Overview
Manaslu, at 8,163 m, is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The classic circuit follows the Budhi Gandaki river through gorges and Buddhist villages to Samagaun and the glacier below Manaslu, then crosses the Larkya La pass at around 5,100 m to the Marsyangdi valley.
The route is quieter and wilder than the Annapurna Circuit, with a more traditional feel. It runs through a restricted area, so trekkers need special permits and a licensed guide, and the route takes about two weeks. It suits fit walkers who want a remote, high trek.
Highlights
- Samagaun and the Birendra Lake below Manaslu
- The Larkya La pass, with views of glaciers and peaks
- Buddhist villages, monasteries and mani walls in the upper valley
- The deep gorges of the Budhi Gandaki
Best time to visit
March to May and September to November are the main seasons. October and November have the clearest weather. December to February are very cold, and the pass can be closed by snow. The monsoon brings rain and landslides on the lower trail.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Good
- AprApril: Best
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Not ideal
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Good
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Best
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Kathmandu (KTM). A bus or jeep drive to Soti Khola or Machha Khola, the usual start, takes about eight to ten hours. The trek takes about two weeks. Special permits and a licensed guide are required, and rules change, so arrange everything through a registered Nepali trekking agency.
What to expect
Challenging. Long days, a high pass above 5,000 m and basic teahouses. You need good fitness, acclimatisation days and warm gear. The weather can change quickly, and the route is remote, with limited help close by.
Practical tips
- Permits and a licensed guide are required in the restricted area. Check current rules with a registered agency.
- Build in acclimatisation days at Samagaun before the pass.
- Take cash, warm clothing and a good sleeping bag.
- Be prepared to turn back if snow or weather make the pass unsafe.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Manaslu Circuit harder than the Annapurna Circuit?
It is generally more remote and basic, with a similar high pass, so it is considered tougher by many trekkers.
Do I need a guide?
Yes. The region is a restricted area, so permits and a licensed guide are required. Check current rules with an agency.
How high is the Larkya La?
About 5,100 m, depending on the source.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Samdesherpa (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
