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A mass of prayer flags on a rocky cairn with a snow peak behind, on the Larkya La route

Manaslu Circuit Trek

A restricted-area circuit around Manaslu over the Larkya La, exiting via Dharapani into the Annapurna region.

  • Days14
  • Max altitude5,106 m
  • Distance137 km
  • Ascent9,203 m
  • DifficultyHard
  • Best monthsMar–May, Oct–Nov
  • Permits4

Photo: Nabin K. Sapkota · CC BY-SA 4.0

Written by FindTrekkingPartner teamReviewed by FindTrekkingPartner teamHow we reviewFindTrekkingPartner

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14-day trek in the Manaslu region of Nepal that climbs to 5,106 m. Foreign trekkers can find a partner for it on FindTrekkingPartner by posting a trip with their dates, budget and pace. Matches stay private until both trekkers agree, and the service is free. At mid-range rates a licensed guide costs about USD 106 per person over 14 days when four trekkers share, against USD 423 for one trekker alone. The best seasons are Mar–May, Oct–Nov. This is a restricted area, so a licensed guide hired through a registered agency is part of the permit, and the whole group travels on one agency permit. Open trips for this route are listed below, with start month, group size and spots left. Last verified: October 19, 2026. Sources: Nepal Tourism Board, DNPWC, Department of Immigration.

Sources:Department of Immigration, NepalNepal Tourism BoardDepartment of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

Overview

Starts from KathmanduPasses: Larkya La14 days · max 5,106 m

Best seasons: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · Permits: Restricted Area Permit (Department of Immigration, via a registered agency), Manaslu Conservation Area permit, Annapurna Conservation Area permit, TIMS card where required

The Manaslu Circuit follows the Budhi Gandaki river north from Machha Khola through Jagat, Deng, Namrung and Lho to Samagaun, climbs to Samdo and Dharamsala, crosses the Larkya La at 5,106 m, and descends to Bimthang and Tilije before meeting the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani. This 14-day plan starts with a jeep ride from Kathmandu and ends with a drive from Besisahar. The route lies in a restricted area, so it requires a permit from the Department of Immigration and a licensed guide, and it is far quieter than the Annapurna or Everest trails. Lodges are simpler, days are long and the pass is a serious crossing. In return you see Manaslu from several angles and cultures that are almost entirely Tibetan in the upper valley. It suits experienced trekkers who accept long days and basic lodges, and who will book through a registered agency for the restricted-area permit and guide.

What the trek is like

The first three days follow the Budhi Gandaki gorge, with suspension bridges, landslide scars and subtropical forest. Above Deng the valley turns north and the first Tibetan-style villages appear, with mani walls, chortens and monasteries; Namrung and Lho have fine gompas. Beyond Lho the valley opens to Samagaun and the view of Manaslu, which fills the horizon. Samdo is a high trading village close to the Tibetan border. From Dharamsala the Larkya La climb is on moraine and snow, with an icy descent into Bimthang, a broad valley with views of Manaslu's western face.

Highlights

  • The Budhi Gandaki gorge and its suspension bridges
  • Lho, Samagaun and the view of Manaslu
  • Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Lake on rest days
  • Samdo, a Tibetan trading village near the border
  • Larkya La at 5,106 m and the descent to Bimthang

Permits and rules

You need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) from the Department of Immigration, Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area permits, and a TIMS card where required, all arranged by a registered agency. A licensed guide must accompany you at all times. Since 22 March 2026 one trekker can apply, so a group of two is no longer needed; the agency and guide requirement remains, and a partner halves the guide cost. Check current permit costs and rules with the agency or the Department of Immigration.

Best season

October and November have the most stable weather, and March to May is also good. The pass is usually clear in May and in October to early November. Avoid the monsoon and winter, when snow on Larkya La makes crossing hazardous.

Acclimatisation

The plan includes two rest days: one at Samagaun and one at Samdo. Use them for day hikes to Pungyen Gompa, Birendra Lake or toward Manaslu Base Camp, and sleep low. Sleep at Dharamsala before the pass. If anyone has symptoms of altitude sickness, descend or rest. A spare day before the pass is helpful if the weather is poor.

The pass day

The crossing begins before dawn from Dharamsala (about 4,470 m), climbs on moraine and snow to Larkya La, and descends steeply to Bimthang (about 3,720 m). It takes eight to ten hours. The top is cold and windy, with views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal and Cho Danda. Carry warm gloves, goggles and microspikes, and keep your group together.

Getting there and away

Jeep from Kathmandu to Machha Khola takes 8 to 9 hours on a rough road. After the trek, a jeep from Tilije or Dharapani takes you to Besisahar, and from there it is 6 to 7 hours to Kathmandu.

Lodges, food and costs

Lodges are simple, with limited menus above Namrung. Rooms are cheap if you eat at the lodge, and prices rise with remoteness. Carry cash and snacks.

Packing list

Waterproof boots, warm layers, down jacket, insulated gloves, hat, sunglasses or goggles, microspikes, a sleeping bag rated to about -15 C, trekking poles, headlamp, water purification and a first-aid kit.

Who this trek suits and how to prepare

The circuit suits experienced trekkers who are comfortable with long days, basic lodges and a high pass. Prepare for three months with long hill walks, stair climbing and, if possible, a previous high-altitude trek. Practise using microspikes and trekking poles. Mental preparation matters: remote conditions, cold nights and a long pass day can be tiring.

The plan at a glance

Day 1 drives to Machha Khola (870 m), and days 2 to 6 follow the Budhi Gandaki through Jagat, Deng, Namrung and Lho to Samagaun (3,530 m). Day 7 is a rest day with a hike. Day 8 reaches Samdo (3,875 m), and day 9 is a second rest day. Day 10 reaches Dharamsala (4,470 m), and day 11 crosses Larkya La to Bimthang. Day 12 descends to Tilije, day 13 walks to Dharapani and drives to Besisahar, and day 14 drives to Kathmandu.

The restricted-area process

Because the route is a restricted area, your agency applies for the Restricted Area Permit, usually a few days before you travel, and needs your passport, photos and visa. Allow extra time in Kathmandu for the paperwork. Permit checks happen at Jagat, Philim and Samagaun, so carry copies. If the rules change, your agency will update you.

Practical tips from the trail

  • Carry spare cash and snacks, because supplies are limited above Namrung.
  • Look after your feet on the long days; wear liners and change socks.
  • Check the weather and snow on Larkya La with lodge owners and other groups.
  • Wear a windproof layer, goggles and gloves on the pass.
  • Respect the villagers' customs, and ask before photographing.

Responsible trekking

Carry out all your waste, use purification tablets instead of bottled water and support family-run lodges. Treat your guide and porters well, and avoid disturbing wildlife.

Highlights

  • Budhi Gandaki gorge
  • Lho and Samagaun views of Manaslu
  • Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Lake
  • Samdo Tibetan trading village
  • Larkya La at 5,106 m

Route map

Day by day

Acclimatisation

Sleeping altitude night by night. Bars in red climb more than 500 m from the night before; rest days are marked.

  • Sleeping altitude
  • Gain over 500 m
  • Rest day

What it costs

Estimated all-in cost per person: lodge and food by altitude, transport, permits, and the guide and porters. The more trekkers share a guide and porters, the less each person pays. As of October 2026.

Style1 trekker2 trekkers sharing4 trekkers sharing
Budget$840–$1,250$670–$970$580–$850
Mid-range$1,400–$2,100$1,000–$1,500$840–$1,250
Comfort$1,550–$2,250$1,200–$1,800$1,050–$1,550

Breakdown for 2 trekkers sharing

ItemBudgetMid-rangeComfort
Lodge and food$290–$460$390–$610$520–$780
Transport$10–$40$160–$230$160–$230
Permits$180–$240$180–$240$180–$240
Guide$170–$250$170–$250$170–$250
Porters—$90–$160$180–$310

Budget uses public transport and no porter; mid-range shares one porter between two trekkers and a private vehicle; comfort gives each trekker a porter. A guide is included where one is required or the style is mid-range or comfort.

Nightly lodge and food (room and a dal bhat meal)

5 nights Below 2,500 m: room $2–$9, dal bhat $4–$7 · 5 nights 2,500 to 3,800 m: room $4–$11, dal bhat $5–$11 · 3 nights Above 3,800 m: room $7–$19, dal bhat $8–$13

Permit fees (official sources)
  • Manaslu restricted-area permit: $100 per week / $75 per week Source
  • Manaslu Conservation Area entry permit (MCAP): NPR 3,000 per entry Source
  • Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 per entry Source
  • TIMS card (trekking agency issued): NPR 2,000 per entry Source
Cost sources

Estimates from operator guides, not quotes. Tips, insurance, gear and Kathmandu hotels are not included; USD at the platform exchange rate.

Frequently asked questions

Hard. Days are long, lodges are basic and the Larkya La crossing is a serious high-altitude day.

Fourteen days from Kathmandu on this plan, including two rest days.

Yes: a Restricted Area Permit through a registered agency and a licensed guide. Reports say individuals can apply since March 2026; confirm the current rule.

Larkya La is 5,106 m.

October and November, and March to May.

It is not recommended: rain, landslides and cloud affect the lower valley, and the road is often closed.

Sources

Along the trail

Stays, medical help, water and sights on each day of the route.

  1. 1. Kathmandu → Machha Khola

    • Tribhuvan International Airport · Airports & transport · 1,340 m
  2. 2. Machha Khola → Jagat

    • Hot Springs · Nature · 816 m
    • Viewpoint of Ganesh Himal & landslide area · Viewpoints · 944 m
    • Punngpu · Nature · 1,310 m
    • Himalayan Tourist Guest House · Stays · 1,335 m
    • Manaslu Shani Hotel & Lodge · Stays · 1,353 m
    • Jagat Guest House · Stays · 1,346 m
    • Rubinala Inn · Stays · 1,340 m
    Show all 22 places
    • Hotel Chumvally Restaurant and Lodge · Stays · 862 m
    • Hotel Hilltop · Stays · 857 m
    • Manaslu Hotel & Lodge · Stays · 859 m
    • Hot Springs · Nature · 816 m
    • Mt. Everest Hotel · Stays · 879 m
    • Shangri La Hotel · Stays · 890 m
    • Sem Jang Ganesh Hotel · Stays · 888 m
    • River View Guest House · Stays · 881 m
    • Sangri La Hotel · Stays · 884 m
    • Viewpoint of Ganesh Himal & landslide area · Viewpoints · 944 m
    • 18 Saya Khola Family Guest House · Stays · 987 m
    • Royal Mountain Hotel & Lodge · Stays · 984 m
    • Budhi Gandaki Valley Gusethouse · Stays · 983 m
    • Thulodhunga Hotel and Lodge · Stays · 1,146 m
    • Punngpu · Nature · 1,310 m
    • Yaru Guest House · Stays · 1,326 m
    • Hosanna · Stays · 1,300 m
    • Yuru Khola · Stays · 1,279 m
    • Himalayan Tourist Guest House · Stays · 1,335 m
    • Manaslu Shani Hotel & Lodge · Stays · 1,353 m
    • Jagat Guest House · Stays · 1,346 m
    • Rubinala Inn · Stays · 1,340 m
  3. 3. Jagat → Deng

    • Jagat Health Unit · Medical · 1,335 m
    • Mongolian cottage · Stays · 1,334 m
    • Shrinki Guest House · Stays · 1,336 m
    • Viewpoint · Viewpoints · 1,978 m
    • Hotel Windy Valley & Garden · Stays · 1,873 m
    • Namgyal Guest House · Stays · 1,884 m
    Show all 17 places
    • Jagat Health Unit · Medical · 1,335 m
    • Mongolian cottage · Stays · 1,334 m
    • Shrinki Guest House · Stays · 1,336 m
    • Royal Guest House · Stays · 1,574 m
    • Philim village and lodge · Stays · 1,570 m
    • Hulchuki hotel and restaurant · Stays · 1,564 m
    • Gorkha view hotel · Stays · 1,562 m
    • Laprak Gurung Bamboo Cottage & Restaurant · Stays · 1,633 m
    • Chum Nubri Ekle Bhatti Chisopi Guest House · Stays · 1,633 m
    • Ekelebhatti Long Bridge Guest House & Restaurant · Stays · 1,611 m
    • Akley Bhatti Hotel & Lodge · Stays · 1,620 m
    • Kham-Sangbo Hotel & Lodge · Stays · 1,801 m
    • Nyak Phedi Guest House · Stays · 1,681 m
    • Viewpoint · Viewpoints · 1,978 m
    • New Pewa Guest House · Stays · 2,002 m
    • Hotel Windy Valley & Garden · Stays · 1,873 m
    • Namgyal Guest House · Stays · 1,884 m
  4. 4. Deng → Namrung

    • Health Post · Medical · 2,135 m
    • Nubri Four Season Resort · Stays · 2,616 m
    • Namrung Tibetan Guest House · Stays · 2,604 m
    • Namrung Guest House · Stays · 2,617 m
    • The River View Cottage · Stays · 2,599 m
    Show all 19 places
    • Manaslu Bamboo Hotel · Stays · 1,887 m
    • Shangrila Home · Stays · 1,869 m
    • Karma Hotel · Stays · 1,998 m
    • Hotel Singla Guest house · Stays · 2,006 m
    • Gapkaltal Guest House · Stays · 1,984 m
    • 500 a Night · Stays · 1,981 m
    • Bur Guest House · Stays · 2,090 m
    • The Bur Guest House · Stays · 2,090 m
    • Budhi Gandaki Hotel · Stays · 2,109 m
    • Ghap Cottage Guest House · Stays · 2,133 m
    • Gap Cottage · Stays · 2,135 m
    • Health Post · Medical · 2,135 m
    • Hotel Kyimolung · Stays · 2,161 m
    • Jungle Hotel K.L.S.P · Stays · 2,251 m
    • Organic Apple Farme Guest House · Stays · 2,545 m
    • Nubri Four Season Resort · Stays · 2,616 m
    • Namrung Tibetan Guest House · Stays · 2,604 m
    • Namrung Guest House · Stays · 2,617 m
    • The River View Cottage · Stays · 2,599 m
  5. 5. Namrung → Lho

    • Huge waterfall · Nature · 2,642 m
    • Lhaptang Guest House · Stays · 2,647 m
    • Himal chuli hotel · Stays · 2,825 m
    • Hotel Sherpa Lodge & Café - Magasin · Stays · 2,911 m
    • Hotel Blue Sky · Stays · 3,169 m
    Show all 11 places
    • Huge waterfall · Nature · 2,642 m
    • Lhaptang Guest House · Stays · 2,647 m
    • Himal chuli hotel · Stays · 2,825 m
    • Hotel Sherpa Lodge & Café - Magasin · Stays · 2,911 m
    • Tashi Delek Lodge · Stays · 2,940 m
    • Buddhi Gandaki Homestay and Teahouse · Stays · 2,998 m
    • New hotel Himalaya · Stays · 2,982 m
    • Norgyun Hotel · Stays · 3,012 m
    • Zambala Manaslu Sho Guest House · Stays · 3,036 m
    • Hamra Khaja Ghar Hotel · Stays · 3,036 m
    • Hotel Blue Sky · Stays · 3,169 m
  6. 6. Lho → Samagaun

    • Hill-top viewpoint towards Manaslu · Viewpoints · 3,328 m
    • Namasté Guest House · Stays · 3,506 m
    • Yetti · Stays · 3,510 m
    • Shanti Guest House · Stays · 3,510 m
    • The Happiness Guest House · Stays · 3,514 m
    Show all 11 places
    • Majestic Manaslu Cottages & Garden · Stays · 3,178 m
    • Tashi Delek Hotel & Lodge · Stays · 3,176 m
    • Lama Guest House · Stays · 3,187 m
    • Lho Norbu Hotel · Stays · 3,199 m
    • Hill-top viewpoint towards Manaslu · Viewpoints · 3,328 m
    • Namasté Guest House · Stays · 3,506 m
    • Yetti · Stays · 3,510 m
    • Shanti Guest House · Stays · 3,510 m
    • The Happiness Guest House · Stays · 3,514 m
    • Royal Ghorka hotel and sharing idea cafe · Stays · 3,515 m
    • Nubri Shyala Guest House · Stays · 3,515 m
  7. 7. Samagaun

    Nothing mapped for this day yet.
    Nothing mapped for this day yet.
  8. 8. Samagaun → Samdo

    • Birendra Lake · Nature · 3,635 m
    • Little Tibet · Stays · 3,852 m
    • Cheese Karsay Lodge · Stays · 3,854 m
    • Yak Hotel · Stays · 3,845 m
    • Zambala Hotel · Stays · 3,855 m
    Show all 17 places
    • Tashi Delek Hotel · Stays · 3,522 m
    • Samsgaun Hotel & Lodge · Stays · 3,528 m
    • Peace Heaven Hotel & Lodge · Stays · 3,529 m
    • Tashi Yangchen Hotel & Lodge · Stays · 3,530 m
    • Norling · Stays · 3,527 m
    • Mount Manaslu Lodge · Stays · 3,530 m
    • Hotel Base Camp · Stays · 3,528 m
    • Boddhisattva Hotel & Lodge · Stays · 3,530 m
    • Joyful Hotel · Stays · 3,532 m
    • Mandala Hotel · Stays · 3,532 m
    • Birendra Lake · Nature · 3,635 m
    • Little Tibet · Stays · 3,852 m
    • Cheese Karsay Lodge · Stays · 3,854 m
    • Yak Hotel · Stays · 3,845 m
    • Zambala Hotel · Stays · 3,855 m
    • New Tashi Deleg · Stays · 3,851 m
    • Hotel SnowLion · Stays · 3,851 m
  9. 9. Samdo

    Nothing mapped for this day yet.
    Nothing mapped for this day yet.
  10. 10. Samdo → Dharamsala

    • Larke Bazaar Hotel · Stays · 3,920 m
    • Mt. Manaslu View · Viewpoints · 4,327 m
    • Larke La Hotel & Lodge · Stays · 4,459 m
  11. 11. Dharamsala → Bimthang

    • Viewpoint · Viewpoints · 4,848 m
    • Drinking Water · Practical · 4,387 m
    • Ponkar lake · Nature · 4,091 m
    • Hotel Gangar Manaslu & Restaurant · Stays · 3,717 m
    • Ponkar Ganga Hotel · Stays · 3,700 m
    • Sushma Hotel & Restaurant · Stays · 3,705 m
    • Cheers Lilita Hotel & Restaurant · Stays · 3,707 m
    Show all 12 places
    • Zambala Hotel · Stays · 4,474 m
    • Peace Lodge · Stays · 4,478 m
    • Viewpoint · Viewpoints · 4,848 m
    • Drinking Water · Practical · 4,387 m
    • Gurungseni Hotel and Restaurant · Stays · 4,389 m
    • 6G Brothers Hotel & Restaurant · Stays · 4,387 m
    • Kusang Hotel & Restaurant · Stays · 4,377 m
    • Ponkar lake · Nature · 4,091 m
    • Hotel Gangar Manaslu & Restaurant · Stays · 3,717 m
    • Ponkar Ganga Hotel · Stays · 3,700 m
    • Sushma Hotel & Restaurant · Stays · 3,705 m
    • Cheers Lilita Hotel & Restaurant · Stays · 3,707 m
  12. 12. Bimthang → Tilije

    • Small waterfall · Nature · 2,992 m
    • The North Face · Stays · 2,266 m
    • Tibetan hotel · Stays · 2,274 m
    • Napa Valley · Stays · 2,269 m
    • Tilche Village Hotel · Stays · 2,261 m
    Show all 13 places
    • Purdi Himalayan Seven Sister Hotel · Stays · 3,045 m
    • Himlung Hotel & Restaurant · Stays · 3,042 m
    • Small waterfall · Nature · 2,992 m
    • 7 Sisters Guest House · Stays · 2,711 m
    • New Himalayan cottage · Stays · 2,703 m
    • Nirvana Garden · Stays · 2,529 m
    • Larke Peak Guest House & Restaura · Stays · 2,527 m
    • Hotel Super View & Restaurant · Stays · 2,514 m
    • Manaslu hotel · Stays · 2,495 m
    • The North Face · Stays · 2,266 m
    • Tibetan hotel · Stays · 2,274 m
    • Napa Valley · Stays · 2,269 m
    • Tilche Village Hotel · Stays · 2,261 m
  13. 13. Tilije → Besisahar

    • Viewpoint · Viewpoints · 1,921 m
    • Crystal Guest House · Stays · 1,825 m
    • Hayat Guest House · Stays · 1,818 m
    • Hotel Gurkha's Inn & Restaurant · Stays · 1,816 m
    • Manaslu Hotel Restaurant · Stays · 1,820 m
    • Hayenga Waterfall · Nature · 2,053 m
    Show all 19 places
    • Hotel Tilche · Stays · 2,263 m
    • River view · Stays · 2,257 m
    • Monastery Home stay · Stays · 2,203 m
    • Hotel California · Stays · 1,923 m
    • Viewpoint · Viewpoints · 1,921 m
    • 3 Sister Guest House · Stays · 1,887 m
    • Kangaroo · Stays · 1,882 m
    • Dafne Hotel · Stays · 1,881 m
    • Kingfisher · Stays · 1,874 m
    • Gyasumda Hotel & Restaurant · Stays · 1,877 m
    • Peaceful Hotel · Stays · 1,876 m
    • Crystal Guest House · Stays · 1,825 m
    • Hayat Guest House · Stays · 1,818 m
    • Hotel Gurkha's Inn & Restaurant · Stays · 1,816 m
    • Manaslu Hotel Restaurant · Stays · 1,820 m
    • Hayenga Waterfall · Nature · 2,053 m
    • Tashi Delek Hotel · Stays · 1,809 m
    • Phulbari Hostel & Restaurant · Stays · 1,823 m
    • Manaslu Guest House · Stays · 1,813 m
  14. 14. Besisahar → Kathmandu

    Nothing mapped for this day yet.
    Nothing mapped for this day yet.
Last verified on Oct 19, 2026Report outdated info
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