The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14 to 17-day loop around the world's eighth-highest mountain, Manaslu at 8,163m, crossing the Larkya La pass at 5,106m. It is a restricted-area trek that needs a special permit and a licensed guide, which keeps it far quieter than the Annapurna or Everest routes.
The Manaslu Circuit is the wilder, more remote cousin of the Annapurna Circuit, with stronger Tibetan-Buddhist culture and a tougher, higher pass.
The route and Larkya La
The trek follows the Budhi Gandaki gorge from Soti Khola up to the Tibetan-influenced villages of Samagaon and Samdo, then crosses Larkya La at 5,106m before descending into the Annapurna region. The pass day climbs around 800m and descends more than 1,500m, the hardest day of the trek.
Restricted-area permits
Manaslu requires the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit plus the MCAP and ACAP permits, and you must trek with a registered agency and at least two trekkers. Our Nepal trekking permits guide covers the costs and rules; a guided booking arranges all of them.
Difficulty and best time
Manaslu is a strenuous trek, longer and more remote than Annapurna, with a serious high pass and basic teahouses. The acclimatisation discipline in our altitude sickness guide matters here, and the high camps are cold, so check our packing list. Spring and autumn are the only sensible seasons.
