A wild, less crowded loop around Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's eighth-highest mountain, up the Budhi Gandaki gorge into Tibetan Buddhist villages and over the Larkya La (5,106 m). Restricted area: a licensed guide and agency are required.
The route
The Manaslu Circuit is what the Annapurna Circuit felt like before the road: a long loop around Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's eighth-highest mountain, through a deep river gorge into Tibetan Buddhist villages and over a high glacial pass. Because it is a restricted area, it is quieter, but you must go with a licensed guide through an agency.
Fit trekkers who have done at least one multi-day trek and want something remote, cultural and high. It is not for first-timers or anyone who wants comfortable lodges every night.
From Machha Khola, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki river north through a long, steep-sided gorge with suspension bridges and waterfalls. Past Deng you enter Nubri, where people speak a Tibetan dialect, houses have flat roofs and mani walls line the path.
Lho and Samagaon have views of Manaslu that stop you in your tracks. Rest a day in Samagaon and hike to Pungyen Gompa or towards Manaslu Base Camp. After Samdo, near the Tibetan border, you sleep at Dharamsala before crossing Larkya La at about 5,106 m. The descent to Bimthang has huge views of Himlung and Annapurna II. You finish on the Annapurna side at Dharapani.
Late September to November is the main season. March to May is the second choice. Winter can close the pass. Monsoon brings landslides in the lower gorge.
This is a hard trek: long days, rough trail in the gorge and a big pass day of 9–12 hours. Acclimatise properly in Samagaon. Pass day starts in the dark and is cold and windy.
Manaslu is a restricted area. You need the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, which costs US$100 for the first seven days and US$15 per day after that from September to November, or US$75 and US$10 per day from December to August (Nepal Tourism Board). You also need MCAP (NPR 3,000) and ACAP (NPR 3,000) for the exit through the Annapurna area. Most agencies also get TIMS cards.
Your agency applies for the RAP with your passport and visa. Food and lodging cost a little more than on the Annapurna side. The price on this page is a typical starting price for a guided trip; message us for a quote from our local guides.
Until March 2026, the Manaslu RAP was issued only to groups of two or more trekkers. In March 2026, Nepal's Department of Immigration changed that: solo trekkers can now get the permit, as long as they apply through a registered agency and go with a licensed guide. One guide can lead up to seven trekkers. That makes Manaslu much easier to arrange if you travel alone.
Most trips start from Kathmandu. Stay in Thamel to sort permits with your agency; our Kathmandu hostels page lists cheap beds such as Alobar1000. You finish at Dharapani, and many people head straight to Pokhara for a rest. Check out Lazy Lads Backpackers Hostel and other Pokhara hostels.
There are teahouses all the way, but they are simpler than on the Annapurna Circuit. Rooms at Dharamsala are basic stone huts and fill up in October. Dal bhat and Tibetan bread are staples.
Do not cross Larkya La in bad weather. Listen to your guide on timing. Insurance must cover helicopter rescue to 6,000 m.
Add the Tsum Valley Trek for a deeper cultural side trip, or compare with the Annapurna Circuit.
Day by day
A long drive via Arughat. The last section is a rough jeep road.
Along the Budhi Gandaki past hot springs at Tatopani. Permits are checked at Jagat.
The gorge narrows; the Tsum Valley trail branches off near Lokpa.
Into the Nubri region, with mani walls and the first big mountain views.
Through Tibetan-style villages to Lho, with a monastery and a classic view of Manaslu.
A short day to the largest village of the upper valley.
Hike to Pungyen Gompa or towards Manaslu Base Camp (about 4,800 m) and come back down.
An easy walk to the last village before the pass, near the Tibetan border.
A short, high day to the stone lodge below the pass.
Leave around 4 am. A long climb across moraine to the pass, then a steep descent to Bimthang (3,720 m), with views of Himlung and Annapurna II.
Down through forest into the Marsyangdi valley.
Jeep to Besisahar and bus onwards.
Good to know
Not without a guide. Since March 2026 Nepal's Department of Immigration lets individual trekkers get the restricted area permit, but only through a registered agency and with a licensed guide.
Hard. It is long, remote and crosses Larkya La at about 5,106 m. You need good fitness and some trekking experience.
Usually 12 to 16 days from Kathmandu, including an acclimatisation day in Samagaon.
The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, ACAP (for the Annapurna side) and usually a TIMS card. Your agency arranges the RAP.
From September to November the RAP is US$100 for the first week and US$15 per day after. From December to August it is US$75 for the first week and US$10 per day.
It is wilder, with fewer people and no road over most of the route. The Annapurna Circuit has better lodges and more flexibility.
It can be blocked by snow from December to February and after storms. Always check conditions in Samdo.
Yes, the whole route now has teahouses, though they are more basic than on the Annapurna Circuit.
Expect about US$1,000–1,500 with a guide, permits and transport.
Yes. The Tsum Valley branches off near Lokpa and adds about six to eight days.
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