11th Feb, 2025

Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide 2025

Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding and remote trekking routes, offering breathtaking mountain scenery, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, and an adventurous crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,106m). Located in the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area, this trek circles Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth-highest peak, and provides an off-the-beaten-path experience compared to the popular Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit treks.

This 12-day trek takes you from the lower Himalayan foothills to high-altitude terrains, crossing dramatic suspension bridges, deep river valleys, terraced farmlands, and Buddhist monasteries along the way. The route passes through Gorkha, Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, Namrung, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmasala, Larkya La Pass, Bimthang, and Dharapani, eventually connecting to the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Since Manaslu is a restricted region, trekkers must obtain special permits and be accompanied by a licensed guide. The best seasons for trekking are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is stable, offering clear mountain views of Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.

If you’re looking for a challenging, less crowded alternative to Annapurna and Everest, the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2025 is a perfect choice, combining adventure, culture, and stunning Himalayan landscapes

Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2025?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is Nepal’s ultimate off-the-beaten-path adventure, circling Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak. This trek offers raw Himalayan beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich Tibetan culture while being less crowded than Everest and Annapurna.

🔹 Unspoiled & Less Touristy – Experience an authentic trekking adventure.
🔹 Diverse Terrain – Lush forests, glacial valleys, and high-altitude passes.
🔹 Rich Tibetan Culture – Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries and local villages.
🔹 Thrilling Larke Pass (5,160m) – A challenging yet rewarding high-mountain crossing.
🔹 Manaslu Conservation Area – Home to rare wildlife like snow leopards & red pandas.

If you're looking for a remote, breathtaking, and culturally immersive trek, Manaslu Circuit is the perfect alternative to Annapurna and Everest.

Manaslu Circuit Trek – Key Highlights

✅ Cross the stunning Larke Pass (5,160m) – One of Nepal’s most epic high passes.
✅ Explore ancient Tibetan-influenced villages – Samagaon, Samdo, and Namrung.
✅ Marvel at majestic peaks – Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli & Annapurna II.
✅ Visit sacred Buddhist monasteries – Pungyen Gompa & Ribung Gompa.
✅ Trek through diverse landscapes – Terraced fields, alpine meadows & glaciers.
✅ Encounter local Gurung & Tibetan communities – Experience their traditions.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary – 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)

🛬 Airport pickup, trek briefing, and gear check. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Drive to  Machha Khola (869m)  – 8-9 hours

🚙 Scenic drive through hills, rivers & local villages.

Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1,340m) – 6-7 hours

🌉 Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, cross suspension bridges.

Day 4: Trek to Deng (1,860m) – 6 hours

🏞️ Walk through lush forests and riverside trails.

Day 5 Trek to Namrung (2,630m) – 6-7 hours

🏔️ First stunning views of Manaslu & Himal Chuli.

Day6 : Trek to Samagaon (3,530m) – 6 hours

🕌 Explore Tibetan villages, monasteries & yak pastures.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon

🏞️ Side trek to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or Birendra Lake.

Day 8: Trek to Samdo (3,875m) – 4-5 hours

🇳🇵 Near the Tibet border, a great place for cultural interaction.

Day 9: Trek to Dharmasala (4,460m) – 4-5 hours

🏔️ Base camp before crossing Larke Pass.

Day 10: Cross Larke Pass (5,160m), trek to Bimthang (3,720m) – 8-9 hours

🔥 The most thrilling day of the trek! Stunning panoramic views.

Day 11: Trek to Dharapani (1,860m), drive to Besisahar – 5 hours

🚗 Transition from Manaslu to the Annapurna region.

Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu – 6-7 hours

🎉 Farewell dinner with a cultural show in Kathmandu.

Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit

✔ Spring (March-May) – Best time! Crystal-clear skies & blooming rhododendrons.
✔ Autumn (Sept-Nov) – Peak trekking season, stable weather & great visibility.
❄ Winter (Dec-Feb) – Extremely cold, but possible with the right gear.
🌧 Monsoon (June-Aug) – Heavy rains make the trails slippery, not recommended.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty & Preparation

🏋️‍♂️ Trek Difficulty: Challenging (long days, high altitude, rough terrain).
⏳ Daily Walking Hours: 5-8 hours.
📈 Max Altitude: 5,160m (Larke Pass).

How to Prepare?

✔ Cardio & endurance training – Running, cycling, or hiking.
✔ Leg strength training – Squats, lunges, stair climbing.
✔ High-altitude hikes before the trek (if possible).

Manaslu Trek Permits & Requirements

📌 Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – Required as it's a restricted region.
📌 Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) – Protects wildlife & landscapes.
📌 Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – Required when exiting the trek.
🚶 Guide & Group Requirement: Solo trekking is NOT allowed – A licensed guide is mandatory.

Accommodation & Food on the Manaslu Circuit

🏠 Teahouse Lodging – Basic but comfortable rooms with twin beds.
🍛 Food Options – Dal Bhat (rice & lentils), Tibetan bread, momos, soups, pasta.
💡 Hot showers & WiFi available in some villages (extra charge).

Packing List for Manaslu Circuit Trek

🥾 Gear & Equipment
✔ Waterproof hiking boots 🏔
✔ Down jacket & thermal layers ❄
✔ Sleeping bag (-15°C) 🛏
✔ Trekking poles 🚶‍♂️

💊 Essentials
✔ First aid kit & altitude sickness meds 💊
✔ Water purification tablets 💧
✔ Sunscreen & sunglasses 😎

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost – Holiday Planner Treks

💰 Starting from $1,450 per person (group-based pricing available).

✅ Included:
✔ Trekking permits & transportation.
✔ Licensed guide & porter.
✔ Accommodation & full board meals during trek.
✔ Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

❌ Excluded:
✖ International flights & Nepal visa.
✖ Travel insurance.
✖ Personal expenses & tips.

Why Book With Holiday Planner Treks?

⭐ Experienced Local Guides – Knowledgeable & safety-focused.
⭐ Personalized Service – Small groups for the best experience.
⭐ Best Value for Money – No hidden costs, transparent pricing.
⭐ Ethical & Sustainable Trekking – Supporting local communities.

📞 Ready for the adventure? Contact us today to book your Manaslu Circuit Trek 2025