The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most popular trekking adventures in Nepal now. The trek is known for its stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, cultural riches, and peaceful atmosphere. The trek starts from Machha Khola and takes you through remote villages, lush forests, and High Mountain passes before reaching the base of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.

The trek covers a distance of approximately 177 kilometers and takes around 14 days to complete. The highest point of the trek is the Larkya La Pass, which is situated at an altitude of 5,106 meters. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Manaslu mountain range, including Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), Himalchuli (7,893 meters), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 meters), and Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters).

The trek passes through several traditional villages, including Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, and Samagaon, where you can experience the local culture, lifestyle, and traditions of the people living in the region. The trek also takes you through the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including snow leopards, musk deer, and blue sheep.

The trek is considered a difficult one and requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights

Majestic Himalayan Views: The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks, including the towering Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.

Remote and Untouched Beauty: Unlike the popular Annapurna and Everest regions, the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you through remote and less-visited areas, allowing you to experience the untouched natural beauty and pristine landscapes.

Rich Cultural Encounters: The trek takes you through several traditional villages inhabited by ethnic groups like the Gurungs, Tamangs, and Sherpas, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in their unique cultures, traditions, and warm hospitality. Challenging High Mountain Passes: The trek involves crossing challenging high-altitude passes like the Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters/16,930 feet), which offers an exhilarating adventure and rewards you with stunning views of surrounding peaks and glaciers.

Diverse Flora and Fauna: The trail encompasses a wide range of ecological zones, from lush lowland forests to alpine meadows, housing a diverse array of flora and fauna. You may spot rare wildlife such as the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, and colorful bird species. Monasteries and Sacred Sites: The region is dotted with ancient monasteries, Chortens, and sacred sites, providing spiritual insights into the Buddhist culture prevalent in the area. The most notable monastery is the Samagaun Monastery, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Authentic Tea Houses and Local Cuisine: Along the trekking route, you'll find charming tea houses that offer comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine. Indulge in traditional dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), momo (steamed dumplings), and butter tea, immersing yourself in the local culinary delights.

Trek Difficulty and Preparations

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging and rewarding adventure that takes you around the spectacular Manaslu mountain in Nepal. Here's some information about the difficulty and preparations for this trek.

Difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a strenuous and demanding trek, suitable for experienced trekkers. It involves high altitudes, steep ascents and descents, and long walking hours. The highest point of the trek is the Larkya La Pass, which reaches an elevation of 5,160 meters (16,930 feet). Altitude sickness is a potential risk, so proper acclimatization is crucial.

Physical Fitness

To undertake the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is recommended to have a good level of physical fitness. Engaging in cardiovascular exercises like hiking, jogging, or cycling can help improve your stamina. Additionally, incorporating strength training exercises for your legs, core, and upper body can be beneficial.

Training and Acclimatization

Prior to the trek, it's advisable to engage in a training regime that includes regular hikes with increasing difficulty and duration. This will help condition your body for the physical demands of the trek. Acclimatization days during the trek are essential for your body to adjust to higher altitudes, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Remember to consult with a travel doctor or healthcare professional before embarking on any high-altitude trek to ensure you are in good health and receive appropriate medical advice. The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers breathtaking views, cultural encounters, and a sense of accomplishment. With proper preparation and a positive mindset, you can conquer this challenging adventure and create unforgettable memories.

What is the Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

During the Autumn season ( Sept-Nov), it may be a bit difficult to get accommodation and food as the trekkers expected since it is a peak trekking season in Nepal and the trail is crowded with hundreds of trekkers. The best time to undertake the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the autumn season, which spans from September to November.

This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, making it ideal for trekking in the Manaslu region. The skies are generally clear, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and landscapes. The temperatures are moderate, ranging from cool to mildly warm, ensuring comfortable daytime trekking and pleasant evenings at higher altitudes.

The autumn season also coincides with the post-monsoon period, resulting in lush greenery and vibrant landscapes along the trail. Furthermore, the Manaslu Circuit Trek during autumn allows trekkers to witness the local festivals and cultural events celebrated by the inhabitants of the region. This adds a unique cultural aspect to the trekking experience. The trails are usually less crowded compared to the peak seasons, allowing for a more serene and peaceful journey.

Overall, autumn provides the perfect combination of favorable weather, stunning scenery, cultural immersion, and fewer crowds, making it the best time of the year to embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek 2025/2026

In the years 2025/2026 and the other coming years, as more people seek unique and adventurous experiences, the popularity of adventure trekking will continue to rise. The allure of exploring unspoiled landscapes, encountering wildlife, and challenging oneself physically and mentally attracts thrill-seekers from around the world. Simultaneously, there will be a growing demand for less crowded wilderness treks, where trekkers can escape the bustling tourist trails and immerse themselves in pristine surroundings.

These treks provide an opportunity for solitude, introspection, and a deeper connection with nature, appealing to those who crave a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience. Also, the Manaslu Circuit Trekking route will receive several changes like the new and renovated trekking trail, more modern lodges/teahouses, reliable securities, effective Wi-Fi and internet services, promotion of local cuisines, tradition, and civilization, the discovery of new side trips and preservation of wildlife. The crew members will be more professional and dependable and they will be exercising a complete sustainable tourism development in 2025 and 2026.

We will also be featuring more exciting and adventurous Manaslu Circuit Trek for our clients in 2025 and 2026 to meet their new/postmodern desires.

Altitude Sickness, will it be a problem?

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), can occur during the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which is a popular trekking route in Nepal as we are ascending higher than 5000m. One real example of altitude sickness during this trek involved a group of trekkers who experienced symptoms such as headache, nausea, and dizziness at higher elevations. In case of altitude sickness, immediate rescue and treatment are crucial. Trekking agencies or guides should be informed about the situation, and they will initiate the rescue process.

This typically involves arranging for the affected trekker to descend to a lower altitude, where the symptoms usually subside. If the condition worsens, helicopter evacuation may be required to transport the individual to a medical facility in Kathmandu or any other modern and developed city where prompt treatment is possible. For this, one requires to present authentic travel insurance that covers all the expenses till one recovers completely.

To prevent altitude sickness, trekkers should follow these preventive measures: acclimatize properly by gradually ascending, take rest days to allow the body to adjust, maintain hydration by drinking plenty of water, avoid alcohol and smoking, eat a balanced diet, and consider taking medication such as acetazolamide (under medical supervision).

It is essential to listen to your body, communicate any symptoms to your guide, and prioritize safety over completing the trek. Remember, with adequate preparation and cautious decision-making, you can enjoy the breathtaking Manaslu Circuit Trek while minimizing the risk of altitude sickness.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Elevation Ranges

Hey there! Let us tell you about this amazing adventure called the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. It's an absolute stunner that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Manaslu region. Trust us, you won't be able to take your eyes off the beauty around you! So, picture this: you start your journey from the charming village of Soti Khola, nestled at a cozy elevation of around 700 meters. From there, the trail gradually takes you higher, passing through some picturesque villages like Machha Khola, Jagat, and Deng.

These places are like scenes straight out of a postcard, with their idyllic charm and natural beauty. As you keep going, you'll notice the elevation changing, and that's when things get really interesting. You'll reach places like Namrung and Samagaon, which sit at around 2,630 meters and 3,530 meters respectively. The air gets crisper, and the views become more awe-inspiring with each step you take.

But hold your breath (literally), because the real highlight of the trek is yet to come! The highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the mighty Larkya La Pass, standing tall at a jaw-dropping altitude of 5,106 meters. Now, we won't lie, this part is challenging, but trust us, the effort is worth it. When you reach the top, your eyes will be treated to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks that will leave you speechless. It's like being on top of the world! After soaking in the breathtaking vistas from the past, it's time to head down.

The trail takes you through places like Bimthang, where you can catch your breath and relish the beauty of your surroundings. And then, finally, you'll make your way to Dharapani, feeling a mix of accomplishment and awe for what you've experienced.

The trek concludes at the village of Tiliche. It's a bit bittersweet experience to say goodbye to the mountains, but you'll carry the memories and the sense of adventure with you for a lifetime. Throughout the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you'll witness a remarkable range of elevations, each with its own unique beauty and charm. It's not just about the physical challenge; it's about immersing yourself in the wonders of nature and embracing the thrill of exploration.

So, if you're up for an unforgettable journey filled with adventure and natural wonders, the Manaslu Circuit Trek should definitely be on your bucket list. Get ready to be fully engaged, because this trek will take your breath away, both figuratively and literally!

You can also choose an alternative Manaslu Trekking Itinerary here.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit 

Manaslu area was restricted to foreigners for a long time. Now it's open for trekking but a special permit is necessary to visit this isolated beautiful land.  Once restricted to foreigners, Manaslu Circuit trekking is still a controlled trek route. So, one can see local culture and traditions in its original form in the Manaslu region. The Manaslu region requires a special permit called the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, which can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency.

Besides, TIMS ( Trekking Information Management System) Card and Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permits are also mandatory before you board o the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail. Hiring a professional trekking guide is also mandatory for this trek. They will assist you with navigation, provide valuable information about the region, and ensure your safety.

Trip Highlights

• Scenic views of Ganesh Mountain, Manaslu Mountain and other mountains.
• Cross Larkya La Pass (5215m).
• Visit to Sama Gompa.
• Visit Sama Gaon.
• Sightseeing in Kathmandu.