Manaslu Circuit Trek 2026 | 16 Days Itinerary & Cost

Overview

Nepal's Last Great Wilderness

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is Nepal's finest off-the-beaten-path adventure — a complete circumnavigation of Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth-highest mountain. Unlike the busier Everest and Annapurna trails, Manaslu remains a restricted area trek, keeping visitor numbers low and the experience genuinely wild and authentic.

Restricted Area Trek

The Manaslu Circuit requires a special Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in addition to the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), ACAP, and TIMS. By regulation, trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide at all times. All permits are arranged and included in your package.

Trip Facts

Group Size	2–10 Persons
Accommodation	Teahouses / Lodges
Meals	B, L, D during trekking
Transportation	Jeep / Bus
Max Elevation	5,160m (Larkya La)
Difficulty	Challenging
Guide Required	Mandatory (by law)

Highlights

Why Manaslu is Unmissable

Larkya La Pass (5,160m)
One of Nepal's highest and most dramatic trekking passes — a pre-dawn crossing rewarded by a 360° Himalayan panorama.
Manaslu (8,163m) Views
Circle the world's 8th highest peak and watch it transform from every angle — south face, north face, and glacier-draped flanks.
Manaslu Base Camp (4,480m)
An optional acclimatization hike from Samagaon brings you face-to-face with Manaslu's massive south wall and crevassed glacier.
Birendra Lake
A stunning glacial lake near Samagaon, reflecting the snow-capped peaks above and encircled by prayer flags and mani stones.
Restricted Area
Special permits mean far fewer trekkers than on Everest or Annapurna. Manaslu offers a raw, uncrowded Himalayan experience.
Tibetan Buddhist Culture
Pass through ancient villages like Namrung, Samagaon, and Samdo — a living window into Tibetan heritage, monasteries, and traditions.
Budhi Gandaki Gorge
Trek through one of Nepal's most dramatic river gorges — steep canyon walls, suspension bridges, and roaring waterfalls.
Conservation Area
A rich biodiversity hotspot — snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, red pandas, and over 110 species of birds call this region home.

Day-by-Day

Detailed Itinerary

16 days, every step planned — click any day to expand

01 Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! Your BESTTREKSNEPAL representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. In the evening, attend a comprehensive briefing session to review the itinerary, gear checklist, permits, and safety protocols. Overnight in Kathmandu.

02 Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola

An early morning jeep drive of approximately 8–9 hours takes you west to Soti Khola, the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit. The journey passes through the Prithvi Highway and the market town of Arughat before reaching the trailhead on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki river. The subtropical warmth is a striking contrast to what lies ahead. Overnight in Soti Khola.

03 Soti Khola to Machha Khola

The trek begins by descending to the Budhi Gandaki and then following the river north through dense subtropical jungle. The trail crosses numerous suspension bridges and passes through small Gurung villages. The canyon walls begin to close in as you enter the dramatic gorge section. Walking time: ~5–6 hours.

04 Machha Khola to Jagat

The gorge deepens dramatically as you push deeper into the restricted area. The trail involves multiple river crossings on swinging bridges, some narrow cliff-edge sections, and several steep climbs. Jagat is the first permit checkpoint, where your Restricted Area Permit will be inspected. Walking time: ~6–7 hours.

05 Jagat to Deng

Continuing through the gorge, the trail passes the village of Philim — an important Gurung settlement with impressive chortens and mani walls — before reaching Deng. The cultural character of the region shifts noticeably here as Tibetan Buddhist influence begins to appear. Walking time: ~6–7 hours.

06 Deng to Namrung

The valley opens up and the first major Himalayan peaks appear. Pass through the village of Ghap, with its richly decorated gompa and long mani walls. By Namrung, you are fully in the high mountains — the first clear views of the Himalayan range appear above the treeline and the temperature drops noticeably. Walking time: ~5–6 hours.

07 Namrung to Samagaon

A magnificent day as Manaslu (8,163m) dominates the skyline ahead. Pass through the villages of Lihi and Sho with their ancient monasteries and mani stone walls before reaching Samagaon, the most important village on the circuit. The snowy south face of Manaslu and its satellite peaks tower directly above the village. Walking time: ~5–6 hours.

08 Samagaon Acclimatization Day

A critical rest day for acclimatization. Two outstanding options: hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,480m) for an up-close encounter with the mountain's massive glacier and icefall, or take the gentler trail to Birendra Lake — a stunning glacial lake fringed with prayer flags beneath Manaslu's southern face. Both options offer extraordinary mountain scenery. Overnight in Samagaon.

09 Samagaon to Samdo

A shorter day that ascends gently along the upper Budhi Gandaki towards the Tibetan border. Samdo is the last permanent settlement before Larkya La and has a distinctly Tibetan character — flat-roofed stone houses, yak herds, and a frontier atmosphere. On a clear day you can see into Tibet. Walking time: ~3–4 hours.

10 Samdo to Dharmasala

A short but important acclimatization day — move up to Dharmasala (also called Larkya La Base Camp), a high-altitude camp perched at 4,460m. Arrive early, rest thoroughly, and prepare your gear for tomorrow's pass crossing. Dharmasala is a basic teahouse camp with no electricity; the night sky is extraordinary. Walking time: ~4–5 hours.

11 Larkya La Pass to Bimthang

The biggest day of the trek — reach Larkya La Pass (5,160m) at sunrise, when the views are most dramatic: Manaslu, Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and a sea of peaks filling the horizon in every direction. The descent to Bimthang is long but the meadows and glacier views make every step worthwhile. Walking time: ~8–9 hours.

12 Bimthang to Tilije

A long descent through the Marsyangdi Valley with panoramic views of the Annapurna range ahead. The landscape shifts from alpine meadows to oak and rhododendron forest as you drop sharply in altitude. Pass through Kharche and Dharapani before reaching Tilije, a warm, low-altitude village where you can finally relax. Walking time: ~5–6 hours.

13 Tilije to Besisahar

A short final walking section brings you to Dharapani, where the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit trails converge. From here, a jeep or bus takes you south along the Marsyangdi Valley to Besisahar. The drive passes through terraced hillsides and river valleys, offering one last glimpse of the Himalayan giants behind you. Overnight in Besisahar.

14 Besisahar to Kathmandu

An approximately 6–7 hour drive returns you to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. Arrive in Thamel in the afternoon with time to clean up, rest, and celebrate the completion of an extraordinary circuit. Your guide will join you for a celebratory farewell dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

15 Kathmandu Free Day

A well-earned free day in Kathmandu. Optional guided sightseeing to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, or Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Alternatively, browse Thamel for trekking gear, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Overnight in Kathmandu.

16 Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure. Your BESTTREKSNEPAL guide will see you off with a warm Namaste. We hope the Manaslu Circuit has left an indelible mark on your heart — and that the mountains will call you back soon.

Trip Cost

From $1,100 / person

What's Included

Professional licensed trekking guide and porter
All permits: Manaslu RAP, MCAP, ACAP & TIMS card
Ground transportation (Kathmandu–Soti Khola & Besisahar–Kathmandu)
Accommodation in teahouses / lodges during trek
3 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during trek
Airport transfers and 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu
First aid kit and emergency oxygen

What's Excluded

International airfare and travel insurance
Personal expenses (Wi-Fi, hot shower, battery charge)
Tips for guide and porter (expected and appreciated)
Bar bills and beverages
Nepal Entry Visa fee (~$50 for 30 days)
Optional Tsum Valley extension

Gallery

Visions of the Circuit

Larkya La Pass Vistas

Himalayan Giants

Remote Villages

The Great Wilderness

Common Questions

Manaslu Circuit FAQs

Everything you need to know before you hit the trail

Is a guide mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit?

Yes, by Nepal government regulation, the Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area trek. Trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide at all times. Additionally, you must be in a group of at least two people to obtain the restricted area permit.

How difficult is the Larkya La Pass?

Larkya La (5,160m) is the most challenging part of the trek. It's a long pre-dawn ascent on rocky and sometimes snowy terrain. While physically demanding, it's not a technical climb. Proper acclimatization in Samagaon and Samdo is essential for a safe and successful crossing.

What is the difference between Manaslu and Everest Base Camp?

Manaslu is much less crowded and offers a more remote, authentic experience. It involves a complete circumnavigation of a mountain, whereas EBC is an out-and-back trek. Manaslu also has a stronger Tibetan cultural influence and a more dramatic gorge section.

Can I add the Tsum Valley to this trek?

Absolutely! The Tsum Valley is a stunning, culturally rich add-on that typically requires an extra 6–7 days. It's known as a "hidden valley" with ancient monasteries and unique traditions. Contact us to customize your Manaslu itinerary with a Tsum extension.

What permits do I need for Manaslu?

You need three main permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). We handle all these permits for you as part of our trekking package.

Is there Wi-Fi and charging on the Manaslu trail?

Wi-Fi and charging are available in most teahouses but are less reliable than on the Everest or Annapurna trails. Fees range from $2–$5. We recommend bringing a high-capacity power bank and a local SIM card (Ncell/Airalo), though signal will disappear completely in the higher villages like Dharmasala.

★★★★★

"Crossing Larkya La at sunrise was the single most powerful moment of my trekking life. The solitude, the scale, the silence — Manaslu is everything the busier trails are not."

Thomas MüllerMunich, Germany

"I've done Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, and Manaslu beats both for raw adventure. No crowds, incredible culture, and the Budhi Gandaki gorge is jaw-dropping."

Sophie ClémentLyon, France

Manaslu Circuit Trek