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REMOTE NEPAL TREKS Restricted-Area Trekking Dossier
Case No. 01 Region: Manaslu, Gorkha District Peak: Manaslu, 8,163m

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Fifteen days around the world's eighth-highest mountain, from the warm, forested lowlands at Machha Khola, up through the Tibetan-influenced villages of Samagaon and Samdo, over the 5,106m Larkya La, and down into the Annapurna side at Bimtang. It's about as close as you'll get to an Everest Base Camp-grade trek that still feels quiet. More trekkers are discovering Manaslu these days, but a day out here still looks nothing like the Namche-Tengboche corridor in October.

Restricted Area Guide Required Min. 1 Trekker
Duration
15 Days
Max Altitude
5,106m
Grade
Challenging
From
$1,650 pp
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Samagaon's blue-roofed lodges below the snow and glaciers of Manaslu
Exhibit A — Samagaon below Manaslu, Day 7.
Photo: Remote Nepal Treks, 29 Mar 2023.

Manaslu Circuit Trek highlights

  • Cross the 5,106m/16,752ft Larkya La, on a trail with a fraction of Everest Base Camp's foot traffic.
  • Look straight up at Manaslu's summit ridge from the gompa terrace at Lho. We think it's the best view on the circuit.
  • Spend two nights in Samagaon and Samdo, Tibetan-influenced villages with working monasteries and yak herds. From Samdo a trade trail still runs toward the Tibet border.
  • Walk a restricted region with a licensed guide, with every permit filed before you arrive.
  • Sleep in a teahouse bed every night of the trek, including the basic lodge at Dharamsala right below the pass.
  • Come down off the pass to Bimtang, a glacial meadow on the Annapurna side with Manaslu's west face behind it.
  • A full acclimatization day at Samagaon, with an optional hike higher up, and a staging night below the pass get you ready for the crossing.
  • Travel in a small, capped group of up to eight trekkers, with one porter for every two trekkers carrying the shared load.
  • Stop at the hot springs at Tatopani on Day 3, the first long walking day out of Machha Khola.
  • Finish at Dharapani, where your last permit check happens on the jeep ride down to Besisahar.

Manaslu Circuit Trek overview

Trekkers often compare the Manaslu Circuit to Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit as they were decades ago. It has teahouses and a proper trail, with long stretches where you won't see another group. Manaslu sits inside a government-designated restricted area, so every trekker here carries a Restricted Area Permit alongside the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, plus the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit because the standard route exits through Dharapani. You can't arrange any of these on your own; they're issued only through a licensed trekking agency, which is a big part of why the trail has stayed this quiet even as more people find out about it.

This is a demanding trek. You'll gain roughly 3,700m of net elevation over ten trekking days, ending in an 8-to-9-hour pass crossing above 5,000m. The pacing is what makes it doable: a full acclimatization day at Samagaon with an optional half-day hike that gets your body a little higher before you sleep lower again, an easy half-day on to Samdo, plus a final staging night at Dharamsala right below the pass. A licensed guide walks the whole route with your group, and porters carry the shared gear, so you're never hauling more than a daypack above 3,500m.

You'll sleep in teahouses the entire way: simple twin rooms, shared bathrooms once you're higher up, and hearty, carb-heavy meals built around dal bhat, noodle soups, and momos. You get a bed and a hot meal every night, even the evening before the pass. Every group travels with a first aid kit, a pulse oximeter, and a clear evacuation plan, and your guide checks in on how you're handling the altitude at every stop above 3,000m.

The pass is the big day, but trekkers often talk more about the gompa terrace at Lho, with Manaslu's summit ridge filling the sky, or the morning at Bimtang when the whole circuit opens up behind you.

Manaslu Circuit Trek permits & logistics

Permit Stack

  • → Restricted Area Permit (RAP): specific to Manaslu, priced by season, and only issued through a licensed agency like us.
  • → Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): checked at Jagat, then again at Namrung.
  • → Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): needed because the route finishes through Dharapani.

Group & Guide

  • → Solo trekkers are welcome. We can file your RAP for a group of one, as long as your licensed guide walks the whole route with you.
  • → A licensed guide walks with you the whole way, and porters take care of the group gear.
  • → We keep groups to 8 trekkers or fewer. That's our own policy, not a permit rule. It keeps the pace comfortable and the teahouses uncrowded.

Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary: day by day

All 15 days are laid out below, including the rest day at Samagaon and the staging night below the pass that prepare you for the Larkya La.

Day photos: Remote Nepal Treks on the circuit, March–April 2023. Tap a thumbnail to enlarge.

Max altitude
5,106m
Total distance
~147km / 91 miles

Detailed day-by-day

01 Arrival in Kathmandu

You'll land at Tribhuvan International Airport and head to your hotel, where our team is waiting to meet you. We'll walk you through the permit paperwork we've already filed, check over your gear, and talk through the acclimatization plan ahead. In the evening, a welcome dinner is a good chance to meet your guide and any fellow trekkers before an early night.

1,400m · Overnight: Hotel

02 Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola

You'll set off early, heading west out of the Kathmandu Valley on a mountain road that narrows as it climbs toward Arughat, then drops down along the Budhi Gandaki to the trailhead village of Machha Khola. It's a long day in the vehicle, 8–9 hours with stops, but the views keep changing, from terraced farmland to your first close look at the gorge you'll be following for the next week.

869m · ▼ 531m net · Overnight: Teahouse

03 Machha Khola to Jagat

You'll follow the Budhi Gandaki through the villages of Khorlabesi and Tatopani, where the hot springs make a good break before the final climb into Jagat. Jagat is your first Restricted Area Permit checkpoint, where officials log your paperwork.

1,340m · ▲ 471m · ~22km · 6–7 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse

  • Trekkers walking the dirt road up the Budhi Gandaki valley above Machha Khola
04 Jagat to Deng

The trail passes through Philim and a short stretch of bamboo forest as the Budhi Gandaki gorge narrows and gets steeper. The climate and plants change quickly here as you climb toward the alpine country.

1,860m · ▲ 520m · ~20km · 6–7 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse

  • Trail cut into the cliffside above the Budhi Gandaki, with porters carrying doko baskets
  • Budhi Gandaki river valley below Jagat with a snow peak at its head
  • Rhododendron in bloom on the valley walls near Deng
05 Deng to Namrung

Crossing into the Nubri valley, you'll start passing through Tibetan villages with their own distinct architecture and prayer wheels lining the trail. Namrung is where your Manaslu Conservation Area Permit gets checked, and on a clear afternoon, it's also where you'll catch your first real mountain views of Siring and Simnang Himal.

2,630m · ▲ 770m · ~19km · 5–6 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse

  • The Budhi Gandaki gorge seen from the trail between Deng and Namrung
  • Stone houses and prayer flags along the trail in the upper Budhi Gandaki
  • Suspension bridge over a side stream in the forest below Namrung
06 Namrung to Lho

A shorter, easier day through the villages of Lihi and Sho brings you to Lho, where the gompa terrace looks straight at Manaslu's summit ridge. For us it's the best viewpoint on the circuit.

3,180m · ▲ 550m · ~13km · 4–5 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse

  • Snow ridges above the forest between Namrung and Lho
  • Kani gate on the trail toward Lho
  • Lho village at dusk, with the valley running up toward Samagaon
07 Lho to Samagaon

A short, easy day brings you into Samagaon, the largest village on the route and the place where your acclimatization days properly begin. Spend the afternoon exploring the village monastery and watching the light change on Manaslu.

3,530m · ▲ 350m · ~8km · 3–4 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse

  • Manaslu seen up the valley on the walk from Lho
  • Manaslu over pine forest on the way to Samagaon
  • Samagaon village spread across the valley floor below the Manaslu massif
08 Samagaon — acclimatization day

Your rest day comes with an optional side trip: hike toward Manaslu Base Camp (around 4,800m/15,748ft) or take the shorter walk to Pungyen Gompa, whichever you prefer. Either way, you'll come back to Samagaon for a second night at the same altitude, giving your body time to catch up before you go any higher.

3,530m · Acclimatization · Overnight: Teahouse

  • Dawn over Samagaon's monastery with Manaslu behind it
  • Yak grazing on the flats outside Samagaon
  • The Manaslu glacier falling toward Birendra Tal
  • A prayer-flag cairn beside Birendra Tal, the glacial lake above Samagaon
09 Samagaon to Samdo

A short day crossing the Budhi Gandaki on a high bridge brings you to Samdo, the last real village before the pass. You can still see an active trade trail running from here toward the Tibet border, just beyond.

3,860m · ▲ 330m · ~10km · 4 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse

  • Trekkers passing a long mani wall on the way out of Samagaon
  • Yak on the open valley between Samagaon and Samdo
10 Samdo to Dharamsala (Larke Phedi)

A short, steady climb brings you to the basic lodges at Dharamsala, right below the pass. Plan on an early dinner and an early night, because tomorrow's crossing starts well before sunrise.

4,460m · ▲ 600m · ~7km · 3–4 hrs · Overnight: Basic Lodge

  • Fresh snow on Samdo at first light
  • Snow-covered valley on the climb from Samdo toward Dharamsala
  • Trekkers on the snowy trail below Dharamsala
11 Larkya La crossing (5,106m/16,752ft) to Bimtang

You'll set out by headlamp to clear the pass before the afternoon wind picks up, climbing steadily through cold, thin air. Nothing is technical, but it takes real effort. From the top, you get a wide panorama that takes in Himlung, Cheo, and Annapurna II. Then comes the long descent into Bimtang's glacial meadow, with Manaslu's west face behind you.

3,720m · ▲ 646m then ▼ 1,386m · ~26km · 8–9 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse

  • Trekkers climbing by first light toward the Larkya La
  • Sunrise catching the peaks around the Larkya La
  • Trekker descending the snowfield on the Bimtang side of the Larkya La
  • Lodge below the glacier on the descent into Bimtang
12 Bimtang to Tilije

A long descent through pine and rhododendron forest drops you out of the high country fast, with views opening up west toward the Annapurna range as the trail gets steeper.

2,300m · ▼ 1,420m · ~22km · 6–7 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse

  • Bimtang's lodges under fresh snow
  • Manaslu's west face above Bimtang in the morning
  • Snow peaks above the forest on the descent from Bimtang
  • The glacial outwash plain below Bimtang
13 Drive Tilije to Besisahar

A jeep picks you up in Tilije and runs down through Dharapani, where the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit checkpoint wraps up your paperwork, then follows the Marsyangdi valley out to Besisahar for a proper hot shower and a night off the trail.

760m · ▼ 1,540m · 4–5 hrs by jeep · Overnight: Hotel

  • The Marsyangdi river gorge on the drive down toward Besisahar
14 Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu

A full day on the Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu, following the Marsyangdi and then the Trishuli river. Traffic around Mugling and the Kathmandu valley rim sets the pace, so plan on arriving late afternoon.

1,400m · ~175km · 7–8 hrs by road · Overnight: Hotel

15 Kathmandu — departure

This day is a built-in buffer in case Day 14's road conditions cause delays. If everything ran on schedule, it's a free day in Kathmandu before your flight home.

Manaslu Circuit Trek cost

Per person, by group size

$1,650 – $2,100

Group size Per person (USD)
1 trekker$2,100
2 trekkers$1,950
3–4 trekkers$1,850
5–6 trekkers$1,750
7–8 trekkers$1,650

Included

  • → RAP, MCAP, and ACAP permit fees
  • → Licensed guide and porters (2 trekkers per porter)
  • → Lodging, 12 nights on trek (11 teahouse nights plus a hotel in Besisahar)
  • → All meals on trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • → Kathmandu–Machha Khola, Tilije–Kathmandu ground transport

Not Included

  • → International flights and Nepal visa
  • → Kathmandu hotel nights (Day 1, Day 14, and Day 15)
  • → Travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation cover
  • → Guide/porter tips

Current per-person rates by group size. Permit fees are set by the Nepal government and can change, so we confirm your final price in the quote. What the price covers.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in detail

Why choose this trek?

If you've already done Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit and wished there were fewer people on the trail, Manaslu is the natural next step. You get big mountain views, a high pass and a teahouse every night, in a legally restricted region where every trekker walks with a licensed guide. That keeps casual traffic off the trail.

How long and difficult is the trek?

The Manaslu Circuit runs 15 days door to door, with 10 days of actual trekking. Daily walking time ranges from 3–4 hours on the shorter, easier days to 8–9 hours on the Larkya La crossing itself. Your highest night's sleep is at Dharamsala, 4,460m/14,632ft, the night before the pass. We rate it Challenging. You won't need technical climbing skills, but you will want solid multi-day trekking fitness, and ideally some experience sleeping above 3,500m already.

Accommodation and food during the trek

You'll spend every night on the Manaslu Circuit in a teahouse or basic lodge, never a tent. Rooms are simple, twin-share, with shared squat or Western-style toilets, and above Samagaon showers are bucket-only. All your meals are included and cooked fresh at each lodge: dal bhat with unlimited refills, fried rice, noodle soups, momos, porridge, and Tibetan bread, plus black tea, milk tea, and garlic soup, a trail favorite once you're higher up.

Best time to go

Autumn (September–November) is the most popular window: post-monsoon skies are clear, it's cold but stable above 3,500m, and the Larkya La is at its most reliably crossable.

Spring (March–May) brings rhododendron blooms through the lower forest and similarly stable weather, with slightly warmer nights than autumn. Both windows also line up with the seasonal dates the Nepal government issues Restricted Area Permits for, so booking outside them usually isn't an option no matter what the forecast looks like. Our spring vs autumn guide compares the two, with our own April trip log.

Is this trek suitable for you?

The Manaslu Circuit suits you if you've done at least one multi-day teahouse trek above 4,000m and have a sense of how your body handles altitude. We wouldn't recommend it as your first high-altitude trek, though. Rescue infrastructure here is thinner than on Everest Base Camp or Annapurna, and once you start the Larkya La crossing, there's no easy way to turn back partway through.

Safety measures and acclimatization approach

Your guide travels with a first aid kit, a pulse oximeter, and a clear evacuation plan for every group. The itinerary builds in a full acclimatization day at Samagaon (3,530m/11,581ft), followed by a short 330m gain to Samdo (3,860m/12,664ft), with an optional half-day hike on the rest day to help your body adjust. We check and log your altitude at every stop above 3,000m, and the last night before the pass is staged at Dharamsala specifically to make summit day shorter.

Manaslu Circuit Trek packing list

7 groups · 32 items

Upper Body

4
  • →Moisture-wicking base layer tops (2–3)
  • →Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
  • →Down jacket for high-altitude nights
  • →Waterproof, windproof outer shell jacket

Lower Body

4
  • →Moisture-wicking base layer bottoms
  • →Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
  • →Fleece or thermal trousers for camp
  • →Waterproof, windproof outer shell pants

Footwear & Accessories

5
  • →Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
  • →Camp shoes or sandals
  • →Wool or synthetic trekking socks (4–5 pairs)
  • →Liner socks
  • →Gaiters (useful for early/late-season snow near the pass)

Head & Sun Protection

4
  • →Sun hat and warm insulated hat
  • →Buff or neck gaiter
  • →UV-protective sunglasses (glacier-rated recommended for pass day)
  • →High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm

Personal & Medical

6
  • →Personal first aid kit and any personal medications
  • →Diamox (consult your doctor before the trip)
  • →Hand sanitizer and basic toiletries
  • →Trekking poles
  • →Headlamp with spare batteries (essential for the pass-day pre-dawn start)
  • →Reusable water bottle and purification tablets or filter

Documents

4
  • →Passport with at least 6 months' validity
  • →Passport-sized photos (for permits)
  • →Travel insurance documents

Miscellaneous

5
  • →Duffel bag for porter-carried gear
  • →Daypack (30–35L)
  • →Sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C
  • →Power bank and universal adapter
  • →Snacks or energy bars

Field reports

What our Manaslu trekkers said

  • “We had an amazing trek with such beautiful views along the way. The Manaslu region felt peaceful and quiet, with far fewer crowds, which made the whole experience even more special. Ajaya was a wonderful organizer and guide. He was always kind and helpful, and he made sure everything went smoothly from start to finish. We truly enjoyed every moment and would happily recommend this trek to anyone!”

    Daniel M. · United States

  • “I really enjoyed the Manaslu Circuit. The charming villages, stunning mountains and warm, friendly locals made the trip truly special. Our guide Ram was wonderful. He was kind, caring and always made sure we were comfortable. Everything was so well organized, and we'd happily recommend this trek to anyone.”

    Sophie M. · France

  • “Such a great experience from start to finish. Crossing Larkya La was tough, but the views from the top made every step worth it.”

    Oliver B. · United Kingdom

  • “Honestly ... one of the best treks I've done in Nepal. The trail was beautiful, and our guide (Ajaya) was friendly, professional and great company the whole way.”

    Emma W. · Australia

  • “Manaslu is a beautiful and quiet trekking route. We enjoyed the mountain scenery and the small villages along the way.”

    Lucas S. · Germany

  • “Very memorable trek. The scenery around Samagaon was incredible and the whole journey felt like a real Himalayan adventure.”

    Anna R. · Italy

  • “The trek was tough at times, but so rewarding. Our guide Astani looked after us so well and made the high-altitude days feel much easier.”

    Michael J. · Canada

  • “Beautiful trek with amazing mountain views. I especially loved the villages and the peaceful atmosphere. Highly recommended.”

    Clara D. · France

  • “Great experience with Remote Nepal Treks. The itinerary was well planned and the team was always helpful.”

    James T. · United Kingdom

  • “I loved the Manaslu Circuit. The landscapes changed every day and crossing Larkya La was an unforgettable experience.”

    Maria G. · Spain

  • “A wonderful trek with spectacular views of Manaslu. The guide was experienced and very supportive during the trek.”

    Thomas W. · Switzerland

  • “The trek was even better than I expected. Beautiful trails, friendly local people and amazing mountain scenery.”

    Emily C. · New Zealand

  • “A great adventure in Nepal. The route was peaceful and the views from the high pass were incredible. Everything was organized well.”

    Pierre L. · France

  • “Really enjoyed the Manaslu Circuit Trek! Some parts were tough, but the views were amazing and totally worth it. Ajaya was helpful and made everything easier along the way. Had a great experience overall!.”

    Jack A. · United States

Manaslu Circuit Trek FAQs

Does the Manaslu Circuit need a separate permit from Everest Base Camp or Annapurna?

Yes. Manaslu is a restricted area, so you'll need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) on top of the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). Since the standard route exits through Dharapani into the Annapurna Conservation Area, you'll also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the final two days. You can't get any of these on your own. Only a licensed agency can apply for the RAP.

How the three Manaslu permits work, checkpoint by checkpoint

How hard is the Larkya La crossing?

It's a long, cold day, typically 8 to 9 hours from Dharamsala over the 5,106m pass to Bimtang, starting before dawn so you're clear of the descent before the afternoon wind picks up. It's not technical (no rope or crampon work on the standard route), but the altitude and the length of the day make it the hardest single day of the trek.

Is the Manaslu Circuit teahouse trekking the whole way?

Yes. The whole route from Machha Khola to Dharapani has teahouse lodging, including basic lodges at Samdo and Dharamsala just below the pass. You won't need to bring any camping gear.

When is the best season for Manaslu?

Late March through May, or late September through November. The Nepal government also only issues the RAP within set seasonal windows, so booking outside these months usually isn't possible, no matter what the weather's doing.

Related guides

Request a quote for Manaslu

Let us know when you're hoping to go and how many people are in your group, and we'll get back to you with a firm price and the next open departure.

Or write directly to info@remotenepaltreks.com.