The Manaslu Circuit trek (2026) is a challenging and popular route in the Manaslu region. Trekking to Manaslu is an amazing trip where you can explore Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest peak in the world. You'll also pass through Larke La at 5,106 metres (16,752 ft), offering stunning views of the mountains in the Manaslu and Annapurna regions.
The Manaslu trek opened to visitors in 1992, aimed at trekking and tourism. Since then, it has become famous for its breathtaking scenery, unique vistas, and the rugged beauty of snow-capped slopes. The name Manaslu means "soul mountain," referring to a protective deity worshipped by local communities. The trek provides views of majestic mountains and showcases the rich culture and unique lifestyles of various ethnic groups along the trail. These aspects make the Manaslu trek a cherished journey.
The challenging Manaslu Circuit is perfect for adventure seekers. It offers beautiful views of nature and mountains while providing insights into both Buddhism and Hinduism. The trek is an amazing experience in the remote Nubri Valley of the Himalayas.
Manaslu Base Camp (4848m)
Manaslu Base Camp is an exciting side trip on the Manaslu circuit trek. It leads you to the base of Mt. Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest mountain. On acclimatization day in Sama Gaon, you can walk through forests. The steep climb takes you to Manaslu Base Camp at 4848m, marked by many prayer flags. You may experience breathing difficulties due to altitude, so stay hydrated and walk slowly. From the base camp, you’ll enjoy the best views of Mt. Manaslu.
Manaslu Circuit Trek off Beaten Trails
The Manaslu round trek (2026) is highly recommended for those seeking stunning landscapes and the true essence of the Himalayas. Unlike popular treks like Everest or Annapurna, the Manaslu Circuit sees fewer visitors, allowing you to discover Nepal's exotic culture. The trek winds through lush forests, streams, and waterfalls, along with stark high-altitude trails and valleys. You’ll hear birds singing and see age-old villages where the locals are friendly and welcoming.
Another key point about the Manaslu trek is that it is off -beaten path. You won't find crowded trails or large tea houses frequented by many tourists. Instead, you’ll experience authentic culture, deepening your connection to the Himalayas. This trek is an opportunity to engage with local people, learn about their lives, and experience their warm hospitality. You’ll be greeted with friendly smiles, and the simple yet delicious food reflects the essence of life in these regions.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek invites tourists to experience nature's adventurous charm in Nepal. It is well-hidden, like a precious gemstone. When revealed, it offers challenging inclines and the essence of pursuing one's passion. This trek is not just physically demanding; it is a profound spiritual journey. It allows you to connect with the spirit of the Himalayas and discover Nepal's beautiful natural wonders.
Must-See Places Along the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek, in the heart of the Nepal Himalayas, offers a chance to enjoy breathtaking nature and rich culture. Mount Manaslu, also known as Kunti Kesh, stands at 8,163 m, making it the eighth-tallest mountain in the world. The stunning view of this giant, especially from Lho or Samagaun, inspires awe in trekkers. These villages serve as great viewpoints and showcase the local Tibetan culture, featuring monasteries and traditional stone houses.
Another highlight is the thrilling Larkya La Pass, peaking at 5,135 m. This high pass is famous for its beautiful landscapes, including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the Annapurna ranges. Crossing the pass offers amazing views and is not technically hard, making it a rewarding experience. It represents the highest point trekkers reach, evoking a sense of achievement amid stunning surroundings. The area combines glacial terrains, snow-capped slopes, and steep valleys, adding excitement to the journey.
The trek also provides lovely views of Samdo, a village near the Tibetan border. Samdo is the last stop before Larkya La and offers insights into life at high altitude. The village is home to descendants of Tibetan refugees, showcasing their traditional culture, monasteries, and yaks. The cultural experience in Samdo, along with interactions with locals, deeply enriches trekkers.
The Manaslu Circuit Trail also features beautiful spots like Birendra Lake, near Samagaun. The glacial lake is stunning, and we spent a day there, resting and enjoying views of Manaslu. The peaceful surroundings offer a nice break from the trek's challenges, allowing trekkers to marvel at nature's beauty. These diverse sights along the Manaslu Circuit create a memorable trek in one of Nepal's remote areas.
Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek, known as one of the most beautiful treks of the Manaslu region, is possible in the pre-monsoon or the post-monsoon period. March through May is the beginning of spring, and the area's climate is generally favourable. However, there might be occasional showers, and the flowers, especially rhododendrons, give the trails a spectacular burst of colour. This period has relatively mild climates, thereby making it suitable for trekking. It also prizes some of the best views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Manaslu. It is much more active, with vibrant foliage and flowers, adding real beauty while on the trails of the trek.
Another good season for the Manaslu round treks and other treks in Nepal is autumn, which is in September, October, and November. The monsoon rains wash away dust and pollutants, thus offering pristine air and splendid views of the looming mountains. The climate is relatively moderate to warm, and most of the time, the weather is favourable for trekking, with not many dangers of extreme terrains or paths. It also coincides with major festivals in Nepal, including Dashain and Tihar, so that one can get a real feel of the cultural tour in addition to trekking. The first of these seasons is ideal for appreciating the natural beauty and cultural heritage that the Manaslu Circuit offers its visitors.
Accommodation Options During Your Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers two distinct accommodation options: tea houses and camping, each with unique charm and benefits.
Tea Houses on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Tea houses, guesthouses, and mountain lodges are the most utilised and popular accommodations in the Manaslu Circuit. These are comfortable accommodations at locations along the route that offer a place to eat, rest, or communicate with the trekkers. Tea houses at destinations like Jagat, Lho, Shyala, Samagaon, and Samdo provide better lodging and food facilities. At the same time, other places do not offer much infrastructure and provisions. Nevertheless, all the tea houses in the region are outfitted with basic accommodation necessities in the form of bedding and beds, toilets, baths, and dining. Staying in these establishments puts you in a true Nepali setting with friendly Nepalese people, making you and your party feel at home.
Camping on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
For trekkers who do not want to stay at tea houses, the Manaslu Circuit trek allows campers to spend their nights under the open sky above. Traditionally, the Manaslu trail was a camping trail; if hiking during camping is allowed, one can carry their camping equipment. Nonetheless, a camping trek on the Manaslu Circuit costs more than the tea house trek. During camping treks, trekkers carry all their necessities like tents, kitchen utensils, fuel, stoves, and personal belongings. In addition, you will always be accompanied by a support crew, a professional kitchen team of cooks, and a helper. They will make sure to pack fairly heavy meals so that the whole experience is quite comfortable and fulfilling. However, if one's focus is on the experience of natural surroundings – the real, wild feel with few to no man-made structures in between – then camping in the Manaslu region is ideal.
Assessing Difficulty Levels and Anticipating Challenges
Assessing the difficulty levels and challenges of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is crucial for a successful journey. When planning and preparing for the trek, it is essential to determine how challenging it will be and what kind of obstacles hikers will encounter on the Trek. This trek, which lasts for 12 days, is one of the most interesting treks in Nepal, as it entails several physical and logistical tests that need to be prepared for. These trails involve steep slopes up and down and some rough terrain; thus, some level of physical fitness and endurance is required. Moreover, the elevations while the trek goes higher than 5,000 metres at the Larkya La Pass are quite dangerous due to sudden attacks of altitude sickness. Accommodations should be made accordingly, and one should know the signs for safe trekking.
Furthermore, trekking in the Manaslu region entails hot and dry conditions, especially during high-altitude treks. A drastic decrease in the temperature is expected, with heavy snowfall and strong winds, mostly in the area of Mount Manaslu. Clever dressing, appropriate footwear, and good trekking poles are necessary to overcome these obstacles. There is also a lack of health services, rescue services, and other facilities, so it is necessary to have a good first aid kit and travel insurance.
Nevertheless, embarking on one of the most visually stunning and historic trails in the Manaslu area is worthwhile. During the trek, one gets to see the majestic Mount Manaslu, the wildlife unique to the Himalayan region, and the way of life of the Tibetan people. If specific precautions are taken, challenges are known, and the standards of high altitudes are honoured, then the Manaslu Circuit Trek has infinite beauty and is thrilling to behold.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Required and Cost
The Government of Nepal has declared the Manaslu Region (between Jagat and Dharapani) a restricted area to control mass tourism in this region. Trekkers are required to obtain a special entry permit before heading on the trek. As a result, independent trekkers are not allowed to trek in the Manaslu region, and there must be a minimum of two trekkers in a group, accompanied by a local guide, to the process for permit process. Additionally, your permit must be processed through a registered agency. A freelance guide cannot issue the necessary permits for the Manaslu Circuit.
To trek to the Manaslu region, you will need to have three kinds of permits issued by the Government of Nepal.
A. Special restricted area permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)
- Manaslu RAP is required from Jagat until you cross Sama Gaun. Once you cross the village of Sama, you need another entry permit (ACAP). The permit cost for the Manaslu trek depends on the month and the number of days you will spend in this region between Jagat and Dharapani. The last checkpoint for MRAP is in Sama Gaun.
- Manaslu trek permit costs USD 100 per person for the first seven days and USD 15 per person for each additional day from September to November
- Manaslu trek permit costs USD 75 per person for the first seven days and USD 7 per person for each additional day from December to August.
B. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- This Manaslu trek permit is required from Philim, where the Manaslu Conservation Area starts. The entry fee for SAARC Nationals is NPR 1000, and for other Nationals is USD 30 per person throughout the year. A printed photograph and passport copy are required for the MCAP permit.
C. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- An ACAP trek permit is required from Dharapani until you exit the ACAP from Beshi Sahar. The entry fee for SAARC Nationals is NPR 1000 Per person, and for other Nationals, it is USD 30 per person throughout the year. As per MCAP, a printed photograph and a copy are required for the ACAP permit.
D. Chum Nubri Rural Municipality Fee
A local development fee of NPR 1,000 is collected in cash at the Jagat checkpoint. This is a newer addition that some older guides don't mention, so carry Nepali rupees before leaving Kathmandu.
Serang Gompa (3100m) in Manaslu Circuit Trek
Serang Gumba is a small paradise at the foot of Shringi Himal, which you should not miss during the Manaslu Circuit trek. The Serung valley is considered one of the four bells hidden among the Himalayas of Asia, as identified by Guru Padmasambhava. Also, it is believed that he meditated here.
Hinang Gumba (3100 m) in Manaslu Circuit Trek
Hinang Gompa, located in Hinang village, is one of the most beautiful gompas you will encounter during your Manaslu circuit trek. It sits with a backdrop of Mt. Himalchuli and a yellow pine forest in the background. Gautam Buddha is the main idol of this gompa, with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) on the right and Guru Karmapa on the left. Hinang Gompa is also a lama school, and students study to move to Namobuddha in Kathmandu during the winter.
Birendra Lake (3620m) in Manaslu Larke Pass Trek
Birendra Lake is a glacier lake formed from the melting ice of Mt. Manaslu. It is the most popular and the easiest side trip of the Manaslu circuit, just about half an hour away from Sama village. Most people spend their acclimatization day here in this lake, enjoying the serene beauty of this emerald lake and an open field where Dzopkyos and yaks will be grazing.
Larke Pass (Larkya la) 5106m
Larke Pass is the highest elevation in the Round Manaslu trek. The steep climb to Larkya Pass can be tiring, but the mountainous vistas of Himlung Himal (7,125m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Kang Guru (6980m), and Annapurna II (7937m) from this pass are breathtaking.
Manaslu circuit trekking begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Arughat and then the trail continues through the picturesque valley and alongside Larke pass (5,106 m.) and it, at last, takes you to Mt. Manaslu zone after having an entire outing all around, the trail takes you back along Annapurna's great trekking route to Besishahar and after that, you get a private or public bus and return to Kathmandu.
Further experience and trekking packages in the Manaslu region: Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, Manaslu Tsum Valley and Larkya La Pass Trek
Highlights
- Embark on Manaslu Circuit Trek through the off-the-beaten and untouched area of Manaslu to Annapurna
- Enjoy the beautiful conservation area and cross the 5106 m Larke pass
- Take a view of Nepal's Himalayan range with the eighth-tallest mountain, Manaslu
- Scenic drive to Arughat & trek through the Buddhist village of Bhimtang & Samdo
- Explore the unique cultural diversity of those remote villages
