The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a captivating 14-day Himalayan journey encircling Mount Manaslu (8,163m)—Nepal’s eighth-highest peak—offering raw natural beauty, rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, and dramatic mountain scenery.
This trek blends remote trails, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and challenging alpine terrain into one of Nepal’s most rewarding high-altitude adventures.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, the trailhead nestled in the Gorkha region’s hills. From there, the adventure unfolds through remote villages like Namrung, Machha Khola, Samagaon, and Samdo. You’ll trek beside the roaring Budhi Gandaki River, cross swaying suspension bridges, and climb through subtropical forests and alpine meadows.
As you gain elevation, the landscape shifts from lush greenery to icy glaciers and rocky outcrops. Towering peaks like Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II come into view, offering a breathtaking backdrop at every turn.
The highlight is crossing the formidable Larkya La Pass (5,106m)—one of Nepal’s highest and most scenic passes. Standing here, surrounded by Himalayan giants, is a moment of awe and triumph few treks can match.
You’ll stay in rustic teahouses run by friendly locals, savor hot dal bhat, and immerse yourself in the spiritual rhythm of ancient Tibetan-influenced mountain communities. Monasteries, prayer flags, and mani walls line the trail, adding depth and peace to the adventure.
The descent into the lush Marsyangdi Valley marks the trek’s end, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed connection to the raw power of nature.
After returning to Kathmandu, you’ll take home more than photos—you’ll carry a story of resilience, beauty, and cultural discovery.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is more than a trek—it’s a deep dive into the wild heart of the Himalayas, offering solitude, authenticity, and a transformative trekking experience.
Arrival in Kathmandu. Reception and welcome with garlands at Kathmandu airport, followed by transfer to your hotel.
PM: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square
On this tour, visit the 17th-century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, the temple of the Living Goddess, Narayan Mandir, and Kasthmandap, a wooden temple built from a single tree. Also, see the Shiva Parvati temple, the great Bell and Drum, Seto Bhairav, Kal Bhairav, and Taleju Temple. Visit Kumari Bahal at 16:00 hrs..
Later, proceed to Swoyambhunath, one of the oldest Buddhist stupas overlooking the entire Kathmandu valley, also known as the Monkey Temple.
Overnight at Hotel on BB plan.
After breakfast, we set out on an exciting journey to Machhakhola, covering around 160 kilometers in approximately 8 to 9 hours using a Jeep. The drive takes us through beautiful countryside, offering stunning views of rolling hills, terraced fields, and quaint villages along the way. It’s a long but scenic ride, with plenty of opportunities to soak in Nepal’s rural beauty. As we approach Machhakhola, the landscape begins to change, giving us a taste of the adventure that lies ahead.
Dinner and Overnight at the Best available Hotel/Lodge
After breakfast,
Today’s trek takes us along the Budhi Gandaki River through lush forests and charming villages. You’ll encounter rocky trails and cross suspension bridges, with glimpses of local life in the small settlements. Jagat, a quaint village with its traditional stone-paved lanes, marks the end of today’s trek.
Lunch on the way,
After breakfast,
The trail continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing bamboo groves, isolated villages, terraced farmlands, and serene woodlands. As you walk through the river gorge, enjoy breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and lush green hills. Finally, you arrive at Deng, a peaceful village surrounded by Himalayan beauty.
Launch on the way,
Dinner and Overnight at the Best available Hotel/Lodge.
Today’s journey takes you deeper into the mountains, through oak and rhododendron forests and occasional villages. Namrung, a lively settlement influenced by Tibetan culture, welcomes you with spectacular Himalayan views. The area also offers opportunities to visit nearby monasteries and enjoy local hospitality.
Begin with a gentle ascent through forested trails, passing villages like Lihi and Sho, where you’ll see mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens. As you gain altitude, the landscape transforms into alpine scenery. On reaching Shyala, you’ll be surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, offering magical sunset views over Mount Manaslu.
The terrain becomes more rugged as you ascend higher. En route, consider a detour to Pungen Gomba (4,000m), a serene monastery that also provides incredible mountain views. Your destination, Samagaon, is a cultural gem with traditional Tibetan-style houses, historic monasteries, and its role as the gateway to Manaslu Base Camp.
Today is all about rest and acclimatization. Spend the day exploring Sama Gaon, a traditional Tibetan-influenced village surrounded by incredible mountain scenery. The highlight of the day is a short hike to Birendra Tal, a glacial lake with pristine turquoise waters—an ideal spot for photography, relaxation, and enjoying the peaceful Himalayan environment. This day helps your body adjust to the altitude and prepares you for the higher elevations ahead.
After breakfast, enjoy a relatively short and gradual trek leading to Samdo, the last permanent settlement before the Larke La Pass. Surrounded by towering snow peaks, this village offers an authentic glimpse into Tibetan lifestyle and traditions.
Today’s trail gradually ascends toward the high pass. The landscapes become more rugged and alpine as you approach Dharamsala (Larke Phedi), which serves as the base camp before crossing the pass. Rest well tonight to prepare for the big day tomorrow.
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Starting early, you will ascend to the Larke-La Pass (5,106m), one of the highest and most spectacular passes in Nepal. From the top, enjoy breathtaking views of Himlung, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, and other Himalayan giants. After celebrating your achievement, descend carefully to reach the peaceful village of Bimtang, surrounded by alpine meadows and glacier views.
From Bimtang, the trail descends through pine and rhododendron forests, passing rivers and waterfalls along the way. You will walk through Tilje, a charming settlement with apple orchards, before continuing down to Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit Trail.
After breakfast, enjoy a short scenic drive to Besisahar (approx. 35 km, 1 hour). From here, continue your longer journey back to Kathmandu (approx. 216 km, 9–10 hours). Sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful countryside landscapes as you reflect on the incredible trek you’ve just completed.
In the evening, check in at the Aloft Hotel, Thamel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu on BB plan.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. You will have some free time until your departure. Later, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport to connect with your onward flight
The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost for 2026 is $1005, and $1420 for the Standard, and Comfort packages respectively, covering the classic 14-day route around the mighty Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak. These three tiers are designed to suit different travel styles, from independent budget trekkers to those seeking full comfort with private transportation and porter support.
Several factors influence the overall cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, including group size, trekking duration, transportation choices, use of porters, the trekking season, and the specific package scheme chosen. For a complete breakdown of how these variables affect pricing, you can refer to our detailed Manaslu Circuit Trek cost guide.
Group Size: Trekking in a larger group generally lowers the cost per person, since fixed expenses like guides, permits, and transportation are shared across more participants. Solo travelers or very small groups usually pay a higher rate, since there’s less opportunity for cost-sharing through economies of scale.
Trekking Duration: Extending the itinerary beyond the standard 12 days raises the total cost, since additional days mean more accommodation, meals, and guide or porter wages. The route can be customized to match your available time, so flexibility is always possible.
Transportation: Choosing a private jeep from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, and again from Besisahar back to Kathmandu, adds a noticeable premium compared to public buses or shared jeep transportation. This is one of the biggest cost differences between the Comfort package and the more economical options.
Porters: Hiring a porter to carry your gear adds to the overall trip cost, though this is generally affordable since porters are shared, with one porter typically allocated per two guests.
Trekking Season: Peak seasons—spring and autumn—bring higher demand for guides, permits, and teahouse accommodation, which can push prices up slightly compared to quieter months. Trekkers seeking lower costs may consider off-season travel, keeping in mind the trade-offs in weather and visibility.
Quality of Services: Ultimately, the chosen package—Budget, Standard, or Comfort—determines which specific services and amenities are included, directly shaping the final cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
| No of people | Price P.P |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $1420 |
| 3-5 | $1395 |
| 6-10 | $1325 |
| 11 – 15 | $1290 |
| Standard Price $1005 | Comfort Price $1420 | |
|---|---|---|
|
Includes Guide, ACAP Permits, Food and Accommodations during trek, Manaslu Special Permits, MCAP Permits, Transportations public bus and shared one, Agency charges and government service charge Excludes Hotels in Kathmandu, Alcoholic Drinks, Tea, Coffee, Porter, Drinking water, Desert and all others which not in Includes above |
Includes Arrival / Departure, Hotel in Kathmandu, Guide, Porter, ACAP Permits, Food and Accommodations, Manaslu Special Permits, MCAP Permits, Agency charges and government service charge, Private jeep Transfer to Machha Khola, Private Jeep to Besisahar, Private Car to Kathmandu Excludes Alcoholic Drinks, Desert and all others which not in Includes above |
The Manaslu Circuit Trek remains one of Nepal’s most rewarding off-the-beaten-path adventures, and with these clear pricing tiers, trekkers can plan their journey around Mount Manaslu with full transparency on what’s included every step of the way.
Planning your Manaslu Circuit Trek? Choosing the right season makes a huge difference in visibility, safety, and comfort — especially at high points like Larkya La Pass (5,106m). Here’s what to expect throughout the year.
Preparing for the Manaslu Circuit Trek? This checklist will help you organize your gear for a safe and comfortable trek. Adjust according to your personal preferences, trekking pace, and the season. For colder months (October–March), warmer layers are essential, especially for high passes like Larkya La (5,106m).
(Guides carry a first aid kit, but personal supplies are encouraged)
Tip: Many of these items can be purchased or rented in Thamel, Kathmandu, and our guides are happy to assist. Proper preparation ensures you enjoy the Manaslu Circuit Trek safely and comfortably, from the lush Budhi Gandaki Valley to the high Himalayan passes.
