Introduction to Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth highest mountain in the world, in the Manaslu region of central Nepal. Instead of building to one famous vista, the trail climbs the Budhi Gandaki Valley through subtropical forest, terraced farmland and stone-walled villages before rising into the high Himalaya to the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m.
Manaslu is a restricted area, so there are fewer trekkers here than on the Everest or Annapurna trails. Teahouses are basic, villages are peaceful, Tibetan-influenced monasteries, mani walls and prayer flags are a way of life. Highlights Full 14 days itinerary Cost Best season and difficulty This will help you to decide if Manaslu Trek Nepal is for you or not.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlight
- Mount Manaslu views: the summit pyramid appears again and again as the trail circles it.
- Larkya La Pass (5,160 m): the high point of the trek, marked by prayer flags.
- Birendra Tal: a glacial lake at about 4,030 m, reached on an acclimatization side trip.
- Samagaon and Samdo: high mountain villages with close views of the Himalaya.
- Tibetan-influenced culture: monasteries, chortens and long mani walls along the route.
- Suspension bridges and the Budhi Gandaki River: repeated crossings above fast, glacier-fed water.
- Changing landscapes: forests, glacial moraines, snowfields and alpine pasture.
- Teahouse life: simple lodges, shared dining rooms and local dal bhat each evening.
Why Book with All Himalayan Treks
All Himalayan Treks is a Kathmandu-based trekking agency (Thamel) that runs this route with local staff. Here is what your Manaslu Circuit Trek booking covers in All Himalayan Treks Packages:
- A government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide, plus one porter for every two trekkers.
- Manaslu Restricted Area, Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permits, arranged for you.
- Airport transfers, a private vehicle for the road sections, and 3-star hotel nights in Kathmandu.
- A first-aid kit carried by your guide and a pulse oximeter to check oxygen saturation at altitude.
- Clear package pricing with inclusions and exclusions listed in advance.
- A flexible booking policy: change your dates or cancel up to 15 days before departure with no cancellation fee.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary 2026/27
The 14 day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary begins with a long drive to the trailhead and then gradually climbs from the river valley (930m) to the high Himalaya (5,160m). Two nights near Samagaon will provide an opportunity to get your body tuned up before the pass.
DAY 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (TIA) and Hotel Transfer
- Your guide meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and drives you to your Thamel hotel (about 35 minutes, 1,350 m). In the evening you get a trek briefing, a gear check and a welcome dinner at the hotel.
DAY 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930 m, about 9 hours)
- An early start takes you through Gorkha district’s terraced hills. The road turns rough after Arughat, and you reach Machha Khola, a riverside village on the Budhi Gandaki, by evening.
DAY 3: Trek to Jagat (1,340 m, about 6.5 hours)
- The trail follows the river through forest, crossing suspension bridges and passing waterfalls near Tatopani. Jagat marks your entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area, and its mani walls and water mills are worth a look.
DAY 4: Trek to Deng (1,860 m, about 6.8 hours)
- You climb through oak forest, cross the river several times and pass the Tibetan-style monastery at Philim. Deng’s architecture shows the growing Tibetan influence.
DAY 5: Trek to Namrung (2,630 m, about 5.2 hours)
- The valley narrows into a steep gorge, with stone villages and prayer flags along the way. Namrung rewards you with views of Himal Chuli.
DAY 6: Trek to Lho (3,180 m, about 4.7 hours)
- A shorter day through rhododendron groves and barley fields. Lho sits beneath Manaslu, with a clear summit view at sunset.
DAY 7: Trek to Samagaon (3,530 m, about 4.3 hours)
- The valley opens up as you walk past stone villages and glacial streams. Samagaon is the main village of the upper valley, with Manaslu visible from almost every corner.
DAY 8: Birendra Tal Side Trip (4,030 m, about 4.5 hours)
- A moraine trail leads to Birendra Tal, a turquoise glacial lake below Manaslu’s snowfields. Climbing high and sleeping low in Samagaon helps your acclimatization.
DAY 9: Trek to Samdo (3,860 m, about 4.9 hours)
- The landscape turns rocky and bare as you head toward the Tibetan border. Samdo is a high-altitude village with thick stone walls and a permit checkpoint.
DAY 10: Trek to Dharamsala (4,460 m, about 5.1 hours)
- A steady climb through glacial terrain brings you to Dharamsala, the basic lodge below Larkya La. Rest early, because tomorrow starts well before sunrise.
DAY 11: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) to Bimthang (3,590 m, about 9.7 hours)
- You leave around 3:45 AM with headlamps and climb over snow and moraine to the pass. After the prayer-flag summit, a long descent leads to Bimthang. This is the hardest and most rewarding day.
DAY 12: Trek to Dharapani (1,860 m, about 7.5 hours)
- A steep descent through changing vegetation zones, from alpine terrain to forest and rice terraces. Dharapani marks the end of the trekking days.
DAY 13: Drive to Kathmandu (about 10 hours)
- A private vehicle takes you along the Marsyangdi River and onto the highway back to Kathmandu. In the evening you celebrate with a farewell dinner.
DAY 14: Final Departure
- You are transferred to the airport about three hours before your flight.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
The Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost starts at US$900 per person for groups of 2–4. Larger groups pay less per person: US$850 for 5–7 trekkers, US$825 for 8–16 and US$800 for 16–20.
What is Included and Excluded in Manaslu circuit treks
The Manaslu Trekking Package includes airport transfers, two nights in a 3-star Kathmandu hotel with breakfast, ground transport, 11 teahouse nights, all meals on the trek, a licensed guide, porter support, all permits and taxes. It does not include international flights, your Nepal visa, travel insurance (which must cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation), Kathmandu meals other than breakfast and the farewell dinner, personal gear, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, drinks and tips.
Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit
The best time to trek Manaslu Circuit is autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Autumn usually brings clear skies and stable weather, while spring adds rhododendron blooms to the lower forests. Monsoon rain and winter snow make the trail and the Larkya La Pass crossing harder and riskier, so these seasons are best avoided.
How Difficult is the Manaslu circuit trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty is rated moderate, but it is a demanding trek. Most days involve 4–7 hours of walking on rocky trails and suspension bridges, and the Larkya La Pass Trek day takes around 10 hours above 5,000 m. Cold nights and basic lodges add to the challenge.
Good cardio fitness, some training hikes with elevation gain and a patient pace matter more than technical skill. Your guide checks your oxygen levels and health along the way, and the itinerary builds in time to acclimatize.
Book Your Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best ways to see the high Himalaya without the crowds. If you are ready to plan, you can check availability and book on the Manaslu Circuit Trek page, or talk to the All Himalayan Treks team on WhatsApp at +977-9851401099 to arrange your Manaslu Circuit Trek booking.
Image: Unsplash, Meru Hub
