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| 2–3 trekkers | $1,325 |
| 4–6 trekkers | $1,300 |
| 7–9 trekkers | $1,275 |
| 10+ trekkers | $1,250 |
Price includes round-trip flights, permits, guide, porter, meals, teahouse lodging.
This trip is fully customizable
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding long-distance treks, circling Mount Manaslu at 8,163 meters, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The trek begins with a scenic six to seven hour drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, passing through the beautiful countryside, terraced fields, and riverside landscapes before the trail gradually ascends into remote mountain valleys. Compared to the more popular Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit offers a less-crowded experience in the Himalayas.
Trekkers are rewarded with spectacular views throughout the route, with the highlight being the crossing of the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters, the highest point of the trek. From the top, the panorama stretches across snow-covered peaks including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and the towering Manaslu itself. The trail also provides opportunities for side trips, especially from Samagaun, where many trekkers explore Birendra Lake or hike towards Manaslu Base Camp as part of their acclimatization.
The trek usually takes between fourteen and eighteen days depending on the chosen itinerary and the time allowed for rest and side excursions. Following the Budhi Gandaki River valley, the route crosses suspension bridges, climbs through subtropical forests and rhododendron-covered hillsides in spring, and finally enters the alpine zone with rugged glaciers and high mountain passes. With gradual altitude gain and acclimatization days in key villages such as Samagaun, trekkers can adapt safely while enjoying cultural and scenic highlights along the way.
Cultural experiences are at the heart of the Manaslu Circuit. Villages like Samagaun and Samdo reflect the Tibetan Buddhist influence of the Nubri and Tsum Valley region, with monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the trek. Local communities, including Gurung and Tibetan people, welcome trekkers with warm hospitality, offering tea house accommodations that blend tradition with comfort.
The best times to trek the Manaslu Circuit are spring, from March to May, when the trails come alive with blooming rhododendrons, and autumn, from September to November, when clear skies provide the best mountain views. Winter brings heavy snowfall at higher elevations, making the Larkya La Pass difficult to cross, while the summer monsoon season can make lower sections muddy and challenging.
Transportation to the trailhead involves a jeep or local bus ride from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, which is the official starting point of the trek. Most packages include permits, accommodation, meals, and transportation, and it is mandatory to hire a licensed guide. Having a guide not only ensures safety on the challenging trails but also enriches the journey with cultural insights and local knowledge.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is ideal for trekkers looking for a balance of adventure, cultural immersion, and stunning mountain landscapes. With its remote trails, dramatic mountain views, vibrant spring flowers, and unique blend of cultures, it stands as one of Nepal’s most enriching trekking experiences and a worthy alternative to the busier routes of the Himalayas.
Drive Duration: 7–8 hours
Start your adventure with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. Enjoy views of rivers, terraced hillsides, and rural villages as you follow the Budi Gandaki River.
Overnight: Teahouse in Machha Khola
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Follow the Budi Gandaki River through lush forests and small settlements. Cross several suspension bridges and pass through Khorlabesi and the natural hot springs at Tatopani before reaching Jagat.
Overnight: Teahouse in Jagat
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and trek through terraced fields and traditional Gurung villages. Cross several suspension bridges and walk along rocky trails before reaching the village of Deng.
Overnight: Teahouse in Deng
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Pass through pine forests, mani walls, and small settlements as you gain altitude. Enjoy your first real views of Mt. Manaslu and Siringi Himal as you approach the Tibetan-influenced village of Namrung.
Overnight: Teahouse in Namrung
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
After a hearty breakfast, begin a scenic ascent to Lihi Village, known for its ancient chortens and barley fields. Enjoy views of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29) as you continue past the picturesque Syo Village. Arrive at Lho, a cultural hub home to the Ribung Monastery, where you can experience Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Overnight: Teahouse in Lho
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Today's trek offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, especially Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. Pass through Shyala Village, surrounded by snowy peaks including Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu. Reach Samagaun, the largest village in the region, with its stone houses, yak pastures, and rich Tibetan culture.
Overnight: Teahouse in Samagaun
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours (hike)
To aid acclimatization, choose a hike to either:
Return to Samagaun for the night.
Overnight: Teahouse in Samagaun
Trek Duration: 4 hours
A shorter, gentle trek leads to Samdo, the last permanent settlement before the Larke La Pass. The trail opens to wide alpine valleys with great mountain vistas.
Overnight: Teahouse in Samdo
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Climb steadily towards Dharamsala (also called Larke Phedi), the High Camp for Larke La Pass. Rest and prepare for the pass crossing tomorrow.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dharamsala
Trek Duration: 8–9 hours
Start early to ascend the Larke La Pass, the highest point of the trek. Enjoy breathtaking views of Himlung, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, and Cheo Himal before descending steeply to Bimthang.
Overnight: Teahouse in Bimthang
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Descend through a lush valley with rhododendron forests and alpine pastures. Pass villages like Hampuk, Yak Kharka, and Karche before reaching the peaceful settlement of Gowa.
Overnight: Teahouse in Gowa
Trek Duration: 2 hours | Drive Duration: 3 hours
A short descent leads to Tilje Village (2,300m), known for its terraced fields and traditional architecture. After a break, drive to Besisahar by jeep, marking the end of the trekking journey.
Overnight: Hotel in Besisahar
Drive Duration: 5–6 hours
Enjoy a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, passing through river valleys, terraced hills, and traditional towns. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
November 2, 2025
“Having sampled trekking in Nepal last year on a section of the Everest trail one view of our son and daughter-in-law’s pictures of their Manaslu trek was enough to make us want to give it a go. Sam at Above and Beyond had been their guide and so on their strong recommendation we contacted him to help us on this trip. From the very start it was clear our kids had given us very good advice. Keeping in touch with Sam during the booking process was easy and he took care of all the necessary permits and advised on equipment for the trek so that all we had to do was turn up in Kathmandu at the right time. From there he had all transport, accommodation and portering sorted. The trek itself is amazing, walking along side thundering rivers through a changing landscape as you climb from 900 metres to over 5000 metres during the course of this adventure. It is a true experience on so many levels. The scenery is breathtaking; you gain an insight into Nepali life; you face a testing physical challenge. Throughout this Sam is there as much as a friend as a guide, helping us to get the most out of our journey. So if you would like to do something that is truly special email Sam and ask him to take around the Manaslu circuit.”
October 10, 2025
““Jam, jam, honey, honey, peanut butter” We have had the absolute pleasure to trek with “above and beyond” on 2 occasions (3 passes trek 2019 and manaslu circuit 2025). I would recommend Sam and his company to anyone as the ONLY way to trek in Nepal. For the 3 passes we trekked with the absolute gentleman Gopal and we had an incredible experience doing the very challenging passes. Gopal was always kind, encouraging and knowledgeable with his information. For Manaslu we trekked with the legend that is Sam himself - not only was the trek beautiful, we had epic company in Sam! He was fantastic at telling us about the local area, ensuring we had great places to stay, pacing us on the walk, providing great encouragement and brilliant entertainment. He even helped us learn some more Nepali and compose some trekking songs, most notably “jam, jam, honey, honey, peanut butter!!””
