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- 14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek
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Overview & Highlights
Trip Facts
- Max Elevation4460m
The 14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote and off-the-beaten-path journey that circles around the world’s eighth highest peak — Mount Manaslu (8,163m). Ideal for trekkers seeking a challenging and less commercialized Himalayan experience, this route offers dramatic mountain vistas, diverse landscapes, rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the thrilling crossing of the Larkya La Pass (5,106m).
Starting with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, the trail ascends along the Budhi Gandaki River, traversing suspension bridges, rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and ancient villages like Samagaon and Samdo. You’ll explore landmarks such as Birendra Lake and optionally hike to Manaslu Base Camp, before taking on the high mountain pass of Larkya La, the most exhilarating point of the trek.
Unlike the Annapurna or Everest regions, Manaslu remains relatively untouched, providing an authentic trekking experience where nature and culture harmoniously coexist. Since the area is part of a restricted region, a special permit is required, making the experience even more exclusive.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a determined adventurer, the Manaslu Circuit Trek 2025/2026 offers the perfect blend of solitude, adventure, and Himalayan beauty.
— ? Trek Highlights
Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola & return from Dharapani
Spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and more
Explore Samagaon, a Tibetan-influenced village
Hike to Birendra Lake and optional Manaslu Base Camp
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m) — one of Nepal’s longest and highest passes
Rich cultural encounters with Gurung, Tibetan, and Bhotia communities
Teahouse trekking through forests, gorges, and mountain valleys
Less crowded alternative to Everest and Annapurna regions
— ? Best Season to Trek Manaslu Circuit
| Season | Months | Weather Condition | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to May | Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons | Best views & warmer weather |
| Autumn | September to Nov | Stable weather, excellent visibility | Peak season with stunning mountain views |
| Winter | Dec to Feb | Cold and snow at higher elevations | Less crowded but Larkya Pass may close |
| Monsoon | June to August | Heavy rain, slippery trails | Not recommended |
— ? What to Pack for Manaslu Circuit Trek (Categorized)
— ? Clothing
Moisture-wicking base layers
Down jacket (cold nights)
Fleece or softshell jacket
Windproof & waterproof shell
Trekking pants, thermal bottoms
Gloves (liner + insulated)
Warm hat, sun hat, neck gaiter
— ? Footwear
Broken-in hiking boots (ankle support)
Camp shoes / sandals
Wool socks (3-4 pairs)
— — ? Sleeping & Accessories
Sleeping bag (-15°C or lower)
Lightweight sleeping liner (optional)
Trekking poles
Headlamp + extra batteries
— ? Toiletries & First Aid
Sunscreen, lip balm (SPF 30+)
Basic first aid kit
Personal medication
Hand sanitizer, wet wipes
Water purification tablets or filter
— ? Gear & Essentials
Backpack (35-45L)
Waterproof cover for backpack
Power bank/solar charger
Reusable water bottles (2L capacity)
Passport & permits
Snacks (energy bars, nuts)
Itinerary
Explore the day-by-day plan for your journey.
Your adventure begins with a long but scenic drive from Kathmandu. The road follows the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki Rivers, passing through bustling towns like Dhading, Arughat, and eventually reaching Soti Khola. As you move deeper into the countryside, the landscape changes from urban chaos to peaceful rural vistas.
Overnight: Teahouse at Soti Khola — near the riverbank amidst green hills.
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Elevation
710 m.
The trek starts with a gradual walk along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing several suspension bridges. You’ll pass small Gurung and Magar settlements, lush sal forests, and waterfalls. Expect some ups and downs, narrow trails, and a beautiful riverside lunch stop.
Overnight: Teahouse in Machha Khola, a small riverside village.
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Elevation
900 m.
Today’s trail continues through narrow gorges and terraced hills. After crossing Tatopani, a natural hot spring (optional break), you’ll hike past several ridges to reach Dobhan, where two rivers meet. The route is peaceful and full of natural beauty.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dobhan.
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Elevation
1000 m.
The trail ascends past Jagat, the main entry checkpoint for the restricted region. From here, the trek enters more remote and traditional territory. You’ll witness beautiful stone houses, waterfalls, and terraced farms. Philim is a culturally rich Gurung village.
Overnight: Teahouse in Philim.
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Elevation
1590 m.
A relatively short day, but the altitude starts increasing. The trail narrows, and the Budhi Gandaki becomes more dramatic. You’ll pass small settlements and prayer flags, with glimpses of higher peaks starting to appear. Deng is a small but charming Tibetan-influenced village.
Overnight: Teahouse in Deng.
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Elevation
2360 m.
Although the elevation gain is modest today, the trail takes you through dense pine and rhododendron forests. You’ll cross several suspension bridges and mani walls (prayer-inscribed stones). Ghap is a peaceful hamlet surrounded by forest, home to wild langurs and birdlife.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghap.
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Elevation
2165 m.
Today is a major gain in altitude and change in scenery. You’ll pass through alpine forests and arrive in Namrung, a checkpoint and ideal lunch stop. As you approach Lho, the Manaslu Massif starts dominating the skyline. Lho is a beautiful Tibetan-style village with stunning views of Mt. Manaslu.
Overnight: Teahouse in Lho, known for its monasteries and cultural charm.
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Elevation
3180 m.
An easy but rewarding day. You’ll follow ridges with jaw-dropping views of Himalchuli and Manaslu, passing through Shyala village, which offers 360° panoramas of snow peaks. Sama Gaon is the largest village in the region — the cultural heart of the Nubri Valley.
Overnight: Teahouse in Sama Gaon.
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Elevation
3525 m.
Take it easy and acclimatize. You can hike to:
Birendra Lake: A stunning glacial lake at the foot of Manaslu Glacier (1.5 hrs round trip)
Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m): A challenging but rewarding 4–5 hour round trip. Offers jaw-dropping views and helps your body adapt to altitude.
Sama Gaon is also home to ancient monasteries and yak pastures.
Overnight: Same teahouse in Sama Gaon.
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Elevation
3525 m.
A short and gentle hike today. The trail opens up into wide, barren alpine meadows. Along the way, you’ll cross yak grazing fields and seasonal shelters. Samdo is a Tibetan refugee village with dramatic mountain surroundings.
Overnight: Teahouse in Samdo.
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Elevation
3850 m.
The altitude rises quickly today, but the distance is short. The path follows a lateral moraine with views of Larkya Glacier. Dharamsala (also known as Larkya Phedi) is the last overnight stop before the pass. The area is windy, cold, and minimal in accommodation.
Overnight: Basic teahouse or hut at Dharamsala.
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Elevation
4460 m.
The toughest and most rewarding day. Start around 4–5 am. The ascent to Larkya La Pass is gradual but demanding due to the thin air and rocky terrain. Upon reaching the top (5,106m), you'll be rewarded with surreal views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II.
The descent is long and steep but scenic, leading to the lush valley of Bhimtang, one of the most beautiful campsites in the trek.
Overnight: Teahouse in Bhimtang.
A full descent through rhododendron forests and terraced fields. You’ll pass settlements like Tilije and Gho, re-entering the Annapurna region. The landscape transforms from alpine to subtropical as you reach Dharapani, a major trail junction.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dharapani.
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Elevation
1860 m.
Early breakfast and drive through Besisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara. The scenic journey takes 9–10 hours by private jeep, longer by local bus. Your Manaslu adventure ends here!
Food
BLD
Accommodation
Teahouse
Trip Cost & Services
Luxury Package Service Includes
Accommodation
2 nights in 4–5-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
Best available lodges during trek (attached bathroom where possible)
Transport
Private jeep Kathmandu → Soti Khola
Private jeep Dharapani → Kathmandu (direct)
Luxury transfers in Kathmandu
Welcome & farewell dinners in Kathmandu
Meals
All meals during trek with wide menu options
Breakfast in Kathmandu
Welcome & farewell cultural dinners
Guide & Porter
Senior trekking guide (restricted area experienced)
Porter service (20–25 kg per porter)
Staff insurance included
Permits & Fees
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Extras
Loaner trekking gear (sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles)
Emergency evacuation coordination (insurance required)
Daily health monitoring with oximeter
Cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu (optional add-on)
Luxury Package Service Excludes
International airfare
Nepal visa fees
Comprehensive travel insurance
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
Alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks
Tips for guide, porter, driver
Optional upgrades (helicopter, single supplement)
Costs due to delays/weather/natural disasters
Standard Package Service Includes
Accommodation
2 nights in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
Tea house/lodge stays during trek (twin-sharing)
Transport
Tourist bus Kathmandu → Soti Khola
Private jeep Dharapani → Besisahar
Tourist bus Besisahar → Kathmandu
Airport transfers in Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast in Kathmandu hotel
All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee)
Guide & Porter
Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers, 15–20 kg)
Permits & Fees
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Extras
Pre-trek briefing
First aid kit with oximeter
Standard Package Service Excludes
Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
Personal trekking equipment (rentable in Kathmandu)
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in lodges (paid locally)
Travel insurance
International airfare & Nepal visa fees
Alcohol, bottled water, snacks
Tips for guide, porter, driver
Extra costs due to delays/weather
Budget Package Service Includes
Accommodation
Tea house/lodge stays during trek (basic, twin-sharing)
Transport
Local bus Kathmandu → Soti Khola (trek start)
Local jeep Dharapani → Besisahar
Local bus Besisahar → Kathmandu
Airport pick-up in Kathmandu
Meals
Not included – trekkers pay directly at lodges
Guide & Porter
Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide (mandatory for restricted area)
No porter service (optional at extra cost)
Permits & Fees
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Extras
Pre-trek briefing in Kathmandu
Basic first aid kit with guide
Budget Package Service Excludes
Meals in Kathmandu & during trek
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
Porter service (optional)
Personal trekking gear (jackets, poles, sleeping bag, etc.)
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in lodges (paid locally)
Travel insurance (mandatory)
International airfare & Nepal visa fees
Alcohol, bottled water, snacks
Tips for guide, porter, driver
Costs due to delays/weather/natural disasters
Altitude & route map
Select a preview for a full-width, zoomable view.
14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Profile
Trip visual
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers for planning this trip with confidence.
Yes, it's a restricted area; trekking with a licensed guide is mandatory.
It’s considered moderately difficult due to altitude and long trekking days.
You’ll need Manaslu RAP, MCAP, ACAP, and Local permit
The pass is at 5,106 meters (16,752 ft).
Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov) are ideal.
No, it’s a quieter trail compared to Everest or Annapurna.
With good fitness and proper acclimatization, yes.
Basic teahouses with twin-sharing rooms and common toilets.
5–7 hours on average; longer on Larkya La day.
Yes, with emergency evacuation coverage.
Available in some teahouses for a small fee.
Sub-zero at higher elevations, especially at night.
Use boiled water or water purification methods.
Yes, at lodges for an extra charge.
Yes, we can shorten or extend based on your needs.
Yes, we offer both return options.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are widely available.
It's optional. Consult your doctor pre-trip.
Yes, but the cost may be higher.
Patchy and slow, available in select villages.
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