Interestingly, the Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area in Nepal and one of the few areas where solo trekkers are not allowed. To do the Manaslu Circuit trekking, you have to be in a group of at least two trekkers with a licensed guide.
If you want to leave the conventional trekking routes or are looking for an alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit trek 15 days is a great option. It is an offbeat, challenging trek that crosses Larkya La Pass.
You will hike to the base of the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu, and discover the rich flora and fauna of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Though the Manaslu region is home to snow leopards, spotting them while trekking is rare. However, you will see yaks and birds like monal.
From Machha Khola to Larkya La Pass, the trail traverses diverse climatic zones. You will trek through picturesque authentic mountain villages, enjoying beautiful landscaped and breathtaking mountain vistas. After crossing the Larkya La Pass, the trail descends to Bimthang and enters the Annapurna Circuit.
Trekkers interested in the Annapurna Circuit can combine it with the Manaslu Circuit trek.
The Manaslu Circuit trek 15 days
The Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the most demanding treks in Nepal. The trail is located near the Nepal-Tibet border, which makes it a restricted area for foreigners. The Manaslu Circuit trek was introduced in 1992.
In the early days, it was a remote camping trek in Nepal. Gradually, with the increase in the flow of tourists, tea houses were built. Now, you do not need to go camping on the Manaslu Circuit trek. There are ample tea houses along the trek route.
Over the years, the flow of tourists has increased on the Manaslu Circuit trail, but it is still not flooded with trekkers like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. You might wonder why fewer trekkers go to the Manaslu Circuit trek if it is that beautiful and untouched.
First is the expensive restricted area permit, and second, Manaslu Circuit is a very remote area in the west-central Himalayan range. Likewise, traversing Manaslu Circuit terrain requires knowledge of previous treks, strong fitness, and past high altitude experience.
Highlights
- One of the best yet less crowded treks in Nepal
- Ideal for experienced trekkers looking for a challenging adventure in the Himalayas
- Trek through Tibetan refugee villages, high alpine meadows, and glacier moraines
- Explore one of the restricted areas in Nepal where solo trekking is not allowed
- Trek through terraced fields and rhododendron forests and gradually ascend along the mighty gorge of the Budhi Gandaki River
- Witness beautiful waterfalls and cross thrilling hanging suspension bridges on the way
- Follow the steep, offbeat trail to the top of Larkya La Pass
- Hike to Manaslu Base Camp, lap of the eight-tallest mountain in the world
- Explore ancient monasteries on the way, including Pun Gyen Gompa
- See the daily lifestyle of the locals and culture of different Nepali communities, including Nubri
- If lucky, you may spot a snow leopard
- Trek close to the Nepal-Tibet border, enjoy nature, and witness beautiful landscapes
- Witness breathing views of mountains like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Shringi Himal, etc
What is it like doing the Manaslu Circuit trekking?
During the Manaslu Circuit trekking, you will walk through the hot lowlands and pass by rice and millet terraces. The trail slowly ascends through the mighty gorge of the Budhi Gandaki River and takes you to the upper region known as Nubri Valley.
You will see many stunning waterfalls and cross thrilling hanging suspension bridges fastened with colorful prayer flags on the way. The scenery is lush and green during the first few days of the trek.
Once you ascend above the treeline, typical barren alpine landscapes will surround you. You can see incredible mountain views of Annapurna II, Manaslu, Kang Guru, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Simnang Himal throughout the Manaslu Circuit trek 15 days.
The most grand scenery is from the top of the Larkya La Pass. To cross the pass, we will start trekking around 3:00 AM. Why this early? To avoid strong winds that start around mid-morning.
Once you trek down from the pass following the west corridor, you will see an insane glacial cirque and wonderful stream of glaciers created by Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Nemjung Himal, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru going down.
The journey will wrap your heart with sound nature- forest whistling, waterfalls singing, and birds chirping. Fresh air will rejuvenate you, and 6 to 7 hours of walking and clean food each day will leave you feeling light by the end of the trek. And your camera will definitely be left with gorgeous pictures and videos to enjoy forever.
The Manaslu Circuit trek route
Below, we have explained the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary:
- Arrival in Kathmandu and trek preparation day: Our team will be at the Kathmandu Airport to welcome you and escort you to the hotel. The arrival day is free. The next day, you will visit some tourist sites and spend the remaining day preparing for the trek.
- Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola: The Manaslu Circuit trek begins from Machha Khola. It is located 160 km from Kathmandu and requires 8 to 9 hours of walking. The road is mostly pitched, so the ride will be comfortable. The last two hours of the drive from Arughat to Machha Khola are bumpy.
- Trek to Jagat and Deng: From Machha Khola, you will spend two days trekking to Jagat and Deng. The restricted area starts from Jagat onwards. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River and goes through rhododendron-forested hills and small settlements like Khorlabeshi and Tatopani, Doban, Sirdibas, and Phillim.
- Enter Nubri Valley: From Deng onwards, the Nubri Valley starts. It includes villages like Bhi, Prok, Lho, Namrung, and Sama Gaun. You will spend nights in Namrung and Sama Gaun. This part of the trail is winding and crosses many suspension bridges and landslide-prone areas.
- Acclimatization break in Sama Gaon: Sama Gaon ahead, you will ascend above 3,500 meters. So, an acclimatization break here is a great strategy to avoid altitude sickness. For the acclimatization hike, there are options like Pun Gyen Gompa and Manaslu Base Camp via Birendra Lake.
- Spend a night at the biggest Tibetan refugee village, Samdo: Samdo is the biggest Tibetan refugee village on this trek. You will traverse yak pastures and enjoy stunning alpine scenery while trekking here. In Samdo, you can see the lifestyle of the locals quite closely. There is an optional side hike to Rui La Pass from here.
- Last night before Larkya La Pass, Larke Phedi (Dharamsala): Larke Phedi is the last place before Larkya La Pass. Samdo to Larke Phedi distance is short, so you will get a lot of time to rest and recover before pushing toward the Larkya La Pass.
- Cross the Larkya La Pass and descend to Bimthang: The toughest and longest day of the trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass. You will start hiking from Larke Phedi before the sun rises. The trail descends and passes by a moraine. You will walk downhill until a small lake arrives. Follow an unclear, narrow trail and cross a steep grass slope from here. You will then descend to four frozen lakes and climb a steep slope to reach the top of the pass. From the top, the trail descends and crosses a morine and meadow on the way to Bimthang.
- Join the Annapurna Circuit trail and descend to Chamje: After Bimthang, we will spend two nights in Tilje and Chamje. During these two days of trekking, the trail joins Annapurna Circuit. You will trek through lush valleys and small villages.
- Drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar: The trek ends at Chamje. From here, you will take a bumpy ride in a local jeep to Besisahar. In Besisahar, change the vehicle and drive back to Kathmandu in a much more comfortable and bigger four-wheeler.
- Final departure: You will fly back to your home. We will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu.
Manaslu Circuit trek difficulty, fitness, and preparation
- Challenging (one of the most demanding treks in Nepal)
- Daily walking hours: 6-7 hours
- Suitable for beginners? No
The toughest part of the Manaslu Circuit trek is the offbeat terrain and the Larkya La Pass crossing. Trekkers who want to do this trek should know that strong fitness and previous trekking experience are a must.
You will traverse mixed terrain. The first two to three days of the trail pass through terraced fields and rugged, lush hills. As the trail ascends, we will encounter many landslide-prone areas. With the progress of the trek, the terrain gets steep and involves many sharp uphill walks.
Likewise, you will gain high altitude every day, which means a low oxygen level. This will affect your stamina and may exhaust you quickly. Similarly, the changing climate, 6 to 7 hours of walking, and limited facilities demand good stamina and endurance from trekkers.
Trekkers with medical problems should consult their doctors before embarking on the Manaslu Circuit trekking. Likewise, train your body and become fit for the journey. Cariod, strength training, and regular long walks and day hikes are recommended.
Benefits that you will get with Base Camp Trip only
We seamlessly organize the Manaslu Circuit trek for our trekkers. You can join this trek anytime throughout the year. During the offseason, we will assess the trail situation and help you plan a trek accordingly.
Likewise, we customize the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary and package according to our guests' budget, fitness, and preferences. Our professional, friendly team will make the trek hassle-free for you.
Bookings are open for Manaslu Circuit trek 2025/2026 departures. For more information, contact us.
- Online trip briefing after the trek is booked and trek preparation support.
- Local expert trek guide who knows the Manaslu region insight out and native porter.
- Best Manaslu Circuit trek cost and no hidden charges.
- Complimentary airport pickup and drop-off by a private vehicle.
- Complementary Manaslu Circuit trek map and duffel bag (you have to return the duffel bag after the trek).
- Small groups and 100% fixed departure.
- 24/7 communication.
- Easy and secure payment system.
- We offer complimentary extra luggage storage during the trek duration in our office.
