Manaslu Circuit Trek
A wilder, quieter circuit beneath the eighth-highest peak
Duration
14 Days
Max Altitude
5,106 m / 16,752 ft (Larkya La Pass)
Best Season
March–May & September–November
Group Size
Minimum 2 trekkers (restricted area regulation)
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit is often described as what the Annapurna Circuit was before it was developed — a genuinely remote trail that circles Manaslu (8,163 m) through the Budhi Gandaki gorge, passing lower Gurung villages before climbing into the Tibetan-influenced upper valley near Samagaon and Samdo. As a restricted area, it requires a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers, which keeps the trail far less crowded than Everest or Annapurna. The trek's high point, Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), delivers views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal and Annapurna II across a dramatic glacial landscape.
Trip Highlights
- Crossing the remote Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)
- Close-up views of Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's 8th-highest peak
- Tibetan-influenced villages of Samagaon and Samdo
- One of Nepal's quietest restricted-area treks
- Deep Budhi Gandaki river gorge and suspension bridges
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Long scenic drive to the trailhead at Machha Khola (930 m).
Day 2
Trek to Jagat
Follow the Budhi Gandaki gorge to Jagat (1,340 m), entrance to the restricted area.
Day 3
Trek to Deng
Continue upriver through forest and villages to Deng (1,860 m).
Day 4
Trek to Namrung
Climb steadily to Namrung (2,630 m), first views of Manaslu appear.
Day 5
Trek to Samagaon
Enter the Tibetan-influenced upper valley to Samagaon (3,530 m).
Day 6
Acclimatization in Samagaon
Day hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake.
Day 7
Trek to Samdo
Short walk to the high village of Samdo (3,875 m), near the Tibet border.
Day 8
Acclimatization/trek to Dharamshala
Move up to Dharamshala/Larke Phedi (4,460 m) to prepare for the pass.
Day 9
Cross Larkya La to Bimthang
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), descending to Bimthang (3,720 m).
Day 10
Trek to Tilije
Descend through forest into the Marsyangdi valley to Tilije.
Day 11
Trek to Dharapani/Jagat
Continue down-valley, joining the lower Annapurna Circuit trail.
Day 12
Drive to Besisahar, then Kathmandu
Jeep transfer out of the mountains and drive back toward Kathmandu.
Day 13
Kathmandu leisure day
Buffer day for road delays, or sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Day 14
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Cost Includes
- All ground transport
- Licensed trekking guide
- Porter service
- Teahouse/basic lodge accommodation
- All permits (RAP, MCAP, ACAP)
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Tips
Permits Required
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Manaslu Circuit Trek — FAQs
Manaslu is a restricted trekking area under Nepali regulation, meaning independent trekking is not allowed — you must trek with a registered agency, a licensed guide, and a minimum of two trekkers, which we arrange as part of every booking.
