Trekking

Trekking in the Manaslu Region of Nepal

The Manaslu region sits in north-central Nepal, circling Mount Manaslu at 8,163 meters, the eighth highest mountain on earth. Trekking here means walking through one of the last restricted areas in the country, where trails follow the Budhi Gandaki River from subtropical farmlands at around 900 meters all the way up to Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. The landscapes shift every single day. The culture is Tibetan Buddhist, the people are generous, and the trails are far quieter than anything you find on the Everest or Annapurna routes.

Manaslu Treks and Expedition is a government-registered Nepali company based in Thamel, Kathmandu, specializing in Manaslu region trekking. Our guides have walked the circuit many times over, know every teahouse on the route, and speak the local languages of the villages along the way. We do not operate general tours across Nepal. We focus on Manaslu and know it in a level of detail that a general agency cannot match.

Trekking Routes in the Manaslu Region

There are two main trekking zones in this region: the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley. Both sit within the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected zone covering 1,663 square kilometers along the border with Tibet. The trails connect ancient trading villages, high altitude pastures, glacial moraines, and Buddhist monasteries into a walking route that takes between 9 and 23 days depending on how far you want to go.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles the entire Manaslu massif. You start from Machhakhola at around 900 meters and walk north along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through villages like Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Samagaun. At Samagaun you see the north face of Manaslu up close and can visit Pungen Glacier. The route then climbs to Samdo and Dharmasala before crossing Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. After the pass you descend through Bhimtang and reach Dharapani, where a vehicle takes you back toward Kathmandu.

• Manaslu Circuit Trek in 9 Days from $1,090 per person
• Manaslu Circuit Trek in 13 Days from $1,350 per person
• Manaslu Circuit Trek in 14 Days from $1,300 per person
• Luxury Manaslu Circuit Trek in 15 Days from $2,000 per person

Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley is a hidden sacred valley north of the main circuit, sharing a border with Tibet. Closed to outsiders for centuries and opened to trekking in 2008, the valley has its own language, five-hundred-year-old Buddhist traditions, and monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa standing above stone villages.

• Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley in 19 Days from $1,895 per person
• Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit in 23 Days from $1,995 per person

Other Trekking Options

The Manaslu Base Camp Trek takes you up close to the south face of the mountain. The Manaslu Photography Trek builds extra time at the best viewpoints. The Manaslu Trek for Couples is a private circuit for two people who want space and comfort on the trail.

Walking the Trail: What to Expect Day to Day

The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River upstream through a deep gorge flanked by waterfalls, crossing suspension bridges above fast-moving glacial water. Lower sections pass through terraced rice and millet fields, bamboo forests, and rhododendron woods. Higher up, the valley opens into wide glacial terrain with yaks grazing near Samagaun.

Daily walking distances range from 12 to 22 kilometers, with four to eight hours on trail each day. The one big push is the crossing of Larkya La Pass, which starts before dawn and takes five to six hours from Dharmasala camp. From the top, you see Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and several other major Himalayan peaks.

Culture and Village Life Along the Way

Families in Tsum Valley, Nubri, and the upper circuit area follow Tibetan Buddhist traditions and speak dialects closer to Tibetan than to Nepali. Prayer walls made of carved mani stones line the trail. You walk clockwise around them as local custom requires. At Samagaun, the monastery above the village welcomes visitors. In Tsum Valley, the monasteries at Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa are among the most spiritually significant sites in the Himalayan region.

Our guides grew up in the region. They know the families personally and can arrange home visits that a solo trekker or a guide from Kathmandu would rarely find on their own.

Permits and Entry Requirements

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Required for all trekkers. Cost is $100 per person per week from September through November, and $75 per person per week during other months. Must be arranged through a licensed Nepali trekking agency.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit: Covers protected area entry and costs around $30 per person.

We handle both permits as part of our package price with no extra charges.

Best Time to Trek in Manaslu

Spring (March to May): Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, good visibility at high altitude.

Autumn (September to November): Best mountain visibility. October and November are the most popular months, with the Manaslu massif reflecting in the glacial waters of Birendra Lake.

Monsoon (June to August): Rain in lower sections but upper valleys above 3,500 meters stay relatively dry. Empty trails and lower prices.

Winter (December to February): Cold, with snow on Larkya La Pass. Outstanding views on clear days. Quietest time of year.

Why Trek with Manaslu Treks and Expedition

We are a Manaslu-focused company. Our most experienced lead guide has crossed Larkya La Pass more than twenty times since 2004. Our prices include all permits, transport from Kathmandu, accommodation, three meals a day, a certified guide, and a porter. No deposit required. You pay only after you arrive in Nepal.

We have more than 80 verified reviews. Read them on our reviews page. Reach us through our contact page or on WhatsApp at +977 9869225929. Learn more about who we are on our About page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking in Manaslu

What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a circular trekking route in the Manaslu Conservation Area of north-central Nepal. It circles Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters, following the Budhi Gandaki River valley north and crossing Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters before descending to the Annapurna region. The full circuit takes between 9 and 15 days depending on pace and itinerary.

Is a special permit required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Yes. The Manaslu region is a government-designated restricted area. Trekkers must hold a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and a Manaslu Conservation Area Project permit before entering the trail. Both must be arranged through a licensed Nepali trekking agency. Solo trekking without an agency-appointed guide is not permitted.

How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is rated moderate to challenging. The main demands are four to eight hours of walking daily, total elevation gain over the route, and the crossing of Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. No technical climbing skills are needed. Good physical fitness and prior multi-day hiking experience are recommended.

What is Larkya La Pass?

Larkya La Pass is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek at 5,106 meters above sea level. It is a glaciated mountain pass marking the crossing between the Manaslu Conservation Area and the Annapurna region. The crossing takes five to six hours from Dharmasala camp and provides views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II.

What is the best time of year to trek in Manaslu?

October and November offer the clearest skies and best mountain visibility. March to May is also excellent with rhododendrons in bloom at lower elevations. June through August brings monsoon rain to the lower trail but the upper valleys stay relatively dry. December through February is cold but possible with proper gear.

Can first-time trekkers do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Trekkers without prior high altitude experience should build fitness over several months before attempting the route. No technical skills are required, but the altitude and daily walking distances are real physical demands. We recommend a 13 or 14 day itinerary with proper acclimatization days for anyone new to high altitude trekking.

What is Tsum Valley and how is it different from the main circuit?

Tsum Valley is a side valley branching northeast from the main Manaslu Circuit trail, sitting along the Tibetan border. It only opened to foreign trekkers in 2008. The valley has its own language, its own Buddhist traditions, and ancient monasteries including Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa. Combining it with the Manaslu Circuit extends the trek by five to nine days.

How much does a Manaslu trek cost?

Our Manaslu trekking packages start from $1,090 per person for a 9 day circuit and go up to $2,000 per person for the 15 day luxury version. All prices include permits, transport from Kathmandu, accommodation, meals, a certified guide, and porter service. Payment is made after you arrive in Nepal.

Do I need a guide for the Manaslu Trek?

Yes. Trekking independently without a licensed guide in the Manaslu restricted area is not permitted under Nepali law. All trekkers must be accompanied by a guide registered with an authorized trekking agency.

Can solo trekkers do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Yes. As of March 2026, the Government of Nepal updated the rules for the Manaslu restricted area. Solo trekkers can now obtain the Restricted Area Permit without the previous requirement of joining a group of at least two people. A licensed guide is still required throughout the trek. If you are travelling alone, a registered agency arranges your permit and provides a dedicated guide. You do not need to join another group or wait until you find a trekking partner.

How do I book a Manaslu trek with Manaslu Treks and Expedition?

Browse our full list of packages on the Manaslu Treks and Expedition homepage, choose the trip that fits your schedule, and reach us through our contact page or on WhatsApp at +977 9869225929. No deposit is required. We finalize all details once you arrive in Kathmandu.