Manaslu Circuit Trek – 14 days
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and off-the-beaten-path adventures, offering an unforgettable journey around the majestic Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world (8,163 meters / 26,781 feet). Known for its raw beauty, cultural richness, and challenging high-mountain terrain, this trek provides a quieter alternative to the more crowded Everest and Annapurna regions while still delivering equally awe-inspiring scenery.
The trek typically spans 14 to 18 days, depending on your chosen itinerary and acclimatization needs. The classic 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary begins from the bustling town of Soti Khola and ends in Dharapani, following a counterclockwise loop around the Manaslu Massif. Along the way, trekkers pass through lush subtropical forests, terraced fields, ancient villages, deep river gorges, and dramatic alpine landscapes.
A major highlight of the trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters / 16,929 feet), one of the highest and most dramatic passes in Nepal. The panoramic view from the top includes peaks such as Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.
Acclimatization is crucial during this trek due to the high elevation gains. You’ll ascend from under 1,000 meters in Soti Khola to over 5,100 meters at Larkya La Pass. Most itineraries include acclimatization days in Sama Gaun or Samdo, which allow you to adjust to the altitude while exploring Tibetan-influenced villages and side hikes like the Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa.
The region is inhabited mainly by Gurung and Tibetan communities, and their Buddhist traditions are reflected in the many monasteries, chortens, prayer wheels, and mani walls along the trail. Villages like Lho, Sama Gaun, and Samdooffer unique insights into Himalayan culture and warm hospitality. Trekking through the Manaslu Conservation Area, you’ll experience both natural and cultural preservation at its finest.
The total trekking distance is around 177 kilometers (110 miles). The route is physically demanding due to steep ascents and descents, high altitudes, and remote trails, but it rewards trekkers with dramatic scenery and an intimate experience with nature.
The trek’s duration is typically 14–18 days, depending on your pace, acclimatization needs, and weather. It is considered challenging and is best suited for trekkers with good physical fitness and some prior high-altitude hiking experience. The remoteness of the trail also means that emergency services and infrastructure are limited, so proper planning is essential.
The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, you can expect stable weather, clear skies, and excellent visibility of the mountains. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall and leeches, while winter (December to February) can make the Larkya La Pass impassable due to heavy snow.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Packing List
A well-thought-out packing list is vital. Essentials include:
- Quality trekking boots
- Down jacket and layers for cold weather
- Sleeping bag (rated for -10°C or lower)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Water purification tablets
- First aid kit
- Snacks and energy bars
- Permits and passport copies
To trek the Manaslu Circuit, you need:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- A registered guide is mandatory due to the region’s restricted status.
The trek begins from Soti Khola, a small village reachable by an 8–10 hour drive from Kathmandu. The route ends in Dharapani, from where you can connect to the Annapurna Circuit or return to Kathmandu.
The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek varies depending on the service level. A typical guided package for 14 days may cost between $1,200 to $1,800, including permits, accommodation, meals, transportation, and guide/porter services.
If you’re seeking a challenging yet deeply rewarding Himalayan experience, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers unmatched beauty, cultural depth, and solitude. Its untouched landscapes, traditional villages, and breathtaking mountain views create a trek that is both physically demanding and spiritually fulfilling. As one of Nepal’s hidden gems, the Manaslu Circuit is perfect for adventurous trekkers looking to step off the beaten path.
Details
Our trek starts from Sotikhola, a scenic hill village located beyond Arughat. As we follow the Budhi Gandaki River, we pass through charming villages, offering glimpses of local life.
Despite being less explored, this region is rich in wildlife and indigenous culture, making it a hidden treasure for adventurers. The trail follows an ancient route near the Nepal-Tibet border, blending history with breathtaking landscapes.
Along the way, trekkers experience the Buddhist culture, the warm hospitality of locals, and the challenge of crossing Larkya La Pass (5,135m). The journey also rewards us with stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Himjung, Mt. Cheo, Mt. Annapurna II, and Mt. Kang Garu.
As we ascend, the landscape shifts to alpine forests, rugged terrain, and serene Buddhist sites. We pass through deep gorges and walk along the ancient slate-paved streets of Jagat.
Further ahead, the villages of Sho, Lho, and Sama offer awe-inspiring mountain views. Before reaching Samagaun, the largest village in the region, we explore monasteries, Mani walls, ancient temples, meditation caves, and crystal-clear lakes.
The highlight of the trek is crossing Larkya La Pass, which connects the Budhi Gandaki and Marshyangdi valleys. We then pass through smaller settlements like Bimtang, Tilije, and Syange, experiencing their unique traditions.
Finally, the journey merges with the Annapurna Circuit Trek, concluding at Besisahar.
To fully enjoy this adventure, good physical fitness and mental endurance are essential. Expect to walk 6–7 hours daily with a light backpack. The best seasons to trek are March–May and September–November, ensuring the most comfortable weather and breathtaking scenery.
Today’s schedule shall consist the sightseeing of the well-preserved medieval city of Kathmandu valley, home to some of the heritages listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We shall visit the holy Hindu pilgrimage of Pashupatinath Temple, the famed ‘Monkey Temple’ ( Swayambhunath stupa), the ancient Buddhist shrine of Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupa in the world and the architectural excellences of Patan Durbar Square. The city tour shall follow the interaction with the trekking guide and briefing on the trekking adventure shall take place. You may take the opportunity to buy needed trekking materials before heading up for the adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.
We shall leave early today. Our destination is Sotikhola for today and we shall commute in private vehicle. Enjoying the rural and mountain scenery along the journey, we shall travel through the district headquarter of Dhading, Dhading Besi. Past Dhading Besi we shall move to the destination through the place called Arughat which consist of a bit bumpy and winding dirt road from Arughat to Sotilhola. Overnight in Sotikhola.
Today’s journey shall give you several glimpses of beautiful hilly landscape. We shall traverse through the forests and proceed towards the source of the Budhi Gandaki river. We shall pass through the villages of Riden Gaon, Lambesi and Labubesi. Up and down the trail we shall witness beautiful waterfalls, rice terrains, valleys and suspension bridges. Crossing the Budhi Gandaki and along the river bed of the same river after Lambesi we reach to our destination of Machha Khola. Overnight in Machhe Khola.
We shall have some more ups and down in this section of the trekking trail. Ascending along the river and past the cultivated fields and stone steps, we shall reach the hot spring in Tatopani village. After enjoying in the gushy hot waters and relaxing ourselves a bit we shall climb through forest and cross the Budhi Gandaki to reach the ridge of Dobhan. We shall cross the Yaru Khola and reach to Tharo Bharyang walking through the stone steps. Our destination of Jagat is reached after crossing the west bank of Budhi Gandaki river. Overnight in Jagat.
Jagat will impress you with the tidy slate-pave street. After getting our trekking permit and MCAP ticket checked at Jagat, we climb over the hills of Salleri and then pass through the village of Sirdibas. Soon after, we cross over the Ghatta Khola past the water operated mill and through a suspension bridge to reach to the Gurung village of Philim. Philim has the MCAP head office, micro hydropower plant, school supported by Japanese nationals and a health post besides other. The trail turns north above the village and soon pass the village of Ekle Bhatti. We continue on past a narrow gorge, beautiful waterfall, occasional glimpses of wildlife and the smaller settlements to the opposite side of the gorge. After around two hours, we part away from the main trail and proceed further north after crossing a river. Further along the trail and past the dense rhododendron forests, flowers and views of the Ganesh Himal we cross Dyang river and reach to the Deng village. Overnight in Deng.
We shall cross the Budhi Gandaki River several times today through the suspension bridges. Beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and ascend to the Rana village. We further ascend and join the trail of Bhi pass the Bhi Phedi and through the Mani walls and forests to Ghap. The trail from Prok village gives the view of Siringi Himal. The trail further goes upstream through the river crossing the river at a spot where river thunders into a gorge past which the trail becomes easier again. We reach Namrung after a steep climb. Overnight in Namrung.
Today we shall explore the gompas, barley terraces, chortens and Mani walls along with beautiful villages in today’s section of our trekking adventure. We pass through the side valley of Simnang Himal with the close view of Ganesh Himal. Through the sho, Lho and Shyala village we reach the Sama village. Views of Mt. Manaslu, ancient Ribung Gompa shall enrich our trekking experience. Shyala village provides the view of Himal chuli, Peak 29, glaciers and other treks including the Ganesh Himal seen far away. Ahead lies our destination for today, the Samagaun. Overnight in Samagaun.
This is the day is set aside for the purpose of acclimatization. Utilizing the day we shall explore the surroundings of the village. We hike through the grazing wall towards the Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake. Dense forests and bit dusty trails, rhododendron and juniper trees welcome us as we move further up to be welcomed by lake and icefall of Manaslu Glacier. Samagaun is a lovely village that has houses aligned in a row and the closest village to Manaslu Base Camp. We also visit the ancient Pungyen gompa that provides an extraordinary view to the glacier. There are several folklores that narrate the faith of the locals towards the gompa. We also explore the nearby Sherpa village and have an insider’s insight into the local cultures and lifestyle. Overnight in Samagaun.
Today we continue our journey along the Budhi Gandaki river that has turned north from the village of Samagaun. We move past the trail leading to the Manaslu Base Camp along the Larke La Pass where the Mani walls radiate the faith of the locals. On our way comes the Kermo Kharka past which we continue further by crossing the Budhi Gandaki river and ascend on to the stone arc below which we find a large white Kani. Finally we reach the destination of Samdo past through the Kani. Samdo has two hiking options; one to the back of the Samdo village and the other to the Gya La pass. Overnight in Samdo.
The mighty Budhi Gandaki river is again our companion of today where we walk down the edge and cross the river moving up the trail. We reach to the stone guest house in Larke Phedi or Dharmashala after crossing couple of streams and witnessing the Larke glacier and around the valley of Salka Khola. Today will be a short walk which leaves a plenty of time for the purpose of acclimatization. This further enhances the ability of the trekkers to adapt to the rest of the trekking experience, the ascend to the Larke pass being the imminent challenge the next day. Overnight in Dharmasala.
One of the most interesting and challenging day, we climb up to the Larke La Pass after we set off early. Today we are going to have a long day. We reach the north side of the pass to witness the Larke Peak. You may find blue sheep, marmot, pika and Tibetan snow-cock tracks and snow leopard paw prints if you are lucky enough. Across the accumulated earth and stones deposited by the glacier, slow ascent takes us to the steep and last section of the pass. We view the Annapurna II, Kang Garu peak and Cheo peak. We march past the pastures to Bimtang village in the mist dominated afternoon. Overnight in Bhimthang.
We move past the pastures of Bhimthang and make our climb over the moraine, through the wooden bridge and the dense forest of rhododendron, pine, juniper, and spruce. Following the intersecting glacier we cross the steel Bailey’s bridge to reach the small village of Karche. Further on the rocky terrain along the river bed we contour along the sliding hillsides towards the lower altitude and reach to the village of Tilije. Tilije, a larger village on this section of the trail, has the diverse coexistence of Ghale Gurung, Manangis and Chhetri community. This has also created a blend of cultural and architectural elements. Overnight in Tilije.
Today we leave the welcoming environment of the agricultural activity-rich Tilije village and move further to Thonche, marking the ending of the Manaslu trail. Another bridge leads trekkers to Dharapani where the Annapurna tourist highway is met and you start missing the quaint Manaslu trail. We reach to the Distric headquarter of Lamjung, Besisahar. Overnight in Besisahar.
We shall move away from our field of adventure today. Besisahar bids us adieu and we take on private vehicle that may be a bus or a jeep for our journey back to the Kathmandu valley. Try to get the window seat of the vehicle that allows you to view the greenery, mountains, rural villages, rivers and gorges, terrace farming and the rural lifestyle. In Kathmandu, we shall rest after a long, tiresome yet exciting and adventurous trekking experience. Enjoy the hospitality in the hotel and Nepalese cuisine. Count on the memories you created during the expedition!
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