Restricted Area · Off the Beaten Path
Manaslu Circuit
Trek Guide
Why Manaslu
Nepal's Most Dramatic Off-Beat Circuit
The Manaslu Circuit circumnavigates Manaslu (8,163m) — the world's 8th highest mountain — through a restricted area that requires a special permit and a licensed guide. This is not a route you can walk alone, and that restriction is exactly why it has retained the raw character that the Annapurna Circuit had before the jeep road arrived.
The circuit passes through the Nubri and Tsum valleys — two Tibetan Buddhist enclaves that have been geographically and culturally isolated from the rest of Nepal for centuries. Every village has a gompa (monastery). Yaks carry loads. The people speak Tibetan. The prayer flags outnumber the tea house menus.
Larkya La Pass at 5,160m is one of the most demanding single-day crossings in Nepal — 8–10 hours of walking above 4,900m, often in pre-dawn darkness to avoid afternoon wind. It is the defining moment of the Manaslu Circuit, and the panorama from the top — Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal, and the entire Annapurna chain — justifies every step.
In-depth trek guides for the Manaslu Region
Go deeper on each trek in this region — itinerary, cost, difficulty and permits.
Interactive Topographic Map
Explore the Manaslu Region
Full circuit from Soti Khola to Dharapani, Larkya La Pass, Manaslu Base Camp, and the Tsum Valley extension — all on a live topographic map.
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Complete Route Index
Manaslu Region Routes
All itineraries are fully guided — restricted area permits and licensed guide are mandatory and included in every package.
When to Go
Month-by-Month Conditions
Larkya La Pass is closed December–February due to deep snow. The two trekking windows are October–November and March–April.
Jan
Larkya La closed
None crowds
Feb
Pass opens late Feb
Minimal crowds
Mar
Spring opens
Med crowds
Apr
Ideal spring season
High crowds
Peak SeasonMay
Pre-monsoon haze
Low crowds
Jun
Monsoon — closed
None crowds
Jul
Monsoon
None crowds
Aug
Monsoon
None crowds
Sep
Clears quickly
Med crowds
Oct
Best conditions
Peak crowds
Peak SeasonNov
Crystal clear
High crowds
Peak SeasonDec
Pass closes mid-Dec
Low crowds
The Route
Villages & Key Waypoints
Ordered by altitude from trailhead to pass.
Before You Go
Restricted Area Permits
Manaslu is a restricted area — you cannot trek here without an official permit and a licensed Nepali guide. Attempting to enter without permits results in fines and immediate removal. We handle all permits as part of every package.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Obtained at: Nepal Immigration, Kathmandu — cannot get at trailhead
Cost varies by season: Sep–Nov NPR 12,000; Dec–Aug NPR 7,000
NPR 7,000–12,000
$50–88 USD
Included in our packagesManaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Obtained at: NTB office or MCAP checkpoint
NPR 3,000
~$22 USD
Included in our packagesAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Obtained at: NTB office — required for Dharapani exit
Only needed if exiting via Annapurna Circuit
NPR 3,000
~$22 USD
Included in our packagesTIMS — Trekkers' Information Management System
Obtained at: TAAN office, Kathmandu
NPR 2,000
~$15 USD
Included in our packagesFull step-by-step breakdown of the Manaslu restricted-area permit, seasonal fees and rules.
Manaslu permit guideReady to Book?
Our Flagship Manaslu Trek
A ready-to-book guided departure with restricted-area permits and licensed guide included.
Manaslu Circuit Trek — 14 Days
The full circuit around Manaslu over Larkya La (5,160m).
Logistics
Getting to the Trailhead
Kathmandu → Arughat by Jeep
The most common approach. Private jeep from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar (563m) via Dhading. We arrange a private vehicle with all your gear. Depart 6am, arrive early afternoon.
Kathmandu → Soti Khola (express)
Drive past Arughat to Soti Khola to save a day of walking. Road condition varies — our drivers know which route is passable by season.
Exit: Dharapani → Besisahar
Most Manaslu Circuit treks exit at Dharapani and connect to the Annapurna Circuit or jeep back to Kathmandu via Besisahar. All transfers are included in our packages.
Reviewed June 2026 by the Travel Himalaya Nepal guide team.
On the Trail
See it in motion
From the Blog
Manaslu Region Articles
Manaslu Circuit Trek 2026: Permits, Cost & Route
Read article Trek ComparisonManaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit: Which to Choose?
Read article Remote TrekkingTsum Valley Trek 2026: Nepal's Hidden Sacred Valley
Read article Remote TrekkingNar Phu Valley Trek 2026: Permits, Cost & Itinerary
Read article CulturalNepal Monastery Trekking 2026: Sacred Sites & Cultural Trails
Read article Safety & HealthAltitude Sickness Nepal: Prevention, Symptoms & Treatment
Read article PlanningHow to Choose a Nepal Trekking Agency in 2026
Read article PhotographyNepal Photography Guide 2026: Best Shots & Locations
Read articleReady for Manaslu?
Nepal's Most Untouched Circuit
Restricted access means smaller groups, local teahouses, and villages unchanged for decades. This is what the Annapurna Circuit used to feel like.