Manaslu Circuit Trek
मनास्लु सर्किट यात्रा- Distance
- 177 km
- Duration
- 14–18 days
- Max Elevation
- 5,106 m
- Best Seasons
- March–May, October–November
Interactive route map with waypoints. Click any marker for elevation, type and overnight notes. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Distance
177 km
Duration
14–18 days
Max Elevation
5,106 m
Start: 608 m
Difficulty
Strenuous
Point-to-point
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit is Nepal's premier off-the-beaten-path long-distance trek, tracing the Budhi Gandaki river gorge around the world's eighth-highest peak. The combination of restricted-area permit requirements, remote teahouses and a demanding high pass keeps numbers far lower than Annapurna or Everest, making it ideal for trekkers seeking an authentic Himalayan experience.
The Restricted Area Permit (USD 100/week, minimum two trekkers with a licensed guide) preserves the tranquility of the upper circuit. Permits are issued by Department of Immigration, Kathmandu.
Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) is typically crossed on day 13–14. The descent from the pass on the western side is steep and can be icy - crampons and trekking poles advised in early spring.
Samagaon (3,530 m) is a Tibetan-influenced Nupri village with a 700-year-old Pungyen Gompa monastery offering views of Manaslu's North Face.
Waypoints & overnight stops
10 waypoints along the Manaslu Circuit Trek - elevations, types and trekker notes.
| # | Name | Elevation (m) | Type | Overnight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arughat Bazaar | 608 | Town | Yes | |
| 2 | Soti Khola | 710 | Village | Yes | |
| 3 | Namrungनामरुङ | 2,630 | Village | Yes | |
| 4 | Lhoल्हो | 3,180 | Village | Yes | |
| 5 | Samagaonसामागाउँ | 3,530 | Village | Yes | |
| 6 | Samdoसाम्दो | 3,690 | Village | Yes | |
| 7 | Dharmasala (Larkya Base Camp) | 4,460 | Village | Yes | |
| 8 | Larkya La Passलार्क्या ला | 5,106 | Mountain Pass | - | Cross by 10 am to avoid afternoon cloud |
| 9 | Bimthangबिम्थाङ | 3,590 | Village | Yes | |
| 10 | Dharapani | 1,920 | Village | Yes |
Required permits & fees
All trekkers must carry valid permits. Obtain them in Kathmandu or at designated checkpoints before entering the trek zone.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
RAPUSD 100 per week
Required for circuits through Nupri and Tsum
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
MCAPNPR 3,000
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (tail end)
ACAPNPR 3,000
TIMS Card
TIMSNPR 2,000
About TIMS
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal, issued by the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) or the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Green TIMS (NPR 1,000) for individual trekkers; Blue TIMS (NPR 2,000) for organised group trekkers. Carry valid photo ID and passport copies.
Highlights
Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m - a dramatic high-altitude crossing
Samagaon - Tibetan Buddhist village at 3,530 m
Views of Manaslu (8,163 m, 8th highest peak on earth)
Remote gorges of the Budhi Gandaki river
Ancient Buddhist monasteries and mani walls
Low tourist numbers compared to Annapurna and Everest
Flora & fauna
The Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through ecosystems that support diverse plant and animal life - from subtropical forests to high alpine zones.
Flora
- Temperate mixed forest (lower)
- Rhododendron woodland
- Juniper scrub
- Alpine meadows (above 4,000 m)
Fauna
- Snow leopard
- Tibetan wolf
- Himalayan tahr
- Musk deer
- Snow pigeon
More treks you may like
Manaslu Circuit Trek FAQ
How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?+
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is approximately 177 km and typically takes 14–18 days to complete.
What permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?+
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: USD 100 per week. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit: NPR 3,000. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (tail end): NPR 3,000. TIMS Card: NPR 2,000
What is the highest elevation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?+
The maximum elevation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is 5,106 metres above sea level.
What is the best season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?+
The best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are March–May and October–November.
Sources & data note
Permit costs, distances and itinerary data are sourced from Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN, and relevant national park authorities. Elevations are measured and may vary slightly by GPS device. Always verify current permit fees with official sources before departure.