A rugged 14-day loop around Mount Manaslu that culminates at Larkya La (5,160 m), this trek threads jungle, high alpine bowls and traditional Tibetan villages. Expect long walking days, mandatory permits, and dramatic Himalayan panoramas.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the dusty jeep into Soti Khola as early light pours across river rafters and rhododendron skirts the trailhead. The valley tightens and the track climbs out of jungle into cultivated terraces, bamboo groves and the first wooden bridges that rattle with local traffic. Each day unfolds: river gullies daring you forward, waterfalls that punctuate the ascent, and finally the Larkya La where a cold wind pushes you toward a horizon of serrated, snowbound summits.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
14 days
Fitness Level
Good to excellent cardio fitness with prior multi-day backpacking experience; ability to hike 6–7 hours on successive days and manage steep ascents/descents.
Wildlife
History
The Manaslu region sits on historic Himalayan trade routes with strong Tibetan cultural influence; foreign trekking opened in the early 1990s, expanding controlled access to preserve communities.
Conservation
The Manaslu Conservation Area uses permit quotas and local guide requirements to reduce impact; pack out waste, respect water sources, and support local teahouses.
Reserve your spot on the Manaslu Circuit Trek today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize Properly
Schedule at least one rest/acclimatization day above 3,000 m and monitor symptoms of altitude sickness.
Cash for Teahouses
Bring Nepali rupees — remote villages accept limited cards and ATMs are rare once you leave the highway.
Footwear and Grip
Sturdy, broken-in boots with a grippy sole handle rocky trails, snow and stream crossings more safely.
Permits and Guide
You must carry Manaslu Special Permit and Conservation Area permits; book a registered guide to manage permits and route safety.
Mountaineering-style insulated sleeping bag (-10°C rating)
Keeps you warm through cold alpine nights at tea houses or lodges.
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction for rocky trails, muddy approaches and sporadic snow.
Trekking poles
Reduce stress on knees during long descents and aid balance on river crossings.
Layered waterproof shell jacket
Protects from wind, rain and snow during sudden weather shifts near high passes.
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