ADVENTURE

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Experience wild, remote mountain trails and cross the challenging Larkya La Pass.

Manaslu Region, NepalTraveller reviews

Duration15 Days

DifficultyStrenuous

Group size2-14 People

AccommodationTea House

TransportationPrivate Jeep & Bus

Best seasonMar - May, Sep - Nov

Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is consistently hailed by seasoned adventurers as the best all-round trek in Nepal. This epic 15-day journey offers an incredibly balanced blend of rich, ancient cultural heritage, dramatically shifting Himalayan landscapes, and a true, profound sense of wilderness.

Circumnavigating Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth highest mountain in the world, this demanding trek physically takes you from the lush, steamy lower elevations characterized by terraced rice fields and Hindu farming villages, rapidly up into the high, stark, and arid landscapes bordering Tibet. Here, authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient stone monasteries, and fluttering prayer flags absolutely prevail.

Read full trip description

The undeniable climax and major physical challenge of the trek is crossing the formidable, icy Larkya La Pass (5,106m). It is a long, grueling, and physically demanding climb that tests your endurance, but the ultimate reward is simply staggering: breathtaking, uninterrupted 360-degree panoramas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the massive barrier of Annapurna II. Because the entire Manaslu region operates as a restricted area requiring special permits, it sees a tiny fraction of the trekkers found in Everest or Annapurna.

Trip Highlights

A truly remote, authentic, off-the-beaten-path wilderness trekking experience.

Visit ancient, secluded monasteries and fully traditional Tibetan-style villages.

Cost Includes

Permits
Guide
Meals

Cost Excludes

International flights
Insurance

Itinerary

Click on a day to expand details

Day 1

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2

Drive to Machha Khola from Kathmandu via Soti Khola

We embark on a long, bumpy, but incredibly scenic off-road drive into the deep mountains, following the winding Buri Gandaki river valley.

Day 3

Trek to Jagat from Machha Khola

The trail features steep ascents and descents. We cross numerous suspension bridges before arriving at Jagat.

Day 4

Trek to Deng from Jagat

As we continue up the river gorge, the architecture and culture become increasingly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 5

Trek to Namrung from Deng

A tough, steep climb through dense pine and rhododendron forests brings us steadily higher into the mountains.

Day 6

Trek to Lho from Namrung

We trek further into the high Himalayas, reaching Lho village which offers excellent views of Manaslu.

Day 7

Trek to Samagaon from Lho

The high-altitude landscape is breathtakingly stark. We eventually reach the large, bustling village of Samagaon.

Day 8

Acclimatization Day at Samagaon

A critical rest day. You can undertake a challenging hike to the Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake.

Day 9

Trek to Samdo from Samagaon

The trail follows the Buri Gandaki river through harsh, alpine terrain. We climb a steep ridge to reach Samdo.

Day 10

Trek to Dharmashala from Samdo

We hike steadily upwards through barren, rocky terrain to Dharmashala at the foot of the pass.

Day 11

Trek to Bimthang from Dharmasala via Larkya La Pass

We start well before dawn to cross the formidable Larkya La pass (5,106m). Reaching the summit rewards us with spectacular views.

Day 12

Trek to Goa from Bimthang

We descend rapidly through beautiful alpine forests, following the glacial river to the small settlement of Goa.

Day 13

Trek to Dharapani from Goa

We descend further until we join the main Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani.

Day 14

Drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani

Our trekking is done. We take a vehicle down to Besisahar and continue back to Kathmandu.

Day 15

Transfer to International Airport

Your epic Manaslu adventure concludes. Our representative will transfer you to the airport.

Equipment Required

A comprehensive packing list is essential for a successful trek. While we provide a company duffel bag (to be carried by porters), sleeping bag, and down jacket (to be returned after the trek), you need to bring the following essential personal gear:

Clothing

Moisture-wicking base layers (top & bottom)
Fleece jacket or pullover
Waterproof/windproof shell jacket & pants
Trekking trousers & lightweight shorts
Warm thermal gloves & inner gloves

Footwear & Accessories

Sturdy, well broken-in trekking boots
4-5 pairs of warm trekking socks (merino wool)
Polarized UV sunglasses & Sun hat
Headlamp with extra batteries
Trekking poles (highly recommended)

Route Map

Altitude Profile

Track elevation changes across the journey.

Altitude in

Trek Video

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a restricted area permit for Manaslu?

The Manaslu region shares an open border with Tibet, so the Nepal government strictly regulates tourism there.

Traveller Reviews

We publish traveller feedback only after confirming the trip and receiving permission to share it. Ask our team for current independent review links or references for this route.

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