Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days

The Manaslu circuit trek is considered a moderately challenging trek. However, the challenges and complexities all depend on your perception. With adequate health, you can easily manage this trek.

We recommend everyone do the basic training from 3-4 month before trek starts. This basic training will make you physically strong for trek in mountain.

To complete the whole manaslu circuit trek takes minimum two weeks. But if you have limited time we can customize the itinerary for you.

Each trek in Nepal has its own unique feature. The Annapurna trek is like a stadium where you will be surrounded by exceptionally beautiful mountains. On the other hand, the Manaslu circuit will take you back in time to a place where nature is still unaltered, pristine, and unpolluted.

The well-developed Annapurna trail makes it possible for you to have a comfortable trek. But in Manaslu, you may have to give away some of the luxuries and adapt to spend a few days in the basic remote settings of Nepal.

For nature lovers, Manaslu is a great option than Annapurna.

Absolutely. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is completely safe, and we will be going in groups. Our knowledgeable guide and porter will be with you the entire time, even if you prefer a private tour. They will constantly make sure you are comfortable and safe.

No, the Nepal Government has banned solo trekking in Nepal from April 2023. In every high-altitude remote trek, you must be accompanied by a licensed guide and you must approach the registered travel and trek agency of Nepal.

As the Manaslu circuit trek is lies into the restricted area of Nepal all the trekkers should have to obtain the restricted area permits. To abstain restricted permits you have to go through the registered  trekking agency with  update documents includes government licensed trekking guide details. So guide is mandatory to go trekking in Manalsu circuit trek.

There are difficulties associated with both the Everest Base Camp trek and the Manaslu circuit trek. The Manaslu circuit is 177 km long, while the Everest Base Camp trek is 130 km long. The highest point of the Everest Base Camp trek is at Kala Patthar at almost 5555 m, while the Larkya La Pass at almost 5200 m is the highest point of the Manaslu trek.

In the Manaslu circuit trek, you will start your hike from the lower region but in Everest Base Camp, you will begin your hike from Lukla. The Manaslu circuit trek route is not well developed and is rugged and devoid of comfort and luxury. But the Everest Base Camp route is now fully developed. So relatively, the Manaslu circuit trek is a little harder than the Everest Base Camp trek.

The Manaslu region is well known around the world for its diverse culture, pristine nature, and rare flora and fauna.

Indeed, the Manaslu circuit trek is less crowded than the Everest base camp trek because it is more isolated, less well-traveled, and less expensive than the Everest base camp trek. Since Mt. Everest is surrounded by five more than 8,000 mountains, the trek is well-liked by hikers from all over the world, which makes the Everest base camp more crowded. Everest is more crowded than the well-known Manaslu circuit trek.

The Everest base camp trek invites more trekkers since it is well known in the world because of Name of Mt. Everest. Every adventure lover dreams of going to everest base camp to touch the worldest mountain base camp with their feet. it also makes it more crowded, especially in the high peak season. 

Since the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a recently opened trekking trail and less well-known than the Everest Base Camp Trek, it is less crowded. In addition, it has fewer views than Everest and is more remote. The Manaslu circuit trek has several benefits, including being affordable and easily accessible, requiring fewer days of trekking, eliminating the need to worry about flight delays, and reducing the risk of altitude sickness because the itinerary spends a significant amount of time at lower elevations before reaching higher ones.

If you want to avoid crowds and compare the Manaslu Circuit Trek to Everest Base Camp, I recommend the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Both trek routes are scenic in every way, including natural, cultural, and strengthening views of the mountains. 

The Manaslu circuit trek is one of the most popular among potential travelers, with the rewarding mountain and cultural trekking trails that lie around the majestic mount Manaslu (alt. 8163 m), which is over eight thousand meters high in the world. Since the recently opened driving road is located higher up in the mountain, the distance depends on the itinerary and where you begin the trek.

The trek typically begins at Machhi Khola after a scenic drive of 180 to 200 km from Kathmandu in 6/7 hours. It ends at Dharapani via the Larke La Pass (altitude: 5130m, 16825ft.), which is on the way to the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

 It is estimated that the Manaslu Circuit Trek is 130 to 150 km away on foot. At the end of the trek, you can drive 200–250 km from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Beshishar in 6–7 hours

Here is the general suggested packing list for the Manaslu circuit trek for 2025, 2026, and 2027.

For Head : sun hats, warm head-cover beanies. Masks 

For Upper buddy : warm down jackets, one pair of short shirts, one pair of long t-shirts, windbreaker jackets, waterproof gloves, and one warm sweater. 

Lower Buddy : one pair of trousers, windbreaker trousers, one pair of  internal thermals, 4-piece underwear, and one short pain.

Feet: good boots which covers ankles , one pair of sandals, 4 pairs of socks , 

Moreover, Personal medical kit bag, toiletry bag, sleeping bag (-15), sunglasses, sunscreen, lip care, 50-60 liter backpack, trekking Map, navigation machine, hiking poles, rain or snow gaiters, dry snacks, etc. 

You can’t trek alone individual trek to the Manaslu circuit trek since it is a restricted area. You have to hire the guide for this trek. Going to trekking to Manaslu, you first need restricted permits, which you have to process through the government-registered local travel agency. It is the rules Nepal  government. 

Comparison with the Annapurna and Everest, you can still do the solo individual trek without hiring a guide if you are well-versed in route navigation and arranging the necessary arrangements in everest and annapurna region, but you can’t do it alone since it is a restricted area. 

Private solo Manaslu circuit trek is possible if you are happy to pay the two travelers’ permit fees. Permits for trekking into the restricted area must be obtained by two people at most, but once you have one, you can walk the Manaslu Circuit with a guide by yourself. 

The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is determined by the services you wish to reserve through a Kathmandu travel agency or any through the  international travel company. It also depends on the itinerary we choose to follow, including the number of days, the destinations we wish to see, and the mode of transportation we wish to use both before and after the trek, including both private and public transportation. Hotel in kathmandu before and after the trek we want to stay. 

A group’s general 10-day itinerary for the Manaslu circuit trek costs between USD 800 and USD 900, which includes everything like a guide, porter, lodging, permits, food, public transportation, etc. Other options include hiring a guide and porter exclusively for the trek, which costs USD 30–32 per day for the guide and USD 24–27 per day for the porter, including lodging and meals. You can cover the remaining costs of your trip on your own. However, your guide will still assist with setting up lodging, meals, permits, and other things. 

Yes, a guide is compulsory to hire for the Manaslu circuit trek. since it is a restricted area. They won’t let you pass through the checkpoint without a guide. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted, remote, and adventurous trek, so if you intend to go, make sure you have the necessary permits, a guide, transportation, and good information about the routes.

Three permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, including Manaslu restricted permits, which cost $75 per person for seven days from December to August and $100 per person from September to November. Staying longer than seven days will incur additional fees of $7 per day.

Additionally, you require conservation permits for Manaslu and Annapurna, which are $30 per person and good for one month. Since it is a restricted area trek, you must go through the local agency to make permits; individuals can’t make them. If you are one of those travelers searching for permits for manaslu circuit trek please let us know; we will help you arrange your trek.

Fitness level for the Manaslu circuit trek requires normal exercise. We suggest  to do the normal exercise at list 3 – 4 months from your trek starts date. Normal exercise like running 4-5 km. do Yoga . hike every weekend 6-7 hours near your hometown, cardiovascular training, etc. 

Due to the remote location of the Manaslu circuit trek, which includes the high pass Larke La Pass (5130m above sea level), it may be challenging to complete the 6- or 7-hour walking day. Since the trek route is located at a lower elevation between 1000 and 2500 meters above sea level, you won’t feel more exhausted at the beginning of the journey because you will be getting enough oxygen there. 

There aren’t so many steep ascents and steep descents either; the route is gradual ascents and descents through the kaligandaki river. However, as you approach the higher elevation of this trek after the Lho Gaun above 3500m, you will gradually feel more difficulty and demand because you will be near the Mount Manaslu range and have less oxygen. 

 Manalsu circuit trek is difficult, especially with the unpredictable weather sometimes. Walking and crossing high passes like Larke La Pass (5130m) may become more challenging if the weather changes and the mountain snows. 

overall , the Manaslu circuit trek is a medium-category difficulty trekking route in Nepal. In essence, it requires careful planning and preparation, along with a qualified guide. 

Yes , doing the Manaslu circuit trek is worth it, the reason why hundreds of travelers used to go every day in the high peak season. The majestic, natural, and culturally significant Mount Manaslu provides breathtaking views in the distance. From the start to the finish of the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will receive rewards of excellent views of mountains, hills, snowscapes, culture , nature, and many more.

Additionally, crossing Larke La Pass, which is more than 5000 meters above sea level, will provide you with the best trekking experience of your life. In addition to crossing the high point, you will be enthralled by the breathtaking views of the mountains in the distance.

The best time do the Manaslu circuit trek is autumn season mid-September , October and November, and Spring season from Mid-march , April , May and early June is the best time to do this trek as the weather is favorable , clear skies , sunshine and it offer the good views of Mt. Manaslu and Annapurna mountains in the distance.

The Manaslu circuit trek usually takes between 10 days to 14 days. If you are with the limited time and looking for express quicker than the normal itinerary you can customize the itinerary and can finish Manaslu trek in 10 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. But if you have time and not a worries about time then generally it takes 13 nights 14 days to complete the manaslu circuit trek.

Here is the usual itinerary for Manaslu circuit trek:

Day 1; Drive from Kathmandu to Machhi Khola , 5-6 hrs. By jeep and by bus 7-8 hrs. Alt. 930m.

Day 2: Trek from Machhi Khola to Jagat , 6 hers , alt. alt. 1300m

Day 3 Trek from Jagat to Dyang , 6-7 hrs. (alt.1850m)

Day 4: Trek from Dyang to Namrung , 7 hrs ( alt.2650m)

Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Lho guan, 5 hrs. (Alt. 3180m)

Day 6: Lho gaun to Sama gaun, 5 hrs. (Alt. 3500m)

Day 7: Rest day (visit Birendra Lake or Manaslu B .C) (alt.4800m)

Day 8: Trek to Samdo village, 4 hrs. (alt. 3800m)

Day 9: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala , 5 hrs . (Alt. 4200m)

Day 10: Trek from Dharmasala to Bhimthang (alt. 3700m) via the Larke la pass (alt.5130m), 9 hrs

Day 11: Trek from Bhimthang to Tilche or Dhara pani 6 hrs. , (alt. 2300m)

Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu via the Beshishar, 9/10 hrs alt. 1300m

It is general itinerary, you can customize as per your timetable and interest to visit place and side trips like visit Tibet border from Samdo village, add extra day in Lho , visit Prok village and Tsum valley trek , Annapurna circuit trek.

Planning to do the Manaslu circuit trek you need four permits like Manaslu conservation area permits, Manaslu restricted area permits, Annapurna conservation permits as the trek connects to Annapurna at the ends, and Village municipality permit.

Manaslu trek permit cost:

1. Manaslu conservation permits fees: Rs 3000. Per person
2. Annapurna conservation permits fees: 3000 per person
3. Manaslu restricted permits fee : USD 70 from march to august for 7 days and behind 7 days per day $10 per person , and September to November is USD 100 per person for the first 7 days and after 7 days if you stay more days than $15 each day, per person.
4. Gorkha village Municipality permits fees: Rs. 2000 per person.

The regulation and rules to get permits for Manaslu, you have to go through the Nepal government register   trekking, travel company. You can’t make individually as it’s the restricted area of Nepal. Minimum 2 trekkers are require for apply the permits.  Solo trekkers can do the trek, but still restricted permits is required and it has to be minimum two trekkers.

We can make the permits with arrange another trekkers details if needed, but you have to pay the extra permit cost.  it is the rules of Nepal government when you want to do the trekking in restricted area like  in Manaslu.  Manaslu and Annapurna conservation permits we will apply and make it ready for you, and Gorkha village Municipality permits we buy on the way to trek. There are severll checking counter.

Yes government license guide is mandatory for Manaslu trek as manaslu circuit trek is lies in the restricted area, without guide details we can’t make the permits too, so the guide is compulsory for manaslu circuit trek. But porter is optional.

Yes, solo travel can do the Manaslu trek, but still you have to hire a guide and arrange the permits as per required from Nepal gov rules and regulation

During the Manaslu circuit trek food and accommodation are available basic as it is remote part of Nepal. You will get twine sharing beds room most of the place. Toilets will be common except few places like begging of the trek and ends of the trek. And food you can eat like Nepali organic foods, continental, Chinese, Indian American etc. You can choose from Menu card every day from teahouse restaurants where you staying.

The Manaslcu circuit trek cost starts from USD 850 to USD 1200 per person. The cost also depends service includes, group size, mood of transportation like private or sharing etc. For general service includes like food, accommodation, transportation and all require permits , guide , porter , hot drinks all trip necessary arrangements cost offer in group 850 to 1050 per person, but if you are solo trekker planning to do the trek to Manaslu then the cost stats USD 1200 – $1400

Here are the general cost includes for the Manaslu circuit trek:

1. Airport pickup and drop off ( Car, Bus and jeep as per the group size)
2. Hotel in Kathmandu before trek and ends of the trek (two nights on arrival and one nights in departure)
3. Food – (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek as per itinerary.
4. Hot drinks – Tea or coffee
5. Professionals guide
6. Strong Porter
7. All Manaslu trek  required permits includes the restricted area.
8. Fresh fruits
9. Accommodation during the trek as per itinerary
10. Ground transportation before trek starts and ends of the trek (by sharing or private both options are available.)
11. Treat drinking water
12. If needed down jackets , sleeping bags in return base ends of the trek
13. Compliment – T-shirt. Cap, Trekking Map etc.

What not includes in cost:

1. Travel insurance ,
2. Trekking equipment
3. Extra then mention in the itinerary you agreed to do the trek.
4. Bar menu , cost drinks Wi-Fi , Hot shower , extra snacks ,
5. Tipping for guide and porter.

These are the basic includes in the Manaslu circuit trek. But you can always discuss and make agreement with us whatever you feel comfortable and continent with your budget

The Manaslu circuit trek starts from Machhi Khola after a day drive from Kathmandu, and ends in Dharapani an Annapurna trek trail, before we take a day drive back to Kathmandu via the Beshishar or you can drive back to Pokhara instead of comeback Kathmandu.