Government-licensed trekking agency · Reg. tourest registation · TAAN member
Popular treks
Annapurna Base Camp Trek11 days · from $850Annapurna Circuit Trek16 days · from $1,150Everest Base Camp Trek14 days · from $1,000Langtang Valley Trek10 days · from $890
EverestUp to 5,545 m
AnnapurnaUp to 5,416 m
ManasluUp to 5,106 m
LangtangUp to 4,984 m
KanchenjungaUp to 5,143 m
Mustang RegionUp to 8,167 m2026/2027 season open · start on any date you choose
The Manaslu Circuit Trek follows the Budhi Gandaki river from subtropical gorges into the Tibetan-Buddhist villages of Nubri, below Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's eighth-highest mountain. It is a restricted area, so it stays far quieter than the Annapurna Circuit, and the teahouses are simpler.
From Samagaon and Samdo you climb to the Larkya La (5,106 m), one of the most dramatic passes in Nepal, with glaciers and Himlung Himal ahead. The trail then drops through Bhimthang to Dharapani in the Marsyangdi valley, where the Annapurna Circuit begins.
Two nights in Samagaon give you time to acclimatise, visit the monasteries and walk towards Manaslu before the pass.
Verified route 2026/2027
Trek milestones
A long, high crossing with glaciers, Himlung Himal ahead and Manaslu behind you.
A Tibetan-style village with a monastery, mani walls and two nights to explore.
Ribung Gompa at Lho, prayer walls and villages with roots in Tibet.
Waterfalls, suspension bridges and terraced villages in the lower valley.
The restricted-area rules keep numbers low, even in October.
From banana trees and forest to yak pastures and ice in two weeks.
Trekker suitability guide
An honest checklist from our guides to help you decide if the Manaslu Circuit suits your goals.
Suitability checklist
Physical demands and fitness: 5 to 7 hours of walking most days, and a long pass day of 8–10 hours. Good fitness is needed.
Altitude and acclimatization: Nights at up to 4,460 m and a 5,106 m pass, with acclimatisation in Samagaon. Experience at altitude helps.
Technical skill required: None, but the pass can have snow and ice, and the lower trail has landslide sections.
Trail comfort and accommodation: Village teahouses, simpler than on Annapurna. Dharmasala below the pass is very basic.
Mental resilience: Be ready for remote valleys, a pre-dawn start on the pass day and changes if the weather turns.
Medical conditions: With heart or lung conditions or severe asthma, speak to your doctor before booking.
Unsure about your fitness or readiness?Our lead trek director gives a free, no-obligation preparation check.
Our heritage and roots
Born and raised in the mountains of Nepal, our founder grew up walking Himalayan trails with the elders of his village. That lifelong respect for the mountains became the foundation of Travel To Nepal.
Sandip KshetriFounder and lead trek director
Read our storyDirect local consultation
Message us on WhatsApp or send us an email. Either I or my team will personally answer your questions and make sure all your doubts are answered properly.
Step-by-step route
Fifteen days from Kathmandu around Manaslu and back. You drive to Machha Khola, follow the Budhi Gandaki up through Jagat, Deng and Namrung into the Nubri villages, spend two nights in Samagaon, cross the Larkya La from Dharmasala to Bhimthang and walk out to Dharapani. Every night on the trail is in a village teahouse.
Airport pickup · Permits and gear check
Arrival · 1,400 m
Our team meets you at the airport. In the evening we check your gear and passport details for the restricted-area permit and talk you through the route.
Via Arughat · Budhi Gandaki valley
8–9 hrs drive · 930 m
A long drive west and north through Arughat and up the Budhi Gandaki valley to Machha Khola, the usual start of the trek.
Tatopani hot spring · Restricted-area checkpoint
6–7 hrs · 1,340 m
Follow the river past the small hot spring at Tatopani and over suspension bridges to Jagat, where the restricted-area permits are checked.
Narrow gorge · Bamboo forest
6–7 hrs · 1,860 m
The valley narrows as you pass Philim and the turn to the Tsum Valley, then climb through bamboo forest to Deng.
Mani walls · First mountain views
6–7 hrs · 2,630 m
The trek from Namrung to Shyala takes you deeper into the beautiful Manaslu region, with traditional villages, buddhist landmarks, and stunning views of the Himalayas. The trail begins through the small villages of Lihi and Sho, where you will see stone houses, prayer flags, and mani walls carved with Buddhist prayers.
As you continue uphill, you reach Lho Village (3,180 m), one of the most scenic stops along the Manaslu Circuit Trek. On a clear morning, Manaslu stands right above it. Most people stop for a long tea break just to look. The village has a gompa, and the geography here feels more raw and rugged. From Lho the path runs on to Shyala (3,520 m), a high yak-pasture village with a wide-angle view of Manaslu, Manaslu North and Himalchuli.
Today is where altitude starts to matter. You gain about 890 m from where you woke up. Drink at least 4 litres of water and walk slowly. Tell your guide immediately if you develop a headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual tiredness. Your guide can help you decide how much fluid you need based on the weather, activity, and your health.
Electricity and charging facilities may be limited, with some lodges relying on solar power. Top up your phone, camera and power bank whenever you get the chance.
After reaching Shyala, you can relax at a local teahouse and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this high-altitude village. Accommodation is basic, and temperatures can drop significantly at night, so keep a warm jacket and extra layers handy for dinner.
Ribung Gompa · Manaslu comes into view
4–5 hrs · 3,180 m
Walk through barley fields and villages to Lho, where Ribung Gompa looks straight across at Manaslu.
Short day · Village below Manaslu
3–4 hrs · 3,530 m
A short walk through forest and yak pastures past Shyala to Samagaon, the main village of Nubri, with the afternoon free to rest.
Birendra Lake or Pungyen Gompa · Monastery visit
3–5 hrs walks · 3,530 m
A day to adjust to the height. Walk to the glacier lake of Birendra Tal or up towards Pungyen Gompa, and visit the village monastery.
Yak pastures · Close to Tibet
3–4 hrs · 3,875 m
An easy, high walk along the river past yak pastures to Samdo, a village a few hours from the Tibetan border.
Short day · Rest before the pass
3–4 hrs · 4,460 m
Climb slowly past the Larkya glacier moraine to Dharmasala, a small, basic lodge at the foot of the pass. An early night before the crossing.
The high point of the trek · Glaciers and Himlung Himal
8–10 hrs · up to 5,106 m at Larkya La · sleep 3,720 m · High point
To make things clear the main points of the trip from Dharamsala to Bimthang are important. The Dharamsala to Bimthang crossing is what we are talking about. The Dharamsala to Bimthang trip has some things to know. The trip from Dharamsala, to Bimthang includes:
Larke Pass crossing (5,106m) with glacier terrain
Views of Manaslu (8,163m), Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m)
Transition from alpine desert to meadow landscapes
Longest and toughest Manaslu Circuit Trekking day
In fact, the trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang is the toughest day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is because you have to go over the Larkya La Pass which is really high at 5,106 meters. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is very difficult, on this day. You have to walk on glaciers and go down a way. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is hard because of the altitude and the long distance you have to walk. People who do the Manaslu Circuit Trek feel very tired but very happy when they finish this day. The Manaslu Circuit Trek turns to be a real challenge on this day while trekking from Dharmasala to Bimtang.
Rhododendron forest · Marsyangdi valley
7–8 hrs · 1,600 m
Descend through rhododendron and pine forest past Gho and Tilije to Dharapani, where the trail meets the Annapurna Circuit.
Down the Marsyangdi gorge
4–5 hrs drive · 760 m
A jeep ride down the Marsyangdi gorge past waterfalls to Besisahar, with time to celebrate the circuit with your team.
Tailor-made treks
Unlimited free changes until it is right
Want to match your own pace, fitness, group or holiday dates? Tell us what you have in mind and our Kathmandu team will change the route as many times as you need, until it is the Manaslu Trek you want.
WhatsApp +977 9847693070 · inquiry@traveltonepal.com · Reply usually within a few hours
Local expertise and safety first
Licensed guides who grew up near Manaslu, trained in wilderness first aid and experienced on the Larkya La.
Manaslu local
WFR certified
Restricted-area trek leader
Samagaon, Gorkha
“On the Larkya La we start before dawn and turn back if the weather says so. That is how we come home.”
Full disclosure
Ground transport: Kathmandu – Machha Khola and Dharapani – Besisahar – Kathmandu by jeep.
Licensed guide and porters: first-aid trained, insured and fairly paid; the restricted area needs a licensed guide.
Teahouse lodging: 11 nights on the trek and 3 hotel nights.
Permits: Manaslu restricted area permit, Manaslu (MCAP) and Annapurna (ACAP) conservation permits.
Safety gear: pulse oximeter and first-aid kit.
Airport transfers: arrival and departure in Kathmandu.
Meals on the trek: order freely from the menu (about $25–35 a day).
International airfare: flights to and from Kathmandu.
Travel insurance: required, with helicopter rescue cover to 5,500 m.
Nepal tourist visa: on arrival at the airport.
Lodge extras: hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi.
Trekker-first transparency
Freedom of choice and appetiteAppetite changes with altitude. Order what your body wants, from dal bhat to pasta, porridge or soup.
Direct support for teahouse familiesYou pay the lodges directly, so all food money stays with the local families who run them.
No package markupsAll-inclusive meal packages are often padded. Here you pay real menu prices for what you eat.
Dietary needs and allergiesVegetarian, vegan or gluten-free: order on the spot and get food made the way you need it.
Average daily food budget: plan on about $25–35 USD per day for hearty breakfasts, lunches, hot dinners and boiled drinking water or tea.
Trail pro tips
“Dal bhat power”: unlimited refills of rice, lentils and vegetable curry. The best fuel at altitude.
Go vegetarian higher up: meat is carried up without refrigeration, so we suggest vegetarian meals above Namrung.
Stay hydrated: drink 3–4 litres a day (ginger-lemon-honey tea, garlic soup, boiled water).
Cash is king: there are no ATMs on the circuit. Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu.
Essential teahouse notes
Teahouse rule: eat breakfast and dinner where you sleep. Lodges keep room prices low because of it.
Order early: order dinner around 5 pm; on the pass day breakfast is before dawn.
Small extras: showers, charging and Wi-Fi cost a few dollars each higher up.
Acclimatization map
You sleep no higher than 4,460 m and only day hike to the high point.
Peak: 5,106 m
Route and GPS waypoints
GPS trail route
Interactive Google map
Loading it connects to Google, which can see your IP address and may set cookies.
Kathmandu 1,400 mStart
Day 1Machha Khola 930 m
Day 2Jagat 1,340 m
Day 3Deng 1,860 m
Day 4Namrung 2,630 m
Day 5Lho 3,180 m
Day 6Samagaon 3,530 m
Days 7–8Samdo 3,875 m
Day 9Dharmasala 4,460 m
Day 10Larkya La 5,106 mHigh point
Day 11Bhimthang 3,720 m
Day 11Dharapani 1,600 m
Day 12Besisahar 760 m
Day 13Interactive map by Google Maps. See our privacy policy for how Google handles your data.
Direct operator advantage
Local leadership, honest pricing and careful safety standards, straight from our Kathmandu team.
Licensed guides who grew up in the region they lead and know the teahouse families by name.
Everything included is listed before you book. Meals are paid on the trail at real menu prices.
Daily oxygen and pulse checks, a first-aid kit, and rescue coordinated from Kathmandu.
Every trek is private. Change the pace, days or route; we rewrite the plan for free.
You plan with our team directly, before, during and after your trek.
Weight limits, warm gear, insurance and fair pay for every person on your team.
Official verification
Est. 2025 · Kathmandu
Nepal Department of Tourism registration certificateRegistration tourest registation · licensed trekking agency
The Travel To Nepal advantage
Why trekkers choose our locally led Manaslu treks.
Our trek leaders have walked these trails for years and know the teahouse families along the way.
Pulse oximeter readings morning and evening help catch altitude sickness early.
Fair wages, insurance, warm gear and strict weight limits for every porter.
Only your group, with personal pacing and quiet teahouse evenings.
Booking direct with a Nepali company means your money supports families along the trail.
Fast reply on WhatsApp
Direct local pricing, no middlemen. Fill this in and we open WhatsApp with your request already written.
Gear and essentials
Tested gear for the circuit: hot days in the gorge to −15 °C nights below the Larkya La.
Base layers: 2–3 merino or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Fleece mid-layer: a warm fleece or softshell.
Down jacket: rated to about −15 °C for Dharmasala and the pass.
Waterproof shell: jacket and trousers for rain low down and wind on the pass.
Trekking boots: waterproof, broken in, with ankle support.
Camp shoes: light trainers or sandals for the teahouse.
Socks: 4–5 pairs of warm trekking socks.
Microspikes and gaiters: for snow on the Larkya La, especially early or late in the season.
Daypack (25–35 L): with a rain cover for layers, water and snacks.
Duffel bag: carried by your porter (max 15 kg).
Sleeping bag: comfort to −15 °C (you can rent one in Kathmandu).
Trekking poles and headlamp: for the pass descent and the pre-dawn start.
Water purification: tablets or a UV pen, plus two 1 L bottles.
Medical kit: blister plasters, painkillers, rehydration salts.
Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, glacier sunglasses and lip balm.
Hygiene: wet wipes, hand sanitizer and a quick-dry towel.
Practical field knowledge
Essential insights from our local trek leaders.
Autumn (late September to November): clear skies, firm trails and good conditions on the Larkya La.
Spring (March to April): rhododendrons in the lower forest and settled weather for the pass.
*May grows hazier and warmer. The monsoon brings landslides in the gorge, and winter snow often closes the pass from December.
Permits: Manaslu restricted area permit, MCAP and ACAP for the section that joins the Annapurna Circuit.
Through an agency: the restricted permit is issued only through a registered agency, with a licensed guide.
Group rules: we confirm the current group rules for your dates when you book.
Rooms: simple twin rooms; Dharmasala below the pass is a basic shared lodge.
Food: dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, Tibetan bread and ginger tea.
Hydration: drink 3–4 litres a day and treat your water; skip single-use plastic.
Rescue: our Kathmandu office coordinates helicopter evacuation with your insurer if it is ever needed.
On the trail: your guide carries a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter and knows the nearest helipads.
Insurance: travel insurance covering evacuation from above 5,000 m is required for every trekker.
The Larkya La (5,106 m), Samagaon below Manaslu, the monasteries and mani walls of Nubri, the Budhi Gandaki gorge and far fewer trekkers than on Annapurna.
The Larkya La at 5,106 m (16,752 ft) on day 11. The highest night is at Dharmasala, 4,460 m.
Manaslu is wilder and quieter, with simpler teahouses and less road. The Annapurna Circuit is more comfortable and flexible. If you want remote trails and can join a guided trek, choose Manaslu.
Three: the Manaslu restricted area permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the last part. The restricted permit is issued only through a registered agency with a licensed guide. We arrange them all and confirm the current group rules when you book.
Yes. The Tsum Valley branches off near Lokpa and adds about 6–7 days of monasteries and quiet Tibetan villages. It needs its own restricted-area permit, which we arrange.
Our standard itinerary is 15 days from Kathmandu and back, with 11 days on the trail and a rest day in Samagaon.
Challenging, grade 4 of 5. Most days are 5–7 hours, and the pass day from Dharmasala to Bhimthang is often 8–10 hours. No climbing skills are needed.
We spend two nights in Samagaon, climb slowly through Samdo and Dharmasala, and check oxygen levels twice a day. Your guide decides on the morning whether it is safe to cross.
Your guide carries a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter. If needed, our Kathmandu office arranges helicopter evacuation with your insurer.
Fast reply · local operator
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