Every year we welcome trekkers from Paris, London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Auckland, and Christchurch who share the same dream: crossing the Larkya La pass on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. They also share the same planning questions. How do I fly to Kathmandu? Do I need a visa? How many days of leave do I need? How much will the whole trip cost in euros, pounds, or New Zealand dollars? How do I train for 5,106 metres when I live at sea level?
This is the complete guide to the Manaslu Circuit Trek from France, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. It covers flights, the Nepal visa, permits, a proven day-by-day itinerary, full cost breakdowns in your own currency, the best months to travel, country-specific training advice, and everything else you need to plan the trip properly for 2026 and 2027.
The Manaslu Circuit is the trek that experienced walkers choose when they want the Himalayas without the crowds. It circles Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters, through a restricted area where independent trekking is not permitted. That single rule has preserved what most of Nepal’s famous trails lost years ago: quiet paths, authentic Tibetan Buddhist villages, and teahouses where you are a guest rather than a customer number.
Manaslu Treks and Expedition is a registered Manaslu Circuit Trek company based in Kathmandu, and the Manaslu region is our home ground and our specialty. Everything in this guide comes from operating this trek season after season for trekkers from Europe, the UK, and Oceania.
Quick Facts: Manaslu Circuit Trek from France, the UK and New Zealand
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Trek Name | Manaslu Circuit Trek |
| Highest Point | Larkya La pass at 5,106 metres |
| Trek Duration | 13 to 14 days with road transport |
| Total Trip from France or the UK | 16 to 18 days including flights and buffer |
| Total Trip from New Zealand | 18 to 20 days including flights and recovery |
| Visa for French, British and NZ Passports | Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport |
| Package Price | From USD 1,099 per person with Manaslu Treks and Expedition |
| Permits | Manaslu RAP, MCAP and ACAP, all arranged by us |
| Guide Requirement | Licensed guide mandatory, minimum two trekkers in the restricted area |
| Difficulty | Challenging, for fit trekkers with hill experience |
| Best Seasons | March to May and September to November |
| Operated By | Manaslu Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu |
Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek from France, the UK or New Zealand
Trekkers from these three countries tend to arrive with real mountain experience. French trekkers know the Alps and the GR trails. British trekkers know the Lake District, Snowdonia, and the Scottish Munros. New Zealanders know the Great Walks and genuine alpine weather. The Manaslu Circuit is the natural next step for exactly this kind of walker, and here is why.
- It is the quiet alternative to the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp, with a fraction of the foot traffic on trails of equal grandeur
- The Larkya La at 5,106 metres is a serious, satisfying high pass, higher than anything in Western Europe or New Zealand
- The restricted area rules mean every trekker travels with a licensed guide and a registered company, which keeps the region authentic and safe
- The cultural transition is extraordinary: you walk from Hindu hill villages into a high Tibetan Buddhist world of mani walls, monasteries, and yak pastures
- No internal flight is needed; access is by private jeep from Kathmandu, so there is no weather dependent mountain flight to gamble your schedule on
- The whole trip fits inside two and a half to three weeks of leave, workable for European and Kiwi holiday allowances
Flights to Kathmandu from France, the UK and New Zealand
Flights from France to Kathmandu
There are no direct flights from Paris to Kathmandu, but one stop connections are excellent. From Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), the most comfortable routings are Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. Total journey time is typically 11 to 15 hours including the connection. Flights also connect well from Lyon, Nice, and Marseille through the same hubs. Return fares from France usually range from EUR 550 to 950 depending on season and how early you book.
Flights from the United Kingdom to Kathmandu
From London Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester (MAN), the main one stop options are Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Etihad via Abu Dhabi, and Air India via Delhi. Total journey time is usually 12 to 16 hours. Trekkers from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Birmingham connect through the same Gulf hubs with one extra short leg. Return fares from the UK typically range from GBP 450 to 800, with the best prices found three to five months in advance and outside school holiday weeks.
Flights from New Zealand to Kathmandu
New Zealand is the longest journey of the three. From Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC), the common routings are Singapore Airlines via Singapore, Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur, and Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, usually with a second short connection onward to Kathmandu. Total travel time is 16 to 24 hours depending on the routing and layovers. Return fares typically range from NZD 1,700 to 2,900. Because of the distance and the time zones, we strongly advise New Zealand trekkers to plan two nights in Kathmandu before the trek begins rather than one.
Practical advice for all three countries: book your international flights only after your trek departure is confirmed, and leave at least one buffer day in Kathmandu at the end of the trip before your flight home. Schedules change, so confirm current routes directly with the airlines before booking.
Nepal Visa for French, British and New Zealand Travellers
French, British, and New Zealand passport holders can all obtain a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, or apply in advance through Nepal’s official online immigration portal. The process is the same for all three nationalities. Visa rules and fees can change, so always confirm the latest requirements with your nearest Embassy of Nepal or the Nepal Department of Immigration before travel.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | At least 6 months validity beyond your return date |
| Passport size photos | Bring two or three spares, also needed for permits |
| Visa fee | Payable in USD cash at the airport, fee depends on duration |
| Completed visa form | Online in advance or at the airport kiosks |
| Nepal contact address | Use your Kathmandu hotel or the Manaslu Treks and Expedition office address |
| Travel itinerary | Your planned route, dates, and company details |
For the Manaslu Circuit Trek choose the 30 day tourist visa. The trip itself takes 16 to 20 days door to door, and the 30 day visa gives you comfortable room for delays or extra sightseeing. Carry USD cash for the visa fee, because the card machines at the visa counter are unreliable. Euros and pounds can be exchanged easily in Kathmandu, but the visa counter itself works best with US dollars.
Your First 24 Hours in Kathmandu
Knowing what happens on arrival removes most pre trip nerves. After you clear the visa counter and collect your bags, our representative waits at the arrivals exit with a name board, and a private vehicle takes you to your hotel. The drive through Kathmandu traffic is an experience in itself; treat it as the first adventure of the trip.
That evening or the next morning we hold your trek briefing: the guide introduction, a day by day walk through of the itinerary, a gear check against our packing list, and collection of your permit documents. Anything missing from your kit can be bought or rented in Thamel within an hour, usually at a fraction of European or New Zealand outdoor shop prices. We also collect your insurance certificate, answer every remaining question, and exchange money with you if needed. By dinner time you are fully prepared, and the mountains are one jeep ride away.
Booking Timeline: From First Message to the Larkya La
| When | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 3 to 4 months before | Send us your dates and group size, receive your quote and itinerary, confirm your booking |
| 2 to 3 months before | Book international flights, arrange insurance, start training |
| 1 month before | Send passport copies and photos, finalise gear, confirm pickup details |
| Arrival day | Airport pickup, hotel, trek briefing and gear check |
| Preparation day | Permits processed by our office, rest and Thamel shopping |
| Trek days | Jeep to Machha Khola and 11 days on the trail to Dharapani |
| Return | Drive to Kathmandu, buffer day, celebration dinner, fly home |
How Many Days Do You Need
| Departure Country | Recommended Total Days | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| France | 16 to 18 days | 2 travel days, 1 preparation day in Kathmandu, 13 to 14 trek days, 1 buffer day |
| United Kingdom | 16 to 18 days | 2 travel days, 1 preparation day in Kathmandu, 13 to 14 trek days, 1 buffer day |
| New Zealand | 18 to 20 days | 3 travel days including recovery, 1 preparation day, 13 to 14 trek days, 1 buffer day |
Trekkers who want to add the Tsum Valley, one of the most untouched Tibetan Buddhist valleys in the Himalayas, should plan 22 to 25 days total and look at our 19 Days Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek.
Recommended Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
This is our proven itinerary for trekkers arriving from Europe and New Zealand, paced for safe acclimatisation before the Larkya La.
| Day | Activity | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu, airport pickup, hotel check in | 1,400m |
| 2 | Trek briefing, gear check, permit preparation | 1,400m |
| 3 | Drive by private jeep to Machha Khola, 7 to 9 hours | 869m |
| 4 | Trek to Jagat through subtropical river valleys | 1,410m |
| 5 | Trek to Deng, deeper into the Budhi Gandaki gorge | 1,804m |
| 6 | Trek to Namrung, Tibetan Buddhist culture begins | 2,630m |
| 7 | Trek to Lho or Shyala, first full views of Manaslu | 3,180m |
| 8 | Trek to Sama Gaun below Mount Manaslu | 3,530m |
| 9 | Acclimatisation day at Sama Gaun, optional hike toward Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa | 3,530m |
| 10 | Trek to Samdo, the last village before the pass | 3,875m |
| 11 | Short trek to Dharamsala, rest for the pass day | 4,460m |
| 12 | Cross the Larkya La and descend to Bimthang | 5,106m pass |
| 13 | Trek to Dharapani, exit the circuit | 1,963m |
| 14 | Drive back to Kathmandu | 1,400m |
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 13 Days
13 Days 5,106m Challenging From USD 1,099
What to Expect at Each Stage of the Trek
Days 3 to 6: The Budhi Gandaki Gorge
The trek begins in warm, green, subtropical country. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through one of Nepal’s deepest gorges, crossing long suspension bridges and passing through Gurung villages surrounded by terraced fields. Days are humid and can feel like a warm French summer or a North Island bush walk. This stage rewards good footwear and patience: the trail rises and falls constantly, and daily ascent totals are higher than the altitude numbers suggest.
Days 7 to 9: The Tibetan Buddhist Heartland
From Namrung upward, the world changes. Mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags line the trail, and the villages of Lho, Shyala, and Sama Gaun feel closer to Tibet than to Kathmandu. The first full view of Mount Manaslu from Lho stops every trekker in their tracks. The acclimatization day at Sama Gaun is not a rest day in the lazy sense: the optional hikes toward Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa are spectacular and do valuable acclimatization work for the pass ahead.
Days 10 to 12: The High Crossing
Above Samdo, the landscape turns high, dry, and Tibetan. Dharamsala at 4,460 meters is basic and cold, and nobody sleeps deeply there, which is normal. The pass day starts before dawn: 4 to 5 hours of steady climbing to the prayer flags of the Larkya La at 5,106 metres, with Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II arranged across the horizon. The descent to Bimthang is long and steep, and trekking poles earn their place in your pack within the first hour.
Days 13 to 14: The Green Descent and Return
From Bimthang the trail drops through rhododendron and pine forest to Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit, where the road meets you. The drive back to Kathmandu is long but the sense of completion in the vehicle is something no short trek delivers. That evening in Kathmandu, hot showers and celebration dinners taste better than they ever have.
Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
- The Larkya La at 5,106 metres. One of the most dramatic trekking passes in Nepal, with Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II lined up across the horizon on a clear morning
- Mount Manaslu itself. The eighth highest mountain on earth at 8,163 metres, seen full height from Lho and Sama Gaun rather than as a distant summit
- Birendra Lake. A glacial lake below the Manaslu Glacier, an easy side walk from Sama Gaun on your acclimatisation day
- Pungyen Gompa. A remote monastery beneath the east face of Manaslu, the finest acclimatisation hike on the route
- The Budhi Gandaki gorge. Days of suspension bridges, waterfalls, and cliff cut trails through one of the deepest river gorges in the Himalayas
- Living Tibetan Buddhist culture. Mani walls, chortens, prayer wheels, and monasteries in villages that see a fraction of the visitors other regions receive
- The quiet. On many spring and autumn days you will walk for hours between other trekking groups, an experience that has vanished from the famous routes
A Typical Day on the Manaslu Circuit
Knowing the daily rhythm helps you prepare mentally, and it is one of the questions French, British, and Kiwi trekkers ask us most often. The day starts around 6:30 with washing up and packing your duffel for the porter. Breakfast at 7:00 is porridge, eggs, Tibetan bread, or pancakes with tea or coffee. Walking begins by 7:30 or 8:00 while the light is best and the wind is calm.
The morning session is the main work of the day, three to four hours at a steady pace your guide sets deliberately slower than you would walk at home. Lunch happens at a teahouse along the trail, usually dal bhat or noodles, with 45 minutes to rest. The afternoon session is shorter, one to three hours, and you reach the next village by 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon.
The teahouse evening is one of the quiet pleasures of the trek: tea and biscuits on arrival, a wash, then hours around the dining room stove with your guide, the lodge family, and whichever trekkers from around the world share the trail that night. Dinner is at 6:30, and almost everyone is asleep by 9:00. Above Samdo the routine tightens: earlier starts, colder mornings, and on pass day an alpine start at around 3:30 in the morning by headlamp.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost from France, the UK, and New Zealand
Our Manaslu Circuit Trek package starts from USD 1,099 per person. That is approximately EUR 1,010, GBP 870, or NZD 1,850 at typical exchange rates. The tables below show the realistic total budget from each country, including everything most trekkers actually spend.
Full Cost Breakdown from France
| Cost Category | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight Paris to Kathmandu | EUR 550 to 950 | Qatar, Emirates or Turkish, one stop |
| Nepal tourist visa | EUR 30 to 50 | Pay in USD cash at the airport |
| Trekking package | EUR 1,010 to 1,400 | From USD 1,099 with Manaslu Treks and Expedition |
| Travel insurance | EUR 80 to 180 | Must cover 5,500m and helicopter evacuation |
| Personal trail expenses | EUR 90 to 180 | Showers, charging, WiFi, snacks |
| Tips for guide and porter | EUR 90 to 140 | Customary, paid in cash |
| Extra Kathmandu nights and meals | EUR 50 to 220 | Depends on hotel category |
| Gear rental or purchase | EUR 0 to 180 | Sleeping bag and down jacket free on request |
| Total excluding flights | EUR 1,450 to 2,450 |
Full Cost Breakdown from the United Kingdom
| Cost Category | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight London to Kathmandu | GBP 450 to 800 | Qatar, Emirates, Etihad or Air India |
| Nepal tourist visa | GBP 25 to 45 | Pay in USD cash at the airport |
| Trekking package | GBP 870 to 1,200 | From USD 1,099 with Manaslu Treks and Expedition |
| Travel insurance | GBP 70 to 160 | Standard UK annual policies rarely cover 5,000m, check the altitude clause |
| Personal trail expenses | GBP 80 to 160 | Showers, charging, WiFi, snacks |
| Tips for guide and porter | GBP 80 to 120 | Customary, paid in cash |
| Extra Kathmandu nights and meals | GBP 40 to 190 | Depends on hotel category |
| Gear rental or purchase | GBP 0 to 160 | Sleeping bag and down jacket free on request |
| Total excluding flights | GBP 1,250 to 2,100 |
Full Cost Breakdown from New Zealand
| Cost Category | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight Auckland or Christchurch to Kathmandu | NZD 1,700 to 2,900 | Via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong |
| Nepal tourist visa | NZD 55 to 90 | Pay in USD cash at the airport |
| Trekking package | NZD 1,850 to 2,550 | From USD 1,099 with Manaslu Treks and Expedition |
| Travel insurance | NZD 150 to 350 | Must cover 5,500m trekking and helicopter evacuation |
| Personal trail expenses | NZD 170 to 330 | Showers, charging, WiFi, snacks |
| Tips for guide and porter | NZD 170 to 250 | Customary, paid in cash |
| Extra Kathmandu nights and meals | NZD 90 to 400 | NZ trekkers usually need one extra recovery night |
| Gear rental or purchase | NZD 0 to 330 | Sleeping bag and down jacket free on request |
| Total excluding flights | NZD 2,700 to 4,300 |
What Is Included in Our Manaslu Circuit Trek Package
- Airport pickup and drop in Kathmandu
- All trekking permits: Manaslu RAP, MCAP, and ACAP
- Licensed English speaking Manaslu specialist guide
- Porter service with fair wages and insurance
- Private jeep transport Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Dharapani to Kathmandu
- All meals throughout the trek and best available teahouse accommodation
- Sleeping bag and down jacket on request
- First aid kit with oximeter and 24/7 WhatsApp support from Kathmandu
What Is Not Included
- International flights, Nepal visa, and travel insurance
- Personal expenses on the trail such as hot showers, WiFi, charging, and extra drinks
- Tips for the guide and porter
- Kathmandu hotels and meals outside the trek days, unless added to your package
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
The Manaslu region is a restricted area, and this is the part of planning where a registered local company is not optional but required by law. Three permits are needed, and we arrange all of them.
| Permit | Authority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | Nepal Government | Main restricted permit, cost is higher in the September to November peak season |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | Nepal Government | Conservation fee for the Manaslu Conservation Area |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | Nepal Government | Required for the exit section through Dharapani |
The restricted area rules also require a minimum of two trekkers plus a licensed guide. Solo travellers from France, the UK, and New Zealand join one of our fixed group departures, which solves the requirement and lowers the cost at the same time. Permit costs change annually; we confirm current fees before processing and include everything in your package price. You provide a passport copy, your Nepal visa after arrival, passport photos, and your insurance certificate, and our Kathmandu office handles the rest on your preparation day.
Is a Guide Required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Yes, and unlike most of Nepal, this is a legal requirement, not a recommendation. The Manaslu Circuit lies inside a restricted area where independent trekking is prohibited. Every trekker must be accompanied by a licensed guide through a registered Nepali company. Checkpoints along the route physically check permits and guide licenses. For trekkers from France, the UK, and New Zealand who are used to self-guided walking at home, this feels unusual at first, and then within two days it feels like the best decision of the trip. Your guide handles rooms, food, pacing, checkpoints, weather calls, and altitude monitoring while you simply walk.
Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek from France, the UK, and New Zealand
Autumn: September to November
The prime season. Stable weather, the clearest mountain views of the year, and reliable conditions on the Larkya La. This is when the restricted area permit costs slightly more and when teahouses in Dharamsala fill first, so book two to four months ahead. For UK trekkers, late October ties in neatly with the autumn half-term. For New Zealanders, this is springtime at home, so you leave mild weather and arrive in mild weather.
Spring: March to May
The second excellent window. Rhododendron forests bloom through the lower gorge, temperatures are warmer than autumn, and the trail is quieter. High snowfall years can leave snow on the pass into April, which our guides manage with rest day flexibility. French trekkers often prefer May, when conditions echo early summer in the Alps.
Winter: December to February
Possible for very experienced, very well-equipped trekkers, but the Larkya La can close after snowfall, and Dharamsala is brutally cold. We run winter departures only with flexible itineraries and honest daily weather calls.
Monsoon: June to August
Heavy rain, landslide risk in the gorge, and leeches in the lower forest. We do not recommend the main monsoon window. Note for European trekkers: this rules out the classic July and August summer holidays, which surprises many French and British planners. Autumn or spring are worth the wait.
Weather and Temperatures on the Manaslu Circuit
Temperatures on this trek span everything from humid gorge afternoons to pass mornings well below freezing. The table below shows typical conditions so you can set expectations against what you know from home: a spring day in the gorge feels like Provence in June, while a pass morning in late autumn feels colder than a Scottish winter summit or a Southern Alps dawn.
| Section | Autumn Day / Night | Spring Day / Night | Feels Like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower gorge, Machha Khola to Deng | 22 to 28C / 10 to 15C | 24 to 30C / 12 to 16C | Warm French summer, North Island bush walk |
| Middle villages, Namrung to Sama Gaun | 12 to 18C / 0 to 5C | 14 to 20C / 2 to 7C | UK hill autumn, crisp Alpine morning |
| High section, Samdo to Dharamsala | 5 to 12C / minus 5 to minus 10C | 8 to 14C / minus 3 to minus 8C | Scottish winter valley, NZ alpine autumn |
| Larkya La pass at dawn | minus 10 to minus 15C with wind | minus 5 to minus 12C with wind | Colder than anything on your home trails |
Mountain weather changes fast in every season. Our guides make daily calls on timing, and the itinerary carries enough flexibility to wait out a bad morning rather than force a dangerous crossing.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty: How It Compares to Trekking at Home
The Manaslu Circuit is rated challenging. Daily walking is 5 to 7 hours, the pass day is 9 to 11 hours, and the highest sleeping point is 4,460 metres. No technical climbing is required, but sustained effort at altitude is.
| If You Have Done This at Home | How Manaslu Compares |
|---|---|
| Tour du Mont Blanc or GR20 (France) | Similar daily effort, but add thin air above 4,000m that no European trail can prepare you for completely |
| Lake District rounds, Snowdonia, Scottish Munros (UK) | Individual days feel familiar, but Manaslu is 11 consecutive days with a 5,106m finale |
| Kepler, Routeburn, Tongariro Crossing (New Zealand) | NZ trampers adapt well to the terrain and weather, but the altitude is double anything on the Great Walks |
The honest summary: if you are comfortable with a full mountain day at home, you can train up to Manaslu in 8 to 12 weeks. Altitude, not fitness, is the equaliser, and our itinerary is built around exactly that.
Training Tips by Country
Training in France
You have the best training ground in Europe. Build long back to back days in the Alps or Pyrenees: two consecutive 6 hour days with 1,000 metres of ascent each is ideal preparation. Refuge to refuge weekends on the GR5 or around Chamonix mimic the teahouse rhythm well. If you live far from the mountains, stair sessions with a loaded pack twice a week plus a long weekend walk builds the same base.
Training in the United Kingdom
British hills are perfect Manaslu training despite their modest height. Consecutive days matter more than single big days: a weekend of two 6 hour rounds in the Lake District, Snowdonia, or the Brecon Beacons beats one heroic Munro day. Carry the pack weight you will carry in Nepal, practise long descents for your knees, and walk in the rain on purpose, because your wet weather systems will be tested in the gorge.
Training in New Zealand
Kiwi trampers arrive with strong legs and good weather judgement. Use the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Kepler, or Canterbury high country day walks for sustained climbs, and add loaded stair or hill repeat sessions in the final six weeks. Your challenge is not terrain but altitude and the long travel: plan your first two days in Nepal deliberately slow so jet lag does not stack on top of acclimatisation.
Altitude Sickness and Safety
The Larkya La at 5,106 metres deserves respect. Watch for the classic signs: a headache that does not respond to water and rest, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, and broken sleep. The rule is absolute and our guides enforce it kindly but firmly: do not ascend with symptoms, and descend if symptoms worsen.
- Our itinerary gains sleeping altitude gradually with a dedicated acclimatisation day at Sama Gaun
- Guides carry a first aid kit and an oximeter and check every trekker morning and evening above 3,000 metres
- Many trekkers use Diamox preventively; discuss dosage with your GP, medecin traitant, or doctor before you fly
- Helicopter evacuation is available throughout the route and is coordinated by our Kathmandu office, which is why your insurance must cover it
Travel Insurance for French, British and New Zealand Trekkers
This is the item most often done wrong, and it matters more on Manaslu than on any teahouse trek in an open area. Your policy must cover trekking to at least 5,500 metres, emergency helicopter evacuation, and medical treatment in Nepal.
- UK trekkers: most standard annual travel policies stop at 3,000 or 4,000 metres. Look for trekking or adventure add ons and check the altitude clause in writing
- French trekkers: check whether your carte bancaire insurance or alpine club cover extends to 5,500 metres outside Europe; in most cases you will need a dedicated travel policy
- New Zealand trekkers: choose adventure travel policies that explicitly list high altitude trekking; standard policies often exclude anything above 3,000 metres
We check every trekker’s insurance certificate before the trek starts, because the permit process requires it and because an uninsured helicopter evacuation can cost several thousand dollars.
Packing List for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
You will walk from warm subtropical gorge country to a frozen 5,106 metre pass in the same fortnight, so layering is everything. French and British trekkers usually own most of this already; New Zealand trampers will recognise the list immediately.
Clothing
- Moisture wicking base layers, two to three sets
- Fleece or light insulated mid layer
- Warm down jacket for evenings and the pass morning, available from us on request
- Waterproof shell jacket and overtrousers
- Trekking trousers and shorts for the lower gorge days
- Warm hat, sun hat, buff, liner gloves plus insulated gloves, and quality trekking socks
Equipment
- Broken in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Four season sleeping bag rated to minus 15, available from us on request
- Trekking poles, essential for the descent from the Larkya La
- Headlamp with spare batteries for the pre dawn pass start
- Category 3 or 4 sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, and lip balm
- Water bottles or bladder plus purification tablets or a filter
- Large power bank, universal adapter, and a 35 to 45 litre daypack
- Microspikes in early spring or late autumn if snow sits on the pass, ask us before departure
Documents and Money
- Passport, spare passport photos, and your insurance certificate
- USD cash for the visa, Nepali rupees for the trail
- There are no ATMs after you leave Kathmandu, so exchange enough rupees for the whole trek: roughly USD 15 to 20 per trail day covers personal extras
Food and Accommodation on the Trek
Teahouses on the Manaslu Circuit are simpler than those on the Annapurna or Everest routes, and that simplicity is part of the region’s charm. Rooms are basic twin shares; blankets exist but your sleeping bag does the real work above Namrung. Menus centre on dal bhat, noodles, soups, momos, and pancakes, cooked by the family who owns the lodge. Dal bhat with unlimited refills remains the best value and the best fuel on the trail. Vegetarian eating is easy; in fact we recommend avoiding meat above Namrung for freshness reasons. Hot showers are available at lower villages for a small fee and become bucket showers or disappear entirely near the pass.
Communication, Connectivity and Time Zones
Buy an NTC SIM at Kathmandu airport with your passport; NTC has the best coverage in the Manaslu region, though signal is patchy beyond Namrung and largely absent around Dharamsala. Some teahouses sell WiFi in the larger villages. Tell family to expect quiet days between Samdo and Bimthang.
| Home Country | Time Difference with Nepal | Best Time to Call Home from the Trail |
|---|---|---|
| France | Nepal is 3 hours 45 minutes ahead in summer, 4 hours 45 minutes in winter | Nepali evening reaches France at lunchtime |
| United Kingdom | Nepal is 4 hours 45 minutes ahead in summer, 5 hours 45 minutes in winter | Nepali evening reaches the UK late morning |
| New Zealand | Nepal is 6 hours 15 minutes behind NZST, 7 hours 15 minutes behind NZDT | Nepali morning reaches NZ in the afternoon |
Charging costs a small fee in most teahouses and electricity is solar dependent near the pass, so a large power bank is the most valuable non clothing item in your pack.
Kathmandu Before and After the Trek
Your first day in Kathmandu is a working day: trek briefing, gear check, permit photographs, and any last minute shopping in Thamel, where quality gear can be bought or rented cheaply. If you have energy left, Boudhanath stupa at dusk is the perfect introduction to the Buddhist culture you are about to walk through. After the trek, keep at least one buffer day: it protects your international flight if mountain roads are slow, and it gives you a day for souvenirs, a massage, and the best celebration dinner in Kathmandu.
Private Trek vs Group Joining from France, the UK and New Zealand
| Factor | Private Trek | Group Joining |
|---|---|---|
| Departure dates | Any date you choose | Fixed departures in season |
| Restricted area rule | Needs minimum two trekkers | Requirement automatically met |
| Pace and flexibility | Fully yours | Group pace |
| Price per person | Higher for couples, best for groups of four plus | Lowest for solo travellers |
| Best for | Couples, families, friend groups with fixed leave dates | Solo travellers and social trekkers |
Solo travellers take note: because the restricted area requires a minimum of two trekkers, group joining is the practical solution, and our autumn and spring departures regularly include trekkers from France, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Manaslu Circuit + Tsum Valley Trek – 19 Days
⏱ 19 Days ⛰ 5,106m 💪 Challenging The hidden valley extension
Prefer More Comfort? The Luxury Manaslu Option
Trekkers who want the wild trail with softer edges can take our luxury itinerary: the best rooms in every village booked in advance, attached bathrooms where they exist, a higher guide to trekker ratio, extra porter capacity, and premium hotel nights in Kathmandu before and after the trek. British and French couples celebrating anniversaries and honeymoons choose this option often, as do trekkers who simply sleep better in the best available room after a 5,106 metre pass.
Luxury Manaslu Circuit Trek – 15 Days
⏱ 15 Days ⛰ 5,106m ⭐ Premium comfort on a wild trail
Money Matters: Currency, Cash and Saving Tips
Nepal runs on cash outside the cities, and the Manaslu Circuit has no ATMs after you leave Kathmandu. Exchange euros, pounds, or New Zealand dollars to Nepali rupees in Kathmandu, where rates are fair and counters are everywhere in Thamel. Budget roughly USD 15 to 20 per trekking day in rupees for hot showers, charging, WiFi, and the occasional chocolate bar that tastes better at 3,500 metres than any patisserie at home.
Honest ways to keep the total cost down without cutting safety:
- Book international flights three to five months ahead and avoid school holiday weeks
- Join a group departure rather than trekking privately as a pair
- Borrow or rent the big ticket gear: we lend sleeping bags and down jackets free on request
- Drink treated water instead of bottled, which saves money and plastic at the same time
- Eat dal bhat: the refills are free and no other menu item fuels a trekking day as well
What not to economise on: insurance that truly covers 5,500 metres, boots, and the quality of the company you trek with. Those three decide how the trip ends.
Who the Manaslu Circuit Suits: Traveller Types We Guide Most Often
Couples and friend groups. A private departure gives you your own guide, your own pace, and your own dates. Two person bookings meet the restricted area minimum exactly, which makes couples the simplest booking of all.
Solo travellers. Our fixed group departures solve the two trekker rule and consistently produce lasting friendships. A solo trekker from London or Auckland joins breakfast on day one as a stranger and finishes the Larkya La twelve days later in a team.
Trekkers over 50. A large share of our guests are experienced walkers in their 50s and 60s from Europe and New Zealand. The keys are honest training, the full acclimatisation itinerary rather than a shortened one, and a pace set by the guide rather than by ego. Age is far less important than preparation on this trail.
Photographers. The combination of gorge scenery, Tibetan villages, and the pass panorama makes Manaslu the best photography circuit in Nepal. Bring spare batteries, keep them warm in your sleeping bag, and budget extra charging money.
Trekkers extending a longer Asia trip. Many French and British travellers fold the trek into a longer South Asia itinerary, and New Zealanders often add Nepal to a wider overseas journey. Kathmandu connects cheaply to Delhi, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur, and we happily adjust hotel nights on either side of your trek dates.
Why Book Your Manaslu Circuit Trek with Manaslu Treks and Expedition
Manaslu Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. is a registered Nepali trekking company based in Kathmandu, and the Manaslu region is not one destination on a long list for us. It is our specialty and our home trail. Our guides cross the Larkya La dozens of times each season and know every teahouse owner between Machha Khola and Bimthang by name.
- Manaslu specialist guides, licensed, English speaking, and altitude trained
- All three permits handled by our Kathmandu office on your preparation day
- Direct local prices with no European or international agency margin on top
- Book now and pay on arrival in Kathmandu, with flexible payment and free cancellation according to our policy
- Private jeep transport, all meals, best available teahouses, sleeping bag and down jacket on request
- First aid kit with oximeter on every departure and 24/7 WhatsApp support from Kathmandu
- We reply within hours across European and New Zealand time zones
Manaslu Circuit vs Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit
| Factor | Manaslu Circuit | Everest Base Camp | Annapurna Circuit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crowds | Low, restricted area | High in season | High, with road sections |
| Highest point | Larkya La 5,106m | Kala Patthar 5,545m | Thorong La 5,416m |
| Access | Road, no internal flight | Weather dependent Lukla flight | Road |
| Culture | Intact Tibetan Buddhist villages | Sherpa culture, busy trail | Mixed, more developed |
| Guide requirement | Mandatory by law | Recommended | Recommended |
| Best for | Experienced walkers seeking wild Nepal | The iconic name | First Himalayan circuits |
If you have already ticked off busy classics at home, from the Tour du Mont Blanc to the Milford Track, Manaslu is the Himalayan trek that still feels the way those trails felt thirty years ago.
Responsible Trekking in Manaslu
The restricted area status keeps visitor numbers low, and every trekker’s behaviour matters more here than on developed routes. Walk clockwise past mani walls and chortens, ask before photographing people, carry your batteries and plastic out, refill rather than buy bottled water, and choose lodges rather than importing supplies. Your permit fees fund conservation and local municipalities, and your teahouse spending goes directly to families along the trail. We pay our porters fair wages with insurance and enforce weight limits, and we ask our trekkers to tip well because tips are a real part of mountain incomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many days do I need for the Manaslu Circuit Trek from France or the UK?
Plan 16 to 18 days door to door: two travel days, one preparation day in Kathmandu, 13 to 14 days for the trek and road transport, and one buffer day before flying home.
2. How many days from New Zealand?
Plan 18 to 20 days. The flight is 16 to 24 hours each way, and we recommend two nights in Kathmandu before the trek so jet lag does not overlap with acclimatisation.
3. Do French, British, or New Zealand citizens need a visa for Nepal?
All three nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or online in advance. Choose the 30 day visa and carry USD cash for the fee. Verify current rules before travel as they can change.
4. Can I trek Manaslu without a guide?
No. The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area where a licensed guide through a registered company is required by law, along with a minimum of two trekkers. Solo travellers join our group departures to meet the requirement.
5. How hard is the trek compared with the Tour du Mont Blanc or the UK hills?
Daily stages feel similar to a solid Alpine or Lakeland day. The differences are eleven consecutive days, basic lodges, and the 5,106 metre pass. Fit hill walkers who train for 8 to 12 weeks complete it comfortably.
6. How much does the whole trip cost?
Excluding international flights, budget roughly EUR 1,450 to 2,450 from France, GBP 1,250 to 2,100 from the UK, or NZD 2,700 to 4,300 from New Zealand. The trekking package itself starts from USD 1,099 per person.
7. When is the best time to go?
September to November for the most stable conditions and clearest views, or March to May for warmth, quieter trails, and rhododendron bloom. Avoid the monsoon months of June to August.
8. Is there phone signal and WiFi on the trail?
NTC signal works through most villages up to around Samdo, with quiet days around the pass. Larger villages sell WiFi access. Plan for two to three days of limited contact and tell family in advance.
9. What insurance do I need?
A policy covering trekking to at least 5,500 metres with emergency helicopter evacuation. Standard French, British, and New Zealand travel policies usually stop below this altitude, so check the clause in writing and send us your certificate before departure.
10. Can beginners do the Manaslu Circuit?
It is not a first trek. If you have never done multi day hill walking, start with the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp, or train seriously for three months and speak with us honestly about your experience before booking.
11. Do I need to carry my own luggage?
No. Our porters carry your main duffel within fair weight limits while you carry only a daypack with water, layers, camera, and snacks.
12. What about the Tsum Valley extension?
Tsum Valley adds five to six days to the circuit through one of the most untouched Buddhist valleys in the Himalayas and complements it perfectly. It needs 22 to 25 days total from Europe or New Zealand and a separate restricted permit, which we arrange.
13. Is the food and water safe?
Teahouse food is freshly cooked and generally very safe if you follow one rule: eat what the kitchen cooks daily and skip meat above Namrung. Never drink untreated tap or stream water. Use purification tablets, a filter, or buy boiled water from the lodges.
14. How much should I tip the guide and porter?
A common guideline is around 10 percent of your trip cost, split between guide and porter and handed over in cash at the end of the trek. It is customary rather than compulsory, and it is a meaningful part of mountain incomes.
15. How far in advance should I book from France, the UK, or New Zealand?
Two to four months ahead for autumn departures and slightly less for spring. This secures your preferred dates, gives the permit process comfortable lead time, and catches the best international airfares.
16. Can I store my city luggage in Kathmandu during the trek?
Yes. Your hotel or our office stores your extra luggage free while you trek, so you carry only mountain gear on the trail and have clean clothes waiting for the celebration dinner.
Final Call to Action
Planning the Manaslu Circuit Trek from France, the United Kingdom, or New Zealand in 2026 or 2027?
Manaslu Treks and Expedition arranges your complete trek from arrival to departure: airport pickup in Kathmandu, hotel assistance, all trekking permits (Manaslu RAP, MCAP, ACAP), licensed Manaslu specialist guide, porter, private jeep transport, all meals throughout the trek, best available teahouse accommodation, sleeping bag and down jacket on request, first aid kit with oximeter, and 24/7 WhatsApp support from our Kathmandu team.
We offer private treks, group joining departures, and fully customised itineraries for trekkers from France, the UK, and New Zealand. Flexible payment is available. Book now and pay on arrival in Kathmandu. Free cancellation is available according to our policy.
Send us your travel dates, group size, and preferred trekking month, and we will prepare a complete personalised Manaslu Circuit Trek plan with a clear cost breakdown in your own currency and a full itinerary.
Contact us: Website: manaslutreks.com WhatsApp: +977 9869225929 Email: info.manaslutreks@gmail.com
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Manaslu Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. is a registered trekking company in Kathmandu specializing in the Manaslu region, operating the Manaslu Circuit Trek for trekkers from France, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and around the world.
