A compact Manaslu Circuit itinerary circling the world's eighth-highest peak through remote Tibetan-influenced valleys.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most spectacular yet less-crowded high-altitude treks. Circling Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), this route takes you through remote Tibetan-influenced villages, dramatic Budhi Gandaki river gorges, ancient monasteries, and mountain scenery that builds toward the crossing of Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m.
This 15-day version keeps the essential Manaslu experience intact while moving at a practical pace through Soti Khola or Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, Samdo, Dharamsala, Bimthang, Dharapani and Besisahar.
The trek requires a licensed guide, restricted-area permits and careful acclimatization. It is best suited to fit trekkers who are comfortable with long walking days and basic mountain teahouses.
Trail gallery
Drive: 8-10 hrs | Altitude: ~700 m
Depart Kathmandu early via Arughat along the Budhi Gandaki river valley.
Trek: 6-7 hrs | Altitude: 1,410 m
Trek through narrow trails with waterfalls, suspension bridges and riverbanks.
Trek: 6-7 hrs | Altitude: 1,860 m
Move deeper into the remote Budhi Gandaki valley as the landscape becomes more rugged and the first Tibetan cultural influence begins to appear.
Trek: 6-7 hrs | Altitude: 2,630 m
The valley opens as you walk through pine and oak forests, small Buddhist monasteries and the first distant Himalayan peak views.
Trek: 4-5 hrs | Altitude: 3,180 m
A shorter day with spectacular payoff. Lho sits on a ridge with views of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli, plus the Ribung Gompa monastery.
Trek: 4-5 hrs | Altitude: 3,520 m
Approach Samagaon as Mount Manaslu dominates the horizon in close-up. Samagaon is a fascinating Tibetan-culture village at the foot of the mountain.
Rest / Explore | Altitude: 3,520 m
A critical acclimatization day. Choose from a hike to Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake or Pungyen Gompa, then return to sleep low in Samagaon.
Trek: 3-4 hrs | Altitude: 3,860 m
A short high-altitude trek through open terrain and yak pastures to the remote border village of Samdo.
Rest / Explore | Altitude: 3,860 m
Explore above Samdo for views toward the Tibet border or hike to nearby ridges.
Trek: 3-4 hrs | Altitude: 4,460 m
Move to the base camp for the pass crossing. Rest, hydrate and prepare for an early start.
Trek: 8-10 hrs | Max altitude: 5,106 m
The toughest and most magnificent day of the trek. Start before dawn to cross Larkya La Pass before afternoon weather, then descend into the lush Bimthang valley.
Trek: 6-7 hrs | Altitude: 1,860 m
Descend through rhododendron forests and waterfalls as lush Marsyangdi Valley scenery replaces the stark high-altitude landscape.
Jeep / trek combination | Altitude: 760 m
A combination of jeep rides and short walking sections takes you through the lower Marsyangdi Valley to Besisahar.
Drive: 6-7 hrs
Return to Kathmandu or the closer lakeside city of Pokhara. The Manaslu Circuit adventure is complete.
Flexible day
Keep this day for mountain-road delays, weather interruptions, rest, or onward travel preparation.
| Permit | Details |
|---|---|
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit | Required and must be obtained in Kathmandu |
| MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit) | Required for entry to the conservation area |
| TIMS Card | Trekkers' Information Management System card if required |
| Licensed Guide | Mandatory; independent trekking is not permitted |
| Annapurna Conservation Permit | Required upon entry to the Annapurna region |
| Trek Duration | 15 Days |
| Trek Grade | Moderate to Challenging |
| Maximum Altitude | 5,106 m (Larkya La Pass) |
| Trek Start | Soti Khola / Machha Khola via Kathmandu drive |
| Trek End | Besisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara |
| Total Distance | ~177 km approx. |
| Accommodation | Teahouse / Lodge trek |
| Best Season | Autumn (Sep-Nov) and Spring (Mar-May) |
| Guide Requirement | Licensed guide mandatory |
| Minimum Group Size | Minimum 2 trekkers for restricted-area permit |
Read before you go
Key route details for timing, cash, safety and comfort on this trek.
Proper acclimatization is critical; do not skip the two rest days.
Start the Larkya La crossing before 5 AM to avoid afternoon weather.
Travel with a licensed, experienced guide familiar with the Manaslu route.
Comprehensive travel and evacuation insurance is strongly recommended.
Add buffer days in your schedule to account for weather delays at the pass.
