Overview
The Manaslu Circuit is what the Annapurna Circuit was thirty years ago — raw, remote, and largely unchanged by mass tourism. A complete loop around Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth-highest mountain, it follows the Budhi Gandaki river gorge north into a restricted zone that borders Tibet, crosses the 5,106m Larkya La pass, and descends into the Marsyangdi valley where it can connect with the Annapurna Circuit.
Because it requires a special restricted area permit and a registered guide (non-negotiable), the Manaslu Circuit sees a fraction of the foot traffic of its neighbours. That means genuine wilderness — trails where you walk for hours without another trekker, teahouses where the owner knows every guest by name, and a cultural landscape where the Nubri and Tsum people have maintained Tibetan Buddhist traditions in near-complete isolation.
The Larkya La crossing is genuinely demanding — a long high-altitude day that often involves a 3am start and a descent into howling wind. But the circuit around the most imposing mountain face in Nepal is a trek that stays with you permanently.
Highlights
- Larkya La Pass (5,106m) — A remote, heavily glaciated pass with views of Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II — one of the most dramatic high passes in Nepal
- Manaslu North Face — The sheer 3,000m north face viewed from Samagaon (3,520m) at close range — one of the most overwhelming mountain sights in the Himalayas
- Budhi Gandaki Gorge — The lower sections of the trail traverse a deep, narrow gorge where waterfalls drop from hundreds of metres overhead
- Samagaon & Samdo Villages — Nubri Buddhist communities near the Tibetan border — whitewashed houses, prayer flags, and mani stone walls stretching for kilometres
- Restricted Area Exclusivity — The special permit limits daily trekker numbers — you will not encounter crowds anywhere on this route
- Tsum Valley Optional Extension — A 10-day side trip into the hidden Tsum Valley, one of the most isolated Buddhist communities in Nepal
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Kathmandu to Soti Khola (730m) — 7–8 hour drive. Trek start point.
Days 2–4Soti Khola to Jagat (1,340m) — Three days up the Budhi Gandaki gorge through subtropical terrain. Dramatic waterfalls and narrow gorge sections.
Days 5–7Jagat to Deng to Namrung (2,630m) — Enter the restricted zone. Landscape becomes drier and more Tibetan in character.
Days 8–9Namrung to Samagaon (3,520m) — Close-up views of Manaslu's north face. Acclimatization day in Samagaon — hike to Pungyen Gompa.
Days 10–11Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m) to Dharamsala (4,460m) — Final villages before the pass. Early night before the crossing.
Day 12Larkya La Pass (5,106m) to Bimthang (3,720m) — The big day. 3am start, 5–7 hours to summit, 3 hours descent. Unforgettable.
Days 13–14Bimthang to Dharapani to Kathmandu — Descend to the Marsyangdi valley and drive or bus back to Kathmandu.
What's Included
- Guided trek with licensed Sirdar and porter (mandatory for restricted area)
- All teahouse accommodation
- All meals on trail
- TIMS Card, Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, and ACAP permit
- Manaslu Conservation Area permit
- Transport Kathmandu–Soti Khola and return
What's Not Included
- International flights and Kathmandu accommodation
- Travel insurance (evacuation coverage mandatory — nearest hospital is far)
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips (customary: $150–250 USD)