Manaslu Circuit Trek

One of Nepal's most challenging and well-known off-the-beaten-path treks is the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The walk is most notable for the breathtaking views of multiple snow-capped peaks, notably Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest summit in the world (8,163m/26,781ft). In addition, the walk offers untouched nature, biological richness, traditional culture, unexplored pathways, a sweeping panorama, and unmatched beauty in the naturally endowed area. While trekking in the wild Manaslu region, one can feel great excitement. The walk has a lot more to offer enthusiastic and daring hikers. You must attempt the Manaslu Trek at least once in your lifetime to enjoy the peaceful walking trails, unspoiled natural beauty, and ecological balance.

The Annapurna region, Nepal's other well-known trekking zone, shares land with the entire Manaslu region. This makes the Manaslu region diversified and allows for the simultaneously creating of the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trail. The Throng La Pass (5416M/17769Ft) is reached on this Annapurna trail before it descends to Muktinath or continues to the Upper Mustang Trail. Trekkers can discover the diverse native cultures and customs, the diverse flora, animals, monasteries, and the high Himalayas blanketed in snow. Spending a few more days will let you visit two well-known hiking locations on a budget.

Since hiking has just been allowed in the Manaslu region, this journey is ideal for physically fit people who enjoy being alone on the trails. Individual trekkers are still prohibited from entering several restricted areas without authorized guides registered with the government. There are still many untrodden and unknown hiking paths in this area. Trekking through the hidden valley is a genuinely daring and proud experience.

Why trek to Manaslu Circuit?

The route leads you from the humid lowlands with their terraced fields of rice and millet through the massive gorges of the Budi Gandaki, which are home to stunning waterfalls and turquoise-colored waters. The Manaslu climb has suspension bridges unmatched in length and height, and the yearly monsoon frequently washes away smaller bridges, forcing hikers to use partially submerged boulders.

This walk still has the air of a pioneering expedition even though it was only made available to 400 trekkers at a time in 1992. The Manaslu circuit trek is a visual feast from beginning to end if you want to experience trekking in the 1980s, but you better be in shape. You make your way slowly northward to the snow-covered Larkya La Pass, close to the Tibetan border. The breathtaking views of Manaslu almost make up for the difficulties with the altitude here. Larkya La pass, at 5167 meters, is typically covered with snow and slippery. On the descent, micro crampons are frequently utilized. To reach the pass's highest peak before the winds arrive, which often come around mid-morning, a 3 am start is necessary.

While it is possible to see clearly from the pass in the direction you have come from, the most breathtaking view is seen after leaving the key and proceeding along a corridor to the west. A massive glacial cirque suddenly appears. While Annapurna II rises in front, a magnificent wall formed by Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru pours down a stream of glaciers. The journey is worthwhile just for this vista. Your 15-day, all-inclusive trek can be organized with Magical Nepal. Unless you wish to deviate from the path, when camping is the sole option, the walk can be completed using teahouses.

Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek

Compared to the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp, this circuit is significantly less congested. Although it is becoming more well-known, now is a perfect time to travel this circuit before it becomes more widely accepted.
Even though the walk is wild and inaccessible, there are teahouses at every stop, so hikers don't need to pack food and tents, making it more accessible and less expensive than other treks of a similar length.
Since there is no need for domestic aircraft, the trailhead can be reached on foot. ∙ You will pass through a subtropical jungle at lower levels before reaching the Himalayan foothills, and the panorama is constantly changing. Finally, at over 5,100 meters (17,000 feet), you will arrive at Larkya La.
The first few days of the circuit include many suspension bridge crossings along the riverside walk in the Budi Gandaki, a deep gorge. The last few days of the walk are spent in the snow, but you may still hike in standard hiking boots while admiring the enormous snow-capped mountains on each side of the trail.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Route

The mild hike of the Manaslu trip leads to a challenging climb. Due to its isolation and stringent trekking requirements, the Manaslu region is regarded as off the beaten path. Special permission is required for trekkers, which can only be obtained through a licensed trekking agency with a minimum of two trekkers and a local registered guide. Most of the Manaslu journey begins with a bus or jeep ride from Kathmandu to SotiKhola, where you can spend the night before starting your hike.

The Manaslu region lacks any further transportation options or airports. Starting your trek on a lowland trail will allow you to experience the variety. It will be a challenging journey to hike through the settlement and the forest. You can reach Samagaun by seeing many monasteries and chortens. On the Manaslu trail, Samagaun is a well-liked stopover that is also utilized for acclimatization before ascending the mountain. Fewer hikers dare to travel to the area despite the Manaslu trail's fame. The Manaslu trail requires special permission, which can only be obtained from a local, authorized trekking service in Nepal, and is subject to tight guidelines for trekkers.

The Manaslu region attracts few trekkers, yet because the trail is uncrowded and nature is healthy and balanced, it is in high demand. The villagers and the soldiers maintain the tracks, which are flawless and spotless. You can reach the highest point on your trek, 5100 meters above sea level, for the Larkey La Pass and descend to Jagat. You can take a car from Jagat and return to Kathmandu through Beshisahar, the administrative center for the Lamjung district. Alternatively, if time allows, you could hike the Annapurna Circuit. This will take an additional 5–6 days. Due to the proximity of the Manaslu and Annapurna regions, trekkers can complete both treks quickly.

Best Time to visit Manaslu Circuit Trek

The best times of year to visit Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley are considered to be autumn and spring. While spring comes before the monsoon, autumn comes after it. Although challenging, it doesn't imply that other seasons aren't appropriate.

Spring: Because of the great weather, spring is one of the best times to go hiking (late February to early June). Rhododendron flowers in bloom also adorn the forests. However, the road may still have some snow from the winter season on it.

Monsoon: Early June through late August is the monsoon season, which is wet. So, expect to encounter light to heavy rain throughout the way. Along with making the trail muddy, it might get your belongings damp. Additionally, the sky becomes hazy, obstructing all sights.

Autumn: The ideal time to trek in Manaslu is during the autumn (late August to late November). The sky is unclouded and peaceful. Like always, the vista is breathtaking.

Winter (late November to late February): Generally, higher elevations have colder temperatures all year round. However, it gets even more complex throughout the winter. The view, however, improves, and the sky is clear. However, the trail will be blocked until spring if it begins to snow.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

The Manaslu trek is moderate to difficult in terms of difficulty. It isn't regarded as being the hardest. However, the trail's constant ascent and descent might push your limits and stamina. Trekking in the Manaslu region is both physically and mentally taxing. For those who enjoy adventure, it is ideal. A regular hiker could complete it without any problems.

However, it might be a challenging walk for newcomers. For the excursion, you might need to get ready. Before you embark on the walk, start working out and jogging. Additionally, the difficulty might vary depending on your physical condition, the weight you carry, the trail's condition (such as snow), your gear and equipment for hiking, your acclimatization process, the food you choose, and other considerations.

Due to its isolation, diversified nature, Himalayan culture and customs, magnificent rivers, breathtaking snow-covered Himalayas, and rugged Larkey La Pass, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventure tour in the Himalayas. In addition, the distance of the walk, the weather during the trekking season, and altitude all have a significant role in determining the difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek involves around 177 kilometers of walking. This distance needs to be covered in 12 days; however, depending on your pace, you may need to go faster or slower. Your adventure begins at Larkey La Pass, where the elevation ranges from 930 to 5100 meters. As a result, you must travel 13 to 15 kilometers each day. The Manaslu Circuit Trek ranges from simple to moderately complex at higher altitudes. Therefore, before you begin your walk, ensure you are in shape enough to hike uphill daily.

Food and Accommodation in Manaslu Circuit Trek

Due to the limited food selection available when trekking the Manaslu Circuit, typical Nepali cuisine Dal Bhat Tarkari will be served. There aren't as many teahouses and dining options to pick from in Everest Region. Because fewer people visit the area as tourists than in the Everest Region.

You will be greeted upon arrival in Kathmandu, picked up, and then taken to a hotel. In Kathmandu, you stay in a hotel. In Kathmandu, there are many different kinds of hotels. There are 5-star homestay levels accessible for overnight stays. However, we typically offer 3-star accommodation with complimentary breakfast.

For foreign trekkers, Manaslu is off-limits. Due to its boundary with the Autonomous area of Tibet, there are strict regulations regarding entry into the Manaslu region. For the Manaslu circuit trip, a special permit is required. Manaslu Circuit Trail is an off-the-beaten trail because of its isolation, difficulty, and tight requirements. This trail is rarely used by hikers, making it more alone and less congested.

Furthermore, most people in this area are of Tibetan descent and practice Tibetan culture, customs, and religion. There are stunning monasteries, chortens, mani walls, etc., as well as less crowded communities. Manaslu Circuit Trek has a small number of lodges and tea shops. There will undoubtedly be fewer lodgings and amenities as you ascend the mountain. However, every resort at a higher altitude adheres to tourism requirements and is primarily run by local families.

Manaslu Circuit Trek outline Itinerary 2025-2026

Day 1:Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 2:Manaslu Restricted area preparation and briefing of Trek

Day 3:Drive to Soti Khola

Day 4:Trek Soti Khola to Machha Khola (869m)

Day 5:Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m)

Day 6:Jagat to Deng (1860m)

Day 7:Deng to Namrung (2630m)

Day 8:Namrung to Lho Gham (3180m)

Day 9:Lho Gham to Samagaon (3520m)

Day 10:Samagaon (rest day) Trek to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Tal.

Day 11:Samagaon to Samdo (3875m)

Day 12:Samdo to Larkya Phedi (4460m)

Day 13:Larkya Phedi to Bimthang (3590m) – climb the Larkya La (5160m)

Day 14:Bimthang to Tilje (2300m)

Day 15:Tilje – Chamche (1430m)

Day 16:Sharing Jeep drive to Beshisahar and Public Bus back to the capital

Day 17:Depart Kathmandu

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost 2025-2026

The price of a Manaslu circuit trek varies depending on when and how you hike. Trekking in peak season will cost you a lot, and you'll need to pack your kit according to the conditions. The way you trek, the agency you select, the gear you bring, the length of the walk, etc., impact how much the circuit trek will cost. In addition, the final cost amount is affected by your attitude toward spending while on the walk. Making specific inquiries with the agency is the best approach to learning the pricing because the amount an agency charges you for the voyage varies for various reasons.

The peak months are March through May and September through November, with October hectic. As a result, the price you might pay at this Time is undoubtedly more significant than it would be for trekking during the off-season. You might want to think about the difficulty of trekking in other months, though. In the highlands, a few teahouses are closed from December to February. Although it's not tricky, trekking in the cold will need you to endure many hardships. In some places, you must navigate across icy sections, and the weather significantly impacts mobility. Also, remember that going on a winter trip necessitates purchasing winter-specific equipment, which could raise your overall gear cost, which, if not managed effectively, could be higher than going on a trek in another season.

Utilizing an international trekking service will increase your cost because more intermediaries will be involved in the payment process. Using a local trekking firm is essential if you want to manage your Manaslu circuit trek. You cannot complete this walk alone because the government has designated several areas in the Manaslu region as restricted. You must be trekking with a party of at least two people, and a porter guide or qualified guide must be with you at all times. Similarly to this, the fee increases with the length of the walk. But be careful not to let your desire to control costs ruin your trek carefully.

You may also need to spend some amount on other things, like on the trek.

Other Manaslu Trek Costs are:

Manaslu trek packing list
Electronic Charging Cost
Hot Shower
Tips and Donations
Renting and Buying clothing and gear
Gifts and Souvenirs

Manaslu Circuit Group Join Trek 2025-2026

One of Nepal's top tea house trekking routes is the Manaslu Circuit Group Join Trek. This journey is a well-known detour from the traditional Annapurna Circuit Trek. Manaslu Circuit Group Join Trek circuits in the Manaslu Mountain Range, which includes Mt. Manaslu (8156m), the eighth-highest mountain on Earth.

Because individual and solitary trekkers are not permitted in the Manaslu Circuit and Manaslu region, group join treks are crucial. However, many trekkers choose to complete this trek after arriving in Nepal. If you prefer to take on this journey alone, you can split the cost of the guides, porters, lodging, and trekking permits. Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit Group Join trek will be more affordable and enjoyable.

Manaslu Circuit Group Join Trek offers the chance to examine the distinctive nature, gorgeous mountain vistas, local peoples' culture, and way of life. The Manaslu circle walking track has beautiful plants and animals.

Requires Permit for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in the region's restricted area. To enter the Manaslu region, trekkers require special permits. The price of your Manaslu Trek permit will vary according to how many days and months you visit this area. You will pass through the Manaslu region and the Annapurna region, two districts. Manaslu Circuit Trek requires three mandatory permits. The following are needed tickets for Manaslu Circuit Trek:

Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Trekkers' Information Management System Permit
In addition, separate permission is required if you intend to undertake a side hike to Tsum Valley.

Guide & Porter on Manaslu Tsum valley Trek

Trekking in the Manaslu region is challenging. However, you can travel the most well-known trekking route in the world with the help of skilled team members, wholesome food and drink, relaxation, and acclimatization. As usual, the porter helps you transport your belongings. Most tour guides are knowledgeable, seasoned professionals who can quickly speak English. Remember that the director and porter are counting on receiving generous gratuities from you at the end of the trip. These people put in a ton of effort and try their best to get you and your crew to your destinations in the challenging hilly terrain.

For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a guide is a necessity. It will help if you abode by the law since it is one that the government has imposed. Lone hikers cannot complete the walk unless they are part of a group with at least two other hikers and an experienced guide. That implies that you must also pay the Manaslu trek guide fee.

Altitude Sickness in Manaslu Circuit Trek

Of course! As you will be more than 5,000 meters above sea level, you should be concerned about altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is a common occurrence on the Manaslu trek. But there are several ways to stop it. You must first be aware of the signs of altitude sickness. Keep in mind that it might range from being normal to being critical. Among them are headaches, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, exhaustion, dizziness, and other symptoms. If your situation is urgent, you must be saved.

Altitude sickness can be avoided using a variety of treatments. First, always have a healthy diet and eat appropriately. Keep yourself hydrated at all times. Don't drink alcohol when you're higher up. Instead, slowly increase your speed as you ascend. Relax, and mentally get ready for the difficulties.

Physical Fitness For Manaslu Circuit Trek

It is unavoidably exhausting to complete a thirteen-day journey in a row, and it is unquestionably advantageous to be in shape. Remember that you exercise daily while on the trek, so you will emerge fantastically mountain-fit and weathered! Come back many kilos lighter, toned, healthy, and detoxified!

Please do plenty of walking with a day pack to prepare in advance, but don't overdo it. Although it isn't a marathon, there are plenty of hills to climb and descend! The high pass is also somewhat tricky. Carrying the bag, which weighs only about 5 kg but seems like 10 when walking uphill in the heat, works your thighs, calves, and shoulders. The days aren't too long, the route is good, and the porters are pretty helpful, but you'll appreciate this trip a lot more if you've worked on your fitness before the trip.

The pace of the walk is always leisurely, and days are typically shorter than day hikes back home. This weight is appropriate to work with because you probably carry 5 kilos in your day bag. If you're going to the gym, focus on the step machines, which strengthen the thighs and calves, and try to raise your heart rate to 50% over resting level.

Any cardiovascular exercise is beneficial, but swimming won't develop the right muscle groups. Thus it needs to be combined with other activities for maximum benefit. Body pump, Pilates, and aerobic exercise classes are all great options for preparing for a hike like this, especially ones focusing on core strength, stability, and balance.

Lightweight hiking boots with a high ankle are advised to prevent you from falling down on your ankle during the walk. Heavy footwear would be uncomfortable and heavy. Popular yet chilly in the morning are cross trainers.

Packing List for Manaslu Circuit Trek 2025-2026

The provided list comprises a comprehensive packing list for a Manaslu Circuit Trek to prevent unnecessary complications. It is a list that is advised. You are welcome to alter it to suit your preferences and needs.