Manaslu Circuit Trek from Russia: Complete Guide 2026

The Manaslu Circuit Trek from Russia attracts serious trekkers. Russians have a deep tradition of mountain travel – in the Caucasus, the Altai, the Urals, and the Pamir – and the Himalayan challenge is one that many Russian trekkers actively seek out. The Manaslu Circuit, topping out at the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m in a restricted zone of Nepal that limits daily trekker numbers, is exactly the kind of genuine, off-mainstream mountain route that resonates with experienced Russian trekkers.

Planning travel from Russia to Nepal does require attention to the current routing landscape. Most European airlines no longer fly to Russian cities, and international payment card usage in Russia has specific considerations. However, routes to Nepal via Turkey, the UAE, and Central Asia remain available and work well in practice. This guide walks through everything Russian trekkers need to know: current flight options, Nepal visa, permits, package costs, what is included, and practical tips for payment and preparation.

Why Russian Trekkers Choose the Manaslu Circuit

Russian mountain culture runs deep. The tradition of альпинизм (alpinism) and long-distance self-supported trekking has produced generations of trekkers who are comfortable with extended journeys in remote terrain, high altitude and demanding conditions. The Manaslu Circuit matches this profile well.

Unlike the Everest Base Camp trail, the Manaslu Circuit is still genuinely remote. The Nubri and Tsum cultural zones along the Buri Gandaki River valley are restricted restricted-accesstravelers,Russian passport holders are welcome in Nepal, receive a visa on arrival without any restriction, and face no specific barriers to trekking, booking packages, or traveling within the country.finalizing,Airwaysmonths’,   access areas with limited daily trekker numbers, mandatory guides, and army checkpoints throughout. The Tibetan Buddhist villages of Lho, Samagaon and Samdo have a cultural connection to Tibet that many Russian trekkers – familiar with Central Asian and Siberian Buddhist traditions – find particularly compelling.

Nepal is neutral international territory with strong historical ties to many countries. Russian passport holders are welcome in Nepal, receive visa on arrival without any restriction, and face no specific barriers to trekking, booking packages or travelling within the country. For Russian travellers who find some international destinations increasingly complicated, Nepal is entirely straightforward.

Flights from Russia to Kathmandu

Direct flights from Russia to Nepal are not currently operating. The practical routes for Russian trekkers all involve one transit stop. The main options from Moscow (Sheremetyevo, SVO) are:

Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines or Pegasus): Turkish Airlines operates regular services from Moscow (SVO) to Istanbul (IST) with onward connections to Kathmandu (KTM). This is currently one of the most reliable routing options and Turkish Airlines flies direct Moscow–IST. Total journey time is approximately 12–15 hours. Istanbul airport is efficient for transit, and transit visa is not required for Russian citizens in Turkey.

Via Dubai (Emirates or flydubai): Emirates operates SVO–DXB connections, and flydubai/Air Arabia serve several Russian cities to DXB with onward connections to KTM. The Dubai routing tends to work well logistically. Russian citizens do not require a UAE transit visa for short transits.

Via Doha (Qatar Airways): Qatar Airways operates from Moscow and other major Russian cities to Doha (DOH) with connections to Kathmandu. Qatar airways has maintained services to several Russian cities.

Via Almaty or other Central Asian hubs: Trekkers from Siberia or the Russian Far East sometimes find routing via Almaty (Kazakhstan) more convenient, with connections to Delhi or Kathmandu from there.

From St. Petersburg (LED) and other Russian cities: Many of the same carriers serve St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and other major Russian cities. Check current routes at the time of booking as schedules change seasonally.

Important note on payment and booking: Visa and Mastercard cards issued by Russian banks may not work on international airline booking platforms. Options that Russian trekkers have used include: UnionPay cards (accepted by some carriers), MIR cards where accepted, booking through a travel agent with payment in rubles, or using cards/accounts maintained outside Russia. We recommend booking flights before finalising your Nepal package and contacting us to discuss payment options – we work with Russian trekkers regularly and can advise on payment methods that work.

Nepal Visa for Russian Citizens

Russian passport holders receive a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). There is no requirement to apply at the Nepal Embassy in Moscow before travel, and there are no Nepal entry restrictions for Russian citizens.

The standard visa for the Manaslu Circuit is 30 days at USD 50, payable in USD or EUR cash at the airport counter. A 30-day visa comfortably covers a 14-day trek plus three to four days in Kathmandu before and after, with buffer for weather delays.

Pre-registration at Nepal’s NepaliPort system before departure is recommended – it speeds up the visa queue at KTM, which can be long during October peak season. You pay the fee at the counter regardless.

Your Russian passport must show at least six months validity remaining beyond your Nepal entry date.

Permits Required for the Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu Circuit passes through Nepal’s Manaslu Restricted Area. All permits are arranged through a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu. Your agency handles the permit paperwork on arrival; typically permits are ready within 24 hours.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): USD 100 per person for the first 7 days in peak season (September–November), USD 15 per additional day. Off-season: USD 75 for the first 7 days, USD 10 additional.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Approximately USD 23 per person.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Approximately USD 23 per person, required after the Larkya La crossing.

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit: Approximately USD 8, collected at a trail checkpoint in the lower valley.

Permits are checked at multiple army checkpoints throughout the trek. Trekking without a licensed guide or with missing permits is not possible – checkpoints on this route are enforced.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost from Russia (USD)

We list costs in USD as it is the most stable reference currency for Russian trekkers planning international travel. Ruble amounts fluctuate considerably and are best calculated at the time of booking.

Cost Category	USD Range	Notes
Return flights Russia to KTM	USD 700–1,500	Via Istanbul, Dubai or Doha
Nepal tourist visa (30 days)	USD 50	Paid in USD/EUR cash at KTM airport
Trekking package (14 days)	USD 1,099–1,600	Guide, porter, permits, accommodation, meals
Travel insurance	USD 80–180	Must cover helicopter evacuation above 5,500 m
Kathmandu hotel (3–4 nights)	USD 60–200	USD 20–60 per night in Thamel
Personal trail expenses	USD 80–180	Hot showers, charging, snacks, bottled water
Tips for guide and porter	USD 100–160	Customary; guide ~USD 10/day, porter ~USD 7/day
Total from Russia	USD 2,200–3,900	Excluding personal shopping

What Is Included in the Manaslu Package for Russian Trekkers

• All trekking permits: MRAP, MCAP, ACAP and Chumnubri community permit
• Government-licensed, English-speaking guide for the full 14-day circuit
• Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers; 10–12 kg per porter)
• All teahouse accommodation in twin-sharing rooms
• Three meals per day on trail (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Private jeep transfer from Kathmandu to Machha Khola trailhead
• Return jeep transfer from Dharapani to Kathmandu
• Kathmandu airport pickup and drop-off
• Pre-trek briefing, trail map and gear check in Kathmandu
• All government taxes and local fees
• Emergency first aid kit carried by guide on trail

What Is Not Included

• International flights Russia to Kathmandu and return
• Nepal tourist visa (USD 50 in cash at KTM airport)
• Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage above 5,500 m
• Kathmandu hotel nights before and after the trek
• Personal trekking gear and clothing
• Hot showers on trail (approx. USD 2–4 per shower)
• Device charging at teahouses (approx. USD 1.50–3.50 per charge)
• WiFi fees where available on trail
• Bottled water, cold drinks, beer, snacks and personal food beyond included meals
• Tips for guide and porter
• Emergency personal expenses

Payment Options for Russian Trekkers

Arranging payment from Russia requires some planning. We work with Russian trekkers regularly and can accommodate the following:

USD cash payment in Kathmandu: The simplest option. Bring USD cash and pay on arrival at our office in Kathmandu. USD is widely available in Russia at exchange offices and some banks. Having USD cash for your visa (USD 50), agency payment, and trail expenses is the most reliable approach.

Bank transfer via a third-country bank: If you have a bank account in a country with SWIFT access (Kazakhstan, Turkey, UAE, Georgia, Armenia, etc.), an international transfer to our Nepali bank account is possible. Contact us to confirm bank details before attempting this.

Cryptocurrency: We can accept stablecoin payments (USDT and similar) with prior arrangement. Contact us via WhatsApp to confirm this option.

We recommend bringing USD cash as the primary payment method, with whatever backup method is most convenient for your situation. Nepal accepts USD widely, and exchange to Nepali Rupees (NPR) at Thamel exchange counters offers better rates than airport exchanges.

Travel Insurance for Russian Trekkers

Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation above 5,500 m is mandatory for the Restricted Area Permit. Since March 2026, permit authorities require proof before issuing MRAP.

Insurance options available to Russian trekkers include Ingosstrakh (which has international travel policies with adventure coverage), ERV Russia, and Russian branches of international providers. Several insurers based in Turkey, UAE, and Georgia that cater to Russian travellers also offer travel insurance policies that include adventure trekking. Verify explicitly that your policy covers helicopter evacuation at altitude above 5,000 m in Nepal before purchasing.

Bring your policy document in English (or with an English translation) to show at permit processing in Kathmandu.

The 14-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Our 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek from Kathmandu follows this route:

Day 1: Kathmandu arrival, permit processing, gear check, pre-trek briefing. Hotel in Thamel.

Day 2: Early departure by private jeep from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930 m) – approximately 9 hours.

Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340 m) – 5–6 hrs. First army checkpoint.

Day 4: Jagat to Deng (1,860 m) – 6–7 hrs. Deep gorge, multiple suspension bridges.

Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2,630 m) – 6–7 hrs. Rock tunnels, entrance to Nubri cultural zone.

Day 6: Namrung to Lho (3,180 m) – 5–6 hrs. First views of Manaslu summit.

Day 7: Lho to Samagaon (3,520 m) – 4–5 hrs. Tibetan Buddhist monastery village.

Day 8: Acclimatisation at Samagaon. Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) or Birendra Lake – do not skip this day.

Day 9: Samagaon to Samdo (3,875 m) – 3–4 hrs. Last significant settlement before the pass.

Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460 m) – 3–4 hrs. Early sleep; 3:30 AM start next day.

Day 11: Over Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) to Bhimthang (3,720 m) – 9–11 hrs. The toughest and most rewarding day.

Day 12: Bhimthang to Tilche (2,300 m) – 5–7 hrs. Long descent.

Day 13: Tilche to Dharapani; drive back to Kathmandu or Besisahar.

Day 14: Kathmandu rest day. Final briefing, Thamel shopping. Fly home or continue traveling.

Altitude Considerations for Russian Trekkers

Russian trekkers from the Caucasus, Altai or Pamir regions may have prior altitude experience up to 3,500–4,000 m. This is genuinely useful preparation for the Manaslu Circuit. However, 5,160 m at the Larkya La is above what most Caucasus peaks reach, and proper acclimatization remains essential regardless of prior experience.

The acclimatization day at Samagaon (Day 8) is mandatory in our itinerary. The gradual ascent profile of the Buri Gandaki valley is designed to allow the body to adjust. Common AMS symptoms: persistent headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and sleep difficulty. The protocol is simple: do not ascend if symptomatic; descend immediately if shortness of breath appears at rest.

Diamox can be obtained from your doctor in Russia before departure. It is also available at pharmacies in Kathmandu. The standard preventive dose is 125 mg twice daily from one day before ascending above 3,000 m.

Best Time to Trek from Russia

Autumn (October–November): October is the ideal month. Post-monsoon clarity, stable trail conditions and peak views of Mount Manaslu. Book as early as possible for October starts – guide availability and teahouse space at Dharamsala are limited in peak season.

Spring (March–May): March to mid-May is equally good. Rhododendrons bloom below 3,000 m in April. Clear mornings with some afternoon cloud in May. Flight connections from Russia tend to have lower fares in spring compared to autumn.

Why Book with Manaslu Treks and Expedition

Manaslu Treks and Expedition specialises exclusively in the Manaslu region and Tsum Valley. Our guides are local to this area and know every kilometre of the Buri Gandaki route. We handle all permit processing, Kathmandu transfers, teahouse reservations during peak season when beds at upper-altitude stops fill early, and provide responsive WhatsApp support throughout your trek.

For Russian trekkers, we communicate fully in English and can help coordinate payment logistics, insurance requirements, and pre-trek preparation by email or WhatsApp before your arrival. Our 13-day Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from USD 1,099, and the 14-day version with an extra acclimatisation day is the recommended option for international trekkers.

Frequently Asked Questions – Manaslu Circuit Trek from Russia

Do Russian citizens need a visa for Nepal?
Russian passport holders receive a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. There are no restrictions on Russian citizens entering Nepal. Bring USD 50 cash for the 30-day visa fee.

Are there any travel restrictions for Russian citizens in Nepal?
No. Nepal maintains a neutral international position. Russian citizens face no entry restrictions, no special permit requirements, and no limitations on trekking or booking with Nepali agencies.

How do I pay for the trekking package from Russia?
USD cash payment in Kathmandu is the simplest method. Bank transfer via a third-country account, or cryptocurrency (USDT), can be arranged in advance. Contact us via WhatsApp to confirm payment options before booking.

Which airlines currently fly from Russia to Nepal?
As of 2025–2026, primary options include Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Qatar Airways (via Doha) and Emirates/flydubai (via Dubai). Check current schedules at the time of booking as routes change. Turkish Airlines has maintained consistent Russia routes.

Can I trek independently without a guide?
No. The Manaslu Circuit Restricted Area requires a licensed guide at all times. Army checkpoints throughout the route verify guide presence. Independent solo trekking is not permitted by Nepal law in this zone.

Is there a longer option that includes Tsum Valley?
Yes. The 19-day Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek combines the full circuit with the sacred Tsum Valley, a particularly remote and culturally rich extension popular with experienced trekkers from Russia and Central Asia.