Admin UserThe Manaslu Circuit is often called the "new Annapurna": a remote, wild trek around the world's eighth-highest mountain (8,163 m) with fewer crowds and strong Tibetan-influenced culture. It requires special permits, a licensed guide and about two weeks, but rewards you with incredible scenery, authentic villages and the dramatic Larkya La crossing at 5,106 m. This guide covers permits, the current rules, a detailed itinerary, costs, difficulty, the best season and practical tips for planning the trip.
Quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12–16 days |
| Highest point | Larkya La, 5,106 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Best season | March–May and September–November |
| Cost | About USD 1,200–2,000 guided |
| Permits | Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit |
| Start and finish | Soti Khola (Machha Khola) to Dharapani (Besisahar) |
Video: Manaslu Circuit Trek (Larke Pass) - THE COMPLETE GUIDE (Arjay Neyra on YouTube)
Why choose Manaslu?
- Fewer crowds than Annapurna and Everest, especially on the upper valley.
- Cultural richness: the upper villages are influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, with monasteries, mani walls and traditional houses.
- Scenery: deep gorges, forests, glacial valleys and big views of Manaslu, Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal.
- A real adventure: longer days, simpler lodges and a high pass.
- A natural link: the circuit joins the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani, so you can combine the two.
Permits and rules
Manaslu is a restricted area, so independent trekking without a registered agency is not permitted. You need a licensed guide, and permits are issued through the agency. Rules on minimum group size and solo trekkers have been changing, and 2026 reports describe a relaxation of the two-person minimum for restricted areas. Always confirm with your agency and the Department of Immigration before booking. Our guides to solo trekking rules for 2026 and the permit guide explain the latest picture.
The permit set typically includes:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (reported as USD 100 for the first 7 days plus USD 15 per extra day in September–November, and USD 75 plus USD 10 per extra day in December–August)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (for the eastern end of the circuit)
- A TIMS card or equivalent where required
Sample itinerary
- Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola (8–9 hours).
- Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola.
- Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat.
- Day 4: Jagat to Deng.
- Day 5: Deng to Namrung.
- Day 6: Namrung to Samagaon (3,530 m).
- Day 7: Rest and acclimatisation at Samagaon, with a visit to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp.
- Day 8: Samagaon to Samdo.
- Day 9: Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi, about 4,460 m).
- Day 10: Cross Larkya La (5,106 m) to Bimthang.
- Day 11: Bimthang to Tilije or Dharapani.
- Day 12: Drive to Besisahar and onward to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Add a day or two for weather and acclimatisation, and consider a Tsum Valley extension for culture and solitude.
Stage-by-stage highlights
Soti Khola to Jagat. The first days follow the Budhi Gandaki river through warm, forested gorges, with suspension bridges, waterfalls and terraced fields. The trail has ups and downs, and the humidity can be high.
Jagat to Namrung. You climb into cooler forest, pass villages with Buddhist influences and enter the Nubri valley. Namrung is a good place to adjust to the altitude.
Namrung to Samagaon. The valley opens and the high peaks appear. Lho, Shyala and Samagaon are traditional villages with views of Manaslu's massive snow faces. Samagaon is the main acclimatisation base, with a glacial lake nearby.
Samdo to Larkya La. The air gets thin. Samdo is a high village near the Tibetan border, and Dharamsala is a basic stone shelter before the pass. The final climb is long and cold.
Larkya La to Bimthang. The crossing is a very long day (8–10 hours) with a steep descent to the Bimthang basin, where you are rewarded with views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal.
Difficulty
The route is long and remote, with basic lodges and limited medical facilities. Larkya La day is physically demanding. Acclimatise carefully at Samagaon, and follow the principles in our altitude sickness guide. Good fitness helps; see the training plan for a programme that also suits Manaslu.
Costs
Manaslu typically costs USD 1,200–2,000 per person for a guided trek depending on group size, season and services. The restricted-area permit is a major part of the cost, particularly in autumn and spring when fees are higher. Add insurance, tips and extra nights for weather delays. Compare costs with other treks in our daily budget guide and Everest cost guide.
Best season
Autumn (September–November) is the most popular, with stable weather and clear skies. Spring (March–May) brings rhododendron blooms and warmer days. Winter can close Larkya La with snow, and the monsoon brings heavy rain and landslide risk on the lower trail. See the best time to visit Nepal for context.
Accommodation and food
Tea houses along the route are simple but welcoming, with twin rooms, shared bathrooms and dining rooms heated by a stove. The menu is similar to other treks: dal bhat, noodles, momos, soup and eggs. Facilities become more basic above Samagaon, so pack a warm sleeping bag and expect colder rooms.
Manaslu vs Annapurna Circuit
| Feature | Manaslu Circuit | Annapurna Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Crowds | Fewer | More |
| Permits | Restricted-area | Standard |
| Roads | Mostly trails | Roads on much of route |
| Lodges | Simpler | More developed |
| Pass | Larkya La (5,106 m) | Thorong La (5,416 m) |
For a comparison of the other route, read our Annapurna Circuit guide.
Why choose Manaslu?
If you want a high Himalayan circuit with a real sense of remoteness and traditional culture, Manaslu is one of the best options in Nepal. Extend into the beautiful Tsum Valley for even more solitude, or compare quiet alternatives in less crowded treks in Nepal.
Altitude profile and acclimatisation
| Night | Place | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soti Khola | about 710 m |
| 2 | Machha Khola | about 930 m |
| 3 | Jagat | about 1,340 m |
| 4 | Deng | about 1,860 m |
| 5 | Namrung | about 2,630 m |
| 6–7 | Samagaon | about 3,530 m |
| 8 | Samdo | about 3,860 m |
| 9 | Dharamsala | about 4,460 m |
| 10 | Bimthang | about 3,720 m |
The gain from Namrung to Samagaon and onward to Dharamsala is where most people feel the altitude. The rest day at Samagaon, with a climb to Pungyen Gompa or toward Manaslu Base Camp and a return to sleep at 3,530 m, is vital. If you feel unwell at Samdo or Dharamsala, consider a second night rather than pushing on, because there is no easy exit from the high section other than crossing the pass or walking back.
The Larkya La day in detail
Larkya La day usually starts around 3 a.m. with a hot drink and a headlamp-lit climb from Dharamsala. The trail is a steady ascent over moraine and snow, with false summits that test your patience. You reach the pass (5,106 m) after four to six hours, where prayer flags flutter above a panorama of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II. The descent to Bimthang is long and steep, over boulders and, in cold months, ice. Wear microspikes if your guide recommends them, carry layers and snacks, and keep a steady pace. Many trekkers find the descent tougher on the knees than the climb, so trekking poles help.
Safety, weather and evacuation
Remote treks have fewer medical facilities, so safety planning matters. Choose an operator with a clear evacuation plan, a guide trained in altitude illness and a group first-aid kit with an oximeter. Weather can change quickly, particularly around Larkya La, where snow can block the pass for days. Build spare days into your schedule, and do not push on if conditions are unsafe. Landslides can affect the lower trail in the monsoon and after heavy rain. Your travel insurance should include helicopter evacuation and cover trekking at altitude up to at least 5,500 m.
Responsible trekking on Manaslu
The Manaslu region is a fragile mountain environment and home to communities that depend on careful tourism. Carry out your rubbish, avoid single-use plastics, use water purification rather than bottled water, stay on trails, and buy local products where you can. Ask before photographing people and ceremonies, and follow local customs. Choose lodges and operators that pay fair wages, follow porter-welfare standards and reinvest in the community. See our responsible travel guide for more.
Tips for a successful trek
- Book early for autumn; restricted-area permits and guides are limited.
- Allow spare days for weather, particularly around Larkya La.
- Carry cash in rupees; there are no ATMs on the route.
- Bring a four-season sleeping bag, down jacket and warm layers (packing list).
- Buy insurance that covers helicopter evacuation up to 5,500 m.
- Treat water and carry a first-aid kit.
- Respect local culture: walk clockwise around mani walls and ask before photographing.
Explore the Manaslu region and our Manaslu Circuit Trek, or contact us to plan a custom itinerary.
FAQ
Do I need a guide for Manaslu?
Yes. Restricted-area permits are issued only via registered agencies and you must be accompanied by a licensed guide.
How hard is Manaslu?
Challenging due to length, altitude and basic facilities.
What is the best time?
October–November is the most popular; April–May is also excellent.
How much do permits cost?
Fees depend on season and length of stay, and are updated periodically. Check with your agency.
Can I combine Manaslu with Tsum Valley?
Yes. It adds about 5–7 days and is a popular extension.
Plan it with local experts: see our guide to this destination, or talk to an Aadiyogi Travels specialist for a free custom quote.
