Manaslu Circuit Trek - 14 Days

Test your physical endurance by embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which showcases both challenges and rewards together. The journey from lower altitude to the base of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) and then to Lakya La Pass (5,106 m) teaches you a lesson: to walk calmly for better experiences. 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the off-the-beaten-path routes in Nepal, located in west-central Nepal, which offers a challenging yet stunning experience via Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). Peaceful and untouched natural splendors of the route await the hiker who loves discovering Himalayan terrain without disturbance and relishing close panoramas of ranges such as Manaslu, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal. Covering distances via the Manaslu Conservation Area, with glimpses of Himalayan wildlife, is itself a moment to cherish.

Equally, standing beneath Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the eighth highest mountain on our Earth, along with a seasoned Nepal trekking guide offers the feeling of achievement. Hiking usually begins from Machhakhola and ends at Chame of Manang, or Besisahar. If you have completed the Annapurna Circuit trek, this pristine route becomes an iconic one, and you know the contrast between the two routes. 

Since the route is set in restricted areas of Manaslu, you need extra permits to explore it. Curious to learn more about the package? Contact us on WhatsApp or send an email, as we are available 24/7 for your service. Our travel experts support you in planning for this journey in the best way. 

Major Attractions on the route: What makes the Manaslu Circuit trek a must-do? 

The trek route around Mount Manaslu offers surprises at every step while you are walking alongside the Budhi Gandaki River (Buri Gandaki) or crossing into the Dudh Khola Valley after Larkya La Pass. Crossing multiple suspension bridges over rivers in narrow gorge sections, mainly before Samagaon, will be thrilling for you as a new experience. 

Let’s check the following out to know what elements attract you the most even in the absence of advanced facilities. 

Manaslu Base Camp

Among 8000-m mountains in Nepal, reaching the foothills of Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), following legendary mountaineers, is a part of success in your life. This peak is known as Killer Mountain in Nepal because of high fatality rates at the summit. However, numerous trekkers have successfully reached its base camp to enjoy unparalleled mountain views. 

In a serene atmosphere, surrounded by snow-clad mountains such as Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Naike Peak (6,211 m), and Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m).

Pungyen Gompa

Cultures of villages on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Explore many monasteries and gompas, decorated with prayer flags, prayer wheels, and small chortens, including the historic religious retreat, Pungyen Gompa, established in the seventeenth or eighteenth century by Nubri communities. 

The gompa is located at an altitude of 4000, a little higher than Shyala Village, near Samagaun. Local legends referred to the place as Old Manaslu Base Camp and believed it to be protecting the regions.

Birendra Lake

Birendra Lake is a famous glacial lake for its crystal-clear water, flowing from the Manaslu Glacier. Situating at 3600 m near Samagaon provides dramatic surrounding scenery along with peace. Trekkers often visit the lake during a rest day at Samagaon instead of sitting at the teahouse. On clear days, trekkers can observe shadows of towering peaks on its calm surface. 

Distinct flora and fauna

Walking through protected zones, the Manaslu Conservation Area, which covers 1663 sq kilometers, means getting opportunities to click photos of some rare wildlife. Hundreds of birds, thousands of plants, and several animals are preserved here. 

Among them, mostly you will pass by forests of rhododendrons, oaks, pines, maples, and bamboos. In a favorable period, you may spot animals like snow leopards and Himalayan tahr as well as enjoy activities of birds, including Himalayan monal, through binoculars. 

Cultural Diversity

Ethnic groups such as Gurung, Magar, Tamang, and Tibetan-origin people reside in most villages on the Manaslu Circuit trekking route. Their delightful faces, warm greetings, cultural attires, and traditional ornaments surely evoke you to capture their photos.

Learn about locals’ unique traditions and lifestyles in such remote areas. The inhabitants’ struggle for survival and their faith in their own cultures show how deeply rooted they are in safeguarding their identity amidst challenging mountain life.

Larkya La Pass

The Manaslu Circuit Trek elevation ranges from 930 meters to 5106 m. The highest point is Larkya La Pass, a famous vantage point for extensive mountain views, which is the longest pass in Nepal. This challenging pass connects villages: Dharmashala (Larke Phedi) and Bhimthang. Most steep sections test trekkers’ physical strength and mental resilience.

Who can cover the Manaslu Circuit trek distance? Is it suitable for you? 

Physically and mentally prepared, along with prior alpine hiking experience, trekkers can walk via isolated, mountainous landmarks of the Manaslu trails, covering approximately 177 to 200 kilometers (110 to 124 miles) within 14 to 18 days. While average daily trek distance is about 12-15 kilometers per day, involvement time is almost 5-8 hours, requiring strength and endurance exercises. Hiking through dense woodlands, steep ascents, and rough terrain, including crossing Larkya La Pass (5106 m), will test your stamina and mental resilience.

11-day hikes of the entire trip do not require climbing skills and use of advanced gear like expeditions, making them also doable for novice trekkers or first-timers in Nepal with proper preparation and the best company that provides a professional team. The itinerary includes balanced ascents and descents. If you can handle both the shortest hike of 3-4 hours from Deng to Lo Village and the longest walk of about 8 hours from Dharmasala to Bhimthan, struggling with thin air in remote areas, the Manaslu Circuit Trek becomes a life-changing journey for you. 

Details of the Manaslu Circuit daily trek distance, duration, and elevation are as follows: 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance, Duration, and Altitude

How much does the 14 days Manaslu Circuit trek cost? 

While the total cost of the Manaslu Circuit trek varies from one individual to another, you need to know what factors influence the expense of it. Selected company (local, national, or international); itinerary (trek duration); permits; travel insurance; guide; porter; services; accommodation; and meals are major elements that determine the trek’s cost.

Booking a trek and hiring guides in a group with a local trekking company becomes cheaper as they offer simpler services compared to national and international agencies. Citizens from SAARC countries may be provided some discounts on getting permit cards. Even though the Manaslu Circuit trek cost cannot be calculated exactly, see below our inclusions and exclusions, which may help you in planning a budget for this trek in 2026/2027.

What is the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary for 2026 like? Is it the best one? 

Our 14-day Manaslu Circuit trek package gets activated upon your arrival in Kathmandu. Exploring some places in leisure time after rest and attending a farewell dinner become enjoyable before delving into the wilderness of the Manaslu route. A scenic road ride, starting on the Prithivi Highway, takes you to Machhakhola, crossing Dhading, Arughat, and Soti Khola. The next day, the trek officially begins to Jagat, following the Budhi Gandaki River, and you feel that subtropical forests change into a mountainous zone after reaching Namrung via Deng. 

As you reach Lho Village, see more Buddhist gompas, prayer flags, and mani walls since the settlement is renowned for Tibetan Buddhist culture, preserved by inhabitants for centuries. More steps with gradual ascents through alpine forests lead to Samagaon, one of the region’s largest settlements, rich in cultures. Before heading to higher terrain and Larkya La Pass, spend more days at Samagaon. 

During this acclimatization period, you can either visit Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp because stretching your legs is very important, and even we believe in the "climb high, sleep low” mountaineering technique for this Manaslu trek. Traverse Samdo and Dharmashal, then trek down to Bhimthang via Larkya La Pass (5106 m). The moment at the pass, observing surroundings, is one of this trek’s experiences.

Walking for about 6-7 hours will take you to Gho (Goa) with many descending trails. Once more, enjoy the last trekking day on the Manaslu circuit via villages like Dharapani and Tal to the Chame village of Manang before driving back to the capital city. Inthe evening attend the farewell dinner, organized by Green Society Adventure, where you share your experience. As our Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary is customizable, you can also add extra days in the Himalayas or in Kathmandu with the purpose of extra discovery.

Why Green Society Adventure for the Manaslu Circuit trek 2026/2027? 

With a team of experienced travelers, this iconic trek around Mt. Manaslu becomes unforgettable. Green Society Adventure has been serving trekkers since 2013 by conducting distinct treks, including the Manaslu Circuit trek. Our experts craft itineraries concerning hikers’ fitness levels and preferences. From booking to the trip's end, we support you with certainty about your safety.

Our trained hiker handles every situation, including acute mountain sickness (AMS), and hires a rescue team in critical cases. Plan for the trek, and just focus on preparing yourself physically and mentally as we apply for all essential legal documents along with dealing with trekking logistics. 

Is there any alternative to the Manaslu Circuit trek route? 

Yes, you can find many alternative routes in Nepal to restricted-area treks in Manaslu. Another major package is the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Gokyo Valley Trek, which may give an adrenaline experience that lasts for a lifetime. 

If you want to book any package among the above ones, contact us for more details. Our team will arrange the best itinerary for 2026/2027 based on your fitness level and choices. 

Highlight: Extend your trip for two days and explore Serang Gompa with a mesmerizing view of mountains and landscapes!