The Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek: 18 Days Around the World’s Eighth-Highest Mountain

Circle Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, on one of Nepal’s most rewarding remote treks. Set between Ganesh Himal and the Annapurna Range, the Manaslu Circuit is a quieter alternative to the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek, with dramatic scenery, rich culture and far fewer crowds.

This 18-day guided trek is led by Wild Mountain NI and Namaste Nomad Ltd. It follows the Budhi Gandaki valley to the Tibetan-influenced village of Samagaon, visits Manaslu Base Camp, crosses the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) and descends to Besisahar. We handle the permits, the logistics and the route, so you can focus on the walking.

Special offer: Book by December 15th for €4,200. After that, the price rises to €4,500. Enquire or book now.

Why Trek the Manaslu Circuit?

Manaslu rewards trekkers who want a real Himalayan adventure without the crowds of the better-known routes. In a single trek you cross several climate zones and cultures:

• Changing landscapes: warm lowlands of rice and millet terraces give way to deep river gorges, rhododendron and pine forest, alpine meadows and high glacial country.
• Living culture: higher up, villages are Tibetan in character, with monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags and local festivals that are part of daily life.
• Big mountain views: Manaslu, Himalchuli, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II all appear along the way.
• A true crossing: the Larkya La Pass takes you over the Himalayas and down into the Annapurna region on a different route from most trekkers.

Trek Highlights

• Cross the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), one of the great high passes of the Himalayas
• Visit Manaslu Base Camp on the way from Samagaon to Samdo
• Enjoy panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, Cheo Himal, Lamjung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang and Annapurna II
• Walk through the Manaslu Conservation Area, with rhododendron, oak, pine, bamboo, birch and juniper forests, farmland and alpine meadows
• Look out for Himalayan tahr, blue sheep (bharal), pika and marmots, and with luck the elusive snow leopard
• Experience the culture of the Nupri people and the Tibetan-influenced traditions of Gurung, Tamang and Magar communities
• Explore a restricted trekking region with glaciers and high-altitude lakes
• Follow the Budhi Gandaki River through dramatic gorges and across long suspension bridges

Manaslu Circuit Trek at a Glance

• Duration: 18 days, including arrival, an acclimatisation day, a rest day and departure
• Maximum altitude: Larkya La Pass, 5,106 m
• Walking time: about 4 to 9 hours a day
• Accommodation: tea houses, with basic huts or tents at Dharamsala
• Best seasons: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)
• Fitness: good fitness and previous multi-day trekking experience are recommended
• Price: €4,200 until December 15th, then €4,500 [add what’s included]

Best Time to Trek Manaslu

Autumn (September to November) brings clear skies, stable weather and the best mountain views, and it is the most popular season. Spring (March to May) is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom on the lower trail. Winter is cold and can close the pass with snow, and the monsoon (June to September) brings heavy rain to the lower valleys. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so we monitor conditions closely on the pass day.

How Difficult Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The trek is demanding but achievable for fit walkers. The first days are long and can be hot at lower altitude, and the days around Dharamsala and the Larkya La Pass are the toughest. Pass day is about 8 to 9 hours of walking, starting early in the dark, and snow can slow the descent. We include an acclimatisation day in Samagaon (3,520 m), and our guides follow a gradual ascent to help you adjust to the altitude. You do not need climbing experience, but you should train for long days and steady climbs before you travel. See our trek fitness guide.

Permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu is a restricted region, so a special permit is required, along with permits for the Manaslu Conservation Area(MCAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP). Restricted-area rules also require trekking with a licensed guide. We arrange all of the permits for you. Read more about permits.

Accommodation and Food

You’ll stay in simple tea houses with shared toilets and limited heating. Meals are served in warm communal dining rooms, and the menu is mostly dal bhat, noodles, soup, eggs and bread. At Dharamsala, the night before the pass, there are basic three-person huts and two-person tents with mattresses. Pack a warm sleeping bag for the higher nights. Learn more about tea house treks.

Wildlife and Culture

The Manaslu Conservation Area is rich in wildlife. Himalayan tahr and blue sheep graze the high slopes, marmots and pika live among the rocks, and snow leopards are present but rarely seen. Culturally, the upper valley is home to the Nupri people, and Tibetan Buddhism shapes everyday life, from monasteries and Lama schools to mani walls you pass on the left. You’ll see this most clearly in Lho, Samagaon and Samdo.

Manaslu Circuit Trek FAQs

How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Our itinerary takes 18 days, including two nights in Kathmandu before the trek, an acclimatisation day and a rest day at the end.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek harder than the Annapurna Circuit?
The route is more remote and has fewer facilities, so it feels tougher, although the maximum altitude is similar. Good preparation makes a big difference.

Do I need a guide for Manaslu?
Yes. Restricted-area rules require you to trek with a licensed guide. Our team arranges your guide and permits.

What is the highest point on the trek?
The Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m.

What fitness do I need?
You should be comfortable walking 6 to 9 hours a day for several days in a row, with some uphill. Regular hiking and cardio training in the months before your trip helps.

When does the special price end?
The €4,200 price is available until December 15th. After that, the price is €4,500.