Manaslu Circuit Trek - 14 Days

Manaslu · 14 Days

Manaslu Circuit Trek - 14 Days

· Strenuous · Max altitude 5,106m (16,752 ft) at Larke La Pass · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

14 Days

Max Altitude

5,106m (16,752 ft)

at Larke La Pass

Grade

Strenuous

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge

Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14-day loop around Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain on earth, through one of Nepal's most rewarding restricted-permit regions. Starting in the lowland Gurung villages of the Budhi Gandaki valley and climbing into the Tibetan-influenced Nubri culture, the trek crosses the dramatic Larke La Pass at 5,106m before descending into the Annapurna region. It delivers the wild remoteness of a restricted-area trek with the teahouse comfort of the classic routes — a true alternative to the crowded Everest and Annapurna trails.

This is a trek for walkers who want big Himalayan scenery, deep cultural immersion, and far fewer trekkers than the headline routes. Manaslu requires a restricted-area permit and a registered guide, which keeps numbers low and the trail authentic.

Highlights

  • Cross the Larke La Pass (5,106m), one of Nepal's most spectacular high passes
  • Circle Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth-highest peak
  • Walk through the Tibetan Buddhist Nubri valley with its gompas and mani walls
  • Restricted-area trail with a fraction of the crowds of Everest or Annapurna
  • Dramatic Budhi Gandaki river gorge and suspension-bridge crossings
  • Visit Sama Gaun and the optional Manaslu Base Camp / Birendra Lake side trip
  • Cross from the Manaslu region into the Annapurna Conservation Area
  • Authentic teahouse hospitality in remote mountain villages

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu to Soti Khola

⏱ 7-8 hrs drive ↔ ~140 km ▲ 700m (2,297 ft) 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive west out of Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway, then north up a rough mountain road to the trailhead village of Soti Khola on the Budhi Gandaki. Overnight in a riverside teahouse.

Day 2

Soti Khola to Machha Khola

⏱ 6-7 hrs ↔ ~14 km ▲ 870m (2,854 ft) 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail climbs through forest and Gurung hamlets, crossing suspension bridges above the river to reach the small settlement of Machha Khola.

Day 3

Machha Khola to Jagat

⏱ 6-7 hrs ↔ ~22 km ▲ 1,340m (4,396 ft) 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pass the hot springs at Tatopani and climb stone staircases to the entrance of the restricted area at Jagat, where permits are checked.

Day 4

Jagat to Deng

⏱ 6-7 hrs ↔ ~20 km ▲ 1,860m (6,102 ft) 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter increasingly Tibetan-influenced country, crossing the river repeatedly as the gorge narrows. Overnight in the small village of Deng.

Day 5

Deng to Namrung

⏱ 6-7 hrs ↔ ~19 km ▲ 2,630m (8,629 ft) 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb past mani walls and gompas to Namrung, the gateway to the upper Nubri valley, with first views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal.

Day 6

Namrung to Lho

⏱ 4-5 hrs ↔ ~11 km ▲ 3,180m (10,433 ft) 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A shorter, scenic day through Lihi and Sho with superb views, ending at Lho village and its hilltop monastery facing Manaslu.

Day 7

Lho to Sama Gaun

⏱ 4-5 hrs ↔ ~12 km ▲ 3,520m (11,549 ft) 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk to Shyala for a panorama of peaks, then on to the large Tibetan village of Sama Gaun beneath Manaslu.

Day 8

Sama Gaun acclimatization day

⏱ 5-6 hrs ↔ ~12 km round trip (optional side hike) ▲ 4,400m (14,436 ft) at Manaslu Base Camp 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A vital rest-and-acclimatize day. Hike to Manaslu Base Camp or the serene Birendra Lake, then return to Sama Gaun to sleep low.

Day 9

Sama Gaun to Samdo

⏱ 3-4 hrs ↔ ~8 km ▲ 3,860m (12,664 ft) 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A gentle day up the valley to Samdo, the last permanent village before the pass, close to the Tibetan border.

Day 10

Samdo to Dharamsala (Larke Phedi)

⏱ 3-4 hrs ↔ ~7 km ▲ 4,460m (14,632 ft) 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A short but important day to the basic pass-base shelter at Dharamsala. Rest early for the big crossing.

Day 11

Dharamsala to Bhimthang via Larke La Pass

⏱ 8-9 hrs ↔ ~16 km ▲ 5,106m (16,752 ft) at Larke La 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek's climax. Start before dawn for the long climb to the Larke La, with sweeping views of Himlung, Cheo and Annapurna II, then a steep descent to the meadows of Bhimthang.

Day 12

Bhimthang to Tilije

⏱ 6-7 hrs ↔ ~18 km ▲ 2,300m (7,546 ft) 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend through rhododendron and pine forest into the Annapurna region, reaching the village of Tilije.

Day 13

Tilije to Dharapani, drive to Besisahar

⏱ 3-4 hrs trek + 3-4 hrs drive ↔ ~8 km trek + jeep ▲ 1,960m (6,430 ft) 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A short walk to Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit, then a jeep down the Marsyangdi valley to Besisahar.

Day 14

Besisahar to Kathmandu

⏱ 5-6 hrs drive ↔ ~175 km ▲ 1,400m (4,593 ft) 🍽 Breakfast

Drive back to Kathmandu along the highway, arriving by afternoon. Trip ends.

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What's included

Included

  • All ground transport by private jeep (Kathmandu-Soti Khola, Dharapani-Besisahar-Kathmandu)
  • All teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on the trek
  • Licensed English-speaking trekking guide (salary, food, insurance, equipment)
  • Porter service (one porter per two trekkers)
  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Guide and porter insurance, wages and meals

Not included

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
  • Meals in Kathmandu
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Personal expenses (drinks, charging, hot showers, wifi)

Trek guide

Where the Manaslu Circuit goes

The trek follows the Budhi Gandaki river upstream from the lowland village of Soti Khola, climbing steadily through subtropical forest, terraced farmland and increasingly Tibetan-influenced villages. After Namrung the landscape opens into the high Nubri valley, with Manaslu and its satellite peaks dominating the skyline. The route peaks at the Larke La (5,106m) before dropping into Bhimthang and joining the Annapurna region at Dharapani.

Permits you need

Manaslu is a restricted area. You cannot trek it independently — a registered guide and a minimum of two trekkers are required. Three permits apply: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the final stretch. We arrange all three.

Altitude and acclimatization

The trek climbs from roughly 700m at Soti Khola to 5,106m at Larke La. The built-in acclimatization day at Sama Gaun is essential — most trekkers use it for the side hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake. Ascend slowly, hydrate, and tell your guide about any symptoms early. Diamox is a useful prophylactic; discuss it with your doctor before travel.

Best season

Spring (March-May) brings rhododendron blooms and stable weather. Autumn (September-November) offers the clearest mountain views and is the most popular window. Winter passes are possible but the Larke La can close with snow; monsoon brings leeches and landslides on the lower trail.

Fitness

This is a strenuous trek. You should be comfortable walking 6-7 hours a day for two weeks on rough trails, with one very long, high pass day. Prior multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended.

Accommodation and food

Teahouses along the route have improved significantly. Expect simple twin rooms and shared facilities, with dal bhat, noodles, soups and basic Western dishes available throughout. Higher villages have fewer options and colder nights — a good sleeping bag is essential.

Packing list

  • Down jacket (rated to -15°C)
  • Waterproof shell jacket and trousers
  • Fleece or insulated mid-layer
  • Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
  • Trekking shirts and trousers
  • Waterproof, broken-in trekking boots
  • Camp shoes / sandals
  • Warm hat, sun hat and buff
  • Insulated and lightweight gloves
  • Merino trekking socks (5 pairs)
  • -15°C sleeping bag
  • 35-45L daypack
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Glacier sunglasses (UV-rated)
  • Reusable water bottles / bladder (2L)
  • Water purification tablets or filter
  • Power bank
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50) and lip balm
  • Personal first-aid kit and any medication
  • Passport, permits, insurance certificate, passport photos
  • Quick-dry towel and toiletries

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a guide for the Manaslu Circuit?
Yes. Manaslu is a restricted area, so a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers are mandatory. Independent trekking is not permitted.

What permits are required?
Three — the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). We arrange all of them.

How hard is the Manaslu Circuit?
It is strenuous. You'll walk 6-7 hours most days for two weeks, including one long, high pass day crossing the Larke La at 5,106m. Good fitness and prior trekking experience are recommended.

When is the best time to trek Manaslu?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Autumn has the clearest mountain views; spring brings rhododendron blooms.

How do I avoid altitude sickness?
Ascend gradually, take the Sama Gaun acclimatization day seriously, stay hydrated and tell your guide about symptoms early. Many trekkers use Diamox as a preventive — consult your doctor.

What is the accommodation like?
Teahouses with simple twin rooms and shared facilities. Comfort decreases at higher villages, where a warm sleeping bag matters most.

Is travel insurance required?
Yes. You must carry insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue above 4,000m.

How many people are in a group?
We run small groups, typically 2-12 trekkers, with senior local guides and fairly-treated porters.

Can I join a fixed departure to share costs?
Yes. We run scheduled group departures on set dates — join one to meet other trekkers and reduce per-person cost. See our fixed departures page for upcoming dates.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $1400

per person

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