The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most breathtaking, premier, and off-the-beaten-path trekking destinations that takes you around Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak, standing tall at an elevation of 8,156 m/26,758 ft above sea level. This 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trekking Itinerary takes you deep inside the country’s one of the most underrated Himalayan trekking routes, famous for its authentic Tibetan-influenced culture, unspoiled natural beauty, and mesmerizing Himalayan landscapes. The journey is to one of the highly restricted areas of Nepal that allows only a few trekkers every year; the trek to the Manaslu Circuit offers a less crowded trail ideal for trekkers seeking unparalleled cultural immersion and insight.
Typically beginning with an adventurous drive to Besisahar by a local or tourist bus or jeep to Macchakhola, serving as the trek starting point, this Manaslu Circuit Trek winds through lush valleys inhabited by Indigenous ethnic communities of Gurung and other Himalayan natives sharing close cultural ties to Tibetans. This Manaslu Trekking Trail is further dotted with several cascading rivers, monasteries, mani walls, and dense forests, ultimately ascending to one of the highest and longest mountain passes of Nepal, Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) above sea level. It is also the maximum altitude gain you will experience, leaving you with a profound sense of achievement amidst the out-of-this-world scenery and serenity watched over by the mighty Mount Manaslu, often referred to as the Killer Mountain.
Promising raw Himalayan beauty with a true sense of serenity, this 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is taken as a moderately challenging Himalayan voyage mostly suitable for high-altitude-experienced hikers with moderate fitness levels. The trekking trail at first was opened for tourists only in 1992 in the remote Himalayas of Nepal, offering a comprehensive high-altitude experience, including balanced physical demands, cultural immersion, and gorgeous mountain views. If you are someone looking forward to great trekking alternatives to the famous Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trekking Trail, the Annapurna Circuit, or the Langtang Valley Trek for 2025 and 2026 in Nepal, the trek to the Manaslu Circuit is just the right one for you.
At Mountain Ascents, we are offering early bird booking and group discounts on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost for 2025 and 2026. Our package cost includes trekking permits, guide and porter fees, accommodation in tea houses, meals, and transportation to and from the trailhead. In addition, we are your first choice for customized trips where our experienced mountain guides and leaders create the journey most suited for you. Contact us now and communicate your preference, area of interest, and what you wish to extract from your trip. We are a locally based travel, trek, tour, and expedition operator in Kathmandu, Nepal, offering basic, standard, and premium services.
Trip Highlights
- A guided UNESCO World Heritage sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Basantapur Durbar Square.
- Joyous drive to and from Macchakhola, one of the trek starting points to the Manaslu Trekking Region of Nepal.
- Embark on one of the country's less-trodden Himalayan routes, which offer much to explore, discover, and marvel at.
- Walk through the stunning natural beauty of the dense forest, rivers, and waterfalls of the Manaslu Conservation Area, Nepal’s yet another wildlife paradise to observe even rare species like Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, red pandas, and snow leopards on your lucky day.
- An insight into the Himalayan lifestyle, their culture, traditions, and customs resembling Tibetans.
- Stunning views of some of the top of the world, such as Annapurna (8,091 m, the 10th highest mountain peak in the world), Himlung, and Mount Manaslu itself at 8,163 m (the world’s 8th tallest peak).
- Walk through the traditional villages of Sama Gaon and Samdo, offering a unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese culture.
- Visit Nubri Monastery, Pungyen Monastery, Birendra Lake, and several other monasteries, chortens, and mane walls rich in cultural and spiritual values.
- Witness the jaw-dropping glaciers originating from Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru.
- A chance to experience the genuine hospitality of friendly locals, etc.
What makes the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Special?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best two-week adventures around Mount Manaslu, which translates to “Mountain of the Spirit.” Locally also known as Kutang, it is the Mansiri Himal of the Nepalese Himalayas in west-central Nepal and is one of the eight thousanders peaks of the world. The trekking journey here, the Manaslu Circuit, stands out for combining the raw, untouched beauty of the Himalayas with a deep cultural experience. Beginning with a drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Gaon, the trekking trail gradually ascends through Jagat, Deng, and Samagaun.
From Samagaun, for acclimatization purposes, you will hike to the majestic Manaslu Base Camp before reaching the trek’s highest point. Throughout the journey, expect to relish the stunning views of snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and pristine natural beauty passing through several Tibetan influence settlements and ancient monasteries. With expert guides, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is manageable even for beginners with adequate physical preparation, acclimatization, and proper packing. Here are some of the major highlights of the region, which make the Himalayan voyage to the Manaslu Circuit an unforgettable journey of a lifetime:
Breathtaking mountain views
The trek that encircles Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest peak in the world. The Manaslu Circuit Trek provides constant awe-inspiring views of sky-towering, snow-capped mountain ranges like Himlung, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna, including Mount Manaslu. As you trek daily for 5-8 hours and take a round trip, you will be rewarded with various perspectives of the mountain giants, specifically from high-altitude Manaslu Base Camp, Larkya La Phedi, and Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), as the maximum altitude gain.
During the drive to and from MacchakholaMa, you will be able to see Ganesh Himal while the Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m/15,748 ft), Larkya La Phedi (4,460 m), and Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) offer you some of the closest mountain views. Nestled on the north face of Mount Manaslu, the Manaslu Base Camp is the first base camp climbers pass through to summit the peak itself. Often for acclimatization before heading to cross the Larkya La Pass, trekkers take a short hike from Samagaon, presenting you with the best views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and Himalayan landscapes.
Similarly, Larkya La Pass is the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and it is also the major challenging part, coupled with steep ascents and descents in the remote Himalayas of Nepal at high altitude. The pass involves making one's way through glacial terrain, which is both a physically demanding and rewarding experience with the 360-degree view of the neighboring Himalayas in a serene environment, worth a journey.
Off the beaten path adventure in Nepal
In comparison to other iconic treks in the Nepalese Himalayas like the Everest Base Camp (EBC), Annapurna Base Camp, and Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit Trek sees a lesser number of tourists. Being a restricted area, the trekking region allows only limited numbers of visitors per year and requires at least two people in your group to obtain special permits called Restricted Area Permits (RAP). Traveling without a local guide is banned.
Located miles away from modern civilization, this has resulted in more serene natural and cultural heritages that may have long been lost from other popular trek destinations like Everest and Annapurna Trekking regions of Nepal. The unspoiled landscapes, remote trails, and quiet surroundings make it an ideal choice for adventurers seeking solitude and raw natural beauty. For an exclusive off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Manaslu Circuit Trek, in one of the best conservation areas of Nepal, the Manaslu Conservation Area, comes second to none.
Authentic Rich Cultural encounters
The Himalayan voyage to the Manaslu Circuit passes through several traditional Gurung and Tibetan villages such as Macchakhola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, and Samagaon. These villages are home to mixed ethnic communities of Nepal, primarily Gurungs in the lower regions and Tibetan-origin people in the higher altitudes, such as Nubri in Lho and Namrung. Known for their terraced farms and vibrant cultures, all these Himalayan communities possess distinctive ways of regulating lives rich in untouched Tibetan Buddhist traditions and heritages.
The strong Tibetan influence is more vivid in villages like Samagaun and Samdo, dotted with several monasteries, chortens, and mani walls, showcasing the rich spiritual heritages of the region. Most of these Himalayan communities sustain themselves through agriculture, animal husbandry, and increasingly tourism. A majority of these Himalayan communities depend on farming, livestock rearing, and, recently, tourism. Consequently, the Manaslu Circuit Trekking is a chance to get a quite unaltered glance at the Himalayan people’s lives. Isolation and fewer tourist crowds are also the main benefits of genuine local traditions and scenery on the relatively less-used trekking trail.
Witness the ever-changing landscape of the Manaslu Trekking Region
The Manaslu Circuit Trekking showcases an incredible variety of landscapes. Starting in the lowlands of Macchakhola, the trekking route meanders through an interesting diversity of scenery. Trekkers in the lower region make their way through lush subtropical forests, terraced farmlands, and rushing rivers, while the upper Himalayas present you with alpine meadows dotted with forests of rhododendrons, cascading waterfalls, and scenic villages.
The Manaslu Base Camp and Larkya La Pass stages expose a wild and arid landscape of high glaciers, cliffs, and mountains, with Mount Manaslu at 8,163 m being the dominant icon. These are two of the greatest marvels of the Manaslu Trekking Region of Nepal, especially that of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, where the topography varies to make this a visually appealing and adventurous journey to leave an enthusiast in awe.
Rich Biodiversity of the Manaslu Conservation Area
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best trekking routes in Nepal and is part of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Covering an area of 1,663 square kilometers, this protected area, home to the eighth tallest mountain peak in the world, is a haven of rich biodiversity. Thriving across diverse ecosystems, spanning from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, trekkers on the way to the Manaslu Circuit might get to spot even the endangered species, such as snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan tahr, alongside countless varieties of birds, wildflowers, and deer species.
For photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers, the Manaslu Conservation Area is a paradise offering a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, including for birdwatchers. The conservation area hosts over 110 bird species, including the vibrant Himalayan Monal, the national bird of Nepal; hence you must contribute to conservation efforts and obtain associated permits. This natural splendor, when combined with immense cultural immersion, makes the trek to the Manaslu Circuit a must to add to the bucket list for 2025 and 2026.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking 16 Days Itinerary and Cost for 2025 and 2026
The 16-day itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit Trek begins right after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. After preparation on the second day, the journey officially starts with a joyous drive to Macchakhola from Kathmandu, while the trekking begins only on the fourth day to reach Jagat. At first, it was a camping-style trek in Nepal that can now be completed using local teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses, a recent addition moving back and forth through the typical mountain villages of Deng, Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, Samdo, and Dharamshala before ascending to the high-altitude Larkya La Pass (5,106 m).
Relatively a new addition to the Great Himalaya Trail, this Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 Days Itinerary has allocated an acclimatization day in Samagaon while you may take a side hike to Pungen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, and Birendra Tal with magnificent sights of snow-capped mountain giants and tranquil valleys below. Concluding with a descent to Dharapani and a return drive to Kathmandu, this Manaslu Trekking route allows a comprehensive raw trekking experience. It combines cultural encounters, diverse landscapes, and a thrilling high-altitude adventure in a well-paced journey balancing adventure, safety, and cultural exploration.
For individuals seeking a well-rounded, serene Himalayan experience, the 16-day route and itinerary are the best, and ideal choice, including for the years 2025 and 2026. Though the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost in total may vary based on trek group size, trekking season, the type of operator you are traveling with (local or international), and changes in itinerary, the prices range from approximately USD 795 to USD 1,400 per person and more, depending upon the services you have chosen. It is the standard Manaslu Circuit Trekking Cost that typically includes permits, accommodations, meals during the trek, guide and porter services, and transportation between Kathmandu and the trailheads as a holistic package.
Further, at Mountain Ascents, you can get a customized itinerary as per your preferences, time constraints, area of interest, and budget. We offer competitive prices on basic, standard, and premium services that match the international levels. Contact us now and get updated pricing tailored to your preferences.
