The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and culturally rich Himalayan journeys, circling the majestic Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth highest mountain. This 17-day adventure takes you deep into the remote north mid-west Himalaya, offering dramatic landscapes, authentic Tibetan-influenced culture, and the thrilling crossing of the high Larke La Pass (5,160m).
Compared to the busier Everest and Annapurna regions, the Manaslu route remains wonderfully unspoiled. The trek passes through lush subtropical valleys, dense forests of rhododendron and pine, high alpine meadows, and glacial terrain near the Tibetan border. Along the way, you will encounter traditional mountain communities whose lifestyle and culture have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
With Nepal Tour Holiday Adventure, the Manaslu Circuit becomes a safe, well-organized, and deeply rewarding Himalayan experience supported by professional guides and carefully planned acclimatization.
Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit is ideal for trekkers seeking wilderness, culture, and high mountain adventure without heavy crowds. Opened to foreign trekkers only in the early 1990s, the region still retains a raw and authentic Himalayan character.
Key reasons trekkers love Manaslu:
Remote and less crowded trekking route
Diverse landscapes from subtropical to alpine
Rich Tibetan Buddhist culture
Dramatic high mountain scenery
Challenging but achievable high pass crossing
Combination of Manaslu and Annapurna regions
Trip Facts
Trip Duration: 17 Days
Trek Duration: 14 Days walking
Maximum Elevation: 5,160 m (Larke La Pass)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Adventurous
Group Size: 2–14 people
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu & teahouses during trek
Best Seasons: Spring and Autumn
Region: Gorkha & Manang districts, Nepal
Trek Highlights
Spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m)
Cross the challenging Larke La Pass (5,160m)
Explore remote Manaslu Conservation Area
Experience authentic Nubri and Tsum cultural influences
Visit ancient monasteries, mani walls, and chortens
Walk through rhododendron, bamboo, and pine forests
Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and Himlung
Less crowded alternative to Everest and Annapurna treks
Trek Difficulty & Fitness
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is rated moderate to challenging.
You should be prepared for:
5–8 hours walking per day
High altitude up to 5,160m
Remote trail conditions
Long ascent and descent days
Previous trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory with good fitness and preparation.
Best Time to Trek Manaslu
Spring (March–May)
Blooming rhododendrons
Stable weather
Excellent visibility
Autumn (September–November)
Crystal-clear mountain views
Dry trails
Most popular season
Winter brings heavy snow at Larke La, and monsoon causes landslides and poor visibility.
Permits Required
The Manaslu region is a restricted area. Trekkers need:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Note: A licensed guide is mandatory.
Why Trek with Nepal Tour Holiday Adventure?
Highly experienced licensed guides
Proper acclimatization schedule
Strong safety and rescue support
Transparent and competitive pricing
Personalized service and flexible departures
Excellent client satisfaction record
Book Your Manaslu Circuit Trek
Ready to explore one of Nepal’s most spectacular remote treks? Contact Nepal Tour Holiday Adventure today to customize your Manaslu Circuit Trek and experience the untouched Himalayas.
{ Kathmandu - Soti Khola - Machha Khola - Jagat - Deng - Namrung - Lho Gaon - Sama Gaon - Samdo - Larkya La Phedi - Larkya La Pass - Bimthank - Dharapani - Jagat - Kathmandu }
Detailed Itinerary
Day-1Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you will receive a detailed trek briefing covering route, safety, and preparation. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Hotel
Day-2Kathmandu Free Day & Trek Preparation
This day is reserved for rest, gear checking, and permit processing. You may also join an optional guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Patan Durbar Square. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Hotel
Day-3Drive to Soti Khola (700m) via Arughat – 6–8 hrs
Your adventure begins with a long but scenic drive west from Kathmandu toward the historic Gorkha region. Following the Budhi Gandaki River, you reach the small riverside settlement of Soti Khola. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 700m
6–8 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-4Trek to Machha Khola (869m) – 5 hrs
The trek officially begins. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through forests, terraced fields, and small Gurung villages. Expect warm temperatures at this lower elevation. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 869m
5 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-5Trek to Jagat (1,340m) – 6 hrs
Today you pass Tatopani hot springs and enter the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat. The trail includes several suspension bridges and narrow gorge sections. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 1,340m
6 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-6Trek to Deng (1,860m) – 6 hrs
The valley becomes narrower and more dramatic. You pass through bamboo forests and small settlements like Philim before reaching Deng, where Tibetan cultural influence begins to appear. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 1,860mm
6 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-7Trek to Namrung (2,630m) – 5 hrs
Climb steadily into cooler highland terrain. Mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags become common. From Namrung, enjoy your first impressive views of Manaslu’s north face. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 2,630m
5 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-8Trek to Lho Gaon (3,180m) – 5 hrs
The trail opens into the upper Nubri Valley. Walk past yak pastures and traditional villages. Lho offers magnificent views of Manaslu and a beautiful monastery worth visiting. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 3,180m
5 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-8Trek to Lho Gaon (3,180m) – 5 hrs
The trail opens into the upper Nubri Valley. Walk past yak pastures and traditional villages. Lho offers magnificent views of Manaslu and a beautiful monastery worth visiting. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 3,180m
5 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-9Trek to Sama Gaon (3,520m) – 5 hrs
A gradual climb brings you to Sama Gaon, the largest settlement in the upper valley. The village sits beneath the towering Manaslu massif and offers stunning scenery. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 3,520m
5 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-10Acclimatization Day in Sama Gaon
Proper acclimatization is crucial. Optional hikes include:
Manaslu Base Camp
Birendra Lake
Pungyen Gompa
This day greatly improves safety for the upcoming high-altitude crossing. Overnight at lodge.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-11Trek to Samdo (3,875m) – 5 hrs
A relatively short but important day. The landscape becomes more barren and Tibetan in character. Samdo is the last permanent village before the pass. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 3,875m
5 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-12Trek to Dharamsala / Larke Phedi (4,460m) – 4 hrs
Climb gradually toward the base of Larke La. The terrain is rugged and alpine. Rest well in preparation for the most demanding day. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 4,460m
4 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-13Cross Larke La Pass (5,160m) & Trek to Bimthang (3,590m) – 8 hrs
The highlight of the trek. Start before dawn to cross the dramatic Larke La Pass. From the top, enjoy breathtaking Himalayan panoramas including Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After the pass, descend carefully to the beautiful valley of Bimthang. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 5,160m
8 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-14Trek to Gho (2,760m) – 5 hrs
Descend through alpine meadows and dense rhododendron forests. The landscape becomes greener as you enter the Annapurna region. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 2,760m
5 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-15Trek to Dharapani (1,963m) – 5 hrs
Join the Annapurna Circuit trail and reach the large village of Dharapani. Celebrate the completion of your Manaslu circuit trek. Overnight at lodge.
Max Altitude : 1,963m
5 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-16Drive back to Kathmandu – 6–8 hrs
A scenic drive returns you to Kathmandu. Enjoy a relaxing evening and optional farewell dinner. Overnight at hotel.
6–7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-17Final Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your onward journey. Your unforgettable Manaslu adventure concludes.
What's Included
Kathmandu ⇄ Soti Khola / Dharapani transportation by bus
Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
Lower Manaslu Permit
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Teahouse/lodge accommodation during trek
Trek completion certificate
All government and local taxes
What's Excluded
International airfare and Nepal visa
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal expenses
Meals in Kathmandu
Drinks, hot shower, charging fees
Kathmandu hotel and airport transfers (available on request)
Personal porter (available on request)
Tips for staff
Talk to a trekking expert
Plan Smarter. Trek with Confidence.
Overwhelmed by online advice? Skip the guesswork and speak directly with experts who’ve done it. Our guides have led 100+ successful trips.
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 17 Days giving you honest, experience-based answers you can trust.
I came home raving about Manaslu to everyone. The diversity of landscape across 17 days is remarkable. One morning you are in a deep gorge, the next you are crossing a glacier. Nepal trekking at its most varied.
FD
François Dupont
4.8
Restricted Area Adds Real Character
The Manaslu restricted area permit means fewer trekkers and a more authentic experience in the villages. The circuit is superb — demanding on the Larkya La crossing day but very manageable with the right preparation.
AY
Akira Yamamoto
Verified
5.0
Larkya La Pass at Sunrise
We crossed Larkya La at dawn with fresh snow and Manaslu turning pink above us. I have done Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp — Manaslu felt wilder, more raw, and equally beautiful.
SB
Stefan Bauer
Verified
5.0
Manaslu Nepal's Best Kept Secret
Seventeen days around Manaslu and over Larkya La Pass at 5,160m was the most diverse trekking experience in Nepal. Snow-covered passes, subtropical forests, Buddhist monasteries, and the eighth highest peak towering above it all.
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Group discounts available
17 Days•1-20 People
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