The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth-highest peak, on a remote 177 km route through the Gorkha district of Nepal. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River valley north from Machha Khola, passes through Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages, and crosses the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m before finishing at Dharapani. Because the Manaslu Conservation Area requires a Restricted Area Permit, the trail sees far fewer trekkers than Everest or Annapurna, giving you an authentic high-altitude trek on well-maintained teahouse routes.

Manaslu Circuit Trek: Route Overview

The circuit starts at Machha Khola (900 m), reached by an 8 to 9 hour drive from Kathmandu. The trail climbs gradually through subtropical forest and river gorges past villages including Jagat, Deng, Ghap, Namrung, Lho, and Shyala before reaching the Tibetan plateau area around Samagaun (3,530 m). After one or two acclimatisation days at Samagaun, with optional side trips to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) or Birendra Lake (3,900 m), the route continues to Samdo (3,875 m), Dharmashala (4,460 m), and then over the Larkya La Pass. The descent leads through Bimthang (3,720 m) to Dharapani and back to Kathmandu by road.

Quick Facts: Manaslu Circuit Trek

Detail	Information
Total Distance	177 km (110 miles) on foot
Maximum Altitude	5,106 m / 16,752 ft (Larkya La Pass)
Duration Options	11, 14, 16 or 18 days from Kathmandu
Trek Grade	Moderate to Challenging
Start Point	Machha Khola (900 m)
End Point	Dharapani (1,860 m)
Best Season	March to May and September to November
Permits Required	RAP, MCAP, ACAP, Chum Nubri Rural Municipality Permit
Licensed Guide	Mandatory by Nepal government regulation (since April 2023)
Package Cost	From USD 990 per person (group of 10+) to USD 1,790 (solo)
Accommodation	Mountain teahouses throughout the route

Manaslu Circuit Permits (2026)

Four separate permits are required to complete the Manaslu Circuit. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) uses a formula: USD 100 per person per week during spring and autumn, USD 75 per person per week during winter and monsoon. Extra days beyond the first week cost USD 15 per day in high season and USD 10 per day off season. For a 10-day trek in the restricted zone during autumn, the RAP alone costs USD 214 per person.

Permit	High Season Cost	Off Season Cost
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)	USD 100/person/week + USD 15/extra day	USD 75/person/week + USD 10/extra day
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)	USD 30 per person	USD 30 per person
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)	USD 30 per person	USD 30 per person
Chum Nubri Rural Municipality Permit	NPR 1,000 per person	NPR 1,000 per person

Best Season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Season	Months	Trail Conditions	Larkya La Pass
Spring	March to May	Warm days, rhododendrons in bloom below 3,500 m, some afternoon cloud	Snow reducing from March; mostly clear by late April
Monsoon	June to August	Heavy rain, leeches below 2,500 m, some trail erosion	Passable but unstable conditions
Autumn	Sept to November	Best visibility of the year, stable weather, busiest at Samagaun	Best conditions in October
Winter	December to February	Cold, limited teahouse openings above Namrung	Heavy snow possible, technical crossing required

Villages and Culture on the Manaslu Circuit

The lower section from Machha Khola to Namrung passes through Gurung farming villages where cardamom is the main cash crop. Above Namrung, the culture shifts to Tibetan-influenced Bhotia communities. In Shyala, Samagaun, and Samdo, you will find active gompa monasteries, mani walls, and chortens, and local residents speak a Tibetan dialect. Samagaun is the largest high village at 3,530 m and has the most teahouse options above Namrung. Samdo (3,875 m) is the last village before the pass and has three or four teahouses, all basic but functional with solar electricity and simple meals.

Manaslu Circuit Itinerary Options

The standard circuit takes 14 days from Kathmandu, but an 11-day version is possible by reducing acclimatisation days and covering longer daily distances. The 16-day version is recommended for first-time high-altitude trekkers as it adds a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp and a third acclimatisation day. The 18-day option combines the Manaslu Circuit with the Tsum Valley.

Duration	Acclimatisation	Daily Distance	Best For
11 days	1 rest day at Samagaun	Up to 25 km/day	Fit trekkers with high-altitude experience
14 days	2 rest days (Samagaun and Samdo)	14 to 18 km/day	Most trekkers, standard itinerary
16 days	3 rest days and Manaslu Base Camp side trip	12 to 16 km/day	First-time high-altitude trekkers, photography
18 days	Full acclimatisation and Tsum Valley side trip	10 to 15 km/day	Combined Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit

Book with the Best Manaslu Circuit Trek Company

The Manaslu Circuit requires specialist knowledge because of its restricted area status, the remoteness of the upper route above Samagaun, and the seasonal variability of the Larkya La Pass crossing. <a href="https://manaslutreks.com" title="Best Manaslu Circuit Trek Company in Nepal”>Manaslu Treks and Expedition is recognised as the best Manaslu Circuit trek company in Nepal, operating this specific route since the conservation area opened to trekkers. Our guides are licensed by the Nepal Tourism Board, carry experience of the pass in all seasons, and know every teahouse and checkpoint on the route. We handle all permit paperwork, arrange private transportation to the trailhead, and provide full AMS prevention briefings before departure. Every booking is guaranteed regardless of group size, with no advance payment required.