Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Max altitude
- 5,106 m
- Pricing
- Custom quote
Every angle of the route
Photo gallery
At a glance
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a spectacular and remote adventure around the world's eighth highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu. This restricted-area trek offers a true wilderness experience, blending deep Tibetan-influenced culture, ancient monasteries, dramatic river gorges, and the grueling crossing of the high Larkya La Pass.
Trip highlights
- +Crossing the dramatic and high Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)
- +Stunning close-up views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal
- +Exploring remote Tibetan-culture villages in the Nubri and Tsum valleys
- +Walking through deep, dramatic gorges carved by the Budhi Gandaki River
- +Visiting ancient monasteries such as Sama Gaon and Pung Gyen Gompa
Know before you choose
Why this journey stands out
The defining experiences, trail character and route rhythm that make Manaslu Circuit Trek distinctive.
Signature experience
Crossing the dramatic and high Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)
Stunning close-up views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal · Exploring remote Tibetan-culture villages in the Nubri and Tsum valleys
Trail character
Challenging · 5,106 m
A 14 days journey with a challenging trail profile, paced around the route's key elevations and experiences.
Sense of place
Manaslu Conservation Area & Tsum Valley, Nepal
Travel through the landscapes and communities that define Manaslu Conservation Area & Tsum Valley, supported by locally led interpretation throughout the journey.
Best suited to
Travelers ready for a challenging adventure
Ideal for guests who value crossing the dramatic and high larkya la pass (5,106 m) and stunning close-up views of mt. manaslu (8,163 m), himlung himal, and cheo himal and can commit 14 days to the experience.
Route rhythm
Your journey at a glance
- 01 · The openingArrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.
- 02 · The heartAcclimatization Day in Sama Gaon
Spend the day exploring local monasteries or taking an acclimatization hike up to Birendra Lake or Pung Gyen Gompa beneath the massive glacial walls of Mt. Manaslu.
- 03 · The finaleTrek from Tilije to Dharapani and Drive to Besisahar / Kathmandu
Trek a short distance to Dharapani to join the Annapurna Circuit route, where your private jeep awaits to drive you back via Besisahar to Kathmandu.
Day by day
Your itinerary
01Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.
02Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
Drive from Kathmandu along scenic hillside highways through Dhading Besi and Arughat, continuing on a rough dirt road alongside the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Soti Khola.
03Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola
Trek through dense sal forests, pass cascading waterfalls, walk across rocky ridges, and traverse suspension bridges above the rushing Budhi Gandaki River to reach Machha Khola.
04Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
Cross the Thado Khola, pass through Tatopani hot springs, and climb stone staircases along cliffside trails to reach Jagat, the entry checkpoint for the Manaslu Restricted Area.
05Trek from Jagat to Deng
Climb up a rocky ridge to Salleri, descend to Philim, and walk through pine forests past bamboo groves and traditional stone villages until you arrive at Deng.
06Trek from Deng to Namrung
Cross the Budhi Gandaki river, pass through Bihi Phedi, and traverse deep alpine forests rich with Mani walls and carved stone prayer markers before reaching the culturally Tibetan village of Namrung.
07Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon
Ascend through stunning mountain scenery past Sho and Lho villages, offering magnificent close-up views of Mt. Manaslu, before arriving at the large Tibetan settlement of Sama Gaon.
08Acclimatization Day in Sama Gaon
Spend the day exploring local monasteries or taking an acclimatization hike up to Birendra Lake or Pung Gyen Gompa beneath the massive glacial walls of Mt. Manaslu.
09Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo
A short, gradual trek out of the tree line through wide, windswept glacial valleys past stone-walled pasture fields up to Samdo, the last permanent Tibetan village near the border.
10Acclimatization Day in Samdo
Rest and acclimatize further by taking a rewarding day hike up the ridge toward the Tibetan border crossing for expansive mountain vistas.
11Trek from Samdo to Dharmashala (Larkya Phedi)
Cross the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki river and climb steadily past ruined trade settlements up to Dharmashala (Larkya Phedi), the base camp for crossing the pass.
12Trek from Dharmashala over Larkya La Pass to Bimthang
A pre-dawn start to conquer the strenuous Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)—the highest point of the trek—surrounded by frozen lakes and giant peaks, followed by a long, scenic descent to Bimthang.
13Trek from Bimthang to Tilije
Descend through lush rhododendron forests, rocky riverbeds, and terraced farming fields along the Dudh Khola down to the multi-ethnic village of Tilije.
14Trek from Tilije to Dharapani and Drive to Besisahar / Kathmandu
Trek a short distance to Dharapani to join the Annapurna Circuit route, where your private jeep awaits to drive you back via Besisahar to Kathmandu.
Clear and transparent
What your trip covers
What's included
- +Airport pickup and drop-off
- +Private transportation from Kathmandu to trek starting point and return
- +Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and porters
- +Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
- +Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
- +Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu and Tsum Valley
- +All standard trekking permits (MCAP and ACAP)
- +Guide and porter insurance, wages, and meals
- +Government taxes and official service charges
What's excluded
- -International flights and visa fees
- -Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation up to 6,000m
- -Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- -Personal expenses (hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, laundry)
- -Bottled or boiled water and extra snacks
- -Tips for guide, porters, and driver
- -Any other services not explicitly listed under What's Included
Before you go
Essential trip information
Best season
- +Spring and autumn are generally most reliable.
Recommended gear
- +Layered clothing
- +Trekking footwear
- +Waterproof outer shell
Permits
- +Applicable local permits are arranged before departure.