Destination

Manaslu Circuit Trek Details

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Gandaki, Nepal

Duration

14 Days

Difficulty

Moderate – Challenging

Height

5160m

Overview

Hidden in the northern part of Nepal, Upper Mustang is one of the country’s most unique and culturally fascinating trekking destinations. Known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” the region remained restricted to foreign visitors until 1992.

Today, Upper Mustang offers a remarkable journey through dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries, traditional villages, mysterious caves, and centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist culture. Although roads have now reached many parts of the region, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore the most scenic sections on foot and avoid walking alongside the main roads. The trek generally takes 12–15 days, depending on your available time, fitness level, transportation preferences, and interests. We can customize the itinerary accordingly.

Highlights

Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m)

Enjoy spectacular close-up views of the world’s eighth-highest mountain.

Larkya La Pass (5,160 m)

The major highlight and most challenging section of the trek, offering incredible Himalayan panoramas.

Manaslu Base Camp

Optional scenic acclimatization hike from Sama Gaun.

Pungyen Monastery

A beautiful monastery with impressive views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks.

Samdo & Rui-La

Explore the remote Tibetan-influenced village of Samdo and enjoy an optional hike toward the Nepal–Tibet border.

Budi Gandaki Valley

Walk through dramatic gorges, waterfalls, forests, and traditional villages.

Rich Local Culture

Experience the unique Gurung and Tibetan-influenced cultures, monasteries, chortens, and traditional Himalayan lifestyles.

Comfortable Teahouse Trek

Stay in local teahouses throughout the route without the need for camping.

Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu – Machhikhola (870 m) | Drive: approx. 7 hrs

Drive from Kathmandu to Machhikhola by private 4WD Jeep. A private vehicle provides greater comfort and flexibility for stops along the way.

Day 02: Machhikhola – Jagat (1,340 m) | 6–7 hrs

Begin trekking through scenic trails, villages, forests, and along the Budi Gandaki River.

Day 03: Jagat – Deng (1,860 m) | approx. 7 hrs

Continue through beautiful landscapes and enter the Manaslu restricted area.

Day 04: Deng – Namrung (2,630 m) | 6–7 hrs

Trek through forests, traditional settlements, and spectacular mountain surroundings.

Day 05: Namrung – Lho (3,180 m) | 5–6 hrs

Enjoy your first close views of Mt. Manaslu. After lunch, explore the traditional village and local monastery at Lho.

Day 06: Lho – Sama Gaun (3,520 m) via Pungyen Monastery | approx. 7 hrs

A scenic and rewarding day with a visit to Pungyen Monastery and beautiful mountain views. Overnight at Sama Gaun.

Day 07: Acclimatization Hike – Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) | approx. 7 hrs round trip

Enjoy a scenic hike toward Manaslu Base Camp, offering spectacular views of glaciers, mountains, and the surrounding valley. Return to Sama Gaun for the night.

Day 08: Sama Gaun – Samdo (3,875 m) & Samdo Ri Hike (4,200 m) | 4 hrs + optional hike

A short and beautiful trek to Samdo. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional hike above the village for acclimatization and panoramic views.

Day 09: Acclimatization Hike to Rui-La (4,998 m) | 6–7 hrs

Take a rewarding day hike toward Rui-La near the Nepal–Tibet border, with spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

Day 10: Samdo – Dharmashala (4,460 m) | 4–5 hrs

A relatively short trekking day to Dharmashala. Take time to rest and prepare for the challenging Larkya La crossing the following day.

Day 11: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) – Bhimtang (3,590 m) | 9–10 hrs

The biggest highlight of the trek! Start early and cross Larkya La Pass before descending through dramatic high-altitude landscapes to Bhimtang.

Day 12: Bhimtang – Goa (2,515 m) | 4–5 hrs

Enjoy a relaxing descent through beautiful forests with excellent mountain views.

Day 13: Goa – Dharapani & Drive to Besishahar | 6–7 hrs

Trek for approximately 3–4 hours to Dharapani, then take a reserved local Jeep to Besishahar.

Day 14: Besishahar – Pokhara | approx. 5 hrs

Drive back to Pokhara by local bus, completing your Manaslu Circuit adventure.

Essential Information

Best Time to Trek

The best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These periods generally offer clearer skies, stable weather, and excellent mountain views. Winter is possible for experienced trekkers, but snow and very cold conditions can affect the higher sections, particularly Larkya La.

Permits & Guide Requirement

Manaslu is a restricted trekking area, so special permits are required. You will need:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the section after Larkya La

Accommodation & Food

The Manaslu Circuit is a teahouse trek, with local lodges available throughout the route. Facilities become more basic as you reach higher elevations, particularly around Dharmashala. Rooms are generally simple, and shared bathroom facilities are common at higher elevations. Teahouses provide meals such as Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, pasta, fried rice, momos, eggs, breads, and other local and Western options.

Physical Fitness & Acclimatization

The trek is considered moderate to challenging, mainly because of the long walking days, high altitude, and Larkya La Pass. Good physical preparation is recommended. The itinerary includes acclimatization hikes at Sama Gaun and Samdo to help your body adjust gradually to the altitude.

Recommended Trekking Gear List

Waterproof trekking boots
Lightweight trekking sandals
Thin walking socks
Lightweight trekking trousers
Trekking shirts
Fleece jumper
Lightweight thermal set
Warm down jacket
Warm hat with ear covers
Neck warmer
Light spikes/crampons
Sleeping bag rated around –10°C to –15°C

Lightweight/thinner gloves
Personal first-aid kit, sunscreen and lip balm
Water purification tablets or filtered water bottle
Personal wash kit and small towel
Trekking poles (recommended)
Tissues and wet wipes
Polarized sunglasses
Camera and chargers
Head torch
Ear plugs (recommended)
Power bank

Trek Location

Gandaki, Nepal

Inquiry Trek Detail

Have Any Question?

Whether you need help choosing the right trail, packing the essential gear, or customizing your itinerary, our expert guides are here to support your journey.

(+977) 980-7380590

premsnepaltrek@gmail.com