Highlights
Challenging, 52132m
Hotel/ guesthouse
Private Jeep
Spring & Autumn
- Remote & Uncrowded: A restricted area that sees far fewer trekkers than Everest or Annapurna.
- Cultural Immersion: Explore the mystical Tsum Valley (optional side trip) and authentic Tibetan Buddhist villages like Lho and Samdo.
- Diverse Landscapes: From monsoon-green canyons to glacial moraines and high-altitude desert.
- The Larkya La Challenge: Conquer one of the Himalayas’ most spectacular high passes.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trekking is more than a walk in the mountains; it's a journey through living culture, untamed nature, and a true test of endurance. Trekking around the world’s eighth-highest peak, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), this restricted route offers a quieter, more authentic alternative to the busy Annapurna Circuit.
From lush subtropical forests to arid, Tibetan-like highlands, you will traverse remote villages inhabited by the Gurung, Tamang, and Tibetan-origin communities. Experience their timeless hospitality, spin prayer wheels at ancient monasteries, and walk alongside yak caravans. The ultimate reward is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,213m), offering a breathtaking panorama of Himlung Himal, Himlung Himal, Himalchuli and the Annapurna range.
As a government-registered agency, Alpine Asian Treks manages all necessary permits, ensuring a safe and seamless experience on this controlled trekking route.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Best Time:
For the best and most scenic experience, plan your trek during the following windows:
Spring (March to May): Rhododendrons in bloom, crystal-clear skies, and stable temperatures. Perfect for photography.
Autumn (September to November): Post-monsoon clarity, mild days, and excellent trail conditions. This is the peak season.
Note: While trekking is possible from June to September (monsoon), trails can be slippery with limited views. December to February is very cold and the trail possible to close due heavy snow, but the skies are often brilliantly clear for crossing Larkya La.
Food, Accommodation & Trekking Gears
Accommodation: Basic but cozy teahouses (local lodges) with shared bathrooms and a warm common area. We also provide camping support if required.
Food: Freshly cooked, hygienic meals – dal bhat (unlimited refills!), noodles, momos, soups, and international items (pasta, pizza). Tip: It's customary to eat dinner where you sleep.
Essential Gears: As you climb above 5,000m, proper gear is vital. We recommend a 4-season sleeping bag, down jacket, thermal layers, waterproof jacket/pants, trekking poles, and high SPF sunscreen. [Contact us for a detailed gear checklist].
Manaslu Circuit Trekking permit & Fees (2026 Update)
The Manaslu region is a restricted area, you need three permits. Alpine Asian Treks arranges all of them for you.
1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit:
Sept - Nov: USD 70 per person/week + USD 10 per extra day
Dec - Aug: USD 50 per person/week + USD 7 per extra day
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit:
Cost: USD 25 per person (one-time entry)
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit:
Cost: USD 25 per person (one-time entry)
Important: You must trek with a registered guide (included in our packages) and a minimum of 2 trekkers.
Our Hotel in Kathmandu: We are based at Green Eco Resort a peaceful, central location to begin and end your journey.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival In Kathmandu:
Day 02 Kathmandu Sightseeing:
Day 03 Drive to Macha Khola (890m/ 6hrs):
Day 04 Trek To Jagat (1350m/6-7hrs):
Day 05 Trek To Philim (1700m/5-6hrs):
Day 06 Trek To Deng (2095m/6-7hrs):
Day 07 Trek To Namrung (2900/ 5-6hrs):
Day 08 Trek To Lho Gaun (3100m/ 4-5hrs):
Day 09 Trek To Sama Gaun (3390/5-6hr):
Day 10 Acclimatization Day:
Day 11 Trek To Samdo (3690m/5-6hrs):
Day 12 Trek To Larkya La Phedi (4460m/4-5hrs):
Day 13 Trek To Larkya La Phedi (Pass 5153m) To Bimthang (3590m/8hrs):
Day 14 Trek To Dharapani (1860m/5-6hrs):
Day 15 Drive To Besishar To Kathmandu
Day 16 Final Departure:
Day to Day Itinerary
Arrival In Kathmandu:
We will meet you in Nepal airport and transfer to hotel in the city center. You will visit our office in Thamel at evening and finish official formalities. We will introduce to your guide and trip briefing. Evening we will organize a cultural dinner at Nepali restaurant. Overnight rest in Hotel.
- Transfer: Arrival transfer by private vehicle
- Meal: Cultural dinner a Nepali restaurant.
- Accommodation: Hotel in city center
Kathmandu Sightseeing:
Take a breakfast at Hotel and drive to sight seeing with our city guide. (Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath and Durbar Squares). Night rest at Hotel
- Transfer: Arrival transfer by private vehicle
- Accommodation: Hotel in city center
- Meal included: Breakfast at Hotel
- Tour: Guided sight seeing in the city
Drive to Macha Khola (890m/ 6hrs):
Trek To Jagat (1350m/6-7hrs):
The trail will rise compare to yesterday. The down hills will be seen beautiful. You will be passing hot spring and lush green forest. The final destination for today will be at a Jagat village.
- Meal included: BLD from Local lodge
- Taken Care by: by trekking guide and
- Accommodation: Over night at the local house/ tented camp
Trek To Philim (1700m/5-6hrs):
now your trek will gradually hike. You must save a power to do it smoothly. This is a short day just about 3-4 hours. You will enjoy a mountain view and playing, singing or dancing with your trekking crew
- Meal: BLD from Local lodge
- Taken Care by: by trekking guide and
- Accommodation: Over night at the local house/ tented camp
Trek To Deng (2095m/6-7hrs):
You must feel excitement with the changes of the topography and scenery. The life style is getting more similar to the Tibetan way.
- Meal: BLD from Local lodge
- Taken Care by: by trekking guide and
- Accommodation: Over night at the local house/ tented camp
Trek To Namrung (2900/ 5-6hrs):
From today the Himalayas are started to be seen closely ( Naike peak, Manaslu North 7774 meters and Manaslu (8150 meters). You will be passing with a small farm land and tiny Tibetan style villages.
- Meal: BLD from Local lodge
- Taken Care by: by trekking guide and
- Accommodation: Over night at the local house/ tented camp
Trek To Lho Gaun (3100m/ 4-5hrs):
Now you are already above 3000m and you have acclimatized to enter the alpine zone. Now you will see more exotic mountain view, glaciers, grazing flat lands to yak and sheep. Now you will encounter with Gumpa and lamaistic life. You will arriving to Lho village pre dominantly Buddhist village, and you will surrounded by chortens, mani wall. Today you will view Ganesh I Peak 29 and Manaslu.
- Meal: BLD from Local lodge
- Taken Care by: by trekking guide and
- Accommodation: Over night at the local house/ tented camp
Trek To Sama Gaun (3390/5-6hr):
This is a short day to trek to gain a altitude. Once you arrive at your camp you can do some clean job. Explore the village or enjoy with your team. Over night in the camp
- Meal: BLD from Local lodge
- Taken Care by: by trekking guide and
- Accommodation: Over night at the local house/ tented camp
Acclimatization Day:
While you are going about 3000m you are advised to take a day as acclimatization. You will feel the low level of oxygen and difficult to breath. The rest day will acclimatize to go higher without problem.
- Meal: BLD from Local lodge
- Taken Care by: by trekking guide and
- Accommodation: Over night at the local house/ tented camp
Trek To Samdo (3690m/5-6hrs):
Now you are above the tree line and in the alpine zone. You will enjoy the icy trails; bear Mountains, snowy peaks, glaciers. You will be passing with Chorten and prayer flags on the way.
- Meal: BLD from Local lodge
- Taken Care by: by trekking guide and
- Accommodation: Over night at the local house/ tented camp
Trek To Larkya La Phedi (4460m/4-5hrs):
Larkya phedi is a small old bazaar. You can see towering mt. Manasu and other mountains around you. Across the river is a huge settlement Sumdu will welcome you. You will see the old trade route to Tibet along the river. Today you must have good food and good sleep as tomorrow is a big day to you. Over night in the camp
- Meal: BLD from Local lodge
- Taken Care by: by trekking guide and
- Accommodation: Over night at the local house/ tented camp
Trek To Larkya La Phedi (Pass 5153m) To Bimthang (3590m/8hrs):
This is a long day than other normal day. You will serve an early breakfast. Take a hot soup and breakfast. Trek towards Larkya Pass our long waiting destination. After a short hike you will be close to Larkya north glacier, offers a great view (Cho Danda and Larkya Peak). The pass gets steeper as you hike up. While you arrive at the pass you will realize it worth every bit of effort you made. Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal,Kangguru Himal and Annapurna II are amazing. Take photos, enjoy the mighty Himalayan peaks and after trek down to Bimtang.
- Meal: BLD from Local lodge
- Taken Care by: by trekking guide and
- Accommodation: Over night at the local house/ tented camp
Trek To Dharapani (1860m/5-6hrs):
Enjoy the beauty of Himalchuli and start descending downt o Jagat following Tilije Khola. You will join to Annapurna trail at Dharapani. You can expect lot of trekkers to Annapurna circuit.
- Meal: BLD from Local lodge
- Taken Care by: by trekking guide and
- Accommodation: Over night at the local house/ tented camp
Drive To Besishar To Kathmandu
Drive to Besishar and continue to Kathmandu : Breakfast will be serve as usual. Ride a local regular jeep to Besishar and continue to Kathmandu with our jeep from Kathmandu. Transfer to you hotel. Night rest in the Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast and Lunch from Local lodge
- Taken Care by: by trekking guide and
- Accommodation: Hotel in the city center
- Transfer: Regular/ chartered bus to Katmandu
Final Departure:
We will manage the transfer to you to airport. We will see you off at the airport wishing to see you another time with another trek. Home sweet home
- Meal: Breakfast at Hotel
- Transfer: by car/ van to airport.
Whats Included?
Accommodation
- Three nights 3 star standard hotel BB (twin sharing) in Kathmandu
Meals
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) whilst on the trek.
Transportation
- One day guided city sightseeing in Kathmandu by car
- All the land transfer as per itinerary by car/jeep.
Other
- Applicable trekking fees (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Manaslu trekking permit).
- Guide and Porters and other staff (one porter per two persons is provided to carry the clients personal effects)
- General trekking medical kit
- Insurance for the trekking staff. (insurance as per state law)
- All the government tax and our (AATE) service charges.
Whats not Included?
Not Included
- Personal trekking equipment
- Extra accommodation, meal and sight seeing in the city. (They can be included upon request).
- International flights and Visa.
- Your travel insurance (for travel, cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss of life, theft of or damage to personal effects).
- Tips and gratuities (crew frequently receives some recognition for good service)
- Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of AATE.
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, mineral water, monuments entrance fees, postage, laundry, video, camera, phone, etc.
- All other services not included in the "cost includes" section above.
Travel Infos
Travel Tips & Important Information
- Acclimatization is Key: Altitude sickness is a real risk. Follow the itinerary, walk slowly, and stay hydrated. Our included rest day at Sama Gaun is essential.
- Physical Preparation: Start cardio and leg-strengthening exercises 2-3 months before your trek.
- Connectivity: Limited WiFi and phone signal is available at some teahouses (for a fee).
- Cash is King: Bring enough Nepalese Rupees (NPR) for the trek, as ATMs are non-existent on the trail.
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory. It must cover trekking up to 5,500m including helicopter evacuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Manaslu Circuit is a challenging trek. You will hike for 5 to 8 hours daily over rugged mountain terrain. The most difficult day is crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,163 meters. You do not need professional climbing skills, but you should have good physical fitness and prior hiking experience.
No, solo trekking is not allowed in the Manaslu region because it is a government restricted area. To issue it requires a minimum of two trekkers in a group, and you must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide from a registered agency like Alpine Asian Treks.
You need three permits for this trek:
You will stay in local guesthouse. The rooms are simple, usually with two single beds. Bathrooms are usually shared. As you go higher up the mountain, the facilities become more basic, but they are clean and comfortable.
Meals are served at the guesthouse where you stay. They will provide a menu to choose a food. You can choose from traditional Nepali food like Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), or pasta, noodles, potatoes, eggs, and pancakes.
Your safety is our top priority. Our itinerary includes a dedicated acclimatization rest day in Sama Gaun (3,390m) to help your body adapt to the high altitude. Our guides are trained to monitor your health daily. We advise you to walk slowly, stay warm, and drink plenty of water.
You can buy boiled water or filtered water at the tea houses. Alternatively, you can bring water purification tablets or a filtering bottle (like LifeStraw) to treat the local water.
Since you will cross a high pass above 5,000 meters, you need proper warm clothing. Essential gear includes a good down jacket, a warm sleeping bag, sturdy trekking boots, thermal layers, gloves, a hat, sun protection, and a medical kit. We will provide a detailed packing checklist when you book with us.
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