Manaslu Circuit circles the world's eighth-highest mountain, and unlike Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, it's a restricted area, which means every trekker on the trail is there with a licensed guide and a permit, not walking solo with a daypack from a teahouse crowd of hundreds. The trail passes through Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages that see a fraction of the foot traffic of Nepal's more famous routes, crosses the Larkya La pass at 5,106 meters, and still delivers close-up views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and the wider Ganesh Himal range. If you want the scale and difficulty of a classic Nepal trek without the crowds, this is the one.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary (16 Days)
Our standard Manaslu Circuit itinerary runs 16 days door-to-door from Kathmandu, giving a realistic, safe acclimatization pace rather than rushing the altitude gain:
Days 1-2: Kathmandu to Machha Khola (drive), then trek toward Jagat, entering the restricted area.
Days 3-6: Jagat to Deng to Namrung to Samagaon, gradually gaining altitude through forest and traditional villages, with Samagaon (3,530m) as your base for acclimatization.
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Samagaon, with an optional side hike toward Manaslu Base Camp for closer mountain views.
Days 8-9: Samagaon to Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), the final staging point below the pass.
Day 10: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m) and descend to Bimthang, the single hardest and most rewarding day of the trek.
Days 11-13: Bimthang down to Dharapani and Besisahar, exiting the restricted area and reconnecting with the road.
Days 14-16: Drive back to Kathmandu, with a buffer day built in for weather or road delays.
This exact pacing is what keeps Manaslu safer than faster, cheaper itineraries you'll see advertised elsewhere, altitude sickness risk goes up sharply when acclimatization days get cut to save time.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost 2026
Our standard 16-day Manaslu Circuit package starts from USD 1,200 per person, including permits, a licensed guide, teahouse accommodation, and meals on the trail. That sits well within the typical market range for a properly guided, safely paced Manaslu trek, which generally runs USD 950 to 1,900+ depending on group size, season, and what's included, so it's worth being cautious of anything advertised dramatically cheaper, it's usually cutting guide quality, acclimatization days, or permit compliance to get there.
Exact pricing depends on your group size, travel dates, and whether you want the Tsum Valley extension added on. Get in touch for a personalized quote for your dates.
Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley: The Extended Option
If you have extra time, the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley extension is, honestly, one of the most underrated trek combinations in Nepal. Tsum Valley is its own restricted area, a hidden side valley of ancient monasteries, Tibetan Buddhist communities, and a pace of life that feels genuinely frozen in time, added onto the front of the standard Manaslu route before you continue on to Larkya La. It roughly adds a week to your trip but gives you two restricted areas, two permits, and two very different trekking experiences in one journey. If you're already committing the time and cost to get to this region, this is the upgrade most past trekkers tell us they wish they'd added.
Permits You'll Need for Manaslu (and Tsum Valley)
Manaslu is a restricted area, which means it works differently from open routes like Everest Base Camp. You'll need:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Roughly USD 100 per person for the first 7 days in peak season (September-November), or USD 75 in the off-season, with a daily rate beyond that. This can only be issued through a registered trekking agency, we handle the full application for you.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Around USD 25.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Around USD 25, required since the route briefly overlaps this conservation area near the end.
Tsum Valley RAP, if adding the extension: Roughly USD 40/week in peak season.
Big update for 2026: as of March 2026, solo trekkers can now hold a Restricted Area Permit individually, the old two-trekker minimum has been removed. A licensed guide and registered agency booking are still mandatory, that part hasn't changed, but if you were holding off on Manaslu because you couldn't find a second trekker to join your permit, that barrier is gone. We cover this change in full in our restricted areas permit guide, worth a read if you want the complete picture on how Nepal's permit system works.
Why a Licensed Guide Isn't Optional Here, and Why That's a Good Thing
Because Manaslu is a restricted area, Nepali law requires every trekker to be accompanied by a licensed guide at all times, unlike open routes where guideless trekking is technically possible. In practice, this is a genuine safety net, not just paperwork: your guide manages permit checkpoints, reads changing conditions at Larkya La before you commit to the crossing day, and knows exactly how to respond if anyone in the group shows signs of altitude sickness. Our guides are licensed, Manaslu-experienced, and handle the entire permit process on your behalf, so the only thing you need to plan is your flight to Kathmandu.
Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the two reliable windows, offering the clearest views of Larkya La and the most stable weather for the pass crossing. We're currently in the back half of autumn 2026, there's still time to get on the trail this season if you move on planning soon; departures do fill up as the window narrows toward late November.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost in 2026?
Our standard 16-day guided package starts from USD 1,200 per person, including permits, guide, teahouse accommodation, and meals. Final pricing depends on group size and dates.
How many days does the Manaslu Circuit Trek take?
16 days door-to-door from Kathmandu with our standard itinerary, including proper acclimatization days. Shorter 11-13 day versions exist but carry higher altitude sickness risk.
Can I trek Manaslu solo?
As of March 2026, yes, solo trekkers can now get a Restricted Area Permit individually. A licensed guide and registered agency are still required either way.
Do I need a guide for Manaslu Circuit?
Yes, this is a legal requirement for all restricted areas in Nepal, not optional. We provide licensed, experienced guides as part of every Manaslu package.
What's the difference between Manaslu Circuit and Manaslu with Tsum Valley?
The standard circuit is 16 days and covers the main route to Larkya La. Adding Tsum Valley extends the trip by about a week and includes a second restricted area with its own permit, known for ancient monasteries and preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Is Manaslu Circuit harder than Everest Base Camp?
Larkya La (5,106m) is a genuine high-altitude pass crossing, generally considered more physically demanding than the walk to Everest Base Camp, though EBC reaches a higher point via Kala Patthar. Good general fitness and prior high-altitude experience are recommended for both.
Ready to Trek Manaslu This Season?
Autumn 2026 departures are filling up, and with the new solo-trekker permit rule, there's no need to wait for a second trekker to join you. Whether you want the standard 16-day Manaslu Circuit or the extended route through Tsum Valley, we handle every permit, arrange your licensed guide, and build the itinerary around your dates. Get in touch on WhatsApp or email today to check availability and lock in your Manaslu trek this season.
