Manaslu trek in Nepal showing Mount Manaslu and remote Himalayan trail
The Manaslu trek in Nepal is widely considered the ultimate connoisseur’s choice for Himalayan adventure. While the Everest and Annapurna regions draw the massive crowds that characterize peak mountain tourism, the Manaslu region offers a raw and unfiltered encounter with the eighth-highest peak in the world ($8,163m$). In 2026, this “Circuit” has evolved into the gold standard for sustainable and low-impact trekking, balancing a strict mandatory guide policy with some of the most authentic Tibetan-influenced culture remaining on earth today.
Whether you are navigating the narrow and dramatic gorges of the Budhi Gandaki river or standing atop the frozen and wind-whipped crest of the Larkya La Pass ($5,106m$), the Manaslu trek in Nepal is a journey of constant transition. You will move from the humid subtropical heat of the lowlands to the arctic silence of the high alpine, and from the loud modern distractions of the city to the ancient and quiet Buddhist wisdom of the mountain monasteries.
Discover the Hidden Sanctuary: The Sacred Tsum Valley Extension
Manaslu trek in Nepal with sacred Tsum Valley monasteries
If you have the time and the spirit for an even deeper adventure, you must consider extending your journey into the Tsum Valley. Known as the “Hidden Valley of Happiness,” this area is a Beyul—a sacred land designated by Guru Rinpoche to be a refuge for the faithful. In 2026, the Tsum Valley remains one of the most culturally intact regions in the world. The local Tsumba people strictly adhere to the Shyagya tradition, a non-killing policy that prohibits the slaughter of animals and ensures a peaceful coexistence with nature.
Adding this extension to your Manaslu trek in Nepal allows you to visit the Mu Gompa and the Piren Phu (Milarepa’s Cave), where the legendary saint meditated centuries ago. It is a place where time seems to have slowed to a crawl, and the thin mountain air is filled with the scent of juniper and the sound of distant temple bells. For many, this is the spiritual heart of the entire expedition, providing a layer of meaning that goes far beyond a simple physical hike.
Why Manaslu is the “New Annapurna” in 2026
For years, the Annapurna Circuit was the king of Nepal’s trekking scene. However, with the expansion of motorable roads in the Annapurna region, many veteran trekkers have turned to the Manaslu trek in Nepal as the new frontier. It offers the same geographic diversity—ranging from $900m$ to over $5,000m$—but without the dust and noise of jeeps on the main trail.
The region is also a biodiversity hotspot. While trekking, you may encounter the elusive snow leopard, the blue sheep (Bharal), and the Himalayan Tahr. The forests are a mix of oak, pine, and blooming rhododendron, which transform the mountainsides into a vibrant tapestry of color during the spring months. In 2026, the focus remains on conservation, ensuring that your footsteps contribute to the protection of this fragile ecosystem.
Permit Requirements and Regulations for 2026
The Manaslu trek in Nepal is located within a restricted area near the border of Tibet, which means the logistics are more complex than the Everest region. You cannot simply show up and start walking.
1. The Mandatory Guide Rule
As of 2026, the government of Nepal has doubled down on its mandatory guide policy. Every foreign trekker must be accompanied by a government-licensed guide. This is not only for your safety in the event of altitude sickness but also to ensure you stay on the permitted trails and respect local customs.
2. The Minimum Group Size
To obtain the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), you must be a part of a group of at least two trekkers. If you are traveling solo, a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu can help you find a partner or arrange the necessary paperwork through a “dummy” permit system, though the guide requirement remains absolute.
3. 2026 Permit Costs
| Permit Type | Autumn (Sept–Nov) | Other Months (Dec–Aug) |
| Manaslu RAP (1st 7 Days) | $100 USD | $75 USD |
| Additional Days | $15 USD / day | $10 USD / day |
| MCAP Permit | $30 USD | $30 USD |
| ACAP Permit | $30 USD | $30 USD |
Note: For official government updates, you can always check the Nepal Department of Immigration website.
The 14-Day Manaslu Circuit Itinerary
This itinerary is designed for 2026 to maximize safety and provide the best views. It balances long walking days with essential rest periods.
Phase 1: The River and the Rain Forest
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola ($930m$). The first three days involve trekking through the narrow, steep-walled gorge of the Budhi Gandaki. This is the easiest trek in Nepal portion of the journey in terms of altitude, but it is physically demanding due to the constant “Nepali flat” (endless ups and downs).
Phase 2: The Transition to High Alpine
Once you reach Namrung ($2,630m$), the scenery changes. You are now in the Nubri region, where the culture is purely Tibetan. You will stay in villages like Lho, which offers a spectacular view of Manaslu’s twin peaks, often glowing gold at sunset. Acclimatization is key here; you will spend two nights in Sama Gaun ($3,530m$) to prepare your body for the thin air ahead.
Phase 3: The Larkya La Pass
Manaslu trek in Nepal crossing Larkya La Pass
The day you cross the Larkya La Pass ($5,106m$) is the longest and most challenging. You will start at $3:00$ AM under a canopy of stars, slowly climbing the frozen moraine. Reaching the top is an emotional experience, with the massive peaks of Cheo Himal and Annapurna II standing as your silent witnesses.
Comprehensive FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Is the Manaslu trek in Nepal harder than Everest Base Camp?
Yes, generally. While EBC is famous, the Manaslu Circuit is more rugged and involves a longer descent after the high pass. You will need a higher level of physical conditioning and a willingness to embrace simpler accommodation.
What is the accommodation like in 2026?
The “teahouse” culture has improved. Most lodges now offer twin-sharing rooms with foam mattresses. However, in higher villages like Dharmasala, facilities are very basic, and you may find yourself in a stone hut sharing a common space. It is all part of the authentic experience.
Can I get Wi-Fi and electricity on the trail?
Most teahouses have solar power, but charging your phone or camera will usually cost between $2$ and $5$ USD. Wi-Fi is available in many spots via Everest Link or local satellite providers, but it is notoriously slow. We recommend bringing a high-capacity power bank and a local SIM card (Ncell or NTC), though coverage is spotty.
What should I pack for the 5,000m pass?
Layers are essential. Even in the best time to trek in Nepal, temperatures at the pass can drop to $-15°C$ with wind chill. You need a high-quality down jacket, thermal base layers, waterproof outer shells, and sturdy, broken-in trekking boots.
Is it safe for solo female trekkers?
Since a guide is mandatory, you will never be truly “solo.” Nepal is generally very safe for women, and the guides in the Manaslu region are known for their professionalism and hospitality.
To help you create a truly comprehensive guide, I’ve expanded the FAQ section significantly. These questions address the specific concerns of 2026 trekkers, from high-altitude health to the nitty-gritty of daily life on the trail.
Comprehensive FAQs: Everything You Need to Know for 2026
Is the Manaslu trek in Nepal harder than Everest Base Camp?
Yes, objectively speaking. While Everest is higher in total elevation, the Manaslu trek in Nepal is more rugged and involves much longer, steeper descents. The crossing of the Larkya La Pass requires a 3:00 AM start and nearly 10 hours of walking on varied terrain, including icy moraines. Unlike Everest, which has luxury lodges and even bakeries at 5,000m, Manaslu remains a “teahouse” trek with very basic amenities, requiring higher mental and physical resilience.
How do I manage the mandatory guide and group requirements?
In 2026, the government remains firm: you must have a licensed guide and a group of at least two trekkers. If you are a solo traveler, your trekking agency in Kathmandu will “match” you with another trekker to secure the permit. You don’t necessarily have to walk with them, but your paperwork must list at least two people. For the most reliable updates on these restricted area rules, visit the Nepal Department of Immigration.
What is the “Dal Bhat Power” and what else can I eat?
Dal Bhat (lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curry) is the lifeblood of the Himalayas. It is often “bottomless,” meaning you get free refills of rice and lentils—essential for the 4,000+ calorie days you will face. However, in 2026, many lodges have expanded their menus. You can find “trekking pizza” (flatbread with local cheese), Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), and even ginger-lemon-honey tea, which is great for soothing throats in the dry mountain air.
How does altitude sickness (AMS) affect trekkers on this route?
Altitude sickness is the biggest risk on the Manaslu trek in Nepal because you ascend from 900m to 5,106m relatively quickly. Symptoms include persistent headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite. To prevent this, our 14-day itinerary includes a mandatory acclimatization day in Sama Gaun. Many trekkers use Diamox as a preventive measure; however, always consult your doctor and your guide. If symptoms worsen, the only cure is an immediate descent.
What are the specific permit costs for the 2026 season?
Permit pricing is seasonal to manage trail traffic. During the peak autumn window (September to November), the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) costs $100 USD for the first week and $15 USD for each additional day. In spring and winter, it drops to $75 USD for the first week. You will also need the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permits, which are roughly $30 USD each.
Is there phone signal or Wi-Fi on the Manaslu Circuit?
Connectivity is a luxury here. While Ncell and NTC (local SIMs) work in the lower valleys, they disappear as you approach the Tibetan border. Most teahouses now offer “Everest Link” or satellite Wi-Fi for a fee of $3 to $5 USD per day. However, it is slow and often fails during cloudy weather. We recommend a high-capacity power bank, as charging your devices can also cost $2 to $4 USD per session.
What should I pack for the 5,000m Larkya La Pass?
Temperatures at the pass can plummet to $-15°C$ even during the best time to trek in Nepal. Essential gear includes a four-season down jacket, thermal base layers (merino wool is best), waterproof gloves, and high-quality trekking poles to save your knees on the 1,500m descent to Bimthang.
Can I do the Manaslu trek in the winter or monsoon?
It is possible but highly discouraged for most. In the monsoon (June–August), the trail is plagued by leeches, slippery rocks, and landslides. In the winter (December–February), the Larkya La Pass is often blocked by several feet of snow, and many teahouses above 3,500m close down for the season.
The Manaslu trek in Nepal is an investment in your own resilience. It is a journey that strips away the ego and replaces it with a profound respect for the scale of the natural world. In 2026, as the world moves faster than ever, the slow, rhythmic pace of the Manaslu trail is the ultimate antidote to the chaos of modern life.
As you descend from the high passes and make your way back to the capital, the transition can be jarring. However, there is a perfect way to celebrate your achievement. Immersing yourself in the jazz festivals and live music in Kathmandu allows you to ground yourself and reflect on the journey. The soulful sounds of the city’s music scene are the perfect companion to the memories of the mountains.