Manaslu Circuit Trek 2027, Itinerary, Cost and Permits
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best treks in Nepal for people who want big mountains without big crowds. You walk around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth highest mountain on Earth. You cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m. And you pass through villages where prayer walls, gompas and yak caravans are part of daily life.
This area is a restricted area, so fewer trekkers come here than to Everest or Annapurna. That is exactly why people love it.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026 and 2027. You will find the route, the 14 day itinerary, permits, cost, difficulty, best season, packing and answers to the questions for Manalsu Circuit we get most at Nepal Mountain Adventure.
Manaslu Circuit Trek at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Region | Manaslu Conservation Area, Gorkha and Manang districts, Nepal |
| Trek type | Teahouse trek in a restricted area |
| Total trip length | 14 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu (our standard package) |
| Days on the trail | 9 days, including 1 acclimatization hike |
| Highest point | Larkya La Pass, 5,106 m (16,752 ft) |
| Start and end | Drive to Machha Khola, trek ends at Dharapani |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
| Walking time | 5 to 7 hours a day on most days |
| Best seasons | March to May and September to November |
| Guide | A licensed guide is required |
| Group size | 1 to 15 people |
| Package price | From USD 1,005 per person on group departures |
Why Trek the Manaslu Circuit?
People call it Nepal’s last great teahouse circuit. Here is why.
Fewer crowds. The permit system keeps numbers low, so the trail feels quiet even in peak autumn.
Culture that changes every few days. You start in Gurung villages. Higher up, you reach Tibetan Buddhist villages like Lho, Sama Gaun and Samdo, with mani walls, monasteries and prayer wheels at every turn.
Big scenery. You walk beside the Budhi Gandaki river, through gorges and forests, then up into alpine valleys under Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal and Ngadi Chuli.
A real mountain pass. Crossing Larkya La is a true high Himalayan day. From the top you see Himlung Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II.
Good side trips. You can hike to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp from Samagaun, visit Birendra Tal, Serang Gompa or extend your trip to Tsum Valley or Nar Phu.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Route
The Manaslu Circuit Trek follows the Budhi Gandaki river from the green lower valley up to the high wilderness under the Himalayas. Then it crosses Larkya La and drops into the Marsyangdi Valley. Here is how the trail feels, section by section.
1. The lower Budhi Gandaki Valley. The trail follows the river through green hills and forested gorges. Suspension bridges join both sides of the river, and small villages show you rural life in the Nepali foothills.
2. Namrung, Lho and Samagaun. The land changes as you climb. You see terraced fields, stone houses, prayer flags and monasteries. Tibetan culture gets stronger, and views of Manaslu get better every day.
3. Samdo and Dharamsala. Past Samagaun the trail becomes open and rocky. Trees disappear and the mountains take over. Dharamsala, also called Larkya Phedi, is the last stop before the pass.
4. Larkya La Pass. This is the big day of the trek. The climb is long, and the reward is a huge view of snow peaks and glaciers. After the pass you go down to Bimthang.
5. Bimthang to Dharapani. You walk through alpine meadows and forest into the Marsyangdi Valley. At Dharapani the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit route. A road journey via Besisahar takes you back to Kathmandu.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
This is the standard itinerary from nmanepal.com. Altitudes are approximate. We can adjust the plan to your fitness, the weather and your group.
| Day | Route | Walking or driving time | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu, welcome dinner | Rest | 1,360 m |
| 2 | Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation | 5 to 7 hrs tour | 1,360 m |
| 3 | Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola | 8 to 10 hrs drive | 930 m |
| 4 | Machha Khola to Jagat | 5 to 6 hrs | 1,410 m |
| 5 | Jagat to Deng | 6 to 7 hrs | 1,800 m |
| 6 | Deng to Namrung | 5 to 6 hrs | 2,660 m |
| 7 | Namrung to Samagaun | 5 to 7 hrs | 3,530 m |
| 8 | Acclimatization day at Samagaun: hike to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp | 6 to 7 hrs hike | 3,530 m (hike up to 4,800 m) |
| 9 | Samagaun to Samdo | 3 to 4 hrs | 3,690 m |
| 10 | Samdo to Dharamsala | 4 to 5 hrs | 4,470 m |
| 11 | Dharamsala to Larkya La Pass to Bimthang | 7 to 9 hrs | 5,106 m, then 3,720 m |
| 12 | Bimthang to Dharapani | 6 to 7 hrs | 1,860 m |
| 13 | Drive from Dharapani to Besisahar, then to Kathmandu | 9 to 11 hrs drive | 1,360 m |
Trip days and trekking days are not the same. The whole trip is 14 days. Days 1, 2, 3, 13 and 14 are arrival, sightseeing, driving and departure. You spend 9 days on the trail, including the acclimatization hike on Day 8.
Key stretches to know
Days 4 to 6: Long days beside the river. Expect many suspension bridges, some narrow cliff sections and a few landslide areas where you must follow your guide closely.
Day 7: You climb from 2,660 m to 3,530 m, which is a gain of about 870 m. That is a big jump, so walk slowly and drink plenty of water.
Day 8: Do not skip the acclimatization day. Samagaun is where most trekkers first feel the altitude. If you feel unwell, choose the shorter walk to Birendra Tal and rest.
Day 11: The hardest day. You start in the dark, usually around 3 to 4 am, to cross the pass before the afternoon wind. It is a steep climb to 5,106 m, then a long descent of about 1,400 m to Bimthang.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
The Manaslu region is a restricted area, so you cannot collect permits on your own. A registered trekking agency must arrange them, and the agency does this for you when you book with Nepal Mountain Adventure.
| Permit | What it covers | Approximate cost |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | Entry from Jagat to Dharapani | September to November: USD 100 for the first 7 days, plus USD 15 for each extra day. December to August: USD 75 for the first 7 days, plus USD 10 for each extra day. |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | The Manaslu Conservation Area | USD 30 |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | The last section near Dharapani | About NPR 3,000 ,USD 23 to 30 |
| Local municipality fee | Local area fee, usually paid in cash on the trail | Small amount |
The RAP rates match the Nepal Tourism Board permit page. Our package price already includes all the permits you need.
Rules to remember
- A licensed guide is required. You cannot trek the Manaslu Circuit independently, and permits are not issued without a registered guide.
- You need your passport, passport photos and a copy of your visa to get the permits.
- Your RAP is checked at the checkposts at Jagat, Deng, Samagaun and Dharapani, so carry several photocopies.
- The RAP is charged per extra day, so a longer trip costs a little more in permits.
- Adding Tsum Valley needs a separate permit. It costs USD 40 per person for the first week in September to November (USD 30 from December to August), plus USD 7 for each extra day.
Read our full guide on trekking permit costs in Nepal for how fees compare across regions.
Can you trek the Manaslu Circuit solo?
You can travel alone, but you cannot walk alone. A solo traveler must trek with a licensed guide arranged by a registered agency. Rules can change, so we check them again before every booking. The information here was last checked on 12 October 2026.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost depends on your season, group size, trip length, comfort level and side trips.
Our price: The 14 day Manaslu Circuit Trek with Nepal Mountain Adventure starts from USD 1,005 per person on group departures. The regular price is USD 1,305. Our page also shows a typical range of USD 1,000 to USD 1,600 per person, depending on your choices. The price per person usually drops for larger groups, and private trips are priced on request.
What the package includes
- Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Three nights in a Kathmandu hotel with breakfast
- A full day Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour
- A licensed guide, including his meals, stay, salary and insurance
- A porter (one porter for every two trekkers)
- Three meals a day on the trek
- Standard teahouse stay
- All ground transport in the itinerary
- All permits and national park fees
- Sleeping bag, down jacket, duffle bag, walking poles and crampons to use during the trek
- A first aid kit with an oximeter and pulse meter
- A trekking route map and an achievement certificate
- Government tax and service charge
What is not included
- International flights and Nepal visa fee (see our Nepal visa information)
- Travel insurance with high altitude and helicopter evacuation cover (see travel insurance for trekking in Nepal)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Drinks such as bottled water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and beer
- Phone and camera charging, hot showers and wifi
- Extra Kathmandu nights and extra activities
- UNESCO entrance fees in the city tour
- Tips for your guide and porter
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty and Altitude
We rate the Manaslu Circuit Trek as moderate to challenging. The trail is not technical and you do not need climbing skills. But it asks for stamina and good acclimatization.
What makes it hard
- Walking days of 5 to 7 hours, and longer on the pass day
- Several nights above 3,500 m and a pass at 5,106 m
- Remote trails with simple teahouses in the upper section
- Snow and wind on Larkya La that can change fast
How to prepare
- Start training 8 to 10 weeks before your trek. Do hill walks, stair climbing and cardio.
- Add long back to back hikes with a loaded daypack.
- Follow the golden rule: climb high, sleep low.
- Drink plenty of water and walk slowly.
- Tell your guide at once if you get a headache, nausea or dizziness.
- Buy insurance that covers helicopter evacuation above 5,000 m.
Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and a first aid kit, and checks every trekker each day.
Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Autumn (September to November): The most popular time. Skies are clear, weather is steady and views are the best. It is also the busiest season, and the RAP costs more.
Spring (March to May): Warmer days, rhododendron flowers and good views. A great choice with fewer people.
Winter (December to February): Very cold, with heavy snow on Larkya La. The pass can close.
Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rain, leeches and landslides on the lower trail. We do not recommend the full circuit in these months.
See our guides to the best time for trekking in Nepal and weather and climate for month by month details.
Accommodation and Food
You stay in simple teahouses. Rooms are basic, bathrooms are usually shared, and rooms are not heated in the upper section. Bring a warm sleeping bag. Our package gives you a sleeping bag and down jacket to use.
Meals are mostly dal bhat (rice, lentil soup and vegetables), noodles, momos, fried rice, Tibetan bread, eggs and porridge. Prices go up as you climb because everything is carried in by porters or mules. Drink only boiled or treated water.
Charging and wifi are available in many villages for an extra fee, but the signal is weak above Samagaun.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Packing List
Clothing: Thermal base layers, fleece, down jacket, waterproof jacket, trekking trousers, warm hat, sun hat, gloves, buff and warm socks.
Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots that you have already worn in, camp shoes and gaiters for snow on the pass.
Gear: A sleeping bag rated to minus 15 degrees Celsius, trekking poles, a 30 to 40 litre daypack, a headlamp with spare batteries, sunglasses with UV protection, a water bottle and a way to purify water.
Health and extras: Sunscreen, lip balm, blister kit, personal medicine, power bank, passport copies and permit photos.
See our full packing list for trekking in Nepal.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Route Options
One good thing about Manaslu is how easy it is to adjust. Nepal Mountain Adventure offers these versions:
- Short Manaslu Circuit Trek (11 days) for people with less time
- Manaslu Circuit Trek with Serang Gompa stay for a quiet night at a monastery
- Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tibet border day hike for a side trip toward the border
- Manaslu Circuit Trek through Pungyen Gompa for a longer acclimatization hike
- Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek for the sacred hidden valley
- Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek to join two great circuits
Trek Responsibly
The Manaslu Conservation Area is a fragile place and also a living home for local people. Walk clockwise around mani walls and chortens, ask before you take photos of people, carry your plastic out and respect local customs. Our Leave No Trace guide has more tips.
Why Book With Nepal Mountain Adventure?
- A local Kathmandu agency, registered with the government and TAAN
- Guides who know the route, the weather and the signs of altitude sickness
- All permits handled for you
- Clear pricing and discounts for groups
- Honest reviews from past trekkers on TripAdvisor
Want help choosing a guide? Read hiring a guide and porter for trekking in Nepal.
Ready to Plan Your Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Message our team at info@nmanepal.com or call or WhatsApp +977 9851159317 for a custom itinerary and a no pressure quote. You can also see the live Manaslu Circuit Trek page for current dates and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Our standard package is 14 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. That includes 9 days on the trail, with the acclimatization hike. Other versions run from 11 to 18 days.
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
It is moderate to challenging. The route is not technical, but long days, remote trails and the 5,106 m Larkya La Pass need good fitness and slow acclimatization.
Do I need a guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes. A licensed guide is required, and permits are only issued through a registered agency.
Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit solo?
You can travel alone, but you must trek with a licensed guide. Rules can change, so confirm the latest rule with us when you book.
What permits do I need?
You need the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, plus a local municipality fee. We arrange them all.
What is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
March to May and September to November give the clearest weather and the safest conditions on Larkya La.
How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost?
Packages with Nepal Mountain Adventure start from USD 1,155 per person on group departures. The final price depends on group size, season and route.
Is altitude sickness a risk on Manaslu?
Yes, it can affect anyone above 3,000 m. A slow climb, plenty of water and the rest day at Samagaun lowered the risk. Your guide watches every trekker.
Is there a phone signal and wifi?
Yes in several villages, but it gets weak above Samagaun.
Can I combine Manaslu with Tsum Valley or Annapurna?
Yes. Popular extensions are Tsum Valley, Nar Phu and a link to the Annapurna Circuit.
