Manaslu Circuit Trek
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsTrek around Manaslu, the world's eighth highest mountain, and cross Larkya La in a restricted region, with our own licensed guides
Friends paying separately still get the group price.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Manaslu Circuit Trek: What to Expect
The highest point on the circuit, crossed through one of Nepal's most remote restricted regions
One of Nepal's least crowded major routes. The restricted area permit keeps numbers down
Restricted Area Permit, MCAP and ACAP, all arranged in Kathmandu before you leave
Villages like Lho, Samagaon, and Samdo sit closer to Tibet than to Kathmandu
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 15-day restricted-area route that circles Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s 8th highest peak, covering around 130km on foot. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River north from Machha Khola through deepening gorges and subtropical forest, climbs through Tibetan-influenced villages above 3,500m, and crosses Larkya La Pass at 5,160m before descending through alpine meadows to connect with the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani.
You walk on 11 days, including an acclimatisation day in Samagaon. Most days are 5 to 7 hours, and Day 11 over Larkya La is the longest. Three permits are included: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and ACAP, which you need for the exit at Dharapani. Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers on most routes to trek with a licensed guide. Every MountainKick trek includes one
- Sunrise on Manaslu’s north face from Samagaon at 3,530m, one of the best close views of an 8,000m peak from a teahouse anywhere in Nepal
- Walk sections of the Budhi Gandaki gorge on trail cut into cliff faces above churning rapids with no alternative route
- Visit Pungyen Gompa above Samagaon, a working monastery with direct views across the Manaslu glacier
- Spot blue sheep on the high slopes above Samdo and look for fresh snow leopard tracks on the approach to Larkya La
Deciding between this and the Annapurna Circuit? Read our Manaslu vs Annapurna Circuit comparison.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu, Permits and Briefing
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. Permits for the Manaslu region require one full day to process so your guide begins the paperwork immediately on arrival. The evening briefing covers the full route, gear check, and what to expect in a restricted trekking area. Bring passport photos and your travel insurance documents.
Drive to Machha Khola
An early departure from Thamel along the Prithvi Highway before turning north at Arughat into increasingly rough mountain roads. The drive follows the Budhi Gandaki River through terraced hillsides and small villages. Tarmac ends well before Machha Khola and the last stretch is a proper jeep track. Arrive by late afternoon with enough time to settle in before the first full day on foot tomorrow.
Trek to Jagat
The first day on the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River north through dense subtropical forest, past waterfalls and suspension bridges. The trail alternates between river bank and cliff-hugging sections cut into the gorge wall. Jagat is the first checkpoint where your restricted area permits are verified. Keep all documents accessible as checks are thorough on the Manaslu circuit.
Trek to Deng
The trail climbs away from the river through terraced fields and pine forest before descending back to the Budhi Gandaki at Philim, a large Gurung village worth a short stop. Tibetan cultural influence becomes noticeable from here as the valley narrows and the first mani walls and prayer flags appear on the trail. Deng sits at a river confluence and marks the boundary into deeper mountain terrain.
Trek to Namrung
A significant altitude gain today as the valley opens and the landscape shifts from subtropical forest to pine and rhododendron. The first clear views of Manaslu’s satellite peaks appear above the ridgeline as you approach Namrung. This is the day the mountain starts to feel close. The trail passes through several small stone villages where life runs on a seasonal rhythm tied entirely to the high pastures above.
Trek to Lho
A shorter day with a big reward. The trail climbs through juniper and pine to Lho, a traditional Tibetan village with one of the finest direct views of Manaslu’s north face on the entire circuit. The gompa above the village is active and worth visiting. Use the shorter afternoon to rest, explore the village, and watch the light change on the mountain as the sun drops.
Trek to Samagaon
Another short day as the altitude begins to demand respect. The trail passes through Shyala with continuous views of Manaslu, Himalchuli (7,893m), and Ngadi Chuli (7,871m) filling the horizon. Samagaon is the largest village on the circuit, a fully Tibetan settlement with a monastery, a small medical post, and teahouses that are noticeably better equipped than anything on the lower trail. Tomorrow is a full rest day here.
Acclimatisation Day in Samagaon
Do not rest completely. Hike up to Pungyen Gompa (4,800m) for direct views across the Manaslu glacier, or push toward Manaslu Base Camp for a longer acclimatisation day. Both options follow the climb high, sleep low principle that matters most before Larkya La. Back in Samagaon by afternoon, visit the monastery and attend the evening prayer session if it coincides with your stay.
Trek to Samdo
A deliberately short day to keep acclimatisation on track before the pass. The trail climbs through yak pastures and open alpine terrain with the Tibetan border visible to the north. Samdo is the last permanent settlement before Larkya La and sits closer to Tibet than any other village on the circuit. Blue sheep are commonly spotted on the slopes above the village in the late afternoon.
Trek to Dharamsala
A short but important day climbing to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya La Base Camp. The trail crosses a glacial moraine and enters a stark high-altitude landscape with little vegetation and big views. Dharamsala has basic accommodation and limited menu options. Eat well, drink plenty of water, and sleep early. The alarm goes off between 3 and 4am tomorrow for the pass crossing.
Cross Larkya La Pass to Bimthang
The hardest and most rewarding day on the circuit. A pre-dawn start in the cold climbs steadily to the prayer flags at Larkya La where Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and dozens of other peaks fill every direction. The descent to Bimthang is long and steep on tired legs through moraines and alpine meadows. Bimthang sits in a wide glacial valley with Manaslu dominating the skyline behind you.
Trek to Tilije
A long descent through rhododendron and maple forest as the altitude drops dramatically and the air thickens noticeably with every hour. The trail passes through Hampuk and crosses several suspension bridges over the Dudh Khola river. By the time Tilije comes into view the vegetation is lush and green again, a striking contrast to the bare moraine and ice of yesterday. Your legs will feel the 1,400m drop.
Trek to Dharapani, Drive to Besisahar
A short morning walk through the final section of trail brings you to Dharapani where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit road. The trekking ends here. A jeep transfers you to Besisahar through the Marsyangdi valley, the same valley the Annapurna Circuit climbs north from. It is a strange feeling to rejoin the road after nearly two weeks in a restricted mountain region.
Drive to Kathmandu
An early jeep departure from Besisahar back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. The drive takes 7 to 8 hours through the Trishuli River gorge with meal stops along the way. Arrive in Thamel by early evening. Hot shower, real bed, proper food. After 12 days on a restricted mountain circuit, Kathmandu feels like a different planet.
Final Departure
Breakfast at the hotel then a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport timed to your flight. If you have a late departure the team can arrange luggage storage or a final morning at Boudhanath or Pashupatinath. Fifteen days, 130km, one full circuit of the world’s 8th highest peak. Done.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport and hotel transfers Private vehicle throughout, all Kathmandu pickups and drop-offs
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3-star hotel in Kathmandu, twin-sharing with breakfast Twin-sharing with breakfast, 1 night on arrival and 1 on return
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Teahouse accommodation on trek Twin-sharing, 12 nights across the full circuit
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Our own licensed guide English-speaking, with your group for the whole trek
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Porter service One porter for every two trekkers. Keep your duffel to about 10 to 15kg. Porters are insured
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Private jeep to and from the trail Kathmandu to Machha Khola on Day 2. Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar on Days 13 and 14
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Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) Arranged in Kathmandu before departure, checked at multiple points
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Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) Included in package, no extra charge
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Required for the Dharapani exit section
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Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali food, final evening
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MountainKick duffel bag Yours to keep
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Oximeter and first aid kit Carried by guide throughout the trek
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All government taxes and official fees Nothing added at checkout
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International flights To and from Kathmandu, booked independently
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Nepal visa fee On arrival at Tribhuvan Airport. 15 days $30, 30 days $50, 90 days $125
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Travel insurance Compulsory. Must cover helicopter evacuation to 5,500m minimum
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All meals on trek Available at teahouses. Budget $30-40 per day
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Personal trekking gear Sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles — all rentable in Kathmandu
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Guide and porter tips Customary and appreciated. Roughly 10-15% of trip cost
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Hot showers and Wi-Fi on trail Available at some teahouses, small extra charge
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Alcohol and personal drinks Available at teahouses on the lower sections
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Personal expenses Laundry, calls, souvenirs, snacks
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
Kathmandu: 3-star hotel, twin-sharing, breakfast included, private bathroom and Wi-Fi. Single rooms available at extra cost.
On trek: Teahouse rooms are more basic on the Manaslu Circuit than on the Annapurna or Everest routes. This is a restricted area with fewer trekkers and less infrastructure investment. What to expect:
- Simple wooden rooms with a bed, pillow, and blankets throughout
- Shared bathrooms at most stops, squat toilets common above Namrung
- Hot showers available at lower teahouses, increasingly limited above Lho
- Wi-Fi available in Samagaon and Samdo, unreliable or absent elsewhere
- Electricity for charging available at most stops but not guaranteed above Dharamsala
- Sleeping bag essential from Namrung upward, non-negotiable above Samagaon
Teahouses serve dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, eggs, Tibetan bread, porridge, and pasta. Menus narrow as you gain altitude. Above Namrung stick to vegetarian — meat storage in a remote restricted area is unreliable. Dal bhat is always the safest and most energy-efficient choice at altitude and most teahouses offer free refills.
| Meals per day (3 meals) | $30 to $40 / day |
| Hot drinks and water | $4-7 |
| Hot shower and Wi-Fi | $3-6 |
| Bottled or filtered water | $1-3 per litre |
What Our Trekkers Say
“An incredible trek away from the crowds”
We did the Manaslu Circuit as a couple and had an amazing time with Kumar. The trail felt much quieter than some of Nepal's more famous routes, and the scenery was incredible. He was knowledgeable and easygoing, and made the longer days far more enjoyable. Crossing Larkya La was tough…
“A fantastic adventure with our group”
There were four of us, and Gopal looked after everyone really well, patient, friendly, and always aware of how the group was doing. We loved the changing landscapes, the small villages, and the sense of being somewhere much less developed. The day crossing Larkya La was hard work, but reaching…
“One of the best treks I have done”
Jeevan made the whole Manaslu Circuit feel very manageable. The route is beautiful from start to finish, rivers, forests, mountain villages, and huge peaks appearing as you climb higher. It was physically demanding, but we never once felt rushed. A brilliant experience with MountainKick.
“A truly memorable Himalayan trek”
Kumar was fantastic with our group of friends. We really enjoyed the quieter nature of the Manaslu region and the chance to see villages far removed from the usual tourist routes. The higher sections were challenging, especially around Larkya La, but he was calm and supportive throughout. We came away…
“Challenging but absolutely worth it”
Hari was friendly, experienced, and very good at keeping the group comfortable on the long walking days. The scenery around Manaslu was incredible and kept changing as we gained altitude. Larkya La was the hardest part, but standing at the top looking across the mountains made all the effort worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this compare to the Annapurna Circuit?
Manaslu is more remote and harder day by day, with fewer trekkers and more basic teahouses. Larkya La at 5,160m is lower than Thorong La at 5,416m, but the climb to it is steeper and the descent longer. Our Manaslu Circuit takes 15 days. Our Annapurna Circuit Trek takes 16 days, or 21 days on the Classical route walked all the way from Besisahar. Our Manaslu vs Annapurna Circuit guide compares them side by side.
Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit solo?
Yes. Since 22 March 2026, you no longer need a second trekker to get a Manaslu restricted area permit. A licensed guide is still required for the whole circuit, and every MountainKick trek includes one of our own. You can book a private trip at the solo price of $1,354, or join one of our group dates at $890. Every group date runs, even if you’re the only one booked.
What permits do I need and how much do they cost?
You need three permits, and all are included.
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: $100 for the first 7 days, then $15 a day from September to November. The rest of the year it’s $75 for the first 7 days, then $10 a day.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
- ACAP: NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. You need it for the section that exits at Dharapani.
We process all three in Kathmandu on the day you arrive. You don’t need a TIMS card for this route.
How difficult is the trek?
Rated Hard. It suits trekkers who have done a multi-day trek before. You walk 4 to 8 hours a day for 11 days, with the longest day crossing Larkya La at 5,160m. The itinerary includes an acclimatisation day in Samagaon and short stages before the pass. If this would be your first trek at high altitude, talk to us before you book.
What is the biggest risk on this trek?
Altitude sickness above 4,000m, made more serious by how remote the route is. Above Namrung there’s no proper medical care, so helicopter evacuation is the main emergency option. Your guide carries an oximeter and a first aid kit and checks your oxygen levels each day. The acclimatisation day in Samagaon and the short stage to Samdo help your body adjust before Larkya La. If symptoms get worse, the answer is to go down.
Is the teahouse infrastructure reliable on this route?
More basic than Everest or Annapurna but reliable enough. Every overnight stop on the MountainKick itinerary has a functioning teahouse. Rooms are simple wooden beds with blankets, shared bathrooms at most stops, and limited hot water above Lho. Dharamsala, the final stop before the pass, is the most basic accommodation on the circuit. It is basic but functional. Bring a sleeping bag rated to -10°C and do not rely on hot showers above Samagaon.
When is the best time to go?
October and November are best. March and April are next. May is possible, but cloud tends to build in the afternoons. We don’t run group dates in winter, because the lodges at Dharamsala often close and Larkya La can be blocked by deep snow. Avoid June to August, when the monsoon makes the lower gorge dangerous.
Are there ATMs on the route?
There are no reliable ATMs beyond Kathmandu, so take out all your cash before you leave. Budget $30 to $40 a day for meals, plus extra for hot drinks, showers and charging, for the 11 days on the trail. Bring small notes, as change is hard to find. A few teahouses in Samagaon take cards, but don’t count on it.
Can I add Tsum Valley to this trek?
Yes. The Tsum Valley turns off at Lokpa, a day past Jagat. It adds 5 to 7 days and needs a separate Tsum Valley restricted area permit, about $40 a week from September to November. Tell us when you book and we’ll build it in.
What travel insurance do I need?
Your insurance must cover trekking to 5,160m, helicopter evacuation and restricted area trekking. Many standard policies don’t cover restricted areas or altitudes above 4,000m, so check yours. A helicopter rescue from the Manaslu region usually costs $3,000 to $5,000. If you need one, we arrange it with your guide and your insurer. Your insurer, or you, pays the helicopter company directly. We can’t confirm your booking without valid insurance. Our travel insurance guide for Nepal trekking explains what to look for.
Do your group dates run if I’m the only one booked?
Yes. Every group date runs, even with one booking. Groups are small, 8 trekkers at most. The group price is $890 per person, and it’s lower if 4 or more of you book together.
What happens if roads are blocked or the weather delays us?
Roads to Machha Khola and from Dharapani can be blocked by landslides after heavy rain. Your guide changes the plan to keep you safe, and we rebook any transport at no charge. Extra hotel nights and meals caused by delays are paid by you. We suggest leaving 1 or 2 spare days before your flight home.
Departure Dates & Pricing
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Footwear
ⓘ There are no boot repair shops on the Manaslu Circuit. If a sole comes loose above Namrung you are dealing with it yourself. Carry a small tube of shoe glue.
Base and Mid Layers
ⓘ Laundry is available at some lower teahouses but not reliably above Lho. Do not rely on it above Samagaon.
Outer Layers
ⓘ Down jacket and hardshell are rentable in Thamel. We walk you to reliable shops at the pre-trek briefing. There are no rental options on the trail.
Head and Hands
Trekking Equipment
ⓘ Sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles are rentable in Thamel, Kathmandu. We connect you with reliable shops at the pre-trek briefing. Nothing is available to rent on the Manaslu Circuit itself.
Health and First Aid
ⓘ Your MountainKick guide carries a group first aid kit and an oximeter throughout the trek. The nearest hospital is in Kathmandu. Above Namrung, helicopter evacuation is the primary emergency option. This is a restricted remote area, not a developed trekking corridor.
Documents and Money
Electronics
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ The Manaslu Circuit is not recommended during monsoon. The lower gorge sections become slippery and prone to landslides, leeches are present from Machha Khola to Deng, trail conditions above Samagaon are unpredictable, and Larkya La can be blocked by fresh snow. If you are considering a monsoon departure, contact Kumar directly before booking.
Leave at home
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Cotton clothing Retains moisture, stays wet, makes you dangerously cold at altitude. No cotton anywhere in your kit, including socks and underwear.
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Heavy DSLR with multiple lenses Dead weight for 12 active trekking days on remote terrain. A good mirrorless or phone camera is enough.
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Hardshell suitcase Porters carry duffel bags only. A rigid suitcase cannot be strapped and will be damaged on the jeep road to Machha Khola before the trek even starts.
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Jeans or heavy trousers Heavy, slow to dry, restrictive on steep gorge trail. Leave in Kathmandu.
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Alcohol Dehydrates you, impairs acclimatisation, and worsens AMS symptoms. Not worth the risk above 3,000m.
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Full-size toiletries Decant into small containers. Laundry soap is available at lower teahouses.
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us in Kathmandu. We lend trekking poles for free. Nothing is available to rent on the Manaslu Circuit itself. Every trekker gets a MountainKick duffel bag
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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