Manaslu Guide
Manaslu Circuit Trek: Route, Cost & Itinerary (2026)
Plan the Manaslu Circuit Trek with route stages, 16 to 22-day itineraries, Larkya La altitude, permits, costs, accommodation and the best seasons.
By Suraj KatwalRead Guide →
Manaslu Region: Circuit, Larkya La & Tsum Valley
Manaslu feels remote because it is. Expect long mountain days, simple teahouses, restricted permits, and a dramatic crossing of Larkya La at 5,106m.
Elevation Span900 m (Machha Khola) to 5,106 m (Larkya La)
Best WindowsOctober to November & March to May
Permits RequiredRAP (Restricted Area) + MCAP + ACAP
Legal RegulationsSingle foreign trekker may apply under current rule; licensed guide and registered-agency filing remain mandatory
The Mountain of the Spirit
Nepal's Premier Remote Circuit Without the Crowds
Named after the Sanskrit word Manasa, meaning intellect or soul, Mount Manaslu rises to 8,163 meters in central-western Nepal. The circuit around this giant offers what the Annapurna Circuit once was decades ago: wild foot trails, roaring river gorges, traditional Tibetan stone settlements, and genuine teahouse hospitality.
Unlike other busy trekking regions, Manaslu's restricted area status ensures trail traffic remains regulated and pristine. Walk past centuries-old mani walls, acclimatize beside turquoise glacial lakes at Samagaun, and experience the high-altitude thrill of crossing Larkya La pass at 5,106 meters.
Restricted Area Conservation Rich Tibetan Buddhist Heritage
Birendra Glacial Lake (3,691m) with Mt. Manaslu ice walls in the backdrop
Route Options
Major Treks in the Manaslu Region
From the classic 14-day loop to sacred Buddhist side-valleys and high-altitude lake climbs.
Challenging13 - 15 Days5,106 m (Larkya La Pass)
Classic Manaslu Circuit Trek
The premier wilderness circuit in Nepal. Circumnavigate the world's eighth highest peak (8,163m), walking from subtropical river gorges to ancient Tibetan villages in Nubri and the high glacial crossing of Larkya La.
RAP + MCAP + ACAPRoute Guide →
Strenuous Alpine18 - 21 Days5,106 m (Larkya La) / 3,700 m (Mu Gompa)
Manaslu Circuit + Tsum Valley Extension
Add the sacred hidden valley of Tsum ('Beyul') to your circuit. Explore cliffside Buddhist monasteries at Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa where non-violence is centuries old and no animals are ever slaughtered.
RAP + Tsum RAP + MCAP + ACAPRoute Guide →
Moderate to Strenuous10 - 12 Days3,700 m (Mu Gompa)
Tsum Valley Cultural Trek
A standalone cultural and spiritual pilgrimage into northern Gorkha. Walk under sheer canyon walls, visit Milarepa's meditation cave, and experience untouched Tibetan-influenced highland lifestyle.
Tsum RAP + MCAPRoute Guide →
Challenging Day AscentsDay Hikes from Samagaun3,691 m (Lake) / 4,800 m (Manaslu Base Camp)
Samagaun & Birendra Lake Acclimatization
Crucial acclimatization day trips from the stone lodges of Samagaun. Walk to the milky turquoise waters of Birendra Lake and climb the lateral moraine to the high expedition tents of Manaslu Base Camp.
Included with Manaslu permitsRoute Guide →
Permit Guide
Manaslu Restricted Area Regulations
Essential legal requirements set by the Nepal Department of Immigration before you hit the trail.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Issued exclusively by the Nepal Department of Immigration in Kathmandu through registered trekking agencies. Peak autumn (Sep to Nov) costs USD 100 per person for the first 7 days, plus USD 15 per additional day. Winter and spring (Dec to Aug) costs USD 75 for 7 days, plus USD 10 per additional day.
Mandatory Two-Person Rule
Under Nepal immigration regulations, solo independent trekking is strictly prohibited in the Manaslu restricted zone. A minimum of two foreign passport holders must apply together for the permit and walk with a licensed Nepali guide.
Conservation Permits: MCAP & ACAP
Because the circuit begins in the Manaslu Conservation Area and concludes in the Annapurna Conservation Area at Dharapani, both the MCAP and ACAP entry permits (NPR 3,000 each, approximately USD 23) are required alongside the RAP.
Government-Certified Guide
Trekkers must be accompanied by a government-licensed guide registered with a certified Nepali trekking agency. Checkposts at Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Samagaun strictly verify guide badges and trekker logs.
Daily Elevation Profile
12-Day Circuit Milestones
Key elevation points, acclimatization stops, and overnight stages from trailhead to pass.
Day 1900 m
Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Overland 4WD drive via Dhading Besi and Arughat (7 to 9 hours)
Day 21,340 m
Machha Khola to Jagat
Tatopani hot springs, cantilever pathway over Budhi Gandaki gorge
Day 31,860 m
Jagat to Deng
Official restricted area checkpost, transition into alpine pine forests
Day 42,630 m
Deng to Namrung
Stone carved Buddhist mani walls, entering Tibetan-influenced upper Nubri
Day 53,180 m
Namrung to Lho
First dramatic direct panorama of Mt. Manaslu and Ribung Gompa
Day 63,530 m
Lho to Samagaun
Sprawling Tibetan stone village beneath the great eastern ridge of Manaslu
Day 73,691 m - 4,800 m
Samagaun Acclimatization
Vital rest day hike to Birendra Glacial Lake or Manaslu Base Camp
Day 83,860 m
Samagaun to Samdo
Last traditional village on the circuit, near the Tibetan border trade pass
Day 94,460 m
Samdo to Dharamsala
Base staging camp (Larkya Phedi) with rustic stone shelters before the pass
Day 105,106 m / 3,720 m
Dharamsala over Larkya La to Bimthang
Pre-dawn pass crossing, vast glacier views, steep descent into Manang
Day 112,300 m / 1,860 m
Bimthang to Tilije / Dharapani
Walk down through rhododendron groves to join the Annapurna Circuit road
Day 121,400 m
Dharapani to Besisahar & Kathmandu
Jeep to Besisahar, highway drive back to Kathmandu or onward to Pokhara
Trail Comfort
Teahouse Living on the Circuit
What to realistically expect for food, charging, hot showers, and high-altitude accommodation.
Authentic Family Teahouse Lodging
Unlike commercialized routes, Manaslu lodges are family-run stone teahouses with warm central dining rooms heated by wood stoves. Twin-bedded rooms have foam mattresses and blankets, though a cold-weather sleeping bag is essential.
Power, Charging & Connectivity
Electricity is primarily solar and micro-hydro. Expect device charging fees (NPR 300 - 500) above Namrung. Wi-Fi (Everest Link or local satellite cards) is available up to Samagaun but can be intermittent.
Nourishing Himalayan Trail Diet
Fresh Dal Bhat with seasonal greens is prepared twice daily with unlimited refills. Other staples include Tibetan Tsampa porridge, Sherpa stew, fried potatoes, momos, and garlic soup for high-altitude acclimatization.
Dharamsala Base Camp Realities
The night before Larkya La at Dharamsala (4,460m) is basic. Lodges here are stone shelters and seasonal tented rooms. Carrying a personal four-season sleeping bag rated to -15°C is critical for comfort.
Curated Field Guides
2 Detailed ArticlesAll Manaslu Field Guides & Route Tips
Deep-dive itineraries, fitness preparations, route maps, and packing gear.
Manaslu Guide
Manaslu Circuit Trek Route Tips
Here are the top 7 Manaslu Circuit Trek Route Tips you must know before going for the trek. Have an enjoyable and successful trek to Manaslu.
By Suraj KatwalRead Guide →
Trail Smarts
Manaslu Circuit FAQs
Essential answers for planning your Manaslu expedition.
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit compared to Annapurna or Everest?↓
Manaslu is physically more demanding than the classic Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill routes. The trail traverses deep river gorges, steep cantilever stairs, and reaches 5,106 meters at Larkya La Pass. It requires solid cardiovascular fitness and 6 to 8 hours of daily hiking for nearly two weeks.
Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit independently or solo?↓
No. Nepal Department of Immigration regulations strictly require a minimum of two foreign trekkers in a group accompanied by a licensed Nepali guide. Solo independent trekking without a guide is strictly prohibited in the restricted zone.
When is the best time of year to trek Manaslu?↓
The two prime seasons are Autumn (late September to November) and Spring (March to May). Autumn brings crystal clear mountain vistas and stable high pass weather. Spring offers warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendron forests on the lower trails.
Do I need technical mountaineering gear to cross Larkya La Pass?↓
No technical climbing gear or ropes are needed under normal conditions. However, microspikes or trekking crampons, warm alpine gloves, gaiters, and sturdy trekking poles are strongly advised for packed snow and ice along the pass.
How do I reach the Manaslu Circuit trailhead from Kathmandu?↓
You travel overland from Kathmandu to Machha Khola or Soti Khola. A private 4WD jeep takes approximately 7 to 9 hours via Dhading Besi and Arughat, providing the safest and most reliable transportation over mountain dirt roads.