Manaslu and Gorkha Region
Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide
A remote, permit-controlled circuit through Gorkha-side valleys, Tibetan-influenced villages, and the high Larkya La pass.
Region
Manaslu and Gorkha Region
Duration
12-17 days
Difficulty
Hard
Best season
Mar-May and Oct-Nov
Max altitude
5,106 m at Larkya La
Route overview
How the Manaslu Circuit route usually flows.
The route commonly starts with a road transfer from Kathmandu toward Machha Khola or nearby trailheads in the Gorkha side.
It follows the Budhi Gandaki valley through villages such as Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Sama Gaun, Samdo, and Dharamsala before crossing Larkya La.
Manaslu is more remote and logistics-heavy than ABC or Langtang, so guide, permit, and safety planning matter.
Day-by-day itinerary
A practical starting itinerary.
Treat this as a planning frame, then adjust for weather, fitness, guide advice, and available lodges.
Day 1
930 m
Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Long road transfer
A rough road day sets the tone for a remote circuit.
Days 2-4
1,860 m
Machha Khola to Deng
Budhi Gandaki valley
Walk through river gorges, villages, bridges, and warm lower valleys.
Days 5-6
3,180 m
Deng to Namrung and Lho
Cultural transition
The landscape and village culture become more Himalayan.
Day 7
3,530 m
Lho to Sama Gaun
Manaslu views
Reach one of the major acclimatization bases.
Day 8
3,530 m
Acclimatization in Sama Gaun
Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp option
Rest and adapt before moving higher.
Day 9
3,875 m
Sama Gaun to Samdo
High village trail
A shorter day helps the body adjust.
Day 10
4,460 m
Samdo to Dharamsala
Larkya La approach
Prepare for the pass with early sleep and careful hydration.
Day 11
5,106 m
Cross Larkya La to Bimthang
High pass crossing
The hardest day requires early start, stable weather, and guide judgment.
Days 12-14
1,860 m
Bimthang to road access
Descent toward Dharapani or beyond
Descend into the Annapurna-side trail network and return by road.
Permit Information
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
Required for the restricted section; normally arranged through a registered agency with a licensed guide.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
Required for conservation area entry.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Often required because the exit connects into the Annapurna conservation area.
Cost Expectation
Guided standard style: USD 70-130 per day
Guide, lodging, meals, permits, and practical support on a remote route.
Restricted permit impact: Higher than common treks
Permit pricing varies by season and group logistics.
Transport and buffer: USD 120-300+
Private jeeps, rough roads, and extra safety days can shift the final cost.
Difficulty And Fitness
Manaslu Circuit needs strong multi-day fitness, comfort with remote conditions, and patience for long rough-road access. The Larkya La crossing is a serious high-pass day.
Best Time To Go
Autumn and spring are the main windows. Winter can bring snow and severe cold near the pass; monsoon increases landslide, road, and trail risk.
Transport Access
Start with a long road transfer from Kathmandu toward the Gorkha-side trailhead. Exit commonly connects by road through Dharapani or Besisahar-side transport depending on conditions.
Travel utility checklist
Manaslu Circuit trekking essentials
Use this as the reusable trek checklist for permits, transport, cost ranges, altitude, emergency planning, and official references.
Last verified: 2026-07-09
Permit Information
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
Required for the restricted section; normally arranged through a registered agency with a licensed guide.
Confirm current requirements with official sources or a licensed trekking agency before departure.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
Required for conservation area entry.
Confirm current requirements with official sources or a licensed trekking agency before departure.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Often required because the exit connects into the Annapurna conservation area.
Confirm current requirements with official sources or a licensed trekking agency before departure.
Transport Options
Access
Start with a long road transfer from Kathmandu toward the Gorkha-side trailhead. Exit commonly connects by road through Dharapani or Besisahar-side transport depending on conditions.
Estimated Costs
Guided standard style
USD 70-130 per day
Guide, lodging, meals, permits, and practical support on a remote route.
Restricted permit impact
Higher than common treks
Permit pricing varies by season and group logistics.
Transport and buffer
USD 120-300+
Private jeeps, rough roads, and extra safety days can shift the final cost.
Emergency, Hospital And Altitude
Max altitude
5,106 m at Larkya La
Fitness
Manaslu Circuit needs strong multi-day fitness, comfort with remote conditions, and patience for long rough-road access. The Larkya La crossing is a serious high-pass day.
Hospital information
Identify the nearest health post, HRA aid post, or evacuation plan before starting high-altitude sections
ATM, Internet And SIM
Cash planning
Carry enough cash after leaving the gateway town; ATM reliability is not guaranteed on trail
Internet and SIM
Expect mobile data and lodge Wi-Fi to vary by valley, altitude, weather, and power availability
Weather And Seasonal Notes
Best season
Mar-May and Oct-Nov
Best time detail
Autumn and spring are the main windows. Winter can bring snow and severe cold near the pass; monsoon increases landslide, road, and trail risk.
Packing Tips
Core trek packing
Warm layers, rain shell, broken-in boots, sun protection, water treatment, headlamp, power bank, and offline permit copies
Safety notes
Use a licensed guide and confirm restricted-area permit rules before booking. Do not cross Larkya La in unstable weather or without local route advice. Carry a larger buffer than easier treks because road, weather, and altitude risks stack together. Insurance should cover high passes, remote trekking, and evacuation.
Nearby Places
Gorkha
Historic hill region and practical identity marker for Manaslu access.
Kathmandu
Permit, agency, gear, and road-transfer base for Manaslu.
Travel warnings and verification notes
- Permit, guide, and route rules can change; confirm before paying for a fixed plan.
- Altitude illness can become serious. Do not ascend if symptoms worsen.
Official government and tourism references
Discover Nepal Hub explains the planning context and links out to official sources. It does not replace government or permit services.
Safety notes
Build safety into the plan before the trail starts.
Use a licensed guide and confirm restricted-area permit rules before booking.
Do not cross Larkya La in unstable weather or without local route advice.
Carry a larger buffer than easier treks because road, weather, and altitude risks stack together.
Insurance should cover high passes, remote trekking, and evacuation.
Related places
Destination pages connected to this trek.
Route planner
Connect Manaslu Circuit with the rest of your Nepal route.
Use the planner to compare arrival bases, recovery days, and nearby destination pages before fixing your schedule.