Manaslu Circuit Trek landscape
Trekkers walking beneath the Himalayan peaks
Snowy mountain pass in Nepal
Mountain trail above the clouds
Forest trail on a Himalayan trek
Sunrise over a high mountain valley
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Manaslu Circuit Trek · 16 days

Circle the world’s eighth-highest mountain through remote Himalayan villages, dramatic river valleys and the Larkya La pass.

Country

Nepal

Duration

16 days

Difficulty

Challenging

Max. altitude

5,106 m

Start / end

Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Accommodation

Tea house

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Best season

Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Why this trip

Trip highlights

  • Trek through the protected Manaslu region
  • Cross the dramatic Larkya La pass
  • Visit remote Tibetan-influenced villages
  • Follow the Budhi Gandaki river through deep gorges
  • Enjoy close views of Manaslu and Ngadi Chuli
  • Travel with permits and a local guide team

The experience

Manaslu Circuit Trek overview

The Manaslu Circuit is a quieter classic, moving from subtropical foothills to a stark high-mountain pass. The changing landscape is matched by a rich mix of Gurung, Tibetan and Nubri culture. Crossing Larkya La is the trip’s defining moment, but the slow build through villages and river gorges is what makes this route so memorable.

Every departure is paced to give you time to adjust to the altitude, enjoy the trail and connect with the communities along the way. Your guide handles the practical details, while you focus on the views, stories and small moments that make a Himalayan trek your own.

A day-by-day route

Short itinerary

Day 01–02Arrive in Kathmandu and drive to Machha Khola

Complete the briefing and permits before driving through the foothills to the start of the circuit.

Day 03–07Follow the Budhi Gandaki Valley

Climb gradually through river gorges, waterfalls and Gurung villages toward the high valley.

Day 08–10Acclimatize around Samagaon

Spend time in the Nubri Valley with an acclimatization day and views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks.

Day 11–12Cross Larkya La

Climb to Larkya Phedi, cross the high pass and descend toward the Marsyangdi Valley.

Day 13–15Descend through the Annapurna foothills

Continue through alpine meadows and lower villages before reaching the roadhead.

Day 16Return to Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu and close the circuit with a final evening for rest or onward travel.

Included in your package

Travel with confidence

Experienced local team

Licensed guide, porter support and first-aid kit.

Tea-house stays

Clean, welcoming accommodation along the route.

Meals on the trail

Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.

Permits and planning

Restricted-area permits, transfers and pre-trip briefing included.