Overview
Itinerary
Trip Map
Cost Details
Trip Info
Packing List
FAQ
Reviews

About the Destination

Explore the Manaslu Circuit: A rich blend of natural beauty, local culture, and rugged terrain

Location

Nepal

Region

Manaslu

Max Elevation

5,160 m
Highest Point Reached During the Trek.

Duration

16 days

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge
Typical lodges or teahouses during the trek

Best Seasons

Spring and Autumn

Group

Min. 2 Pax

Difficulty

Strenuous

Start Point

Kathmandu

End Point

Kathmandu

Permit

Specail permit Required
A permit is required for this trek.

Food

Included
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are typically included

Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Trekking in a restricted (controlled) area with a special permit.
  • Trekking in remote and less crowded areas compared to popular trekking routes.
  • Cross the challenging Larke Pass (Larkya La Pass) at an altitude of 5,160 meters.
  • The panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains is truly impressive.
  • Witness breathtaking view of Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world, and other peaks
  • The trek through various ethnic villages inhabited by Gurungs, Magars and Tibetans.
  • Experience rich cultural traditions, including unique festivals, rituals and traditional architecture.
  • The trail is adorned with Buddhist monasteries, chortens and mani walls that add to the cultural and spiritual richness.
  • Visit monasteries and stupas that reflect the religious and cultural influences of Tibetan Buddhism.
  • The trek passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is home to diverse flora and fauna.
  • Encounter wildlife such as Himalayan tahr, snow leopards, red pandas, and various species of pheasants.
  • Allows for a more peaceful and authentic hiking experience, especially for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature.
  • The teahouses along the trail offer hikers comfortable accommodation and local meals and allow them to socialize with other hikers.

Trip Summary

Manaslu Circuit Trek is an amazing and adventurous trek in Nepal Himalayas. The main objective of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is to cross the Larkya (Larke) La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 5,160 meters.

It is not difficult to cross this high pass, and it does not require technical experience, but it is one of the longest trekking passes in Nepal Himalayas. The Manaslu Circuit was opened in 1991 for trekking purposes but is becoming increasingly popular, with thousands of trekkers making the trek every year.

The Manaslu Circuit is a beautiful trekking route that allows you to go around Manaslu. Manaslu (8,163 m) is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The Manaslu Circuit is in a restricted (controlled) area and requires a special permit to trek, a minimum of two people are required to obtain the permit.

The route of Manaslu Circuit Trek feels like a piece of heaven you have never seen before. Its geography, culture, natural beauty, wildlife, birds, and poor rural settlements delight the mind. Not only that, you will also trek through rough terrain and off the beaten path. At each stage of your trek, you will experience different looks of mountains and different cultural diversity.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking offers a unique opportunity to experience the relatively "untouched" region of Nepal. It is also connected to the border between Nepal and Tibet (China). A diverse range of ecosystems and ethnic cultures, and a trail physically closer to Tibet than any other trekking in Nepal. People in the Manaslu region travel to Tibet to buy essentials such as rice, clothing and Tibetan beer, which are cheaper than in the Nepalese market.

The trek always offers amazing views of Mount Manaslu and other Himalayan peaks in the background. The trek follows an altitude of 570 to 5160 meters. Manaslu, known as the "Three Peaks". The trek leads through a wide steep valley to the opposite world of Sama, over the Larkya La Pass and down to the Marshyangdi River.

As this is a long trip, you should be in good physical condition and allow extra days for rest during the trek. Sama Gaun before you cross the pass is ideal for: You can enjoy a hike to a glacial lake and the Pugen Glacier. There is an alternative hike to Manaslu base camp (4500 m) with spectacular views of Manaslu, glaciers and lakes.

Manaslu Circuit trek starts from Soti Khola or Machha Khola. Most of the road from Kathmandu between Soti Khola and Machha Khola is off-road, so it would be nice to use a four-wheeler jeep. The trek ends at Bhulbhule or Besi Sahar. If you have limited time, it is also possible to drive off-road from Dharapani to Besi Sahar in a single day except in monsoon. Traveling from Bhulbhule or Besi Sahar to Kathmandu by public bus would be fine.

Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation

Day 03

Kathmandu drive by jeep to Machha Khola (930 m)

Day 04

Machha Khola trek to Jagat (1,340 m)

Day 05

Jagat trek to Deng (1,860 m)

Day 06

Deng trek to Namrung (2,630 m)

Day 07

Namrung trek to Sama Gaun (3,520 m)

Day 08

Acclimatization day in Sama Gaun

Day 09

Samagaon trek to Samdo (3,690 m)

Day 10

Samdo trek to Dharamshala (4,460 m)

Day 11

Dharamshala trek to Bimtang (3590m) Over the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m)

Day 12

Bhimtang trek to Goa (2,515 m)

Day 13

Goa trek to Dharapani (1,960 m)

Day 14

Dharapani drive by jeep to Kathmandu (1,530 m)

Day 15

Rest and Buffer Day in Kathmandu

Day 16

Depart Kathmandu or extend your trip

Note

Have your own ideas or special requirements? We're more than happy to tailor the itinerary to match your schedule, interests, and travel preferences. Let us help you create a personalized adventure that’s truly yours.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map and Elevation

Map and Elevation data coming soon...

Trip Pricing Details

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Packing List for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

This ultimate gear guide is designed to help you prepare smartly without a smartphone, and with no fluff, just essentials. Here’s what you’ll need across documents, clothing, equipment, and more.

Clothing

  • Thermal underwear (top & bottom)
  • Moisture-wicking T-shirts (2–3)
  • Thermal or wool socks (4–5 pairs)
  • Underwear (quick-dry)
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Lightweight wool sweater
  • Insulated jacket (-10°C to -20°C)
  • Waterproof shell jacket with hood
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Lightweight hiking pants (2 pairs)
  • Windproof softshell (optional)
  • Warm hat, sun hat, buff or neck gaiter
  • Gloves (liner + insulated)
  • Sleepwear and casual evening clothes

Footwear

  • Waterproof trekking boots (broken-in)
  • Camp shoes or sandals
  • Wool trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
  • Sock liners (optional)

Bags & Packing

  • Duffle bag (60–80L for porter)
  • Daypack (25–35L with rain cover)
  • Backpack rain cover
  • Garbage bags / bag liners
  • Packing cubes or dry bags (optional)

Sleeping Gear

  • Sleeping bag (-10°C to -20°C rated)
  • Sleeping bag liner

Personal Hygiene & Toiletries

  • Biodegradable soap & shampoo
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper
  • Lip balm (SPF) & sunscreen (SPF 30+)
  • Nail clippers, tweezers
  • Razor (optional)

Trekking Essentials

  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp (extra batteries)
  • Water bottles (2 x 1L Nalgene)
  • Water purification tablets or filter
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Dry snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
  • Pocket knife (optional)
  • Altitude sickness meds (Diamox)
  • Blister treatment (moleskin, Compeed)

First Aid & Health

  • Personal first aid kit
  • Prescription medications
  • Electrolyte powder
  • Basic cold/flu medicine

Electronics & Miscellaneous

  • Power bank
  • Charging cables
  • Travel adapter (Nepal types C, D, M)
  • Phone / camera
  • Offline maps or trekking guide app
  • Notebook, pen
  • Copies of passport & permits
  • Extra passport photos
  • Cash (Nepali rupees)

Documents & Permits

  • Passport (original)
  • Travel insurance with high-altitude coverage
  • TIMS card
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit
  • Lukla flight tickets (round trip)

Manaslu Circuit Trek FAQ

Overview & Essentials

Arrival & Visa

Health & Safety

Weather & Temperature

Accommodation & Facilities

Packing & Gear

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 reviews

5
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Profile of Herta & Hermann
Herta & Hermann
5/5
We highly recommend Alpine Adventure Club Treks & Expedition for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and other treks in Nepal. Binod Thapa and his team were professional, friendly, and ensured a smooth, enjoyable experience. Our guide and porter were knowledgeable and arranged excellent accommodations. Booking online was easy, with fast responses...

All Inclusive Price

$1785

per person (varies with group size)

Group Discounts

  • 2–3 pax$1985/pp
  • 4–7 pax$1950/pp
  • 9–11 pax$1885/pp
  • 12+ pax$1785/pp
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