Why is a licensed guide mandatory on the Manaslu Circuit?

Manaslu is a Government of Nepal Restricted Area. The regulation requires all foreign trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and to travel in groups of at least two people. This rule is strictly enforced at checkpoints along the route — solo trekkers and those without a guide will be turned back.

What permits are required and what do they cost?

Three permits are needed: a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) at $100 per week (Sep–Nov) or $75 per week (other seasons), a Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit (~$30), and an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit (~$30) for the Larkya La crossing. Budget around $200–$260 in permits depending on season and duration.

How difficult is the Larkya La Pass crossing at 5,160m?

Larkya La (5,160m) is the highest and most demanding point of the circuit. It is a long crossing (8–10 hours) with significant elevation gain, possible snow and ice, and altitude exposure. No technical mountaineering skills are required, but trekkers must be fully acclimatised, physically fit, and prepared for an early 3–4am start in cold conditions.

How does Manaslu compare to the Annapurna Circuit?

The Manaslu Circuit covers similar terrain to the classic Annapurna Circuit but sees a fraction of the foot traffic. Teahouses are simpler and more spaced out, requiring more self-sufficiency. The scenery around Manaslu (8,163m — the world's 8th highest peak) is dramatic and raw. It is generally considered more challenging, remote, and rewarding than the Annapurna Circuit.

What is the best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit?

Autumn (September–November) is the busiest and most reliable season, with stable weather and excellent visibility after the monsoon. Spring (March–May) is also excellent. Winter crossings of Larkya La are possible but very cold and snowy. Monsoon season (June–August) makes the pass dangerous and is not recommended.

Is a porter included in the package?

Yes — Nepal government regulations require a licensed guide, and Travel Himalaya Nepal includes an experienced mountain guide in all Manaslu packages. A personal porter is also strongly recommended given the length and elevation of the circuit and can be arranged at an additional cost. Carrying a pack lighter than 10kg above 4,000m significantly improves your safety and experience.

TrekChallenging

Manaslu Circuit Trek — 14 Days

14 days5,106 mFrom Soti Khola / ArughatBest: Oct–Nov, Mar–May

Duration

14 days

From

$2,100/person

Max Altitude

5,106 m

Difficulty

Challenging

Starts

Soti Khola / Arughat

Group Size

2–10 People

Stay

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Best Season

Oct–Nov, Mar–May

Trip Highlights

Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) — dramatic glacier crossing between two watersheds

Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) — world's 8th highest peak dominates the skyline throughout

Manaslu Conservation Area — restricted zone; fewer than 5,000 trekkers per year

Ancient Nubri and Tsum Tibetan culture unchanged for generations

Birendra Lake at Samagaon — glacial lake beneath Manaslu's south face

High-altitude villages of Samagaon, Samdo, and Dharmasala

Dense rhododendron and bamboo forest along the lower Budhi Gandaki

Serang Gompa and Pungen Gompa — remote Buddhist monasteries rarely seen by outsiders

Full circuit: Arughat to Dharapani — no two days repeat the same valley

Nepal's most dramatic restricted-area circuit — 14 days around the world's 8th highest peak, culminating in the high-altitude Larkya La Pass (5,160m) with mandatory guide.

Day-by-Day Itinerary(14 days)

Altitude Profile

Peak: 5,160 m · Day 10

Long but scenic drive through the Buri Gandaki gorge. Arrive Soti Khola and register permits with your guide.

730 m8-hr drive–B, DTea House

The 14-day Manaslu Circuit is our time-efficient version of Nepal's greatest restricted-area trek — covering the full Budhi Gandaki gorge approach, the Nubri Buddhist villages of Samagaon and Namrung, and the Larke La crossing (5,106 m) at the pace appropriate for experienced Himalayan trekkers. Manaslu (8,163 m) dominates the skyline for three consecutive days; the gorge sections are among the most dramatic walking in Nepal; the restricted area permit keeps the trail at a fraction of the Annapurna Circuit's traffic.

The 14-day schedule enters via Soti Khola and follows the Budhi Gandaki north through deepening canyon scenery to the Tibetan-influenced high villages. The Larke La crossing at dawn — a broad 5,106 m snowfield with the world's eighth-highest mountain directly overhead — is one of the great pass moments in the Himalaya. Descent via Bimthang and Dharapani connects to the Annapurna circuit road for the Kathmandu return.

Best seasons: October–November and March–May. Permit: Restricted area (included). Max altitude: Larke La 5,106 m.

What's Included

Included

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (arranged in advance; $100 for 7 days + $15/extra day)
Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit
TIMS card
Government-registered English-speaking senior guide (mandatory for restricted area)
Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
All teahouse accommodation on trek
3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Kathmandu to Soti Khola 4WD jeep
Dharapani/Beshisahar to Kathmandu transport
Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
Altitude sickness management kit: pulse oximeter + first aid
All government taxes and service charges

Not Included

International airfare to/from Kathmandu
Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency helicopter evacuation
Meals not listed in daily itinerary
Personal trekking gear and equipment
Tips for guides and porters (recommended: USD 8–12/day guide, USD 5–8/day porter)
Beverages, hot showers, and battery charging at teahouses (payable direct)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Any costs arising from early departure, illness, or flight delays

Best Time to Go

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Best season. October ideal. Clear skies, stable weather. October less crowded than Annapurna/Everest trails — genuine wilderness feel.

Low: -15°C Larkya La High: 15°C lower valleys November likely at pass

Spring (Mar–May)

Good season. Pass opens reliably by April. Slightly more precipitation than autumn. Rhododendron forests on lower sections.

Low: -12°C Larkya La High: 20°C lower valleys March: possible. April clear

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Larkya La blocked by snow. Not recommended.

Low: -30°C Larkya La High: 8°C Very heavy above 4,000 m

Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Trail very wet. Not recommended. Landslide risk on lower gorge sections.

Low: 12°C High: 25°C None

Permits Required

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

USD 100/week (Sep–Nov) · USD 75/week (other seasons)

Requires minimum 2 trekkers and licensed guide. We handle all paperwork.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

USD 30

Combined with ACAP if exiting via Annapurna side.

TIMS Card

USD 20

Required for all Nepal treks.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

What to Pack

Moisture-wicking base layers

Fleece mid-layer

Down jacket (800+ fill — essential)

Hardshell jacket and pants

Trekking trousers (2 pairs)

Merino socks (5–6 pairs)

Balaclava for Larkya La

Warm hat and sun hat

Insulated waterproof gloves

Thermal underwear

A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Frequently Asked Questions

$2,100

/ person

all-inclusive · permits included

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$1,900 × 2 people· 2–3 pax rate$3,800

All-inclusive · permits included

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Duration14 days

DifficultyChallenging

Max Altitude5,106 m

StartsSoti Khola / Arughat

Group Size2–10 People

AccommodationTea House

Best SeasonOct–Nov, Mar–May

Your Guide

NMA-Licensed Senior Guide

Travel Himalaya Nepal · Est. 1998

15+ yrs experienceEnglish speakingFirst Aid certifiedZero fatalities

All guides are NMA-certified with 10–20 years in the Himalayas. You'll be briefed personally before departure.

Meet all our guides

NMA Certified Agency

Licensed by Nepal Mountaineering Association · Est. 1998

Manaslu Region Guide

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Manaslu Circuit Trek — 14 Days

Trip Highlights

Day-by-Day Itinerary(14 days)

Altitude Profile

What's Included

Included

Not Included

Best Time to Go

Permits Required

What to Pack

Frequently Asked Questions

Price by Group Size

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