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View more photosThe price includes round-trip transportation, permits, a guide, a porter, meals, and teahouse accommodation.
This trip is fully customizable
Circling the number eight highest mountain ranked in the world, Mt Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft), the Manaslu Circuit trek with Above and Beyond Trekking promises adventure, culture and Himalayan views you’ll never have seen before! Head through one of Nepal’s culturally rich and less crowded trekking regions. Following the Budi Gandaki River, you’ll trek through deep mountain gorges, passing waterfalls, and trek deep into the Manaslu Conservation Area until finally crossing the mountain pass into the Annapurna Conservation Area. This crossing is also one of the main highlights of the Manaslu Circuit trek. You’ll cross the famous Larke La Pass at 5,106 m / 16,752 ft)! Trekking towards this pass lets you explore traditional villages, head on adventurous trails, and see views of nature and mountains each day! Less crowded than more commercial treks such as Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp treks, the Manaslu Circuit trek in Nepal delivers a true Himalayan experience.
Your Manaslu Circuit trek starts with a bus drive through countryside, around and over hills and following the river. Once at Machha Khola you’ll meet the local team, hold a gear check with your Above and Beyond Trekking guide and prepare to set your first steps on the Manaslu Circuit trail! The initial part of the trek goes steadily upwards, easing you into trekking in the Budi Gandaki Valley. You overnight at traditional villages such as Jagat, Deng and Namrung. During these trekking days of the Manaslu Circuit trail, you’ll have beautiful views of Himalchuli (7,893 m / 25,896 ft) and Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m / 25,823 ft). As you gain more elevation, Manaslu also comes insight. From Samagaon the terrain changes drastically! Green forests disappear, turning the landscape into an alpine, rocky mountain terrain. You climb further after acclimatizing to Samdo and Dharmasala, before the push to the Larke La Pass. It’s a steep ascent and you’ll have to wake up early to make it through. But the views? Absolutely breathtaking! See; Himlung Himal (7,126 m / 23,379 ft) to the north, Cheo Himal (6,820 m / 22,375 ft), and Annapurna II (7,937 m / 26,040 ft) to the south. Clear days during the peak season let you also see Annapurna I (8,091 m / 26,545 ft) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft) on the horizon!
From the Larke La Pass the Manaslu Circuit trek descends into the beautiful and popular Annapurna region. At Dharapani permits for the Annapurna Conservation Area will be checked. Another and final day of trekking takes you to the end village of the Manaslu Circuit trek, Tilje village. The village is just a short hike from the jeep station. Drive to Besisahar and catch a local bus back to Kathmandu. This entire 16 days Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary and package is specially designed by Above and beyond Trekking with budget and freedom of choice taken in mind. Transportation is local, and accommodation in Kathmandu is self-booked. Naturally Above and Beyond Trekking can organize the Manaslu Circuit trek with private transportation and full accommodation booking included. Just ask us during your booking confirmation. Trek the Manaslu Circuit trek and see the best of two major trekking regions in Nepal with Above and Beyond Trekking!
e Manaslu Circuit is rated as a moderate to challenging trek. It is more demanding than the Annapurna Circuit and comparable to Everest Base Camp, but with fewer crowds and a more authentic experience! The main challenges are the long trekking days (6‑8 hours) and the altitude, with the highest point at 5,106 m / 16,752 ft. The trail is not technical, you won't need ropes or ice axes, but it requires good cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and proper acclimatization. For most trekkers, the difficult section is the crossing of Larke La Pass, which involves a steep ascent and descent at high altitude.
You need three main permits for the Manaslu Circuit trek. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The Restricted Area Permit is the most critical, it can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency and requires a minimum of two trekkers with a licensed guide! Above and Beyond Trekking arranges all permits as part of the package.
You stay in teahouses during the Manaslu Circuit trek. These are simple, often family‑run lodges offering basic facilities. Rooms typically have a bed, blanket, and pillow, with either shared or attached bathrooms. At higher elevations like Samagaun, Samdo, and Dharamsala, the teahouses are more rustic and traditional, but all provide warm meals and a place to sleep. In Samagaun, many teahouses have rooms with attached bathrooms and dining halls with heating. Hot showers are available at most teahouses for a small fee. Above and Beyond Trekking arranges the best available teahouses along the route.
The Manaslu Circuit is not recommended for absolute beginners but can be done with enough preperation. It requires good fitness, previous hiking experience, and the ability to handle high altitude. The long walking days, remote location, and challenging pass crossing make it a serious undertaking. However, if you have some trekking experience and train adequately beforehand, it is achievable. Above and Beyond Trekking recommends prior experience at altitudes above 4,000 m / 13,123 ft before attempting the Manaslu Circuit.
The Manaslu Conservation Area is home to a variety of Himalayan wildlife! You may spot Himalayan Thar grazing on steep slopes, musk deer, and the elusive snow leopard (though sightings are extremely rare). Birdwatchers can look for the Himalayan monal (Nepal's national bird), griffon vultures, and ravens. The best chances for wildlife sightings are in the quieter sections of the trail away from the main villages, especially in the early morning or late afternoon!
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Trek briefing and preparation day
Day 03: Drive to Machha Khola
Day 04: Trek to Jagat
Day 05: Trek to Deng
Day 06: Trek to Namrung
Day 07: Trek to Lho
Day 08: Trek to Samagaun
Day 09: Acclimatization Day
Day 10: Trek to Samdo
Day 11: Trek to Dharamsala
Day 12: Cross Larke La Pass and trek to Bimthang
Day 13: Trek to Gowa
Day 14: Trek to Tilje and drive to Besisahar
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 16: Departure
Meet up with your Above and Beyond Trekking representative at the airport upon arrival. After a quick meet and greet, he’ll drive you to your own booked hotel in Kathmandu. You plan to meet the next day with your guide, and the rest of the day holds no obligations. Rest, roam around, try out one of the local restaurants and delicacies Kathmandu has to offer!
Overnight: Your own booked hotel in Kathmandu
You’ll meet your Above and Beyond Trekking guide at the hotel lobby somewhere after your breakfast. Together go through the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary, hold a safety briefing, check your equipment and gear, as well as hold a briefing regarding the trek, culture, mountains, etc. The rest of the day is mostly spent gathering supplies. In the mountains due to mostly altitude, access, and preservation, everything is more expensive. Buy your favorite snacks and necessities for the trek while in the city to save some money. Depending on your booking choice you’ll have to catch a local bus at the new bus park of Kathmandu. The bus departs at 7am so take an early rest and prepare for the trip. Most hotels in Kathmandu can prepare an early breakfast upon request.
Overnight: Your own booked hotel in Kathmandu
Drive: 7-8 hours
Above and Beyond Trekking’s guide will meet you in the morning at the hotel lobby. You’ll want to be leaving there before 6.20AM to catch a local bus departing at 7AM. Your destination? Machha Khola, a town serving as the gateway into Manaslu’s Budi Gandaki Valley. You’ll drive along the highway circling hills, heading north into Gorkha. It’s a long drive, with stops for breaks and lunch along the way. Once at Machha Khola meet your local porter team, and check into the teahouse. In the evening enjoy your first out of city dinner and go over the trip once more with the guide.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Machha Khola
Trek time: 6-7 hours
You set your first steps on the Manaslu Circuit trail! Follow the Budi Gandaki River heading into thin gorge. Cross multiple locally made suspension bridges and pass by smaller villages while gradually ascending towards Jagat. You’ll face rocky sections, with beautiful waterfall views along the way. After a steady climb, you’ll reach Jagat. Permits are checked and you make way for one of the teahouses with views of the surrounding hills. Dinner comes as a welcoming gift after your first full day of trekking on the Manaslu trail!
Overnight: a local teahouse in Jagat
Trek time: 6-7 hours
Continue along the river for today’s trek to Deng. After passing through Salleri you’ll have a long and exited suspension bridge crossing. Now heading into the forest of pine and rhododendron the vegetation becomes thicker the more you ascend on the hill. Set above the River you’ll see Deng, your overnight destination of the day. Known for its traditional stone houses, Deng is the ideal place to stop for the night.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Deng
Trek time: 6-7 hours
Following the river further upstream you;ll pass by the village of Ghap. From here after crossing a few streams, you’ll notice the vegetation becoming more temperate with oak and rhododendron forests filling the entire landscape. Higher up the trail you’ll see Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft) and Himalchuli (7,893 m / 25,896 ft) starting to show between the tree openings. At Namrung, after checking into the local teahouse, you can visit the small monastery present here.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Namrung
Trek time: 5-6 hours
Head further through the forest, ever climbing, seeing the vegetation thinning out as you gain more altitude. From Shyala village the views of Manalsu become clearer, with the mountain dominating the skyline! You keep following the trail leading closer to the mountain until reaching Lho village. Located on the hillside, Lho offers its visitors breathtaking views of Manaslu and other peaks. At the village you have dinner and the opportunity to visit the local monastery before turning in for the night.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Lho
Trek time: 4-5 hours
You’re almost halfway through the trek. Today you’ll be heading for Samagaun at 3,530 m / 11,581 ft! Enjoy amazing views of Manaslu as you ascend through pure alpine terrain. Pass by Sho and keep on the trail leading to Samagaun. Positioned just below the north face of Manaslu, Samagaun gives also views of the massive glaciers and icefalls of the mountain. The village is also used as the last outpost for summiteers heading to Manaslu Base Camp.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Samagaun
Trek time: 5-6 hours
To cross the Larke La you’ll need to be acclimatized to the high elevation you’ll face later. Samagaun is the ideal place to do this. Above and beyond Trekking holds a special acclimatization hike to either the ancient Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp. Either one of these acclimatization hikes will bring you to a higher elevation and back down to Samagaun. This process allows your body to adjust to the lack of oxygen at this altitude. The hike to Base Camp goes higher and steeper, but both give amazing and breathtaking views of the Himalayas! Back at Samagaun, rest, do laundry, or prepare for tomorrow’s trek.
Overnight: at the same teahouse in Samagaun
Trek time: 4-5 hours
A shorter trek today. Continue climbing on the trail. It’s rocky and the vegetation thins out, with here and there a brush of juniper plucking out. Follow the ridge offering views of the Himalaya. As you keep trekking the north face of Manaslu is constantly in your view. Pass by Kermo and navigate around the hillside before slightly descending to Samdo. Near the Tibetan border and also located on a hillside, form Samdo you can see some exceptional views of Himlung Himal (7,126 m / 23,379 ft).
Overnight: a local teahouse in Samdo
Trek time: 4-5 hours
Keep climbing through rocky terrain today as you head for Dharmasala. You follow the trail leading along the streams of the valley with stone bridge crossings. Pass by Larke village and optionally visit its small monastery. Heading now closer to the mountain pass, Manalsu starts to grow distant, but Himlung Himal stays in view. At the base of the Larke La Pass Dharmasala is an important post. Stunning views of the mountains and the Larke Glacier can be seen here, and trekkers rest here for the mountain pass crossing. You’ll have to head out early tomorrow to cross before the wind becomes to severe, so make sure to charge your headlights and get an early overnight.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Dharamsala
Trek time: 8‑10 hours
Wake up early and leave the teahouse around 4AM. Everything is quiet and dark with only your headlights shining the way. You follow your guide climbing the first section of the pass. It’s steep and strenuous on the legs. Ascent slowly but steadily, it’s not a sprint to the top! As you reach higher on the pass, you keep following the marking cairns and prayer flags leading to the summit of Larke La. The further you head up the vegetation disappears completely only to be replaced by rock. Once at the summit, the views are one of kind! See Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft) to the west, Himlung Himal (7,126 m / 23,379 ft) to the north, Cheo Himal (6,820 m / 22,375 ft), and Annapurna II (7,937 m / 26,040 ft) to the south. On exceptionally clear days, you can also see Annapurna I (8,091 m / 26,545 ft) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft) in the distance! You descend the pass by the eastern route and make your way to Bhimtang. The descent is tricky and steep. The further you descend the more vegetation starts to reappear. Once at Bhimtang it’ll be late afternoon. Just in time to see the sun setting across the Marshyangdi Valley with views of Annapurna II.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Bimthang
Trek time: 5-6 hours
From Bhimtang, you descent into the forest of pine and rhododendron. Keep following the Marsyangdi River downstream. The forest provides cover from the sun and the elements, and the sound of the river water rushing brings a peaceful state of mind. Pass by a few smaller settlements along the way. Seeing views of Annapurna II in the distance you reach at Gowa. Check in to the local teahouse and have a well-deserved dinner.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Gowa
Trek time: 2 hours Drive: 3-4 hours
The trail and last part of your Manaslu Circuit trek continues downhill through forest and terraced fields. You pass through the village of Dharapani, a busy settlement with several teahouses and shops. From Dharapani, the trail follows the Marsyangdi River through a wide valley. Stop at the village of Tilje, then continue to the roadhead. From Tilje, a local jeep takes you to Besisahar. The drive is scenic, passing through the Marsyangdi Valley with views of the Annapurna range. Upon arrival in Besisahar, you check into a teahouse for dinner and the night.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Besisahar
Drive: 6‑7 hours
After breakfast you prepare for the return drive to Kathmandu. Catch a local bus and prepare for the long drive back. Following the same route, the bus will stop again a few times for breaks and once for lunch. Once back in Kathmandu your Above and Beyond Trekking guide will escort you back to your own booked hotel. At the evening, we meet up again for your valuable trip review.
Overnight: Your own booked hotel in Kathmandu
Ending your 16-day Manaslu Circuit trek, our Above and Beyond Trekking driver will pick you up about 3 hours before your departure at the hotel. We wish you a safe journey homewards and hope to see you again for another Above and Beyond Trekking adventure in Nepal!
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!!””
