Manaslu Circuit Trek Full Planning Guide For 2026-27

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is the kind of trip people plan for months and talk about for years. Some even choose to do it over the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which is very close to it.

But what we’ve seen in Everest Trekking Routes is that surprising number of trekkers arrive underprepared, mostly because they spent more time scrolling social media posts rather than actually understanding what goes into it!

First and foremost, note that this is a restricted area trek and that alone changes everything. It directly impacts the permit requirements, compulsory agency involvement, new guide rules, and even how much the trip costs.

If you have found your reason to trek the Manaslu Circuit in 2026 or 2027, this guide covers the itinerary, cost, permit process, and practical details you actually need, without the filler!

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary: Complete Route Details

The standard Manaslu Circuit Trek takes around 14 days and covers roughly 140 to 150 km distance from Machhakhola in the Gorkha district all the way around to Tilche (or Dharapani) in the Annapurna region (depends on the side trips included).

The route follows the Budhi Gandaki River for a large portion of the lower section, gradually gaining altitude as you enter deeper into the Manaslu Conservation Area.

What’s interesting is that you enter from the Gorkha district and exit into the Annapurna region on Manang district, crossing two protected areas in one single trip! This means you get to enjoy both the Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayas too.

Full Route: Machhakhola > Jagat > Dyang (Deng) > Namrung > Lho > Shyala > Pungen Gumba (optional) > Samagaon > Birendra Lake > Manaslu Base Camp (optional) > Samagaon > Samdo > Dharmashala (Larkya Phedi) > Larke Pass (Larkya La) > Bhimthang > Gowa > Tilche > Dharapani

Our Standard 14-Day Manaslu Trek Itinerary

There are multiple Manaslu trek itineraries that you can follow, but the most standard is the 14-day itinerary with arrival/departure, exactly the service that we sell at Everest Trekking Routes. Here’s how this itinerary goes:

Getting to the Starting Point: Transportation Details

First things first, there are no domestic flights to the Manaslu region! The only way to reach the starting point is by road from Kathmandu, which means a long and sometimes bumpy drive through Arughat Bazaar and Soti Khola before reaching Machhakhola.

During monsoon season (June to September, even up to early October), buses typically cannot go beyond Soti Khola. And you need to go via a local jeep drive up to Machhakhola.

During the dry seasons, road conditions are significantly better, and vehicles can usually reach Jagat directly. But we still start from Machhakhola to ensure to enjoy the classical adventure.

While we’re saying this, please make sure to add at least one buffer day in your overall planning. The transport logistics along the Manaslu circuit are affected by weather, road conditions, and the season in ways that a fixed schedule cannot always accommodate.

Shorter and Longer Manaslu Itineraries

We understand that not everyone has 14 days. If you are pressed for time but still want to cross the Larkya La Pass, we also offer 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek or even 7-day version (without arrival/departure).

On the other end, combining Manaslu with Tsum Valley adds roughly 6 to 8 days and is worth the extra time for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhist culture and a genuinely off-trail experience!

And if you want to extend south rather than north, the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek continues from Tilche onwards. This one is for trekkers who have the time, fitness, and appetite for a multi-week Himalayan expedition!

When doing treks with Everest Trekking Routes, one advantage of us is that we do any form of customisation.

Take a peek at few other route variations that we have commonly discussed with our prior guests are Manaslu Rupina La Pass Trek, Manaslu Circuit with Nar Phu Valley, Manaslu Circuit with Manaslu Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit with Prok Village and Kal Tal, Manaslu Trek with Serang Gompa, Manaslu Upper Route Trek, and more!

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost 2026/2027

The overall Manaslu Circuit Trek cost depends on several factors. Some of which are the length of your itinerary, group size, seasonal demand, and what your package actually includes. So, here is an honest breakdown:

• Standard Manaslu Circuit Trek: USD 925/person
• 12-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek: USD 925/person
• Short Manaslu Circuit Trek: USD 850/person
• Manaslu Circuit Trek 7 Days: USD 790
• Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek: USD 1,490
• Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek: USD 1,825/person
• Manaslu Circuit Trek Solo: USD 970/person
• Manaslu Luxury Trek: USD 1,550/person
• Manaslu Circuit Trek with Serang Gompa: USD 1,090/person

Standard packages inclusions at ETR (or even other trekking agencies) are a licensed trekking guide, accommodation in teahouses, meals on the trail, all required permits, and travel insurance for guides and porters.

What is usually not included are your international flights, Nepal tourist visa fee, personal expenses, and tipping (recommended: 10% of your overall trek). So, beyond the Manaslu Circuit package cost, separate budget for Nepal tourist visa, travel insurance (mandatory), and some amount as emergency reserve too.

Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek

This is where many trekkers get surprised, because the Manaslu Circuit requires not one but four separate permits! And the reason is simple: the route passes through two protected areas and one restricted zone.

Here is what the Manaslu permit structure looks like:

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The section from Jagat to Bimthang passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. So, this is the permit that you need to pay for entering this protected region. It costs NPR 3,000 per person for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

The Manaslu region is classified as a restricted area under Nepal’s Department of Immigration. Specifically speaking, the Manaslu trek covers Chumnubri Rural Municipality wards of 1, 2, 3, and 4, all of which include the major trekking destinations between Jagat and Larke Pass.

And that is the primary reason why you cannot do this trek independently! The RAP can only be issued through a registered trekking agency like Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd., and it should be prepared before you get to the trailhead.

The cost structure as updated per 2026/27 is like this:

As per the recent March 2026 update, the Department of Immigration officially changed the group requirement for restricted area permits. And this means that even solo trekkers can now apply individually for the RAP without needing a second foreign trekker in their group.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Note that once you cross Larkya La and descend toward Bhimthang, you are entering the Annapurna Conservation Area. That’s the reason ACAP is also mandatory for any of your Manaslu trekking itineraries.

You will need to show this permit at the Dharapani checkpoint on exit. If you plan to continue the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek after exiting, the same ACAP permit remains valid!

The cost of the ACP is the same as the MCAP: NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit

This is the permit that many guides do not mention, because it is relatively recent. The Chumnubri Rural Municipality collects a local entry fee that is separate from both the MCAP and the RAP.

You have to get this permit at the municipality office in Jagat itself and it costs NPR 1,000 per person.

Note: If you are adding Tsum Valley to your itinerary, you need an additional restricted area permit that covers Chumnubri Rural Municipality wards 3, 6, and 7 (the Tsum Valley wards). And this costs additional USD 40 per person for the first week in autumn, or USD 30 in other seasons, with additional daily fees after the first week.

How Difficult Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit is rated as a difficult trek. The main factors of difficulty are 6 to 8 hours of daily walking on uneven terrain, combined with altitude gain, unpredictable weather, and the very demanding Larke Pass crossing.

However, you can easily do it if you’re genuinely fit and can walk uphill with a loaded pack for approx. 7 consecutive hours without significant distress.

And if you’re a beginner who wants to attempt this, do read our beginner’s guide to the Manaslu Circuit Trek that should help you with the specific preparation steps that matter.

Best Time to Do Manaslu Circuit Trek

The best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the autumn window from October through early December. October is considered the peak month as it comes with stable skies, clear mountain views, and comfortable daytime temperatures at altitude.

Spring season in Manaslu (late March through May) is the second best option. The rhododendron forests in the lower sections are in full bloom, and even the high passes (whether it be Larke or Rupina) begin to clear of winter snow.

On the other hand, winter trekking on the Manaslu Circuit can be possible if you do with Everest Trekking Routes or other reliable trekking agencies but genuinely demanding!

Packing for the Manaslu Circuit

For your Manaslu Trek packing list, here are the basics: insulated layers (a proper down jacket, not just a fleece), waterproof outer shell, trekking boots with ankle support, trekking poles, a headlamp with fresh batteries, crampons for the Larkya La crossing (especially in shoulder seasons), and enough base layers that you can stay dry even if the outer layers are wet.

Read our full Manaslu Circuit Trek packing list for details.

Accommodation Along the Manaslu Route

Teahouse accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit is usually twin-sharing with basic squat toilets. Hot showers are available, only up to Samagaon. Electricity (from microhydro) has reached up to Samdo, so you shouldn’t have issues.

But all along the route, weather conditions play a big role in electricity, mobile network, and Wi-Fi operations.

For food, Dal bhat is the most staple option, and, honestly, it is what your body needs at altitude, no matter which trek you choose in Manaslu.

Altitude Sickness Risk in Manaslu Circuit Trek

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) becomes a very real concern above Namrung (2,630 m) and a genuine risk above Samagaon (3,530 m).

Some of the most common symptoms that get aftre crossing 3,000-m mark include persistent headache, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep, and extreme fatigue. If you show these signs, do not push and inform your guide immediately!

Remember that AMS can progress to HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) or HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema). Both conditions require immediate descent and, if descent is not possible, helicopter evacuation becomes the only reliable option.

Don’t worry too much though! Our guide at ETR are well-trained and they will carry basic altitude medication while also making sure your trek is safe!

Responsible and Etiquette Tips For Manaslu Trekking

During your Manaslu Circuit Trek, you meet various communities, particularly Gurung and Magar in the lower sections, and Nubripa and Bhotia people in Nubri Valley that follow Tibetan Buddhist descent. These are the cultural highlights of Manaslu trek.

Know that they follow the Beyul Kyimalung belief system, and their way of life has stayed largely separate from the influence of Nepal’s lowlands. So, be sure to respect their culture. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Carry a refillable water bottle and purification tablets.
• Buy snacks and hand-knitted items from local shops when you can.
• Hire local porters through your agency (like ones we offer from Everetre Trekking routes) rather than bringing all your carry capacity yourself.
• Stay in locally-run teahouses.
• Ask before photographing anyone.
• Remove your boots before entering monasteries.
• Be sure to visit the the top lakes and monasteries too (like Birendra Lake, Ribung Monastery, Hinang Gompa, Pungen Gumba, etc.)
• Make sure you follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) policy of the Manaslu region, which includes disposing of waste properly.
• And read our guide for more safety-related tips for Manaslu trekking.