Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek

5.0 (3 reviews)
  • Duration:16 Days
  • CountryNepal
  • Trip Level Moderate
  • Trip StyleClassic Himalayan Treks
  • TransportationTourist Bus
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • AccomodationTeahouse
  • GroupSize2-15 People
  • MaxAltitude 5,160 meters (16,929 feet)

The Manaslu Circuit trek is far less crowded than other classic treks in Nepal and remains a true remote adventure, after its increase in popularity since teahouses were built here in 2010. The trekking route was originally started since 1991. Unlike other commercialized treks in the Annapurna and the Everest regions, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is left untouched by tourism.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfect for those whose want to steer away from the crowd. With panoramic views of the towering giants accompanied by the natural luster of the terrain, it is one of the most exotic treks in Nepal. Hiking along the settlements and villages in the Manaslu region lets you experience unique tibetan influenced cultures, tradition, and lifestyle of the people embedded in the beguiling landscape of Manaslu – the 8th highest mountain in the world.
This trek provides you the ample opportunities to experience magnificent views of Mount Manaslu, along with many of its surrounding peaks like the Shringi Himal, Himlung, Cheo Peak, Gyagi Kung, Kang Koru, and Annapurna II among many others.


Come, join us for an amazing trekking experience on a journey in the perfectly subtle isolated terrains of the Manaslu Region – only with the Admiral Adventure Treks.


Why Choose the Admiral Adventure Treks for your Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Why choose Manaslu circuit trek over more famous treks like Annapurna or Everest? Its because this trek offers unparalled Solitude, with far fewer trekkers on the trail. You'll get to experience the rich Tibetan-influenced culture of Tsum and Nubri valleys. You'll also visit ancient monasteries like Pungyen Gompa. Unlike the overly commercialized Everest Basecamp, Manaslu region feels untouched with pristine landscapes and authentic himalayan village life. At Admiral Adventure Treks, we prioritize sustainable trekking practices and furthermore we employ local guides with deep knowledge of this region.

Permits and Regulations
Trekking the Manaslu Circuit requires three permits:

  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP): $100/week (Sept–Nov), $75/week (other months).
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): $30/person.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): $30/person.
    Note: Solo trekking is no allowed. You must hire a licensed guide and trek with at least one other person. At Admiral Adventure Treks, we handle all your permit, logistics and ensure a hassle-free Manaslu Circuit trekking experience.

Highlights

  • Off the beaten path solitude: Far fewer trekkers than Annapurna or Everest, offering long stretches of quiet wilderness.
  • Tibetan style Villages: Experience authentic culture in Jagat, Namrung, Lho, Samagaon and Samdo with mani walls, monasteries and prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
  • Scenic diversity: Trek from Lush rhododendron to oak forests up to the high altitude valleys dotted with juniper and birch.
  • Laeke La Pass(5106 M): The Highest and the most exhilarating point in the trek, rewarding you with the panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal and Annapurna II.
  • Rich Wildlife: Part of Manaslu conservation area. Its home to red pandas, Himalayan Tahr, Blue Sheep, and with luck snow Leopards.

Itinerary

Altitude: 900m | 2,952ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Walking Time: 9-10 hours
Distance: 140 km

Morning:

Depart Kathmandu early for a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway. Pass terraced hillsides, roaring rivers, and small roadside towns. The journey offers glimpses of rural Nepali life and distant Himalayan peaks.

Drive:

Continue following the Budi Gandaki River upstream, navigating winding mountain roads. Stop for lunch in a local roadside eatery before heading deeper into the Gorkha region.

Evening:

Arrive at Machha Khola by late afternoon. Settle into your guesthouse, enjoy a warm meal, and rest up for your first trekking day tomorrow.

Altitude: 1,340m | 4,396ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation: +440m
Distance: 22 km

Morning:

Follow the Budi Gandaki River on a narrow trail, crossing suspension bridges and small streams. Pass the hot springs of Tatopani and enjoy views of rugged cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Trek:

Continue through lush forests and traditional villages, with stone houses and friendly locals. Stop for lunch along the way before making the gradual climb to Jagat.

Evening:

Arrive at the stone-paved village of Jagat, gateway to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Relax at your guesthouse and explore the village’s mani walls and prayer flags.

Altitude: 1,860m | 6,102ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation: +520m
Distance: ~20km

Morning:

Begin with a gentle climb through dense subtropical forests. Pass through villages like Salleri and cross scenic suspension bridges.

Trek:

Walk past beautiful landscapes of bamboo and pine forests. The trail gradually ascends as the air grows cooler.

Evening:

Reach Deng, a peaceful village with a backdrop of towering peaks. Relax and prepare for higher altitudes ahead.

Altitude: 2,630m | 8,629ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation: +770m
Distance: ~19km

Morning:

Trek through dense pine forests, crossing the Budi Gandaki multiple times. Enjoy glimpses of snow-capped peaks.

Trek:

Pass mani walls and prayer flags as Tibetan influence becomes stronger. Stop for lunch in Prok village before the steep climb to Namrung.

Evening:

Arrive in Namrung, a gateway to the higher Manaslu region, with clear views of Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli.

Altitude: 3,530m | 11,581ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation: +900m
Distance: ~17km

Morning:

Walk through alpine meadows and past chortens and mani walls. The views of Manaslu’s north face begin to dominate the skyline.

Trek:

Pass the beautiful village of Lho with its famous monastery before continuing to Shyala and finally Samagaon.

Evening:

Rest in Samagaon, surrounded by towering Himalayan giants.

Altitude: 3,530m | 11,581ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House

Morning:

Optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake. Both offer spectacular views of glaciers and peaks.

Day:

Spend time exploring the village’s Tibetan culture and traditions.

Evening:

Relax and prepare for the higher climbs ahead.

Altitude: 3,860m | 12,664ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation: +330m
Distance: ~8km

Morning:

Follow a gentle trail through yak pastures and barren hillsides.

Trek:

Enjoy the open valley views and occasional wildlife sightings. Pass mani walls before reaching Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village.

Evening:

Explore the village or rest to conserve energy.

Altitude: 4,460m | 14,632ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation: +600m
Distance: ~7km

Morning:

Gradually ascend along rocky trails towards the base of the Larkya La Pass.

Trek:

Short but steady climb, with panoramic mountain views all around.

Evening:

Rest early at Dharmasala in preparation for the pass crossing.

Altitude: 5,160m | 16,929ft (Pass), 3,590m | 11,778ft (Bimthang)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Walking Time: 8-9 hours
Elevation: +700m / -1,570m
Distance: ~17km

Morning:

Start before dawn to climb the Larkya La Pass. The challenging ascent rewards you with breathtaking views of Himlung, Cheo, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.

Trek:

Cross the prayer flag-lined pass before beginning a long descent to the alpine meadow of Bimthang.

Evening:

Celebrate crossing the highest point of the trek with a warm meal.

Altitude: 2,300m | 7,546ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation: -1,290m
Distance: ~14km

Morning:

Descend through rhododendron and pine forests with mountain views still in sight.

Trek:

Pass small villages and farmlands on the way to Tilije.

Evening:

Enjoy the warmer air and greener surroundings after days in high altitude.

Altitude: 1,860m | 6,102ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Walking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation: -440m
Distance: ~6km

Morning:

A short and easy descent through charming Gurung villages.

Trek:

Reach Dharapani, a busy trekking junction connecting to the Annapurna Circuit.

Evening:

Rest and enjoy your final night on the trail.

Altitude: 1,400m | 4,593ft (Kathmandu)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Walking Time: 9–10 hours (drive)
Distance: ~230km

Morning:

Board your vehicle for the scenic journey back to Kathmandu, retracing through hillside roads and river valleys.

Evening:

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel — trek complete!

Cost Includes
  • Airport Pick Up and Drop Off in private vehicle
  • Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Coach from Kathmandu-Syabrubesi-Kathmandu
  • Experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking guide and porters well trained in wilderness.
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek
  • All necessary legal documents like TIMS and PERMIT.
  • Staff costs, salary, insurance, equipments, salary and accommodation.
  • Medical Kit
  • All government taxes and local taxes.
Cost Excludes
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Beverages- Beer, Coke, Fanta, Sprite
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for guides and porters
Useful Infomation

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek that demands good physical fitness and prior trekking experience. Expect to hike 6–8 hours a day on steep, rocky, and sometimes snow-covered trails — especially during the Larkya La Pass crossing at 5,160m.

The remoteness of the route adds to the difficulty. Unlike more commercial treks, villages are fewer and facilities are basic, so you must be prepared for longer walking days and simpler accommodations.

High altitude plays a big role in making the trek demanding. You’ll be trekking above 3,000m for multiple days, which can make breathing more difficult and increase the risk of altitude sickness. Rest days and proper pacing are essential for safety.

Weather conditions in the Manaslu region can change rapidly — you might face rain, snow, strong winds, or slippery trails depending on the season.

With proper preparation and the experienced guidance of Admiral Adventure Treks, this trek is a rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan experience.

Altitude Sickness and How to Prevent It

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can occur above 3,000m and, if ignored, may lead to severe conditions like HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) or HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema). Knowing the symptoms early is crucial:

  • Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping at high altitude.
  • Drowsiness: Feeling sluggish or overly sleepy.
  • Fatigue: Getting tired unusually quickly.
  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness: May indicate oxygen deprivation.
  • Nausea or Vomiting: Common but should not be ignored.
  • Nosebleed: Due to dry, cold mountain air.
  • Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing in thin air.

Prevention Tips:

  • Ascend gradually and take acclimatization days seriously.
  • Stay hydrated but avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine.
  • Eat nutritious meals to keep your energy up.
  • Inform your guide immediately if symptoms worsen.

Preparation Guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

This trek demands both physical stamina and mental endurance. It’s recommended to begin training at least 2–3 months before the trek.

How to prepare:

  • Cardio Training: Running, brisk walking, cycling, or swimming to boost heart and lung capacity.
  • Strength & Endurance: Hiking with a weighted backpack, squats, lunges, and stair climbing to build leg and core strength.
  • Mental Preparation: Long walks, meditation, or yoga to improve mental focus and resilience.
  • Balanced Diet: Eat nutrient-rich meals with proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats to support training and recovery.

Good preparation not only makes the trek safer but also more enjoyable.

Safety is Our Number One Priority

At Admiral Adventure Treks, we prioritize your safety from start to finish:

  • Licensed and government-certified guides trained in high-altitude trekking.
  • Team members experienced in emergency first aid and mountain rescue.
  • Careful monitoring of food and water hygiene at teahouses.
  • Assistance with gear selection, clothing, and essential supplies before departure.
  • Personalized support throughout the trek, ensuring you never walk alone in challenging conditions.

With Admiral Adventure Treks, you’re in safe hands every step of the way.

Travel Insurance for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

We require every participant to have valid travel insurance before joining the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Your policy should include:

  • Emergency medical evacuation (including high-altitude helicopter rescue).
  • Coverage for trekking up to 6,000m.
  • 24-hour emergency assistance.

This ensures peace of mind and guarantees swift support if the unexpected happens.

Manaslu Circuit Trek FAQs
  • No FAQs available for this package.

Clients Reviews
Rated 5.0/5 based on 3 reviews
  • Don’t Think Twice—Book Admiral Adventure Treks for Your Manaslu Adventure!

    We've been in the Manaslu trekking for 14days. It was an amazing experience and an awesome place.You will walk through the jungle until the Larki pass in the high mountains and your eyes won't be disappointed.Our guide, Raju, made the way easy for us and he became a great friend! We had great discussions about Nepal and funny moments along the way.I recommend him and this agency without a doubt if you are looking for an unforgettable experience.Guillaume

    Guillaume Schmitt
    United States,
  • Client-Care at Its Best - Why Admiral’s Team Stands Out in Nepal

    I recently did a trek with Admiral Adventure Treks. It was led by Yagya and his team. Yagya always looks after his clients and there needs come first. The trek around Manaslu was magnificent . Well paced walking days, good accommodation at night and a friendly team. The trek went without incident and was a great achievement.I would like to thank Admiral Treks and Yagya for an unforgettable trek. I would recommend then for all treks in Nepal.

    Emily Walker
    Australia,
  • Why I’ve Chosen Admiral 4 Times - Yagya’s Team is Unmatched

    In November/December 2014 I undertook this trek with a friend.We had organised this trek online with Admiral Adventure Treks, specifically Yagya Karki, who was our guide, and we had one porter Bishnu Karki. The trek was a 'tea house' trek, and would have to be one of the better high altitude treks I have done. Isolated buddist settlements (but that is changing), spectacular mountain views (Manaslu is a very beautiful mountain), and enchanting 'old' forests.Yagya is an experienced guide, and a wonderful, 'lay back' person. Bishnu a gentleman.Yagya had the presents of mind to get us to buy crampons in Kathmandu before we left. We only used them for 40 minutes or so descending Larkya La, but they were a 'life saver'.Yagya was informative about culture, religion and the flora and fawna of the areas we walk through. He has a great deal of knowledge and his English is excellent.But more than that, he and Bishnu are wonderful people. It was like walking with four friends rather than and organised trek. After walking each day we would relax with a well earned drink and a game of cards. A wonderful time.I cannot recommend Admiral Adventure Treks highly enough. They looked after us from the time we arrived in Kathmandu til the time we left. I have had an association with Yagya that dates back to 1999 and involves 4 high altitude treks. Admiral Adventure treks is a professional, well organised company, with great people, especially Yagya and Bishnu.

    Peter Bailey
    Australia,