A remote Himalayan loop that climbs to Larkya La (5,160 m) and circles the Manaslu massif. Expect 16–17 days of teahouse trekking, dramatic altitude changes, and Tibetan-influenced villages.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the dusty jeep in Sotikhola and the valley exhales: river voices rush, terraces climb, and the massif of Manaslu looms, patient and vast. The trail winds from subtropical riverbanks through cedar forests into high alpine pastures; every day resets the horizon—terraced farms give way to prayer-fluttered villages and, at last, the raw, wind-swept saddle of Larkya La.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
16–17 days
Fitness Level
Requires strong aerobic fitness, experience with long days and altitude, and ability to carry a daypack over mixed terrain.
Wildlife
History
The circuit follows old salt-trade routes with strong Tibetan-Buddhist heritage visible in village architecture and monastery life.
Conservation
The Restricted Area system limits numbers and requires guides and permits; pack out waste when possible, use teahouse waste policies cautiously, and favor local lodges and staff.
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 with purpose
Build in at least one full acclimatization day (Samagaon) before pushing above 4,000 m to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Treat your water
Use a reliable filter or chemical treatment—boiled or bottled water is limited above the treeline in teahouses.
Carry cash and small change
ATMs are only in Besisahar/Besisahar–Kathmandu; teahouses accept cash and may charge for hot showers and charging devices.
Footwear and footing
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support are essential for mixed rocky, muddy, and snowy sections near the pass.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for muddy, rocky, and snowy sections, especially near Larkya La.
Insulated down jacket
Warmth during sub-zero nights and windy high passes.
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Water filter or purification tablets
Safe drinking water is limited at higher elevations; treating river or teahouse water prevents illness.
Trekking poles
Reduce joint strain on long descents and improve balance on scree or icy patches.