Forget what you think you know about trekking in Nepal. Yes, Everest and Annapurna steal the spotlight, but tucked quietly in the shadow of the giants is something even more powerful in its simplicity: the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Remote, rugged, and real — this is Himalayan trekking at its purest.
The Manaslu region delivers everything: dramatic landscapes, Tibetan-influenced culture, and one of the most rewarding high mountain passes in the country. It’s not just a route — it’s an adventure carved into the very bones of the Himalayas.
Where It Begins: A Journey Into the Unknown
Your journey kicks off with a long and bumpy drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, the trail’s gateway. From this point forward, you leave behind smooth highways and dive straight into winding trails that skirt river gorges, climb ancient stone staircases, and push deep into Nepal’s middle hills.
The terrain starts off subtropical — banana plants, waterfalls, and humid breezes. Villages are small, traditional, and sparsely visited. You pass through places like Machha Khola, Tatopani, and Jagat, each one revealing something new: a cluster of hillside homes, a hidden hot spring, or a centuries-old trail marker.
Why Manaslu is Different
So what separates Manaslu from the more popular trekking routes?
- Fewer Crowds – Unlike Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, you’ll often go hours without seeing another trekking group.
- Authentic Culture – The area is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, with preserved monasteries, prayer walls, and customs you won’t find elsewhere.
- Remote Beauty – The trail runs through the Manaslu Conservation Area, offering pristine views, untouched forests, and dramatic mountain backdrops without modern infrastructure creeping in.
- Epic Challenge – With long days, rough trails, and a high-altitude pass, Manaslu is physically and mentally demanding — and that’s what makes it special.
Climbing into the Clouds: From Forests to Frozen Air
As the days pass, the trail changes with every step. You move from humid valleys into alpine forests filled with pine and rhododendron. The air becomes crisper. The villages smaller. Soon, Namrung and Lho welcome you with open skies and first glimpses of Manaslu — a monstrous peak towering above the trail like a snow-capped fortress.
At this point, you’re walking among giants — not just in terms of altitude, but culture. Locals wear traditional Tibetan dress. Yak caravans pass slowly. And Buddhist prayer flags ripple in every direction, adding splashes of color to the rocky, gray terrain.
Samagaon: The Spiritual Stopover
Sitting at 3,500 meters, Samagaon is more than a village — it’s a sanctuary. The perfect place to rest, acclimatize, and explore. This is your first real pause in the journey, and you’ll need it. The altitude is rising, and the next few days are the most difficult.
From here, trekkers often take an acclimatization hike to Manaslu Base Camp, a high-altitude excursion offering stunning views and a taste of what climbers face as they ascend the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Alternatively, walk to Birendra Tal, a glacial lake tucked at the base of a mountain wall.
Pushing Higher: Samdo and Dharmashala
Beyond Samagaon, the settlements become sparse and wind-swept. Samdo is a tiny village nestled near the Tibetan border, inhabited by hardy locals who live by trade and tradition. This is your last true village before the big push.
From here, it’s on to Dharmashala (also called Larkya Phedi) — the final stop before crossing the Larkya La Pass. At 4,460 meters, the air is thin, and your body will feel every movement. But the anticipation is real. You’re on the edge of one of the highest and most dramatic trekking passes in Nepal.
The Big Day: Larkya La Pass (5,160m)
This is the moment trekkers train and dream for — crossing the Larkya La.
You start before sunrise, bundled in layers, headlamp dancing over frozen earth. The climb is gradual but relentless, snaking over rock, snow, and ice. No crowds, no noise, just crunching boots and heavy breaths.
When you reach the top, the views explode: Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the distant peaks of Annapurna glisten in every direction. The wind whips through your jacket, and for a few minutes, the world stands still.
You made it.
The Descent into Beauty
After the high of Larkya La, the descent feels surreal. You drop down to Bimthang, a gorgeous valley cradled in snow-dusted ridges. The landscape shifts again — snow gives way to meadows, and the trail eventually leads you through Tilije and back to Dharapani, where roads and phone signals slowly return.
The trek ends, but something inside has shifted. You’re not the same person who started two weeks ago.
Permits, Planning, and Practical Tips
To do the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you need to be prepared. Here’s what to know:
- Permits required:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Guide is mandatory – You must trek with a registered guide and be in a group of at least two people.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Good fitness is essential.
- Best Seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
- Duration: 14–17 days typically.
- Accommodation: Teahouses are basic but comfortable, often family-run.
Final Word: Why Manaslu is Worth Every Step
If you’re looking for flashy lodges, bustling towns, and comfortable routes — Manaslu isn’t for you.
But if you’re after something wild, unfiltered, and utterly rewarding, then this is your trek. Every corner, every climb, and every night under Himalayan stars will challenge and change you.
In Manaslu, the path isn’t just carved into the mountains — it’s carved into your memory.