The Manaslu Circuit Trek was previously the least-crowded trek in Nepal. Now in current years due to the viral videos of villages, scene of this region in YouTube and TikTok’s, many adventure seekers who want to be on the Himalaya are join this trekking route.
The trail offers beautiful views of the Manaslu mountains, glaciers, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, plants, and fauna, as well as passing the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters (16,929 ft).
As everyone knows, Everest and Annapurna are still more crowded compared to Manaslu. The Manaslu circuit trek takes you to the foot of the gigantic Manaslu peak, which stands 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level and is the world's eighth-highest mountain. Manaslu is known as the "mountain of spirit" both locally and in Sanskrit.
This route is also famous for its rich culture and tradition. It is also noted for its local cuisine and people. The journey begins in the Jagat, although you can alternatively start at the Soti Khola and Machi Khola in the Gorkha district, which is also the starting point for the Annapurna Circuit trek .
The trek leads you to the lush green oak, bamboo, pine, and rhododendron (national flower of Nepal) forests, to varied landscapes, difficult terrains, and the alpine meadows.
As everyone knows, Everest and Annapurna are still more crowded compared to Manaslu. The Manaslu circuit trek takes you to the foot of the gigantic Manaslu peak, which stands 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level and is the world's eighth-highest mountain. Manaslu is known as the "mountain of spirit" both locally and in Sanskrit.
This route is also famous for its rich culture and tradition. It is also noted for its local cuisine and people. The journey begins in the Jagat, although you can alternatively start at the Soti Khola and Machi Khola in the Gorkha district, which is also the starting point for the Annapurna Circuit trek . The trek leads you to the lush green oak, bamboo, pine, and rhododendron (national flower of Nepal) forests, to varied landscapes, difficult terrains, and the alpine meadows.
The Budhi Gandaki River runs along the entire route. You will walk through deep gorges, suspension bridges, and several picturesque villages with locals famed for their friendly nature and great hospitality. On the way, you can sample some of the local cuisine, including dal Bhat, Thukpa, Sekuwa, Momo, Tsampa, and others. As you gain height, you will see snow leopards, musk deer, and other bird species flying in the skies or sitting on tree branches
Why Shall you choose Manaslu circuit trekking in Nepal?
Manaslu circuit trekking in Nepal is a one-of-a-kind, challenging journey that takes you to the base of the massive Mt. Manaslu peak and allows you to stand in its shadow. It is a less busy journey than others and a viable option for the Annapurna base camp and Everest region excursions. The walk allows you to experience the pure beauty of glaciers, rivers, and lakes.
You will also learn about the people's culture, traditions, and local foods. You'll hike through beautiful green forests to the alpine meadows. The entire walk follows the Budhi Gandaki torrent, which is a glacier torrent and is recognized for being the fastest-flowing river.
During the walk, you will visit monasteries and Interact with the monks, who will teach you about life and their daily rituals. You will pass by Larkya La Pass, which is a difficult task that allows you to experience the struggle and adventure itself.
What is the difficulty level of crossing Larkya la pass?
The Manaslu circuit trekking route is moderate to challenging, particularly while crossing the Larke La Pass. The trek is suited for experienced trekkers with a high level of physical fitness. The trek will take you through high ascents and descents on difficult terrain. You will trek to the highest point, Larkya La Pass itself. The hike will take a significant amount of time, with 6 to 8 hours of trekking per day and distant facilities.
As you ascend, you'll notice fewer tea houses and more rural locations. To hike on the Manaslu circuit, you will need a mix of balanced diet items, appropriate sleep, decent physical preparation, and sufficient acclimatization.
Manaslu Trekking Permit Requirements and Fees 2026/2027
The Manaslu trekking permit requires four main permissions because the trail is located in the restricted area of the Manaslu Conservation Area, which shares borders with Tibet. The required permits are:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
All trekkers are required to have a Manaslu Restricted region Permit before accessing the restricted region. You will need to show the permit at each checkpoint along the way to the hike. You can get this permit at the Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu. The fee varies depending on the trekking season.
The cost in September – November is USD 100 per person / week and USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week). The cost from December to August is USD 75 per person / week and USD 10 per person / day (beyond 1 week).
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) is another permit required for trekking in the Manaslu region. This permission must also be shown at numerous checkpoints before entering the conservation area.
These licenses can be obtained from the Tourism Office in Kathmandu or the Gorkha District Office. Foreigners pay $15, whereas citizens of SAARC countries pay $10.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is another essential permit required for trekking in the Manaslu region. While the ACAP is primarily used for the Annapurna Circuit and Base Camp treks, it is also necessary for parts of the Manaslu trail that overlap with the Annapurna Conservation Area, including the final and some section of the trek. The permit costs Rs 3000 for foreigners and Rs 1000 for SAARC nationals.
Trekkers Information Management System permit (TIMS)
The Trekkers Information Management System permit (TIMS) is another permit required to enter the Manaslu base camp walk, as it is necessary for trekkers' safety. This permit keeps trekkers' records and assists them in case of emergency evacuation. Foreigners must pay $20 for the permit, while SAARC members pay $10.
Best time to do the Manaslu Trekking in Nepal
The best time to do the Manaslu trekking in Nepal is in the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May), when the flowers blossom and the skies are bright, providing breathtaking views of the peaks.
During this time, Nepal's largest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, are also celebrated, allowing you to learn about Nepali culture and traditions, which will be a one-of-a-kind experience for you. The temperatures are moderate, meaning they are neither too chilly nor too hot, allowing you to explore everywhere.
You can also visit in the winter; during this time, there is substantial snowfall, which allows you to play with the snow and witness the snow-capped mountains. In general, the monsoon season is not advised because of the excessive rainfall, which creates landslides and floods, and it is difficult to rescue people during an emergency.
Health and Safety Tips for Manaslu Conservation Area Trekking
Because the route takes you to high altitude and secluded locations, you must properly acclimatize. You will need to get some good sleep and rest. The excursions ascend and drop, so go at your own leisure. Do not rush to your destinations.
Walk carefully and steadily. Stay hydrated. Consume plenty of extremely healthy foods. Equip yourself with the necessary trekking gear and equipment. Wear warm garments and shield yourself from the chilly wind and water as much as possible.
Always follow your guide's instructions and let him know if you're having troubles so he can take action and save you from unanticipated scenarios.
You can also read our blog on How to trek in the high altitude?
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map
The Manaslu Circuit Trek Map outlines the standard trekking route, with the starting point typically at Jagat or Machha Khola, depending on current road conditions.
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead, followed by a gradual ascent through traditional mountain villages and diverse landscapes.
From Jagat, the trail continues through Nyak, Namrung, Syalla, Sama Gaun, Samdo, and Dharamshala before crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,106 m).
After the pass, the descent leads to Bhimtang and onward to Tilche or Dharapani, from where you drive back to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
The standard Manaslu Circuit Trek route follows this sequence:
Kathmandu → Drive to Jagat → Trek to Nyak → Namrung → Syalla → Sama Gaun → Samdo → Dharamshala → Cross Larkya La Pass → Bhimtang → Tilche → Drive back to Kathmandu/Pokhara.
An alternative option is to begin the trek from Tilche and follow the route in reverse. However, this approach is generally not recommended, as it involves a rapid gain in altitude, increasing the risk of altitude sickness due to insufficient acclimatization.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost and Price for 2026
Manaslu Circuit trek cost and price in the year 2026 does not depend upon one thing; it depends upon several factors, like the transportation options you choose for the airport pick up and drop, and then the transportation that will take you from Kathmandu to Jagat and Tiliche to Kathmandu.
It will depend on whether you are doing the trekking in a group or just 2 people. The Manaslu circuit trek cost depend upon the gear rentals, permits, accommodations, food, and miscellaneous expenses. You can read our blog on the topic of Manaslu circuit trek costs for the total breakdown.
You can check the table below for the group price for the Manaslu trek.
Why should you book the Manaslu trek in Nepal with Adventure Vision Treks?
Booking your Manaslu trek with Adventure Vision Treks guarantees a safe, well-organized, and unforgettable Himalayan adventure in the Manaslu region. We are more than just a trekking company, we are your trekking partner, guiding you throughout the journey and ensuring the best possible experience in Nepal.
Our thoughtfully planned itinerary helps you trek comfortably, with enough time to rest and acclimate for crossing the Larkya La Pass.
We handle all permits, accommodations, meals, and logistics, so you can fully immerse yourself in the adventure without any worries. Beyond logistics, our team prioritizes safety, responsible tourism, and environmentally conscious practices.
Choosing Adventure Vision Treks means choosing an authentic, hassle-free, and deeply enriching Himalayan adventure on the Manaslu Circuit.