Manaslu Circuit Trek Quick Facts
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Hotels in Kathmandu and in local lodges on treks with tented camp on climb
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On top Larke-La Pass at 5,106 m / 16, 752 feet
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Nepal Far North Mid-West around Gorkha district to Manang area
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17 days, 16 nights
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12 days (Day 4 to Day 15), including 1 acclimatization day at Sama Gaun
Highlights of Manaslu Larkya-La Pass
- Experience harmonious Tibetan culture of Manaslu region
- Rich vegetation, pristine ecosystem, and rhododendron forests
- Spectacular mountain views including Himalchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Ngadi Chuli
- Endangered wild animals like Snow Leopard and Musk Deer
- The Larkya-La Pass (5,106m)
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Online nowOverview
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) on a Manaslu camping trek run by a local Nepali team. Over 17 days you follow the Budhi Gandaki valley, camp beside Tibetan-influenced villages, rest in Sama Gaun, then climb over the pass to Bimthang. Our trek cook makes your meals. Our licensed guide handles permits, pace and safety. You carry a daypack and take in the views.
Manaslu Larkya La Pass Camping Trek at a Glance
The Manaslu Larkya La Pass camping trek is a 17-day tented trek around Manaslu (8,163 m) that crosses Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m. It is challenging, so it suits fit walkers who want a remote route. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons.
Why Choose the Manaslu Larkya La Camping Trek?
- Cross Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m and look out over the Manaslu range and the Annapurna side.
- Walk through rhododendron forest, river gorges, waterfalls and suspension bridges.
- Pass Tibetan-style villages, prayer walls and monasteries, including Sama Gaun and Samdo.
- See Himalchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Ngadi Chuli from the trail.
- Walk in a conservation area that is home to snow leopard and musk deer, though sightings are rare.
- Camp at Dharmasala (4,460 m), the last stop before the pass.
Manaslu stayed closed to foreign visitors until 1991. Even now it is a restricted area, so you need a special permit and a licensed guide.
Manaslu Larkya La Trek Itinerary Overview
This table shows the route at a glance. Each day is explained below.
| Day | Route | Sleep altitude | Walking time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | 1,350 m | None | Hotel |
| 2 | Trek prep, gear check, Kathmandu sightseeing | 1,350 m | None | Hotel |
| 3 | Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola | 700 m | About 7 hours by road | Tent |
| 4 | Soti Khola to Machha Khola | 930 m | About 6 hours | Tent |
| 5 | Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,340 m | About 6 hours | Tent |
| 6 | Jagat to Pewa | 1,625 m | About 6 hours | Tent |
| 7 | Pewa to Namrung | 2,630 m | About 6 hours | Tent |
| 8 | Namrung to Lho | 2,957 m | About 4 hours | Tent |
| 9 | Lho to Sama Gaun | 3,530 m | About 3 hours | Tent |
| 10 | Rest day at Sama Gaun, optional day hike | 3,530 m | Short hike | Tent |
| 11 | Sama Gaun to Samdo | 3,865 m | About 3 hours | Tent |
| 12 | Samdo to Dharmasala | 4,460 m | About 4 hours | Tent |
| 13 | Dharmasala over Larkya La (5,106 m) to Bimthang | 3,700 m | 8 to 10 hours | Tent |
| 14 | Bimthang to Tilje | 2,300 m | About 7 hours | Tent |
| 15 | Tilje to Tal | 1,700 m | About 5 hours | Tent |
| 16 | Drive Tal to Kathmandu via Besisahar | 1,350 m | About 8 hours by road | Hotel |
| 17 | Departure | Not applicable |
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Online nowDetailed Itinerary
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 ft (Kathmandu)
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
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Online nowManaslu Larkya La Trek Cost: What Is Included and Excluded
Included
- 3 nights in a 3-star Kathmandu hotel, twin-sharing, with breakfast
- 13 nights in twin-sharing tents on the trek
- Jeep from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and from Tal or Dharapani back to Kathmandu
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea or coffee on the trek, cooked by our trek cook
- Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- Licensed guide, Sherpa and porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers), with their food, lodging, pay, gear and accident insurance
- Boiled drinking water and a hot shower
- Farewell dinner with a cultural show in Kathmandu
- Local and government taxes
Excluded
- Drinks of any kind, including bottled water, plus phone calls and laundry on the trek
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Tips for the crew
- Personal trekking and climbing gear
- Optional trips and sightseeing if you extend your stay
- International flights
- Nepal visa
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, unless listed
- Tents, sleeping bags and mats: confirm what we supply
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Online nowBest Time for the Manaslu Larkya La Camping Trek
Spring and autumn are the best seasons. Both give stable weather, though the pass can see snow in any month.
- Spring (March to May):Â Longer days and blooming rhododendron. Afternoons can turn cloudy, and there is light rain or snow higher up.
- Autumn (September to November):Â Clear skies and sharp views. Days are shorter and mornings and nights are colder.
Nights near Dharmasala are cold in both seasons, so bring a warm sleeping bag and layers. Ask us before you plan a winter or monsoon trip, because snow can close the pass.
Permits and Rules for the Manaslu Larkya La Trek
Manaslu is a restricted area. You must trek with a licensed guide, and the Restricted Area Permit must come through a registered trekking company. We handle the paperwork. Bring your passport and 2 passport-size photos.
| Permit | Where it applies | Who arranges it |
|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit | The restricted section of the route, from about Jagat to the Dharapani side | We apply for it through our registered company |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit | The protected area along the Budhi Gandaki valley | We arrange it |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit | The final section after you cross into the Annapurna region | We arrange it |
Group size rules for restricted-area permits are in flux. Several 2026 sources report that the two-trekker minimum was dropped in March 2026, while others still state it. Ask us for the current rule when you enquire.
Major Attractions of the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek
The Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is a mesmerizing trekking route in Nepal that offers a blend of cultural richness, diverse landscapes, and stunning mountain vistas. Here are some of the major attractions of the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek:
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Larke Pass (Larke La):
The highlight of the trek, Larke Pass stands at an elevation of 5,160 meters (16,924 feet). The panoramic views from the pass include the Manaslu range, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the Annapurna range.
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Manaslu Conservation Area:
The trek takes you through the Manaslu Conservation Area, a region rich in biodiversity. You may encounter various flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan tahr, and diverse bird species.
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Unique Culture and Villages:
The trek passes through several traditional Tibetan-influenced villages with unique cultural practices. Villages like Samagaun and Samdo provide an opportunity to interact with the friendly local people, witness their traditional lifestyle, and explore ancient monasteries.
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Budhi Gandaki River Valley:
The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, offering breathtaking views of the river gorge, waterfalls, and terraced fields. The landscapes change dramatically from lush green valleys to high-altitude barren terrains.
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Manaslu Base Camp:
Although not the primary destination, a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp is often included for those who want to explore further. The base camp provides stunning views of the Manaslu massif.
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Birendra Tal (Birendra Lake):
A serene glacial lake located at an altitude of around 3,450 meters, Birendra Tal offers a picturesque setting surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It’s a perfect spot for reflection and relaxation.
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Pungyen Gompa:
Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters, Pungyen Gompa is a Buddhist monastery with historical significance. The monastery provides insight into the local culture and offers spectacular mountain views.
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Diverse Landscapes:
The trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, including subtropical forests, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and high mountain deserts. The ever-changing scenery adds to the trek’s allure.
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Remote and Less Crowded:
Compared to some of the more popular trekking routes in Nepal, the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is relatively less crowded, providing a more authentic and tranquil trekking experience.
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Warm Hospitality:
The locals along the trail are known for their warm hospitality. Teahouses and guesthouses offer a cozy place to rest, delicious local cuisine, and a chance to interact with the local communities.
The Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is a challenging yet rewarding adventure that appeals to trekkers seeking both natural beauty and cultural immersion.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
The trek takes 17 days and 16 nights. You spend 3 nights in a Kathmandu hotel and 13 nights in tents. You are on the trail for 12 days (Day 4 to Day 15), including one rest and acclimatization day at Sama Gaun.
Larkya La Pass is 5,106 m (16,752 ft) above sea level. Some maps and guidebooks show slightly different figures, from about 5,100 m to 5,160 m. Our highest camp is Dharmasala at 4,460 m.
It is a challenging trek. The terrain is not technical, but you walk for several days at altitude and the pass day is long, about 8 to 10 hours. You need good fitness, and long training hikes with a loaded daypack help.
Yes. Manaslu is a restricted area, so you must trek with a licensed guide and a Restricted Area Permit arranged through a registered trekking company. This route also needs conservation area permits for Manaslu and Annapurna. We arrange all permits for you.
You cannot trek Manaslu independently. A licensed guide and a registered agency are required. Reports say the minimum group size rule changed in 2026, so ask us for the current rule when you enquire.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons. Skies are clearer and the pass is more likely to be open. Spring brings rhododendron blooms and autumn gives sharp mountain views. Expect freezing nights near the pass in both seasons.
You sleep in twin-sharing tents. Our trek cook prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea or coffee. We provide boiled drinking water and a hot shower. Porters carry your main bag, with one porter for every two trekkers.
Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide early about any headache, nausea or dizziness. The itinerary includes a rest day at Sama Gaun (3,530 m). Ask your doctor about altitude medicine before you travel. If symptoms get worse, you must go down.
We provide boiled drinking water on the trek. If you fill bottles from streams or taps, treat the water first with purification tablets or a filter.
Yes. Travel and rescue insurance is not included in the trek cost. Your policy should cover trekking above 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation.
- Small groups with licensed local guides who know the Manaslu Larkya La – Pass Camping region firsthand
- Transparent pricing — no hidden costs, ever
- 24/7 support during your trek, including emergency evacuation coordination
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