Manaslu and the Manaslu Circuit
In Nepali: मनास्लु र मनास्लु परिक्रमा
Manaslu (8,163 m), 'mountain of the spirit', was first climbed by a Japanese expedition in 1956. The Manaslu Circuit follows the Budhi Gandaki gorge north from Soti Khola through Gurung villages into the Tibetan Buddhist valleys of Nubri, with Samagaun and Samdo below the great peak.
The trail crosses the Larkya La (5,106 m) and descends to Bimthang and the Marsyangdi, joining the Annapurna Circuit. It is a restricted area requiring a permit and a licensed guide, with tea-house lodges throughout.
Day by day (typical)
Day 1: drive to Machha Khola. Days 2–5: walk up the Budhi Gandaki gorge via Jagat, Deng and Namrung. Day 6: Lho. Day 7: Samagaun. Day 8: rest day (hike to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp). Day 9: Samdo. Day 10: Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi). Day 11: cross the Larkya La to Bimthang. Days 12–13: down to Dharapani and drive out.
What to see and do
The trek is a journey from Hindu Gurung villages into Tibetan Buddhist Nubri, with monasteries, mani walls and chortens. At Samagaun, walk to Birendra Tal glacial lake and Pungyen Gompa. The view of Manaslu from Lho and Samagaun is magnificent.
Good to know
Restricted-area permit (minimum two trekkers with a licensed guide), plus the Manaslu and Annapurna conservation area permits. Lodges are available throughout but basic above Samdo. The Larkya La crossing is long — start before dawn.
Quick answers
- Where is Manaslu and the Manaslu Circuit?
- Manaslu and the Manaslu Circuit is in Gorkha district, Gandaki Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Manaslu and the Manaslu Circuit?
- About 8,163 m (26,783 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Manaslu and the Manaslu Circuit?
- For a 16-day trip from Pokhara, about NPR 127,500 (≈ US$945) per person on a budget, or NPR 159,000 (≈ US$1,180) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees, permits, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 48,500 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Manaslu and the Manaslu Circuit?
- Plan 14 nights there for the trek; with travel from Pokhara and back, about 16 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Manaslu and the Manaslu Circuit?
- Yes. Foreign visitors need a restricted-area permit of about US$100 per person per week, issued only through a licensed trekking agency. You also pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Manaslu and the Manaslu Circuit?
- Yes. Restricted areas can only be visited with a licensed guide, in a group of at least two.
- When is the best time to visit Manaslu and the Manaslu Circuit?
- October–November; March–May
- How do I get to Manaslu and the Manaslu Circuit?
- 8–10 hours by road from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Machha Khola. It is about 68 km (straight line) from Pokhara.
- What is Manaslu and the Manaslu Circuit called in Nepali?
- मनास्लु र मनास्लु परिक्रमा
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