Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain on Earth at 8,163m, takes its name from the Sanskrit word for "Mountain of the Spirit." The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles this massif over 18 days, following the Budhi Gandaki River valley north from Arughat through a succession of Tibetan Buddhist villages whose culture has remained largely undiluted by outside contact. The circuit enters a restricted area at Jagat and does not exit until Dharapani on the far side of Larkya La Pass (5,106m), which means it requires a licensed guide and a Restricted Area Permit throughout the core section.
The valley floor changes completely as you climb: subtropical forest and terraced rice paddies give way to high-altitude meadows, yak pastures, and the glaciated upper valley around Samagaon and Samdo. The communities here, Nubri in the main circuit and Tsum to the northeast, are among the most intact Tibetan Buddhist cultures accessible to trekkers anywhere in Nepal. Monasteries, mani walls, and chortens line the trail rather than punctuate it. The pass crossing itself, beginning at 2am in near-darkness at temperatures of -10°C to -15°C, is one of the defining physical experiences in Himalayan trekking.
The Manaslu Circuit sees fewer than 5,000 trekkers per year, roughly one-fiftieth of the Everest Base Camp trail. That solitude is part of what it offers. The trek begins in Gorkha, home of the Gurkha soldiers, and finishes at Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit, making a natural extension into Annapurna territory possible. For a shorter introduction to the region, see our Lower Manaslu Trek, or browse our full Manaslu region trekking page.
Duration: 18 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) | Max Altitude: 5,106m (Larkya La Pass) | Trek Grade: Strenuous — restricted area, licensed guide mandatory | Best Season: October-November, March-May | Permits Required: Manaslu RAP, MCAP, ACAP (3 permits) — licensed guide required
Meet our representative at the airport who will transfer you to the Hotel. Hotel checking-in and go for sightseeing tour. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Early morning, drive to Arughat, 7/8 hours by bus or jeep through the beautiful landscape. Arughat is the biggest market in the area for local trade, at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. Explore the surrounding area. After getting there we trek heads to the north along Budhi Gandaki River and we pass the villages of Santi Bazar, Arukhet and ascend slowly toward Kyoropani near the confluence of Soti River – an ideal place to take a fresh water bath. We walk 3-4 hours today. We stay overnight in lodge at Soti Khola.
Our first day of trek heads to the north along Budhi Gandaki River and we pass the villages of Santi Bazar, Arukhet and ascend slowly toward Kyoropani near the confluence of Soti River – an ideal place to take a fresh water bath. We walk 6 hours today. We stay overnight at Soti Khola.
We head to Machha Khola, 5-6 hours walking. The trail descends slowly until we climb again to mountain ridge to Armala. Pass the forest trail to arrive at Riden Gaon. The valley here cuts into another side of the river to enter Budhi Gandaki. At Labubesi, the trail follows down to the sandy riverbed of Budhi Gandaki. Stay there overnight in lodge at Macha Khola.
We walk continue to Jagat, 7-8 hours walking. In the beginning we cross Machha River and head upstream along the river´s edge. After crossing Khorla besi, there is a hot spring “Tatopani". The trail follows woody area after this toward Dovan. Below Dovan, there is a huge rapid at Budhi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation. Stay overnight in lodge at Jagat.
Trek to Dang, 8 hours walk, ascend a rocky ridge up to Salleri then to Setibas. We have lunch at Filim today; the trail enters a steep uninhabited gorge and descends through grassy slopes dotted with tall Pine trees via Budhi Gandaki. Further on, the tiny village Deng comes after crossing a bamboo forest and Dang Khola. Stay overnight in lodge at Deng.
We walk today to Namrung 4/5 hours walking. The trail crosses over Budhi Gandaki enters woods then it climbs up to Budhi Gandaki valley. The trek climbs over a big rock, continues up through deep fir and rhododendron forest, and then enters Namrung at the crest. Stay overnight in lodge at Namrung.
We head to Sama Gompa 7/8 hours walking. We follow to Nupri region; the trail passes Barcham and crosses Himan Khola and reaches to Shyo. The trail then follows to Lho and drops down across Damonan Khola. Ascend again to a plateau at Shyo. Crossing a ridge the trail descends onto a rock - strewn moraine and goes onto a ridge overlooking pastures and fields of Sama Gaon. The Sama Gompa is nestled against a wooded moraine at the end of the valley. We stay overnight in lodge at Sama Gaon.
Rest days to get physically acclimatized. We can spend the day exploring surroundings such as, Birendra Taal (lake), Buddhist monasteries, Samagaun, a big Tibetan cultured community and a side trip to Pun Gyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp but this both side trips requires almost a full day for each. We will see a marvelous view of Manaslu. Stay overnight at same place.
We trek to Samdo 3-4 hours walk, as trail widens we walk through juniper and birch forest. The trail passes several Mani walls and a stone hut at Kermo Kharka. The trail then climbs steeply to find Samdo nestle behind a ridge.
We trek to Larke rest house 4 hours walking. We go further on to Larke La. The trail forwards and climbs in and out of the gorge and reaches the only shelter on the route to the pass, Larke Rest House. Stay there overnight in lodge at Samdo.
After having an early breakfast we start the trek at 06:00AM today. The trail reaches at the top of the moraine at 4,700m. (15,420ft) and climbs steeply to the pass at 5,135m/16,847ft. with the tremendous views of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6826m), Gyaji Kang, Kangaru Himal (6981m) and Annapurna 2nd (7937m). from the top of Larke Pass then the trail descends to Bimtang “Plain of Sand" in Tibetan Language. This huge valley surrounded by high peaks. Stay there overnight in lodge at Bimtang.
6 hours walk down to Goa at 2560m; the trail crosses glacial stream and rhododendron forests on the way to Hampuk (Rock shelter cave) and trail passes Yak Kharka, Surti Khola on theway down. Stay overnight in lodge at Goa.
4/5 hours walk down to Dharapaani. Trail continues through the fields, oak and rhododendron forest and reaches to Tilche (a Gurung village) and cross a suspension bridge at Tilche over Dudh Khola then descend to Dharapaani. Stay there overnight in lodge at Dharapani.
Walk 5/6 hours. Trek down through the steepest part of the Marsyangdi Gorge. Stay there overnight in lodge at Jagat.
Drive to Besisahar by bus or jeep and drive to Kathmandu by hiace van.
Today you have a free day in Kathmandu to relax your body after long trek. You can go for shopping or massage to feel better for next day's long flight back to home. Evening, you can go for short walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today we will transfer you to the airport for your flight back to home. End of the package.
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How many permits are needed for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Three permits are required: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the section after Larkya La. A licensed guide is mandatory. As of March 2026, solo trekkers can obtain the RAP individually.
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Strenuous. The defining challenge is Larkya La Pass at 5,106m, typically crossed starting at 2am in sub-zero temperatures. Daily walking is 5 to 8 hours. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.
What is the best time of year?
October to November for clearest skies. March to May for rhododendrons and good visibility. The monsoon (June to September) brings heavy rain and difficult trail conditions.
Can I do the Manaslu Circuit as a solo trekker?
Yes, as of March 2026 Nepal removed the requirement for a minimum group of two, so solo trekkers can now obtain the Manaslu RAP individually. A licensed guide from a registered agency remains mandatory throughout the restricted area section.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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