Manaslu Circuit Trek 2025 Cost, Price, Itinerary, Map, Best Time, Difficulty, Permit, Guide

The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles 8,163 m Mount Manaslu through the Manaslu Conservation Area, crossing high valleys and Tibetan-influenced villages before exiting into the Annapurna region. It’s a remote, less-crowded alternative to Everest and Annapurna, and Manaslu Treks & Expedition runs it with licensed local guides and flexible pacing.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in Gorkha District, north-central Nepal, inside the Manaslu Conservation Area. The route follows the Budhi Gandaki valley and crosses Larkya La Pass into the Annapurna side, with strong Tibetan Buddhist culture along the way.

Most itineraries for the Manaslu Circuit Trek take 12–16 trekking days (plus arrival/departure days). Safer plans include a rest day in Samagaun; adding Tsum Valley makes it roughly 20–23 days. Manaslu Treks & Expedition usually recommends 14–16 days for comfort and acclimatization.

A classic Manaslu Circuit Trek flows: Kathmandu → Soti/Machha Khola → Jagat → Deng → Namrung → Lho → Samagaun (rest) → Samdo → Dharamsala → cross Larkya La → Bimthang → Gho → Dharapani, then drive to Besisahar/Kathmandu. We tailor pacing and transfers based on season and fitness.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek covers roughly 160–180 km (often cited ~177 km) depending on start/end points and side hikes like Manaslu Base Camp.

The high point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Larkya La Pass, commonly listed between 5,106–5,160 m. Conditions can be cold and windy—our guides plan early starts and weather windows for a safe crossing.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is strenuous: expect 5–7 hr days (up to 8–10 hr on pass day), basic teahouses, and sustained altitude. Fit first-timers can succeed with a cautious 14–16 day plan and a licensed guide.

The best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are autumn (Sep–Nov) and spring (Mar–May) for clear skies and stable weather. Winter is very cold with possible snow closures; monsoon brings rain, leeches, and landslides.

On the Manaslu Circuit Trek, lower valleys are warm and humid; high villages like Samagaun see 5–15 °C days and sub-zero nights in peak season. Larkya La can feel well below −10 °C with windchill—pack true winter layers.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek typically costs:
• Permits: RAP (seasonal), MCAP and ACAP (fixed).
• Pay-as-you-go: USD 45–80 pp/day total on trail (food/room/guide/porter/extras).
• Packages: ~USD 1,200–1,900+ pp for 14–16 days including permits, transport, guide, porter, meals, and lodges.

For the Manaslu Circuit Trek you need: RAP (Restricted Area Permit, agency-issued only), MCAP (Manaslu Conservation), and ACAP (Annapurna) for the exit. Manaslu Treks & Expedition arranges all permits once we have your passport and dates.

Yes. A licensed guide is mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek because it’s a restricted area. Beyond the rule, a guide manages pacing, lodge logistics, weather calls, and safety on Larkya La.

No. The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires a licensed guide and permits are issued for a minimum of two foreign trekkers. Solo travelers can join a group through Manaslu Treks & Expedition to meet the permit rule.

With proper acclimatization and a local guide, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is safe. Main risks are altitude, winter ice/snow on the pass, and monsoon landslides. We build rest days and carry contingency plans; we also recommend insurance covering helicopter evacuation.

Yes—choose a policy for the Manaslu Circuit Trek that explicitly covers trekking above 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation in Nepal. Many reputable operators, including Manaslu Treks & Expedition, require proof of cover.

On a pay-as-you-go plan, the Manaslu Circuit Trek runs about USD 45–80 per person/day including food, room, guide/porter, and small extras. Permits, transport, city hotels, and gear are additional.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek uses local teahouses with simple twin rooms and shared bathrooms. Menus offer dal bhat, soups, noodles, momos, potatoes, and hot drinks. Prices rise with altitude—carry cash. We pre-plan lodges to balance comfort and acclimatization.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek accumulates several thousand meters of ascent/descent. The hardest day climbs ~650–700 m from Dharamsala to Larkya La and then descends ~1,400 m to Bimthang—often 8–10 hours total.

Most Manaslu Circuit Trek days are 5–7 hours; acclimatization days are shorter, while the pass day is typically 8–10 hours. We start early to catch firmer snow and calmer weather on high sections.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is challenging for first-timers. Fit beginners can complete it with a 14–16 day plan, patient acclimatization, and coaching from a licensed guide. If your time is tight, consider Langtang or ABC first.

You can compress the Manaslu Circuit Trek to 10–12 days by using jeeps and pushing long stages, but altitude risk rises. We usually advise 14–16 days for safer pacing and a better experience.

A fast Manaslu Circuit Trek outline: Machha Khola → Jagat → Deng → Namrung → Lho → Samagaun (short rest) → Samdo → Dharamsala → Larkya La → Bimthang → Dharapani. Suitable only for very fit trekkers with recent altitude experience.

Yes—combining the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley adds 5–7 days and requires a separate RAP. Highlights include Mu and Rachen Gompas, quiet villages, and deep cultural immersion.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with a 7–9 hr drive from Kathmandu to Soti or Machha Khola. It finishes at Dharapani (or Tal) with a jeep to Besisahar and onward to Kathmandu or Pokhara. Road times vary by season.

• Layers: base, fleece, down jacket, waterproof shell; warm hat, gloves, buff.
• Boots broken-in; microspikes in late autumn/spring; trekking poles.
• Sleeping bag: 0 °C to −10 °C comfort; headlamp; power bank.
• 2–3 L water + purification; sunscreen, sunglasses.
• First aid, personal meds, altitude plan; passport copies, permits, cash.

Train 8–12 weeks for the Manaslu Circuit Trek with hilly hikes carrying 6–10 kg, 4–5 days/week endurance, leg strength (squats, step-ups), and back-to-back long hikes. Focus on steady pacing over speed.

Most full itineraries measure the Manaslu Circuit Trek at about ~177 km, within a typical 160–180 km range depending on start/end and side trips.

If choosing one, October is often best for the Manaslu Circuit Trek (stable, clear). April is the spring favorite with longer days and blooms.

We recommend Himalayan Map House NP106 “Manaslu & Ganesh Himals” (1:125,000) for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, plus an offline GPS app as a backup—always with a licensed guide.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is wilder and quieter with a big high-pass traverse; Everest Base Camp has more amenities and the iconic Base Camp goal. Choose Manaslu for remoteness and culture; choose EBC for infrastructure and famous viewpoints.

For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you should handle 6–8 hr trekking days with 600–1,000 m ascent at altitude, in cold mornings and simple lodges. Endurance and a steady pace matter more than speed.

Typical Manaslu Circuit Trek fees (subject to official updates):
• RAP: Sep–Nov USD 100 (first 7 days) + USD 15/day; Dec–Aug USD 75 (first 7 days) + USD 10/day.
• MCAP: NPR 3,000; ACAP: NPR 3,000.
• Tsum Valley RAP (optional): Sep–Nov USD 40/week; Dec–Aug USD 30/week.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek blends big-mountain drama with living Tibetan culture, fewer crowds, and a spectacular traverse over Larkya La. It’s the right choice if you want authentic Himalayan terrain guided by locals.

No. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted route that requires a licensed guide and a minimum of two foreign trekkers for the permit. Manaslu Treks & Expedition can match solo travelers into a small group.

35. What is the 14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary from Machha Khola?

The 14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary from Machha Khola is a balanced plan designed by Manaslu Treks and Expedition. It ensures proper acclimatization and covers all the cultural and scenic highlights of the region, including Samagaun, Lho Monastery, and the Larkya La Pass.

• Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930 m) – 8/9 hrs
• Day 2: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340 m) – 6/7 hrs
• Day 3: Jagat to Deng (1,860 m) – 6/7 hrs
• Day 4: Deng to Namrung (2,630 m) – 6/7 hrs
• Day 5: Namrung to Lho (3,180 m) – 5 hrs
• Day 6: Lho to Samagaun (3,520 m) – 6 hrs
• Day 7: Acclimatization day in Samagaun (hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa)
• Day 8: Samagaun to Samdo (3,875 m) – 4/5 hrs
• Day 9: Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460 m) – 4/5 hrs
• Day 10: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) – descend to Bimthang (3,720 m) – 8/9 hrs
• Day 11: Bimthang to Tilije (2,300 m) – 6/7 hrs
• Day 12: Tilije to Dharapani (1,960 m) – 5 hrs
• Day 13: Drive Dharapani to Besisahar – 5 hrs
• Day 14: Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu – 6/7 hrs

This 14 days Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary from Machha Khola is the most recommended option for trekkers who want the full experience with safe altitude gain. With Manaslu Treks and Expedition, all permits, logistics, and guides are arranged for a hassle-free adventure.