Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide
The Manaslu Circuit is a 14-18 day teahouse trek that loops around Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 m, climbing the dramatic Budhi Gandaki gorge into the Tibetan-influenced Nubri valley and crossing the high Larkya La pass at 5,106 m.
A glimpse of Manaslu Circuit
Watch: Manaslu Circuit Trek
🎬 "Discovering Tibetan Nepal: Manaslu Circuit Trekking, Nepal Himalaya" by Nicholas Eager on YouTube
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal's finest long teahouse treks, a complete circuit around Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's eighth-highest mountain, set in the Gorkha district of the Gandaki province. It offers much of the grandeur of the classic circuits but a fraction of the crowds: where the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp trails can feel busy in peak season, on Manaslu you walk through deep gorges and high Tibetan-Buddhist villages with the trail largely to yourself.
The route follows the dramatic Budhi Gandaki gorge, climbing from subtropical riverside terraces and waterfalls into the high, arid Nubri valley, where the culture turns distinctly Tibetan, mani walls, prayer flags, chortens and ancient gompas line the trail. The trek builds steadily to its crux, the crossing of the Larkya La (5,106 m), the highest point and the great prize of the circuit, before descending the far side to Dharapani, where the trail joins the Annapurna Circuit.
Most people complete the circuit in 14 to 18 days, including the drives to and from the trailheads. It is graded strenuous: the daily distances are long, the trail rolls steeply, and you spend several nights above 3,500 m before the high pass. What makes Manaslu more accessible than the truly remote treks such as Makalu is its chain of comfortable teahouses, you sleep and eat in lodges throughout, rather than carrying camping gear.
Manaslu sits in a restricted area, which keeps numbers down and means you must trek with a licensed guide in a group of at least two through a registered agency. The reward is a journey that feels genuinely wild and culturally rich, the high villages of Lho, Samagaon and Samdo, side-trips to Manaslu Base Camp and Pungyen Gompa, and the option to branch off into the remote Tsum Valley. For trekkers wanting a big Himalayan circuit without the crowds, Manaslu is hard to beat.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
The classic Manaslu Circuit is walked in 14 to 18 days, built around steady acclimatisation before the Larkya La. It begins and ends with long jeep drives between Kathmandu and the roadheads, climbing the Budhi Gandaki gorge into the Nubri valley, over the pass to Bimthang and out at Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit.
- Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola / Machha Khola (roadhead)
- Day 2: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340 m)
- Day 3: Jagat to Deng (1,860 m)
- Day 4: Deng to Namrung (2,630 m)
- Day 5: Namrung to Lho (3,180 m)
- Day 6: Lho to Samagaon (3,520 m)
- Day 7: Acclimatisation day at Samagaon (side-trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa)
- Day 8: Samagaon to Samdo (3,860 m)
- Day 9: Acclimatisation day at Samdo
- Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460 m)
- Day 11: Cross the Larkya La (5,106 m) to Bimthang (3,720 m)
- Day 12: Bimthang to Dharapani (1,860 m)
- Days 13-14: Drive Dharapani to Kathmandu
Fit groups can trim a day or two; adding the Tsum Valley or extra rest days at Samagaon extends the trip by about a week.
Read the full Manaslu Circuit itinerary guide, day by day with side-trips →
Difficulty & Fitness
The Manaslu Circuit is graded strenuous. It is a serious high-altitude trek, though the chain of teahouses makes it more accessible than camping routes such as Makalu or Dhaulagiri. The defining challenges are the length, the long rolling days through the Budhi Gandaki gorge, several nights above 3,500 m, and the crux crossing of the Larkya La (5,106 m), a tough but non-technical pass tackled in one long pre-dawn day.
You should be comfortable walking 6-7 hours a day on rough trails for two weeks, with one very long day at the pass. Previous high-altitude experience helps but is not essential for a fit, well-acclimatised trekker. Train with long hill walks, stair climbs and loaded day-pack hikes for a couple of months beforehand.
Read the full Manaslu Circuit difficulty & fitness guide, with a training plan →
Permits & Regulations
Manaslu is a restricted area, so the rules are stricter than on open routes. Solo trekking is not allowed: you must travel in a group of at least two trekkers with a licensed guide arranged through a registered agency, and you need three permits:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): around USD 100 per person per week in autumn (September-November), USD 75 per week in the off-season, issued only to groups of two or more.
- MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit): around NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals.
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): around NPR 3,000, for the exit section beyond Dharapani.
Permits are checked at posts from Jagat onward. Treat fees as 2026 estimates and confirm current rates and restricted-area boundaries with a registered agency before departure.
Read the full Manaslu Circuit permits guide: MRAP, MCAP, ACAP and the guide rule →
Cost & Budget
Because Manaslu requires an agency, a licensed guide and the restricted-area permit, it costs more than open teahouse routes, but it stays cheaper than the fly-in expedition treks of the far east since access is by road. A guided package typically runs NPR 135,000-240,000 per person for 14 to 18 days, usually covering the guide, porters, all three permits, ground transport, lodging and meals. The Restricted Area Permit (around USD 100 per person per week in autumn, USD 75 off-season) is lower per head for larger groups.
Carry enough Nepali rupees in cash for the whole trek, there are no ATMs in the gorge or upper villages, and prices climb with altitude as goods are carried in by porter or mule. Budget a contingency for weather delays and a generous tip for guides and porters after the long pass day.
Read the full Manaslu Circuit cost guide: line-by-line breakdown and sample budgets →
Best Time to Trek
The best time to trek Manaslu is autumn (September-November), the most reliable season with stable weather, clear skies and the sharpest mountain views, though also the busiest and when the Restricted Area Permit costs more. Spring (March-May) brings warmer days, blooming rhododendron and good views, with a higher chance of afternoon cloud and spring snow on the pass.
Avoid the monsoon (June-early September), when the Budhi Gandaki road and trail are landslide-prone and clouds hide the peaks, and deep winter (December-February), when the Larkya La is often snow-blocked.
Read the full month-by-month guide to the best time for Manaslu →
Packing, Safety & Tips
Altitude & safety
With several nights above 3,500 m and a high point of 5,106 m at the Larkya La, altitude sickness is a real risk. Keep the built-in acclimatisation days, ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and descend if symptoms worsen, remembering there is no quick bailout once you leave Dharamsala on the pass day. Carry travel insurance that explicitly covers trekking to at least 5,500 m with helicopter evacuation.
Read the full Manaslu Circuit altitude sickness & safety guide →
What to pack
Pack for a high, cold trek: a sleeping bag rated well below freezing, a down jacket, a layered clothing system, broken-in boots, trekking poles, gloves and a warm hat for the pre-dawn pass start, sun and snow protection and water purification. Add leech protection and waterproofs for the wet lower gorge in shoulder seasons.
Read the full Manaslu Circuit packing list: complete gear checklist →
The Larkya La crossing
The Larkya La (5,106 m) is the great prize of the circuit, crossed in one long pre-dawn day from Dharamsala over moraine and glacier, with a panorama of Himlung, Cheo, Kang Guru and Annapurna II before a steep descent to Bimthang. Trek with a guide who knows the pass, keep contingency days, and stay weather-aware on the exposed crossing.
Samagaon acclimatisation
Samagaon (3,520 m) is the key acclimatisation hub. Use the rest day for a side-trip up to Manaslu Base Camp (around 4,800 m) or the atmospheric Pungyen Gompa beneath the glaciers, both aid acclimatisation and offer spectacular high views.
Tsum Valley extension and combining treks
The Manaslu Circuit pairs naturally with the sacred Tsum Valley, which branches off near Deng and adds roughly a week on its own restricted-area permit. Because the circuit ends at Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit, fit trekkers occasionally continue over the Thorong La rather than driving out. Most people build up through the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp first, then take on Manaslu for a quieter big circuit. Base yourself in Kathmandu to arrange the agency, permits and gear.
Altitude Sickness (AMS) & Trek Safety
The Manaslu Circuit trek climbs to 5,106 m, well into the zone where acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a serious, potentially fatal risk, careful acclimatisation is non-negotiable. This section covers how to recognise altitude sickness, prevent it, prepare physically, and stay insured, it is general guidance, not medical advice.
Recognise the symptoms
| Level | Signs | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mild AMS | Headache, nausea or loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, broken sleep. | Stop ascending, rest, hydrate. Do not go higher until symptoms clear; descend if they do not. |
| Severe, HAPE (lungs) | Breathlessness at rest, persistent cough, frothy or pink spit, chest tightness, blue lips. | Descend immediately and treat as a medical emergency, arrange evacuation. |
| Severe, HACE (brain) | Confusion, clumsiness or loss of balance, crushing headache, drowsiness, hallucinations. | Descend immediately, HACE is life-threatening within hours. Evacuate. |
Prevent it: the golden rules
- Ascend slowly. Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than ~300–500 m per day and take the built-in acclimatisation days.
- Climb high, sleep low. Day-hike higher, then come back down to sleep.
- Hydrate (3–4 litres/day), eat well, and avoid alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking at altitude.
- Never ascend with AMS symptoms, and descend at once if they worsen, going down is the only reliable cure.
- Consider acetazolamide (Diamox) as a preventive/treatment aid, but only after discussing it with your doctor.
Get trek-fit
Start training 6–8 weeks out: build aerobic base with running, cycling or brisk hill walking 3–4 times a week; add stair and hill repeats carrying a loaded daypack (6–8 kg) to ready your legs for long descents; and finish with a couple of back-to-back long hiking days to rehearse multi-day fatigue. Strong quads and good cardio make altitude far more manageable.
Insurance & evacuation
Buy travel insurance that explicitly covers trekking up to 5,106 m and helicopter evacuation, a rescue from altitude is essential and very expensive without cover. Carry your policy number and your operator’s emergency contact, and keep the booking details of any guide with you.
Manaslu Circuit: specific hazards
The Larkya La (5,106 m) is a long, wind-exposed crossing that catches fresh snow. Start before dawn and turn back if the weather closes in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does the Manaslu Circuit trek take?
The Manaslu Circuit usually takes 14 to 18 days, including the jeep drives between Kathmandu and the roadheads. Fit groups can trim a day or two, while extra acclimatisation, side-trips to Manaslu Base Camp or the Tsum Valley, and weather contingency can extend it.
How hard is the Manaslu Circuit trek?
It is graded strenuous, with long rolling days through the Budhi Gandaki gorge, several nights above 3,500 m, and the demanding crossing of the Larkya La at 5,106 m. The chain of teahouses makes it more accessible than remote camping treks such as Makalu, but it is still a serious high-altitude trek.
How high is the Larkya La pass?
The Larkya La sits at about 5,106 metres (roughly 16,750 feet) and is the highest point and the crux of the Manaslu Circuit. It is crossed in one long, early-start day from Dharamsala to Bimthang and is a tough but non-technical pass.
What permits do I need for the Manaslu Circuit trek?
You need three: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (around USD 100 per person per week in autumn, USD 75 per week off-season), the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) permit (around NPR 3,000), and the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit (around NPR 3,000) for the exit at Dharapani. They must be arranged through a registered agency.
Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit solo or without a guide?
No. Manaslu is a restricted area, so you must trek with a licensed guide in a group of at least two trekkers, arranged through a registered trekking agency. Solo trekking and independent trekking without a guide are not permitted.
How much does the Manaslu Circuit trek cost?
A guided package typically costs around NPR 135,000-240,000 per person depending on group size and the number of days, usually covering the guide, porters, all three permits, ground transport, lodging and meals. Larger groups pay less per head for the Restricted Area Permit. Carry extra cash, as there are no ATMs on the trail.
What is the best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit?
The best times are autumn (September-November) for the clearest, most stable weather and spring (March-May) for warmer days and rhododendron blooms. Avoid the monsoon, when the Budhi Gandaki road is landslide-prone, and deep winter, when the Larkya La is often snow-blocked.
How do I get to the start of the Manaslu Circuit trek?
You drive by jeep from Kathmandu west through Gorkha to the roadhead at Soti Khola or Machha Khola, where the trail up the Budhi Gandaki begins. There is no fly-in option, which keeps access cheaper but means a long, rough road day at each end.
Is altitude sickness a risk on the Manaslu Circuit?
Yes. You sleep at Samagaon, Samdo and Dharamsala above 3,500 m and cross the Larkya La at 5,106 m, so altitude sickness is a genuine risk. Keep the acclimatisation days at Samagaon and Samdo, ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and descend if symptoms worsen.
Are there teahouses on the Manaslu Circuit?
Yes. The Manaslu Circuit is a teahouse trek with lodges in every village along the route, including the high settlements of Lho, Samagaon and Samdo, and simple lodges at Dharamsala below the pass. This keeps your pack light and removes the need for camping gear, unlike the remote eastern treks.
What is there to do at Samagaon?
Samagaon (3,520 m) is the key acclimatisation hub of the trek. From here you can take a day side-trip up to Manaslu Base Camp at around 4,800 m or to the atmospheric Pungyen Gompa beneath the glaciers, both of which aid acclimatisation and offer spectacular high mountain views.
How does the Manaslu Circuit compare to the Annapurna Circuit?
The two share the same exit at Dharapani, but Manaslu is far quieter, restricted to guided groups, and more Tibetan in culture, while the Annapurna Circuit is open, busier and crosses the higher Thorong La. Many trekkers who have done Annapurna choose Manaslu for a wilder, less-crowded big circuit.
Can I combine the Manaslu Circuit with the Tsum Valley?
Yes. The sacred Tsum Valley branches off the main trail near Deng and is commonly combined with the Manaslu Circuit into a single restricted-area trek, adding roughly a week. It requires its own restricted-area permit, which a registered agency can arrange alongside the Manaslu permits.
How high is Manaslu and where is it?
Manaslu is the world's eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 metres, located in the Gorkha district of the Gandaki province of north-central Nepal. The circuit loops right around it, with the closest views from the villages of Lho, Shyala and Samagaon.
Is the Manaslu Circuit suitable for beginners?
It is best for reasonably fit and well-prepared trekkers rather than complete beginners. The long days, sustained altitude and the high Larkya La make it demanding, though the teahouse comfort and built-in acclimatisation days mean a fit trekker without prior high-altitude experience can complete it with good preparation and a good guide.
Compare with Other Nepal Treks
How Manaslu Circuit stacks up against other popular Nepal treks, at a glance, to help you choose and plan.
| Trek | Difficulty | Max Altitude | Duration | Best Season | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manaslu CircuitThis trek | 🔴 Strenuous | 5,106 m | 14–18 days | Mar–May & Sep–Nov | Gorkha, Gandaki |
| Tsum Valley | 🟡 Moderate | 3,700 m | 14–18 days | Mar–May & Sep–Nov | Gorkha, Gandaki |
| Annapurna Circuit | 🟠 Challenging | 5,416 m | 12–16 days | Mar–May & Oct–Nov | Annapurna, Gandaki |
Why these grades?
Manaslu Circuit 🔴 Strenuous, Circles the world’s eighth-highest peak, Manaslu (8,163 m), in a restricted area and crosses the 5,106 m Larkya La with several nights above 3,500 m; teahouses make it gentler than camping treks, but the long days, altitude and mandatory licensed guide keep it firmly strenuous.
Tsum Valley 🟡 Moderate, A culturally rich restricted valley that mostly stays between 2,000–3,700 m, so the challenge is the long approach days and basic teahouses and homestays rather than extreme altitude.
Annapurna Circuit 🟠 Challenging, Nepal’s classic circuit climbs the Marsyangdi valley to cross the 5,416 m Thorong La, the trek’s crux, before descending to Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki; good teahouses and a gradual ascent aid acclimatisation, so the high pass is the main challenge for fit trekkers.
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By the BriefNepal Travel Desk
Researched and maintained by our Nepal-based editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Last updated August 4, 2026. Prices, permits and conditions change, always verify before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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