Trip Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding off-the-beaten-path adventures, circling Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Tucked away in the remote Gorkha district, this restricted-area trek leads you through the culturally rich Nubri and Tsum valleys – past dense rhododendron forests, cascading waterfalls, terraced farmland, and timeless Tibetan Buddhist villages – before crossing the dramatic Larkya La Pass at 5,106m.
Far from the crowds of the Everest and Annapurna trails, Manaslu offers an authentic, unspoiled Himalayan experience: fewer trekkers, deep-rooted culture, and jaw-dropping views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, and the Annapurna range. Most itineraries run 12-16 days, with an optional extension into the sacred Tsum Valley.
Accomodation
- Kathmandu: Comfortable 3-star hotel on a bed & breakfast basis (upgrades available on request)
- On the trek: Cozy teahouses and lodges run by local families – twin-sharing rooms with shared bathrooms in most villages, with attached bathrooms available in lower sections such as Machha Khola and Jagat
- Facilities become simpler at higher altitude (Samagaon, Samdo, Dharamsala); hot showers and device charging are usually available for a small extra local fee
- A four-season sleeping bag is recommended for added warmth above Samagaon, where nighttime temperatures can drop well below freezing
- Rooms are on a twin-sharing basis; single supplement available at extra cost
Transportation
- Kathmandu → Machha Khola/Soti Khola: Scenic drive by private jeep or local bus (approx. 7-9 hours, ~160 km)
- Dharapani/Besisahar → Kathmandu: Return drive via Pokhara or directly to Kathmandu by private jeep or tourist bus (approx. 8-10 hours)
- All airport pick-ups and drop-offs in Kathmandu included
- Private vehicle upgrades and helicopter return options available on request
Highlights
- Circle the mighty Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s 8th highest peak
- Cross the thrilling, high-altitude Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
- Wander through remote Nubri Valley villages — Lho, Sama Gaun, and Samdo
- Immerse in Tibetan Buddhist culture — ancient monasteries, mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags
- Optional side hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa
- Optional extension into the hidden, sacred Tsum Valley
- Journey through ever-changing landscapes, from subtropical forest to high-altitude desert
- Enjoy a quieter, more authentic trail compared to Everest and Annapurna
- Soak in panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, and the Annapurna range
Itinerary
Day 1- Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Welcome to Nepal ! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is free to relax, explore Thamel, or join a pre-trek briefing with your guide covering permits, gear check, and the days ahead.
Day 2- Drive to Machha Khola (930m)
An early departure from Kathmandu takes you on a scenic 7–9 hour drive (~160 km) along the Prithvi Highway and local mountain roads to Machha Khola, passing terraced hillsides and rural villages. Overnight at a local tea house.
Day 3- Trek to Jagat (1,340m)
Distance: ~22 km | Walking time: 6–7 hours. The first trekking day follows the Budhi Gandaki River through Khorlabesi, Tatopani (hot springs), and Dobhan before reaching Jagat, a stone-paved village and permit checkpoint. The trail includes several suspension bridge crossings and gentle ups and downs.
Day 4- Trek to Deng (1,860m)
Distance: ~20 km | Walking time: 6–7 hours. Continue along the dramatic Budhi Gandaki gorge, crossing more suspension bridges and passing through dense forest as the valley narrows. The scenery becomes increasingly wild as you approach the restricted Manaslu region proper.
Day 5- Trek to Namrung (2,630m)
Distance: ~19 km | Walking time: 6–7 hours. The trail climbs steadily through pine and rhododendron forest. Around Namrung, you’ll catch your first real glimpses of the high Himalayan peaks, and the villages begin showing stronger Tibetan Buddhist influence.
Day 6- Trek to Sama Gaun (3,530m)
Distance: ~15 km | Walking time: 5–6 hours. Passing through Lho and Shyala, with Manaslu now dominating the skyline, the trail winds through mani walls and chortens before descending into the wide, culturally rich village of Sama Gaun — your base for acclimatization.
Day 7- Acclimatization Day in Sama Gaun (3,530m)
A crucial rest day for altitude adjustment. Optional side hikes to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or the sacred Pungyen Gompa monastery offer incredible close-up mountain views while aiding acclimatization. Overnight again in Sama Gaun.
Day 8- Trek to Samdo (3,875m)
Distance: ~10 km | Walking time: 4–5 hours. A relatively short, gentle day following the Budhi Gandaki upstream to Samdo, the last permanent village before the pass and a historic Tibetan trading settlement near the border.
Day 9- Trek to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4,460m)
Distance: ~6–8 km | Walking time: 3–4 hours. A short but important acclimatization stage bringing you to the last stop before Larkya La. Facilities here are very basic — this is a high-altitude staging point to prepare for the pass crossing.
Day 10 – Cross Larkya La Pass to Bimthang (5,106m – 3,590m)
Distance: ~15–20 km | Walking time: 8–9 hours. The toughest and most rewarding day of the trek. An early pre-dawn start takes you up to the Larkya La Pass, marked by prayer flags and spectacular 360° views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. A long descent follows to the beautiful alpine meadow of Bimthang.
Day 11- Trek to Dharapani (1,860m)
Distance: ~18–20 km | Walking time: 6–7 hours. Descend through forests of pine and rhododendron, passing waterfalls and small settlements as the trail joins the Annapurna Circuit route at Dharapani.
Day 12- Drive to Kathmandu (via Besisahar/Pokhara) (1,400m)
A long but scenic drive (8–10 hours) back to Kathmandu, with the option to break the journey in Pokhara. Evening free to relax and reflect on the trek over a farewell dinner.
Day 13- Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping in Kathmandu before our team transfers you to the airport for your onward journey.
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu hotel accommodation (as per itinerary)
- All teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
- Full board meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers, carrying up to 20-25kg combined)
- All required permits — RAP, MCAP, and ACAP
- Domestic ground transportation (Kathmandu – Soti Khola/Machha Khola-Dharapani-Kathmandu)
- Guide and porter’s salary, insurance, food, and accommodation
- Comprehensive first aid medical kit
- All government and local taxes
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and emergency evacuation insurance (mandatory – must cover helicopter rescue up to 6,000m)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging on the trail (available for a small local fee)
- Alcoholic and bottled/canned beverages
- Tips and gratuities for guide and porters (customary)
- Extra costs arising from itinerary changes, natural events, illness, or personal reasons beyond our control
- Meals in Kathmandu not specified in the itinerary
- Optional side trips (Manaslu Base Camp, Tsum Valley) unless added to the package
Required Permits
Manaslu is a restricted trekking region, so travel with a licensed guide through a registered agency is mandatory. Three permits are required, all arranged by us on your behalf:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – covers the controlled section between Jagat and Dharapani; rates vary by season (higher in autumn, lower in other months) and are charged per week
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) – required to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – required as the trail exits into the Annapurna Conservation Area beyond Larkya La Pass
A TIMS card is not required for this route, as the RAP replaces it. We handle all permit paperwork — you simply need to send us a scanned copy of your passport and passport-sized photos in advance.
Additional Info
- This itinerary can be customized – extended with the Tsum Valley, Manaslu Base Camp side trip, or compressed for experienced high-altitude trekkers. Extra acclimatization days can be added for safety.
- Prices may vary slightly by season (autumn permit fees are higher) and can be customized with the Tsum Valley extension, Manaslu Base Camp side trip, private vehicle upgrades, or additional comfort options. Contact us for a tailored quote based on your travel dates and group size.
- Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), passport-size photos, travel insurance details, Nepal visa
- Clothing: Layered system – thermal base layers, fleece or down jacket, waterproof outer shell, trekking pants, warm hat, gloves, sun hat
- Footwear: Broken-in, waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes, wool trekking socks
- Gear: Sleeping bag (rated to -15°C or lower), trekking poles, headlamp with spare batteries, day pack (30-40 L), water bottles or purification tablets/filter, UV-protection sunglasses
- Health: Personal first-aid kit, personal medications, altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor), high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer
- Fitness Preparation: Prior trekking or hiking experience recommended. We suggest 46 weeks of cardio and stamina training before departure, given the high-altitude pass crossing.
Starting From
US$ 1,650 /person
Plan your adventure with a local expert
Tell us your dates, pace, and preferences—we’ll tailor it for you.
Chat with Lakpa on Whatsapp MEET YOUR GUIDE
Lakpa Sherpa
Lakpa Tharke Sherpa is a professional trekking and climbing guide from Taplejung, a remote Himalayan region near Mt. Kanchenjunga. Growing up in the mountains gave him a deep connection to nature, culture, and high-altitude life.
Why Us?
Guided by Experience,
Rooted in Tradition.
Rooted in Tradition.
“The mountains are not just our workplace, they are our home, our teacher, and our inspiration.”
— Lakpa Tharke Sherpa, Founder & Lead Guide
