Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal | Cost and Itinerary

The trek circles Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), the 8th highest mountain in the world. You start in lush green lowlands with waterfalls and slowly climb into a high-altitude "alpine desert" where people follow ancient Tibetan traditions.

Duration: 15 days.
Highest Point: Larkya La Pass (5,106 m).
Difficulty: Challenging (requires good fitness and walking 6–8 hours a day).
Best Time: March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn).

Essential Updates

Road Access: New roads reach Machha Khola, making the trek start easier; upper trails remain untouched.
Tea Houses: Lodges in Lho and Samagaun are improved, offering solar charging and basic Wi-Fi; higher spots like Dharamsala are still simple.
Guide Requirement: Trekking alone is now allowed with a licensed guide; you no longer need two trekkers.
Permits: Trekking fees are $100/week in autumn ($15/day extra) and $75/week in other seasons ($10/day extra), plus MCAP, ACAP, and Chumnubri Rural Municipality permits (~$25–$30 each).

Trip at a Glance

Country: Nepal
Trip grade: Strenuous
Destination: Manaslu region
Activities: Trekking
Accommodation: Hotels/Lodges
Meals: Full-board on trek
Transportation: Private vehicle
Maximum altitude: Larkya La (5213m)
Group size: 2 pax min
Best Season: Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Manaslu Circuit Trek: Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek stands as one of Nepal’s premier "off-the-beaten-path" adventures, circling the majestic Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak. As a restricted area trek, it requires a higher level of logistical preparation, including a mandatory licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers per group.

Travellers should plan for a 14 to 18-day itinerary, with cost depending on group size and service preferences. This price typically covers the necessary Restricted Area Permits (RAP), MCAP, and ACAP registrations required to enter this protected border region.

The trekking experience is defined by its dramatic geographical transition, starting from the subtropical foothills of the Budi Gandaki River and ascending into the arid trans-Himalayan pastures near Tibet.

The cultural heart of the journey lies in the Tibetan-style villages of Namrung, Lho, and Samagaon, where the local "Nubri" people maintain ancient Buddhist traditions. Known as the "Spirit Mountain", Manaslu provides a backdrop of deep spiritual significance, with the trail passing through high-altitude alpine meadows and beneath the mammoth North Face of the massif.

The technical highlight of the trek is the crossing of the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 metres (16,752 ft). This challenging ascent offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of peaks, including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II.

Following a scenic but adventurous drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, trekkers follow a series of steep ascents and descents before acclimatising in Samagaon. After conquering the pass, the route descends through the stunning Marsyangdi Valley to conclude in Dharapani, offering a complete and rewarding Himalayan circuit.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights

Explore the fascinating Budi Gandaki River Valley.
Relish the scintillating mountainous panorama of Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29), and Mt. Manaslu as you anchor at the village of Shya.
Explore the remote settlements of Samagaon and Samdo.
Hike to the daunting mountain pass, Larkya La (5106 m), to witness the stunning panorama of Himlung Himal (7,125 m), Cheo Himal (6,820 m), Kang Guru (6,980 m), and Annapurna II (7,937 m).
Witness the harmonious blend of Tibetan and Nepali culture.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost Breakdown

The cost for the Manaslu Circuit depends on the kind of package you choose, from budget to mid-range and deluxe. Below are the approximate costs involved during the trek, which mostly include permits, guide & porters, food, trek accommodation, transfers.

Cost Component	Budget Trek (USD/NPR)	Mid-Range Trek (USD/NPR)	Deluxe Trek (USD/NPR)	Notes
Trekking Permit	USD 220 per person	USD 220 per person	USD 220 per person	Restricted Area Permit (RAP) + ACAP/MCAP
Guide & Porter	USD 50 per day	USD 60 per day	USD 70 per day	Mandatory for all trekkers
Accommodation (Teahouses)	USD 15 per day	USD 20 per day	USD 25 per day	13 days stay
Food & Drinks	USD 45 per person	USD 55 per person	USD 65 per person	Breakfast, lunch, dinner included
Transport (Kathmandu to pick-up/drop-off at trek start/finish point)	USD 585 (Total)	USD 685 (Total)	USD 785 (Total)	Jeep (private vehicle)
Miscellaneous	USD 50 per person	USD 70 per person	USD 90 per person	Snacks, tea, hot shower, tips
Total Estimated Cost	USD 1980	USD 2210	USD 2465	12–16 days trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek short itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (869 m/9 hrs)
Day 03: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,300m/5-6 hours)
Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m/6-7 hrs)
Day 05: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2900m/7-8 hrs)
Day 06: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3180m/4-5 hrs)
Day 07: Trek from Lho to Samagaon (3520m/4-5 hrs)
Day 08: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun (3520m)
Day 09: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3875m/4-5 hrs)
Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4460m/4-5 hrs)
Day 11: Trek from Dharmasala to Bhimtang (3,720 m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106 m/8-9 hrs)
Day 12: Trek from Bhimtang to Goa (2,515m/5-6 hrs)
Day 13: Trek from Goa to Dharapani (1860m/5-6 hours)
Day 14: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar (1400m/9 hrs)
Day 15: Final Departure

Permits & Rules for Manaslu Trek

You must get all Manaslu Circuit Trek permits before starting. The Manaslu region is a restricted area, so permits and rules are strictly enforced for safety and conservation.

Manaslu is a restricted area for trekking in Nepal, so you will need a RAP (Restricted Area Permit) to trek in the Manaslu region. Additionally, you will require an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit and an MCAP (Machhapuchhre Conservation Area Project) permit, plus the Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit.

Any independent trekkers cannot obtain the RAP permit by themselves, and you need to issue the permit through a registered trekking agency in Nepal, like Marron Treks. Any freelancFte trek guide cannot obtain the RAP permit, and a trek guide to accompany you through the trek is mandatory.

If you plan to extend your trek to Tsum Valley, located closer to the Manaslu Region, then the Tsum Valley permit is also required.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit applies from Jagat up to Dharapani. The permit cost depends on the high trek season and the low trek season.

September to November (High trek season)	USD 100 per person for first 7 days	Additional USD 15 per person per day after day 8
December to August (Low Trek season)	USD 75 per person for first 7 days	Additional USD 10 per person per day after day 8

Original passports are required to issue the RAP permit; you need to plan to arrive in Kathmandu at least 2 days before your trek’s departure. On day 2 in Kathmandu, all permits shall be issued upon submitting your passport, and then your passport will be handed back to you.

Besides a passport, a copy of your Nepal Visa is also required during the RAP application process, but your printed photograph isn’t needed since the photograph will be uploaded via Nepal Visa online and already printed on the RAP permit.

ACAP & MCAP Permits, Chumnubri Rural Municipality

Since the trek passes through Annapurna and Machhapuchhre national parks, permits for both national parks are required. The permit fee is to protect the fragile nature and environment of these areas. The permit cost remains the same regardless of the days spent in ACAP or MCAP.

ACAP Permit Cost	USD 30 per person
MCAP Permit Cost	USD 30 per person
Chumnubri Municipality Permit Cost	USD 15 per person

Guide Requirement (Mandatory)

You cannot trek without a licensed guide in the Manaslu region since solo trekking is restricted. Hiring a licensed guide is mandatory as per Nepal government rules. This is for your own safety since Manaslu is an off-the-beaten path in Nepal.

Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The best time for a trek to Manaslu is when the weather is clear, and the mountains are visible. You need to choose the right season, which makes your trek even more enjoyable, safer, and hassle-free.

Spring vs Autumn

Season	Details
Spring (March to May)	Temperature is warm and beautiful, rhododendron flowers in bloom, clear mountain views, slight haze in lower areas
Autumn (September to November)	Stable weather, clear skies, best mountain views, cold nights at high elevation

Spring (March to May) is the ideal season when the temperature is warm and beautiful. The trail is decorated with rhododendron flowers in bloom, and you will have clear mountain views. The only drawback is that there might be a bit of haze in lower areas.

Autumn (September to November)

The best time for Manaslu Trek is when the weather is stable with clear skies, and the mountain views are at their best. Nights can be cold since Manaslu is at a high elevation, and trekking conditions are perfect. It is considered the best time for trekking in Nepal.

Weather and Visibility

Mostly the weather is stable both in spring and autumn. The mountains are visible as you trek along with spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters) - the world's eighth-highest mountain, and surrounding peaks. Mornings and nights can be cold at higher elevations, but daytime is mild and good for walking.

Avoid monsoon/winter.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August) receives heavy rainfall, which causes landslides and slippery trails. This makes trekking even more difficult. Winter (December to February) is the coldest month when high passes are blocked with heavy snow. This makes trekking risky. Both monsoon and winter seasons are to be avoided.

Spring temperatures	0–20°C in lower areas	5 to 10°C above 4,000 m
Autumn temperatures	5–15°C at mid-altitude	-10 to 5°C at Larke Pass
Summer/Monsoon temperatures	15–25°C at low altitudes	0–10°C above 4,000 m
Winter temperatures	-10 to 5°C at mid-altitude	-20°C or lower at Larke Pass

Difficulty, Preparation & Packing

The Manaslu Circuit Trekking, aka the Larkya La Pass trek, is a challenging and strenuous trek. The trek is in the remote region of Nepal, taking you to high altitudes. But don’t worry; with good physical preparation and mental preparedness, you will surely complete the trek with no trouble.

Trek Difficulty Level

It’s a challenging trek with an average daily walking hour of 6-7 hours on rough trails and at times steep sections. You will reach the trek’s highest point at Larkya La Pass (5,160m) which is one of the longest high mountain passes in Nepal. The air is thin, making crossing challenging. Walking slowly and steadily at one pace is the key in crossing Larkya.

Fitness Needed

A good fitness level is a requirement for the trek. You can go walking and hiking daily, or simple exercises like cardio and climbing stairs are suggested. The training should start at least 2 weeks before your trek’s departure. Good stamina and strong legs are what get you going on a trek.

Packing Essentials

Choosing the right gear is important since you can be encountering bad weather, cold temperatures, or rough terrain. You should pack warm clothing like a down jacket and thermal layers and good trekking shoes, including day-to-day items like water bottles, sunscreen, and water purification tablets. Weather can change at any minute in the mountains, so always be prepared.

“Prepare well with our trekking packing list Nepal.”

Altitude Sickness & Tips

You can’t ignore AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), which can occur above 5000 metres, but it can also hit as low as 2400 metres too. Our itinerary is clearly designed with enough acclimatisation days to lower the chances of AMS. You can stay safe and avoid altitude sickness by following the below.

Walk slowly and don’t rush
Drink plenty of water
Take rest days for acclimatization
Listen to your body and tell your guide if you feel unwell

Health & Safety on Manaslu Trek

Staying healthy and safe is what makes or breaks your trek and allows you to enjoy and witness the beautiful Manaslu region without unnecessary risks. You should not ignore any health issues and listen to your guide while on the trek. Here are some tips to follow:

Watch for altitude sickness

It can occur at the trek’s highest point, like Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). You need to go slow, drink plenty of water, and rest often. Look out for signs like headache, nausea, dizziness.

Emergency evacuation points

In case of the worst conditions and if you need to be evacuated by helicopter, evacuation is from Samagaun or Dharapani, where helicopters can land in case of serious illness. En route, there can be small clinics but with very basic facilities.

Carry a first aid kit

A first-aid kit should include basic medicine for headache, stomach issues, bandages, antiseptic, and any personal medicine. Our trek guide carries a first aid box that has all the necessary medications.

Listen to your body

Don’t push too hard, and if you are feeling very unwell, talk to your guide and descend immediately.

Stay informed

You should follow your guides’ advice since they know the trail and weather best and have trekked in the region many times. Don’t leave your trek group and wander off on your own.

Cultural & Local Experience

Trekking in the Manaslu region, you will mainly find communities heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture, especially in the higher region. In the lower regions, there is also some Hindu-influenced culture, primarily with the Gurung community.

Trekking in Manaslu is also about meeting people from different communities and seeing their way of life, which hasn’t changed much for ages. Experiencing local culture is another highlight of the Manaslu region, making your trek even richer and unforgettable.

Local villages & traditions

You’ll pass many small villages where people have simple lives. Visit the local Buddhist monasteries such as Shyala Monastery (4050m), which can be reached from Samagaon and a side excursion of about a 3-4 hours hike.
If you’re lucky, you might witness local festivals like the Saga Dawa Festival, celebrated in May/June (the full moon of the fourth Tibetan lunar month) each year celebrated in the Manaslu region.

Interaction with locals

If you strike up a conversation with locals, you will find them friendly and welcoming. You can simply greet them with a smile. Usually, they do not hesitate to talk about things you are interested in like their culture and traditions.

Cultural etiquette

You need to dress modestly, asking before taking photos is a good gesture, and follow monastery rules like removing shoes.

Scenic Highlights & Photography Tips

The Manaslu region has abundant scenic highlights, from a close-up view of Mt. Manaslu to the wonderful Larkya-La pass, including the Tibetan-influenced village of Samagaon. You will have many opportunities for scenic photography en route to your trek, telling the story of both the mountains and the people living there.

Key viewpoints

The key viewpoints during the trek are where you can observe a spectacular Himalayan panorama and beautiful landscapes.

Larkya La Pass (5,106m)

The trek’s highest point provides a 360-degree mountain panorama of the peaks like Manaslu (8,163 m), Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Cheo Himal (6,820 m), Kang Guru (6,981 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Gyaji Kung (7,030 m), and Larkya Peak. Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary

Manaslu (8,163 m) - 8th highest mountain in the world

Observe Mt. Manaslu while trekking from the mid- to upper region on the trail. The best view appears between Lho and Samagaon villages and also during a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp.

Birendra Lake & Manaslu Base Camp

Visit the turquoise Birendra Lake at 4,400m near Samagaon as an acclimatization walk. Or you can take a side excursion to Manaslu Base Camp (4800m/6-7 hrs)

Bhimthang

Take a scenic photographic walk in Bhimthang, a large valley surrounded by peaks like Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and Lamjung Himal.

Samagaun village

Great snap of the high mountain village where traditional stone houses with prayer flags against the mountains are located. Golden hours are during sunrise or sunset.

Best time for photography

Choose spring or autumn for a great photograph in the Manaslu region. You can expect a good mountain view and clear skies.

Spring (March – May)

The weather is clear and colourful with the blooming of rhododendron flowers in red, pink, and white. You can get your best shots of flowers, mountains, and villages.

Autumn (September – November)

The best season for photography with clear skies and majestic mountain views. Forests and fields will turn into golden colours, and almost every day, perfect lighting for great photography. Great snap of mountain panoramas, local life, and spectacular sunrise and sunset.

Best photo spots on the Manaslu Circuit

Location	What to Expect
Soti Khola to Jagat	River & Waterfalls
Deng & Namrung	First Mountain Views
First Mountain Views	Classic Manaslu View
Samagaon	Culture + Mountains
Birendra Lake	Turquoise Water
Samdo	High Himalayan Life
Larkya La Pass (5,106m	Best Overall Spot
Bimthang	After the Pass Magic

Tips for gear & lighting

Keep your gear light but useful (you’ll be walking many hours daily).
Camera: Mirrorless or DSLR (even a good phone works if you travel light)
Lenses: Wide-angle (for big mountain views - Zoom (for peaks, people, wildlife)
Tripod: Small and light (for sunrise/sunset & night shots)
Extra batteries: Cold weather drains them fast
Memory cards: Carry extras, no shops on the trail

Note: Don’t overpack — weight matters a lot on this trek

Connectivity & WiFi on Manaslu Trek

Since Manaslu is a remote location, mobile networks are limited and unreliable, with fading signals at higher elevation. Wi-fi is available at some places with an extra cost.

Mobile network (NTC/Ncell): NTC (government operated mobile company) has better connectivity than Ncell (Private mobile company) But above 3500 meters, connectivity will be less for both.

WiFi availability in teahouses: Wi-fi is available at places like Namrung, Samagaun, and Dharapani, but comes with a price, from USD 2 to 10 per device per day.

Satellite options for emergencies: Satellite phones are the only option for emergencies, especially near high passes.

Location	Mobile Network	WiFi in Teahouses
Jagat (1,300 m)	NTC / Ncell – good	Usually available
Deng (1,860 m)	NTC – fair, Ncell – weak	Some teahouses, slow
Namrung (2,630 m)	NTC – fair, Ncell – weak	Limited, usually paid
Samagaun (3,530 m)	NTC – weak, Ncell – weak	Few teahouses, often paid
Samdo (3,860 m)	NTC – very weak	Rare, mostly offline
Larkya La Pass	No signal	No WiFi

Why Choose Marron Treks

Choosing the right company like Marron Treks makes all the difference for a remote and challenging trek like Manaslu.

Local Experts: We know the best trails, teahouses, and safe routes across Manaslu.
Safety First Trained: Guides, first-aid support, and proper acclimatization for high altitude.
Experienced Guides: Skilled, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge.
All Permits Handled: We manage RAP, ACAP, and MCAP permits—no hassle for you.
Flexible Itineraries: Customize your trek with extra days or side trips like Tsum Valley.
More Travel Options: Trekking, jungle safari, cultural tours, and helicopter tours—all in one place.

Itinerary

This 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you from Kathmandu through villages, forests, and high Himalayas, including the Larkya La Pass, with gradual acclimatization and scenic village stays.

Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and transferred to your designated hotel. Welcome drinks will be served at the hotel and after that we have a quick pre-trip meeting to discuss on the necessary formalities and the trekking itineraries. You may then check in to your room and freshen up. In the evening, you can stroll around the vicinity of your hotel to get a superficial glimpse of this great city.

Hotel

We have to go through Arughat and Soti Khola on our way to Machha Khola today. The nine-hour drive offers a variety of scenery, including rivers, hills, villages, and rice farm settings. The Machh Khola is located in Mid-West Nepal's Gorkha district. As one travels into warmer climates, they pass by numerous farming communities and cities along the Trisuli and Budi Gandakii rivers. Spend the night in a nearby guest home overlooking a stunning valley.

Mountain Lodge