Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal: Complete Guide

After trekking the Manaslu Circuit, I’ve written this essential guide to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime.

Although much less popular than the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Three High Passes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the world’s most spectacular tea house trekking itineraries in the Himalayas of Nepal.

This is a circuit route typically completed in 13-15 days, encircling the magnificent and unspoiled Manaslu Region. Along the way, we experienced pristine Himalayan views, a high-altitude pass crossing above 5,100 meters (Larkya La Pass), and exposure to the unique and fascinating Tibetan culture.

What You Need To Know About the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Beginning in the green Himalayan foothills, the Manaslu Circuit trek journeys around the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), and crosses over a high alpine pass to finish in the Annapurna Region.

The Manaslu Trek is a unique and less crowded alternative to the well-known Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek– offering a moderate trekking challenge and world-class views while staying in authentic Nepali tea houses– without the espresso machines and hot towels.

Along the way, you'll pass over huge suspension bridges leading to remote villages where the Buddhist traditions and customs of Tibetan Culture have been preserved. Other highlights include epic day trips to the ancient Pungyen Gompa, tucked away at the end of a pristine glacial valley, a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m), and a long journey to the Nepal - Tibetan Border at 4,900 m.

Tip: While it was once possible to trek independently, hiring a local guide is now compulsory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek following the recent regulatory changes.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

The most popular Manaslu Circuit itinerary runs between 13-15 days, with the first and last days involving a jeep or local bus drive from and to Kathmandu. 

Below is the most common itinerary that we followed and includes all the Manaslu trekking highlights such as the Pungyen Gomba, remote villages, Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, Tibetan Border, and the Larkya La Pass. 

Day	Route	Time	Sleep Altitude
1	Jeep from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola	7 hours	830 m
2	Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat	6-7 hours	1,410 m
3	Trek from Jagat to Deng	7-8 hours	1,804 m
4	Trek from Deng to Namrung	6-7 hours	2,630 m
5	Trek from Namrung to Shyala	4-5 hours	3,480 m
6	Trek from Shyala to Samagaun via Pungyen Monastery (4,050 m)	4-5 hours	3,530 m
7	Rest Day in Samagaun with Side-Trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m)	7 hours	3,530 m
8	Trek from Samagaun to Samdo	2.5-3 hours	3,860 m
9	Rest Day at Samdo with Side-Trip to Tibetan Border (5,030 m)	8-10 hours	3,860 m
10	Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala	2.5-3 hours	4,460 m
11	Trek from Dharmasala to Bhimtang via Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)	8 hours	3,720 m
12	Trek from Bhimtang to Tilje	5-6 hours	2,300 m
13	Jeep from Tilje to Kathmandu (9 hours)	9 hours	1,400 m

It is also possible to extend this trek by including more overnight stays in villages between, or by adding the Tsum Valley Trek as an extension. Remember, most trekking companies recommend at least one rest day upon reaching altitudes above 3,400 meters to aid in acclimatization and avoid any issues later on.

Manaslu Circuit Elevation Chart (13-Day Itinerary)

What I loved about the Manaslu trekking circuit is that it offers a great elevation profile to prepare for the high elevation pass beyond 5,100 meters. Below is our elevation chart to help you understand what to expect from this Manaslu Circuit itinerary. 

About the Larkya La Pass

The Larkya La Pass is one of the longest passes of the Nepal Himalayas. However, it is much less steep on the ascent when walking in the recommended anti-clockwise direction.

The pass is much easier than other popular passes, such as the Three Passes Trek or the Thorong La Pass in Annapurna. However, it still promises a moderate physical challenge and breathtaking views. Some claim Manaslu's Larkya La Pass is one of the most beautiful passes in Nepal.

Accommodation & Tea Houses in the Manaslu Region

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a tea house trek. Tea houses in Nepal are lodge-style accommodations offering a warm bed and hot meals in a common dining hall. This means you do not need to bring a tent or other sleeping gear.

Tea house accommodation in the Manaslu Region is similar to other mountain regions of Nepal. You can expect a small room with plywood walls, a basic bed with a foam mattress, blanket, and pillow, and a shared common squat toilet. 

There is also charging available in most tea houses up to Dharamsala. Most teahouses also offer wifi at an additional cost (usually 500 Nepali rupees).

Rooms usually offer two single beds, which means guests will usually share a room if you are trekking alone in the peak trekking season. However, in the low season or shoulder seasons, you will almost certainly have room to yourself.

Manaslu Region Trekking Permits

Unlike the popular Sagarmatha National Park, the Manaslu Conservation Area is a Restricted Area, meaning you will need a "Restricted Area Permit". You will also need the conservation area permits for Manaslu and Annapurna (since you will enter the Annapurna Region after crossing to Manang via the Larkya La Pass).

Below is a summary of the permits and current costs. Keep in mind that your trekking company will arrange this for you in Kathmandu prior to departure.

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: USD $100 (Sep to Nov) or USD $75 (March to May)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit: 3000 Nepali Rupees
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: 3000 Nepali Rupees

Internet & Connectivity on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Internet is quite limited in the Manaslu Region, though many tea houses offer wifi for an additional cost. If you need to stay connected with family, I recommend buying a Garmin inReach Mini, which is what I use and is great for its SOS functionality.

Alternatively, you can buy a sim card in Kathmandu quite cheaply. Currently, only Nepal Telecom (NTC) offers signal within the Manaslu Conservation Area, so do not buy an Ncell sim if you are planning to use it on the trek. Even the NTC signal is quite limited, operating mostly on the “EDGE” network after Maccha Khola– which is only enough to send and receive an online message and doesn’t always work.

Seasons & Best Time to Trek in Manaslu

As with the other Himalayan trekking regions of Nepal, there are distinct seasons for trekking.

The best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit is between March to May and October & November.

I trekked in mid May, which is considered to be the end of the Spring trekking season in Nepal. As you can see from the photos, we experienced great weather, with reliably clear mornings and a usual afternoon shower. However, seasons have varied greatly in recent years, and trekking during the shoulder seasons is risky, but worth the reward of much quieter trails.

The monsoon season in Manaslu runs from late May to late August and is usually best avoided. During the winter season of December to February, expect very cold conditions with frequent snowfall.

The People & Culture of the Manaslu Region

The Manaslu region in Nepal is not only known for its awe-inspiring landscapes but also for its rich cultural heritage. The local communities residing in the region, particularly in the Upper Budhi Gandaki area, have a deep connection to their Tibetan roots and follow Tibetan Buddhism. These communities are often referred to as the Nupri people, meaning "people of the western mountains."

The Nupri people are direct descendants of Tibetan immigrants who settled in the region in the early 1600s. Over the centuries, they have preserved their unique cultural traditions, language, and religious practices, creating a distinct identity in these parts of the Himalayas. Their close proximity to Tibet has heavily influenced their way of life, and the local culture resonates with Tibetan Buddhism.

The region is dotted with numerous Buddhist monasteries and sacred sites, serving as spiritual centers for the local communities. These monasteries, adorned with colorful prayer flags, intricate murals, and prayer wheels, are not only places of worship but also cultural landmarks that hold immense historical and religious significance.

Hiring Porters & the Tipping Culture in Nepal

Unlike trekking guides, hiring porters is an optional luxury for your trek. You should discuss hiring porters to carry your sleeping and non-essential trekking items with your trekking company or guide. We decided to hire porters for our trek since we carry a lot of camera equipment. This makes the trek much more enjoyable and is an additional way to provide income to local communities.

While it is not compulsory to tip at tea houses or lunch spots, tipping your trekking guide and porters is an unspoken requirement when trekking in Nepal. This is up to your discretion but a recommended minimum is 500 NPR ($4 USD) for guides, or 400 NPR ($3 USD) for porters, per person, per day.

Packing List for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Below is my recommended gear list for the Manaslu Circuit. This is typically what I bring and I have split it up into:

• Trekking gear - what you wear and carry;
• Tea House Gear - what you will keep in your duffel bag

Money & Cash on the Manaslu Trek

There are no ATMs or opportunities to get cash anywhere once you begin the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Additionally, credit cards are not accepted anywhere, all payments are accepted in cash.

Therefore, it's imperative that you bring any cash (Nepali Rupees) you may need for tea houses and tips before departing from Kathmandu.

More FAQs About Trekking the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this comprehensive guide to trekking the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal. This was one of my favorite tea house treks to date and I couldn’t recommend it enough if you are looking for an authentic trekking experience with amazing Himalayan views without the Everest crowds.

Still not decided? Perhaps you want some more travel and hiking inspiration for Nepal? 

Check out the list below for more detailed travel guides and adventure inspiration!

• Best Places to Visit in Kathmandu - discover 21+ unmissable highlights in Nepal's capital.
• Kathmandu Itinerary - how to spend 3 days in Nepal's capital.
• Everest Three Passes Trek - my guide to the ultimate Everest trekking experience!
• Manaslu Circuit Trek - get off the beaten path and discover the Himalayan region of Manaslu.
• Climbing Island Peak - guide to my favorite 6,000 m+ trekking peak in Nepal.
• Climbing Mera Peak - my experience climbing Mera Peak (6,476 m).
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