Manaslu Circuit Trek

What does 'restricted area' mean for the Manaslu Circuit?

A restricted area permit (RAP) is required and can only be arranged through a registered Nepal trekking agency. Independent trekking is not permitted. You must also have a licensed guide.

Nepal classifies several high-altitude border regions as restricted due to their sensitivity as strategic areas near the Chinese and Indian borders. The Manaslu region requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued by the Department of Immigration through a government-registered trekking agency.

This requirement cannot be circumvented. The checkpoints at Jagat and Samagaun verify permits and turn back trekkers without them. The requirement also means you must have a licensed guide, which is enforced at these same checkpoints.

The administrative overhead is part of what keeps the Manaslu Circuit less crowded than the Everest and Annapurna regions, which is one of its primary appeals.

How hard is the Larkya La Pass crossing?

The pass at 5,106 m is the crux of the circuit. It demands an early start, good acclimatisation, and appropriate clothing for sub-zero temperatures.

The crossing day is typically 8 to 10 hours from Dharamsala to Bimthang. You leave at 3 to 4am to maximise stable morning weather and avoid afternoon cloud that can make descent navigation difficult.

The ascent from base camp to the pass takes 3 to 4 hours across a mix of trail, glacial moraine, and snow. Crampons or micro-spikes are useful from October onward. At the pass, temperatures can drop below -15°C even in autumn.

The descent to Bimthang is long and steep. Most trekkers consider the pass day the hardest day of any teahouse trek they have done. It is achievable for anyone who has acclimatised properly and is in good physical condition.

Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, day by day

The full 16 day schedule, with sleeping altitude, walking hours and overnight stop for every day. The acclimatisation days are the ones that decide whether people finish.

1. 1

   Day 1

   Kathmandu to Soti Khola

   • 700 m
   • Rest day
   • 140 km
   • Sleep: Soti Khola

   Drive west to the Budhi Gandaki river valley and the trailhead.

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   Depart Kathmandu early. The road passes through Gorkha, historic home of the Shah dynasty who unified Nepal. Arrive Soti Khola by late afternoon.

   Transport: Private jeep or bus, 7 to 9 hours via Gorkha

2. 2

   Day 2

   Soti Khola to Machha Khola

   • 930 m
   • Up 230 m
   • 10 km
   • 4 to 5 h
   • Sleep: Machha Khola

   Enter the Budhi Gandaki gorge. The trail alternates between riverbanks and forested ridges.

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   The first trekking day begins in subtropical forest. The trail drops to the river several times and crosses suspension bridges. Machha Khola (fish river) is a small settlement with basic teahouses.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Machha Khola to Jagat

   • 1,340 m
   • Up 410 m
   • 13 km
   • 5 to 6 h
   • Sleep: Jagat

   The gorge deepens and the vegetation transitions to temperate forest.

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   The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki upstream through increasingly dramatic gorge terrain. Jagat is the first official checkpost for restricted area permits.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Jagat to Deng

   • 1,860 m
   • Up 520 m
   • 15 km
   • 6 to 7 h
   • Sleep: Deng

   Cross into the restricted zone. The villages become distinctly Tibetan in character.

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   Past Jagat the terrain opens into wider valley sections. The cultural shift toward Tibetan Buddhism becomes visible in the flat-roofed stone houses and mani walls lining the trail.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Deng to Namrung

   • 2,630 m
   • Up 770 m
   • 12 km
   • 5 to 6 h
   • Sleep: Namrung

   Enter the high-altitude zone as the valley opens and Himalayan peaks appear.

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   The first views of the Manaslu range appear as the trail climbs above the tree line. Namrung is a traditional Nubri village with a large gompa.

6. 6

   Day 6

   Namrung to Lho

   • 3,180 m
   • Up 550 m
   • 8 km
   • 4 to 5 h
   • Sleep: Lho

   A short day that ends with the first direct view of the Manaslu summit pyramid.

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   Lho sits in an open bowl with direct views of Manaslu's north face. The Ribung Gompa above the village is one of the most important monasteries in the Nubri region and worth the thirty minute side trip.

   Highlight: First direct view of Manaslu (8,163 m) summit

7. 7

   Day 7

   Lho to Samagaun

   • 3,520 m
   • Up 340 m
   • 9 km
   • 4 to 5 h
   • Sleep: Samagaun

   The main acclimatisation base for the Larkya La crossing and a cultural high point of the route.

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   Samagaun is the largest village in the upper Budhi Gandaki valley and the centre of Nubri culture. The Pungyen Gompa above the village is a 17th century monastery with views across the Manaslu glacier.

8. 8

   Day 8

   Acclimatisation Day at Samagaun

   • 3,800 m
   • Up 280 m
   • 6 km
   • 3 to 4 h
   • Sleep: Samagaun

   Rest and acclimatise with a hike toward the Manaslu Base Camp viewpoint.

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   A mandatory rest day. Hike up toward Manaslu Base Camp (4,480 m) for acclimatisation and views of the Manaslu glacier, then return to Samagaun for the night. Do not sleep at altitude tonight.

9. 9

   Day 9

   Samagaun to Samdo

   • 3,860 m
   • Up 340 m
   • 7 km
   • 3 to 4 h
   • Sleep: Samdo

   A short stage to the last village before the pass. The Tibet border is visible from the trail.

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   Samdo sits at the edge of the tree line with clear views into Tibet. This is the highest permanent settlement on the circuit. Rest and hydrate well for the pass crossing tomorrow.

10. 10

    Day 10

    Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya La Base Camp)

    • 4,460 m
    • Up 600 m
    • 7 km
    • 3 to 4 h
    • Sleep: Dharamsala

    Move to the pass camp. Rest and prepare for the pre-dawn crossing tomorrow.

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    Dharamsala (also called Larkya Base Camp) is a simple teahouse lodge used almost exclusively as a pass-crossing camp. Eat well, sleep early, and prepare all gear for a 3am start.

11. 11

    Day 11

    Dharamsala over Larkya La to Bimthang

    • 3,590 m
    • Down 870 m
    • 16 km
    • 8 to 10 h
    • Sleep: Bimthang

    The high point and crux of the entire trek. Cross Larkya La at 5,106 m before descending into the Annapurna Conservation Area.

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    Leave at 3 to 4am for the pass. The pre-dawn ascent crosses frozen scree and glacial moraine. At the pass: views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II and other great peaks. The descent to Bimthang is long. Take your time.

    Highlight: Larkya La crossing at 5,106 m — the highest point of the trek

12. 12

    Day 12

    Bimthang to Tilje

    • 2,300 m
    • Down 1,290 m
    • 17 km
    • 6 to 7 h
    • Sleep: Tilje

    A long descent to lower altitude and warmer temperatures.

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    The trail drops through spruce and pine forest to the Dudh Khola valley. The vegetation is a welcome change from the high-altitude stone and ice of the last four days.

13. 13

    Day 13

    Tilje to Dharapani

    • 1,960 m
    • Down 340 m
    • 12 km
    • 4 to 5 h
    • Sleep: Dharapani

    Exit the restricted zone and join the Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani.

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    Dharapani is the junction point of the Manaslu Circuit and the Annapurna Circuit. It is also a road head. From here you can either continue the Annapurna Circuit or arrange a vehicle to Besisahar and Kathmandu.

14. 14

    Day 14

    Dharapani to Kathmandu

    • 1,400 m
    • Down 560 m
    • 175 km
    • Sleep: Kathmandu

    Return to Kathmandu by road via Besisahar and Prithvi Highway.

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    Arrange a jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar (2 hours). From Besisahar take a tourist bus or van to Kathmandu. Arrive in Thamel by evening.

    Transport: Jeep to Besisahar then bus or tourist van to Kathmandu, 7 to 9 hours total

What is included and what is not

The route is long and the Larkya La crossing demands proper acclimatisation. The trail is well-worn but involves some exposed rocky sections and glacier moraines near the pass. A restricted area permit and mandatory guide are required.

Permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

  Issued by Department of Immigration, Nepal

  Cost is USD 100 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 15 per extra day (Sept–Nov). USD 75 for first 7 days during other seasons. Must be arranged through a registered agency. A licensed guide is mandatory.

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

  Issued by National Trust for Nature Conservation

  Foreign

  NPR 3,000

  SAARC

  NPR 1,500

  Separate from the restricted area permit. Buy at the NTNC office in Kathmandu or at the first checkpost.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  Issued by National Trust for Nature Conservation

  Foreign

  NPR 3,000

  SAARC

  NPR 1,500

  Required for the final section from Larkya La to Dharapani when exiting into the Annapurna Conservation Area.

What to pack

You should be comfortable walking six to eight hours per day on variable terrain for two consecutive weeks. The Larkya La crossing requires an early alpine start and sustained effort at altitude.

Frequently asked questions