Overview And Highlights
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
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Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola & return from Dharapani
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Spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and more
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Explore Samagaon, a Tibetan-influenced village
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Hike to Birendra Lake and optional Manaslu Base Camp
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Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m) — one of Nepal’s longest and highest passes
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Rich cultural encounters with Gurung, Tibetan, and Bhotia communities
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Teahouse trekking through forests, gorges, and mountain valleys
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Less crowded alternative to Everest and Annapurna regions
📅 Best Season to Trek Manaslu Circuit
Season | Months | Weather Condition | Pros |
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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
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Moisture-wicking base layers
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Down jacket (cold nights)
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Fleece or softshell jacket
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Windproof & waterproof shell
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Trekking pants, thermal bottoms
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Gloves (liner + insulated)
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Warm hat, sun hat, neck gaiter
🥾 Footwear
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Broken-in hiking boots (ankle support)
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Camp shoes / sandals
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Wool socks (3-4 pairs)
🛏️ Sleeping & Accessories
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Sleeping bag (-15°C or lower)
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Lightweight sleeping liner (optional)
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Trekking poles
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Headlamp + extra batteries
💊 Toiletries & First Aid
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Sunscreen, lip balm (SPF 30+)
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Basic first aid kit
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Personal medication
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Hand sanitizer, wet wipes
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Water purification tablets or filter
📸 Gear & Essentials
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Backpack (35-45L)
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Waterproof cover for backpack
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Power bank/solar charger
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Reusable water bottles (2L capacity)
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Passport & permits
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Snacks (energy bars, nuts)
Itinerary Expand All Close All
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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
710
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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
900
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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
1000
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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
1590
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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
2360
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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
2165
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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
3180
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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
3525
Take it easy and acclimatize. You can hike to:
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Birendra Lake: A stunning glacial lake at the foot of Manaslu Glacier (1.5 hrs round trip)
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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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
3525
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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
3850
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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
4460
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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
1860
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
Accomodation
Teahouse
Services Included on Price
Cost Includes
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Accommodation
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Tea house/lodge stays during trek (basic, twin-sharing)
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Transport
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Local bus Kathmandu → Soti Khola (trek start)
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Local jeep Dharapani → Besisahar
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Local bus Besisahar → Kathmandu
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Airport pick-up in Kathmandu
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Meals
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Not included – trekkers pay directly at lodges
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Guide & Porter
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Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide (mandatory for restricted area)
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No porter service (optional at extra cost)
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Permits & Fees
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Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
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Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
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Extras
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Pre-trek briefing in Kathmandu
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Basic first aid kit with guide
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Cost Excludes
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Meals in Kathmandu & during trek
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Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
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Porter service (optional)
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Personal trekking gear (jackets, poles, sleeping bag, etc.)
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Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in lodges (paid locally)
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Travel insurance (mandatory)
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International airfare & Nepal visa fees
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Alcohol, bottled water, snacks
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Tips for guide, porter, driver
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Costs due to delays/weather/natural disasters
Standard Package Service Includes
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Accommodation
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2 nights in 3★ hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
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Tea house/lodge stays during trek (twin-sharing)
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Transport
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Tourist bus Kathmandu → Soti Khola
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Private jeep Dharapani → Besisahar
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Tourist bus Besisahar → Kathmandu
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Airport transfers in Kathmandu
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Meals
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Breakfast in Kathmandu hotel
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All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee)
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Guide & Porter
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Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
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Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers, 15–20 kg)
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Permits & Fees
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Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
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Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
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Extras
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Pre-trek briefing
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First aid kit with oximeter
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Standard Package Service Excludes
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Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
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Personal trekking equipment (rentable in Kathmandu)
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Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in lodges (paid locally)
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Travel insurance
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International airfare & Nepal visa fees
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Alcohol, bottled water, snacks
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Tips for guide, porter, driver
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Extra costs due to delays/weather
Luxury Package Service Includes
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Accommodation
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2 nights in 4–5★ hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
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Best available lodges during trek (attached bathroom where possible)
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Transport
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Private jeep Kathmandu → Soti Khola
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Private jeep Dharapani → Kathmandu (direct)
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Luxury transfers in Kathmandu
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Welcome & farewell dinners in Kathmandu
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Meals
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All meals during trek with wide menu options
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Breakfast in Kathmandu
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Welcome & farewell cultural dinners
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Guide & Porter
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Senior trekking guide (restricted area experienced)
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Porter service (20–25 kg per porter)
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Staff insurance included
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Permits & Fees
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Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
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Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
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Extras
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Loaner trekking gear (sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles)
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Emergency evacuation coordination (insurance required)
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Daily health monitoring with oximeter
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Cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu (optional add-on)
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Luxury Package Service Excludes
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International airfare
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Nepal visa fees
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Comprehensive travel insurance
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
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Alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks
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Tips for guide, porter, driver
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Optional upgrades (helicopter, single supplement)
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Costs due to delays/weather/natural disasters
14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Profile
FAQs
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Yes, it's a restricted area; trekking with a licensed guide is mandatory.
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It’s considered moderately difficult due to altitude and long trekking days.
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You’ll need Manaslu RAP, MCAP, ACAP, and Local permit
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The pass is at 5,106 meters (16,752 ft).
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Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov) are ideal.
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No, it’s a quieter trail compared to Everest or Annapurna.
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With good fitness and proper acclimatization, yes.
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Basic teahouses with twin-sharing rooms and common toilets.
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5–7 hours on average; longer on Larkya La day.
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Yes, with emergency evacuation coverage.
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Available in some teahouses for a small fee.
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Sub-zero at higher elevations, especially at night.
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Use boiled water or water purification methods.
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Yes, at lodges for an extra charge.
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Yes, we can shorten or extend based on your needs.
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Yes, we offer both return options.
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Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are widely available.
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It's optional. Consult your doctor pre-trip.
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Yes, but the cost may be higher.
Patchy and slow, available in select villages.