The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most beautiful and peaceful trekking routes in Nepal. It takes you around Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. This trek is perfect if you want a real Himalayan adventure without the crowds. Unlike the Everest or Annapurna regions, the Manaslu trail is still less crowded and more remote, which means you get a quieter and more natural experience. You’ll pass through traditional villages, walk beside rivers, cross high suspension bridges, and enjoy stunning views of snowy peaks. The cultural experience here is rich too—many of the villages follow Tibetan Buddhism, and you can visit old monasteries and interact with friendly locals who still live in their traditional ways.
2025/26 is the best time to trek Manaslu. After the pandemic, more people are looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures, and the Manaslu Trek is becoming more popular—but not too busy yet. Also, teahouse infrastructure has improved a lot in recent years. You can now find clean rooms, warm meals, and basic comforts along the way. Roads have become better, making the starting point more accessible. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or someone doing your first Himalayan trek, the Manaslu Circuit in 2025/26 is a perfect mix of challenge, beauty, and peacefulness.
Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition – Your trusted guide to the hidden beauty of Nepal
The Manaslu Trek is one of the most beautiful and peaceful treks in Nepal. It is located in the Gorkha district, close to the border with Tibet. This trek takes you around Mount Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters. The full trek covers about 177 kilometers and usually takes 14 to 18 days, depending on your pace and itinerary. Along the way, you will walk through remote valleys, cross high bridges, and pass through ancient villages that few tourists have seen. The biggest adventure comes at the top of the Larke La Pass (5,106 meters)—a high mountain pass with jaw-dropping views of snow-covered peaks.
One of the best things about the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the mix of nature and culture. You’ll visit small Buddhist villages where people follow traditions passed down for centuries. Many of them are from the Tibetan and Gurung communities, and you’ll see colorful prayer flags, spinning prayer wheels, and beautiful monasteries. These villages are warm and welcoming, and you can enjoy traditional food and learn about mountain life. The trail also passes by waterfalls, peaceful rivers, and fields filled with yaks and sheep.
This region is also rich in wildlife and natural beauty. You may see blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, and even snow leopards if you are very lucky! The forests are full of rhododendron, pine, and bamboo, and the glaciers and snow-capped peaks will leave you amazed. This trek is perfect for people who want a quiet trekking experience with less crowd and more connection to nature and local culture. If you’re looking for a true adventure in the Himalayas, the Manaslu trek in Nepal is a hidden gem waiting for you.
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The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts with your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. This is where your adventure begins. You’ll meet your guide, check your gear, and prepare the necessary Manaslu trekking permits, including the Restricted Area Permit, MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit), and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). After spending a night in Kathmandu, you’ll drive to either Machha Khola or Sotikhola by jeep or bus. This drive takes around 8–9 hours and follows the scenic path along the Budhi Gandaki River, giving you a glimpse of rural Nepal.
From here, your daily Manaslu trek begins. Each day, you’ll walk 5–7 hours through beautiful villages like Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Sama Gaun. The higher you go, the more stunning the views become. At Sama Gaun, you’ll spend an extra day to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. This is also where you can take optional side trips to Pungen Gompa (a peaceful monastery with amazing views of Manaslu) or hike to Manaslu Base Camp, a challenging but rewarding adventure. Then, you continue to Samdo, the last permanent village before the pass, and Dharmashala, the final stop before the high point.
The biggest challenge and highlight of the trek is crossing Larke La Pass (5,160m). This is a tough day, but when you reach the top, the panoramic mountain views will take your breath away. From there, you descend carefully to Bimthang and then continue to Dharapani, where the trek ends. Finally, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu, where a warm shower, good food, and a celebration dinner await you. This Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary is perfect for those who want a less crowded route with real Himalayan culture and close-up mountain views.
To trek in the Manaslu region in 2025/26, you need three types of permits: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). This region is a government-protected area, so solo trekking is not allowed. You must travel with a licensed trekking agency and be accompanied by a government-registered guide. These permits are checked along the trail, so having them is very important to continue the journey without any problems.
The Manaslu Restricted Permit price depends on how many days you stay in the restricted zone. Usually, it costs USD 100 per person for the first 7 days (from Jagat to Sama Gaun) and USD 15 for each extra day. MCAP and ACAP each cost NPR 3,000 per person. To get these permits, you must provide a valid passport, Nepal visa, two passport-sized photos, and your trek itinerary. If you book your Manaslu Circuit trek package with a trusted company like Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition, we will take care of all permits and paperwork for you. This makes the Manaslu trek permit process easy and stress-free, so you can just focus on enjoying the trek.
If you are planning the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2025 or 2026, knowing the cost will help you prepare better. The average Manaslu trek package cost depends on whether you join a group or choose a private trip. Group packages are usually cheaper and great for budget travelers. A group trek to Manaslu may cost around $1,200–$1,500, while a private trek with a personal guide and porter may cost between $1,600–$2,200. These costs include Manaslu trekking permits, transportation from Kathmandu to Sotikhola (by jeep or bus), accommodation in tea houses, three meals a day, and the salary of guides and porters. A special restricted area permit for Manaslu, along with ACAP and MCAP, is required and your trekking company will arrange all of these.
Daily expenses along the trail are also simple to understand. In most villages, a basic tea house room costs $5–$10 per night, while food (dal bhat, noodles, tea) costs around $20–$30 per day. Guide wages are typically $25–$30/day, and porters earn $18–$25/day. If you don’t have your own trekking gear, gear rental in Kathmandu is available for around $1–$5 per item per day. Don’t forget travel insurance for Manaslu trekking—it’s very important in case of emergencies. Below is a rough cost table for Manaslu trek based on your travel style.
|
Travel Style |
Budget Cost (USD) |
Standard Cost (USD) |
Luxury Cost (USD) |
|
Trekking Package |
$1,500 |
$1,700 |
$2,500+ |
|
Permits & Transport |
Included |
Included |
Included |
|
Food & Stay (Tea Houses) |
$35/day |
$45/day |
$60+/day |
|
Guide & Porter |
$55–$60/day |
$65–$70/day |
Experienced crew |
|
Gear Rental/Buy |
$100–$150 total |
$250+ |
Branded gear |
|
Insurance |
$150–$250 |
$250+ |
Premium coverage |
Plan your Manaslu Trek with Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition for reliable prices and full service.
The Manaslu Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek, mainly because of the high altitude and long walking days. One of the hardest parts is crossing the Larke Pass (5,160 meters), which is the highest point of the trek. This pass can be tough because the air is thin, and it gets very cold at the top. Most people feel a little tired or out of breath at high altitude, so it’s important to walk slowly, rest often, and stay hydrated. You don’t need to be a super athlete, but you should be physically fit enough to walk 6–7 hours a day, for about two weeks. The trail goes up and down a lot, so some training before the trip is a good idea.
The best time to do the Manaslu Trek is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months have the best weather—clear skies, stable temperatures, and great mountain views. In spring, you can see beautiful rhododendron forests in full bloom, and in autumn, the skies are often the clearest after the monsoon rains. It’s best to avoid trekking during monsoon (June to August) because the trail can be muddy and slippery, and winter (December to February) can be very cold with heavy snow near Larke Pass. Choosing the right season will make your Manaslu trekking experience safer and more enjoyable.
Packing for the Manaslu Trek means being ready for both warm days and very cold nights, especially when crossing the high Larke Pass (5,160m). During the day, the sun can make you feel warm while walking, but as you go higher, it gets windy and freezing, especially at night. So, you’ll need clothes for both hot and cold weather. Bring lightweight trekking shirts, a warm fleece or down jacket, thermal base layers, windproof pants, a good rain jacket, and a warm hat and gloves. For your feet, carry strong hiking boots, warm socks, and camp shoes for the evening. The trail is long, and you’ll carry your own gear or use a porter, so pack only what you truly need. A 35–50L backpack is perfect for daily use, and a duffel bag can carry the rest of your things.
Also, don’t forget the must-haves for your health and safety. Carry a sleeping bag rated for -10°C or colder, trekking poles, water purification tablets or a filter, headlamp, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit with medicine for altitude sickness. You’ll also need your passport, Manaslu Trekking Permits, and some cash in Nepali Rupees, since there are no ATMs on the trail. If you don’t want to buy everything, you can easily rent trekking gear in Kathmandu. Many trekkers choose this option to save money and luggage space. Just make sure the gear is in good condition and fits well. Packing wisely for high-altitude trekking in Nepal is the key to having a safe and comfortable Manaslu Circuit adventure.
At Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition, we are proud to be a trusted local trekking company in Nepal with years of experience. Our team includes friendly, licensed guides who know the mountains, trails, and local culture very well. They are not just guides—they are your companions who help you understand the places you visit, keep you safe, and support you every step of the way. We offer fully customizable trekking itineraries with flexible departure dates, so whether you are coming solo, with a friend, or in a group, we can adjust the trek to match your needs and time.
We care deeply about your health and safety during every trek. That’s why we include proper acclimatization days, carry first-aid kits, and have emergency plans ready if needed. Many happy trekkers have shared positive reviews about their successful trekking experience with us—whether on Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, or Manaslu Trek. We also follow eco-friendly trekking practices to protect the natural beauty of Nepal. For 2025/26, we have group joining options available for popular treks, which can help reduce costs and make the journey more fun and social. Trek with Nature Heaven Treks to enjoy a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
Yes, the Manaslu Trek in 2025/26 is absolutely worth it. It is one of the best trekking adventures in Nepal for those who want something peaceful, less crowded, and full of natural beauty. The trail takes you through beautiful forests, remote mountain villages, and up-close views of Mount Manaslu—the eighth-highest mountain in the world. You’ll walk across high passes like Larke La Pass (5,160m), cross suspension bridges, and see rivers, waterfalls, and snowy peaks. What makes the Manaslu Circuit special is its mix of Himalayan landscapes and rich culture. You’ll meet local people, explore Tibetan-influenced villages, and experience a lifestyle that feels untouched by time.
If you are a nature lover or first-time trekker looking to step off the busy tourist trails like Everest or Annapurna, then the Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfect for you. The trek offers real adventure and peaceful surroundings. You don’t need to be a mountain expert—just reasonably fit and excited to explore. Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition can help you book your Manaslu Trek package easily. We provide experienced guides, permits, meals, and comfortable tea house stays. Ready to make memories in the hidden Himalayas? 📞 Contact us today to plan your Manaslu adventure in 2025/26!
“Whether you choose the peaceful Manaslu Circuit, Nature Heaven Treks will make sure your 2025 trek is safe, unforgettable, and full of happiness!”
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