Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide 2027: Route, Permits and Best Season

The Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal’s great long treks. It circles the eighth-highest mountain in the world, crosses the Larkya La pass, and passes through Buddhist villages that few trekkers see. It is also quieter than Everest and Annapurna. Here is what you need to know before you plan it.

Fees and rules change, so please treat the figures below as a guide and confirm them before you book.

Quick facts

• Length: about 14 to 17 days from Kathmandu. Our Manaslu Circuit Trek is 17 days and starts from US$2,193 per person.
• Typical price: roughly US$1,200 to US$2,500 per person for a guided trip, depending on days, group size and lodging.
• High point: Larkya La pass, about 5,100 m.
• Difficulty: hard. Long days, a cold pre-dawn start on pass day, and a lot of altitude.
• Best seasons: October and November, and March to May.

The route in short

You drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead area at Soti Khola or Machha Khola, then follow the Budhi Gandaki river upstream. The path climbs through gorges, suspension bridges and waterfalls into the Nubri valley. Around Lho and Samagaon, the great peak of Manaslu (8,163 m) rises above the village. After an acclimatisation day, you cross Larkya La at dawn and descend to Bimthang, then walk out toward Dharapani.

Permits and rules

Manaslu is a restricted area, so you cannot walk it alone.

• Licensed guide: required. The restricted area permit must be arranged through a registered trekking company.
• Restricted area permit: typically US$100 for the first week in September to November, then US$15 for each extra day. In December to August it is typically US$75 plus US$10 per extra day.
• Conservation area permits: Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area, each typically NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors.

We arrange all of these for our guests, so you do not need to queue at any office.

Altitude and fitness

The circuit gains height steadily, and the pass comes after several days already above 3,000 m. Plan acclimatisation days, drink plenty of water, and tell your guide at once if you get a headache or feel unwell. Walk with a loaded daypack for a few weeks before you come. Long hills are the best training.

When to go

October and November bring clear skies and stable weather, but also the most people. March to May is warm in the valleys and the rhododendrons bloom. Winter is very cold at the pass, and the monsoon brings rain and leeches.

Manaslu Circuit in March 2027

March to May is the spring season on the Manaslu Circuit. The valleys are warm and the rhododendrons bloom. Winter is very cold at the pass, so if you are thinking of an early March start, message us and we will confirm the conditions at Larkya La before you book. Autumn, October and November, brings clear skies and stable weather but also the most people.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Manaslu Circuit trek?

Allow about 14 to 17 days from Kathmandu. Our Manaslu Circuit Trek is 17 days and starts from US$2,193 per person.

Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit alone?

No. Manaslu is a restricted area, a licensed guide is required, and the restricted area permit must be arranged through a registered trekking company. We arrange everything for our guests.

How high and how hard is the Manaslu Circuit?

The Larkya La pass is at about 5,100 m. The trek is hard, with long days, a cold pre-dawn start on pass day and a lot of altitude.

When is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit?

October and November, and March to May.

Ready to plan it?

Read the full day-by-day plan on the Manaslu Circuit Trek page. Not sure if it fits your fitness or dates? See all our treks or message us on WhatsApp, and we will help you choose.

Related guides

• Nepal trekking permits explained
• Annapurna Circuit trek guide 2027
• Best time to trek in Nepal
• Upper Mustang trek guide 2027