The major highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek are as follows:
Manaslu Circuit is the best option for you if you are looking for the trek that is not as busy as the famous Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. During this trek, you will be walking around the Manaslu Mountain which is famous as 8th highest mountains in the world. The most intriguing part is that this trek lies in the restricted trekking region. This reason which gives you an opportunity to witness untouched mountains, lifestyle of Tibetan villages, endure and conquer the difficult mountain passes.
As this region is secluded, you will be passing by very less trekkers in the area, giving you raw and authentic adventure. It is not only peaceful but also tests your ability to cope up in every other steps.
In this guide, you will get the detail information about itinerary of manaslu circuit, tips to successful trek 2025 and 2026. Besides, you will get to know more about acclimatization tips updated permit rules, maps, gear recommendations, and cost breakdowns to help you prepare confidently.
If you are ready to head to Manaslu Circuit, it is better is you look into the detailed map so that you have general idea of how high you will be trekking and for how long. On the way, you will have to walk through Gurung and Tibetan villages, cross nasty suspension bridges and conquer Larkya La Pass covered in snow.
This is the standard manaslu circuit trek map. So, the actual trail conditions may change based on the season, natural season and so on.
This standard itinerary doesn't include the day you arrive to Kathmandu and the day we will depart.
Your trip begins when you set off to Machha Khola from Kathmandu Valley. The drive include bumpy roads as you drive through the rural villages of Nepal. After you arrive at Machha Khola you will check in and stay overnight at Machha Khola.
On the second day after you have your breakfast, you’ll trek alongside the Budi Gandaki River. You will be crossing several suspension bridges and trekking through small settlements like Tatopani where natural hot spring can be found.
After few ascends and descends, you will arrive at Jagat which is the entry to restricted region
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
On the third day, you will mostly ascends as it involves uphills also surrounded by trees. On the way, you will pass by small villages like Salleri and Sirdibas. Before arriving to Deng, a small village that reflects the lifestyle of Tibetan community, you will be crossing a lof of suspension bridges over rivers.
The trek from Deng to Namrung is forested, despite that you will have some glimpse of beautiful mountains like Himalchuli (7,893m), Manaslu North (7,157m), and Naike Peak (6,211m), especially near Namrung.
After you arrive in Ghap, a small village, you will again gradually ascend and reach Namrung village. It is the well positioned viilage, if the weather is clear you will be witness mountain views as well.
Starting from Namrung to Lho, your trek view will be opening up. You will be seeing Mount Manaslu and Ganesh Himal along the way. Before arriving at Lho, you will pass through beautiful villages Sho and Shyala.
Lho is renowned for the large monastery 'Ribung Monastery'/Rebung Gompa. It reflects the vibrant tibetan culture and Buddhism
On this day, you will need to hike relatively shorter than other days. This day, you will come closer to Manaslu, while hiking through alpine meadows and arriving at Samagaun. This village is almost covered and decorated using prayers tibetan flags, prayer wheels, chortens (small monastery like structure). You will be able to see the panaromic views of mountains from this village.
You will be reaching at an altitude of around 3875 meters the next day, you body will need some time to adapt with the increasing altitude, decreasing air pressure, and lower level of oxygen. So, this day, you will rest, hydrate, acclimatize yourself and hike to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp. (optional)
On the eight day, you will start your trek after the breakfast, you will come across yak pastures and rocky trails. The trail is mostly uphill, So, as you climb higher, you will be closer to Nepal Tibet border and finally arrive at Tibetan village 'Samdo'. Despite the village is small, it is important trading village between Tibet and Nepal also, offering beautiful mountain views.
Dharamsala, the starting point for the Larkya La Pass, is sometimes referred to as Larkya Phedi. The majority of today's course is uphill and features barren scenery. Resting well here is crucial for tomorrow's huge climb.
This day will be challenging day as it involves climbing gradually to the Larkya La Pass. So, you will start the trek early in the morning. Although it is the hardest day, you will have thes best vews of Himlung Himal. You will then hike down hill towards Bimthang, Cheo and Annapurna II.
After you successful day of crossing Larkya La Pass, you will hike down towards Tilje enjoying the views of valleys filled with rhododendron. On the way, you will come across a secluded and tranquil village in the lower region.
On this day, you will have easy and short descent, you will come trek across the villages where the Gurung community resides. Finally you will arrive to Dharapani, connecting you to Annapurna Circuit Trail and your trekking comes to an end.
After breakfast, you will start a rough journey in a vehicle along the Marsyangdi River on a dirt road to Besisahar. This settlement serves as the entry point to the Manaslu and Annapurna areas. You will spend overnight at besisahar
Drive duration: 6–7 hours
The Prithvi Highway returns you to Kathmandu on the last day of your journey. Before you head back to the capital, take in your final glimpses of the mid-hills and rivers.
• Drive duration: 7–9 hours
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Excellent visibility, favourable temperatures, and clear skies
Spring (Mar–May):Time of Rhododendron blooming and mild weather
Try to avoid monsoon (Jun–Aug) and peak winter (Dec–Feb)
You don't have to worry about permits and all, as the agency you are going through will do it all for you. You will just have to sent them your required identification document photos.
As the Manaslu Circuit Trek is classified as moderately difficult trek, it demands physical strength as well as strong mindset. Altitude sickness and its symptoms particularly makes the trip difficult as it is above 3000 meters. So, it is best if you start preparing yourself at least 4 weeks prior to the trek.
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Permits | $180–220 |
| Transportation | $80–120 |
| Accommodation | $15–20 per night |
| Food | $25–30 per day |
| Guide/Porter | $350–650 in total |
| Other Miscellanous | $80+ |
| Total (14 days) | $1,250–1,500 |
At Trekking Guide Team Adventure, as a trusted local agency, we offer reasonable and transparent pricing. Also, we provide to the group trekkers depending upon the number of trekkers in the group. It makes your adventure afforadable without mission out anything on quality service.
Answer: No, solo trekking is not allowed as you will go through restricted areas. You must have at least one guide with you (in a group of 2)
Answer: Yes, it is relatively challenging than Annapurna Circuit trek as this region is remote, secluded and has tougher trails, especially around Larkya La Pass.
It is highly recommended that you don't skip acclimatization days. Your body should properly adapt to the altitude, hydrate, not rush while climbing. Carry Diamoz just in case.
