Manaslu Circuit Trek | 14-Day Itinerary, Cost & Permits
Trip Ratings:
Trip Duration: 14 Days
Trekking Duration: 12 Days
Region: Manaslu Region
Grade: Moderate to Sterneous
Max-Altitude: 5, 214 Meters
Seasons: Spring || Autumn
Start Point: Kathmandu
End Point: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Tea House
Size: Minimum 02 Persons
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.
Day by day Detail Itinerary:
Day 01 . Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) – Transfer to Hotel
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, relax or explore the vibrant streets of Kathmandu. In the evening, attend a trek briefing followed by a traditional Nepali welcome dinner.
Max Altitude: 1,400m
Meals:Welcome Dinner
Accommodation:Hotel
Duration:30–45 min drive
Day 02 . Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Machhakhola (900 m) – Drive
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive through terraced hills, rivers, and traditional villages. Following the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers, the road gradually becomes rugged as you enter the remote Manaslu region before reaching Machhakhola for an overnight stay.
Max Altitude:1400m
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:Teahouse
Duration: 8–10 hrs drive
Day 03 . Machhakhola (900 m) to Jagat (1,340 m) – Trek
Your first trekking day follows the Budhi Gandaki River through forests, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and charming villages. Passing Tatopani's natural hot springs and rocky trails, you arrive at the traditional stone village of Jagat, the gateway to the Manaslu Restricted Area.
Max Altitude: 1,340 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Duration: 6–7 hrs trek
Day 04 . Jagat (1,340 m) to Deng (1,860 m) – Trek
Today's trail climbs through forests, terraced fields, and Gurung villages before entering the Tibetan-influenced region. Crossing several suspension bridges and scenic river gorges, you reach the peaceful village of Deng surrounded by pine forests.
Max Altitude: 1,860 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Duration: 6–7 hrs trek
Day 05 . Deng (1,860 m) to Namrung (2,630 m) – Trek
The trail passes through dense forests, mani walls, and traditional settlements while steadily gaining altitude. Enjoy magnificent views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli before reaching Namrung, a beautiful Tibetan-style mountain village.
Max Altitude: 2,630 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Duration: 6–7 hrs trek
Day 06 . Namrung (2,630 m) to Lho Gaun (3,180 m) – Trek
Walk through alpine landscapes, barley fields, ancient monasteries, and colorful prayer flags. As you enter the high Himalayan region, spectacular views of Mount Manaslu dominate the skyline before arriving at the picturesque village of Lho.
Max Altitude:3,180 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:Teahouse
Duration:5–6 hrs trek
Day 07 . Lho Gaun (3,180 m) to Samagaun (3,530 m) – Trek
Continue through Shyala village with breathtaking panoramic views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and surrounding glaciers. Reach Samagaun, the largest village in the upper valley, rich in Tibetan culture and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Max Altitude:3,530 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:Teahouse
Duration: 5–6 hrs trek
Day 08 . Samagaun (3,530 m) – Acclimatization Day
A well-deserved rest day helps your body adjust to the altitude. Optional hikes to Birendra Lake, Pungyen Gompa, or Manaslu Base Camp offer spectacular glacier and mountain views while improving acclimatization.
Max Altitude:4,800–5,000 m (optional hike)
Meals:= Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 09 . Samagaun (3,530 m) to Samdo (3,860 m) – Trek
A short trek through wide alpine valleys leads to the remote Tibetan village of Samdo. Enjoy close-up views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and traditional yak pastures while preparing for higher elevations.
Max Altitude: 3,860 m
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Duration:3–4 hrs trek
Day 10 . Samdo (3,860 m) to Dharamsala (4,460 m) – Trek
Gradually ascend through rugged alpine terrain to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, the base camp for Larkya La Pass. Rest early and prepare for the challenging pass crossing the following day.
Max Altitude: 4,460 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:Teahouse
Duration: 4–5 hrs trek
Day 11 . Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) to Bhimthang (3,590 m) – Trek
The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Cross the spectacular Larkya La Pass with breathtaking views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II before descending to the beautiful alpine valley of Bhimthang.
Max Altitude: 5,106 m
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Duration: 8–10 hrs trek
Day 12 . Bhimthang (3,590 m) to Dharapani (1,860 m) – Trek
Descend through rhododendron forests, yak pastures, waterfalls, and traditional villages as you leave the high Himalayas behind. The trail joins the famous Annapurna Circuit before reaching Dharapani.
Max Altitude:3,590 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:Teahouse
Duration: 6–7 hrs trek
Day 13 . Dharapani (1,860 m) to Kathmandu (1,400 m) – Drive
Drive along the Marsyangdi River through picturesque villages and terraced hills before joining the Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu. Celebrate the successful completion of your Manaslu adventure in the capital city.
Max Altitude: 1,860 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation:Hotel
Duration: 9–10 hrs drive
Day 14 . Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Nepal with unforgettable memories of the magnificent Manaslu Circuit, the high Himalayan landscapes, Tibetan culture, and the successful crossing of Larkya La Pass.
Max Altitude: 1,400 m
Meals : Breakfast
Duration:30–45 min drive
You can customize this itinerary for group or private hiking holiday. Please Contact Us.
The Package Includes:
- All Transportation
- Meals per day during the trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner) including the coffee and tea.
- Accommodation in tea house or provided tents during the trek as mentioned in the trek type.
- Accommodation including breakfast at star HOTELS in Kathmandu.
- Highly experienced Government licensed guide and necessary porters during the trek.
- Government / Local taxes, Tourist service charge, guide / porter insurance and salary, general equipment, national park and conservation area fees.
- Kathmandu City Tour with an Experienced Tour Guide (Kathmandu Valley) depends on your time frame.
- Airport transfers.
The Package Excludes:
- Nepal Visa-International airfare-personal travel / medical insurance.
- Expenses of personal nature and meals in Kathmandu, gratitude (tips) hard / soft drinks including tea-coffee etc throughout the trip.
- Personal trekking gear and medical kit.
- Emergency evacuation by any means of transportation including Heli services and personal medical kit.
- Early return from the trip due to personal / medical problem in this case clients should bear his / her own expenses on return from trek and in Kathmandu including expenses of accompanying guide / porters.