Manaslu Circuit

  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Altitude: 5220m
  • Best Season: Spring, Autumn
  • Duration: 15 Days
All Regions Annapurna Region Everest Region Langtang Region Manaslu Region

Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a spectacular high-altitude trek in Nepal’s Manaslu region, taking trekkers around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain. The trail passes through remote mountain villages, lush forests, deep river valleys, Buddhist monasteries, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes before crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m / 16,752 ft. The trek usually takes 14–18 days and is considered challenging, requiring good fitness, proper acclimatization, and trekking experience. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are generally the best seasons, offering clearer mountain views and more favorable trekking conditions.

Trek Route Map

Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu, meet our representative at the airport, transfer to your hotel, and attend a trek briefing. Trek permits will be arranged. Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola through scenic hills, rivers, and rural villages. Drive: 8–9 hrs. Altitude: 930 m / 3,051 ft

Trek along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through forests and traditional villages before reaching Jagat. Trek: 6–7 hrs. Altitude: 1,340 m / 4,396 ft

Continue through narrow valleys and forested trails, passing several villages and crossing the Budhi Gandaki River along the way. Trek: 6–7 hrs. Altitude: 1,860 m / 6,102 ft

Trek through beautiful forests and mountain villages, gradually gaining altitude as the landscape becomes more alpine. Trek: 6–7 hrs. Altitude: 2,630 m / 8,629 ft

Continue through scenic Tibetan-influenced villages with spectacular views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks. Trek: 4–5 hrs. Altitude: 3,180 m / 10,433 ft

Trek through alpine landscapes toward Samagaun, enjoying magnificent views of Manaslu, Manaslu Glacier, and surrounding mountains. Trek: 5–6 hrs. Altitude: 3,530 m / 11,581 ft

Spend the day acclimatizing at Samagaun. Take a short hike to nearby viewpoints or explore the village and surrounding Buddhist monasteries. Trek: 3–4 hrs. Altitude: 3,530 m / 11,581 ft

Trek through high-altitude landscapes and yak pastures toward Samdo, a traditional Tibetan-influenced settlement close to the Tibetan border. Trek: 4–5 hrs. Altitude: 3,875 m / 12,713 ft

Continue through rugged mountain terrain toward Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, the final settlement before crossing Larkya La Pass. Trek: 4–5 hrs. Altitude: 4,460 m / 14,632 ft

Start early and cross the challenging Larkya La Pass, enjoying spectacular views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru Himal, and Annapurna II before descending to Bimthang. Trek: 8–10 hrs. Altitude: 5,106 m / 16,752 ft

Descend through beautiful forests and alpine landscapes, passing small settlements and following the Dudh Khola toward Dharapani. Trek: 6–7 hrs. Altitude: 1,860 m / 6,102 ft

Continue by road through the Marsyangdi Valley toward Besisahar, enjoying views of the surrounding hills and villages. Drive: 4–5 hrs. Altitude: 760 m / 2,493 ft

Drive back to Kathmandu through scenic countryside, river valleys, and winding mountain roads. Drive: 6–7 hrs. Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure, marking the end of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Highlights

  • Spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m)
  • Crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
  • Panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II
  • Diverse landscapes: lush forests, river valleys, alpine meadows, glaciers, and high mountains
  • Traditional Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages
  • Ancient Buddhist monasteries and prayer walls
  • Remote and less-crowded Himalayan trails
  • Beautiful views of Manaslu Glacier and surrounding peaks

Hotels and Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Teahouses (Most Common)

Teahouses are the standard accommodation along the Manaslu Circuit route. They usually offer:

  • Twin-sharing rooms with simple beds
  • Foam mattress, pillow, and blanket
  • Shared bathroom and toilet
  • Common dining hall with stove heating
  • Basic charging and Wi-Fi (extra cost)

At lower elevations, accommodation is generally more comfortable, while facilities become more basic as you approach the high-altitude sections.

Lodges and Guesthouses

In villages such as Machha Khola, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, and Samdo, trekkers can find simple lodges and guesthouses with:

  • Basic private or twin-sharing rooms
  • Dining areas with stove heating
  • Hot showers at some lower and mid-altitude locations
  • Local and basic Western food options
  • Charging facilities, usually for an extra cost

Accommodation becomes more limited and basic at Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi, particularly during peak trekking seasons.

Accommodation at a Higher Altitude

As you climb toward Samdo (3,875m) and Dharamsala (4,460m), accommodation becomes more basic:

  • Small and simple rooms
  • Thin walls and colder sleeping areas
  • Shared toilets
  • Limited hot water
  • Limited electricity and Wi-Fi
  • Basic food choices

Temperatures can become very cold at night, especially around Dharamsala, so trekkers should carry warm layers and a suitable sleeping bag.

Cost of Accommodation

Room prices are generally affordable, although prices may increase at higher elevations.

Approximate room cost per night:

  • Lower villages: NPR 300–600
  • Namrung / Lho / Samagaun: NPR 500–800
  • Samdo / Dharamsala: NPR 500–1,000

Hot showers, charging, and Wi-Fi may cost extra depending on the lodge.

Best Place to Stay

Samagaun is one of the best places to stay on the Manaslu Circuit because it offers:

  • Comfortable teahouse accommodation
  • Beautiful views of Manaslu
  • Traditional Himalayan village atmosphere
  • Buddhist monasteries and cultural sites
  • Dining facilities
  • A convenient location for acclimatization before continuing to higher elevations

Dharamsala is another important overnight stop, as it is the final accommodation point before crossing Larkya La Pass.

Emergency Contact

Nepal Tourist Police – Number: 1144

Nepal Police Emergency – Number: 100

TAAN (Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal) – Contact: +977-1-5369770

Helicopter Rescue Services – In serious emergencies, helicopter evacuation may be required from locations such as Samagaun, Samdo, Dharamsala, or other accessible points. Rescue is usually arranged through:

Your trekking agency
Travel insurance provider
Local lodge owner
Guide or porter
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