Highlights
- An adventure in one of the remote locations in the western Himalaya in Nepal
- Witness stunning views of Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Annapurna, along with many other mountains such as Simnang Peak, Shringi Himal, Naike Peak, etc
- Explore beautiful valleys, waterfalls, rivers, and streams
- Discover the wilderness and rich flora and fauna of the Manaslu Conservation Area
- See the lifestyle and culture of communities like Gurung and Ghale
- Meet with Tibetan refugees in the villages at higher altitudes
- Explore ancient stupas and monasteries along the trail, including the Pun Gyen Gompa
- Explore Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake
- Cross Larkya La Pass
Overview
There are many giant mountains in Nepal, and one of them is Mount Manaslu, which is also the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The Manaslu Circuit trek revolves around this mountain, offering an adventurous journey, remote location, beautiful scenery, impressive natural wonders, and the rich cultural heritage of the locals.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is not a hidden gem but a very loved and admired trekking route in the Himalayas. It is an offbeat, challenging trek route that goes through the mighty gorges of the Budi Gandaki River and takes you to the Mansalu Base Camp.
The Manaslu Circuit trek follows sub-tropical forests and beautiful Nepali mountain villages. The trail gradually leaves the tree line and enters the alpine zone. You will then traverse alpine meadows and glacier moraines that will lead you to the top of Larkya La Pass.
Larkya La is a high mountain pass. You cross this pass and descend to Dharapani via Bimthang, which is in the Annapurna region. In short, the Larkya La Pass connects the Manaslu region with the Annapurna region.
Crossing this pass is one of the main highlights of the Manaslu Circuit trek. It is also the most challenging section of the entire route. The Manaslu Circuit trek begins from Soti Khola.
Between Soti Khola and Larkya La Pass, you will spend nights in small settlements, get to know the Tibetan Buddhism heritage of the region, and explore Tibetan refugee villages.
The trail includes waterfalls, rivers, streams, suspension bridges, narrow tracks, landslide-prone areas, rockfall areas, meadows, barren fields, terraced farmlands, glaciers, and whatnot.
As you get close to Manaslu Base Camp, you will see other mighty mountains appearing much more prominent. Just before reaching Manaslu Base Camp, you will be surprised by the peace and beauty of the Birendra Lake. It is a hidden gem.
The Manaslu Circuit was introduced in 1992, and only 400 trekkers did it. This trek was done in a camping style for many years after that. Slowly, tea houses were built all over the route, lowering the expenses of the Manaslu Circuit trek and making it accessible to many travelers.
Still, given the remoteness of the region and the challenges of the trek, the Manaslu Circuit remains one of the untouched trekking routes in Nepal. We love the Manaslu Circuit trek for its authenticity, adventure, and landscapes.
Note that the Manaslu Circuit falls under a restricted area in Nepal, so a special trekking permit is required. Along with that, trekkers also have to follow some additional rules that we have shared below.
What to expect during the Manaslu Circuit trek 14 days?
Hiking through the stunning foothills of Mount Manaslu is an adventurous and immersive experience. This offbeat journey sets off from Kathmandu with a long, scenic drive to Soti Khola.
You will start the Manaslu Circuit trekking from Soti Khola. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River and goes through deep gorges, unlocking trodden paths, but pristine scenery.
The Manaslu Circuit trek route is tricky to traverse in many sections. You need expert guidance to climb narrow, steep hillsides and landslide-prone areas.
Prayer flags draped suspension bridges and old stupas on the trail will present a glimpse of the cultural richness of the region. The services are excellent till Namrung village. After Namrung, the region gets more remote as the trail ascends to a higher altitude.
Sama Gaon and Samdo are the two main settlements after Namrung village. We take an acclimatization break in Sama Gaon. Manaslu Base Camp and Pun Gyen Gompa (monastery) are located just a couple of hours' hike from Sama Gaon.
Likewise, some trekkers also take an acclimatization break in Samdo village and hike to Rui La Pass. Our Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary does not include an acclimatization day in Samdo.
Your time in Sama Gaon and Samdo will be incredible. See the locals living their daily mountain lifestyle and have memorable interactions with them. From Samdo village, the trail ascends to the last resting point before Larkya La Pass, Larke Phedi.
Larke Phedi is also known as Dharamsala. It is not a settlement. There are 2-3 teahouses here just for trekkers, and sharing a room is necessary. The trail from Larke Phedi takes you to the top of Larkya La Pass. But it will not be an easy hike.
Following an unclear, narrow path, you will cross the south steep grassy slope. Then, the trail descends to the four frozen lakes and passes by a narrow moraine.
Finally, a sharp ascent will take you to the top of the pass that will welcome you with an outstanding mountain panorama and sunrises. We will take the moment to relish the view, take some pictures, and begin descending off the pass.
The night stay will be in Bimthang village. Bimthang to Dharapani will be the last hike of the trek. You will descend through forested hills and small villages. From Dharapani, a long drive will bring you back to Kathmandu.
Views during the Manaslu Circuit trek
The views during the Manaslu Circuit trek 14 days are breathtaking. You will see some of the most iconic and unheard of mountains in the Himalayas, such as Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Simnang Himal, Ngadi Chuli, Naike Peak, etc.
Similarly, Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Annapurna views will grace the journey throughout the way. You can wake up early to catch beautiful sunrises over picturesque mountain villages.
The landscapes are also stunning. In the initial phase of the trek, you will see lush greenery all around you. With the rise in elevation, the landscape gets barren and rocky.
The restricted area rule and why the Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area in Nepal for foreigners
The upper part of the Manaslu Circuit route is close to the Nepal-Tibet border. So, one of the top reasons for the Manaslu Circuit being a restricted area is to maintain border security.
Second, the Manaslu Circuit is home to many exotic flora and fauna and an indigenous community that requires protection. Restricted tourist flow in the region allows the Nepalese government to protect and preserve nature, locals, and wildlife.
Third, the Manaslu Circuit area also has a very sensitive ecosystem, which requires extra attention and care. All these reasons make the Manaslu Circuit trek a restricted area in Nepal for foreigners.
The restricted area rules that trekkers have to follow during the Manaslu Circuit trekking are:
- Trek in at last group of two trekkers (not including guide and porter)
- Buy a special restricted area permit for Manaslu.
- The trip must be organized by an authorized Nepali trekking company like us.
- An independent guide cannot help you obtain the restricted area permit.
Is the Manaslu Circuit trek suitable for you?
The Manaslu Circuit trek is for someone who wants something different in Nepal. You want to see spectacular mountain vistas, but do not want to follow the famous trails. You want to explore lovely mountain villages but do not want to be around over-commercialized ones.
You are interested in challenging yourself and pushing your limits, but do not want to do strenuous treks like the Everest Three Passes or Upper Dolpo. Well, the Manaslu Circuit trek is the answer to all these preferences.
It is adventurous, demanding, and a lifetime trip, but not extremely challenging and remote like Upper Dolpo. The Manaslu Circuit trek route has teahouses, so camping is not required. It means you can do this trek on a budget.
Similarly, the Manaslu Circuit trek is also a great alternative to the Annapurna Circuit trek. The experience during the 14 days Manaslu Circuit trek is immaculate. Diverse scenery, welcoming locals, wilderness, and high-altitude walking all make the Manaslu Circuit a wonderful trek.
Regardless of your reason to do the Manaslu Circuit trek, one thing is non-negotiable, and that is your fitness. For a second, you may do the Manaslu Circuit trek without a previous trekking experience, but your fitness must be good.
So, are you fit for the Manaslu Circuit trek?
How to get fit for the Manaslu Circuit trek and prepare for the journey?
The Manaslu Circuit trek route is rocky, uneven, and steep. The trek includes constant uphill and downhill trekking, covering up to 180 km (roughly 110 miles). Each day you will walk for around 6 hours.
High-altitude walking is challenging not only because of rough terrain and low oxygen levels, but you may also get bored at some point. So, it is very important that you take the trek seriously and are determined to complete it.
You have to commit to conquer challenging treks like the Manaslu Circuit. It is not your usual adventurous trip.
- Exercise: Strength training and cardio exercises are recommended. You have to improve your stamina and fitness to walk long hours on rough terrain.
- Long walk: Walking long hours out of nowhere is not easy. You need a habit. So, start walking for half an hour a day and slowly increase the time.
- Day hikes: It is fine even if you have not done any trek before. You can start with day hikes around your city. It is great to experience uphill walking.
- Mental preparation: For the Manaslu Circuit trek, you need to travel in a remote area. Limited services, no network, basic teahouses, shared toilets, and simple food, these are some of the things that you need to adjust to. So, understand what exactly a remote trek in Nepal is and prepare yourself accordingly.
Manaslu Circuit trek cost and booking 2026
We have an affordable Manaslu Circuit trek cost. Our Manaslu Circuit trek package starts at USD XXXX. We also have a special group offer for 2 or more trekkers. We organize both private and fixed departure treks for the Manaslu Circuit.
For a private trek, you need to be in a group of at least two trekkers. It is because of the restricted area rule of trekking in a group of at least two trekkers. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Booking is simple with us. Just click on the booking button and follow the instructions. At the end, you have to make a small booking deposit, which is also refundable in most cases.
You can book your seat for the Manaslu Circuit trek 2026 anytime. Our bookings are open for the 2026 spring and autumn departures.
Why do the Manaslu Circuit trek with Mountain Life Treks
To do the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will need the assistance of a local Nepali trekking company that is authorized to organize a restricted area trek like ours. We, Mountain Life Treks, are one of Nepal's expert travel agencies.
We have been organizing treks for foreigners for many years. Our team specializes in restricted area treks like the Manaslu Circuit. You will get the finest service and support with us.
From the very beginning of the trip, we will be your reliable companion and guide. You can also customize the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary with us.
You can combine other treks with the Manaslu Circuit, customize the services, shorten the itinerary, hire additional porters, or make any other change to the trip. There is no limit to the Himalayas with us.
You will be in reliable hands by doing the Manaslu Circuit trek 14 days with us. Below are some of the perks of trekking with us:
- 100% safe trek
- Fair Manaslu Circuit trek price
- Easy booking system
- No hidden charge
- Professional team to handle all logistics
- Certified guide and porter
- 24/7 support
- Free airport pickup and drop-off
- Free duffel bag to use during the trek and storage for extra luggage in Kathmandu
