About This Experience
Popular Choice
Overview
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)
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.
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
Detailed Itinerary
{ Kathmandu - Soti Khola - Machha Khola - Jagat - Deng - Namrung - Lho Gaon - Sama Gaon - Samdo - Larkya La Phedi - Larkya La Pass - Bimthank - Dharapani - Jagat - Kathmandu }
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Descend through alpine meadows and dense rhododendron forests. The landscape becomes greener as you enter the Annapurna region. Overnight at lodge.
Join the Annapurna Circuit trail and reach the large village of Dharapani. Celebrate the completion of your Manaslu circuit trek. Overnight at lodge.
A scenic drive returns you to Kathmandu. Enjoy a relaxing evening and optional farewell dinner. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your onward journey. Your unforgettable Manaslu adventure concludes.
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.
Certified guides
Avg. response time: 5–10 minutes
