Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a spectacular, less-crowded Himalayan route that circles Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), weaving through remote villages, forests, and high-altitude terrain before crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m).
Price
US$1,585 per person
Total time
15 days. Email us for a detailed itinerary.
Daily trekking
Typically 5 to 7 hours, depending on the day
Meetup
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Nepal
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 60 days before start (see details)
Season
March to May, and September to November
Things to know before you book
- Restricted area trek. Special permits and a licensed trekking guide are mandatory.
- Best time: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
- Duration: 15 days, depending on acclimatization and itinerary.
- Maximum altitude: Larkya La Pass (5,160 m). Good fitness is essential.
- Permits needed: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), MCAP, and ACAP.
- Accommodation: basic teahouses with limited facilities in remote villages.
- Weather is unpredictable. Delays and route adjustments are possible.
- Less crowded than Annapurna or Everest regions.
- Culture: Tibetan-influenced villages, monasteries, and Buddhist traditions.
- Safety: acclimatization and guide support reduce altitude risks.
Location
Meetup point
- Meet at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal, unless you receive alternate instructions after booking.
- After meetup, the team will coordinate the next steps for the trek, including briefing and onward transfers.
Additional Information
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most spectacular and less-explored trekking routes, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and high mountain adventure. The trail circles Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) and travels through remote villages, forests, terraced farmlands, and high-altitude landscapes.
Trekking through the Manaslu Conservation Area, you may see rhododendron forests, Himalayan blue sheep, and other wildlife, along with Tibetan-influenced communities, monasteries, and prayer flags across the valley.
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The trek's biggest challenge is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m), which offers sweeping views of Manaslu, Annapurna, and surrounding Himalayan peaks. The landscape changes dramatically with altitude, from river valleys and forests to glacial terrain and alpine ridgelines.
This trek is moderately strenuous and is ideal for trekkers who want a quieter alternative to the busiest Nepal routes. Good fitness and acclimatization are important, and guided support is required in the restricted area.
Short itinerary (15 days): Arrival, Kathmandu City Tour, drive to Machha Khola, trek via Jagat, Deng, Ghap, Lho, Samagaon (acclimatization and hike to Manaslu Base Camp), Samdo, Dharmashala, Larkya La Pass to Bhimtang, Tilche, drive back to Kathmandu, departure.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Nepal tourist visa
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- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Minimum two trekkers required for the restricted area
- Licensed trekking guide (mandatory)
- Trek organized through a registered trekking agency
- Good physical fitness and prior trekking experience recommended
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
- Proper trekking gear and clothing for varying mountain weather
- Operated by Local licensed trekking guides
- Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation for a full refund if you cancel 60 days or more before the trek start date. If you cancel 30 to 59 days before the start date, you receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 29 days of the start date are nonrefundable. If the operator cancels the trek due to safety, operational, or regulatory reasons, you can choose a full refund or reschedule (subject to availability). Some third-party costs like permits or flights may be nonrefundable if already issued.
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- Permits and guide requirement The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area trek. A licensed guide is mandatory, and permits typically include RAP, MCAP, and ACAP. A minimum of two trekkers is required for the restricted section.
- Altitude, acclimatization, and safety The trek reaches Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m. Proper acclimatization and travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation are strongly recommended.
- Accommodation, meals, and connectivity Expect basic teahouses with limited facilities in remote villages. Mountain weather can cause delays. Mobile coverage is limited beyond larger settlements.