A classic trek featuring exemplary trekking experiences; off the beaten trail, outstanding views, high pass and diverse cultural and geographical experience.
Trip Overview
Highlights
- Manaslu (8th Highest mountain in the world)
- Off the beaten trail experience
- Mountain views, captivating villages and landscapes
- Larkya La, a mountain pass at 5160m/17200ft
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a classic off the beaten trek in Nepal with pure wilderness and baffling beauty circuiting the eighth highest mountain in the world. Manaslu Circuit Trek provides an exemplary experience of trekking in Nepal featuring off the beaten path, high pass, outstanding views and diverse cultural and geographical experience.
The sublime experiences you enjoy in Manaslu region are unlike any other you’d ever imagine. Manaslu Circuit trek is an odyssey through some of the most arduous routes on the planet amid raw punishing beauty in the Himalayan region; it defies the mind, body and soul…it can change you for good…
The wealth of biological diversity in the Manaslu region stuns the imagination and the gripping, peculiar culture and lifestyles of the local folks, who represent much their neighbours in Tibet. It gives us wonderful opportunities to witness traditions that are ancient in nature and the chilling superstitions the folks believe in down here may raise the hair on your body and stir your imaginations to the core. Despite the tough and bitterly cold and harsh conditions these people live in, they will welcome you with warm hearts.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary Overview
Our Manaslu circuit trekking begins in Kathmandu before we hit the trails to the beautiful Manaslu region. Our journey to Manaslu commences with a long off-road driving experience to Soti Khola. From here, we tread the trail passing by numeral villages with some rest and acclimatization days scheduled.
We also get to visit Pungyen Gompa on our rest day as a side exploration. Two major acclimatization days are scheduled in the itinerary and we have devised the itinerary keeping all the aspects in mind. Manaslu is a legendary trail and is known for its natural diversity of landscapes that it traverses. However, the sceneries we witness hereabouts don’t come easy; the paths are rock-strewn and sometimes steep and include rickety bridges and slippery rock faces – this is all part of adventurous forays into the unknown wild.
The peaking point in this trip is the ‘Larkya La Pass’ which most trekkers consider to be one of the most striking passes when crossing the Himalayas. We have made sure that you get ample time for proper acclimatization so your body adjusts with the thin air at the higher elevations, and you feel comfortable when treading the heights on the trail. Due to its isolation and far-flung geographical nature, ‘Trekking through the wilderness on the Manaslu Circuit’ is meant for those who blend in and become one with Mother Nature…and on achieving this special feeling; you will have enjoyed the trip of a whole lifetime.
All these venture needs are a brawny pair of lungs, strong legs that have done a lot of hiking around, especially in mountainous regions and some detailed preparation that leaves out nothing. Hiking these gritty trails will reward you with experiences that will be non-fiction fables for you to write about when you get back home; a story to remember for a lifetime.
How hard is Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Grade | Challenging |
Physical Rating | 5-6 |
Total Duration | 16N/17 Days |
Trekking Duration | 11N/12 Days |
Maximum Elevation | 5,160m/16,930ft at Larkya La Pass |
Manaslu circuit trekking is considered challenging due to its longer duration of trekking days and with a maximum elevation of 5,160m/16,930ft at Larkya La Pass. A daily average walking hour is 6-7 on this trek. Unlike other famous trekking regions of Nepal, Manaslu is still considered off the beaten so a basic sense of adventure is required on this trek. Previous experience of trekking is not required but you need to be fit and comfortable walking 6-7 hrs every day carrying your day pack.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map
Important Note: Your safety is of imperative concern while travelling with Highland Expeditions. Please take care to note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to your safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Trip Itinerary
Dates & Price
Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private group basis.
If you are looking for a group to join this trip please click the Fixed Departures tab for more information on departure dates, availability and price. All our fixed departures are guaranteed to run. Or, if you would like to do this trip alone, or with your friends, families & colleagues in a private group style, please fill out the contact form in Private Group tab and send us your message. We will organize a private trip for you at your preferred dates catering any request you may have.
Cost Inclusion
- All meals (B,L,D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu whilst on the trek with tea & coffee.
- Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 3 nights with breakfast
- All required permits for trek (Special permit, MCAP & ACAP)
- All ground transfers as per mentioned in the itinerary on private vehicle
- Experienced local trek leader with 1:4 assistant guide to client ratio
- Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
- Sightseeing of Kathmandu including guide and entrance fees
- Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts on private vehicle
- Comprehensive first aid kit with oxygen mask and regulator
- Satellite phone for emergency purpose but nominal charge for personal use
- Duffel bag, Sleeping bag with liner and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek)
- Staff equipment, insurances and allowances
- Trek completion certificate (Upon request)
Cost Exclusion
- International airfare, Visa and travel insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
- Personal expenses - Drinks and Souvenirs
- Gratuities for staff
Essential Information
Reviews

Trekking to Manaslu and Larkya Pass was an amazing experience. The trek was hard especially for novice trekkers like us, it definitely pushed us to our limits but the support and care we received from the boys helped us accomplished the trek. The crew were wonderful, knowledgeable and a joy to spend 2 weeks with.
Overall great experience and we hope we’ll have the chance to return again.