Manaslu Circuit Trek Quick Facts
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Hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights) and local teahouse lodges on the trek (11 nights)
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Larkya La Pass, 5,106 m (16,752 ft)
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9 walking days, 1 acclimatization day, 2 driving days
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Manaslu region: Gorkha and Manang districts, Gandaki Province
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RAP, MCAP, ACAP
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September to November and March to May
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek, with tea or coffee at meals
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Jeep or bus from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and from Dharapani back to Kathmandu. Private vehicle both ways costs extra.
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14 days, 13 nights (arrival to departure)
Trip Highlights
- Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m / 16,752 ft), the highest point of the trek, with views of Himlung, Cheo Himal and Annapurna II.
- Walk through Tibetan Buddhist villages such as Namrung, Lho, Sama Gaun and Samdo, with monasteries, chortens and mani walls.
- See the north face of Manaslu (8,163 m) up close from Lho and Sama Gaun.
- Take a rest-day hike to Pungyen Gompa or Birendra Tal, the glacial lake below the Manaslu Glacier.
- Follow the Budhi Gandaki gorge from warm rice terraces to high yak pastures, over long suspension bridges.
- Sleep in local teahouses on quiet trails. The restricted-area permit keeps trekker numbers low.
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Online nowOverview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14-day guided teahouse trek around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain. The trail starts in Gorkha district and ends at Dharapani in Manang: about 177 km (110 miles) through river gorges and Tibetan Buddhist villages, and over Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m.
Nepal opened Manaslu to foreign trekkers in 1991, and it is still a restricted area. Every trekker needs a licensed guide and three permits (Manaslu RAP, MCAP and ACAP), which keeps the trail far quieter than the Annapurna Circuit. We explain what each permit costs in the Required Permits section below.
From Lho onward the villages are Tibetan Buddhist, with monasteries, mani walls and prayer flags under Manaslu, Shringi Himal and Bauddha Himal. You sleep two nights in Sama Gaun before the pass, then descend to Bhimthang and Dharapani, where the route joins the Annapurna Circuit.
The trek is moderate to challenging. You need no climbing skills, but you do need good fitness and some experience of multi-day hikes, because the pass day runs 7 to 8 hours at altitude. For the seasons, see Best Time to Trek below.
What Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14-day guided teahouse trek around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) in Nepal. You cross Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m. It is moderate to challenging. The best seasons are September to November and March to May. It suits fit walkers who want quieter trails and Tibetan Buddhist villages.
Manaslu is a restricted area. Foreign trekkers need a special permit and a licensed guide. That is why the trails are far quieter than Annapurna or Everest.
Why Trek the Manaslu Circuit
- Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). The big day. Prayer flags mark the top, with views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II.
- Living Tibetan Buddhist villages. From Namrung onward you walk past monasteries, chortens and mani walls on the old salt-trade route to Tibet.
- Close views of Manaslu. The North Face towers over Lho, and you can add a hike to Pungyen Gompa or Birendra Lake on your rest day.
- Real variety. You start in warm lowland farmland near Machha Khola, climb through pine and rhododendron forest, then finish through oak and rhododendron woods on the far side of the pass.
- Quieter trails. The permit rules keep numbers low, so you meet villagers more often than other trekkers.
- A hot spring on Day 3. If time allows, you can stop at the natural hot spring at Tatopani.
The trek ends at Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit trail. Some trekkers use this link to plan a longer route. To add the hidden Tsum Valley, see our Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary: 14 Days at a Glance
| Day | Route | Overnight altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | 1,340 m | Airport transfer |
| 2 | Drive to Machha Khola | 930 m | About 8 hours |
| 3 | Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,345 m | 6 to 7 hours |
| 4 | Jagat to Deng | 1,850 m | 5 to 6 hours |
| 5 | Deng to Namrung | 2,630 m | 5 hours |
| 6 | Namrung to Lho | 3,185 m | 5 hours |
| 7 | Lho to Sama Gaun | 3,520 m | 5 to 6 hours |
| 8 | Acclimatization day at Sama Gaun (optional hike) | 3,520 m | Rest or hike |
| 9 | Sama Gaun to Samdo | 3,875 m | 5 hours |
| 10 | Samdo to Dharmasala (Larke Phedi) | 4,460 m | 4 to 5 hours |
| 11 | Cross Larkya La (5,106 m) to Bhimthang | 3,590 m | 7 to 8 hours |
| 12 | Bhimthang to Dharapani | 1,963 m | About 7 hours |
| 13 | Drive to Kathmandu | 1,340 m | 8 to 9 hours |
| 14 | International departure | – | Airport transfer |
Altitude and Acclimatization on the Manaslu Circuit
You sleep above 3,000 m for six nights on this itinerary: Lho, Sama Gaun (two nights), Samdo, Dharmasala and Bhimthang. The single rest day at Sama Gaun is your main acclimatization stop before the pass.
The walk from Samdo to Dharmasala is short, but you sleep 585 m higher than the night before. Treat it as a slow day, not an easy one.
Watch for these signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): headache, nausea, dizziness and loss of appetite. Mild symptoms are common and often ease with rest and water. Worsening symptoms mean going down. Your guide briefs you each evening on the next day’s climb and what to watch for, and adjusts the plan if someone struggles.
How Difficult Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
It is moderate to challenging. You need no climbing skills, but you do need stamina. Walking days run from 4 to 8 hours, the trail climbs steadily for days, and the Larkya La crossing is long, cold and steep.
- Hardest day: Day 11, from Dharmasala over the pass to Bhimthang. You start early and descend a long way.
- Easiest days: the first walking days on lower, warmer trails.
- Best preparation: several weeks of long hikes with a loaded daypack, stair climbing, leg strength work and some cardio. Break in your boots before you fly.
- Talk to your doctor first if you have a heart, lung or blood pressure condition, a recent injury, or any condition that high altitude can make worse.
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Online nowDetails Itinerary
Each day below shows where you sleep, its altitude and roughly how long you walk or drive. Walking times are at a steady pace with breaks, and your guide adjusts them for the weather and how the group feels. Day 11 over Larkya La is the longest, so the plan keeps a rest day at Sama Gaun and a short day to Dharmasala before it.
Written & checked by Nim Bhatta
Licensed by the Nepal Department of Tourism, Nim has led treks on the Manaslu Circuit since 2009 and is trained in wilderness first aid and altitude sickness response. He last walked the full Manaslu Circuit in spring 2025 to check lodges and trail conditions.
Last updated:
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Kathmandu 1,340 m / 4,396 ft- Accommodation: Hotel
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and drives you to your hotel in the Thamel area. Freshen up, then meet your guide or trek leader for a trip briefing. In the evening we share a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, with a live cultural show.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Machha Khola 930 m / 3,051 ft 8 hrs- 8 hours drive
- Accommodation: Lodge
Start early. The road heads west on the main highway past towns and farm villages to Arughat. From there it follows the Budhi Gandaki River upstream through warm lowlands of rice terraces to Soti Khola, then on past the terraces of upper Lapbesi. The last stretch runs along a wide, sandy riverbed under steep, craggy valley walls. You end the day at Machha Khola, which means "Fish Stream", a small village with a few tea shops and a simple lodge.
Day 03: Machha Khola to Jagat
Jagat 1,345 m / 4,413 ft 6–7 hrs- 6–7 hours walk
- Accommodation: Lodge
Your first walking day follows the river past farm villages and crop fields to Khola Besi and Tatopani, where a natural hot spring waits. If time allows, take a warm soak. Lunch is at Dovan. In the afternoon you cross a bridge over the Lauri stream, climb a high ridge, drop to Yara Khola and make the last hour's climb into Jagat, a farm village with simple lodges and shops. Jagat is the entry point to the restricted area, where all permits are checked and registered.
Day 04: Jagat to Deng
Deng 1,850 m / 6,070 ft 5–6 hrs- 5–6 hours walk
- Accommodation: Lodge
The trail climbs past scattered farms, with a short ascent and a descent. After a bridge you reach Nagjet and Philim, a large village with spread-out farmhouses. Beyond Philim the path crosses terraces of wheat and barley, then climbs a rocky ridge through bamboo forest. A slow, steady walk brings you to Deng.
Day 05: Deng to Namrung
Namrung 2,630 m / 8,629 ft 5 hrs- 5 hours walk
- Accommodation: Lodge
The air cools as you climb into pine and rhododendron forest. A short descent leads to the river at Bihi Bazaar. The trail then follows the Budhi Gandaki, crosses the river and passes a small farm village and fields of barley, wheat and millet. You arrive at Namrung with your first close view of the North Face of Manaslu. From here on, villages show strong Tibetan influence, with Buddhist culture and traditional life.
Day 06: Namrung to Lho
Lho 3,185 m / 10,449 ft 5 hrs- 5 hours walk
- Accommodation: Lodge
Leave Namrung through farm fields and past yak herder huts, then follow a high, scenic valley to Lho (also written Lo Gaon), one of the nicest villages in the Manaslu valley. You get close views of the towering North Face of Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal shows to the east. Visit the monastery with its many chortens and mani walls.
Day 07: Lho to Sama Gaun
Sama Gaun 3,520 m / 11,549 ft 5–6 hrs- 5–6 hours walk
- Accommodation: Lodge
The walk continues through a wide, scenic valley on the main circuit trail. After Lho the trees fade away, leaving low juniper bushes and a few willows. Snow peaks line the path. You finish in Sama Gaun, a large main village of the upper valley. Trails from here lead to Manaslu Base Camp, to Larkya La and on toward the Tibet border.
Day 08: Acclimatization day at Sama Gaun
Sama Gaun 3,520 m / 11,549 ft- Accommodation: Lodge
Today is a rest day that helps your body adjust before the higher ground ahead. Take a free day to explore the village and visit the old Buddhist monastery. If you feel strong, you can join an optional hike to Pungyen Gompa or to Birendra Tal, on the way to Manaslu Base Camp. Your guide will advise which one suits the group and the weather.
Day 09: Sama Gaun to Samdo
Samdo 3,875 m / 12,713 ft 5 hrs- 5 hours walk
- Accommodation: Lodge
The trail heads north up the valley across windswept yak pastures. The morning climb is slow and gradual, and the air feels dry. Walk slowly and enjoy the views. After a short climb onto a small plateau you reach Samdo, the last village in the Manaslu valley. It has more than forty houses and about two hundred people living in a high, harsh landscape. You have time to take in the surrounding peaks.
Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi)
Dharmasala 4,460 m / 14,633 ft 4–5 hrs- 4–5 hours walk
- Accommodation: Lodge
This is one of the shortest walks, but you sleep much higher than the night before. The trail runs toward the end of the Manaslu valley with views of the Manaslu range. You cross a few icy streams to reach Larke Phedi, also called Dharmasala, the "rest house" at the foot of Larkya La. This is your last night before the pass. Lodges are basic and can be crowded. Eat well, drink water and go to bed early.
Day 11: Cross Larkya La (5,106 m) to Bhimthang
Bhimthang 3,590 m / 11,778 ft High point 5,106 m 7–8 hrs- 7–8 hours walk
- Accommodation: Lodge
This is the longest and toughest day. Start early. The route climbs over moraine, rocks and boulders close to the Larke glacier. Rest briefly and enjoy views of Cho Danda and Larke Peak. After a gradual climb you reach the top of Larkya La, hung with thousands of colorful prayer flags. From the pass you see Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II, along with the Manaslu range. Then comes a long descent to Larcha, along the ridge of Tambuche and down into the green forests of the Manang district. An hour or more of walking brings you to Bhimthang, a lovely settlement on a green meadow with mani walls and tall rhododendron, pine and oak trees.
Day 12: Bhimthang to Dharapani
Dharapani 1,963 m / 6,440 ft 7 hrs- 7 hours walk
- Accommodation: Lodge
Start early with breakfast. The trail is mostly downhill with short climbs. A gradual path through dense forest leads toward Gho, where you may stop for lunch near yak herders' summer pastures with temporary huts. Then you descend for a few hours to Tilje above the Marsyangdi River, take a short path on, and cross a suspension bridge with a short climb to Dharapani. This village sits at the junction of the Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu Circuit routes. It marks the end of the trek.
Day 13: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar
Kathmandu 1,340 m / 4,396 ft 8–9 hrs- 8–9 hours drive
- Accommodation: Hotel
After an early breakfast, a jeep takes you down along the Marsyangdi River through warm foothills, villages and rice terraces to Besisahar, the headquarters of Lamjung district. The road improves from here. You continue to Dumre on the Prithvi Highway, then follow it east via Mugling and up the winding road to Kathmandu. Expect 8 to 9 hours in total. In the city, we transfer you to your hotel for a last night in Nepal.
Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu
1,340 m / 4,396 ftOur guide and staff transfer you to the airport in time for your international flight. We hope the Manaslu Circuit is the trip of a lifetime for you.
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Online now1,340 m4,396 ftDay 02 Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
930 m3,051 ftDay 03 Machha Khola to Jagat
1,345 m4,413 ftDay 04 Jagat to Deng
1,850 m6,070 ftDay 05 Deng to Namrung
2,630 m8,629 ftDay 06 Namrung to Lho
3,185 m10,449 ftDay 07 Lho to Sama Gaun
3,520 m11,549 ftDay 08 Acclimatization day at Sama Gaun
3,520 m11,549 ftDay 09 Sama Gaun to Samdo
3,875 m12,713 ftDay 10 Samdo to Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi)
4,460 m14,633 ftDay 11 Cross Larkya La (5,106 m) to Bhimthang
5,106 m16,752 ft5,106 m16,752 ftDay 12 Bhimthang to Dharapani
1,963 m6,440 ftDay 13 Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar
1,340 m4,396 ftDay 14 Departure from Kathmandu
1,340 m4,396 ft135791113
High 17°C63°F · Low 6°C43°FJanFeb Machha Khola
High 19°C66°F · Low 8°C46°FFebMar Machha Khola
High 23°C73°F · Low 11°C52°FMarApr Machha Khola
High 26°C79°F · Low 14°C57°FAprMay Machha Khola
High 27°C81°F · Low 18°C64°FMayJun Machha Khola
High 28°C82°F · Low 22°C72°FJunJul Machha Khola
High 27°C81°F · Low 23°C73°FJulAug Machha Khola
High 27°C81°F · Low 23°C73°FAugSep Machha Khola
High 27°C81°F · Low 21°C70°FSepOct Machha Khola
High 25°C77°F · Low 17°C63°FOctNov Machha Khola
High 22°C72°F · Low 12°C54°FNovDec Machha Khola
High 18°C64°F · Low 8°C46°FDec
High -1°C30°F · Low -10°C14°FJanFeb Samagaon
High 1°C34°F · Low -9°C16°FFebMar Samagaon
High 3°C37°F · Low -5°C23°FMarApr Samagaon
High 6°C43°F · Low -1°C30°FAprMay Samagaon
High 8°C46°F · Low 3°C37°FMayJun Samagaon
High 13°C55°F · Low 7°C45°FJunJul Samagaon
High 15°C59°F · Low 10°C50°FJulAug Samagaon
High 15°C59°F · Low 10°C50°FAugSep Samagaon
High 13°C55°F · Low 8°C46°FSepOct Samagaon
High 8°C46°F · Low 2°C36°FOctNov Samagaon
High 5°C41°F · Low -3°C27°FNovDec Samagaon
High 3°C37°F · Low -8°C18°FDec
Average temperatures (approx.), 2015 to 2024. Source: Open-Meteo, adjusted to each village's altitude.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost: What Is Included and Not Included
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle
- 2 nights in a 3-star Kathmandu hotel, twin share
- 11 nights in local lodges on the trek, twin share
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek, with tea or coffee at meals
- Welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant with a cultural show
- Jeep or bus from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and back to Kathmandu
- Manaslu Restricted Area, Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area permits
- One experienced licensed guide, with his food, lodging, salary, equipment and accident insurance (cover for all staff)
- Four-season sleeping bag if you need one
- Company duffle bag and T-shirt
- First aid kit with vital medicines
- One company water bottle
- Local taxes
Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Nepal visa fee (you can get the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, except the welcome dinner
- Drinks other than tea or coffee with meals
- Porter service (ask us if you want one)
- Personal travel and health insurance, including helicopter evacuation cover
- Tips for guide and staff
- Personal trekking gear
- Hot showers, device charging and Wi-Fi at lodges
- Private vehicle both ways (available at extra cost)
- Kathmandu sightseeing (we can add a day at extra cost)
- Optional trips if you extend your stay
- Extra costs from flight delays, strikes, bad weather or other events outside our control
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Online nowBest Time to Trek
| Season | Months | What to expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | September to November | Clear skies, cold mornings, short days | Best overall |
| Spring | March to May | Rhododendrons in bloom, longer days, afternoon cloud | Second best |
| Winter | December to February | Very cold, few trekkers, many lodges closed | Experienced trekkers only |
| Monsoon | June to August | Heavy rain, landslide risk, roads can close | Not recommended |
- Autumn: sunny days are the norm, but it gets dark by about 5:30 p.m. Mornings and evenings are cold, and light snow is possible above 3,000 m, especially from Namrung to Bhimthang.
- Spring: daylight runs from about 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., which helps on long days. Expect cold mornings, cloud and wind in the afternoon, light snow above 3,000 m and some rain below 2,000 m.
- Winter: most lodges close because locals move to lower villages. Plan carefully and expect heavy snow at times.
- Monsoon: trails wash out and the roads to Machha Khola and from Dharapani to Besisahar may close.
The sun is strong above 3,000 m and afternoons can be windy. Pack sunglasses, sun cream and warm layers. Nights above 4,000 m fall below freezing in every season.
For month-by-month conditions, read our best time for the Manaslu trek guide.
Required Permits for Manaslu Circuit Treks
Manaslu is a restricted area. You cannot walk it without permits and a licensed guide. We apply for every permit through the right channels, so you only send your passport copy, visa details, passport-size photos and insurance information.
| Permit | Where it applies | Fee for foreign trekkers |
|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | From Jagat, where permits are checked, through the upper valley | September to November: USD 100 for the first 7 days, then USD 15 per extra day. December to August: USD 75 for the first 7 days, then USD 10 per extra day. |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | The protected Manaslu area | NPR 3,000 |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | The final section, after the pass, because the trek ends at Dharapani | NPR 3,000 |
| Chumnubri Rural Municipality fee | The Chumnubri section of the trail | NPR 1,000 |
Rules to know:
- A licensed guide is required for every trekker.
- Only a registered trekking agency can apply for the restricted area permit. You cannot apply yourself.
- Solo travellers can now apply for the restricted area permit alone. The old rule that needed two trekkers was removed on 22 March 2026. The guide and agency rules did not change.
- Fees are set by the government and can change. We confirm the current figures with you before you travel.
Nepal’s Department of Immigration announced the change for solo trekkers on 22 March 2026. It covers restricted areas across 13 districts, including the Manaslu region.
Last checked: October 2026. Questions about permits? Contact us.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Packing List
| Head and hands | Sun hat or scarf, warm fleece hat or balaclava, UV sunglasses, light gloves and heavy waterproof gloves |
|---|---|
| Upper body | T-shirts, thermal base layers, fleece jacket, waterproof shell jacket, down jacket |
| Lower body | Hiking shorts (spring and autumn), thermal base layer pants, waterproof shell pants, fleece or wool pants |
| Feet | Broken-in hiking boots, thin liner socks and thick wool socks, camp shoes or sandals, gaiters in winter |
| Gear | Four-season sleeping bag (we lend one if you need it), headlamp with spare batteries, trekking poles, 25 to 30 L daypack, two water bottles or a hydration bladder |
| Documents | Passport with visa, travel and medical insurance with helicopter evacuation cover, passport-size photos for permits |
For the full checklist, including what you can rent in Kathmandu, see our Manaslu trek packing list.
Accommodation & Food
Lodges (teahouses): Rooms are simple and clean. Most are twin share with shared bathrooms. Hot showers cost extra in most villages.
Meals: Dining rooms are warm and social, heated by a central stove. Small villages serve mostly seasonal vegetables and dal bhat. Bigger stops such as Jagat, Namrung, Sama Gaun and Dharapani add Continental, Chinese, Indian and Tibetan dishes.
Power and Wi-Fi: Villages run mostly on hydropower, with solar backup in the smallest settlements. Charging and Wi-Fi cost a small fee. Signal drops in the high valleys. Jagat, Namrung, Lho, Sama Gaun and Dharapani usually have the steadiest connections.
Above Samdo: Lodges around Dharmasala (Larke Phedi) are basic and can fill up in peak season. Some trekkers may share a tented space when lodges are full. Bring a sleeping bag liner in every season.
There are very few ATMs on the trail. Carry enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu for showers, charging, snacks and tips.
For village-by-village detail, read our guide to accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit.
Safety & Guide Information:
Guides: Your guide is licensed and government registered, trained in altitude awareness and basic medical response, and knows the region’s culture and wildlife. English-speaking guides are standard. Guides for other languages can be arranged on request.
Emergencies: If someone has serious AMS, an injury or an illness, we organize a descent to a safe altitude. If needed, we arrange a helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu. Evacuation costs are your responsibility, so travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is not optional. Make sure it covers you up to at least 5,200 m.
Communication: Mobile coverage exists along much of the route but is unreliable in deep valleys and bad weather.
- Manaslu SpecialistsManaslu is our home trail. Our licensed guides walk this circuit season after season.
- Permits Handled for YouManaslu is a restricted area. We arrange your special permit, MCAP and ACAP before you arrive.
- A Sensible 14-Day PaceThe itinerary includes acclimatization time before you cross Larkya La at 5,106 m.
- Quiet Trails, Real CultureFar fewer trekkers than Annapurna or Everest, and Tibetan Buddhist villages along the way.
- Transparent PricingOne clear package price with permits, guide, lodges and transport listed up front.
- 24/7 SupportOur team stays on call for your whole trek, including emergency evacuation coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
The package runs 14 days from arrival in Kathmandu to departure. You walk on 9 days, rest and acclimatize for 1 day at Sama Gaun, and spend 2 days driving to and from the trail. Day 1 is arrival and Day 14 is departure.
It is moderate to challenging. There is no technical climbing, but walking days run from 4 to 8 hours, you sleep above 3,000 m for six nights, and the Larkya La Pass crossing at 5,106 m is a long day. Good fitness and training help a lot.
You need a licensed guide. Nepal requires one in the Manaslu restricted area, and your permits are issued through a registered agency. Porters are optional. Ask us if you want one to carry your main bag.
You can apply for the restricted area permit as one person since Nepal's Department of Immigration changed the rule on 22 March 2026. You still need a registered agency and a licensed guide. You cannot walk the route without a guide.
You need a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. A small local fee for Chumnubri Rural Municipality may also apply. We handle the paperwork for you.
The highest point is Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m (16,752 ft). The highest place you sleep is Dharmasala, also called Larke Phedi, at 4,460 m.
Most trekkers finish safely with steady pacing, good acclimatization and an experienced guide. Altitude is the main risk. Your guide briefs you each evening and watches for symptoms. Worsening symptoms mean going down. Insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is essential.
Train for two to three months before you go. Build up long hikes with a loaded daypack, add stair climbing and leg strength work, and include some cardio. Break in your boots before you arrive in Nepal.
Mount Manaslu is 8,163 m, the eighth highest mountain in the world. The trek circles the mountain but does not climb it.
On this itinerary the road takes you from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, about an 8 hour drive on Day 2, where the trek starts. The trek ends at Dharapani, where you rejoin the road for the drive back to Kathmandu on Day 13.
Days are mild in the lower villages, but nights above 4,000 m fall below freezing in every season. Expect frost, cold wind and light snow above 3,000 m. Pack a warm sleeping bag, a down jacket and thermal layers.
No. Manaslu is a restricted area, so it sees far fewer trekkers than Annapurna or Everest. Lodges near Dharmasala can still fill up in peak season, so book early.
The best times are September to November and March to May. Autumn gives clear skies and cold mornings. Spring brings longer days and rhododendron blooms. Winter is cold and many lodges close. The monsoon from June to August is not recommended.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map
Overall Trip Rating:
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By Kenneth April 15, 2026 Unforgettable trek around ManasluJust finished the Manaslu Circuit and it was the highlight of my time in Nepal. The trail goes from green river gorges to huge glaciers and snow peaks, and it was much quieter than I expected. Some days we barely saw other trekkers. The villages were the best part: prayer flags, monasteries, and warm teahouse hosts with endless dal bhat. Crossing Larkya La Pass was tough, with an early start and thin air, but the views at the top made every step worth it. Our guide Nim was brilliant. They looked after our pace, helped us acclimatise and kept the mood light. If you want a real Himalayan adventure without the crowds, do this trek!
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