Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Trek (or Manaslu Circuit Trek) is a 14-day tea-house trek which circumnavigates the 8th highest peak in the world (8,156 m). The trek has all the elements of other treks in Nepal including both Hindu and Buddhist culture, protected wildlife, rhododendrons and wild flowers, raging rivers, precarious bridges and stunning mountain scenery. The trek is much easier than it used to be with greatly improved trails along the Budi Gandaki river gorge. In terms of difficulty, it is comparable with the Annapurna Circuit Trek or Everest Base Camp trek. Its highlight is undoubtedly the spectacular unhindered views of Manaslu.

Just over 2,000 people complete the trek per year with more than half visiting in October. This is substantially fewer than visiting Annapurna, Everest or Langtang. There are two main reason for the fewer numbers. The first reason is that the trek used to require camping, as there were too few tea-houses along the trail. In particular there was no lodge below the Larkya La (a pass at 5135m) requiring an enforced night of camping. This is no longer the case. Since 2010 there is a tea-house below the pass and all the way up from the starting point. A few of the tea-houses are still basic compared to counterparts on the Annapurna Circuit, but most are comfortable.

The second reason is that the trek has restricted area status. This means it requires a special permit (see below), that the group have two or more members and that a registered trekking guide accompanies the group. These two factors together have made the trek affordable for budget travellers and it is now being referred to as The New Annapurna Circuit.

The drive from Kathmandu to Arughat takes around 7 hours and the drive from Besi Sahar to Kathmandu takes around 6 hours. The trek ascent is for 13 days, which includes two full days rest and acclimatisation, to the last settlement of Larkya Phedi. After one day climbing to the high point of Larkya La (for panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II), the descent is in four days.

You can trek the Manaslu Circuit from March to June, and September to November. The start dates on the website refer to the arrival date in Kathmandu and the end date refers to the earliest you can book your return flight home for. However, you are welcome to arrive earlier or stay on at the end and stay in our guesthouse in order to spend more time sightseeing in Kathmandu. We also run private treks so feel free to call and discuss your plans with us.

Generally, it is hot during the day (up to 20ºC) and cool in the evening (average 5ºC) with little wind and occasional rain showers in the afternoon. After Lho village, the trail enters the Nupri Region inhabited by Tibetan immigrants, where you will find yourself becoming close to culture, religions and local people.

The approach towards Larkya La pass begins after Samdo village. Crossing the high pass is a strenuous day and the exposure to altitude makes the walking harder and the likelihood of altitude sickness higher, so it is necessary to allow rest days and walk very slowly. This day would be a great objective for a fit hill walker with little mountaineering experience.