Highlights
- The trek offers amazing views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m) the eighth-highest peak in the world, along with stunning Himalayan landscapes.
- Birendra Taal, a glacial lake near Manaslu Base Camp, a peaceful place known for its stunning turquoise water and serene surroundings.
- Staying in villages like Smagaon, Samdo, and Jagat gives you a chance to experience traditional lifestyles and local hospitality.
- Crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160m) is a tough but rewarding experience with incredible views of the surrounding peaks.
- The region's Tibetan-influenced culture is reflected in its monasteries, prayer wheels, mani walls, and simple way of life.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfect for those looking for a challenge in a peaceful and untouched area. This trek combines the beauty of Nepal’s mountains with fascinating local culture, creating an unforgettable adventure. Located in western Nepal, Mount Manaslu (8,163m) is the eighth-highest mountain in the world and offers a tough but rewarding journey for trekking enthusiasts. Locals believe that ‘Manaslu’ is a spirit mountain, a kind and powerful deity.
The trekking area is protected by the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), and special permits are required. These permits can only be arranged through licensed trekking agencies. The trek is planned to give enough time for trekkers to get used to the altitude and enjoy the stunning Himalayan scenery.
Our 16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek starts at Arughat (760m), which is reachable by road. The trail passes through forests filled with rhododendron, pine, and oak trees, and through small, beautiful Gurung villages. Walking along the Budhi Gandaki Gorge offers amazing views of the mountains and a mix of cultures, including Newari, Gurung, Brahmin, and Chhetri traditions. In the Nupri region, Tibetan culture comes to life with colorful prayer flags, stone walls (mani walls), monasteries, and other unique features.
The trek’s highlight is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160m), one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the Himalayas. From here, you will see breathtaking views of peaks like Kangguru, Annapurna II, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Larkya Peak, and Ratna Chuli.
The trail continues towards Dharapani, where it connects with the Annapurna Circuit Trail, eventually ending in Besisahar. This last stretch adds even more excitement to the trek. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is special because it offers a mix of amazing natural scenery and rich cultural experiences, along with varied climates and untouched landscapes.
The remote and challenging nature of the Manaslu Circuit Trek makes it a great choice for your next adventure. At Himalayan Joy Adventure, we offer a flexible Manaslu Trek itinerary that can be customized specifically to meet your needs. Our team will work with you to create the perfect schedule, making sure the Manaslu Circuit Trek becomes an experience you will remember forever.
What makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek unique and special?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a special adventure that combines beautiful nature, rich culture, and the excitement of trekking at high altitudes. It is one of the longer treks in the Manaslu region, giving you a complete experience of both adventure and cultural exploration. This trek is not just about reaching high points in the mountains, but also about experiencing the local culture and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Although this trekking route is not as popular as the famous Annapurana Base Camp Trek in the Annapura region, you might be curious about what makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek so special. Here are seven reasons to support its uniqueness and speciality:
1) Remote and Less Crowded
Unlike popular trekking routes like the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit Trek remains less crowded, offering a peaceful and authentic Himalayan experience. Its remote location allows trekkers to enjoy the untouched wilderness without the bustle of heavy tourist traffic.
2) Stunning Mountain Scenery
The trek offers breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest peak in the world, along with other stunning peaks like Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Larkya Peak, and some glimpses of the Annapurna range. The highlight is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160m), one of the most beautiful high-altitude passes in Nepal.
3) Rich Cultural Experience
The trek is a journey through the cultural variety of Nepal. From the Gurung villages in the lower regions to the Tibetan-influenced Nupri Valley, you will experience a blend of every tradition, language, and lifestyle. The Tibetan monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens along the way add a spiritual dimension to the trek.
4) Diverse Landscapes
The trail showcases a variety of landscapes, from lush subtropical forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and glacial valleys. This diversity makes the trek visually stunning and constantly changing.
5) Restricted Area Status
The Manaslu region is a restricted area, requiring special permits and a registered guide. This regulation helps preserve the natural environment and cultural heritage, ensuring a more exclusive trekking experience.
At Himalayan Joy Adventure, we take care of all the hassle of permits and documentation for our clients, so they can focus on enjoying their adventure.
6) Adventure and Challenge
The trek’s remote trails, steep ascents, and high-altitude terrain make it a rewarding challenge for adventure seekers. It really tests your physical and mental endurance while offering the satisfaction of completing one of Nepal’s most iconic treks.
7) Connection with Nature
The trek passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, home to diverse flora and fauna, including Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopards, and red pandas. If you're lucky, you might even spot these exotic animals. It is genuinely a paradise for nature lovers.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is truly special for its combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It’s the perfect choice for trekkers looking for a unique and unforgettable Himalayan journey.
How Difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderately to highly challenging trek in the Manaslu region. It is longer in distance compared to many other treks, which requires good physical fitness, mental preparedness, and proper acclimatization. Below is an overview of the four main factors that contribute to the difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
1) Altitude Challenges at Larke La
The trek reaches its highest point at the Larke La Pass (5,160m). At this altitude, most trekkers experience reduced oxygen levels, making the trek more physically challenging. Proper acclimatization is crucial to cope with altitude changes and avoid altitude sickness. It’s also important for your guide to closely monitor your condition during this time.
2) Winter Trekking Difficulties
During the winter season in the Manaslu region, the trek becomes particularly tough due to extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, which can block trails, including Larke La Pass. Trekkers during the winter must be well-prepared for harsh weather conditions and carry the appropriate gear, ideally accompanied by experienced guides.
3) Monsoon Season Hazards
The monsoon season brings constant rain, which makes the trails slippery and risky. Muddy and wet paths increase the chances of accidents, so trekkers must be cautious and well-prepared with proper footwear and rain gear.
Note: You can find more details about the proper trekking equipment by clicking here.
4) Long Duration
The trek typically takes 14–18 days, requiring sustained physical effort over an extended period. Long walking hours, coupled with limited access to modern facilities can add to the challenge.
While the Manaslu Circuit Trek is demanding, the breathtaking mountain views, cultural richness, and rewarding sense of accomplishment make the effort worthwhile. With proper preparation, guidance from experienced trekking guides, and adequate acclimatization, it’s a challenge that many trekkers can successfully complete.
Manaslu Circuit Trek cost in 2025
The Manaslu Circuit Trek usually costs between USD $1,500 and $2,500 per person. The exact price depends on things like how long the trek is, the kind of accommodation you choose, the number of people in your group, and any extra services you want.
At Himalayan Joy Adventure, we offer affordable pricing for our 16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek. Bigger groups can get discounts, but we always provide excellent service for groups of all sizes. Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs to help you plan your trip.
| No of Pax | Starting price (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| 2-3 pax | USD $2000 |
| 4-6 pax | USD $1950 |
| 7-11 pax | USD $1750 |
| 12-15 pax | USD $1600 |
| 16-20 pax | USD $1550 |
If you would like to customize the dates and itinerary to suit your needs, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp.
