settlement of Karche before reaching Tilche, close to where the route rejoins the Marsyangdi valley and the classic Annapurna Circuit trail network. After several days above the treeline, the return of forest, birdsong, and thicker air is a welcome, almost sudden change.

Day 12 :

Tilche to Kathmandu

Transport: Shared or private jeep | Duration: 7–8 hours (depending on road conditions)

The trek concludes with a jeep drive back to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway, retracing the classic Annapurna access road through Besisahar, Dumre, and Mugling. Road conditions are generally better on this side of the circuit than on the Machha Khola approach, though the journey is still long. Arrival in Kathmandu typically comes in the evening, marking the end of an unforgettable 12-day journey around one of the Himalaya's most iconic and least-crowded 8,000-meter peaks.