Mountain Treks
Manaslu Circuit Trek
A remote, less-commercial Himalayan circuit — Tibetan-influenced villages, the high Larkya La pass, and far fewer crowds than Everest or Annapurna.
- Duration
- 14–18 days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Best season
- Mar–May & Sep–Nov
- Starts
- Kathmandu
- Ends
- Kathmandu
- Best for
- Experienced trekkers, Travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path routes, Small groups, Travelers who want alternatives to Everest and Annapurna
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit loops around the world's eighth-highest mountain, climbing from subtropical river gorges to the 5,106-meter Larkya La pass. It is a restricted-area trek, so it has stayed quieter and wilder than Nepal's famous routes.
The upper valley is culturally Tibetan: stone villages, monasteries, mani walls, and yak caravans. Teahouses are simpler than on the Everest and Annapurna trails, which is exactly why travelers who want the older feel of Himalayan trekking choose Manaslu.
Why This Trip Works
You get a complete Himalayan arc — lowland farms, deep gorges, high desert, and a serious pass — without the trail traffic of the classic circuits.
Restricted-area permits cap the crowds and require a guide, so the experience stays authentic and the villages benefit directly from each group that passes through.
Larkya La is a genuine challenge with a built-in safety net: our itinerary places acclimatization days exactly where the altitude profile needs them.
Highlights
- Sweeping views of Manaslu (8,163 m)
- Remote stone villages of the Nubri valley
- Tibetan-influenced monasteries and mani walls
- Crossing the Larkya La pass at 5,106 m
- River gorges, forests, and high glacial valleys
- A fraction of the foot traffic of Everest or Annapurna
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Airport pickup and trek briefing; we finalize your restricted-area permits.
Day 2
Drive to Machha Khola
A long, scenic drive into the Budhi Gandaki valley.
Day 3–5
Trek up the Budhi Gandaki gorge
Through Jagat and Deng — waterfalls, suspension bridges, and Gurung villages.
Day 6–7
Climb into the Nubri valley to Samagaon
The architecture and language turn Tibetan as Manaslu fills the sky.
Day 8
Acclimatization day in Samagaon
Day hike to Pungyen Gompa or toward Manaslu Base Camp, then rest.
Day 9
Trek to Samdo
A short high-altitude day near the old Tibet trade route.
Day 10
Trek to Dharamsala
Position for the pass at the highest lodge on the circuit.
Day 11
Cross the Larkya La (5,106 m) to Bimthang
A pre-dawn start, a long glacial crossing, and a huge descent — the day of the trek.
Day 12–13
Descend to Tilije and drive to Besisahar
Down through forest and farmland into the Marsyangdi valley.
Day 14
Drive to Kathmandu
Return for a celebration dinner, or extend your trip.
In Photos
Who This Trip Is Best For
- Experienced trekkers
- Travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path routes
- Small groups
- Travelers who want alternatives to Everest and Annapurna
Difficulty & Preparation
Expect 5–7 hours of walking on most days, with the Larkya La crossing taking 8–10 hours.
The pass reaches 5,106 m, so acclimatization matters as much as fitness. The itinerary climbs gradually and includes dedicated rest-and-hike days.
Previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended. Four months of consistent cardio, hill walking, and leg work is sensible preparation.
Conditions on the pass can be snowy and cold even in season — proper layers, gaiters, and sun protection are essential. We send a full packing list.
Best Season
- Spring (March–May): stable weather and blooming lower valleys.
- Autumn (September–November): the clearest skies and the safest pass conditions.
- Winter (December–February): not recommended — Larkya La is frequently snowbound.
- Monsoon (June–August): not recommended — landslides and a hidden mountain.
Customization Options
- Private trip or join a small group departure
- Add the Tsum Valley for a deeper cultural extension
- Extra acclimatization day in Samdo
- Continue into the Annapurna Circuit after Bimthang
- Add Kathmandu heritage days before or after the trek
What's Included
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu–trailhead round-trip ground transport
- Manaslu restricted-area permit, conservation permits, and TIMS
- Licensed, English-speaking local guide (required in the restricted area)
- Porter support
- Teahouse accommodation on the trek
- All meals during the trek
- 24/7 local support throughout the journey
What's Not Included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa
- Travel and high-altitude insurance
- Kathmandu hotel and meals before/after the trek
- Personal expenses, drinks, and tips
Frequently asked questions
Why does Manaslu require special permits?
The upper Budhi Gandaki is a restricted area: trekkers need a restricted-area permit, must travel with a licensed guide, and groups must be at least two trekkers. We arrange all of it — it is part of why the trail stays quiet.
How hard is the Larkya La compared to other passes?
It is a long, high day — comparable to the Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit — but with simpler lodges leading up to it. Fit, acclimatized trekkers who train beforehand cross it every season.
Can I do this as my first trek?
We recommend a previous multi-day trek first — Langtang or Annapurna Base Camp are ideal warm-ups. If Manaslu is your dream, tell us your background and we will be honest about readiness.