About This Trek
Short Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of those rare journeys in Nepal that still feels like genuine exploration. Wrapping a complete loop around Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain on the planet, the trail carries you from humid riverside farmland deep in the Gorkha district all the way up to the wind-scoured Larkya La Pass at 5,106 metres. Along the way you pass through a slice of Nepal that the busier trails simply cannot offer – quiet Tibetan-influenced villages, ancient monasteries, glacier-fed rivers, and valleys where the only sounds are the river below and the prayer flags above.
For decades this region sat closed to outsiders. It was only opened to trekkers in the early 1990s, and even today it remains a restricted area where you cannot walk alone. That protection is exactly what has kept it so unspoilt. While the Annapurna and Everest trails see tens of thousands of boots each season, the Manaslu Circuit welcomes only a fraction of that number, which means you trek through living villages rather than tourist corridors, and you share the high passes with far fewer people.
The route follows the mighty Budhi Gandaki, one of Nepal’s most dramatic river gorges, climbing steadily past terraced fields of rice and millet before the landscape turns alpine. As you gain height, the architecture, the faces, and the prayer wheels begin to feel distinctly Tibetan, a reflection of the trade routes that once linked these valleys to the plateau just over the border. The grand finale is the crossing of the Larkya La, a long and demanding day that rewards you with a sweeping wall of Himalayan giants – Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II – before you descend into the green pastures of Bimtang on the far side.
This 12-day version is designed for trekkers who want the full circuit experience within a sensible window, without sacrificing the all-important acclimatization day at Samagaun. It is a challenging trek and rewards a good level of fitness, but for anyone willing to put in the effort, few walks in Nepal deliver this much variety, culture, and raw mountain scenery in a single trip.
Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
If you have already trekked Annapurna or Everest and found the trails a little too busy, Manaslu is the natural next step. It offers the same scale of mountain scenery and a deeper sense of wilderness, but with a fraction of the foot traffic. Where the popular routes have grown lodges, bakeries, and coffee shops at every turn, Manaslu still feels raw and authentic, closer to what trekking in Nepal looked like a generation ago.
Compared with the Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu is wilder, quieter, and culturally richer in its upper valleys, though it is also more demanding and less developed. Compared with the Everest Base Camp Trek, it trades the famous Khumbu skyline for genuine solitude and a complete loop rather than an up-and-back route.
The trade-off for that solitude is the restricted-area rule: you must trek with a licensed guide and in a group of at least two, which is exactly why a well-organised package matters here more than on any other mainstream trek.
In short, choose Manaslu if you want a challenging, off-the-beaten-path adventure with strong culture, a thrilling high pass, and far fewer crowds – and you are confident in your fitness for long days at altitude.
What's covered
Includes & Excludes
✓ Included
- Private vehicle transfers: Kathmandu – Machha Khola, and Besisahar - Kathmandu / Pokhara
- All three trekking permits: Manaslu RAP, MCAP, and ACAP, plus all local and government taxes
- Lodge/teahouse accommodation throughout the trek (twin sharing)
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Seasonal fresh fruit after dinner every day of the trek
- Treated, purified safe drinking water throughout the trek
- Government-licensed, experienced, English-speaking guide and all of his expenses
- One porter shared between every two trekkers, and all of his expenses
- Insurance for your guide and porter
- Company duffel bag and trekking map
- Basic first-aid kit with oximeter
- Adventure certificate on successful completion of the trek
✕ Excluded
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- International airfare
- Personal expenses such as all drinks (bottled water, tea, coffee, alcohol, soft drinks), hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging on the trek
- Travel insurance covering trip cancellation and helicopter evacuation above 4,000 m (mandatory)
- Tips for your guide, porter, and driver
- Any costs arising from early return, or delays beyond our control such as weather, landslides, or strikes
Day by Day
Full Itinerary
Your adventure begins with an early departure from Kathmandu. The drive heads west toward Gorkha and then north along increasingly rough mountain roads, following river valleys deeper into the foothills. The first half on the highway is smooth and scenic; the second half is a bumpy, dusty ride on a rough road that hugs the hillside above the Budhi Gandaki. After a long but memorable day, you arrive in the riverside settlement of Machha Khola, where you spend your first night in the mountains.
Insider Tip: Keep a light jacket, snacks, and a power bank in your daypack rather than your main bag - the road is long, and you will want them within reach.
The trek proper starts today. You follow the Budhi Gandaki upstream, crossing suspension bridges and passing small farming hamlets clinging to the valley sides. The trail rolls up and down through subtropical forest, with a welcome stop at the small hot springs near Tatopani before climbing to the stone-paved village of Jagat. Jagat marks the official entry checkpoint to the Manaslu Conservation Area, where your permits are registered.
Insider Tip: Have your passport and permits accessible for the checkpoint at Jagat - your guide handles the paperwork, but the staff will want to see your documents.
A longer day takes you deeper into the gorge. The valley narrows dramatically, and the Budhi Gandaki rushes far below as the trail clings to carved rock ledges and crosses some of the longest suspension bridges of the entire route. You pass through Salleri and Sirdibas before climbing to the small village of Deng, where the first hints of Tibetan culture begin to appear in the chortens and mani walls along the path.
Insider Tip: This is a great day for photography - the gorge sections are spectacular, but the bridges sway, so steady yourself before pulling out your camera.
The landscape grows wilder and more beautiful. You cross the river several times and climb steadily through forests of pine and rhododendron, passing carved Buddhist stone gateways that signal your entry into the upper, more Tibetan part of the valley. The walls and prayer wheels grow more frequent as you ascend to Namrung, a tidy village with your first clear glimpses of the surrounding peaks.
Insider Tip: You are now above 2,900m. Start drinking more water than feels necessary and slow your pace on the climbs - this is where smart acclimatization begins.
Today the mountains finally reveal themselves in full. Leaving Namrung, you climb through the villages of Lihi and Sho, with Manaslu and Himal Chuli rising ahead. You pass through Lho, home to the beautiful Ribung Gompa and one of the finest viewpoints of Mount Manaslu on the whole trek, before continuing to the open, alpine settlement of Shyala, ringed by snow peaks on almost every side.
Insider Tip: The sunset and sunrise views of Manaslu from Lho and Shyala are extraordinary. Keep your camera and warm layers handy for the evening light.
A shorter, gentler day with a cultural detour. You make your way toward Samagaun, with the option to visit the atmospheric Pungyen Gompa, a monastery set against a stunning glacial backdrop and named for the peak the locals consider sacred. Samagaun itself is one of the largest and most traditional villages on the route, a true Tibetan-style settlement of stone houses, yak pastures, and prayer flags beneath the towering north face of Manaslu.
Insider Tip: Samagaun is the perfect place to slow down and absorb the culture. Spend the afternoon wandering the village rather than resting in your room.
A rest day here is not a day off - it is one of the most important parts of the trek. To help your body adjust before the high pass, you take a shorter "climb high, sleep low" hike. Excellent options include the walk up to the milky-blue Birendra Lake, the longer climb toward Manaslu Base Camp for an up-close view of the mountain, or a visit to the old monastery above the village. Each gives you valuable altitude exposure while letting you sleep back at Samagaun.
Insider Tip: Do not spend the whole day in bed. A gentle few hours of uphill walking is exactly what helps you cross Larkya La safely in a few days' time.
A short and scenic walk gives your body a gradual, gentle gain in altitude. You follow the valley north, leaving the tree line behind for open, windswept high country. Samdo is the last permanent village before the pass - a Tibetan refugee settlement perched close to the border, where life is shaped entirely by yaks, barley, and the mountains. The afternoon is free to rest and continue acclimatizing.
Insider Tip: The hill behind Samdo (toward the old trade route to Tibet) makes a fine optional afternoon acclimatization walk if you have the energy.
Another short but high day. You descend briefly to cross the river, then climb steadily across barren alpine terrain to Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi - a simple, basic cluster of huts at the foot of the pass. There is little here beyond stone shelters and a few teahouses, but the position is dramatic, and an early night is essential before tomorrow's long crossing.
Insider Tip: It is cold and basic at Dharmasala. Lay out all your warm layers, gloves, and headlamp before you sleep so you are ready for the pre-dawn start.
The big day. You set off in the dark, usually around 4 am, to reach the pass before the strong afternoon winds arrive. The climb is long and steady across moraine and snow, growing colder and thinner with every step, until you finally reach the prayer-flag-draped summit of Larkya La at 5,106 metres. The reward is one of the greatest panoramas in the Himalaya - a vast glacial cirque framed by Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Nemjung, and Annapurna II. From the top, a long, knee-testing descent drops you down to the green meadows and mountain amphitheatre of Bimtang.
Insider Tip: Micro-crampons or light traction spikes are often essential on the icy sections near the top. Keep your camera batteries warm inside your jacket, as the cold drains them fast.
After the high alpine of the pass, today is a beautiful descent back into forest and farmland. You drop through rhododendron and pine woods, cross the Dudh Khola, and pass through Tibetan-influenced and Gurung villages on the way to Tilche. From there, a waiting vehicle drives you down the rough Marsyangdi valley road to Besisahar, where you finally rejoin the wider world with a hot shower and a proper bed.
Insider Tip: Your legs will feel the long descent from the pass. Trekking poles and tightly laced boots make today far kinder on your knees and toes.
Your final day is a scenic drive out. From Besisahar you can either return to Kathmandu or carry on to the lakeside city of Pokhara, depending on your onward plans. As the mountains slide past the window, it is the perfect time to reflect on a trek that took you around an entire eight-thousand-metre giant. Your journey ends with a comfortable transfer to your hotel.
Insider Tip: If you have time, end in Pokhara rather than Kathmandu - it is a far more relaxing place to recover, with lakeside cafes perfect for celebrating your achievement.
Physical Preparation
Difficulty & Fitness
ModerateFitness level of Moderate to Advance level is required.
Additional Information
More Details
Key Villages Along the Trail
Jagat is the gateway to the restricted area and your first permit checkpoint, a stone-paved village that marks the transition from open farmland to the controlled conservation zone.
Lho and Shyala sit high in the valley and offer some of the finest Manaslu views of the entire trek, with Lho's Ribung Gompa a cultural highlight worth lingering over.
Samagaun is the cultural heart of the route - a large, traditional Tibetan-style village beneath Manaslu's north face, and the base for your acclimatization day at Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp.
Samdo is the last inhabited village before the pass, a windswept border settlement of Tibetan refugees where you feel the full remoteness of the high Himalaya.
Bimtang, on the far side of the Larkya La, is a stunning high meadow ringed by peaks - a welcome green oasis after the cold, barren crossing.
Larkya La Pass:
The Larkya La is the high point of the trek in every sense. At 5,106 metres, it is one of the longest and most committing pass days on any mainstream Nepal trek, demanding an early-morning start, steady pacing, and respect for the altitude. Trekkers typically leave Dharmasala around 4 am, headlamps on, to reach the top before the fierce afternoon winds and to leave enough daylight for the long descent to Bimtang.
The climb itself is gradual but relentless, crossing moraine and frequently snow-covered ground where micro-crampons make a real difference to your footing and confidence. The summit, marked by a tangle of prayer flags, opens onto a glacial amphitheatre that many trekkers rank among the most beautiful views in the entire Himalaya. The descent on the western side is steep and long, so save energy and look after your knees - but few moments on any trek match the feeling of standing on the pass with that wall of giants spread out before you.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
Because the Manaslu region is a restricted area, the permit system here is stricter than on the Annapurna or Everest trails, and it is the single most important thing to understand before you go. You need three separate permits, all of which we arrange for you:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): This is the key permit, and its cost is seasonal. In the peak months of September to November it is around USD 100 per person for the first seven days, plus a small daily charge afterwards; in the rest of the year (December to August) it is lower, around USD 75 per person for the first seven days. (Government rates are revised periodically - we confirm the exact current fee when you book.)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Required for the conservation area itself.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for the final stretch, because the trek exits through the Annapurna region near Dharapani and Besisahar.
The most important rule to know is this: you cannot trek the Manaslu Circuit solo. Restricted-area regulations require a minimum of two trekkers travelling with a licensed guide through a registered agency. This is not a sales tactic - it is government law, and it is strictly enforced at checkpoints. It is also part of what keeps the region so well preserved. Booking a guided package like ours takes all of this paperwork off your hands.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty & Fitness
The Manaslu Circuit is graded as a challenging trek, and that grade is well earned. You will walk for six to eight hours on most days, often on rough, steep, and remote terrain, and you will cross a pass above 5,000 metres. The combination of long daily distances, significant altitude, and limited infrastructure makes this a more demanding undertaking than the standard Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill treks.
You do not need technical mountaineering skills, but previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended, ideally at altitude. Good cardiovascular fitness, strong legs, and mental stamina for consecutive long days are essential. The hardest single day is the Larkya La crossing, with its very early start, high altitude, and long descent. If you prepare properly and walk at a steady pace, a reasonably fit and determined trekker can absolutely complete this circuit and find it one of the most rewarding things they have ever done.
Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization
Because you sleep above 3,500 metres for several nights and cross a pass over 5,000 metres, altitude sickness is a genuine consideration on this trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is caused by reduced oxygen at altitude and by ascending too quickly - not by lack of fitness - so even very strong trekkers must respect it.
This is exactly why the acclimatization day at Samagaun is built into the itinerary, and why the days approaching the pass are kept deliberately short. Early symptoms to watch for include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, and disturbed sleep. The golden rules are simple: ascend gradually, drink plenty of water, walk slowly and steadily, and tell your guide the moment you feel unwell. Our guides are trained in altitude awareness and carry a basic first-aid kit with an oximeter to monitor your blood-oxygen levels. Some trekkers also carry Diamox as a preventive - if you are considering it, speak to your doctor before the trip. Above all, travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation above 4,000 metres is mandatory for this trek.
Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The two ideal windows are spring and autumn, and the season you choose also affects your permit cost.
Autumn (September to November) is the most popular and arguably the best time, with stable weather, clear skies, and crisp mountain views after the monsoon has cleared the air. This is peak season, so trails are at their busiest (though still quiet by Annapurna standards) and permit fees are at their highest.
Spring (March to May) is the second prime season, bringing warmer days, blooming rhododendron forests in the lower valleys, and generally good visibility, with fewer trekkers than autumn.
Winter (December to February) offers solitude and clear skies, but heavy snow can block or make the Larkya La Pass dangerous, and the high villages are bitterly cold. It suits only experienced, well-equipped trekkers.
Monsoon (June to August) is not recommended. The lower trails become wet, muddy, and leech-prone, landslides are a risk, and clouds frequently hide the peaks - though the lower-season permit fee and empty trails do attract a few hardy walkers.
Accommodation on the Trek
Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit is in local teahouses and lodges, and you should set your expectations to "simple but welcoming" rather than luxurious. Because this is a remote, restricted region, the lodges are more basic than those on the Annapurna or Everest trails, especially as you climb higher. You will sleep in clean twin-sharing rooms with basic beds and blankets, and bathrooms are usually shared, particularly at the higher stops like Dharmasala. The heart of every lodge is the warm communal dining room, where trekkers and guides gather around the stove each evening to eat, dry out, and share stories of the trail.
Food & Drinking Water on the Trek
Despite the remoteness, the teahouse kitchens serve hearty, filling food designed to fuel long days. Breakfast options include porridge, eggs, Tibetan bread, and pancakes, while lunch and dinner offer carbohydrate-rich staples such as fried rice, noodles, potatoes, and soups. The dish we always recommend is the local Dal Bhat - rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry - because it is nutritious, freshly cooked, and usually comes with free refills until you are full. As you climb higher and supplies have to be carried further, menus naturally become simpler and prices rise. For hydration, your guide provides treated, purified safe drinking water each day, so you can avoid buying plastic bottles and help keep this pristine region clean.
Training & Preparation
You do not need to be an athlete, but the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy this trek. Begin preparing at least four to six weeks ahead with regular cardio - hiking, running, cycling, or swimming - and build leg and core strength so your knees can handle the big descent from Larkya La. The single best preparation is hill or stair walking with a loaded daypack, since this trek is built on long ascents and descents. Arriving genuinely fit transforms the experience from a daily struggle into a journey you can actually savour.
Connectivity, Charging & Money on the Trail
The Manaslu region is remote, and you should plan to disconnect. Mobile signal (NTC tends to work better than Ncell here) is patchy in the lower valleys and largely disappears higher up, and Wi-Fi, where available, is slow and charged per use. Lodges run on limited solar power, so charging your devices costs a small fee and is not always reliable - bring a fully charged power bank, ideally a large one. Crucially, there are no ATMs anywhere on the trek, so withdraw enough Nepalese Rupees in Kathmandu to cover drinks, snacks, charging, hot showers, and tips for the whole journey.
Responsible Trekking - The Desire Adventures Difference
Trekking through a fragile, protected region carries a responsibility, and we take it seriously. Your guide and porter are paid fair wages, fully insured, and never overloaded, with one porter assigned to every two trekkers. We provide treated drinking water daily to cut down on single-use plastic, support the local teahouses and village economies that keep these remote communities alive, and follow leave-no-trace practices throughout the conservation area. When you trek with us, your adventure helps sustain the very places and people that make it so special.
Trek Extensions & Related Treks
If you have more time or want to go deeper into this corner of Nepal, consider:
- Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek - adds the sacred, hidden Tsum Valley to the circuit for a richer cultural experience (requires an additional restricted-area permit). This is the most popular and rewarding extension.
- Manaslu & Annapurna Circuit combo — link the two great circuits into one epic Himalayan traverse.
- For a different region, see our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the quieter ridge-line Mardi Himal Trek.
Elevation Profile
Altitude Chart
Elevation profile across 12 days. Maximum altitude: 5,106m
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
It is a challenging trek with long days of six to eight hours, rugged remote terrain, and a high pass at 5,106 metres. No technical climbing is needed, but good fitness and ideally some previous trekking experience at altitude are recommended.
The Larkya La Pass is 5,106 metres (16,748 ft), the highest point of the trek. Crossing it is the most demanding day, with an early start and a long descent on the far side.
You need three permits - the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit - all of which we arrange. You cannot trek solo: restricted-area rules require a minimum of two trekkers with a licensed guide.
The Restricted Area Permit is seasonal - roughly USD 100 per person for the first week in autumn (Sep–Nov) and around USD 75 in other months, plus smaller conservation-area fees. We confirm the exact current government rates when you book.
Autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) are ideal, offering the most stable weather and clearest mountain views. Winter brings snow risk on the pass, and the monsoon is generally not recommended.
Yes, because you sleep at altitude for several nights and cross a 5,106-metre pass. The itinerary includes an acclimatization day at Samagaun, and our guides monitor your health daily with an oximeter to help you cross safely.
Accommodation is in simple but welcoming local teahouses on a twin-sharing basis. Facilities are more basic than on the Annapurna or Everest trails, especially near the pass, with shared bathrooms at the higher stops.
Absolutely. The Tsum Valley extension adds a beautiful, sacred hidden valley to your itinerary and is our most recommended add-on. It requires an additional restricted-area permit, which we arrange.
Scheduled Group Trips
Available Departures
Join a scheduled group departure for extra discounts and a shared adventure with fellow trekkers.
| Departure Date | Return Date | Duration | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Sep 2026 | — | 12 Days | USD 1020 | 10 spots left | |
| 8 Sep 2026 | — | 12 Days | USD 1020 | 10 spots left | |
| 15 Sep 2026 | — | 12 Days | USD 1020 | 10 spots left | |
| 22 Sep 2026 | — | 12 Days | USD 1020 | 10 spots left | |
| 29 Sep 2026 | — | 12 Days | USD 1020 | 10 spots left |