Feel the rush of adrenaline and the joy of adventure as you journey through this off-the-beaten-path trail called the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. The reason why the route is known as off the beat trail is because, for a long time, the travellers weren’t allowed to trek in the region, and so, it remained hidden.
In comparison to other treks like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, or Langtang Trek, this trekking route is less traveled. The route offers the same goodness - natural beauty, mountain views, and unique culture- presents the same challenge, but with the joy of exploring something new and unprecedented.
The Manaslu Circuit trek route is a 13 days long journey that allows you to explore some of the most beautiful places in the Manaslu Conservation Area and the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trek starts from Machhakhola and ends at Dharapani. It’s a moderate-level trek that mesmerizes you not just with natural spectacles like Birendra Lake, but also with religious heritages like Nubri Monastery. It is a complete trek meant for anyone who is looking to widen their trekking horizons.
Key Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Opportunity to explore cities like Kathmandu, the historical city of Nepal, and Pokhara, the city of lakes.
- Cross the highest point of the trek - Larkya La (5106 m), high high-altitude mountain pass.
- Enjoy the views of mountains like Mt. Manaslu (8163 m) - the 8th highest peak in the world, Ngadi Chuli (7871 m), and Mt. Himchuli (6441 m).
- Explore the culture of the locals - the Nubri and Tsumba people.
- Visit picturesque places like Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m), Dharamsala (4480 m), and Samagaon (3530 m).
- Trek through the beautiful landscapes of Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Learn about the local culture and religion at Pungyen and Nubri Monasteries.
- Appreciate the beauty of Birendra Lake, numerous waterfalls along the way, and rivers like Budhi Gandaki, Marshyangdi, and Dudh Khola.
- Customize your trek to cover the Annapurna Circuit during your journey.
- Take a glance at Tibet by making your way to the Tibetan border from Samdo.
History of Manaslu Circuit Trek
Though there is a long history of trekking in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit trek route opened for trekkers only in 1992. For a significant amount of time, the Manaslu Region remained a restricted area. Access was given only to a limited number of people, considering their purpose for visiting the area. Even after the government made the route open for trekking, foreigners were discouraged from trekking in the region. Though things are different in the present, you need a special pass to enter the region and trek on the Manaslu Circuit trek route.
Special Features of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal
Manaslu Circuit Trekking takes you through a few of the most stunning areas in the hills of western Nepal, one of which is the Manaslu Conservation Area, a natural heritage populated with unprecedented species of flora and fauna.
Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Mt. Himchuli (6441 m), and Mt. Ngadi Chuli (7871 m) are a few of the many pristine mountains that will grace you with their pleasing views throughout the Manaslu Trekking. Mt. Manaslu is the eighth highest peak in the world; the locals don’t just consider it a mountain, but also a deity that is responsible for important phenomena like weather, harvest, and the well-being of people.
Manaslu Region happens to be a significant part of the Great Himalaya Trail, a trekking route in the Himalayas, extending from Nanga Parbat in Pakistan to Namche Barwa in Tibet. You will not just find natural beauty on the Manaslu Circuit Trekking trail, but also get a chance to explore the mountain culture. The Nupri and Tsumba people here have an interesting philosophy towards life that’s worth looking into.
Trek to Manaslu has an adventurous side to it as well, as it takes you through a few of the highest places in the hills of Nepal. Larke La (5106 m), a high-altitude mountain pass, is a prime example of it. Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is nothing short of a roller coaster ride that makes you feel an array of emotions - from serenity to excitement and beyond. Without a doubt, it is one of the best trekking trails in Nepal.
Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Restricted Route
Manaslu Circuit trek is often branded as a restricted route as entry is allowed only to specific groups of people who have a justified agenda. Tourists, whether they’re from abroad or within the country, need to take three kinds of permits to enter and trek in the region. The first one is the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, the second is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and the third is the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit.
Looking back at history, while the Everest Region and the Annapurna Region were blooming as tourist destinations, the Manaslu Region remained a hidden gem. Foreign nationals and even the Nepalese weren’t allowed entry into the region for various reasons. The prime one is for conservation purposes. Manaslu Region is home to not just some of the rarest species of flora and fauna, but also indigenous people belonging to the Nubri and Tsumba tribes.
The government made it a point to preserve nature and culture by preventing encroachment from people. Another important reason is that the area is highly sensitive since it borders Tibet. For a long time, Tibetan rebels used the Manaslu region as their base, and security was a big concern as the government couldn’t track them down. People from outside weren’t allowed to enter to prevent any kind of political incidents or loss of life.
The ‘restricted’ title that was once used to describe the Manaslu region somehow stuck with it, and still, the area is regarded as a restricted one.
When it comes to going for a trek like the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it’s important that you choose a reliable and affordable trip partner like Mount Glory Treks. With Mount Glory Treks by your side, you don’t need to worry about anything. From the moment you book your trek till the time you’re about to return home, we take care of all your needs. We have years of experience backing us up, and we have top experts in the field working day in and day out to help you have an amazing vacation.
Why is the Manaslu Circuit Trek ideal for trekkers?
Whether you are a trekking enthusiast or someone who has been thinking of going on a trek for a long time, the Manaslu Circuit trek is the perfect trekking journey for you. Whatever qualities that make a trekking trip wonderful, you will find them in Manaslu trekking - whether it be exposure to wilderness or an opportunity to dive deep into indigenous culture.
Manaslu Circuit trekking is a kind of trip that is not just ideal for experienced trekkers, who have seen it all, but also the first first-timers. The latter ones need to keep in mind that they should be fit in order to embark on this journey. On the trail, you get to enjoy the best of Tsumba and Nubri hospitality. All this after you spend the day walking through pristine landscapes.
Manaslu trekking is also an outstanding trekking option for adventure seekers. The Manaslu Circuit trek route consists of some of the toughest terrains. Most importantly, it covers high-altitude spots like Larkya La (5106 m), which is a high-altitude mountain pass. Trekking on this trail forces you to withstand extreme temperatures and endure long, painful walks.
All in all, this trek has something for people belonging to all age groups and walks of life. Manaslu Circuit trek, without a doubt, is perfect for trekkers.
Recommended reading: Best Reason to Trek Manaslu Circuit
How to prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal 2026?
Preparing for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is something that you should do long before boarding your flight to Nepal. Your preparation starts with collecting all the information about the journey so that you can decide whether this trek is the right one for you or not. The next step is to choose the right travel partner for you. You could go for someone as reliable as Mount Glory Treks. The right partner never refrains from giving you all the information about the journey.
So, if you have any unanswered questions in mind, you could consult with your trekking partner. Now, if you’re someone who is used to going on adventurous trips like the Manaslu trekking, you’re absolutely fine. However, if you feel that the trip could take a toll on your body, you could set up a daily exercise routine to help prepare your body for all the physical exertion that you are going to put it through during the trek.
In addition, you should also consult your doctor to find out whether you’re in the right physical condition to go through this journey. Remember, walking on tough terrains for hours isn’t just your biggest obstacle; high altitude and acclimatization are other challenges aspect of the trek. After all of this, all that you need to have is health insurance. Just to be completely prepared.
The final thing that you need to do is buy the right clothing and equipment if you don’t already have them. You could either buy everything at home or you could buy it in Nepal. Consult your trekking partner while preparing a list of things to buy, and you’re good to go. These are some of the basic things that you need to do in order to prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Recommended reading: Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide in Detail
How Challenging is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Whether you consider a trek challenging or moderate depends on numerous aspects like the terrain that the route covers, the altitude of destinations explored, the duration of the trip, the availability of services on the route, and so on. A trekking journey may also be considered difficult or easy based on the experience of the trekker, their age, fitness level, and so on.
When it comes to the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is considered a moderate-grade trip. On the route, you are going to cover high-altitude spots like Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m), Dharamsala (4460 m), and Pungyen Monastery (4700 m), face extreme cold weather, and walk on foot-aching paths. However, you will also get to experience the best Himalayan hospitality on the route, with hot home-cooked meals and soft, warm beds that will recharge you completely for the next day.
So, whether you’re a trek enthusiast or someone who has been thinking of going on a trek for quite some time, the Manaslu Circuit trek is the one for you. The people who have never trekked before might require a little bit of preparation before they go on this trek.
Recommended reading: Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty in detail
How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary is 13 days long. It starts at Machha Khola and ends at Dharapani. On the route, you are offered two days of acclimatization - on Day 7 at Samagaon (3530 m) and on Day 9 at Samdo (3860 m).
Mount Glory Treks offers customized trekking packages as per the demand of the clients, so length is never an issue. We have a shorter version of the Manaslu trek available, which is only 8 days long. In the same way, you could add Tsum Valley or Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek to the standard Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, which would lengthen the trek duration by a few days. So, depending on the number of days that you could spare, you have a bunch of options available.
Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary opens doors to some of the most pristine landscapes, whether it be around Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m), Birenda Lake, or Larkya La (5106 m). You are also able to enjoy astounding views of peaks like Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Ngadi Chuli, and Mt. Himchuli. What makes the trip even more interesting are the local people that you come across and their culture and lifestyle that you partly experience.
What are the alternative treks to the Manaslu Circuit?
For some reason, if you don’t want to go for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, there are quite a few alternatives to the Manaslu Circuit that you can choose from. Now, if you want to stick to the Manaslu Region, you have the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek. Both trekking trips are between 13 and 20 days long, and both of them offer you similar features for exploration purposes as the Manaslu Circuit trek.
If you are looking to trek in other regions, like the Everest Region or the Annapurna Region. You can go for the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Everest Three Passes Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or the Annapurna Circuit Trek. While trekking on these routes, you will be able to explore the most amazing views of peaks like Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Everest, and Mt. Lhotse, experience the rich flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park and Annapurna Conservation Area.
Recommended reading: Alternatives Trek in the Manaslu region
Best time to go for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
It is important that you pick the time of the Manaslu Circuit Trek carefully because you might have a really good experience trekking during one season and quite a tough experience during the other.
The best time to go for the Manaslu Circuit trek is Autumn, months between September to November, and the second best season happens to be Spring, months between March and May.
Autumn
Autumn is the best season for Manaslu Trekking because you get the best views of the mountains during this time. The skies and the weather are clear, and the air is fresh. Autumn also happens to be the festive season in Nepal. So, you don’t just get to explore nature but also local cultures and traditions.
Spring
Spring is the next best time to try Manaslu Trekking because nature is at its best during Spring. With greenery everywhere and flowers covering the trees, you get the most wonderful views of hills and mountains.
Monsoon and Winter
You can also go for the trek during the Monsoon and Winter, but keep in mind that the journey could be difficult. The rain makes the trail quite muddy and slippery during monsoon, whereas the extreme cold and snow will bother you greatly during winter, since you will be trekking through high-altitude places.
Mount Glory Treks organizes treks throughout the year. Even during monsoon or winter, the treks organized by us are safe and well-facilitated. So, it doesn't really matter what time of the year you’re looking to trek; you could contact Mount Glory Treks.
On top of that, Mount Glory Treks also offers consultation services. For instance, if you’re not sure which time is the right time for you to trek, you could come to us, and we will make sure that you get the right information, which will enable you to make the right decision.
Recommended reading: Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit
Why choose Mount Glory Treks as your trekking partner for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Mount Glory Treks ensures that you have the most wonderful trekking experience. We offer the best service, whether it is lodging, food, transportation, or plain old information. From the moment you book your package till the time we see you off, we are available to fulfill all your needs. One of the best features of Mount Glory Treks is that we offer customizable trips.
All you need to do is share with us your travel interests, and we will design an amazing package for you that is not just affordable but also comprises the best of Nepal. We are able to offer the best service because we have the best professionals in the travel industry working for us. They are knowledgeable and experienced, and they work day in and day out to ensure customer satisfaction.
So, if you are looking to trek in the Manaslu Region, especially on the Manaslu Circuit Trek route, or in any other region of Nepal, look no further, as Mount Glory Treks is right here to meet all your demands. For the best time and great memories, contact Mount Glory Treks.
Recommended reading: Best Reason to Choose Mount Glory Treks
How affordable is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most affordable treks out there, considering its length, what the trek offers, and the services that are offered on the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. In the Manaslu Circuit Trek package, you are offered lodging on the trail, food, a licensed guide, entry passes in the Manaslu and Annapurna regions, transportation from Kathmandu to different destinations and back on buses and jeeps, and many more.
When you compare Manaslu Circuit Trek cost with that of other routes like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Langtang trek, you will realise that the former one is considerably cheaper. It is mainly because Manaslu Circuit trekking is an off the beat journey, and not as jam-packed as the latter ones, so you won’t have to fight for bookings and pay hefty amounts.
On top of all of that, if you choose Mount Glory Treks as your trekking partner, you are given an additional discount on the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost based on your group size. So, the larger your group, the more affordable your Manaslu Circuit Trek package.
Mount Glory Treks manages a group cost breakdown for 2025 & 2026. Please follow the group discount table based on group size.
No of Travelers | Cost Per Person |
1-1 | USD 1050 |
2-3 | USD 910 |
4-6 | USD 850 |
7-12 | USD 810 |
Note: If travelers are more than 12, they can directly contact our operations team for a special group discount offer.
Recommended reading: Updated Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost 2025