Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit trek starts when you arrive in Kathmandu, the lively capital city located at an altitude of 1,350 meters. The next day, you will begin your overland journey. You will be driven from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (869 m) via Sotikhola. This scenic drive prepares you for the trekking adventure ahead, taking you from the busy city to the quieter landscapes of the Gorkha region.

The trekking itself officially kicks off from Machha Khola, with trails winding through picturesque valleys and alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. Over the next few days, you’ll ascend through charming villages like Jagat (1,400 m), Deng (1,750 m), Namrung (2,660 m), and Lho (3,180 m), each offering unique cultural insights and stunning mountain vistas. The trail progressively gains altitude, allowing for acclimatization as you immerse yourself in the local way of life and the breathtaking natural beauty.

A crucial acclimatization day is scheduled in Samagaun (3,525 m) to prepare your body for the higher elevations ahead. Following this rest, the trek continues towards Samdo (3,875 m) and then to Dharamsala (4,460 m), culminating in the challenging yet rewarding crossing of the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m). Descending from the pass, you’ll trek through Bimthang (3,590 m) and eventually make your way down to Tilije (2,300 m) and Dharapani, before concluding your trek in Besisahar (760 m). From Besisahar, a drive will return you to Kathmandu, completing the remarkable Manaslu Circuit journey.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek invites adventurers who seek an authentic, remote, and challenging Himalayan experience that is not easily found on the crowded Everest and Annapurna trails. The trek follows a route that encircles Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak, and traverses many distinct ecosystems, ranging from lush subtropical forests to high alpine meadows and over the high and majestic Larkya La pass. The trek combines the beauty of the Great Himalayas with a rich cultural experience in one of Nepal’s less-visited areas.

Off-Beaten Trekking Trail in Nepal

If you like the remote, less trodden, off-beaten trekking trail in Nepal, then the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the way to go. The remoteness enables you to enjoy a more intimate experience with the awe-inspiring nature and culture of the local Gurung people. You will trek along remote valleys, cross swaying suspension bridges over rivers gushing with water, and visit traditional villages that have remained faithful to ancient traditions and the slow pace of life. This experience represents an aspect of Nepal that is largely devoid of mass tourism.

Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)

One of the main highlights and challenges of the Manaslu Circuit is crossing the Larkya La pass. This pass is high, at 5,106 meters (about 16,752 feet). It requires good physical fitness and time to adjust to the altitude. However, the amazing views from the top make the effort worthwhile. From Larkya La, you will see a beautiful scene of snow-covered peaks, including Manaslu and Annapurna II, along with other tall mountains in the Himalayas. This creates a memorable and inspiring experience.

Mount Manaslu | World’s Eighth-Highest Mountain

The trek offers stunning views of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Manaslu reaches an elevation of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). You will walk around this magnificent peak to take in its splendor from different times and perspectives, enjoying unique views of its snow-covered slopes. The size and presence of Manaslu dominate the skyline for most of the trek, offering a constant perspective on the sheer power and beauty of the Himalayan range.

Least Crowded Trails

Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal’s least crowded trekking trails. This means a more peaceful and enjoyable trek. You can truly appreciate the natural beauty and culture of the area without the crowds of trekkers around you. A less crowded trail allows for a more genuine feeling of exploration and discovery as you trek through the quiet trails and interact with local communities. This makes a trek on the Manaslu Circuit a special and unique one in the Himalayas.

Phungen Monastery

Located above the Shyala village, Phungen Monastery lies at an elevation of 4,060 meters. It’s a 2–3 hour uphill hike from Shyala, ideal as an acclimatization day trip from Samagaon on the journey to the Manaslu Circuit. More than just a monastery, the location offers some of the most underrated panoramic viewpoints in the entire Manaslu region. The astonishing view of Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and surrounding glaciers is the highlight point seen from the monastery, making the side trip worthwhile. 

Birendra Lake

At an elevation of 3,450 meters above sea level, Birendra Lake is another ideal location for a side trip on the Manaslu Circuit. It is a stunning glacier lake, fed by Mount Manaslu, and lies just a 45-minute walk from Samagaon. It is a serene and less crowded location surrounded by Mount Manaslu, providing refreshment from the long days of trekking. Additionally, you can combine the lake hike with a trip to Mt. Manaslu Base Camp (4,870m) to make the side trip even more remarkable. 

Rui La Pass

Rui La Pass (4,998m) is a historical trade route between Nepal and Tibet and is a lesser-known side trip on the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. From Samdo, a full-day hike leads to the Pass, which is the closest point on the trekking route to Manaslu, where you can legally reach the Tibetan border. Moreover, the Pass lies beyond Lajyung Bhanjyang and requires a long day hike of around 7–8 hours in a round trip, making it a rarely visited side trip location.

Serang Gompa

Serang Gompa, also spelled Shringi, is located at an altitude of 3,100 meters and is accessible from Bihi Phedi or Prok village. It is a secluded and ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on the hillside. It is a must-visit side trip for those who are interested in meditation, monastic life, and ancient Tibetan traditions. Yet, taking the side trip requires an additional day, making it optional. 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most stunning trek routes, offering cultural experiences, but it is located in a restricted region of Nepal. There are several reasons why access to Manaslu is restricted, including the protection of natural resources, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. The restrictions help maintain the pristine condition of the Manaslu Conservation Area, while also promoting sustainable tourism in the area. So let’s get into it.

Preservation of local culture

The trek passes through villages with indigenous peoples. They have many traditions, languages, and lifestyles that have remained largely unchanged in their isolation. Tourism that is not well managed can impact their way of life and commodify their traditions for consumption, which may threaten their cultural authenticity. By limiting access, we help preserve their cultural integrity and create an opportunity for respectful interactions.

Environmental Conservation

A second reason for restricting access to the Manaslu region is to protect the various natural habitats. The Manaslu region encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, including low-lying subtropical forests, montane shrublands and forests, and alpine forests. When tourism remains unrestricted, it can create issues, including deforestation, waste pollution, loss of habitat for wildlife, and damage to the ecological system. The use of a restricted permit allows us control over the number of trekkers. By controlling numbers, we mitigate the environmental impact of tourism and can also support conservation efforts in the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism

The restricted permit system restricts the number of trekkers allowed on the circuit at a given time. This enables sustainable tourism, which supports the local economy while minimizing pressure on the region’s infrastructure and resources. The permit fees typically support local development initiatives, conservation efforts, and improvements to trekking tracks and facilities. This is how tourism creates a good impact on local communities and the environment.

Ensure Trek Safety and Security

The Manaslu Circuit is a challenging trek with high mountain passes, remote trails, and unpredictable weather conditions. When emergencies arise, searches and recoveries can be delayed and dangerously complicated. A permit system ensures that trekkers can go with licensed guides who are familiar with the area, aware of safety regulations, and knowledgeable about emergency protocols. This provides trekkers with increased safety and security during their trek.

Managing Infrastructure and Resources

The infrastructure in the remote Manaslu region, including teahouses and trails, is not extensive and can easily be overwhelmed by large numbers of tourists. While controlling the number of tourists doesn’t necessarily eliminate overcrowding, it helps limit the number of visitors, thereby ensuring that the available capacity can accommodate the trekkers. Therefore, limiting the number of trekkers results in a better and ultimately more sustainable trekking experience for everyone.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek involves significant elevation gains, with starting points located at altitudes of around 700-900 meters (2,300-3,000 feet), depending on the starting location, either Soti Khola or Machha Khola. After the trek begins, the gradual ascent continues, moving between different types of terrain, including subtropical forests, terraced fields, and alpine meadows. You should expect approximately a few hundred meters of change in altitude each day, since you’re generally moving towards progressively higher settlements and observations. With each ascent, it is crucial to monitor acclimatization, particularly since the trek includes rest days after reaching the highest location. This is because you want to avoid acute altitude sickness in the days that follow, which can occur at altitudes of around 3,500 meters, as seen in Sama Gaun.

The trek concludes with a challenging ascent before crossing the tough Larkya La Pass at an impressive elevation of approximately 5,106-5,213 meters (16,752-17,103 feet). This is the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit trek and is likely going to take quite a physical toll on you as well. After crossing the pass, the trail begins to descend slightly. Eventually, trekkers will return to elevations below 1,900 meters (6,200 feet), near the location of Dharapani, where the trek will conclude. This drastic change in altitude is one of the main features of the Manaslu Circuit trek, and the trek provides climactic variance and stunning scenery during the descent.

A “typical” day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek doesn’t follow a rigid hour-by-hour schedule, as the timing can vary based on the specific day’s destination, trail conditions, weather, and the group’s pace. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect on a trekking day:

Morning (Around 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM):

• 6:00 – 7:00 AM: Wake up and pack your belongings.

You’ll typically wake up relatively early. After filling your duffel bag and daypack, you’ll prepare breakfast.

• 7:00 – 8:00 AM: Breakfast.

Breakfast is typically served at the teahouse and may include items such as porridge, eggs, toast, chapati, or local bread with jam and butter, accompanied by tea or coffee.

Late Morning to Afternoon (Around 8:00 AM – 12:00/1:00 PM):

• 8:00 AM: Start trekking.

After breakfast, you’ll begin the day’s trek. The duration and difficulty will vary from day to day. You’ll be walking at a steady pace, with occasional stops to rest, hydrate, and take photos.

• Mid-morning break (around 10:00 – 10:30 AM)

A short break to catch your breath, have a snack (energy bars, dried fruit, nuts you’ve brought), and drink water.

Midday (Around 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM):

• 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch.

You’ll typically stop at a teahouse or designated spot along the trail for lunch. Lunch options include dal bhat (a traditional dish of lentils, rice, and vegetables), noodles, soup, or sandwiches.

• 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Continue trekking.

After lunch, you’ll resume the trek towards your destination for the day.

Late Afternoon (Around 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM):

• 2:00 – 4:00/5:00 PM: Arrive at the teahouse. You’ll typically arrive at your teahouse for the night in the mid-to-late afternoon.
• Settle in. Upon arrival, you will be shown to your room, which is usually a basic twin-sharing room with beds and blankets. You can unpack your daypack, freshen up, and take a moment to relax.

Evening (Around 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM):

• 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Rest and socialize. This is a great opportunity to rest your tired muscles, read a book, play cards with fellow trekkers, or simply take in the stunning mountain scenery.
• 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Dinner. Dinner is usually served in the common dining area of the teahouse. Like lunch, it will likely be a simple but filling meal. You can also order hot drinks, such as tea or hot lemon.
• 7:00 – 8:00 PM: Briefing for the next day. Your guide will usually provide a briefing about the next day’s trek, including the estimated walking time, altitude gain, and any critical information about the trail.
• 8:00 – 9:00 PM: Relax and prepare for sleep. Most trekkers turn in relatively early to get enough rest for the next day’s hike.

There is a high risk of altitude sickness on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This trek reaches great heights, with the highest point being Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet). Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), happens when your body struggles to adjust to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Symptoms can be mild, such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. More severe symptoms can include High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which can be life-threatening and require you to descend immediately. Here are some ways to deal with altitude sickness on a Manaslu Circuit Trek:

Gradual Ascent

The most crucial step in preventing altitude sickness is to ascend gradually. Your body needs time to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Aim to increase your sleeping altitude by no more than 500 meters (1600 feet) per day once you are above 2500 meters (8200 feet). Spending a rest day at the same altitude allows your body to acclimate before moving to higher altitudes.

Hydration

Staying well-hydrated is vital. Lower air pressure at higher altitudes can lead to increased fluid loss through respiration and urination. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as these can dehydrate you further. Aim for light-colored urine as an indicator of adequate hydration.

Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Alcohol can worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache and nausea, and can also lead to dehydration. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, making it harder for your body to adapt to the lower oxygen levels at altitude. It’s best to avoid both alcohol and smoking, especially during the initial stages of acclimatization.

Light Meals

Opt for light, easily digestible meals, especially in the first few days at higher altitudes. Avoid heavy, fatty foods that can put extra strain on your digestive system. Carbohydrate-rich foods are often recommended as they require less oxygen for metabolism.

Pain Relief and Rest

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate headaches, a common symptom of mild altitude sickness. Getting adequate rest is also crucial to allow your body to adapt. Avoid strenuous activity during the first 24-48 hours at a new, higher altitude. If symptoms worsen despite these measures, descending to a lower altitude is the most effective remedy.

As the Manaslu region is classified as a restricted area, it is essential to have an experienced guide to assist you on your trek. Aside from being a legal requirement, a guide can also keep you safe from obstacles that appear along obscure and often remote trails. Your guide will assist you with navigating the dangers of landslides, altitude sickness, and emergencies. Your guide has resided in the region for many years and is familiar with the local landscape and weather, as well as the preparation systems that will best ensure your safe and successful expedition.

Of course, your guide will also enhance your experience of immersion in the local culture by assisting with communication with the local communities, sharing their culture and traditions, and offering information on the local history and environment you will encounter. They will enhance your trekking experience with more interesting and immersive activities.

Hiring a porter for the Manaslu Circuit trek is optional, but it will significantly enhance your experience. A porter will carry most of your equipment and supplies, which allows you to trek comfortably without the heavy backpack. The sheer relief and comfort of eliminating that weight from your stride will help tremendously, whether in good weather or bad, and especially on those long days that challenge you both physically and mentally. Carrying a heavy pack over long distances is draining and increases the risk of injury and strain.

Since the Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in a restricted area of Nepal, individual trekkers cannot plan the trek independently. There must be at least two trekkers, so the cost of this trek via a Himalaya guide is $876 per person. However, if trekkers decide to trek in a group, then they get a discount. For example, for a party of 10 people, the cost per person is $733. The cost for trekking in the Manaslu region includes several mandatory permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), which varies by season, as well as the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Hiring a licensed trekking guide is also required, adding to your expenses. Other costs to consider are accommodation in teahouses, meals, transportation to and from the trek (Kathmandu to Soti Khola/Machha Khola and Dharapani/Besisahar back), personal trekking gear (available for purchase or rental in Kathmandu), travel insurance for high-altitude trekking, visa fees, and personal expenses like drinks, snacks, and tips for your guide and porters.

Transportation Cost: 

Private Jeep (Comfortable, Flexible Timing)

Public Transportation (Budget Option)

Depending on your scenery, culture, remoteness, and budget interests, each trek in Nepal is something unique to experience. Manaslu Circuit offers a combination of cultural exposure, diverse landscape, and a challenging high pass. Upper Mustang trek offers a distinct high-altitude desert with a touch of Tibetan Buddhism influence, and is more accessible. If you want wilderness and cultural purity in a remote setting, the Upper Dolpo trek, more difficult and costly, offers a memorable experience. Think about what on trekking matters most to you—breathtaking scenery, strong cultural immersion, high-altitude extremes, or peaceful trails—to help choose your perfect Himalayan experience.