Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek delivers one of Nepal’s most thrilling Himalayan adventures, circling Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak. This remote trek dazzles trekkers with breathtaking landscapes, Tibetan-influenced villages, and challenging high-altitude passes like the iconic Larkya La (5,106m), Nepal’s highest trekking pass. Adventurers often choose this route as a rugged, crowd-free alternative to the Annapurna Circuit.

Covering 180km (111.8 miles), the trek starts in Machha Khola and concludes in Tijle, reaching its pinnacle at the 5,106m Larkya La Pass. For the best experience, plan your journey between March–June (spring blooms) or September–November (autumn clarity). Along the route, cozy teahouses and guesthouses provide lodging, while trekkers must obtain four permits:

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit

The trail rewards explorers with dramatic views of Manaslu Base Camp, the Budigandaki Gorge, and immersive encounters with local Buddhist cultures and ancient monasteries.

Quick Facts : Manaslu Circuit Trek

• 🏔️ Max Altitude: 5,106m (Larkya La Pass)
• 📅 Duration: 14–18 Days
• ⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• 🌸 Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
• 🛂 Permits Required: Manaslu RAP, ACAP, TIMS
• 🏠 Accommodation: Cozy Teahouses & Lodges
• 🥾 Distance: 177km (110 Miles)

Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a pristine Himalayan adventure, circling Nepal’s eighth-highest peak, Mount Manaslu (8,163m). Unlike crowded routes like the Annapurna Circuit, this trek immerses you in untouched wilderness, ancient Tibetan culture, and dramatic high-altitude passes. For instance, the iconic Larkya La Pass (5,106m) rewards trekkers with panoramic views of snow-capped giants like Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli.

• Unspoiled Trails: Avoid crowds on this restricted-area trek.
• Cultural Richness: Explore Tibetan-influenced villages like Lho and Samagaon.
• Biodiversity: Traverse the Manaslu Conservation Area, home to snow leopards and red pandas.
• Thrilling Passes: Conquer the iconic Larkya La for 360° Himalayan vistas.
• Less Crowded: Compared to other popular treks in Nepal like the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded, offering a more peaceful and solitary trekking experience.
• Larkya La Pass: One of the highlights of the trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass, which stands at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet). This high-altitude pass offers breathtaking views and a challenging adventure for trekkers.
• Cultural and Natural Heritage: The region has a rich blend of cultural and natural heritage, with UNESCO recognizing the Manaslu region as a candidate for World Heritage status.
• Adventure Challenge: Conquer the thrilling Larkya La Pass, rewarded with panoramic views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli.

Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit

For optimal conditions, trek during spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November). Conversely, avoid monsoon season (June–August) due to landslides.

• Spring (March-May): Warm weather, rhododendron blooms, and clear mountain views.
• Autumn (September-November): Best visibility, stable weather, and ideal trekking conditions.
• Winter (December-February): Very cold, but great for experienced trekkers.
• Monsoon (June-August): Avoid Monsoon due to heavy rainfall and landslides.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty & Fitness Requirements

While the Manaslu Circuit Trek is moderately challenging, proper preparation ensures success. For example, daily hikes involve 6–7 hours of walking with steep ascents/descents. To prepare, build stamina with cardio exercises and practice hiking with a weighted backpack.

Training Tips:
🏋️‍♂️ Start cardio and endurance training at least 6 weeks before the trek.
🥾 Practice hiking with a backpack on uneven terrain.
🧘‍♂️ Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Day 2: Kathmandu → Machhakhola (Drive 160 km | 8–9 hrs)
Day 3: Machhakhola → Jagat (22 km | 7–8 hrs)
Day 4: Jagat → Dang (20 km | 7–8 hrs)
Day 5: Dang → Namrung (18 km | 7–8 hrs)
Day 6: Namrung → Lho (10 km | 4–5 hrs)
Day 7: Lho → Samagaon (9 km | 5–6 hrs)
Day 8: Rest Day at Samagaon (Manaslu BC / Pungyen Gompa)
Day 9: Samagaon → Samdo (8–9 km | 4–5 hrs)
Day 10: Samdo → Dharmasala (12 km | 5 hrs)
Day 11: Dharmasala → Larkya Pass → Bhimthang
Day 12: Bhimthang → Dharapani (16 km | 8 hrs)
Day 13: Dharapani → Besisahar → Kathmandu (200 km | 9–10 hrs)
Day 14: Fly Back Home ✈️

Route Map & Altitude Graph

The map of the Manaslu circuit trek shows a path that covers a distance of around 177km. The trek takes about 16 days to complete
The starting point of the trek is the town of Arughat. It continues to follow the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through forests, terraced fields, and several traditional Gurung and Tibetan villages. The circuit then climbs up to the Larkya La Pass (5160m) and descends to the Marshyangdi River valley before ending the trek in the town of “Beshisahar”

 Alt Text: Manaslu Circuit Trek elevation map from Soti Khola to Larkya La

Permit Requirements

To legally trek, secure these permits:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): $70(Sept–Nov) or $50 (Dec–Aug).
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): $30.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): $30.

Note: Permits are processed by Super Trekkers to simplify your journey.

Similar Treks

• Annapurna Base Camp Trek 
• Everest Base Camp Trek