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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 spectacular and less-crowded trekking adventures, circling the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu (8,163m). Located in the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area near the Tibetan border, this trek offers a perfect combination of raw Himalayan wilderness, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes. Discover why this remote Himalayan journey is considered one of the best trekking experiences in Nepal.
Unlike the more commercial trekking routes in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek provides a remote and authentic experience, where traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and untouched mountain trails define the journey. Trekkers follow the Budhi Gandaki River valley, passing through subtropical forests, deep gorges, suspension bridges, and gradually rising into alpine terrain surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
One of the main highlights of the Manaslu Trek in Nepal is crossing the challenging Larke La Pass (5,160m), a high mountain pass that rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. This crossing is both physically demanding and visually unforgettable, making it the centerpiece of the trek.
The route passes through culturally rich villages influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, including Sama Gaun and Samdo, where prayer flags, mani walls, and centuries-old monasteries reflect the region’s spiritual heritage. The Manaslu region is also known for its strong conservation efforts, preserving both its natural biodiversity and traditional lifestyles.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary typically takes 14 to 18 days, depending on acclimatization and side trips such as Manaslu Base Camp or the serene Pungyen Gompa. It is considered a challenging trek suitable for experienced trekkers seeking a quieter alternative to the Annapurna or Everest regions.
Best trekking seasons for the Manaslu Circuit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when weather conditions are stable and mountain views are at their clearest. Due to its restricted area status, special permits are required, making it one of Nepal’s most protected and exclusive trekking routes.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding and authentic Himalayan trekking experiences, offering a remote alternative to the busier Everest and Annapurna routes. Circling the majestic Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak, this trek combines dramatic mountain scenery, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, and a true sense of wilderness adventure.
One of the main reasons to choose the Manaslu Trek in Nepal is its incredible diversity of landscapes. The trail begins in lush lowland valleys filled with terraced fields and subtropical forests, then gradually ascends through deep river gorges, alpine meadows, and rugged high-altitude terrain. Each day brings new scenery, making it one of the most visually dynamic treks in the Himalayas.
The highlight of the journey is crossing the challenging Larke La Pass (5,160m), one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal. From the top, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and surrounding snow-capped peaks. This high pass crossing is a true adventure milestone and a defining moment of the trek.
The cultural experience is equally compelling. The trail passes through traditional villages such as Sama Gaun and Samdo, where Tibetan Buddhist heritage is deeply preserved. Ancient monasteries, prayer wheels, mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags reflect the spiritual lifestyle of the local communities, offering trekkers an immersive cultural journey.
Unlike more commercial trekking routes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal remains relatively untouched and less crowded. This restricted region requires special permits and a licensed guide, which helps preserve its natural environment and cultural authenticity while ensuring a safer trekking experience.
With its combination of remote wilderness, dramatic Himalayan scenery, cultural depth, and challenging mountain passes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a quieter, more adventurous, and more meaningful trekking journey in Nepal.
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!!””
