Manaslu Circuit Trek — 14-Day Restricted Region Trek

The Manaslu Trek (or Manaslu Circuit Trek) is a 14-day tea-house trek which circumnavigates the 8th highest peak in the world (8,156 m). The trek has all the elements of other treks in Nepal including both Hindu and Buddhist culture, protected wildlife, rhododendrons and wild flowers, raging rivers, precarious bridges, and stunning mountain scenery.

The Manaslu trek is much easier than it used to be with greatly improved trails along the Budi Gandaki river gorge. In terms of difficulty, it is comparable with the Annapurna Circuit Trek or Everest Base Camp Trek. Its highlight is undoubtedly the spectacular unhindered views of Manaslu.

Just over 2,000 people complete the trek per year with more than half visiting in October. This is substantially fewer than visiting Annapurna, Everest or Langtang. There are two main reasons for the fewer numbers.

The first reason is that the trek used to require camping, as there were too few tea-houses along the trail. In particular, there was no lodge below the Larkya La (a pass at 5135m) requiring an enforced night of camping. This is no longer the case. Since 2010 there is a tea-house below the pass and all the way up from the starting point. A few of the tea-houses are still basic compared to counterparts on the Annapurna Circuit, but most are comfortable.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit

The Manaslu Circuit trek permit is a restricted area permit (RAP), required by law since Manaslu is a designated restricted region. Unlike more open routes such as Everest Base Camp, independent solo trekking is not permitted here — you must trek with a licensed guide and hold a minimum group size (usually two people) for the permit to be issued. Three permits are required in total: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) entry permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, since the route passes through both conservation areas. Permit costs vary by season, with September to November priced higher than other months. We handle all permit paperwork for you as part of your package.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

The Manaslu Circuit trek cost depends on group size, season, and service level. Our 14-day package includes all three required permits, an experienced licensed guide and porter, teahouse accommodation, and meals during the trek. Not included are international flights, travel insurance, personal trekking gear, and tips for your guide and porter. Because Manaslu requires a minimum group size by law, costs can vary depending on how many trekkers join your departure — we're happy to match solo travelers with an existing group to keep costs down.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary (Day by Day)

• Day 1: [Arrival/drive details]
• Day 2–13: [Trekking days through the Budi Gandaki gorge, over Larkya La at 5,135m, etc.]
• Day 14: [Return to Kathmandu]

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit trek difficulty is rated moderate to challenging, comparable to the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek. The trail has improved significantly in recent years along the Budi Gandaki river gorge, but the trek still crosses the high Larkya La pass at 5,135m, the most physically demanding day of the trip. A good level of fitness and prior hiking experience are recommended, along with proper acclimatization — our itinerary is paced to reduce altitude sickness risk on the approach to the pass.

Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit

The best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit is during the pre-monsoon (spring, March–May) and post-monsoon (autumn, September–November) seasons, with more than half of all trekkers choosing to visit in October for the clearest mountain views and stable weather over the Larkya La pass.

Book Your Manaslu Circuit Trek

Ready to explore one of Nepal's least-crowded high routes? Our licensed guides, full permit handling, and small-group departures make this one of the most trusted Manaslu Circuit trek packages from Kathmandu. Contact us today to check group availability and reserve your spot.