Manaslu Circuit Trek
ChallengingThe Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging and rewarding trek that circumnavigates Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world. This remote trek offers pristine landscapes, authentic Tibetan culture, and fewer crowds compared to more popular routes. The highlight is crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,106m, offering spectacular views of the Manaslu range.
14-16 days
Duration
177 km
Distance
5,106m
Max Altitude
$800-1500
Cost Range
Trek Overview
Essential Information
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
- Duration:
- 14-16 days
- Distance:
- 177 km
- Max Altitude:
- 5,106m
- Min Altitude:
- 700m
- Cost Range:
- $800-1500
- Guides Required:
- Yes
- Solo Friendly:
- No
- Family Friendly:
- No
Best Seasons
March-May
September-November
Required Permits
TIMS Card Permit required for this trek
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit Permit required for this trek
Restricted Area Permit Permit required for this trek
Trek Highlights
Complete circumnavigation of Mount Manaslu (8,163m)
Cross the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
Experience authentic Tibetan culture
Remote and less crowded trekking experience
Stunning views of the Manaslu range
Beautiful Budhi Gandaki Valley
Ancient monasteries and traditional villages
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
700m Route: Kathmandu → Soti Khola
Duration: 8-9 hours drive
Drive to the trek starting point
Day 2
930m Route: Soti Khola → Machha Khola
Duration: 6-7 hours
Trek along the Budhi Gandaki River
Day 3
1,410m Route: Machha Khola → Jagat
Duration: 6-7 hours
Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area
Day 4
1,804m Route: Jagat → Deng
Duration: 6-7 hours
Trek through beautiful valleys
Day 5
2,630m Route: Deng → Namrung
Duration: 6-7 hours
Enter the restricted area
Day 6
3,530m Route: Namrung → Sama Gaon
Duration: 6-7 hours
Reach the main village of the region
Day 7
3,530m Route: Sama Gaon → Sama Gaon
Duration: Acclimatization day
Rest day with optional hikes
Day 8
3,860m Route: Sama Gaon → Samdo
Duration: 4-5 hours
Trek to the last village before the pass
Day 9
4,460m Route: Samdo → Dharamsala
Duration: 4-5 hours
Base camp for Larkya La Pass
Day 10
3,720m Route: Dharamsala → Bimthang
Duration: 8-10 hours
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
Day 11
2,515m Route: Bimthang → Gho
Duration: 5-6 hours
Descend through beautiful forests
Day 12
1,860m Route: Gho → Dharapani
Duration: 5-6 hours
Join the Annapurna Circuit
Day 13
1,300m Route: Dharapani → Jagat
Duration: 6-7 hours
Continue descent
Day 14
1,400m Route: Jagat → Kathmandu
Duration: 8-9 hours drive
Return to Kathmandu
Essential Tips
This trek requires a guide and restricted area permit
Book permits well in advance as they are limited
The Larkya La Pass crossing requires good weather and early start
Carry enough cash as ATMs are not available
Be prepared for significant altitude gain and loss
Respect local customs and dress modestly
Consider hiring a porter for the challenging sections
Packing List
Warm sleeping bag (-10°C rating)
Trekking poles
Waterproof hiking boots
Thermal layers
Down jacket
Sunscreen and sunglasses
First aid kit
Water purification tablets
Emergency Contacts
Nepal Police: 100
Tourism Police: 1144
Manaslu Conservation Area Office: +977-1-470123
Weather Info
Related Treks
Quick Facts
- Fitness Level
- Excellent physical fitness required, previous trekking experience necessary
- Altitude Sickness Risk
- High risk above 3,000m, proper acclimatization essential
- Accommodation
- Tea houses, Lodges, Guesthouses
- Transportation
- Bus to Soti Khola, Bus from Dharapani