Manaslu Circuit Trek: Complete Guide, Itinerary & Best Seasons

Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is among the best treks in Nepal, circling Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth-highest mountain, with the route's highest point at Larkya La Pass (5,106m).through one of Nepal's most restricted-area trek and least-visited trekking regions.

While Everest and Annapurna draw crowds, this 14–16 day clockwise loop through Nepal's Gorkha District offers something increasingly rare in the Himalayas: genuine remoteness, traditional Tibetan Buddhist villages, and trails where you might not see another trekker for hours.

The route follows the Budhi Gandaki river upstream from Machha Khola, climbing through subtropical jungle and high alpine meadows before cresting Larkya La Pass (5,106m), a high mountain pass in the Nepalese Himalayas, and descending into the Annapurna Conservation Area at Dharapani. Total cumulative elevation gain exceeds 11,000 metres.

The Manaslu Trek route is a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and tradition that will give you a different experience compared to any other place. Tamang, Gurung, Sherpa, Lama, Tsumba, Brahmin, and Chhetri are some major cultural communities of this region.

Because the Manaslu region is a government-designated restricted area, independent trekking is not permitted. You must trek with a licensed guide from a registered Nepalese agency, and a minimum of two foreign trekkers is required per permit.

At Hi Nepal Treks, we have led trekking groups on the Manaslu Circuit for over a decade. Our lead guides were born and raised in the Gorkha district, speak Nepali, Hindi, Tibetan, and English fluently, and carry first aid and wilderness medicine certifications. Everything in this guide comes from firsthand experience on the trail, not secondhand sources.

💡 The Manaslu Trek is a restricted area. Solo trekking is illegal. You must be in a group of at least 2 foreign trekkers and be accompanied by a licensed guide from a registered Nepalese agency. Hi Nepal Treks handles all permits and logistics on your behalf.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost and Package Pricing

The total Manaslu Circuit Trek cost depends on the package type, group size, and season. With Hi Nepal Travels and Treks, you'll know exactly what you're paying for before booking, transparent pricing with no hidden charges. In 2026/27, a standard 14-day trek typically ranges from $1,400 to $3,500+, depending on how much you value comfort over "local" authenticity.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map & Route Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal starts in Kathmandu, followed by a drive to Machha Khola. From there, the trail leads through Jagat, Deng, and Namrung, where trekkers experience traditional villages and stunning landscapes. The route continues to Sama Gaun, a key acclimatization point with an optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp. 

Trekking onward, you pass Samdo and Dharamsala before crossing the challenging Larke La Pass (5,106 m), the trek’s highest point. Afterward, you descend to Bimthang and Dharapani, where the trail connects to the Annapurna Circuit, then return to Kathmandu to conclude the journey.

Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal

Autumn (September – November)

Peak season for good reason, skies are stable, trails are dry, and mountain visibility is at its best. October and November are our most popular departure months. Expect more fellow trekkers on the trail during this period.

Spring (March – May) 

A strong alternative to autumn. Temperatures are warmer, the lower valley fills with red and pink rhododendron blooms through April, and visibility stays clear before monsoon clouds arrive. April is our top spring recommendation.

Winter (December – February) 

Possible for experienced, well-equipped trekkers but not recommended for most. Temperatures drop to -20°C at Larkya La and heavy snowfall can close the pass entirely.

Monsoon (June – August) 

Not recommended. Heavy rainfall brings leeches, slippery trails, poor mountain visibility, and an elevated risk of landslides on the lower valley road sections.

Our most popular departure months are October and November for the autumn season, and April for spring. October gives you the clearest mountain views and driest trails. April fills the lower valley with red and pink rhododendron blooms and is slightly warmer at altitude.

💡 Permit cost note: The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit costs USD 100 per person for the first 7 days during autumn (September–November), versus USD 75 per person in all other seasons. Factor this into your budget when comparing departure months.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude & Elevation Profile

💡 Highest point: Larkya La Pass at 5,106m / 16,752ft on Day 10. This is the only point on the trek exceeding 5,000m, all other nights are spent below 4,500m, allowing for a manageable acclimatisation profile.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Costs(2026) - Everything You Need

The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires 3 mandatory permits, all of which must be arranged through a licensed trekking agency. You cannot obtain the Restricted Area Permit independently; this is Nepal government law. At Hi Nepal Treks, we handle 100% of the permit process for you; your permits are ready before your trek starts.

💡SAARC nations include: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan.

Important Permit Rules

• A minimum of 2 foreign trekkers required per permit application
• A government-licensed guide from a registered Nepalese agency must accompany you at all times, solo trekking is not permitted
• All permits and your passport must be carried and presented at every checkpoint
• Children under 10 are exempt from permit fees but must still be listed on the application

⚠️ Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. If your trek dates change, a new permit must be issued. Book early and confirm travel insurance covers trek cancellation.

Mandatory Travel Insurance & Emergency Evacuation Information

Travel Insurance - Mandatory

Travel insurance is not optional on the Manaslu Circuit Trek; it is a legal requirement. Your policy must explicitly cover emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment from altitudes up to 5,500m. Manaslu Circuit Trekking without valid insurance and permits is prohibited, and trekkers found on the trail without the required documents face serious consequences, including a minimum two-year ban from trekking in Nepal.

⚠️ Helicopter evacuation costs without insurance can reach USD 4,000–8,000. Do not trek without confirmed coverage. Contact us before booking if you need guidance on suitable insurance providers.

Emergency Checklist

• Carry all required permits (MRAP, MCAP, ACAP) and your passport at every checkpoint
• Trek only with a government-licensed, registered guide at all times
• Ensure your travel insurance covers helicopter evacuation from 5,500m before departure
• Follow your guide's acclimatisation schedule strictly, never push through worsening altitude symptoms
• Have an emergency evacuation plan agreed with your guide before leaving Kathmandu
• Keep a fully charged phone and power bank with you, signal is available only up to approximately Namrung
• Download an offline map of the Manaslu region on Maps.me or Gaia GPS before departure, do not rely on mobile data on the trail
• Respect local culture and environmental guidelines throughout the trek

💡 All Hi Nepal Treks departures include a pre-trek emergency briefing covering evacuation procedures, AMS protocols, and checkpoint requirements.

Safety & Altitude Sickness on the Manaslu Circuit

Safety & Security

The Manaslu Circuit is a remote, restricted-area trek with limited infrastructure beyond the main villages. Being prepared is not optional, it is part of Manaslu Circuit trekking responsibly.

• Trek only with a government-licensed guide registered with a recognised Nepalese agency; this is both a legal requirement and your most important safety measure
• Carry a personal first aid kit including altitude medication, blister kit, and basic pain relief at all times
• Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers helicopter evacuation from altitudes up to 5,500m, evacuation costs without insurance can reach USD 4,000–8,000
• Mobile signal is available only in the lower valley up to approximately Namrung, assume no connectivity above this point
• Always inform your guide of any health changes, however minor, early intervention is far more effective than delayed treatment
• Weather on the upper trail can change rapidly, particularly near Larkya La, always follow your guide's advice on timing and conditions

Altitude Sickness on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit spends several consecutive days above 3,500m, with the highest night at Dharamsala (4,460m) and the pass crossing at 5,106m. Altitude sickness (AMS) is a genuine risk at these elevations and can affect anyone regardless of fitness level or previous trekking experience.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Persistent headache that does not improve with rest or water
• Nausea, loss of appetite, or vomiting
• Dizziness or difficulty with balance
• Shortness of breath at rest
• Disturbed sleep or fatigue beyond normal tiredness

How we manage altitude on this trek:

• A mandatory acclimatisation day in Samagaon (3,530m) before pushing higher
• Gradual daily altitude gains, we never ascend more than 500m per night above 3,000m, where possible
• Our guides carry pulse oximeters and monitor blood oxygen levels at every camp
• Emergency supplemental oxygen and Diamox are carried on all departures
• If any trekker shows worsening symptoms, descent is immediate, no exceptions

⚠️ If your symptoms worsen overnight rather than improve, tell your guide immediately. Descending even 300–500m can reverse AMS rapidly. Never attempt to push through severe symptoms.

Why Trek the Manaslu Circuit with Hi Nepal Treks?

There are hundreds of trekking agencies offering the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Here is what sets us apart:

 Local expertise: Our lead Local Manaslu guides have personally guided this route over 30 times each. They know every teahouse owner, every shortcut, every weather pattern, and every checkpoint official by name.

Licensed and registered: We are fully registered with the Nepal Tourism Board, the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), and the Nepal Mountaineering Association. All our guides hold government-issued guide licenses and carry valid first aid certifications.

Full permit handling: We manage all MRAP, MCAP, and ACAP applications, permit stamping, and checkpoint documentation. You never wait in queues or deal with paperwork.

Safety-first operations: Every departure carries a pulse oximeter, supplemental oxygen, Diamox, a group satellite communicator, and a comprehensive emergency response plan. We have a 100% summit/pass success rate on all guided Manaslu Circuit departures.

 Transparent pricing: No hidden costs. Our quote includes all permits, guide, porter, accommodation, and meals on the trail. We send you a line-item breakdown before you book.

 Group join options: Travelling solo? We can match you with other trekkers to meet the 2-person minimum. Contact us at least 4 weeks before your preferred departure date.

Responsible tourism: We pay our guides and porters above the TAAN minimum wage, provide them with proper equipment.

Book Your Manaslu Circuit Trek Today

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the world's great Himalayan journeys, and with the right local trek operator, it is within reach for any fit, motivated trekker. Hi Nepal Treks takes care of every detail from permits to porters so you can focus on what matters: the mountains, the culture, and the experience.

Custom private departures available year-round (subject to permit availability).

📧 Email: info@hinepaltreks.com

📞 WhatsApp: +977 985-6035091

Accommodation & Food on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The entire Manaslu Circuit is a teahouse trek, family-run guesthouses providing a bed, blankets, and meals under one roof. No camping is required. Quality varies by altitude, so here is what to realistically expect at each stage:

Lower Valley - Machha Khola to Namrung (Days 2–5): The most comfortable section. Teahouses offer private or twin-sharing rooms, Western-style toilets in most guesthouses, and reliable menus with a good variety of food.

Mid Valley - Lho to Samagaon (Days 6–7): Rooms are simpler but still comfortable. Samagaon has the best teahouses in the upper section, with some offering solar-heated water and wider menu options. Most trekkers spend two nights here.

High Section - Samdo and Dharamsala (Days 8–9): Facilities become very basic, particularly at Dharamsala. Expect dormitory-style or thin-walled rooms, a limited menu of dal bhat, noodles, and tea, and no hot water. Bring a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth.

Post-Pass - Bimtang to Dharapani (Days 10–11): Comfort returns quickly after the pass. Bimtang has good teahouses with warm food and decent rooms, a welcome contrast to the high camp.

Food on the Trail: Dal bhat, lentil soup with rice, vegetables, and pickle, is the best value and most nutritious option on the entire trek and is usually refillable at no extra charge. Menus in the lower and mid valley also include pasta, fried rice, egg dishes, porridge, and soups. Expect fewer options above Samagaon as supply routes become more limited.

💡 Bring high-energy snacks from Kathmandu: nuts, protein bars, dried fruit, and chocolate. These are either unavailable or very expensive on the upper trail. We recommend 2 kg of trail snacks per person for the full trek.

Manaslu Circuit Group Trek & Solo Travel Rules

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the few treks in Nepal where group trekking is not just an option, it is a government requirement. A minimum of 2 foreign trekkers is mandatory for the Restricted Area Permit, which means every Manaslu Circuit departure is by definition a group experience. At Hi Nepal Treks, we run both fixed group departures and private group packages, so whether you are travelling with friends or joining solo, we have a format that works for you.

Fixed Group Departures 

Our fixed group departures run every season with set departure dates in October, November, and April. Groups are kept small, a maximum of 12 trekkers, to maintain a manageable pace, preserve the trail's remote character, and allow your guide to give proper attention to every member of the group. Fixed departures are the most cost-effective way to do the Manaslu Circuit and are ideal for solo travellers or pairs looking to join a ready-made team.

Private Group Departures 

Travelling with friends, family, or a corporate team? A private group departure gives you full control over dates, pace, and itinerary customisation. Private groups of 4 or more also benefit from reduced per-person pricing. We handle everything, permits, guide, porter, accommodation, and transportation, so your group can focus entirely on the trek.

Why Group Trekking Works Well on Manaslu

• The remote nature of the trail means having experienced companions around you genuinely matters, especially on high-altitude days and the Larkya La crossing
• Shared costs reduce the per-person price significantly compared to solo arrangements
• Group energy and mutual encouragement make a real difference on the harder days, particularly the 3 am start on Day 10
• Our guides manage group pace carefully, ensuring no one is left behind, and acclimatization is monitored for every member

Group Size and Guide Ratio We maintain a maximum ratio of 1 guide per 8 trekkers on all group departures. For groups of 9 or more, an assistant guide joins the team. Every departure also includes dedicated porter service so trekkers carry only a light daypack throughout.

💡 Travelling solo? The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires a minimum of 2 trekkers per permit. If you are booking alone, contact us at least 4–6 weeks before your preferred departure date and we will match you with other trekkers on a fixed group departure. Solo travellers join our groups regularly and the shared experience is one of the highlights of the trek for most of them.

Find out more about how our group join departures work and upcoming available dates: Manaslu Circuit Trek - Group Join Departures.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance

The Manaslu Circuit Trek distance covers approximately 177 km in total, trekked over 11 days from Machha Khola (870m) to Dharapani (1,860m). Daily distances range from 10 km on the shorter acclimatisation days to 25 km on the Larkya La Pass crossing, the longest and most demanding day of the entire circuit.

The route gains over 11,000 metres of cumulative elevation across the full circuit, which matters far more than the flat distance figure. Even on shorter days, significant altitude gain and loss on rocky, uneven terrain mean trekking time rarely drops below 4 hours. The longest day, Dharamsala to Bimtang via Larkya La Pass (5,106m), covers 25 km with approximately 1,400 metres of descent after the summit and typically takes 8–10 hours.

Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit - Which Should You Choose?

Our verdict: If you have done the Annapurna Circuit trek or want to avoid tourist crowds, the Manaslu Circuit is the superior choice. For first-time Nepal trekkers with limited time or budget, the Annapurna Circuit remains an excellent option. Many trekkers now do both in sequence via Dharapani, completing the middle section of the Great Himalayan Trail.

Can't decide between the two? We have put together a detailed side-by-side comparison covering difficulty, cost, permits, crowd levels, and scenery to help you choose the right trek for your experience and goals. Read our full guide: Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit Trek — Which Should You Choose?