Overview
The Manaslu Circuit is one of the grandest loop treks remaining in Nepal. Encircling Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's eighth highest mountain, the trail links deep gorges, glaciated high peaks, and mountain villages steeped in Tibetan culture, crossing the Larkya La pass (5,106 m) into the Annapurna region.
No special mountaineering skills are required, but because the route crosses above 5,000 m, careful acclimatisation is the key to success on this serious Himalayan trek.
Visitor numbers remain low compared with Everest or Annapurna, and in the quiet valleys dotted with old monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags, the character of the old Himalayan trade routes still lingers.
The climax is the Larkya La. Its sweeping panorama of snow peaks and glaciers — Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and more — ranks among the finest mountain scenery in all of Nepal.
Highlights
- Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) — one of the great high-altitude crossings in the Himalaya
- Complete circumnavigation of Manaslu (8,163 m), world's 8th highest peak
- Restricted-area permit — significantly fewer trekkers than Everest or Annapurna
- Sama Gaon and Samdo — high Tibetan-culture villages below the glacier
- Birendra Lake — a stunning glacial lake at the foot of Manaslu
- Option to extend into the remote Tsum Valley
Itinerary
Drive Kathmandu → Jagat (1,340 m)
🚙 Approx. 9–10 hours. Leave Kathmandu early and drive along the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers to Jagat, the entrance to the Manaslu restricted area. The steep gorge country deepens steadily, building anticipation for the Himalayan crossing ahead.
Jagat → Deng (1,860 m)
🥾 Approx. 6–7 hours. Climb up the Budhi Gandaki gorge, crossing stone-paved villages and suspension bridges. The atmosphere of Tibetan culture gradually begins to appear.
Deng → Namrung (2,630 m)
🥾 Approx. 6–7 hours. The valley opens out and mani walls and chortens grow more frequent. The mountains loom larger — a day in which you truly feel the transition into the Tibetan cultural sphere.
Namrung → Sama Gaon (3,520 m)
🥾 Approx. 6–7 hours. Gain height passing through the villages of Lho and Shyala. Giant snow peaks including Manaslu reveal themselves as you reach the high village of Sama Gaon.
Acclimatisation Day — Sama Gaon
🥾 Approx. 3–6 hours. An acclimatisation hike toward Birendra Lake or Pungyen. If you are feeling strong, you can push on toward Manaslu Base Camp.
Sama Gaon → Samdo (3,875 m)
🥾 Approx. 3–4 hours. A slow walk mindful of acclimatisation. Overnight in Samdo, the last permanent village before the pass.
Samdo → Dharamsala (4,460 m)
🥾 Approx. 4–5 hours. Into the high alpine zone where the trees vanish. Rest at Dharamsala, the base-camp-style lodge directly below Larkya La, in preparation for tomorrow.
Cross Larkya La (5,106 m) → Bimthang (3,590 m)
🥾 Approx. 8–10 hours. The biggest day of the trek. Set out before dawn for Larkya La, savouring the staggering views of the Manaslu range and its surrounding glaciers before the long descent to Bimthang.
Bimthang → Dharapani (1,963 m)
🥾 Approx. 6–7 hours. From high alpine meadows into rhododendron and conifer forest, descending to Dharapani, where the route meets the Annapurna Circuit trail.
Drive Dharapani → Kathmandu
🚙 Approx. 8–10 hours. Return to Kathmandu by jeep and private vehicle, completing one of Nepal's grandest loop treks.
Includes & Excludes
✓ Included
- All teahouse accommodation
- All meals on trek
- Licensed guide (English- or Japanese-speaking)
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
- Manaslu Conservation Area entry fee
- Private vehicle (Kathmandu ⇔ trek start / end points)
- First-aid kit
- Government taxes
✕ Excluded
- International flights
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porter
- Personal drinks & snacks
- Kathmandu hotel
Trek Photos
Cancellation Policy
| Notice Period | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more | 90% refunded |
| 45 – 59 days | 75% refunded |
| 30 – 44 days | 50% refunded |
| 15 – 29 days | 25% refunded |
| 14 days or fewer | No refund |
| No show | No refund |