Himalayan Green TripsLeave only footprints Book

Manaslu Circuit Trek

If you want to experience the Himalayas beyond the most famous trekking routes, the Manaslu Circuit could be a great journey to consider.

Duration
18 days
Max elevation
5,106 m
Difficulty
Moderate to challenging
Price
On request
Book this trekAll adventures
Route altitude profile

Gorkha region

Machha Khola to Larkya La Pass, via Deng and Namrung

Route altitude profile

Highest point: Larkya La Pass · 5,106 m

9001,9523,0034,0555,106345678910111213Day
Meters above sea level, days 3 to 13 in the profile · 1 acclimatization day included
  • Route stop
  • Pass or day visit
  • Shaded area: above 3,500 m

Several points on the same day show places visited that day.

Best season
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)
Trek start and finish
Kathmandu
Permits
Manaslu Conservation Area Project, Special Restricted Manaslu Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Who is the Manaslu Circuit Trek for?

Manaslu takes you around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, through a landscape that changes dramatically as you travel deeper into the Himalayas.

We recommend the Manaslu Circuit to travelers who want to experience dramatic mountain scenery, Himalayan culture, traditional villages, and a more remote trekking experience away from some of Nepal's busiest trails.

Why Manaslu?

For the traveler who wants:

  • Incredible views of Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayas
  • A journey through changing landscapes, from green valleys to high mountains
  • Traditional Himalayan villages and mountain communities
  • Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, and Tibetan influenced culture
  • A challenging high-altitude trekking experience
  • The experience of crossing Larkya La Pass
  • A quieter and more remote feeling compared with some of Nepal's classic trekking routes

Manaslu is for those who want to go beyond simply checking a famous mountain off their list and experience the journey, the people, the culture, and the landscapes along the way.

More about this trek

Route highlights

  • The Manaslu Circuit Trek unfolds in the northern part of the Gorkha district in the western central region of Nepal, requiring a special restricted area permit and an additional Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
  • This transformative journey spans 12 to 16 days, depending on the chosen itinerary and side trips.
  • Commencing and concluding in Arughat or Soti Khola, but these days possible to reach to Machhakhola.
  • The trek winds through diverse landscapes, remote villages, and lush forests, offering panoramic views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and other peaks.
  • With altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters at the challenging Larkya La Pass, the itinerary incorporates ample acclimatization days.
  • Best enjoyed in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), the trek presents challenges, notably at Larkya La Pass, yet rewards with breathtaking views and diverse landscapes.
  • Prior trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.

Culture and communities

  • Cultural immersion is integral, traversing Tibetan-influenced villages like Samagaon and Samdo, adorned with ancient Buddhist monasteries and Mani walls.
  • Teahouses provide accommodations, showcasing local hospitality.

Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit

  • The Manaslu region captivates with its awe-inspiring natural beauty, featuring lush forests, meandering rivers, and a rich tapestry of flora.
  • This area is home to a welcoming community and boasts a culturally diverse blend of Nepalese and Tibetan ethnic groups.
  • Gaze upon the majestic Samdo Peak, offering sweeping vistas of towering mountains and a glimpse into Tibet.
  • Marvel at the panoramic spectacle of some of the world's loftiest peaks, including Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna II.
  • Encounter a thriving ecosystem teeming with wildlife, from the agile Tahr and elusive Snow Leopard to the endearing argali, Pika, and Himalayan Marmots.
Prayer flags around the sign on the pass, which reads Larke Pass 5106m, thank you for Manaslu visit, see you again
Two women carrying baskets along a terraced trail
A painted Buddhist monastery in a mountain village

What is included

Cost includes

  • Airport transfers
  • 4 nights in a boutique hotel in Kathmandu
  • 3 nights in a boutique hotel in Pokhara
  • Basic accommodation in shared twin rooms during the trek
  • Kathmandu to Machha khola by private Jeep
  • Tilje to Pokhara by private Jeep
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus / private vehicle
  • Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Tea or coffee
  • Filtered natural drinking water during the trek
  • English-speaking government-certified trekking guide
  • Porter service (each porter will carry a maximum of 20 kg)
  • Staff costs include: insurance, equipment, food, transportation and accommodations during the trip
  • All necessary paperwork: Manaslu special permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Annapurna conservation area project Permits (ACAP)
  • All government and local taxes
  • First aid medical kit
  • HGT will plant trees equivalent to the amount of pollution generated during the trip.
  • Duffel bag use for trekking purpose
  • Save The Mountains eco bag
  • Appreciation certificate

Cost excludes

  • Personal trekking equipment
  • International flights, passport, and visa fees
  • Travel insurance (Travel cancellations, accidents, health emergency, evacuation and theft of or damage to personal belongings)
  • Personal expenses such as extra meals, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, tea, coffee, mineral water, hot water, hot packs, hot shower, WiFi service, mobile charging camera charging etc.

Trek essentials

Accommodation

  • The Manaslu region offers simple rooms with shared toilets and bathrooms.
  • Teahouses in Dharmasala are very basic. When there are many visitors, guests may need to share rooms. Rooms for men and women are separate.

Food and drinks

  • The Manaslu region provides a variety of national and international cuisine.
  • Along your trek, you'll find simple cafes and restaurants offering a variety of hot drinks to enhance your experience.

Food safety

(Important note on consuming non-vegetarian food in the Manaslu region)

We don’t discourage eating meat during your trek in Nepal; we do care about your health and safety. In the Manaslu region, there is no direct road access to most trekking areas. This means meat must be carried by local porters or animals from lower valleys, which can take 3–7 days to reach higher altitude tea houses. If you wish to try non-vegetarian food, we recommend trying in Machhakhola, Jagat, Va Bhimthang, Tilje and Besi Sahar, where the supply route is shorter (2–3 days), and the meat is generally fresher.

Phone and Wi-Fi

  • Most areas along the route offer Wi-Fi service, but phone network coverage can be limited.
  • We recommend getting a local SIM card so you can use your own phone for network and internet access whenever possible.
  • However, the internet and phone service are limited between Dharmasala and Bhimthang.

Travel and flight delays

To supply

To supply

Safety and rescue

To supply

To supply

Tipping

Tipping in Nepal is not mandatory, but it is widely appreciated, especially in the tourism and service sectors. In restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality services, tipping is generally viewed as a gesture of gratitude for good service rather than an obligation. Many restaurants, particularly in urban areas, may include a service charge in the bill; in such cases, additional tipping is entirely optional.

In trekking and adventure tourism, tipping guides, porters, and support staff is customary and often contributes significantly to their overall income. Tips are typically given at the end of the trek and are usually collected as a group and distributed among the trekking team. The amount may vary depending on the duration of the trek, group size, and quality of service, and is commonly calculated on a per-day, per-staff-member basis.

In our case, our staff members are fairly compensated; however, tips are always appreciated as a kind acknowledgment of their effort and support.

Gear and clothing

  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Gore-Tex jacket
  • Trekking poles
  • Trekking boots
  • Crampons
  • Gloves (recommended for -15°C)
  • Dry towel
  • Warm pants for evening and morning
  • T-shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Warm hat
  • Cap
  • Neck gaiter (Buff)
  • Thermal set
  • Light shoes or sandals
  • Fleece jacket
  • Down jacket
  • Down sleeping bag (recommended for -15°C)
  • Daypack and bag cover
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Solar charger
  • Sunglasses
  • Headlamp and extra batteries

Personal items

  • ATM card and extra money for external expenses (food and drinks)
  • Personal beauty care kit
  • Personal medicines
  • Toiletries

Waste and responsible travel

  • By simply following the “Pack In, Pack Out” principle with Himalayan Green Trips, carrying out what you bring in, you are already making a meaningful contribution to preserving the mountains.
  • Imagine that your journey is more than just a trek; it’s an opportunity to create a positive impact. By helping care for the trails and mountains, you become part of a meaningful effort to protect the Himalayas. Together, we can preserve this extraordinary landscape and ensure it remains a pristine and inspiring destination for generations to come.

On every trip

  • Need to follow the pack in and pack out principle.
  • Leave only footprints on the mountain.
  • Do not bring single-use plastic bags on the trek.
  • Priority is drink natural water, filter, boiled water.
  • Bring your own reusable water bottle.
  • Carry out whatever you buy in the mountains.
  • Clean up the trekking trails if possible.
  • Carry out 1 kg of recyclable waste from the mountains to the city for the city to reduce mountain pollution.
  • Support the Let's Clean Up Nepal Green initiative by spreading an environmental message by displaying posters at guesthouses and educating guides, porters, trekkers, and locals, etc.

Your quote will include the route, itinerary, price, and what is included or excluded. We can also arrange camping treks and tailor an itinerary to your preferences.

All travel plans and itineraries are based on the pack in and pack out principles.