Manaslu Circuit Trek

A Remote Journey Around the Mountain of the Spirit

16 days

5160m

2 - 10

Moderate

Autumn / Spring

Starts in: Kathmandu

Ends in: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Tea Houses & Camping

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most authentic and complete trekking experiences in the Himalayas.

This spectacular circular route surrounds Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain on Earth, following ancient trails through remote valleys, traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, and dramatic alpine landscapes.

Far from the more crowded trekking routes, the Manaslu region offers a true sense of exploration, culminating in the crossing of one of Nepal’s most impressive mountain passes: Larkya La Pass (5,160 m).

The itinerary has been carefully designed with progressive altitude gain and key acclimatization days, ensuring a safe and rewarding journey for trekkers seeking a genuine Himalayan adventure.

Highlights

mansalu-circuit-trek-10
Complete circuit around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m)

One of the most authentic trekking routes in Nepal.

mansalu-circuit-trek-7
Crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,160 m)

A spectacular high-mountain pass with panoramic Himalayan views.

mansalu-circuit-trek-6
Living Tibetan culture

Traditional villages, monasteries, and a unique Himalayan way of life.

mansalu-circuit-trek-9
Remote and less crowded trekking route

A quieter alternative to the Annapurna and Everest regions.

Itinerary

1
Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu. Private transfer to the hotel and time to rest.

1300 m
Hotel
2
Kathmandu | Trek Preparation & Welcome Dinner

Day dedicated to trek preparation.

Equipment check, safety briefing, and detailed explanation of the itinerary.

In the evening, welcome dinner and trek presentation.

1300 m
Hotel
3
Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

Road transfer following the Budhi Gandaki River valley to Machha Khola.

900 m
Tea House
4
Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat

First trekking day through gorges, suspension bridges, and local villages.

1410 m
Tea House
5
Trek from Jagat to Deng

Entry into the restricted Manaslu region with gradual changes in landscape and culture.

1804 m
Tea House
6
Trek from Deng to Namrung

Gradual ascent through forests and traditional villages.

2630 m
Tea House
7
Trek from Namrung to Samagaon

Scenic stage with impressive views of Manaslu and its glacier.

3530 m
Tea House
8
Acclimatization Day in Samagaon

Optional hikes to nearby viewpoints or the Manaslu Glacier.

3530 m
Tea House
9
Trek from Samagaon to Samdo

Short but important stage to continue altitude adaptation.

3875 m
Tea House
10
Acclimatization Day in Samdo

Exploration of the surrounding valley and acclimatization.

3875 m
Tea House
11
Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi

Progressive ascent to the final camp before the high pass.

4460 m
Tea House
12
Dharamsala – Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) – Bimthang (3,590 m)

Crossing of Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek.

Long descent to Bimthang.

Tea House
13
Trek from Bimthang to Tilche / Marsyangdi Valley / Thonje

Gradual descent into the Marsyangdi Valley connecting with the Annapurna region.

2300 m
Tea House
14
Trek from Tilche to Dharapani (1,963 m) & Drive to Besisahar (760 m)

Final trekking section followed by road transfer.

Hotel / Lodge
15
Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu by private vehicle.

Hotel

1300 m
Hotel
16
International Departure

Transfer to the international airport and end of the program.

Included / Not Included

Not Included

✈️ International flights

🛂 Nepal entry visa

🛡 Mandatory travel insurance including high-altitude trekking and evacuation

🍽 Meals not specified in Kathmandu

🚿 Hot showers in mountain lodges

📶 Wi-Fi during the trek

🔌 Electricity for charging devices

🥤 Additional drinks

💰 Tips for guides, porters, and staff

🎒 Personal trekking equipment and rental costs

📦 Any service not explicitly mentioned in “What Is Included”

Included

🚐 Private transportation
Airport transfers and road transportation throughout the itinerary.

🍽 Meals as per program

• Day 2: breakfast and welcome dinner in Kathmandu
• Full board during the trek (Day 3 to Day 15)

🏨 Accommodation

• Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Mountain tea houses and lodges during the trek

🧭 Professional mountain team

Licensed trekking guide and experienced porters.

✔ 1 porter per 2 trekkers
✔ Maximum load: 15 kg per participant

🎒 Equipment check & guidance

Equipment check and packing recommendations in Kathmandu.

🎟 Official permits

All required permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek included.

🩺 Health & Safety

Basic first aid kit carried by the guide and monitoring of participant condition.

Trek details & Safety

Essentials

Difficulty level

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderate to challenging high-altitude trek, recommended for participants with good physical fitness and previous multi-day trekking experience.

No technical climbing skills are required, but trekkers should be comfortable hiking 6–8 hours per day on mountain trails with long ascents, descents, and uneven terrain.

The highest point of the trek is Larke Pass (5,160 m), where altitude, remote terrain, and consecutive trekking days increase the overall challenge.

Altitude Awareness

This trek reaches elevations above 5,000 m, with the highest point at Larke Pass (5,160 m).

The itinerary follows a progressive altitude gain with time for acclimatization to support safe adaptation to high altitude.

Trekkers are advised to maintain good hydration, steady pacing, and adequate rest. Our experienced Sherpa guides monitor participants throughout the trek to ensure safety and wellbeing.

Guide & Sherpa support

All treks are led by certified local guides and experienced Sherpa teams who manage the route, daily logistics, and safety throughout the journey. Their deep knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and mountain conditions ensures a safe and authentic Himalayan trekking experience.

Packing list

Recommended Packing List for High Altitude Trekking

Below is a recommended packing list for high altitude trekking in the Himalayas (up to approximately 5,500 m). Temperatures can be very cold, especially in the early morning and at night, so it is important to bring layered clothing suitable for cold, wind and changing mountain weather conditions.

Clothing

  • Long-sleeve shirts (2–3)
  • Lightweight trekking shirts (1–2) – preferably merino wool or synthetic fabrics
  • Fleece jacket or warm insulating layer
  • Warm down jacket
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Trekking pants (2 pairs) – at least one wind-resistant
  • Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
  • Thermal leggings
  • Underwear (3–4 pairs)
  • Warm hat or beanie
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Technical mountain gloves for cold temperatures
  • Buff or neck gaiter

Footwear

  • Hiking boots (already used and comfortable, Gore-Tex recommended)
  • Comfortable shoes or sneakers for the lodge
  • Trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
  • Warm socks (2 pairs)

Trekking Gear

  • Daypack (30–40 L)
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Sunglasses (UV protection – Category 4 recommended)
  • Water bottles (minimum capacity of 1 liters)
  • Thermal bottle
  • Rain cover for backpack
  • Rain jacket or waterproof shell
  • Dry bags / waterproof bags for protecting clothing and equipment
  • Optional: gaiters (useful in snow or muddy conditions)

Personal Equipment

  • Sleeping bag (minimum rating -15°C recommended, warmer is also fine)
  • Personal basic first aid kit
  • Water purification tablets or portable water filter
  • Sunscreen SPF 50
  • Lip balm with sun protection
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toilet paper
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Small bag for personal waste

Personal First Aid (Recommended)

  • Personal medication
  • Pain relief tablets
  • Blister treatment
  • Diamox (only if prescribed by your doctor)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Rehydration salts - Electrolytes

Documents & Money

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance covering high altitude trekking and helicopter rescue
  • Copies of passport and insurance documents
  • Cash for the trek (ATMs and card payments are not available in many trekking regions)

Optional Items

  • Mobile phone
  • Camera
  • Power bank / portable charger
  • Earphones / headphones
  • Personal journal or book
  • Snacks or energy bars

Important Notes

  • Each participant should carry a daypack with essential personal items during the trek.
  • The rest of the luggage will be transported by porters or yaks depending on the itinerary.
  • Weather in the Himalayas can change quickly – always keep warm layers and rain protection in your daypack.

Safety Measures

Your safety is our top priority throughout the trek. Our itineraries are designed to allow proper acclimatization, and our certified guides monitor participants daily for altitude-related symptoms.

Oximetry monitoring

First aid kit

Emergency oxigen

Travel insurance requiered

Important travel information

Important travel information

Himalayan travel takes place in a dynamic mountain environment where weather and trail conditions may vary. For safety reasons, minor itinerary adjustments may occasionally be necessary. Crest Summit Treks always prioritizes safety, comfort, and the best possible mountain experience.

More information

Most travelers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal. This visa can be easily obtained upon arrival in the country.

The tourist visa can be arranged:

  • On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • At major land border crossings into Nepal
  • In advance at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country

Travelers may also complete the visa application form online before arrival, which can help speed up the process at the airport.

To obtain a visa on arrival, travelers must complete the immigration form, present a valid passport, and pay the visa fee.

It is recommended to bring US dollars in cash to pay the visa fee.

In some cases, a passport-sized photo may be required, so it is advisable to bring one with you.

Tourist Visa Fees

  • 15 days: $30 USD
  • 30 days: $50 USD
  • 90 days: $125 USD

Tourist visas are generally issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period of the visa.

Indian Citizens

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, they must carry a valid passport or an approved identification document when crossing the border.

Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining our treks and expeditions.

Travel insurance is not included in the trip price, and each participant is responsible for arranging their own policy before traveling to Nepal.

We strongly recommend that your insurance policy covers:

  • Medical expenses abroad
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation
  • Mountain accidents
  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Loss or delay of luggage

Helicopter evacuations in the Himalayas can be very expensive, especially in remote areas where road access is limited. For this reason, having proper insurance coverage is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

Altitude Coverage

For most treks in Nepal, we recommend insurance coverage for trekking activities up to at least 4,000–6,000 meters, including emergency helicopter evacuation.

For mountaineering expeditions or peak climbs above 6,000 meters, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers high-altitude mountaineering and rescue operations.

Participants must carefully check that their insurance policy covers the maximum altitude of their chosen trip.

Important Information

Participants should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact numbers during the trek or expedition.

Having appropriate insurance provides safety and peace of mind for both participants and the mountain team supporting the expedition.

Tipping is not mandatory but is a common practice in Nepal and a way to show appreciation for the local team supporting your trek or expedition.

Guides, Sherpas and porters work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in the mountains, assisting with logistics, equipment and support throughout the route.

As a general guideline, many trekkers choose to tip approximately:

  • Porters: around $8–10 USD per day
  • Guides / Sherpa Guides: around $10–15 USD per day

Tips are usually given at the end of the trek as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.

The final amount is always at the discretion of each participant and may vary depending on group size and personal satisfaction with the service.

Each participant should carry a small personal first aid kit with basic medications that may be needed during the trek or expedition.

It is important to bring any personal medication prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific treatments you normally use.

A personal first aid kit may include, for example:

  • Personal medication
  • Basic pain relief medication
  • Medication for digestive problems
  • Bandages or basic supplies for minor wounds
  • Sunscreen and lip protection

We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip if you require specific medication for high-altitude activities.

Our mountain team carries a group first aid kit and essential safety equipment, but each participant is responsible for their own personal medication.

Ready to experience the Himalayas?

Join a carefully crafted trek designed for those seeking silence, vast landscapes, and a deep connection with the mountains.

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What Our Adventurers Say

Real stories from the peaks of Nepal

Our past travelers share the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that made their Himalayan journey truly extraordinary.

Wayne Storey

Island Peak Climbling

Had a great experience with Pasang on our Everest base camp and Island Peak trek. Very knowledgeable and friendly and great communication skills.

Otávio Marcacini

Everest Base Camp Trekking

Great guide, I strongly recommend! He knows a lot about the culture and knows many people. Also, I had the opportunity to have lunch at the EBC with others sherpas, nice experience… Thanks Pasang for guiding me during the EBC trekking!

Martin legault

Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp

Professionnal guide
Big experience
Have a respect every place during the treck
Everything is on control with Pasang.
I recommended a 150%

Stephen Tindall

Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp

I can honestly say I cannot recommend Pasang enough, I had the best time ever. Pasang is very knowledgeable and has so much passion about what he does. Throughout my trek I felt safe, and very welcomed. Pasang has become a life long friend, what ever trip you plan with him you will not be disappointed.

Jesen Lodge

Island Peak Climbling

Myself and a pal from Mountain Rescue England and Wales decided to go to Nepal and see the spectacular Himalayan Peaks. They didn’t disappoint. I have done a lot of mountaineering in Europe, Mont Blan, Gran Paradiso Etc. but these are next level…literally. Pasang Tendi was our guy. One of the nicest and hard working blokes you’ll ever meet. Awesome guide! Porters aside!