“Manaslu Circuit Trek 2024/025: Complete Guide, Itinerary, Costs, and Permits”

“Your ultimate guide to the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Find everything you need to plan your trek—detailed itinerary, permit requirements, costs, best seasons, and safety tips.”

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most captivating and remote trekking experiences. It leads adventurers around the majestic Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak. This trail offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural experience as it winds through ancient villages with Tibetan-influenced heritage, secluded monasteries, and stunning natural landscapes. The trek includes high-altitude passes like the Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters), which is both challenging and rewarding, offering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding Himalayas.

Known for its diversity, the Manaslu trek spans lush subtropical forests, alpine terrain, and rugged mountain trails. While less crowded than the popular Annapurna and Everest treks, Manaslu is increasingly sought after by trekkers worldwide looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure. This guide will provide everything you need to plan your trek, from daily itineraries and budgeting tips to permit requirements and safety advice, ensuring a memorable journey through one of Nepal’s most pristine trekking regions.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

Trekking Permits and Regulations

To trek the Manaslu Circuit, You are required to obtain several important permits due to the restricted nature of the area. These permits include:

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This permit is required because the trek passes through a restricted area near the Tibetan border. It allows trekkers to enter the region and ensures that the area remains protected. The cost varies depending on the season, but typically, it is about USD 100 per week during peak season (March-November).
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): This permit helps to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Manaslu region. It costs around $30.
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): This permit is required because part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area. The cost is around USD 30.

Guide Requirement: It’s mandatory to hire a guide or porter-guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek due to the restricted area regulations. Trekking without a guide is not permitted.

My Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive)

• Distance: Approximately 140 kilometers
• Duration: 6-8 hours by Jeep or Bus
• Elevation: 710 meters
• Highlights: Starting from Kathmandu, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Soti Khola, passing through verdant hills, terraced farms, and lively riverside villages. This is your first glimpse of rural Nepal, with opportunities to observe local life along the way.

Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (Trek)

• Distance: 14 kilometers
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Elevation Gain: 869 meters
• Highlights: The trek begins in earnest as you follow the Budhi Gandaki River, traversing through lush forest paths and picturesque rice paddies. You’ll encounter small Gurung villages and the renowned Tatopani hot springs, perfect for a relaxing dip.

Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat

• Distance: 22 kilometers
• Duration: 6-8 hours
• Elevation: 1,410 meters
• Highlights: This leg takes you through beautiful riverside trails with frequent suspension bridge crossings. Jagat is a charming village with stone-paved streets and traditional homes. This is also the official entry to the Manaslu Conservation Area, where permits are checked.

Day 4: Jagat to Deng

• Distance: 20 kilometers
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Elevation: 1,804 meters
• Highlights: Today’s trek involves steady ascents through terraced fields, serene pine forests, and Gurung villages. You’ll pass the Mani walls and stone-carved Tibetan inscriptions as you enter more remote, culturally rich areas. In Deng, the Tibetan influence is evident in the architecture and prayer flags.

Day 5: Deng to Namrung

• Distance: 19 kilometers
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Elevation: 2,630 meters
• Highlights: Leaving Deng, you cross suspension bridges and trek through deep forests and narrow gorges. Namrung is a picturesque village with Tibetan-style houses and monasteries, set against a stunning mountain backdrop. This is also a great spot to catch views of Manaslu and other snow-capped peaks.

Day 6: Namrung to Samagaun

• Distance: 18 kilometers
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Elevation: 3,530 meters
• Highlights: The trek continues through alpine forests and past small villages. Samagaun is one of the larger villages and a popular rest spot for acclimatization. Trekkers often take an extra day here to explore or visit the ancient Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Lake.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun

• Activities: Optional hikes to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake. The Base Camp trek offers spectacular views and a challenging high-altitude experience.
• Highlights: Acclimatization days help prevent altitude sickness as you reach higher elevations. Hiking to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 meters) provides both an exhilarating trek and jaw-dropping views.

Day 8: Samagaun to Samdo

• Distance: 16 kilometers
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Elevation: 3,875 meters
• Highlights: The trail climbs gradually with magnificent mountain views as you approach the small settlement of Samdo. This village, close to the Tibetan border, gives a true sense of isolation and cultural heritage with Tibetan-style stone houses and prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

Day 9: Samdo to Dharamsala (High Camp)

• Distance: 12 kilometers
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Elevation: 4,460 meters
• Highlights: Today’s trek is shorter but steeper, leading up to Dharamsala, also known as High Camp. As the final stop before crossing Larkya La Pass, this is a basic campsite with limited facilities, but its location offers fantastic mountain views.

Day 10: Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass

• Distance: 24 kilometers
• Duration: 8-10 hours
• Elevation: 5,160 meters at the pass, descending to 3,720 meters
• Highlights: This is the most challenging day as you cross Larkya La Pass, the trek’s highest point. The climb is demanding, with breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. The descent to Bimthang is steep but rewarding, as you’re greeted by a vast expanse of glacier views and lush valleys.

Day 11: Bimthang to Dharapani

• Distance: 18 kilometers
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Elevation: 1,963 meters
• Highlights: The trail now descends significantly, passing through rhododendron forests and along glacial rivers. Arriving in Dharapani, you’ll have completed the main circuit portion and enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, where you can celebrate this achievement.

Day 12: Dharapani Drive  to Besisahar by Jeep 

• Distance: 73 kilometers
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Road Type: Gravel, dirt, and tarmac with rough sections
• Highlights: Scenic views of hills, valleys, and rivers, providing a glimpse of the Annapurna region’s natural beauty. Common route for trekkers traveling to or from the Annapurna area.

Day 13: Besisahar Drive back to Kathmandu 

• Distance: 180 kilometers
• Duration: 6-8 hours
• Road Type: Mix of paved and rough roads
• Highlights: The drive offers scenic views of terraced fields, rivers, and lush landscapes. It’s a long but comfortable journey back to Kathmandu, passing through small towns and villages along the way.

Best Time to Trek

The best months to trek the Manaslu Circuit are March-May and September-November. During these months, the weather is generally clear and dry, which makes for excellent trekking conditions.

1. Spring (March-May): This is a popular time to trek as the weather is stable, and the rhododendrons are in full bloom, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.
2. Autumn (September-November): Autumn is considered the peak trekking season due to the clear skies and pleasant temperatures, with crisp mornings and evenings.

Avoid trekking during the monsoon season (June-August), as trails can be slippery, and some remote areas might be inaccessible due to landslides.

Safety and Preparation Tips

Proper acclimatization is key to ensuring a safe and successful trek on the Manaslu Circuit. Here are some essential tips by top1trekking:

1. Acclimatization Days: Make sure to follow the top1trekking recommended itinerary and take rest days, especially in places like Samagaun, to allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
2. Altitude Sickness Prevention: Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. To prevent this, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and consume high-calorie foods to help your body cope with the reduced oxygen levels.
3. Trekking Preparation: Ensure that you are physically fit for the trek, as the Manaslu Circuit is a challenging trail with significant altitude gain. Bring proper gear, such as warm clothing, sturdy trekking boots, and a good sleeping bag.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a unique, quieter experience compared to the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp (EBC) treks. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Manaslu vs Annapurna: The Manaslu Circuit is more remote, with fewer trekkers compared to the Annapurna region. While Annapurna offers classic mountain views and better infrastructure, Manaslu is known for its pristine, less-developed nature and a more culturally immersive experience in Tibetan-influenced villages.
• Manaslu vs Everest Base Camp: Everest Base Camp is more accessible and has more facilities, but the Manaslu Circuit offers a more challenging, off-the-beaten-path experience with diverse terrain, including forests, alpine meadows, and higher passes.

Final Tips and FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Manaslu Circuit Trek:

1. How difficult is the Manaslu trek? The trek is considered moderate to difficult due to its high altitude, challenging terrain, and long days of trekking. However, with proper training and acclimatization, it is achievable for fit trekkers.
2. Is Wi-Fi available on the trek? Most tea houses on the Manaslu Circuit offer Wi-Fi for a small fee, but coverage can be sporadic, especially in more remote areas.
3. What is the accommodation like? Accommodation on the trek is basic, typically in tea houses that offer a bed, meals, and hot drinks. While comfortable, the facilities are quite simple and lack amenities like hot showers, especially in higher-altitude areas.

Final Conclusion

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an incredible journey for those seeking an authentic and challenging trekking experience in Nepal. It combines rugged trails, remote villages rich in Tibetan culture, and breathtaking views of the Himalayan giants, making it a truly unique alternative to the more popular Annapurna and Everest regions. Despite its challenges—such as high altitude, varying weather, and limited infrastructure—the trek is rewarding for adventurers prepared with the right gear, permits, and a guide.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or an enthusiast looking for a less-trodden path, the Manaslu Circuit provides an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and personal accomplishment. By planning for the best trekking season, budgeting wisely, and preparing for the altitude, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy this journey to its fullest.

For those looking to experience Nepal’s untouched landscapes, the Manaslu Circuit is a trek that promises awe-inspiring moments and a deep connection to the region’s landscapes and culture.