The journey
The Manaslu Circuit is Nepal's hidden gem, a wild, remote trek that rivals the Annapurna Circuit with a fraction of the crowds. Circle the world's eighth-highest mountain through pristine valleys, ancient Tibetan Buddhist villages, and over the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,106 metres.
This restricted-area trek requires a special permit, keeping trekker numbers low and the experience authentic. You'll pass through landscapes that shift from subtropical forest to high-altitude desert, with views of Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli, and the Ganesh Himal range.
The Manaslu Circuit is for trekkers who want the real Nepal: remote, rugged, and utterly unforgettable.
Trek Photos
Larke Pass
Mountain Lodge
Trail Mates
The Journey InThe trail
Route overview: Kathmandu to Dharapani via Larkya La Pass
The day to day
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)
+Airport pickup, hotel transfer, trek briefing with your guide.
Drive to Soti Khola (710m)
+7-8 hour drive through river valleys to the trailhead. The adventure begins.
Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m)
+Trek through subtropical forest along the Budhi Gandaki river. Waterfalls and suspension bridges.
Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
+Enter the restricted area. The valley narrows with dramatic cliffs and rapids below.
Jagat to Deng (1,860m)
+Cross to the west side of the river. Tibetan influence begins, with prayer flags and mani walls appearing along the trail.
Deng to Namrung (2,660m)
+Gain altitude through pine forests. First clear views of Manaslu. Arrive in the traditional village of Namrung.
Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m)
+Trek past chortens and monasteries into the Manaslu heartland. Samagaon sits beneath the towering face of Manaslu.
Acclimatisation Day in Samagaon
+Rest day. Optional hike to Birendra Lake or the Pungyen Gompa for stunning Manaslu views.
Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m)
+Short trek to the last village before the pass. Near the Tibetan border with trading history.
Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m)
+Trek to the high camp below Larkya La. Basic stone shelter, so get an early night for the pass crossing.
Larkya La Pass (5,160m) to Bimthang (3,590m)
+The big day. Pre-dawn start, 5-6 hours to the pass with 360-degree views, then steep descent to Bimthang.
Bimthang to Dharapani (1,860m)
+Dramatic descent through rhododendron forest back to the Annapurna region. Rejoin the Marsyangdi Valley.
Drive to Kathmandu
+Drive back to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel or airport. Trek complete.
What you get
Included
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu
- All accommodation (hotels + teahouses)
- Three meals per day on trek
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Porter service
- All permits (Manaslu restricted area, MCAP, TIMS)
- Ground transport (Kathmandu–Soti Khola, Dharapani–Kathmandu)
- First aid kit and oximeter
- Trek briefing and gear check
Not Included
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Travel insurance (required)
- Nepal tourist visa
- Personal trekking gear
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Hot showers and device charging on trek
- Tips for guide and porters
- Personal expenses
Common questions
Does Manaslu require special permits?
+Yes — three permits are required: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and TIMS card. All three are included in your package and handled entirely by us. This restricted access is what keeps the circuit so uncrowded.
Is Manaslu more remote than Everest Base Camp?
+Much more remote. Teahouse infrastructure is basic, mobile coverage is limited, and you'll go days without seeing other trekking groups. This is the real Nepal — no tourist crowds, no coffee shops at every stop. That's precisely why trekkers who've done EBC often say Manaslu is their favourite.
What is the Larkya La Pass crossing like?
+At 5,106m, Larkya La is a serious high-altitude crossing. Expect a long day (8–10 hours) with a 4am start. You'll spend a night at Dharamsala (4,460m) beforehand to acclimatise. The views from the pass are extraordinary — Manaslu, Himlung, and the entire Ganesh Himal range.
Do I need previous high-altitude trekking experience?
+Yes, strongly recommended. Manaslu is rated Hard and is best suited to trekkers who have completed at least one previous multi-day high-altitude trek. The remoteness means there's less margin for error than on more accessible routes.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
+Yes, though solo spots on Manaslu departures fill quickly given the small group sizes. Get in touch early to secure your place.
Is travel insurance required?
+Yes, mandatory. Must cover trekking to 6,000m and helicopter evacuation from a remote area. Given how remote Manaslu is, this is non-negotiable. We confirm your policy before departure.
Are tips for guides and porters expected?
+Yes. Tips are an important part of your crew's income and are not included in the price. Guideline: guide $15–20 AUD/day, porter $8–10 AUD/day, split across the group.
What's the cancellation policy?
+A $500 deposit secures your spot. Full payment is due 60 days before departure. Cancellations with 60+ days notice receive a full deposit refund. Contact us for cancellations inside 60 days.