14 Days • 5,165 m • Manaslu Circuit
The Manaslu Circuit circles Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth-highest peak. It's a government-designated restricted area — special permit, licensed guide required — which keeps the trail quiet even in peak season. The route follows the Budhi Gandaki river gorge into Nubri and Tsum country, where Tibetan-influenced Buddhist culture continues much as it has for centuries, then crosses Larkya La Pass (5,165m) and descends into the Bimtang valley.
A restricted-area journey through the Manaslu Conservation Area — where snow leopards roam, prayer wheels turn and permits keep the trail genuinely quiet.
The circuit's high point — a pre-dawn crossing over glaciated terrain at 5,165 meters.
Special permits keep this circuit quiet — days can pass with more yaks on the trail than trekkers.
Sama Gaon, Lho and Samado — living monasteries, mani walls and a culture little changed in centuries.
From subtropical river gorge to a glaciated 5,165-meter pass — a complete circuit of the world's eighth highest mountain.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Thamel.
Welcome briefing with your guide and permit preparation in the evening.
A free day in Kathmandu — visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath.
The day is also used for finalizing your restricted-area permits, equipment checks and completing any remaining preparations.
Bring your original passport today — the Restricted Area Permit cannot be issued without it.
A long drive takes us from Kathmandu through Arughat to Machha Khola, following the Budhi Gandaki River.
The road winds through villages and riverside terrain to our first overnight stop on the circuit.
We begin our trek, climbing through forest and crossing suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki.
We pass the natural hot springs at Tatopani and reach Jagat — the checkpoint and gateway to the Manaslu Conservation Area.
The trail crosses and re-crosses the Budhi Gandaki through forests and past small settlements.
We reach Deng, where the influence of Tibetan culture begins to emerge with mani walls and prayer flags.
We continue climbing through rhododendron and pine forests, crossing the river and ascending to the beautiful Buddhist village of Namrung — where chortens, mani walls and prayer flags mark the beginning of authentic high-Himalayan culture.
Today's trail offers dramatic, close-up views of Mt. Manaslu and surrounding peaks.
Passing through the village of Lho, we arrive at Sama Gaon — the largest high-altitude settlement on the circuit, with a spectacular backdrop of Manaslu.
A crucial acclimatization day. For an optional morning hike, we can trek toward Manaslu Base Camp (4,400m) or visit the sacred Birendra Lake for outstanding views of the glacier and the mountain, before resting in Sama Gaon for the night.
The Birendra Lake walk is gentler — save your legs if you're feeling the altitude.
We make a short but steep climb to Samado, a small village close to the Tibetan border where snow leopards and wild blue sheep are occasionally spotted.
The landscape grows dramatically more barren and high-alpine.
We climb past the Larkya Glacier base camp to reach Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), the last tea house before the pass.
The path is short but steep and dry — we rest early tonight to prepare for tomorrow's long crossing.
The most important and challenging day of the journey. Starting around 4:00 AM, we climb steeply for 4-5 hours across glaciated terrain to Larkya La Pass, opening onto a panorama of Himalayan giants.
After celebrating, we make the long descent to the lush green valley of Bimtang.
Headlamp, insulated gloves and windproof layers are essential — the pre-dawn wind on the pass is fierce.
We descend through forests along the Dudh Khola river, passing the villages of Goa and Tilche, arriving at Tilije — where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit route.
We celebrate the completion of the circuit with our guides and porters.
A long drive takes us from Tilije back to Kathmandu along the Marsyangdi valley.
In the evening, we enjoy a traditional Nepalese farewell dinner in Thamel.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.
Depart with lasting memories of Nepal's most remote and spectacular mountain circuit.
One clear package covers the full circuit — including every restricted-area permit — with no surprises on the trail.
Restricted-area treks demand experienced local handling — from the moment you land until your final departure, every detail is covered.
Government-licensed guides — mandatory and invaluable in Manaslu
RAP, MCAP and ACAP permits processed entirely by our team
A full rest day at Sama Gaon before the 5,165m crossing
The best available tea houses booked ahead at every stop
Hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners on every trekking day
Overland transport to Machha Khola and back from Tilije
Emergency coordination and helicopter rescue on standby
Every service in your itinerary is confirmed upfront, before you leave home
"For days the only sounds are the river, the wind and turning prayer wheels — then Larkya La opens onto a sea of peaks."
— Crossing Larkya La, 5,165 metres
A glimpse of what awaits around Nepal's hidden circuit — click any photo to view it full size.
Larkya La Pass, Day 11
Budhi Gandaki gorge, Day 4
Jagat, Day 4
Lho village, Day 7
Manaslu, 8,163 metres
We would rather show you nothing than show you something we made up. Reviews from trekkers who have walked this route with us will be published here in their own words, with their permission.
Enquire About This TrekSend us your preferred dates and group size — we'll confirm availability within 24 hours and start your restricted-area permit process.
Fully licensed Nepali agency — Regd No: 125496/078/079
Restricted Area, MCAP and ACAP permits handled end to end
Minimum two trekkers required — we can match solo travelers
Full day-by-day itinerary, inclusions and packing list in PDF
Manaslu Circuit • 14 Days • Free quote within 24 hours
Recommendation
Govt. Reg. No. 125496/078/079
