StrenuousManaslu
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), wilder and quieter than Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit
14 days
5,106m
Max 10
From
$1,490 /person
Nepal Trekking
Manaslu Region Trekking
The Annapurna Circuit as it was twenty years ago — authentic, remote, and visited by a fraction of the trekkers who walk the more famous routes.
Manaslu Region Treks
StrenuousView Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu region circles the world's eighth-highest mountain (8,163m) through the Manaslu Conservation Area, a restricted zone that limits daily trekker numbers and keeps the trail far quieter than Annapurna or Everest. Most visitors describe it as what the Annapurna Circuit felt like before it became one of Nepal's most popular treks.
The Manaslu Circuit trek runs 14–18 days, following the Budhi Gandaki river gorge north through Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages before crossing the Larkya La pass at 5,106m and descending toward the Annapurna region. Because it's a restricted area, trekkers need a special permit (issued only to groups of two or more through a registered agency) alongside a Manaslu Conservation Area permit — both arranged before departure.
The best seasons mirror the rest of Nepal's Himalaya — March to May and September to November — though the Larkya La crossing is weather-dependent and best attempted with a flexible itinerary and an experienced guide who can read conditions at high camp.
Permits are a large part of the cost. From September to November the restricted-area permit costs USD 100 for the first week plus USD 15 for each extra day. From December to August it costs USD 75 plus USD 10 a day. You also need the Manaslu and Annapurna conservation permits. A licensed guide is compulsory, and since March 2026 solo trekkers can get the permit through a registered agency.
Floods affected this route twice in autumn 2026, at Namrung in September and on the Budhi Gandaki in October. Crossings of Larkya La had resumed by late October, according to operators on the ground, but supplies on the lower trail were slower. Check the latest status in our floods update, and allow a spare day or two. Lodges on the upper route are simpler than on Annapurna, and some close in winter when Larkya La is usually blocked by snow.
Manaslu Trekking — Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Manaslu Circuit harder than the Annapurna Circuit?
It's broadly comparable in difficulty, with a similar high-altitude pass crossing, but Manaslu sees far fewer trekkers and has more basic teahouse infrastructure, which adds to the sense of remoteness.
Do you need a special permit for Manaslu?
Yes. Manaslu is a restricted area requiring a special permit, arranged through a registered agency, in addition to a Manaslu Conservation Area entry permit.
How many days does the Manaslu Circuit take?
Most itineraries run 14–18 days from Kathmandu, including acclimatisation days before the Larkya La pass crossing.
