Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days: Itinerary, Cost & Larkya La Pass
- Nepal See on map
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Duration 13 Nights/14 Days
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Difficulty Challenging
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Region MANASLU REGION
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Activity Nepal Trekking
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Max. Altitude 5160m
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Best Season March-May, September- November
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Start/End Point Kathmandu
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Group Size 1-12People
Overview of The Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most widely recognized treks in Nepal. This is one of the premier off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal. The trek offers trekkers a pristine, uncrowded alternative to the crowded and commercialised treks like Annapurna and Everest. We will encircle the majestic Mt. Manaslu, which is the eighth-highest peak in the world at 8163m altitude. This magical 15-day Himalayan adventure will showcase profound ecological transitions and move rapidly from subtropical river valleys to high Himalayan deserts.
The premier physical reward of this journey is the high Larkya La Pass. This is not just a reward for our trek but also a challenge. Reaching Larkya La Pass(5160m) will reward us with the perfect panorama of Himlung, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal, and the iconic Annapurna massif all around our view. The Manaslu Circuit Trek will offer you a deep immersion into distinct local cultures along the trek.
In the lower valleys, we will interact with the welcoming, semi-agrarian Gurung people who are well-known for their hospitality. As the trail ascends towards the Upper Nubri Valley, the landscape will transform into Nubri and Bhotia communities that lead traditional lifestyles that center on yak herding and seasonal farming.
We will walk past the ancient mani walls that spin prayer wheels and grand chortens in the villages. We will witness a deeply rooted Tibetan Buddhism culture and traditions being practiced. The communities strictly follow the ancient practices, which may be new immersion for many trekkers from abroad. Staying in the local teahouses will be an intimate glance at the resilient lifestyle and enduring heritage. Manaslu Circuit Trek is an unforgettable blend of culture and Himalayan adventure,
With Adventure Himalaya Nepal, all your logistical management is done once you book a trek with us. From hiring a government-licensed trekking guide to acquiring the mandatory permits, we will make sure every box is ticked. As your travel partner, we want to assure you that we will provide you with the most efficient and professional services worth every penny. So join us today for one of the most rewarding off-beat treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
What are the Major Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
- We will join a scenic, thrilling, immersive drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola along the riverbed of the Budhi Gandaki River.
- We will trek through the pristine landscape of strictly regulated sections of the Manaslu Restricted Area.
- We will explore the remote Nubri Valley settlements like Namrung and Samagaon, which are filled with mani walls, fluttering prayer flags, and historic monasteries.
- We will gain the views of spectacular, front-row rewards of Mt. Manaslu, especially from the floor of Samagaon.
- The unforgettable hikes to the viewpoints like Pungyen Gompa on the acclimatization day will add more insight to our incredible day.
- We will cross the ultimate high-altitude peak of the trek at 5160m. It will reward us with the high-altitude Pungyen Gompa.
- We will conquer the magnificent Larkya La Pass, which is the ultimate high-altitude peak of the trek, at a magnificent altitude of 5160m.
- The intersection with the Annapurna Circuit route will be immersive as we get to meet many fellow trekkers heading towards the Annapurna Circuit.
- Ending our trek with the immersive Kathmandu Valley hike, along with the spiritual sites and historic monuments.
Why Choose the 15-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best choices for trekkers who seek an authentic and uncrowded Himalayan adventure. We will encircle Mt. Manaslu(8160m) as it bridges the gap between raw wilderness and the rich cultural heritage of the restricted Nubri Valley. We will have a perfect alternative to the busy trails and get the true serenity of the remote trails in unforgettable Nepal Trekking Holidays.
- We will enter one of the restricted regions in Nepal. It will be a true off-the-beaten-path experience for many trekkers.
- The trail morphs into an incredible, lush, and sub-tropical river gorge farmed by the Gurung people, which will be a dramatic Eco-cultural journey.
- We will cross the formidable Larkya La Pass at 5160m. This serves as a physical feat and mental resilience, making it the ultimate high-pass challenge.
- The itinerary boasts the spectacular acclimatization hikes to the glacier-fed Birendra Lake and hidden Pungyen Gompa. These rich side-hikes will provide us with a lot of rewards.
Travelling with Adventure Himalaya Nepal
Adventure Himalaya Nepal Pvt Ltd. will ensure your journey to Nepal is backed by the exceptional service standards and local expertise. We are a premier, government-registered travel partner based in Thamel, and we specialize in conducting safe and trusted services all over Nepal.
Not just trekking, we provide the services of tours, mountain flights, city guides, and many more. We handle all the demanding logistics to make your first-hand experience better and sweeter. With Adventure Himalaya Pvt. Ltd, you can have a great experience visiting Nepal. Because visiting Nepal just for once is not enough.
Major Attractions
Mount Manaslu (8,163m)
Mt. Manaslu is the centerpiece of our Manaslu Circuit Trek. Mt. Manaslu is also the eighth-highest peak in the world at 8163m. This mountain is locally known as the “Mountain of Spirit”. Trekkers will enjoy the immense, twin-peaked silhouette that dominates the sky throughout the trek. The raw, snow-covered vertical face of the peak offers exceptional Himalayan photography opportunities and will remain a deeply humbling sight of the rugged trail.
Larkya La Pass (5,160m)
Larkya La Pass is the ultimate physical and emotional climax of our Manaslu Circuit Trek. This conquering and formidable pass stands as one of the most challenging yet rewarding passes in Nepal. Reaching this crest, marked by the fluttering Buddhist prayer flags, will unlock a mind-blowing, 360-degree panorama of the giant peaks like Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, Himlung, and many others.
Samagaon Village (3,530m)
We will serve as the cultural heartbeat of the Nubri Valley while being in Samagaon. This traditional Tibetan-influenced village is yet untouched and far from modern times. This critical acclimatization stop will feature flat-roofed stone houses and dry-stone walls. Dotted with the historic monasteries, chortens, and spinning prayer-wheels, the village will offer the trekkers an authentic look into the centuries-old heritage.
Birendra Lake (3,691m)
Birendra Lake lies at an altitude of 3691m. This lake is a pristine alpine gem nestled at the sweeping Manaslu Glacier. This glacier lake spreads across just three square kilometers and serves as the perfect destination to visit in a side hike during Samagaon acclimatization. These crystal-clear waters will mirror the surrounding icefalls and rocky ridges, creating a serene and peaceful oasis.
Pungyen Gompa
Pungyen Gompa is one of the highly revered spiritual places along the Manaslu Circuit trail. With nearly 400 years of history, Pungyen Gompa is an ancient sanctuary that features peaceful meditation halls, intricate murals, and timeless Buddhist relics. This site will offer unparalleled and up-close vantage points of the mountain’s eastern face that embed a deep sense of spiritual energy and purpose into the great experience of Himalayan trekking.
Manaslu Conservation Area
Manaslu Conservation Area is a biodiversity hotspot dedicated to preserving the rare mountain ecosystem. The trekkers journey through the rapid shifting of landscapes that move from subtropical forests up to barren alpine deserts. Manaslu Conservation Area provides a vital habitat for the endangered Himalayan fauna like wild blue sheep, musk deer, the Himalayan tahr, and the elusive Snow Leopard. The trekkers sometimes get the opportunity to encounter them.
Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. Your incredible Himalayan journey will begin as soon as you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. You will be given a warm reception at the arrival gate of the airport and will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is for resting and refreshing. In the evening, we will spend some time exploring the bustling streets of Thamel and end the day by having a wonderful Nepali traditional dinner with ethnic live performances to end our first day in Nepal. The incredible Manaslu Circuit Trek along the Himalayan journey awaits. Overnight in a hotel.
We will embark on a scenic and bumpy overland drive from Kathmandu via public bus or private jeep. This route today will follow a winding Prithvi Highway before tracking a rugged Budi Gandaki River valley. We will pass the terraced green hills, rustic hillside villages, and cascading waterfalls. We will arrive at the serene riverside village of Machha Khola in the evening. We will refresh and rest before we head towards the Manaslu Circuit adventure tomorrow.
Our Manaslu circuit trek’s foot trail will kick off today. The trail will wind through the lush sub-tropical forests and cross several suspension bridges over the roaring Budhi Gandaki river. We will pass the natural hot springs of Tatopani as we climb the ridgeline of Yaru Phant. After crossing the cantilever bridge that clings to the cliff, we will reach a flagstone-paved village of Jagat. Jagat is also an entry point for the Manaslu Restricted Area. Overnight in a lodge.
After verifying our restricted area permits, we will climb towards Salleri for stunning views of Sringi Himal. The trail will descend to Sirdibas and will continue through the Bamboo forests to Ghap. We will cross and re-cross the river several suspension bridges as the valley will narrow into a gorge. This day will end with a steady climb into the culturally rich village. Deng will be our overnight stopover for today.
We will have featured a significant change in landscape and culture. We will also pass through the beautifully carved mani walls and dense rhododendron and pine forests. After crossing the Budhi Gandaki river, we will tackle a steep climb past Prok. The air will begin to cool as we reach Namrung, and the historic trading post will offer us our first clear views of Ganesh Himal and Mt. Manaslu. Overnight in a teahouse.
We will transition into a spectacular day of alpine landscape. We will walk through the visual masterpieces of Lihi and Lho villages. This is very famous for its ancient monasteries and barley fields. As you climb higher, the iconic and twin-peaked silhouette of Mt. Manaslu. Mt. Manaslu will dominate the skyline throughout the day. We will later descend into a large village of Samagaon, and the cultural heart of Nubri Valley. Overnight in a teahouse.
We will take a rest day in Samagaon today. We will have a proper altitude adjustment day for safe trekking. We will use this day to let our bodies adjust to the Himalayan air. We can also take a side hike towards Birendra Lake or Pungyen Gimpa for better Himalayan rewards and unparalleled panoramic visuals surrounding the Himalayas. Overnight in a teahouse.
This will be a shorter and deliberate trekking day designed to prevent acute mountain sickness. We will approach the high pass. The trail will climb gently through the alpine meadows and pass the long mani walls. We may see herds of grazing yaks along the trail today. We will cross the fading Budhi Gandaki river before we make a final ascent to Samdo. Samdo is a remote, traditional Tibetan refugee village that is located very close to the Tibetan border. Overnight in a teahouse.
We will leave Samdo and descend past the fields. We will cross some stone bridges and catch the major views of Larkya Glacier. Then the trail will climb steadily into a desolate, moon-like alpine desert. We will arrive at Dharmasala, which is also known as Larky Phedi. This is a high base camp of Larkya La Pass. We will spend the afternoon resting and hydrating before crossing the pass. Overnight in a teahouse.
Today is the major day of our Manaslu Circuit Trek. We will be starting with a headlamp before dawn to conquer the great Larkya La Pass(5160m). This will also be our highest point of this trek. We will be rewarded with the astonishing views of Himlung, Cheo, and Annapurna II from the peak. We will get down to Bhimthang and celebrate the success of Larkya La Pass. Overnight in a teahouse.
We will enjoy the massive drop in altitude today as our knees also get a break. The trail today will descend back to the midhills out of the high alpine zone. The stark alpine meadows will change into lush and dense forests. We will walk along the banks of pristine Dudh Khola before we reach a small traditional Gurung village of Tilije. We will stay overnight in Tilije and enjoy the nature with Gurung Culture. Overnight in a teahouse.
This is our final day on foot. We will cross the Dudh Khola river and follow the trail down to Dharapani. The Manaslu trail intersects with the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Some trekkers choose to embark on the Annapurna Circuit as well. We will follow the Marsyangdi River from Dharapani and reach Jagat by late afternoon. We will enjoy the completion of the wonderful trek in Jagat with our team. Overnight in a lodge.
We will say goodbye to the magical Manaslu Circuit Trek today. We will board a private jeep or a local bus from Jagat to Besisahar. This will be a transitioning road from rugged dirt to the paved roads. Once we reach Besisahar, we will book another vehicle that will take us back to Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, we will check into the hotel, take a long hot shower, and celebrate with your favourite drink and favourite dinner in the evening. Overnight in a hotel.
Our Manaslu Circuit Trek might be over, but our Nepal holiday is still on. We will discover the rich history around Kathmandu with a guided tour of Kathmandu. We will be visiting the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include the ancient stupa of Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. In the evening, we will have a perfect farewell dinner hosted by Adventure Himalaya Nepal that features a traditional cultural dance show and authentic Nepali food.
A great adventure of the Manaslu Circuit trek is completed today. The final morning will begin slowly, and you can fit in some last-minute sightseeing and a guided tour for a few hours. Our team will arrange your airport drop-off before your departure time. The memories we shared in this memorable Nepal Trekking adventure will never fade. We wish to see you again in Nepal for more adventures and more special memories. It was an honour to meet you. See you again for more Nepal trekking holidays with Adventure Himalaya Nepal.
Price Includes
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu.
- Transportation (Kathmandu-Machha Khola and Jagat-Kathmandu) via Bus.
- Accommodation: 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, 12 nights in teahouses.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek; welcome dinner in Kathmandu.
- Experienced English-speaking guide and porters (1 porter per 2 trekkers).
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and TIMS card.
- All government taxes and service charges.
Price Excludes
- International flights to/from Kathmandu.
- Nepal visa fees.
- Travel insurance (mandatory, must cover high-altitude trekking).
- Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, tips, souvenirs).
- Tips for Guide and Porters
- Any other expenses not mentioned in includes section
Are you looking to customize the trip itinerary?
If the provided schedule is not suitable for you, we can create a personalized travel arrangement tailored to your preferences and requirements.
Altitude
What are the Permits Required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
| Permit Type | Cost: Peak Season(Sept – Nov) | Cost: Off-Peak Season(Dec – Aug) | Essential Notes |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | USD 100 for the first 7 days
(+ USD 15 per extra day) |
USD 75 for the first 7 days
(+ USD 10 per extra day) |
Required from Jagat until you cross the Larkya La Pass. Must be issued via a registered Nepalese trekking agency. |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)
SAARC: NPR 1,000 |
NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)
SAARC: NPR 1,000 |
Government conservation entry fee. Valid for a single entry; no duration limit. |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)
SAARC: NPR 1,000 |
NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)
SAARC: NPR 1,000 |
Required because the exit trail from Dharapani to Jagat (Days 11–12) merges into the Annapurna region. |
| Chumnubri Rural Municipality Local Fee | NPR 1,000 (~USD 8) | NPR 1,000 (~USD 8) | Paid on the trail directly in cash at the local government checkpoint in Jagat. |
Important Note: The Manaslu Restricted Area requires a government-licensed guide to enter its premises. A solo trekker is not allowed.
Adventure Himalaya Nepal will acquire all the necessary permits on your behalf once you land in Nepal.
Guides and Porters
A trusted travel company like Adventure Himalaya Nepal will provide you with a safe and comfortable ride by pairing you with a highly experienced and government-licensed Himalayan trekking guide. The guide will be accompanied by elite and strong porters.
Your Manaslu Circuit Trek will be accompanied and led by the guide who will be fluent in English, certified in wilderness first aid, and deeply knowledgeable about the local Sherpa Culture. They will manage daily logistics, check safety protocols, and monitor the trekker closely for the symptoms of acute mountain sickness.
The local porters handle the heavy luggage. They will safely transport your baggage between the teahouses. This essential logistic support will provide you with complete relaxation in the challenging high-altitude support required for safe navigation in the Himalayas.
What could be the best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Spring Season (March to May): The Floral Paradise
Trekking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek in the spring season will offer vibrant and performing transportation as winter transitions into the warmer months. The lower sub-tropical trails may come alive with the transitions into the warmer months. The blooming rhododendrons in their pink, white, and red will create a magical backdrop. As spring is a breeding season for the wild animals and birds, the activities will be much more interactive and immersive. If lucky, we will have chances of encounters with the rare Himalayan fauna like the elusive Snow Leopard and the Himalayan tahr. With fewer trail crowds compared to autumn, the spring season will deliver a deeply authentic and peaceful retreat of Nepal Trekking Experience.
Autumn Season (September to November): The Peak Clarity
Autumn is widely considered the definitive best time to trek towards the Manaslu Circuit. Autumn will deliver with unparalleled weather stability and crisp alongside postcard-perfect conditions. Coming right after the monsoon season, the atmosphere will be in great shape to provide the best visibility and clarity of the Himalayas. Daytime temperatures will be ideal throughout the day. The trails will remain dry, firm, and highly secure to tackle the high Larkya La Pass. Autumn coincides with Nepal’s major cultural festivals like Dashain and Tihar, filling the mountain villages with a lively, celebratory energy. The local teahouses will buzz with shared insights and experiences in this season.
What are the Difficulties of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek presents some high risks of high-altitude challenges as we walk past the 5000m mark. The physical fatigue will also be at risk as we walk 6-8 hours daily over the rugged terrain, and the risk of acute mountain sickness emerges. Trekkers must also contend with sub-zero temperatures and unpredictable mountain weather, and basic teahouse facilities in the bumpy trails.
Remedies against the Difficulties
- The trekker must follow the itinerary’s built-in rest days in Samagaon and maintain a slow, steady walking pace to let their body naturally adapt to the thin air.
- One must drink 3-4 liters of clean water daily and focus on carbohydrate-rich meals at the teahouses.
- Packing a high-quality gear, down jacket, and broken-in trekking boots will never go in vain.
- One must train 3-4 months in advance and focus on cardio and leg strength exercises.
- Always hike with an experienced and licensed guide who can monitor your oxygen levels and has a good knowledge of first aid. Adventure Himalaya Nepal will provide an experienced and knowledgeable guide.
How is Food and Culture along the trail?
The Manslu Circuit Trail is a fascinating eco-cultural trail where soaring elevations show changing flavours. In the lower valleys, the semi-agrarian Gurung people provide us with the legendary Dal bhat alongside the iron-rich Dhindo(buckwheat porridge).
As we ascend towards the spiritual hidden valleys of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Nubri and Bhotia communities provide a decent immersion in the local life and culture. The Tibetan-Buddhism lifestyle revolves around yak husbandry, spinning prayer wheels, and ancient monasteries. The teahouses will warm you with the traditional Himalayan butter tea, Tsampa(roasted barley flour), and hearty Thukpa with steamed vegetables.
These high-altitude Buddhist sanctuaries strictly enforce the “no-slaughter rule,” hence all the food we will get will be vegetarian except for dry meat.
Travel Insurance
Adventure Himalaya Nepal highly advocates the requirement of travel Insurance while travelling to a foreign country. And for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is more of a necessity. The remote trails of the Khumbu region reach extreme heights above 5000m. The risk of acute mountain sickness and sudden physical injuries will be very real. There are no roads in the Manaslu Conservation Area. The most efficient emergency response in case of an emergency will be an evacuation flight to Kathmandu. In such a condition, a helicopter evacuation will be life-saving and could cost up to 8-10,000 USD. Your policy should explicitly cover the high-altitude trekking up to 6000m, and emergency heli rescue should be covered. Having a comprehensive travel agency will ensure total peace of mind during your Nepal trekking holiday.
FAQs
You cannot trek the Manaslu Circuit independently. As a regulated border zone, the law mandates hiring a government-licensed guide through an authorized agency. However, a March 2026 rule change now allows for a solo Restricted Area Permit, meaning you can be the only traveler in your group, provided you have a guide.
The lower villages have good connectivity to hydro-electricity and make charging easy. When we walk past Namrung, the teahouses run entirely on solar power. The teahouses will charge an extra fee of NPR 300 to 500, depending on the altitude. It is highly recommended to bring a high-capacity portable power bank.
Nepal Telecom is vastly superior to Ncell in this specific route. Ncell will provide decent internet connectivity in the lower sections of the trail, but in the highlands, Ncell is not as effective as Nepal Telecom.
Yes, there is internet or wi-fi available in the trail, but do not expect high-speed. Many modern teahouses will offer satellite-linked or long-range networks. Hence, they might charge a fee per device per session. There is no internet access at Dharmasala or the Larkya La Pass.
There are no functioning ATMs and zero credit card machines past the main Prithvi Highway. Every single amenity should be paid for in cash. It is good for you to carry Rs 2000-3000 cash per day in order to enjoy the limited amenities like showers, charging, snacks, and drinks, which are not included in the package.
Even though most of our treks accept the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit. The standard geographic route requires us to cross the Larkya La Pass and drop down to Bhimthang and Tilije. This descent naturally mergest to Annapurna Circuit Trail. That's why holding an ACAP permit is legally considered mandatory.
The indigenous people of the upper Manaslu region follow the Tibetan Museum. Their culture enforces an absolute “no-slaughter” law. In the sacred Manaslu Valleys, no animals may be killed. The teahouse transports dried meat from lower towns like Jagat. It is highly recommended to eat vegetarian meals past Namrung.
Most trekkers focus on their physical anxiety about climbing up the pass. The descent down to Bhimthang is also notoriously brutal. It will be a steep and relentless drop of 1400m in altitude in some hours. Take care of your joints.
In the lower elevations, we will find modern flush or Western-style toilets and gas-powered hot showers. However, as the altitude rises, we must be satisfied with basic and primitive amenities. Most toilets will be Indian squat toilets.
The trail rises above 5000m; altitude sickness in the Manalsu Circuit Trek is a real risk. In such cases, your guide will co-ordinate for a emergency helicopter evacuation back to Kathmandu. The most immediate remedy is descending from the current altitude, which guide will help you with.
Yes!
To prevent altitude sickness, rest/acclimatization days are crucial — usually at Samagaon or Samdo.
Start training 2–3 months earlier. Focus on cardio (hiking, running, cycling), strength training (legs and core), and practice carrying a backpack.
Wi-Fi is available in some teahouses (for a small charge), but connectivity is limited and unreliable at high altitudes. It's best to enjoy the digital detox!
Yes, but charging costs extra in teahouses. Carry a power bank or solar charger.
Our guides are trained in first aid and altitude sickness management. In serious cases, we arrange emergency helicopter evacuation (covered by your travel insurance).
Absolutely!
You must have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
Simply contact us via our website, email, or WhatsApp. Our team will guide you through the booking process and prepare you for an unforgettable journey.
