The Manaslu Circuit is a 177 km loop around Manaslu (8,163 m), Nepal's eighth-highest peak, crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m over 14–16 days. Permit costs in 2026 total approximately $150–200 per person, and the route sees roughly 6,000 trekkers per season — compared to 60,000+ on the Annapurna Circuit — making it Nepal's best combination of serious altitude, genuine wilderness and affordable logistics.
Why the Manaslu Circuit Beats Annapurna for Experienced Trekkers in 2026
The Annapurna Circuit remains Nepal's most famous trekking route, but road construction since 2010 has turned significant sections into vehicle tracks with regular jeep traffic. The Manaslu Circuit sits within a restricted area that limits access to organised treks and individual trekkers with a guide, preserving the trail character that the Annapurna Circuit has largely lost.
Key comparisons as of 2026: Manaslu averages 15–20 trekkers per day at the Larkya La during peak season; Annapurna's Thorong La sees 200–400. Teahouse costs on Manaslu run 20–30% lower than Annapurna equivalents. The Manaslu valley is significantly narrower and more dramatic, with the route spending more time at elevation — daily high points above 3,500 m begin from Day 4 onward.
Manaslu Circuit Stage Overview
| Days | Section | Night Altitude (m) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Soti Khola → Jagat → Deng | 710 → 1,410 → 1,860 | Hot and humid, subtropical jungle |
| 4–6 | Namrung → Lho → Sama Gaun | 2,630 → 3,180 → 3,530 | Manaslu base camp side trip possible |
| 7–8 | Samdo → Dharamsala (high camp) | 3,875 → 4,460 | Acclimatisation day at Samdo recommended |
| 9 | Larkya La cross → Bimthang | 5,106 → 3,590 | 6–8 hrs, summit at dawn, 3,000 m descent |
| 10–14 | Bimthang → Tilje → Dharapani | 2,590 → 1,860 | Valley descent, warmer teahouses |
Manaslu Circuit Permits 2026: What You Need and What It Costs
The Manaslu Conservation Area sits within a restricted zone requiring a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in addition to the standard conservation area entry. Costs as of 2026:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP): $100 per person for the first week, $15 per day after — obtain through authorised Nepali trekking agencies only
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit: NPR 3,000 (approximately $22) per person
- ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area, required for the Dharapani exit): NPR 3,000 per person
- TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System): NPR 2,000
Total permit cost: approximately $150–200 per person. Individual trekking without a guide is prohibited in the restricted area — a licensed Nepali guide is legally required for all trekkers. Guide fees run $20–30/day; porter rates NPR 1,500–2,000/day.
When to Trek the Manaslu Circuit
Two main seasons: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Autumn offers the most stable weather and clearest mountain views — October is peak season with the highest chance of a clear Larkya La crossing. Spring offers rhododendron blooms at lower elevations (March–April) and warm lower valley days, but the Larkya La may still carry significant snow in March. Monsoon season (June–August) makes the lower valley trails dangerously slippery and landslide-prone; winter (December–February) closes the Larkya La entirely with snow depths of 1–3 m at the pass.
What to Pack for the Manaslu Circuit
The gear priority on Manaslu is insulation and waterproofing above 3,500 m. Nights at Dharamsala (4,460 m) drop to -10°C in October — the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 20°F sleeping bag (596 g) is appropriate without additional liner for autumn. The teahouses above 3,500 m provide only thin blankets; a quality sleeping bag is not optional.
Carry the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for the entire circuit — Nepal mobile networks are absent from Day 3 to Day 12. The InReach Mini 2 provides SOS rescue coordination, two-way messaging and GPS tracking for families monitoring from home. Emergency helicopter evacuation from the Manaslu valley costs $3,000–8,000 and is only possible from a few landing zones — real-time location sharing is operationally important if a medical emergency occurs.
Pack in the Osprey Kestrel 48: its 48 L volume fits 16 days of gear including 3-season sleep system, technical wind layer and enough food for the 2-day section between Samdo and Bimthang where no resupply is available.
For altitude preparation before the trip, our high-altitude hiking training guide covers the 10-week acclimatisation protocol, and our Annapurna Circuit guide provides useful comparative context on Nepal trekking logistics. Our Everest Base Camp trek guide covers similar permit and guide systems for the Khumbu region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Manaslu Circuit harder than the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes, in most respects. The Larkya La at 5,106 m is 400 m higher than Annapurna's Thorong La (4,659 m), the trail is less developed and the overall route is more remote with fewer bail-out options. The lower valley days are also more technically demanding, with multiple river crossing and suspension bridge sections. Fitness requirements are similar but the Manaslu demands greater preparedness for altitude and remote conditions.
Can you do the Manaslu Circuit without a guide?
No — the Manaslu restricted area permit legally requires trekkers to hire a licensed Nepali guide. Independent trekking without a guide is not permitted as of 2026. This regulation has been consistently enforced since 2012 and applies to all foreign nationals regardless of experience level. The guide requirement also means the trek cannot be done entirely alone, which is a safety advantage given the route's remoteness.
How do you get to the Manaslu Circuit starting point?
The circuit starts at Soti Khola (710 m), reached from Kathmandu by jeep or local bus to Arughat (5–6 hours on a rough road), then a further 1.5-hour jeep or 3-hour walk to Soti Khola. Most agencies offer direct Kathmandu–Soti Khola jeep transfers for $30–50 per person. Alternatively, fly Kathmandu to Pokhara, then take the northern road route — adding half a day but improving road quality.
What is the accommodation like on the Manaslu Circuit?
Teahouses on the Manaslu Circuit are basic but generally clean, with private rooms from NPR 300–600 ($2–4) per night. Above Lho (3,180 m), most teahouses are simple stone buildings with thin mattresses, shared drop toilets and limited hot water. Dinner is standard dal bhat (lentils and rice) at NPR 600–900. Wi-Fi is absent above Jagat; some lodges offer solar-charged phone charging points. The trade-off for the basic facilities is genuine hospitality and the absence of the tourist-infrastructure feeling prevalent on the Annapurna Circuit.
How fit do you need to be for the Manaslu Circuit?
A baseline of regular hiking with day packs covering 15–20 km on varied terrain is the minimum. The Larkya La crossing day (20+ km, 700 m ascent, 2,000 m descent) is physically demanding and requires 6–8 hours of sustained effort. Train specifically for sustained aerobic output by doing two to three 20 km hikes per week in the 8–12 weeks before departure, including sessions with a 10–12 kg pack to replicate trail loads.