Manaslu Circuit Trek Package is perfect for those seeking an extraordinary Himalayan adventure away from the busy Everest and Annapurna routes. This trek circles the stunning Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak at 8,163 meters, offering untouched natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and a true sense of exploration in one of Nepal’s less-traveled regions.
What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek All About?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking adventure that starts from the foothills of the low hills of Gorkha and gradually moves into the rough, high-altitude terrain surrounding the Manaslu massif. The trek route passes along remote villages, ancient monasteries, deep gorges, and alpine forests and eventually crosses the breathtaking Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters. Along the way, you will have an interesting Tibetan-influenced culture, scenic Himalayan landscapes, and diverse landscapes ranging from subtropical valleys to frozen high mountain passes.
What are the Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
What truly makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek special is its remoteness and authenticity. Unlike the more commercial treks in Nepal, Manaslu feels wild and peaceful. You’ll be walking through villages like Samagaun and Samdo, where people still live traditional mountain lifestyles. You’ll experience some of the most stunning mountain vistas, especially of Manaslu itself, and crossing Larkya La Pass is a memorable achievement. Suspension bridges across roaring rivers, monasteries stuck on cliff walls, herds of yaks grazing against emerald green meadows these are just a few examples of what you’ll see.
Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
If you are a nature, culture, and real adventure person, then this trek is meant for you. It’s ideal for trekkers who want something that is out of the way but equally if not more rewarding than the popular routes. Not only does the trek push your physical limits, but it also gives you a real cultural experience. You get to mingle with people, see old customs, and appreciate the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas in a less crowded, more intimate setting.
How Difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Let’s be honest this trek isn’t for everyone. The Manaslu Circuit is considered moderately difficult to challenging. You’ll be walking for 6 to 8 hours a day on rugged trails with plenty of ascents and descents. The highest point, Larkya La Pass, sits at a lung-busting 5,160 meters, so you’ll need to acclimatize properly. That said, if you’re reasonably fit, have done some multi-day hikes before, and come prepared with the right gear and mindset, it’s doable and incredibly rewarding.
What Are the Trekking Permit Costs for Manaslu?
Because the Manaslu region falls under a restricted area, special permits are required. The cost varies slightly depending on the season. From September to November, the restricted area permit is USD 100 for the first 7 days and USD 15 for each additional day. From December to August, it’s slightly cheaper at USD 75 for the first 7 days and USD 10 after that. On top of that, you’ll need permits for the Manaslu Conservation Area (USD 30) and the Annapurna Conservation Area (USD 30). An A.TIMS card is not necessary to do this trek, though you must accompany a registered guide and be in a group of two or more trekkers.
What is the Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit?
The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is from March to May, springtime, or September to November, autumn time. These months give you pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Spring will wake up the rhododendron forests in their colorful hues, while autumn will reward you with clean air and incredible visibility. Monsoon months (June to August) make trails slippery and rivers dangerous, and the winter months (December to February) may also see heavy snowfall, especially over the pass.
How Do You Get to the Starting Point of the Manaslu Trek?
The hike usually starts from a small village called Soti Khola or else Machha Khola depending on road conditions. To get there, you will first take a drive from Kathmandu to Arughat, which usually takes 6–7 hours. Then another 2–3 hours to Soti Khola by jeep. Roads are not good, so buckle up. It is all part of the adventure and the build-up to the unspoiled beauty that follows later.
What to carry on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Packing wisely is the secret to a comfortable Manaslu Circuit Trek. You will need warm attire for high altitudes, including a good down jacket, thermal clothes, fleece, water-resistant gear, gloves, and a woolen cap. For lower altitudes, lightweight trekking trousers and shirts are useful. A sturdy pair of trekking boots is a must, as are sandals for evenings. Other essentials include a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, trekking poles, a water bottle with purification tablets, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, a headlamp, and your toiletries. A first aid kit and altitude sickness medication are also good to carry. Since you’ll pass through remote areas, pack light but smart.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Package
Duration: 12 Days
Best For: Adventure Seekers & Culture Lovers
Price: 790 USD Only
Includes: Transportation, Accommodation, Guide, TIMS & Permits
How High Does the Manaslu Trek Go?
The trek starts at approximately 710 meters at Soti Khola and rises to Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters. All the high-altitude villages like Samagaun (3,530m) and Samdo (3,875m) are used for acclimatization. Altitude control is important so that you don’t get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and almost all itineraries include a minimum of one or two acclimatization days to acclimate you.
How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek and How Far Will I walk?
In terms of distance, the full Manaslu Circuit Trek is about 177 kilometers (around 110 miles). Depending on your pace and side trips such as a detour to the Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp it usually takes 14 to 18 days to complete. On average, you’ll be walking 10 to 20 kilometers per day, with some shorter and some much tougher days, especially around the pass.
Is Solo Trekking Allowed in the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Sorry, solo trekking for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is not allowed. The region falls under a restricted area trek zone, which means that you will have to obtain a special permit which will require you to be with a group of two trekkers at least, and you must have a licensed guide accompanying you through a government-registered trekking company. This is a safety regulation due to the remote location of the place, limited communication facilities, and challenging terrain. So, you cannot go completely solo, but you can still be a part of a small group or even take a private trek from an agency with a guide and porter for an individual experience.
How to Prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
One needs to prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek to get the most out of this experience. To begin with, you must get your body in shape. The trek requires several days of hiking 6–8 hours a day over rough ground, high altitude, and steep passes. Therefore, begin training at least a month before your travel date. Engage in cardio exercises, strengthening exercises for your legs, practice hiking with a backpack, and practice long walks up slopes if feasible.
And then, naturally, there is the psychological preparation. Expect easy accommodation, cold nights, and little comfort. Research altitude sickness and how to avoid it, as the trek is beyond 5,000 meters. And make sure you pack sensibly and do not forget essentials such as good trekking boots, a down jacket, water purification tablets, and a reasonable sleeping bag.
What are the Electricity and Wi-Fi options on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
When it comes to electricity and Wi-Fi, the Manaslu region is quite remote from any high-tech connection, so have low expectations. Electricity is available in most villages, but it might or might not always be working, and it might or might not always be free. In lower areas like Soti Khola, Machha Khola, and Jagat, there are standard charging facilities available in teahouses. But as you go higher towards places like Samagaun or Samdo, charging batteries can cost a little, and sometimes it is only done at certain times, typically powered by solar panels.
Wi-Fi is slowly reaching a few villages, especially close to Namrung and Samagaun, but it’s slow, expensive, and not always reliable. Don’t count on video calling or taking pictures on the trek. It’s better to carry a local NTC SIM card with a data plan, which works in some areas but not all. For peace of mind, take a power bank or solar charger with you, and enjoy the digital detox in the mountains!
12-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Detailed Itinerary
Below is a suggested 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, including travel and acclimatization:
Day 1: Drive to Soti Khola (710m)
Scenic early morning drive (8–9 hours) from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat. Overnight in a local teahouse.
Day 2: Trek to Machha Khola (900m)
Begin trekking through sal forests and scenic river valleys. Rocky and narrow trail. Overnight in Machha Khola.
Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1,410m)
Continue the journey along the Budhi Gandaki River. Cross suspension bridges, pass Khorlabesi and Tatopani (hot springs). Overnight in Jagat.
Day 4: Trek to Deng (1,804m)
You’ll walk through narrow gorges and bamboo forests today. Reach the small settlement of Deng. Overnight stay.
Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2,630m)
Ascend gradually through the woodland of alpine trees, with intermittent glimpses of snow-covered peaks in the distance. Namrung is a Tibetan-style village with fine views.
Day 6: Trek to Samagaun (3,530m)
Possibly one of the loveliest days as you reach the high Himalaya. Walk through the villages of Lho and Shyala. Camp in the beautiful village of Samagaun.
Manaslu Base Camp Trek Package
Duration: 12 Days
Best For: Adventure Seekers & Culture Lovers
Includes: Transportation, Accommodation, Guide, TIMS & Permits
Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun
Rest and explore. Optional day hikes to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa. This day helps your body acclimate to altitude.
Day 8: Trek to Samdo (3,875m)
Smaller trekking day with easier incline. Samdo is a Tibetan refugee town along the Tibetan border. Overnight lodging.
Day 9: Trek to Dharamsala (4,460m)
Also known as Larkya Phedi, it is the last camp before the high pass. Short day of trekking but the most difficult. Early dinner and rest.
Day 10: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) – Trek to Bimthang (3,590m)
Most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Early morning start, cross the stunning Larkya La Pass, and then descend to Bimthang. Expect a long but stunning day.
Day 11: Trek to Dharapani (1,960m)
Continue descending through rhododendron forests and farmland. Join the Annapurna Circuit trail in Dharapani. Overnight in a teahouse.
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar
Take a jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar, then a shared vehicle or private car to Kathmandu. It’s a long drive (8–9 hours), but you’ll be back in the capital by evening.
What are the Cost Includes and Excludes for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Now let’s talk about what’s usually covered in a standard trekking package and what you’ll need to pay extra for.
What’s Included for the Manaslu Trek?
Your package will generally include:
- All trekking permits (RAP, MCAP, ACAP)
- Licensed, English-speaking guide and porter
- All accommodation in the teahouses during the trek
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) while trekking
- Transport by local bus or private jeep (Kathmandu to Soti Khola & back from Dharapani)
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (1–2 nights according to the itinerary)
- Government tax and service charge
- Agency-provided first-aid kit and safety gear
What’s Not Included for the Manaslu Trek?
You will need to pay for:
- International airfare and visa
- Food in Kathmandu or beyond the trekking zone
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Tips for a porter and a guide (traditional)
- Additional night stays or transportation because of delays or weather
- Wi-Fi, hot showers, and charging devices in the mountains (possibly with an extra charge)
- Travel insurance that must include high-altitude rescue
Suggested Read If you are Nepali: Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost for Nepali Trekkers in 2025
How do I hire a guide and porter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
You may recruit a certified guide and porter from registered trekking agencies of Kathmandu or Pokhara. They organize all the permits, deploy experienced local guides familiar with the Manaslu region, and assign porters to carry your luggage, thereby making the trek safe and easier.
How much does the package cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The cost of the average price of the Manaslu Circuit Trek package can range from USD 900 to USD 1,500 per person for about 12 to 16 days. This normally includes permits, transfers, guide and porter fees, accommodation during trekking, and meals. Prices vary based on the level of service, group size, and travel season.
Which is the best trekking company for the Manaslu Circuit Trek package?
The best trekking company for Manaslu Circuit Trek is one that is officially licensed by Nepal’s tourism governing bodies, with excellent positive reviews, specializes in off-the-beaten-path trekking, and focuses on safety and sustainable tourism. It is advisable to search online, read traveler comments, and ask for referrals before making a booking. From my suggestion Adventure Vision Treks and Everest High Pass Adventures can be best options for you.