Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek is categorized as one of the best adventure treks in Nepal. It combines the high Himalayas and their natural beauty with rich cultural heritage and biological diversity. Manaslu, located east of the Annapurna range, is the eighth-highest peak in the world and has been open to foreigners since 1992.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a laborious trek that demands experience and good physical well-being. The Manaslu trek ascends through the Budi Gandaki River, offering numerous rivers and waterfalls to Larkya La Pass (5213 m), the highest point in the Manaslu Trek, providing striking views of Himalchuli, Manaslu (8156 m), Ganesh Himal and other various mountains.
En route, diverse landscapes, and a variety in flora and fauna amaze anyone. The laborious part of trekking along the Manaslu circuit starts from Samagoan (3450 m) where you could get lucky to see the freezing green lake of Birendra.
However, the biggest challenge awaits - crossing the snow-clad Larkye La pass (5213m), which is 8 km from the Tibet border, and offers classic views of Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru (6,981m) and Annapurna II (7,937m). From Larkya La (Larkya Pass), we take a steep descent along a snow-covered trail down to Tanbuche.
Then we follow a narrow trail to the Dudh Khola (Milk River) banks passing through magnificent forests of rhododendron, Pine, and Juniper. A further descent transforms the alpine vegetation to subtropical greenness. Then the walk through the Marshyangdi River to Besishahar marks the end of the Trek.
14 Days Manaslu Trek is getting more and more popular as a new trekking destination, but it still sees fewer trekkers compared to the established trekking routes in the Annapurna region. The Manaslu Trek is a stunning trek with spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8163 m) and the Ganesh Himal Range, among others.
Along the trail to Manaslu Trek, you will cross an interesting mix of authentic Hindu and Tibetan-style Buddhist villages. The trail follows the spectacular Budhi Gandaki River from Arughat to its source just below the Larkya Pass (5125 m). As you start low, at around 700 m, the landscapes are incredibly varied, ranging from the green countryside and lush forests to spectacular high-altitude landscapes skirting huge glaciers.
Crossing Larke Pass (5125 m) can be tough when there is snow. However, the stunning landscape with the mighty Himalayas towering straight above you and the spectacular glaciers make it more than worth the effort. The Larke Pass links the Budhi Gandaki with the Marsyangdi valley. The descent passes through beautiful alpine meadows at Bhimtang before joining the main Annapurna Circuit route heading to the trailhead at Besisahar.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is easily accessible from Kathmandu. It originally started in the town of Arughat or Sotikhola or Machhi Khola; however, with roads being built, many trekkers start at either Barpak or Machhi Khola, a bit further up the trail.
The Manaslu Trek described here starts in Soti Khola and ends in Dharapani. It’s also possible to finish the walk in Besisahar, which is also the starting point for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The itinerary below is one of the many possibilities. The trek can be made longer or shorter depending on the length of your walking days and starting point.
There are basic guesthouses all along the trail, so you can choose to camp or stay at the teahouses. You can combine the Manaslu Circuit Trek with the Tsum Valley, a beautiful, secluded valley where century-old Tibetan traditions prevail.
We at Green Valley Nepal Treks and Research Hub have crafted a 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary that includes your arrival and departure days to and from Nepal. We love to share our knowledge and stories of the region, and we are prepared to go the extra mile to provide our clients with an exceptional and personal adventure in this magical region of Nepal.
If you want to participate in other trekking adventures other than the Manaslu Trek in the Manaslu Region, then we have other options as:
- Short Manaslu Trek - 11 Days
- Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek - 18 Days
- Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek - 23 Days
- Tsum Valley Trek - 15 Days
Benefits of Booking Manaslu Circuit Trek with Us
- International Airport Pickup and Drop facility
- Green Valley Nepal Trek T-Shirt and Duffle Bag
- Map of Manaslu Circuit Trekking
- Medical Kits might be necessary in Certain Cases.
- Free Excess Luggage Stored at Green Valley Nepal Store During the Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek Outline (Distance, Duration, and Altitude)
Day | Trekking Route | Trek Distance | Trek Duration | Sleep Altitude |
01 | Stay in Kathmandu | - | - | 1400 Meters |
02 | Manaslu Trek Preparation Day | - | - | 1400 Meters |
03 | Kathmandu to Machha Khola | 151 Kilometers | 9 to 10 Hours | 890 Meters |
04 | Machha Khola to Jagat | 22 Kilometers | 7 to 8 Hours | 1340 Meters |
05 | Jagat to Deng | 20 Kilometers | 6 to 7 Hours | 1860 Meters |
06 | Deng to Namrung | 19 Kilometers | 6 to 7 Hours | 2630 Meters |
07 | Namrung to Lho | 11 Kilometers | 4 to 5 Hours | 3180 Meters |
08 | Lho to Samagaon | 7 Kilometers | 3 to 4 Hours | 3520 Meters |
09 | Acclimatization Day at Samagaun | - | - | 3520 Meters |
10 | Samagaon to Samdo | 9 Kilometers | 3 to 4 Hours | 3860 Meters |
11 | Samdo to Larkya Phedi (Dharamshala) | 12 Kilometers | 4 to 5 Hours | 4480 Meters |
12 | Larkya Phedi to Bhimthang via Larkya La Pass | 25 Kilometers | 8 to 9 Hours | 3720 Meters |
13 | Bhimthang to Tiliche | 26 Kilometers | 8 to 9 Hours | 2560 Meters |
14 | Tiliche to Kathmandu | 220 Kilometers | 9 to 10 Hours | 1400 Meters |
Preparation for Manaslu Circuit Trekking
The Manaslu Circuit trek is challenging and remote in the Manaslu Region of Nepal. It passes through beautiful mountain landscapes and traditional Gurung villages and offers a chance to see the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Manaslu (8,163 meters). However, it also requires a high level of physical fitness and preparation. Here are some things to consider as you prepare for your trek:
- Physical fitness: The Manaslu Circuit trekis considered a strenuous trek and requires a high level of physical fitness. You should be able to hike for several hours each day, carry a light daypack, and be able to handle steep and rocky terrain. You can start preparing for the trek by doing regular cardio exercises, such as running or cycling, as well as strength training exercises to build up your leg muscles. It's also a good idea to practice hiking with a loaded backpack.
- Altitude acclimatization: The Manaslu Circuit trek takes you to high altitudes, with the highest point being the Larkya La pass at an altitude of 5,106 meters. Altitude sickness can be a serious issue, so it's important to give yourself enough time to acclimatize.
- Travel documents: You will need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and a permit to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Travel insurance: It is mandatory to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation by helicopter. Please check your policy and coverage properly before you leave.
- Gear and Equipment: You will need appropriate clothing and gear for the trek, including warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and pants, a good pair of hiking boots, trekking poles, a warm sleeping bag, etc. Be sure to bring enough sunscreen and lip balm, as well as good-quality sunglasses.
- Mental preparation: The Manaslu Circuit trek is challenging, both physically and mentally. The trek requires a certain level of flexibility, patience, and positivity. It's good to mentally prepare yourself for long days of trekking, changing weather conditions, and unexpected situations.
It's a great idea to consult a doctor before the trek since it would be a remote area and the availability of doctors would be scarce or not available at all. It's a great idea to have a medical kit, including basic medicines and a few prescribed medicines.
Manaslu Circuit Trek updated Cost for 2025 and 2026
The Manaslu Circuit Trek costs from USD 795 and might reach up upto USD 1050 per person, based on the group size. make a reservation at a time. Green Valley Nepal Treks provides customized Manaslu Circuit Trek costs, reflecting the number of participants in your booking.
No. of Pax | Starting Price | Inquiry |
1 pax | USD 1050 per person | |
2 to 5 pax | USD 950 per person | |
6 to 8 pax | USD 875 per person | |
9 to 10 pax | USD 795 per person |
If more than 10 persons are in the group, please contact us for a special group offer on WhatsApp. Take a look at our blog, Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost 2025 and 2026: Budget Breakdown to know the detailed cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.