Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most beautiful adventures you can experience in Nepal. The trail circles through the Manaslu Conservation Area and rewards you with breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.

If you’ve already walked the Annapurna Circuit, this trek feels like the perfect next step. The classic route takes about 14 days, beginning in Soti Khola and ending in Besisahar. If you want a longer journey with more culture and scenery, you can extend it to 22 days by adding a trip into the peaceful and spiritual Tsum Valley.

The region lies between the Annapurna and Ganesh Himal, giving you a close-up view of some of the most impressive peaks over 8,000 meters. Yet despite its beauty, the trail is far less crowded than Everest Base Camp. You feel remote, authentic, and full of cultural charm—perfect for trekkers who want a deeper Himalayan experience.

The walk takes you through warm villages and terraced fields, which then leads into the dramatic gorge of the Budhi Gandaki River. The turquoise water, waterfalls, and narrow canyon walls make this section an unforgettable lifetime. You’ll also cross some incredible suspension bridges—long, high, and sometimes thrilling. During the monsoon, smaller bridges can get washed away, so trekkers sometimes have to make their way across stones or temporary crossings.

Because the area only opened to trekkers in 1992, the trek still holds that raw, exploratory feeling. If you want to know what trekking in Nepal felt like in the 1980s, this is the closest you’ll get. The scenery never stops impressing, but you do need to be physically prepared.

Eventually, the trail leads you higher toward the snow-covered Larkya La Pass, close to the Tibetan border. Standing at 5,167 meters (16,952 feet), it’s usually icy, and many people use micro-crampons on the way down. The climb starts around 3 a.m. so you can reach the top before the winds get strong.

From the pass, the view behind is beautiful, but the real magic happens as you walk farther west. Suddenly, a huge glacial basin opens up—an almost unbelievable wall of mountains formed by Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru, while Annapurna II stands proudly in front. This moment alone is enough to make the entire trek worthwhile.

Most of the route has teahouses, making the journey comfortable, unless you choose remote side trails that require camping. Many trekking companies can organize everything for you, from permits to accommodation.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is known as Nepal’s most remote and unspoiled trekking destination. Peaceful trekking trails and quiet villages are explored in this trek. Similarly, Manaslu Circuit trek is famous among adventure lovers as it comes under challenging treks. Making a circle to Mt. Manaslu (8163m) which offers pristine landscapes and thrilling high altitude pass can be experienced. Breathtaking mountain ranges with glacier views are the major attraction of Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Map outlines the overall trekking trails around Mt. Manaslu, where trek starts from Machhi Khola and ends at Besisahar. The trekking trail follows Budhi Gandaki River and passes through the traditional villages like Jagat, Deng, Sama Gaon, Samdo, and many more. Challenging pass Larkey La Pass is the major attraction and highest elevation destination for the trekkers. The map highlights key elevations, acclimatization points, landmarks, and trekking days, which help trekkers understand the route, terrain, and altitude.

Here are some important information about Manaslu Circuit Trek which will guides you to experience the best version of your trek. Although you are seeking for different travel advice, we are trying to point out all the queries that one can have before trekking Manaslu Region. For more information, you can DM us on our mail or WhatsApp. Filling the inquiry form is the another process to reach us.

Spring(March-May) and Autumn(September-November) are widely considered as the Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is the perfect time to ensure the pleasant weather conditions than of other season. Despite Trekking is possible during all season, spring and autumn are the best season to explore Manaslu Region. 

Spring (March-May)

Rhododendrons: the trail gets lightened up with the red and pink color of the flowers.

Weather : perfect temperature for daytime hiking.

Afternoon may get cloudy and take a shower in late may.

Autumn (September-November)

Clear skies: perfect crystal clear skies and best visibility for mountains.

Weather: stable weather with minimal rain and predictable weather conditions.

Most popular season means busier trails and accommodation.

Monsoon (June-September)

Quiet: fewer trekkers and peaceful environment.

Greenery: the woods are green and scenic

Challenges: most often rains, leaches, slippery trails

Risk of landslides increases.

Winter (December-February)

Scenic views of stunning snow-capped mountains and cool air.

Freezing: at this time, one should be prepared for the harsh climate with proper gears.

Accommodation: high altitude teahouses and lodges may close due to freezing.

Packing list can differ from one person to another. Based on needs list can be very from one another. Additionally, Manaslu Circuit Trek is of 13 days and packing list can be in big number, so trekkers should be aware about the necessary things to be carried with. Some of the basic things that one should care about before Manaslu Circuit Trek are mentioned below:

DOCUMENTS AND MONEY 

• Passport (minimum 6 months valid) 
• Permits (TIMS and Restricted area permit) 
• Travel insurance 
• Passport size photos(2-4 copies) 
• Cash (NPR) no ATMs on the trail 

Trekking gear 

• Bag pack (40-50 ltr with rain cover) 
• Duffel bags (for porters)
• Headlamp with extra batteries 
• Sunglasses 
• Sleeping bag with rated -10 degree 
• Trekking poles 
• Water bottles 
• Purification tablets, filter

Wears

• Clothes with multiple layers 
• Fleece jackets or mid-layer 
• Waterproof shell jacket and pants
• Trekking pants 
• Hats & warm gloves 
• Neck gaiter
• Trekking boots (waterproof)
• Camp sandals and shoes

Hygiene & Meds

• Sun scream and lip balm 
• Blister care kit
• Personal medicine and Diamox
• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
• Toilet paper

Electronics 

• Powerbank
• Camera
• Universal adapter

Manaslu Region has designated as a restricted zone by the Government of Nepal to regulate tourism in the area. Consequently, solo trekkers are prohibited in Manaslu Region, and they must obtain a special entry permit to get entered there.

The regulations specify that there should be at least two hikers in each group, along with a local guide with certified trekking license. Moreover, your permit needs to be handled by a registered agency from Nepal, where freelance guides are unable to provide the required permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

In total, three permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

1. Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu

A permit for the Manaslu Circuit trek is necessary from Jagat until you pass Sama Gaun. After passing through the village of Sama, you’ll require an additional entry permit (ACAP)! The cost of the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit is determined by the number of days you stay between Jagat and Dharapani. The final checkpoint for Restricted Area Permit is located in Sama Gaun.

Cost for Manaslu Restricted Area Permit:

From September to November: USD 100 per individual for the first initial seven days and an extra USD 15 per individual each day starting from the eighth day.

From December to August: USD 75 per person for the first initial seven days, plus an extra USD 10 per person for each day starting from the eighth day.

A printed photograph is not required for the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, since it will be uploaded digitally and included on the permit.

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)

This permit for the Manaslu Circuit trek is needed from Philim, where the Manaslu Conservation Area begins. The cost remains consistent all year, which is USD 30 for each individual. Additionally, there are no limits or alterations in cost with a variation in the number of days you stay within Manaslu Conservation Area Project.

For this Manaslu Conservation Area Project permit, a physical photograph is necessary.

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)

A permit for the Manaslu trek is necessary from Dharapani until your exit from Annapurna Conservation Area Project at Beshisahar. The cost remains consistent all year, that is USD 30 for each individual. Additionally, there are no limitations or alterations in price when there is a change in the duration of your stay in Annapurna Conservation Area Project.

Altitude sickness is the crucial thing that one should not ignore. It may take the lives of the people. There is no medicine for this illness, so trekkers must be aware of it. There can be different factors that may cause altitude sickness. Some of them are mentioned with a solution: 

Prevention strategy

• Hydration: drink 3–4 liters of water to avoid dehydration
• Ascend gradually: slow and steady method
• Acclimatization: take it seriously and take proper rest
• Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills
• Sun protection: UV is stronger at altitude, so use proper sunglasses and sun screams.
• Persistent headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Poor sleep

Safety Measures for Altitude Sickness

•  If you feel unwell, STOP ascending immediately and take rest
• If the situation worsens, descend immediately, approx. 400-500m
• If the situation still got worse, then immediately ask for rescue.