Manaslu Region - Farout Nepal

Manaslu With Annapurna Trek: Overview

Manaslu with Annapurna trek is a 23-day adventure in the central part of Nepal. This central region of Nepal is dominated by giant lofty Himalayas like Manaslu (8,163 m), Annapurna Ranges (8,091 m), and many other Himalayan Peaks. Basically, the program is traversing through the foothills of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) and Mt. Annapurna range (8,091m), eight and the ten highest peaks in the world. This part of the region has some of the best diverse features of central Nepal. The terrain, landscapes, people, cultures and lofty Himalayas are just amazing. Crossing three high passes above 5,000 m provides you with challenge and rewards you with spectacular views of the high Himalayas. Also, there will be an opportunity to explore the Phu & Nar Valley which was opened to tourism only from 2002. The valley with strong Tibetan culture has medieval stone walled Tibetan villages, impressive Chortens, Monasteries, colorful prayer stones and encountering blue sheep on the trail.

Manaslu With Annapurna Trek: Highlights

Manaslu Circuit: This segment leads trekkers around Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the world’s eighth-highest peak. The trail passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, offering views of snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and traditional villages. A significant challenge and highlight of this circuit are the crossing of the Larkya La Pass at 5,235 meters, which provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks.l
Phu and Nar Valleys: Diverging from the main trail, trekkers venture into the remote Phu and Nar Valleys, home to ancient Tibetan-influenced settlements. These villages have preserved their traditional culture, lifestyle, and religious practices. Visiting local monasteries and witnessing daily rituals offers insight into a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Annapurna Circuit Integration: After exploring the secluded valleys, the trek converges with the Annapurna Circuit, one of Nepal’s most celebrated trekking routes. This section includes the ascent to the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, presenting trekkers with breathtaking landscapes ranging from arid highlands to verdant subtropical forests.

Manaslu With Annapurna Trek: Challenges

Manaslu with Annapurna trek is on a high-altitude trail reaching up to 5,416 m which susceptible to altitude problem. This is a real challenge as it can affect anyone depending on an individual from an elevation of 2,500m.
Altitude effect can be in a different form depending on the individual. In case of severity, one needs to be helicoptered out for immediate medical attention otherwise it can be fatal.
No proper medical clinic on the trail
Drive from Kathmandu can be delayed due to ongoing road repairing projects, sometimes you may have traffic jam, and some parts of the drive will be on the unpaved rocky mountain road trail.
In case of heavy snowfall and if the pass is closed the return trip will follow the same trail back where it started as it does not have an alternate route.
Weather plays a crucial role for having the successful and enjoyable trek in the Himalayas, so it is necessary to choose the right season for the trek.
Since Jomsom airstrip is in the mountainous terrain so weather plays a crucial role for the operation of flight. In case of cancellation of flight, the option is driving back to Pokhara through mountainous terrain road which takes around 7 hours. Flight Pokhara Kathmandu is much more reliable so after reaching Pokhara we can take the flight back to Kathmandu. (subject to weather conditions)

Manaslu With Annapurna Trek: Trekking Route

1. Manaslu Circuit

Starts at Maccha Khola near Arughat and follows the ancient salt-trading route along the Budhi Gandaki River.
Pass through Gurung communities and Nupri Valley, inhabited by Tibetan-influenced locals.
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,235m) with breathtaking glacier views.

Nar Phu Valley

Diverges from the main Annapurna trail at Koto, leading to the remote and tranquil Nar and Phu villages.
Explore Tibetan culture, abandoned Khampa settlements, and see herds of blue sheep.
Cross Kang La Pass (5,320m) and rejoin the Annapurna Circuit.

Annapurna Circuit

Continue along the popular Annapurna Circuit, crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Jomsom.
Witness a blend of cultural and natural beauty with more trekkers sharing the trail.

Conclusion

Fly from Jomsom to Kathmandu via Pokhara

Overview of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a rewarding 12 to 16-day journey through the remote west-central Nepal, circling the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu (8,163m). Known for its raw beauty and limited crowds, this trek offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery with a deep cultural experience in Nepal.

While the route does offer an unforgettable mountain adventure, it also takes you through a hidden world of the ethnic population inhabiting these valleys. You’ll walk past traditional villages where Gurung and Tibetan-influenced communities continue to live on for generations, while preserving their customs, architecture, and way of life. You’ll encounter a blend of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, with monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags woven into everyday life along the trail.

The landscape changes rapidly as you gain altitude. The trail begins in huge green forests and terraced farmland, gradually leading into alpine valleys and glacial moraines.

Although the Manaslu Circuit Trek has grown in popularity as an alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, it remains a restricted and less-traveled route. This keeps the experience quieter, more authentic, and closer to the true spirit of trekking in Nepal.

Widely regarded as one of the best treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit is ideal for those seeking a challenging, culturally immersive, and off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure.

Manaslu Circuit Trek: Quick Details

Location: Nepal, in the remote Manaslu region (west-central Himalayas)
Distance: ~160–180 km (varies by route and side trips)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Best suited for trekkers with good fitness and some high-altitude experience
Cost: $1,100–$2,700 (includes permits, guide, accommodation, and transport; varies by group size and service level)
Best Time to Trek: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (Mid-October to November) for stable weather and clear views
Trail Type: A bit remote trekking route with rugged trails, suspension bridges, alpine terrain, and high mountain passes
Permits Required: Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Guide Requirement: Mandatory. Solo trekking is not allowed in the Manaslu region.
Group Join Available: Yes, with fixed departures and shared costs

Start planning your Manaslu Circuit Trek today or join a group departure for the best value.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary (13–16 Days)

The route follows the Budhi Gandaki River through deep gorges and traditional villages before opening into the high Himalayan landscapes of the Nubri Valley, eventually crossing the iconic Larke La Pass and linking with the Annapurna region.

Day 1–2: Arrival in Kathmandu → trek preparation and permits
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (approx. 8–9 hours)
Day 4: Start trek from Machha Khola to Jagat along the Budhi Gandaki River
Day 5–7: Trek via Deng, Namrung, and Lho → enter the Nubri Valley
Day 8–9: Acclimatization and exploration around Samagaun (near Manaslu Base Camp)
Day 10: Trek to Samdo → gradual altitude gain
Day 11: Trek to Dharamsala (Larke Phedi), base of the pass
Day 12: Cross Larke La Pass (5,106m) → descend to Bimthang
Day 13: Trek through alpine forests to Tilje → join the Annapurna trail
Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar

Manaslu Circuit Trek Packages & Cost

Knowing the costs upfront helps you budget wisely and choose a package that fits your style. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted-area trek, so a licensed guide is mandatory, and permits add to the overall cost. All our packages include permits, guide services, meals, accommodation, and transportation.

Package (2026)	Accommodation	Meals	Guide	Transport	Extras	Estimated Cost (USD)
Premium	5-star in Kathmandu; attached bathrooms along the trek, where available	Breakfast, lunch, dinner + afternoon tea and snacks	Senior licensed trekking guide	Private 4WD (4 participants)	Hot water bag from 4,000 m	$1,500–$1,900+
Standard	4-star in Kathmandu; attached bathrooms where available	Breakfast, lunch, dinner	Senior/Junior licensed trekking guide	Private 4WD (4 participants)	None	$1,100–$1,500
Budget/Group Join	Non-star hotels in Kathmandu; basic teahouse rooms along the trek	Set-menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner	Junior licensed trekking guide	Shared vehicle transport	None	$900–$1,200

Cost Breakdown

Permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit + Conservation Area Permit + Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (~$140–$180)
Guide & Porter: $30–35/day for guide; $20–25/day for porter (optional)
Accommodation & Meals: Included in packages; independent travelers ~$25–35/day for food
Transport: Private jeep to trailhead and back ~$180–280 per vehicle (shared)
Extras: Hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi ($3–8/day), tips for guides/porters

Challenges and Considerations for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is breathtaking, but it demands preparation and awareness. Trekkers should understand the key challenges to stay safe and enjoy the journey.

High-Altitude Risks: The trek reaches Larkya La Pass at 5,100 m, which can trigger altitude sickness as low as 2,500 m. Severe cases require immediate evacuation, sometimes by helicopter.
Limited Medical Facilities: Medical support along the trail is minimal. Trekkers should carry a comprehensive first-aid kit, know basic altitude sickness management, and prioritize acclimatization at proper intervals.
Road and Trail Conditions: The drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead is long and rugged, often affected by road construction or traffic. The trekking path is steep, rocky, and occasionally perched on cliffs, requiring caution and sure-footedness.
Weather Dependency: Himalayan weather is unpredictable. Even in spring or autumn, sudden snow, heavy rain, or high winds can close passes or make trails hazardous, sometimes forcing retracing of steps.
Seasonal Considerations: The best seasons for trekking are spring (March–May) and autumn (Mid-October–November) for clear skies and stable conditions. However, occasional poor weather may obscure views or slow progress.