The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s best treks and less crowded trekking routes. This off-the-beaten-path trek takes you through the untouched Himalayan wilderness, offering stunning mountain views, authentic culture, and peaceful trails.
A Typical Day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Each day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek follows a comfortable rhythm shaped by the mountains, the weather, and local life. While no two days are exactly alike, here’s what you can generally expect:
🌅 Morning Your day usually starts early, around 6:00–6:30 AM, with a hot cup of tea or coffee served in the teahouse. After freshening up and packing your gear, breakfast is served around 7:00 AM—often a choice of porridge, eggs, bread, or local chapati.
By 8:00 AM, you’ll hit the trail. Mornings are cool and fresh, with the best mountain views before clouds roll in. Your guide sets a steady, manageable pace with plenty of short breaks to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery.
🥘 Midday Around 12:00 PM, you’ll stop for lunch at a teahouse along the route. Meals are filling and carb-rich—dal bhat (rice with lentils), noodles, pasta, or fried rice are common. This break also gives you time to stretch and recover before the afternoon walk.
🥾 Afternoon After lunch, you’ll trek for another 2–3 hours, depending on the day’s distance and elevation gain. The landscape changes as you ascend—passing forests, rivers, remote villages, and eventually high alpine terrain. Arrival at your next teahouse is usually between 3:00–4:00 PM. Once you check in, you can relax, explore the village, or simply enjoy a hot drink with mountain views.
🌙 Evening Dinner is served around 6:30–7:00 PM in the warm teahouse dining room, often heated by a yak-dung or wood stove. Meals are simple but nourishing, and evenings are a great time to chat with fellow trekkers or review the day's route with your guide.
By 8:00–9:00 PM, most trekkers head to bed, resting up for the next day's journey. Manaslu Circuit Trek – 12-Day Detailed Itinerary.
Trekking the Manaslu Circuit: A Journey into Nepal's Remote Trail
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is increasingly recognized as one of Nepal’s most rewarding trekking routes, offering a blend of cultural immersion, diverse landscapes, and a challenging yet highly rewarding high-mountain crossing.
Encircling Mount Manaslu (8,163 m)—the world’s eighth-highest peak—the circuit provides an alternative to the more popular Everest and Annapurna regions, yet retains the unspoiled charm of remote Nepal.
The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted trekking region, meaning access is regulated to preserve its cultural and environmental integrity.
Trekkers require special permits, and travel must be conducted with a licensed guide or trekking agency. This controlled approach has kept the area relatively untouched, ensuring an authentic Himalayan experience.
Trek Duration: 12 days
Highest Point: Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)
Difficulty: Strenuous, requiring good physical conditioning
Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
Manaslu Route and Landscapes

The circuit begins near Soti Khola, gradually following the Budhi Gandaki River through deep gorges and terraced hillsides. The lower section features subtropical forests, waterfalls, and Gurung settlements. As the trail climbs, landscapes evolve dramatically—shifting from lush valleys to alpine meadows and glacial terrain.
The Nubri Valley, further up the route, introduces Tibetan-influenced culture. Villages such as Samagaon and Samdo are cultural highlights, with ancient monasteries, mani walls, and yak caravans reflecting centuries-old Himalayan traditions.
The trek’s most challenging section is the ascent to Larkya La Pass, a high, windswept crossing with panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and the Manaslu range. The descent then flows into the Annapurna region, eventually connecting with the well-known Annapurna Circuit near Dharapani.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map
The Manaslu Circuit Trek map is a topographic guide that traces approximately 177 km of trail encircling Mount Manaslu (8,163 m). Starting at Soti Khola (710 m), the route follows the Budhi Gandaki Gorge, ascending steadily through Jagat (1,340 m), Deng (1,860 m), Namrung (2,630 m), and Samagaon (3,530 m). It then continues toward Samdo (3,875 m) before crossing the trek’s highest point, the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m). The descent transitions into the Annapurna region, passing Bimthang (3,720 m) and ending at Dharapani (1,860 m).
Cultural Significance

The Manaslu region is a tapestry of ethnic diversity. Lower sections are predominantly inhabited by the Gurung community, while upper areas are strongly influenced by Tibetan culture. Traditional stone houses, vibrant prayer flags, and centuries-old monasteries add cultural depth to the journey.
Because the region borders Tibet, trade and cultural exchange have shaped its identity. Local residents still rely heavily on subsistence farming, yak herding, and seasonal trade, providing trekkers a glimpse into a way of life largely unchanged for generations.
Trekking Experience and Challenges
The Manaslu Circuit is considered a strenuous trek. Long daily walking hours, steep ascents, and high altitude require stamina and preparation. Acclimatization is essential—most itineraries include rest days at Samagaon or Samdo to adjust before attempting Larkya La.
Accommodation is primarily in teahouses, which are basic but comfortable enough, offering home-cooked meals and simple lodging. The remoteness of the region means facilities are limited compared to the Annapurna or Everest trails, but this adds to the sense of adventure.
Permits and Regulations.
As the circuit lies within a restricted area, trekkers must secure several permits:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Chum Nubri Rural Municipality Entry Fee.
Additionally, a registered guide is mandatory, and solo trekking is not permitted.
Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is often called Nepal’s best alternative to the crowded Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. Trekkers choose this route for its authentic Himalayan culture, stunning landscapes, and peaceful trails.
Unlike busier trekking regions, the Manaslu Circuit offers a less crowded experience, allowing travelers to enjoy pristine mountain views and traditional village life.
Highlights include crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m), exploring Tibetan-influenced villages like Samagaon and Samdo, and walking alongside the dramatic Budhi Gandaki River valley. With its mix of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery, the Manaslu Circuit is the ideal trek in Nepal for those seeking both challenge and authenticity.
Why Manaslu Circuit is unique:
Less Crowded: Compared to the Everest and Annapurna regions, the circuit sees fewer trekkers, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Diverse Landscapes: From tropical forests to high alpine passes, the variety of terrain is exceptional.
Rich Culture: A mix of Gurung and Tibetan heritage makes the cultural immersion profound.
Adventure Factor: Crossing Larkya La is a significant achievement for trekkers seeking challenge without venturing into technical mountaineering.