Manaslu Circuit Trek

• A scenic ride from Kathmandu heads, toward the Machha Khola trailhead. The road climbs over hillsides passes quiet countryside towns and follows the Budhi Gandaki River.
• Rugged trail supported daily by authentic family-run teahouses offering affordable lodging and warm local hospitality.
• Reach Larkya La Pass (5,106m) one of Nepal's most spectacular mountain passes connecting the Manaslu and Annapurna regions.
• Picturesque sceneries of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m), Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Kang Guru (6,981 m), and Cheo Himal (6,820 m).
• Diverse cultural experiences showcasing the rich Tibetan-influenced heritage, customs, and mountain lifestyle of the local community.
• Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, including the pristine glacial Birendra Lake, historic chortens, long stone mani walls, and prayer wheels, such as the ancient Pungyen Gompa.
• Cross two regions, moving easily from the Manaslu to the Annapurna area.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best high-altitude wilderness loops in Nepal. This off-the-beaten-path journey around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft), the world’s eighth-highest summit, and combines magnificent Himalayan landscapes, deep river gorges and rich Tibetan Buddhist culture along the border with Tibet.

Important Trek Facts

• Maximum Altitude: 5,106 m / 5,170 m (16,752 ft) Larkya La Pass

• Trek Distance: From Machha Khola to Dharapani/Besisahar, around 160 to 180 km (110 miles)

• Standard Duration: 13 to 16 days

• Trek Difficulty: Strenuous / Challenging owing to continuous high altitude, 5-8 hours of walking everyday and rough moraine terrain

• Best Seasons: Autumn (September to November) for crisp air and crystal-clear mountain views; Spring (March to May) for blossoming rhododendron forests.

Regulations and Licences

The territory is classed as a restricted area, as the trail crosses through sensitive border areas Trekkers need four permits:Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): USD 100 per person for first 7 days in Autumn (+USD 15/day extra) USD 75 per person in Spring/Winter/Monsoon (+USD 10/day extra)

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): NPR 3,000 (~USD 23) each international trekker. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (~USD 23) per foreign trekker. Chumnubri Rural Municipality Entry Permit: NPR 1,000 per person.

Solo Trekking Rule: Solo trekkers can acquire the restricted area permit on their own, without the need of forming a minimum group size of two. Trekking, however, is legally required to be done with a government-licensed guide, who must be booked through a recognised agency.

Transport & Highway Logistics

Trailhead Transport: Machha Khola (870 m / 930 m) start of hike. By car from Kathmandu (~140–160 km) it takes 8 to 10 hours via Dhading Besi and Arughat along a mixture of paved highways and off-road jeep tracks. Private 4WD jeeps cost from USD 200 to USD 250 per car.

Return Transport: Trekking part ends at Tilije/Dharapani/Besisahar. You take a private jeep or a bus back to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway (~175 km, 5-6 hours by private jeep or 6-8 hours by public transport).

Acclimatisation Strategy

To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) above 2,500 meters, proper pace is required:Primary Hub (Samagaun - 3,530 m) After this principle of "climb high, sleep low" trekkers stay for two nites at Samagaun to generate red blood cells.

Main Acclimatisation Treks:

• Pungyen Gompa (4,000 m / 4,050 m): An old monastery below the Manaslu glaciers. A 4–5 hour round-trip walk.

• Birendra Lake (3,460 m / 3,650 m): 2-3 hours moderate trek to a blue glacier lake .
  Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m) A more strenuous 6-7 hour round journey for fit trekkers.

High Camp Outpost (Dharmasala – 14,650 ft) – A seasonal village called Larkya Phedi provides a staging stop before the high pass. Accommodation is basic, with stone/wooden shelters, unheated rooms, solar power, outdoor squat toilets and no hot water or Wi-Fi.

Crossing the Larkya La Pass

The Larkya La Pass (5,106 m / 5,170 m) crossing is the defining physical highlight of the circuit:

• The Route: 16 km over 8 to 10 hours, climbing 646 m from Dharmasala to the pass, then descending 1,516 m to Bhimtang (3,590 m).

• Timing: Hikers depart in the dark (3:00 AM to 5:00 AM) to cross before strong afternoon winds develop and when snow is still hard.

• Mountain Views: From the top enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II . Teahouse Accommodation and Meals

• Lodging Facilities: The journey uses family operated mountain teahouses with twin-bed rooms, shared bathrooms and communal dining halls. Lower villages (below 3,000 m) include hot showers (USD 2–3 / NPR 200–400) and Wi-Fi, whereas high-altitude stations (Samdo and Dharmasala) have very basic solar-dependent amenities.

• Food & Hydration: Meals emphasise high-carbohydrate alternatives. All lodges serve the Nepalese staple Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup and vegetables) with complimentary refills. Garlic soup is extensively used in promoting blood circulation at high altitudes Vegetarian meals are highly recommended for food safety over 3,500 m