Manaslu Circuit Trek
A classic Himalayan trek around the 8th tallest peak in the world!
The Manaslu Circuit Trek almost completely circumnavigates Mount Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft), the world’s eighth-highest peak, through one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally intact trekking regions. Following the Budhi Gandaki River from subtropical lowlands to high alpine terrain near the Tibetan border, the route offers a quieter, more immersive alternative to Nepal’s busier trekking corridors. Over 18 days, the trek blends dramatic mountain scenery, traditional villages, and carefully staged acclimatization, culminating in a crossing of the high Larkya La Pass.
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Trip Perks
- Circumnavigation of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft), one of the great Himalayan giants
- Trekking through the Budhi Gandaki Valley, with dramatic river gorges, suspension bridges, and terraced hillsides
- Gradual transition from Hindu lowland villages to Tibetan-influenced settlements marked by mani walls, chortens, and monasteries
- Acclimatization days in Samagaon (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) with side hikes to Pungyen Gompa (4,040 m / 13,255 ft) and Birendra Lake
- Crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,213 m / 17,103 ft) with expansive views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II
- A true high-mountain experience with fewer trekkers and a strong sense of remoteness
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Description
In west-central Nepal, in the Gorkha Massif of the Mansiri Himal, lies 8,163 meter Manaslu.
The trek begins in the low Budhi Gandaki Valley and gains elevation steadily over multiple days, allowing for effective acclimatization as terrain, climate, and culture shift. After entering the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat (1,340 m / 4,396 ft), the route follows a series of undulating river crossings and forested climbs to Namrung (2,630 m / 8,629 ft) and onward to the Tibetan villages of Lho (3,180 m / 10,433 ft) and Samagaon (3,500 m / 11,483 ft). Strategic acclimatization hikes support adaptation before moving higher to Samdo (3,860 m / 12,664 ft) and Dharmasala (4,480 m / 14,698 ft), the staging point for the pass. An early start leads to the crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,213 m / 17,103 ft), followed by a long descent into Bhimtang and a gradual transition back into forested valleys and Gurung villages, finishing near the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani before returning to Kathmandu.
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Price
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Manaslu Circuit Trek
$5,900 – 21 days / Includes Travel time
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Single Supplement (I want my own room) – $800
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Price Includes
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu for international arrival and departure
- 4 nights Hotel Yak & Yeti on BB plan
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmand
- Meals as listed on the itinerary
- Trek permit for the Manaslu restricted area
- Manaslu and Annapurna area conservation fee
- Kathmandu to Macchakhola and Dharapani to Kathmandu road transport by jeep
- 13 nights/14 days lodge tea house trek, including 3 meals a day
- Sherpa trek staff, including an English-speaking trek sirdar
- 1 porter between two trek participants to carry personal gear
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Besisahar
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Price noes not Include
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa and airport fees
- Sightseeing tours in Kathmandu — can be arranged individually
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra meals, tea house showers, etc.)
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure
- Lunches and Dinners in Kathmandu (as listed on itinerary)
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Gratuity for trek staff, porters and Sirdar
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Payment Schedule
- $700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 120 days prior to departure
- The balance may be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
Dates
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Manaslu Circuit Trek 2026
- Oct 8, 2026 — Oct 28, 2026 - 7 Spots Remaining
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Manaslu Circuit Trek 2027
- Oct 9, 2027 — Oct 29, 2027 - 8 Spots Remaining
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
International Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 121 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 120 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Flight Information
The total number of days for your trip includes all travel to and from your destination, with some exceptions. Dates listed on the website start with your departure date from the US and include the day you arrive home.
For this trip you will need to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal on Day 3 of the itinerary. You will cross the date line in mid-flight to Asia, thus losing a day. If you are traveling from outside the US. your itinerary may require less time to reach Kathmandu, so all that is required is that you arrive on Day 3 of the itinerary, where Mountain Madness services begin. If you arrive early, we can assist with extra hotel arrangements and activities. Otherwise, you can arrive at any time on Day 3. You will be met at the airport by a Mountain Madness representative and transferred to your hotel.
Manaslu Day by Day
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Day 1-2
Travel
Travel from your home port to Kathmandu. All flights cross the date line and consequently a day is lost. Arrive on Day 3.
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Day 3
Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu on Day 3, where a Mountain Madness representative meets you. After clearing customs, transfer to your hotel. Rest and recover from your journey or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel.
Accommodation: Yak & Yeti
Meals: On your own -
Day 4
Kathmandu Prep Day
Today is reserved for trek preparation. We’ll tackle gear checks and finalize our permits for the trek. As time allows we can organize an afternoon sightseeing tour for those interested. Regroup in the evening for our official Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Yak & Yeti
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 5
Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Travel by 4WD jeep through scenic terraced hills, past the Trishuli River, and deep into the Budhi Gandaki Valley. The road is rough and dusty but offers a glimpse of rural Nepal.
Elevation: 2,883 ft / 879 m
Distance: 99 mi / 160 km
Drive time: 7 – 8 hrs
Terrain: 4WD
Accommodation: Teahouse in Machha Khola
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 6
Trek To Jagat
Follow the Budhi Gandaki River along undulating trails and suspension bridges. Pass Khorla Besi and natural hot springs before arriving in Jagat — a stone village marking the entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Elevation: 4,400 ft / 1340 m
Distance: 13.6 mi / 22 km
Time: 6 – 7 hrs
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 7
Trek To Deng
A day of river crossings and terraced hillsides. The trail passes Philim, a large Gurung village, and continues through bamboo forests before reaching Deng, the first major Tibetan-influenced village. Accommodation: Teahouse in Deng. (B, L, D
Elevation: 6100 ft / 1860 m
Distance: 12.4 mi / 20 km
Time: 6 – 7 hrs
Accommodation: Teahouse in Deng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 8
Trek To Namrung
The route ascends steadily through pine and rhododendron forest, dotted with mani walls and chortens. You’ll begin to feel the change in climate and culture as we reach treeline and the terrain turns alpine.
Elevation 8628 ft / 2630 m
Distance: 11.8 mi / 19 km
Time: 6 – 7 hrs
Accommodation: Teahouse in Namrung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 9
Trek To Lho
Climb gradually through forests and barley terraces. Lho is a charming Tibetan village known for its grand monastery and striking views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli.
Elevation: 10,433 ft / 3180 m
Distance: 6.8 mi / 11 km
Time: 4 – 5 hrs
Accommodation: Teahouse in Lho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 10
Trek To Samagon
A short but stunning day as you ascend through chortens and mani walls into Samagaon — one of the most picturesque villages in the region. Manaslu looms dramatically above.
Elevation: 11,482 ft / 3500 m
Distance: 6.8 mi / 11 km
Time: 4 – 5 hrs
Accommodation: Teahouse in Samagaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 11
Acclimatization Hike To Pungyen Gompa
A valuable acclimatization day with a side hike to Pungyen Gompa, a centuries-old monastery offering breathtaking views of the Manaslu Glacier and Peak. Return to Samagaon for the night.
Elevation: 13,250 / 4040 m
Distance: 5 mi / 8 km (Round-trip)
Time: 4 – 5 hrs
Accommodation: Teahouse in Samagaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 12
Birendra Lake / Rest Day / Village Exploration
Enjoy a relaxed morning and optional hike to Birendra Lake, a turquoise glacial lake below Manaslu’s north face. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the village or resting.
Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3690 m
Distance: 1.8 mi / 3 km (Round-trip)
Time: 2 – 3 hrs
Accommodation: Teahouse in Samagaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 13
Trek To Samdo
A gradual climb through juniper and birch forest to Samdo, the last permanent settlement before the pass. The views of the surrounding peaks grow increasingly dramatic.
Elevation: 12,664 ft / 3860 m
Distance: 5.6 mi / 9 km
Time: 3 – 4 hrs
Accommodation: Teahouse in Samdo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 14
Trek To Dharmasala
A shorter day at high altitude. The trail crosses glacial moraines and winds up to Dharmasala (also known as Larkye Phedi), the base for the pass crossing. Rest early and hydrate well.
Elevation: 14,700 ft / 4480 m
Distance: 4.4 mi / 7 km
Time: 3 – 4 hrs
Accommodation: Teahouse in Dharmasala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 15
Trek Over Larkye La To Bhimtang
A challenging but unforgettable day. Begin before dawn to reach Larkye La Pass, the trek’s high point. Panoramic views from the top include Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. A steep descent leads to Bhimtang, set in a broad glacial valley.
Pass Elevation: 17,103 ft / 5213 m
Distance: 10.6 mi / 17 km
Time: 8 – 9 hrs
Accommodation: Teahouse in Bhimtang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 16
Trek To Tilije
Descend through rhododendron and pine forests, with the landscape transforming from alpine to subtropical. Pass small Gurung settlements before reaching Tilije, a peaceful village with apple orchards.
Elevation: 7,545 ft / 2300 m
Distance: 11.2 mi / 18 km
Time: 6 – 7 hrs
Accommodation: Teahouse in Tilije
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 17
Trek To Dharpani / Drive To Besisahar
A short walk to Dharapani connects you to the Annapurna Circuit trail. From there, take a jeep down to Besisahar, marking the end of the trekking portion.
Elevation: 6,100 ft / 1860 m (Dharapani)
Distance: 3.7 mi Trek / 25 mi Drive | 6km Trek / 40 km Drive
Time: 2 hrs Trek / 3 – 4hrs Drive
Accommodation: Lodge in Besisahar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 18
Drive To Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu through rolling hills and terraced farmland. Check into your hotel, get cleaned up and enjoy a celebratory dinner!
Distance: 112 mi / 80 km
Drive Time: 6 – 7 hrs
Terrain: 4wd
Accommodation: Yak & Yeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Celebration Dinner -
Day 19
Contingency Day
A flexible buffer day in case of delays due to weather or road conditions. If unused, it can be spent enjoying more time in Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast. Enjoy lunch & dinner on your own schedule today -
Days 20-21
Depart For Home
Enjoy a final breakfast before transferring to the airport for your international flight home. The adventure concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of a world-class Himalayan climb.
Meals: BreakfastNote on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
Equipment for Manaslu Circuit Trek
This is a comprehensive gear list. Depending on conditions for your trip, your guide may decide that some items are not needed.
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Carrying Gear
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Small duffel bag
Large enough to hold everything you’re not taking on the mountain. Will be stored at hotel, to be used after trip
Examples:
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Small padlock for duffel bags
Extra security
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Baggage tags
Makes identifying your bags easy at airports or hotels
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Day pack (30-45L)
With padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 10 and 20 pounds. A pack with a volume between 1800-2500 cu. in. (30-45 liters) serves most people’s needs well
Examples:
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Pack cover
Waterproof cover
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Large duffel bag (100L capacity)
Your mountain gear will be kept in it and the entire duffel will go into the group mountain bag that will be carried by the porters. Limit loads to items on the equipment list. Your large duffel cannot exceed 16 kgs (36lbs) Approximate size: 28”x16”x16” No wheels or hard sides, please
Examples:
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Sleeping Gear
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Expedition quality sleeping bag (0F)
Zero-degree F (Minus eighteen-degree C) sleeping bag and stuff sack. Night-time temperatures can be as low as 0°F (-18°C) so bring a warm enough bag
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Climbing Gear
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Adjustable trekking poles
Three piece poles recommended
Examples:
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
Examples:
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Bandanas or neck gaiter
Various uses, i.e. cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc. We have our own Mountain Madness neck gaiter available for purchase!
Examples:
Mountain Madness neck gaiter
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Balaclava or Buff
A thin balaclava will add significant warmth on that cold summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research, Marmot
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Sunglasses or Glacier glasses (w/hard case)
Essential eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water. Sun glare off the snow can be intense so polarized 100% UVA/UVB glasses work best. Consider bringing a spare pair
Examples:
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Hands
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Liner gloves
Two pairs thin fleece or synthetic
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Softshell gloves
One pair medium-weight for daily wear when it’s not too cold
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Climbing gloves
A shell system of a fleece liner and waterproof shell that handles cold
Examples:
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Feet
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Thick socks (3 pair)
Three pairs of synthetic or wool socks, medium to heavyweight. Check boot fit with thin and thick socks on
Examples:
Smartwool or Thorlo
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Thin socks (3 pair)
Two pairs of synthetic or wool socks to wear under heavy wool socks to help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
Examples:
Smartwool or Cool Max
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Hiking boots
One pair medium-weight hiking/backpacking boots, waterproof, large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one thick sock
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Gaiters
One pair of gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots. Make sure they fit over your boots
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Tennis shoes or sandals
Lightweight to wear in camp after a long day of hiking
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Micro-Spikes / Yak-Trax
Example: Kahtoola MicroSpikes Footwear Traction
Examples:
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
2x Synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
A non-cotton baselayer top. Wool or synthetic fabrics are required. Short or long sleeve acceptable, though we recommend long sleeve.
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Light fleece or puffy jacket with hood
Light or medium-weight fleece or puffy jacket with hood. You will wear this over your light weight base layer
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
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Sun hoodie
A long-sleeved base layer top made from non-cotton materials such as merino wool or polyester. Light-colored, hooded sun shirts are strongly recommended for sun protection and are commonly worn by guides on most climbs.
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Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is ideal.
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Lower Body
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Undergarments
Adequate supply for the entire trip
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Long base layer
Non-cotton baselayer bottoms that should fit snugly without constriction. We recommend lighter weight baselayers rather than heavier fleece-type layers.
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
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Bathing suit (optional)
lightweight and packable
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Miscellaneous
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Stuff sacks/ditty bags/plastic bags
To organize gear in your duffle and pack. All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large heavyweight plastic bags (trash compactor bags work great)
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Toiletries
Toothbrush and paste, comb, tampons, biodegradable soap (small amount), etc. Bring enough for the entire trip
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Toilet paper
1 – 2 rolls stored in a plastic bag
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Ear plugs
To block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
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Hand and foot warmers
Bring four sets of each
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Small stainless-steel thermos (optional)
For hot beverages on summit day
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Water flavoring
Powdered additives like Gatorade or NUUN are a nice change of pace to water and help replenish much needed electrolytes.
Examples:
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
Examples:
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Personal first aid and drug kit
small personal first aid kit with ample bandaids and moleskin
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Nausea medications
Pepto Bismol tablets; Maalox, Gelusil M or Mylanta antacid tablets. Donnatal for stomach cramps. Probiotic capsules taken daily may help keep your gastro-intestinal system working smoothly
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Towel
For wash up in camp
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Handi-Wipes
A small pack or two anti-bacterial are great for general hygiene
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Spare contacts and glasses
Contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions, so make sure you have your back-up glasses with you. Glasses wearers should have a spare set
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Personal electronics
Phone with camera, and/or separate camera. Bring extra batteries and memory!
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Electronics charging
If you want to charge your electronics along the way, a small, lightweight solar panel to charge batteries or portable charging device may be a good addition
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Travel power adapter
Most come in kits with all the plugs you need. Double-check to make sure you’re taking the correct adapter/plugs
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Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
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Water Bottles/Water System (Trekking)
Two one-liter, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. However, bring at least one hard plastic bottle.
Examples:
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Poncho
A poncho is great for lower down on the mountain when it is raining. Rather than having to wear your hard-shell jacket and overheat, just throw the poncho over yourself and your pack and you will stay dry as a bone
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Book Trip
Manaslu Circuit Trek
$5,900
21 days / Includes Travel time
Early Bird Pricing
Sign-up 6+ months in advance to receive $300 off the cost of your program. Completed registration & deposit required.
Elevation
Larkye La: 17,103 ft / 5213 m
Trip Leader: Tye Chapman
Join International Program Director Tye Chapman on the 2026 Manaslu Trek.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Trekking involves 5-8 hours per day with large elevation gains of 1,000-2,000+ feet / 305-610+ meters per day. Multiple days of this level of trekking will occur throughout the trip. You should be in great physical shape and participating in 4, 1-hour workouts per week before the trek. At least 1 to 2 days should include hiking with a small pack, leading up to several walks of 5-7 hours, with altitude gain if possible.
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