Manaslu Circuit
A demanding circuit around Manaslu with remote valleys, Tibetan-influenced villages and the high Larkya La pass.
A quieter, tougher Himalayan circuit
The Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal's great long treks. It circles the Manaslu region through river valleys, forest, high villages, Buddhist culture and the Larkya La pass.
It feels more remote than the busier Everest and Annapurna routes. That is part of the appeal. It also means the trek needs stronger fitness, better preparation and careful logistics.
Who it suits
Manaslu is best for trekkers who already have multi-day hiking experience and want a more serious route. The pass day can be long and cold, and some lodges are simpler than the popular regions.
If you are a first-time trekker, we may suggest Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang or Everest Base Camp first, depending on your fitness and time.
Planning notes
Manaslu requires special permit handling and should be planned with a registered local operator. Send us your dates and group size, and we'll advise the safest season, itinerary length and support needed.
16 days, step by step.
Every distance, lodge and rest day is adjustable to your pace. This is the starting sketch.
Airport pickup, gear check, restricted-area permit briefing.
OVERNIGHT · KATHMANDULong, scenic drive (8 hrs) west of Kathmandu to the trailhead.
OVERNIGHT · SOTI KHOLASub-tropical forest along the Budhi Gandaki river. Hot, humid, lots of suspension bridges.
OVERNIGHT · MACHHA KHOLACross into the Manaslu Conservation Area. Restricted-area permits checked at the police post.
OVERNIGHT · JAGATThe valley narrows; you climb above the river through bamboo and pine forest.
OVERNIGHT · DENGCultural transition day — Tibetan Buddhist villages now, prayer flags and chortens at every turn.
OVERNIGHT · NAMRUNGFirst proper view of Manaslu (8,163 m) above the village monastery.
OVERNIGHT · LHOThrough old-growth forest into the wide, treeless valley below the mountain itself.
OVERNIGHT · SAMAGAONDay hike to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp viewpoint (4,400 m). Sleep low.
OVERNIGHT · SAMAGAONShort, steady climb to the last permanent village before the pass — Tibetan refugee community.
OVERNIGHT · SAMDOHike up the Tibet border ridge for views into Tibet. Critical second acclimatisation day.
OVERNIGHT · SAMDOShort, slow walk to the bare stone shelter at the foot of the pass. Early dinner; alpine start tomorrow.
OVERNIGHT · DHARMASALAThe big day. 3 a.m. start, 4-hour climb to the pass, then a long, knee-jarring descent to Bimthang.
OVERNIGHT · BIMTHANGDown through pine forest and rhododendron back to thicker air.
OVERNIGHT · TILIJEFinal walking day to Dharapani, then a 4-hour jeep down the Marsyangdi valley to Besisahar.
OVERNIGHT · BESISAHAR6-hour drive back to Kathmandu, evening celebration dinner.
OVERNIGHT · KATHMANDU
Transparent line items, no surprises.
- Private trekking guide for the full trek
- Porter support based on group size and route plan
- Restricted-area permit guidance and required paperwork support
- Manaslu and Annapurna region permit support where required
- Ground transport to and from the trail as agreed in your proposal
- Teahouse accommodation on the trail as agreed
- Meals on the trail as agreed
- Pre-trek briefing, gear advice and route preparation
- Basic first-aid support carried by the guide team
- Arrival and local transfer support as agreed
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
- Meals in Kathmandu unless stated in your proposal
- Personal trekking gear and rentals
- Tips for guides and porters
- Personal drinks, snacks, charging, Wi-Fi and hot showers on the trail
- Extra costs caused by weather, trail conditions or personal itinerary changes
A feel for the route, before you decide.
Use these route images as planning context. Ask us any questions about terrain, lodges, weather or daily walking time.
A walk through Manaslu.
Topographic profile across 16 days. Rest days appear as plateaus; summit days as peaks. Every line is on foot.
Flexible dates — we'll plan around your schedule.
Every Manaslu Circuit trip is arranged 1:1 for your party. Tell us the rough month and group size, and we'll confirm a private departure window that fits your route, pace and travel style.
Walk the Manaslu Circuit with us.
Tell us your dates and we'll draft a custom itinerary within 48 hours — written for your route, pace and travel style. No card needed to start.
