Thirteen days from Kathmandu to the Larkya La, the Manaslu Circuit is a high-altitude loop that delivers raw Himalayan views, remote villages, and a cultural walk through Tibetan-Buddhist communities. Expect long days, steep passes, and simple tea-house comforts.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A jeep grinds out of Kathmandu at dawn and the valley opens: terraced fields roll away, prayer flags stitch the wind, and the Budhi Gandaki river keeps time like a stubborn metronome. Over ten days of walking you move from humid river gorges into thin, blue air, reaching the Larkya La at about 5,271 m — a raw, high saddle where peaks push the sky into sharp teeth and glaciers sigh in the background.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
13 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with experience on multi-day hikes; able to walk 5–8 hours daily with elevation gain.
Wildlife
History
The route runs through Gorkha district—home to the Shah dynasty’s rise—and follows old trans-Himalayan trade and pilgrimage ways tied to Tibetan-Buddhist communities.
Conservation
Manaslu sits within restricted permit zones; follow leave-no-trace rules, minimize single-use plastics, and support local lodges and licensed guides to sustain village economies.
Reserve your spot on the Manaslu Circuit Trek - 13 Days Nepal today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize on schedule
Build at least two full acclimatization days into your itinerary and never rush the climb to Larkya La; altitude sickness is the main objective hazard.
Pack cash and small notes
Tea houses accept only limited card payments; carry Nepalese rupees for food, tips and village purchases.
Hire a licensed guide/porter
Local guides handle permits and route-finding and porters cut daily load to prevent fatigue and cold exposure.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with grippy soles handle river crossings, mud, and high-elevation scree.
Sturdy hiking boots
Provide ankle support and traction on mixed terrain and scree.
Three-season insulated jacket
Keeps you warm at night and on cold, windy passes like Larkya La.
fall
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on long descents and aid balance on unstable sections.
Warm sleeping bag (rated to -10°C)
Tea-house sleeping quarters are basic and nights get very cold at altitude.