Gorkha, Gandaki · Nepal
Manaslu Circuit
A restricted-area circuit around the world's eighth-highest mountain, over Larke Pass (5,106 m).
Manaslu Circuit is a difficult trek in Gorkha, Gandaki, Nepal, reaching 5,106 m. The best time to go is March to May and October and November. Plan 12 to 14 days on the ground from Kathmandu and about ₹4,000 per person per day.
What to do in Manaslu Circuit
The one thing not to miss
Larkya La
The 5,106 m pass at the end of the circuit.
- 2SamagaonA large village under Manaslu; take a rest day and walk to Birendra lake.
- 3SamdoThe last village, near the Tibetan border.
- 4The Budhi Gandaki gorgeThe first days follow the river through a deep, narrow valley.
A sample plan: 11 days
Day 1
Kathmandu to Machha Khola
A long, rough drive.
Day 2
Machha Khola to Jagat
Up the Budhi Gandaki gorge.
Day 3
Jagat to Deng
Permits are checked.
Day 4
Deng to Namrung
Into Tibetan-influenced villages.
Day 5
Namrung to Lho or Samagaon
Manaslu comes into view.
Day 6
Rest day at Samagaon
Walk to Birendra lake or towards base camp.
Day 7
Samagaon to Samdo
A short day.
Day 8
Samdo to Dharamsala
The foot of the pass.
Day 9
Over Larkya La to Bimthang
Start before dawn.
Day 10
Bimthang to Dharapani
Down through forest.
Day 11
Dharapani to Besisahar and Kathmandu
By jeep and road.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
Why go
Annapurna-class scenery with a fraction of the trekkers, and real Tibetan-influenced villages.
Why not
Restricted area — minimum two trekkers, a registered agency, and a special permit.
Before you go
- Permits
- Restricted Area Permit + MCAP + ACAP + TIMS. Must go through a registered agency.
- Guide
- Required by law.
- Safety
- Larke Pass in bad weather is serious; carry a proper layering system.
- Phone & internet
- Limited; no signal on the pass.
Altitude
Manaslu Circuit reaches 5,106 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness.
- Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.
- Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down.
- Breathlessness while resting, a wet cough, confusion or trouble walking straight is an emergency: go down at once, by night if necessary, and get medical help.
- Speak to a doctor before the trip if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure problems, or are travelling with small children.
- Medicines such as acetazolamide (Diamox) are for a doctor to prescribe; they are not a substitute for going up slowly.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Nepal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Main hospitals in Nepal: CIWEC Hospital, Kathmandu; Himalayan Rescue Association aid posts, Pheriche (Everest) and Manang (Annapurna); Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara.
All emergency contacts for Nepal →What to pack for Manaslu Circuit
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
12 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
- Rain jacket or poncho Mountain weather turns quickly; rain gear doubles as a wind layer.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 177 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
11 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
- Duffel bag, 60–80 litres What porters carry on teahouse treks; your day pack stays with you.
Health and sun
10 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Pulse oximeter Lets you watch your oxygen level above 4,000 m. It does not replace descending if you feel unwell.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
- A word with your doctor about altitudeYou will go above 3,500 m (to 5,106 m). Ask a doctor about altitude sickness before you travel, and plan a slow ascent.
Documents and money
6 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesIndians need a passport or voter ID to enter Nepal; other nationals need a passport and visa.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsRestricted Area Permit + MCAP + ACAP + TIMS. Must go through a registered agency.
- Indian ₹100 notes, or Nepali rupees₹100 notes are the safest Indian currency to carry in Nepal; larger notes are not always accepted. Change money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trail.
- Passport-size photos for trekking permitsNeeded for park and trekking permits. Carry four.
- Travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuationA helicopter rescue from high on a Nepal trek is very expensive, and operators ask for proof of cover before they fly.
Phone and power
3 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereLimited; no signal on the pass.
- Universal travel adapter Nepal's sockets differ from India's in many lodges.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Nepal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Kathmandu.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- No. Take a 4×4 or a local taxi. Mountain roads in Nepal are slow and often rough; allow more time than the distance suggests.
By road
From
Kathmandu
- Distance
- about 160 km
- Drive time
- 8–9 hours
- Kathmandu
- Dhading Besi
- Arughat
- Soti Khola
- Machha Khola
The walk ends at Dharapani, from where jeeps run to Besisahar. A restricted area: permit through a registered agency, and a guide.
Live directions from Kathmandu
Buses and shared taxis. Buses run from Kathmandu to Arughat and Soti Khola; a private jeep saves several hours.
Pickups & drivers
From Kathmandu. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Manaslu Circuit yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Manaslu Circuit: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Manaslu Circuit?
The best months for Manaslu Circuit are March to May and October and November. February and December are possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in December to March.
How difficult is Manaslu Circuit?
Manaslu Circuit is rated difficult. The trek is about 177 km in total, starting at 700 m and reaching 5,106 m.
How many days do you need for Manaslu Circuit?
Plan 12 to 14 days on the ground, counted from Kathmandu. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Manaslu Circuit cost?
Expect about ₹4,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹56,000 for 14 days, before the cost of getting to Kathmandu.
How do you reach Manaslu Circuit?
By road: from Kathmandu it is about 160 km, 8–9 hours (Kathmandu → Dhading Besi → Arughat → Soti Khola → Machha Khola). Buses run from Kathmandu to Arughat and Soti Khola; a private jeep saves several hours. The nearest gateway is Kathmandu.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Manaslu Circuit?
Permits: Restricted Area Permit + MCAP + ACAP + TIMS. Must go through a registered agency. Guide: Required by law.
Is Manaslu Circuit suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is not advised; with seniors it is not advised. It is quiet in season. Larke Pass in bad weather is serious; carry a proper layering system.
What should you pack for Manaslu Circuit?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Manaslu Circuit?
Limited; no signal on the pass.
Will I get altitude sickness at Manaslu Circuit?
Manaslu Circuit reaches 5,106 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness. Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Manaslu Circuit?
Manaslu Circuit is not a good choice for anyone who has not done a high-altitude trek before, families with children, senior citizens and anyone with a heart, lung or blood-pressure condition unless a doctor has cleared them for 5,106 m. Also keep in mind: Restricted area — minimum two trekkers, a registered agency, and a special permit.
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