A wild loop around the world's eighth-highest mountain
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit is the trek for people who want the Himalaya as it was before the crowds. It loops around Manaslu (8,163 m), from deep subtropical gorges to Tibetan Buddhist villages, and crosses the Larkya La at 5,106 m.
You follow the Budhi Gandaki river through gorges and waterfalls into the Nubri valley, where Lho and Samagaon look straight at Manaslu. After an acclimatisation day you continue to Samdo, near the Tibetan border, then cross the pass and drop to the glaciers and meadows of Bimthang.
It suits fit trekkers with some multi-day experience. Teahouses are simpler and days are long, 6–8 hours. As a restricted area, Manaslu needs special permits, which we arrange. Nepal requires at least 2 trekkers and a licensed guide in this area.
Why book with us: we handle all restricted area paperwork, guide with a maximum of 10 people and build in a full acclimatisation day at Samagaon.
Long days and high passes. Some previous hiking experience recommended.
Day By Day
Highest point reached each day, taken from the itinerary. Gradual gains give your body time to acclimatize.
Airport pickup, briefing and permit paperwork.
Long drive via Arughat into the Budhi Gandaki valley; 8–9 hours.
Hot springs at Tatopani and the restricted area checkpoint; 6–7 hours.
Through gorges and bamboo forest; 6 hours.
Enter the Nubri valley and Tibetan culture; 6 hours.
Via Lho monastery with Manaslu filling the sky; 6 hours.
Hike to Pungyen Gompa or Birendra Lake, then rest.
A short day to the last village before Tibet; 3–4 hours.
Climb to the base of the pass; 4 hours.
Early start, glacier views from the pass and a long descent to Bimthang (3,720 m); 9 hours.
Down through rhododendron forest; 6 hours.
Short walk, then jeep down the Marsyangdi valley.
Jeep or bus back to Kathmandu.
Airport transfer.
Good To Know
Included
Not included
Best Time To Go
Recommended: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov. We run this trek on the dates you choose. Tell us when you would like to go and we will check conditions for you.
Make It Yours
This itinerary is a starting point. Tell us what matters to you and we will shape the trip around it.
Questions
Reviews
My trekking experience in Nepal was absolutely incredible. From arriving in Kathmandu to the mountains of the Himalaya, everything was perfectly organised. The guides were professional, attentive and very knowledgeable about the region. I felt safe at all times, even travelling alone. Without a doubt, I recommend this...
I went on a solo trekking adventure to the Everest region with Unique Nepal Treks and Expedition, and it was life-changing! The itinerary was perfectly planned, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. From arranging flights and hotels to transportation and trekking support, everything was seamless. I felt safe...
From the moment I landed in Nepal, everything was taken care of with professionalism and warmth. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and supported throughout the trek. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the experience was life-changing. I highly recommend this agency — they are truly the best in Nepal...
Sophie Laurent
France
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