The Manaslu Circuit is what the Annapurna Circuit used to be before roads and crowds changed it. A restricted-area permit system caps visitor numbers, which means you get genuine Himalayan wilderness, traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, and a 5,106m pass crossing beneath the world’s eighth-highest mountain without the tea house queues that now define Nepal’s more famous routes.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a Manaslu Circuit trek: cost, itinerary, permits, difficulty, and the best time to go.
Quick Reference: Manaslu Circuit Trek at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Maximum elevation | 5,106m (Larkya La pass) |
| Trek duration | 13–18 days |
| Total distance | ~177 km (full circuit) |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Best months | March–May, September–November |
| Required permits | RAP (Restricted Area Permit) + MCAP + ACAP |
| Guide required | Yes mandatory, minimum group size of 2 |
| Starting point | Soti Khola or Machha Khola (drive from Kathmandu) |
| Ending point | Besisahar (Annapurna region) or Dharapani |
| Accommodation | Tea houses throughout |
What Makes the Manaslu Circuit Different
The Manaslu Circuit circles Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak, through the Gorkha and Manang districts of west-central Nepal. Unlike Annapurna or Everest, this is a restricted area foreign trekkers cannot enter without a licensed guide and a minimum group of two, and numbers are capped by the permit system itself. The practical effect is a route with a fraction of the foot traffic of comparable treks, despite genuinely comparable scenery and a harder, more technical pass crossing than either ABC or the standard EBC route.
The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River gorge through lower, subtropical terrain before climbing into high alpine country, passing through villages with strong Tibetan Buddhist cultural influence particularly around Samagaon and Samdo, near the Tibet border. The trek culminates at the Larkya La pass (5,106m), a genuinely demanding high-altitude crossing that rewards trekkers with sweeping views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and the Annapurna range beyond.
Most itineraries end by continuing into the Annapurna region toward Besisahar or Dharapani meaning the Manaslu Circuit can also be combined with a shortened Annapurna Circuit experience for trekkers wanting both regions in a single trip.
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Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Right for You?
Difficulty: Challenging
This is meaningfully harder than the Annapurna Base Camp trek and broadly comparable to arguably more demanding than the standard Everest Base Camp trek, primarily because of the Larkya La pass crossing, a long, high-altitude day with significant elevation gain and exposure to weather.
Who this trek suits:
- Trekkers who’ve already completed ABC or EBC and want a genuine step up in difficulty and remoteness
- Anyone wanting authentic, low-crowd Himalayan trekking with established tea house infrastructure (unlike fully-camping routes such as Lapchi Valley)
- Trekkers interested in Tibetan Buddhist culture the upper Manaslu villages have a distinct character from Sherpa or Gurung regions
- Photographers and trekkers seeking dramatic, less-photographed mountain scenery
Who should consider alternatives:
- First-time Himalayan trekkers start with ABC or a shorter route first
- Trekkers with fewer than 12 days available
- Anyone uncomfortable with sustained high-altitude exposure on a single demanding pass day
Permits Required for the Manaslu Circuit (2026)
The Manaslu Circuit requires three separate permits, more than any other major Nepal trek covered on this site, reflecting its restricted-area status.
1. Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Required because the route passes through a restricted border-proximity region. Must be arranged through a registered trekking agency independent application is not possible. Requires a minimum group size of two trekkers and a licensed guide. Cost varies by season, generally higher during peak autumn months (September–November) than spring or off-season.
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Covers the Manaslu Conservation Area itself, established to protect the region’s biodiversity and traditional communities.
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Required for the final section of the standard itinerary, since most routes exit through the Annapurna Conservation Area toward Besisahar or Dharapani.
What this means practically: As with Lapchi Valley, you cannot self-organize this trek as an independent trekker. Permit costs are typically bundled into your trekking agency’s package price rather than paid separately, and the agency handles all three applications as part of booking.
Permit costs and group-size requirements are subject to change confirm current rates with a registered agency before booking, ideally 4–6 weeks ahead of departure.
Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit
Autumn: September–November (Recommended)
The most popular and most reliable season. Post-monsoon skies clear by mid-to-late September, delivering the most consistent mountain visibility of the year. October and November see the highest (relative) trekker numbers on this route still far lower than equivalent autumn crowds on Annapurna or Everest. Temperatures at the Larkya La pass crossing drop sharply by November; proper cold-weather gear is essential regardless of month.
Spring: March–May (Recommended)
The second-strongest season, with rhododendron forests blooming through the lower Budhi Gandaki gorge sections in March and April. Pre-monsoon haze builds through May, somewhat reducing distant visibility compared to autumn, but the lower-route scenery is at its most vivid.
Monsoon: June–August (Avoid)
Heavy rainfall significantly increases landslide risk along the Budhi Gandaki gorge, which the route follows for several days at lower elevations. Not recommended.
Winter: December–February (Possible With Caution)
The Larkya La pass frequently sees heavy snow accumulation in winter, and some operators reduce or suspend Manaslu departures during the coldest months due to pass safety concerns. Only consider winter trekking with an experienced agency confirming current pass conditions.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary (14 Days)
This reflects the standard itinerary used by most agencies running this route.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola
A long drive (7–8 hours) from Kathmandu, following increasingly rural roads into the Gorkha district to the trailhead.
Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m)
Trail begins following the Budhi Gandaki River, through lower subtropical forest and small villages.
Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
Continuing upriver, crossing several suspension bridges, with the gorge beginning to narrow and the terrain growing more dramatic.
Day 4: Jagat to Deng (1,860m)
The trail enters the formal Manaslu Conservation Area here permit checkpoints become more frequent from this point.
Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
A noticeable shift in cultural character begins here, with increasing Tibetan Buddhist influence visible in village architecture and prayer walls.
Day 6: Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m)
A significant elevation gain day, arriving at Samagaon one of the largest and most culturally distinct villages on the route, with close views of Manaslu’s south face.
Day 7: Samagaon Acclimatization Day
A rest and acclimatization day, typically used for a side excursion to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa for additional altitude exposure before continuing higher.
Day 8: Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m)
A shorter day, climbing to Samdo, the last substantial village before the high pass, with strong Tibetan cultural character and proximity to the Tibet border.
Day 9: Samdo Acclimatization Day
A second acclimatization day, often including a side hike toward the Tibet border viewpoint for further altitude adjustment ahead of the pass crossing.
Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4,460m)
A shorter, lower-effort day deliberately positioned before the demanding pass crossing rest and preparation at the base camp-style settlement below Larkya La.
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Day 11: Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
The defining day of the trek. An early start (often before dawn) to cross the Larkya La pass, the highest and most technically demanding point of the route, followed by a long descent into Bimthang (3,720m) on the Annapurna-region side of the pass.
- Walking time: 8–9 hours
- This is a long, weather-dependent day agencies build in buffer for delayed crossings
Day 12: Bimthang to Dharapani (1,963m)
Descending rapidly through forest, the trail and landscape begin resembling the Annapurna region as you exit the restricted Manaslu area.
Day 13: Dharapani to Besisahar, drive to Kathmandu
A combination of trekking and road transport, exiting via the standard Annapurna Circuit trailhead road back to Kathmandu.
Day 14: Kathmandu Buffer/Departure Day
Built-in buffer day for weather delays earlier in the itinerary, or simply a rest day before departure.
Some operators extend this to 16–18 days with additional acclimatization or slower pacing, particularly for trekkers prioritizing comfort over schedule efficiency.
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Full Cost Breakdown: Manaslu Circuit Trek (2026)
Guided Package (Standard)
| Package Type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Budget agency package (shared group, basic tea houses) | $1,200–$1,600 |
| Standard agency package (private guide, porter) | $1,600–$2,200 |
| Premium package (smaller group, better tea houses, extra acclimatization) | $2,200–$3,000+ |
What’s typically included: All three permits (RAP, MCAP, ACAP), licensed guide, porter, tea house accommodation, meals during the trek, and ground transport to/from the trailhead.
What’s typically excluded: International flights, Kathmandu accommodation before/after the trek, travel insurance, personal gear, tips, and bottled water/snacks along the route.
Because Manaslu requires a minimum group size of two and bundled restricted-area permits, independent budget breakdowns (like the ABC trek’s tea-house-by-tea-house estimate) are less meaningful here pricing should come directly from a registered trekking agency.
What to Pack for the Manaslu Circuit
Largely similar to ABC or EBC packing needs, with a few Manaslu-specific additions given the higher pass crossing and more variable conditions at Larkya La.
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Clothing and layers
- Full layering system: base layers, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell
- Heavy down jacket temperatures at Dharamsala and the pass crossing are colder than equivalent points on ABC
- Warm hat, gloves (consider a liner + outer glove system for the pass day), buff
Footwear and gear
- Waterproof, broken-in trekking boots
- Trekking poles particularly valuable on the long Larkya La descent into Bimthang
- Headlamp with spare batteries (early starts before the pass crossing)
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C
- Microspikes worth carrying for the pass crossing, particularly in shoulder-season or winter conditions
Health and altitude
- Diamox (consult your doctor before departure)
- Personal first aid kit
- Water purification (tablets or filter)
Travel insurance
Given the altitude (5,106m) and remoteness of the Larkya La crossing, insurance with explicit high-altitude helicopter evacuation coverage matters more here than on most standard treks. See our complete guide to travel insurance for Nepal trekking.
Manaslu Circuit vs. Annapurna Circuit: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Manaslu Circuit | Annapurna Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Max altitude | 5,106m (Larkya La) | 5,416m (Thorong La) |
| Crowds | Low restricted area | Higher, though reduced from pre-road era |
| Permits | RAP + MCAP + ACAP (complex) | ACAP only |
| Guide required | Yes, mandatory | Recommended, not always mandatory |
| Road access | Minimal mostly trail | Significant road encroachment on lower sections |
| Cultural character | Strong Tibetan Buddhist influence (upper route) | Mixed Gurung, Manangi, Thakali |
| Best for | Trekkers wanting authentic, low-crowd wilderness | Trekkers wanting a well-established, slightly more flexible route |
The Manaslu Circuit is the better choice if low crowds and a genuinely wild route matter more to you than logistical flexibility. The Annapurna Circuit remains a strong choice if you want more day-to-day scheduling freedom and a marginally less complex permit process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit trek?
Challenging meaningfully harder than Annapurna Base Camp and comparable to or slightly more demanding than Everest Base Camp, primarily due to the Larkya La pass crossing at 5,106m. Good cardiovascular fitness and prior trekking experience are strongly recommended.
How many days does the Manaslu Circuit trek take?
The standard itinerary is 14 days including Kathmandu transit. Some operators extend this to 16–18 days for additional acclimatization or a more relaxed pace.
What permits do I need for the Manaslu Circuit?
Three permits: a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the final section of the route. All are arranged through a registered trekking agency.
Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit without a guide?
No. The Restricted Area Permit requires a licensed guide and a minimum group size of two. Independent or solo trekking is not permitted on this route.
How much does the Manaslu Circuit trek cost?
Guided packages typically range from $1,200 for a budget shared-group option to $2,200+ for a private guide and porter setup, generally including all three permits, accommodation, and meals during the trek.
What is the best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit?
September to November for the most stable weather and clearest views, or March to May for rhododendron forests and milder lower-route conditions. Avoid the June–August monsoon due to landslide risk in the Budhi Gandaki gorge.
How does the Manaslu Circuit compare to the Annapurna Circuit?
Manaslu offers significantly fewer crowds and a more remote, culturally distinct experience, at the cost of a more complex permit process and mandatory guide requirement. The Annapurna Circuit offers more logistical flexibility but has seen more road development in recent years.
Is the Larkya La pass dangerous?
It’s a genuinely demanding high-altitude crossing at 5,106m, requiring proper acclimatization and good weather conditions. With an experienced guide, appropriate gear, and the standard two-day acclimatization buildup at Samagaon and Samdo, it’s a manageable though serious undertaking, not a technical climb.
Do I need previous trekking experience for the Manaslu Circuit?
While not strictly required, prior experience with a high-altitude trek like ABC or EBC is strongly recommended given the difficulty and remoteness of this route, particularly the Larkya La pass day.