The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most beautiful and less crowded trekking routes. It takes you around Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,163 meters. This trek offers a mix of natural beauty, mountain views, cultural experiences, and a real sense of adventure—without the crowds you find on more popular trails like Everest or Annapurna.

Where Is the Manaslu Trek?

The Manaslu region is in the Gorkha district of western Nepal. The trek circles Mt. Manaslu, going through remote villages, lush forests, and high mountain passes.

You usually start the trek at a place called Machha Khola or Soti Khola, which takes about 7–8 hours by jeep from Kathmandu.

How Long Does the Trek Take?

Most people take 12 to 16 days to complete the full Manaslu Circuit, depending on their pace and the side trips they include. You’ll need a few extra days for travel to and from the trailhead and for rest or acclimatization.

What’s the Trail Like?

The trail starts in lower, green hills and slowly climbs into alpine terrain. You’ll pass through:

Rice fields and river valleys in the beginning
Buddhist villages with Tibetan culture
Suspension bridges over deep gorges
High mountain scenery, especially near Larke Pass (5,106 meters)

The final challenge is crossing Larke Pass, a high and sometimes snowy mountain pass that offers incredible views of the Himalayas.

Why Trek Manaslu?

Here’s what makes the Manaslu Circuit special:

Fewer tourists: It’s much quieter than Everest or Annapurna.
Cultural mix: You walk through villages influenced by both Nepali and Tibetan traditions.
Varied scenery: From green farmland to snowy peaks.
Adventure feel: It’s remote but still has teahouses for food and lodging.

Is It Difficult?

The Manaslu Trek is considered moderately difficult to challenging. You’ll walk 6–8 hours a day, and the altitude goes above 5,000 meters. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be reasonably fit and prepared for some tough uphill climbs and cold nights.

Proper acclimatization is key to avoiding altitude sickness. Most itineraries include rest days to help with this.

Do You Need a Guide?

Yes. The Manaslu region is a restricted area, so you must trek with a licensed guide and at least two trekkers in your group (not including the guide). You also need:

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

These permits are usually arranged by your trekking agency or guide.

Where Do You Sleep and Eat?

There are teahouses in nearly every village along the trail. These are small lodges that offer:

Basic rooms with beds and blankets
Traditional Nepali meals like dal bhat, noodles, soups, and tea

Facilities are simple but comfortable enough for most trekkers.

Best Time to Go

The best seasons are:

Autumn (September to November) – clear skies and mountain views
Spring (March to May) – blooming rhododendrons and warmer temperatures

Avoid the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rain and landslides. Winter (December to February) is very cold, and Larke Pass may be blocked by snow.

Final Tips

Bring warm layers—it gets cold at higher altitudes.
Carry some snacks, as shops are limited in remote areas.
Get travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
Hire a porter if you want to reduce the load and enjoy the walk more.

Manaslu Trek Guide: A Quiet Trail Around Nepal’s Eighth-Highest Peak