Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal 2025/2026

The Manaslu Circuit trek is one of Nepal's most stunning and culturally enriching remote trekking experiences. With its dramatic Mountain Views, diverse landscape, and multi-ethnic cultural village, it is no wonder it is more popular with adventure and nature-loving trekkers. It remains a less crowded trek alternative to the renowned trekking in Nepal like Everest Base Camp Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a beginner. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know for the restricted trekking adventure in Manaslu.

What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The 11 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek journey leads you around Mt. Manaslu (8163m) renowned as the eighth highest mountain in the world. The trek in Mansalu offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and breathtaking Himalayan serenity, passing through the lush forest, high altitude, alpine meadows, and wonderful Tibetan-influenced villages of the Manaslu Region.

Why should you choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Remote and less crowded

• Unlike other more popular trekking in Nepal including Everest trekking or Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, Manaslu Circuit Trek welcomes fewer tourists. This off-the-beaten trek in Manaslu is more peaceful and has a deeper connection with nature and culture.

Diverse Landscape

• Starting from low sub-tropical forest to high altitude deserter zone. Trekkers can experience a variety of environments within a couple of weeks that represent the overall beauty of Nepal.

Enriches Cultural Heritage

•  Manaslu Circuit Trek passes a couple of Tibetan-influenced villages, ancient monasteries, and gompas that offer a peak into the local lifestyle.

When is the best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit?

The best season time for Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal is during two trekking seasons in Nepal.

Autumn (September- November)

• Autumn is the best trekking month in Nepal. It offers stable weather, clear views of mountains, and a low chance of rain. Due to its favorable weather conditions, this is Nepal's most popular trekking season.

Spring (March-May) 

• Spring offers pleasant weather temperatures, clear skies, and greenery with blooming flowers. This is the best time for trekking and to avoid rain and cloudy weather.

Note: Avoid trekking during Moon soon (June to August) as its heavy rainfall can bring landslides, mainly in hilly areas.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty Level

The Manaslu Circuit is considered a moderate to challenging trek because it constantly gains altitude and long trekking days. Although the trek is not as tough as other trekking trails like Annapurna, andEverest.A basic level of physical fitness can easily conquer the Circuit of Manaslu. Reminder, trekkers must be prepared to trek around 5000m for a couple of days.

Manaslu Circuit Trek 11 Days Itinerary

Here is a simple customized itinerary of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This trek itinerary can be customized according to your time and requirements but the 11-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itineraryis typical covering a couple of days for acclimatization.

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1345m) to Machha Khola (900) via Aarughat and Soti Khola (700)

Day 2: Trek Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m)

Day 3: Trek to Deng (1804m)

Day 4: Trek to Namrng (2630m)

Day 5: Trek to Sama Gaon (3530m)

Day 6: Acclimatization day at Sama Gaon

Day 7: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3875m)

Day 8: Trek to Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi) (4660m)

Day 9: Crossing Larkya Pass (5106m) and Trek to Bhimtang (3720m)

Day 10: Trek to Dharapani (1860m) via Tilje (2300m)

Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani via Besisahar (760m)

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Map shows the trekking route of the circuit. For more details click on the link given on the photo. 

Essential Gear for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Packing the right gear is essential for embarking on the journey in the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Here is a basic packing list to get you to the trek.

Clothing

• Waterproof & windproof jacket
• Warm Thermal layers
• Trekking pants & T-shirts
• Fleece jacket
• Cap, hat, gloves, scarf.

Footwear

• Comfortable trekking shoes (waterproof with grip)
• Camp shoes (Sandal or light slippers, shoes)

Gears

• 4-season sleeping bag (depending upon trekking season and route)
• Trekking poles
• Sunglasses
• Headlight with extra battery and charger
• Water bottle and purification tablets or drops.
• Personal first aid kits

Additional essentials

• Personal care items include toiletries, toothpaste, brushes, towels, hand sanitizer, wipes, tissue, sun cream, and other necessary items.

Tips for Successful Manaslu Circuit Trek

Acclimatize Properly

• Altitude sickness is a major issue during high-altitude trekking. So be sure to rest properly at the designated destination during the trek.

Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water as you ascend. Carry a water filter or purifier during the trek.

Hire guide and Porter.

•  During the Mansalu Circuit Trek is well marked. Hiring a guide and porter can enhance your trek experience, teach cultural insight, and carry the loads.

Respect people

• Be mindful of the costumes, and traditions of local people. Behave friendly to the people during the trek.

Cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit 2025/2026

The Permit cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek can vary on whether you choose to trek in a group or solo. Here is the estimated cost breakdown.

Trekking Permits cost

• Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP): it cost NPR 3000 (approx. USD27)
• Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP): It cost NPR 3000 (Approx. USD27)
• Chum Nurbi Rural Municipality Permit cost: It costs NPR 1000 ( approx. USD8)

Special permit for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Autumn(Sept-Nov)

• USD 100 per person per week
•  USD 15 per person per day beyond a week

Spring(Dec-Aug)

•  USD 75 per person per week
• USD 10 per person each day beyond a week.

Guide and Porters cost

• Guide: USD 25 to USD 35 per day
• Porter: USD 15 to USD per day.

Accommodation and Food cost

• Tea house accommodation cost: USD 5 to USD 7 per night
• Meal cost: USD 15 to USD 20 per day (USD 3 to USD 5 per meal)

Transportation Cost

The cost of transportation can vary depending on the season time, vehicle type, and some changes in gasoline.

Private Trasportation

• The transportation cost for drop off and pick up can be up to USD 130 depending upon group size.

Public transportation

• The cost for a public bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola is approx NPR 1500 (USD13) per person. 
• Sharing transportation costs can be lower than hiring a private one due to the number of passengers. 

Overall, on average, an 11-day Manaslu circuit trek, costs around USD 900 to USD 1500, if you hire a guide, porters, permit fee, and other services.

How to Get for Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The starting point of Manaslu Circuit Trek along with Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is Soti Khola or Machha Khola, which can be reached within 8-9 hours of scenic drive from Kathmandu. To reach the trailhead road transportation is only the way. There is no flight access.

Conclusion- Manaslu Circuit Trek guide

The Manaslu Circuit trek is an unforgettable journey, offering an incredible combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and abundant adventure. With the right preparation and choosing gear by knowing the Manaslu weather conditions. For a lifetime experience, this trek must do it.

Need any help with your Manaslu trek?

If you are planning for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and need expert advice, assistance with permits, guides, potters, or a Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary, feel free to contact us at Recreation Holidays. To ensure your safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable journey to the world's eight tallest mountains.

If you are also considering trekking in the Annapurna region and Everest region, Check out our Annapurna Base Camp trek postand Everest Base Camp Trek.