The Manaslu Circuit library

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Route planningComplete itineraryA highly detailed day-by-day Manaslu itinerary with route descriptions, walking distances, elevation gain and loss, trail conditions, acclimatisation, meals, lodges, side trips and road contingencies.Budget planningDetailed trek costItemised Manaslu costs for permits, guide, porter, transport, food, lodges, trail extras, insurance, tips and emergency reserves.Official documents2026 permits & feesCurrent Manaslu RAP, MCAP and ACAP fees, seasonal examples, documents, processing, checkpoints, child policy and Tsum Valley extension rules.Map & navigationRoute mapAn accessible Manaslu route map with overnight stops, Budhi Gandaki corridor, acclimatisation points, Larkya La, stage distances and road links.EquipmentPrintable packing listAn interactive and printable equipment checklist covering quantities, sleeping bag, footwear, pass-day gear, medical items, documents and seasonal variations.Season planningBest time by monthA twelve-month comparison of lower-valley rain, high-pass snow, visibility, lodge availability, crowds and whether Larkya La is normally practical.PreparationDifficulty & readinessA practical assessment of daily effort, altitude, terrain, remoteness, pass day and a fitness-readiness checklist.SafetyAltitude safetyRecognise altitude symptoms, understand descent decisions and prepare an emergency response for the remote upper Manaslu route.Trail lifeLodges & foodA village-by-village facilities guide to rooms, meals, toilets, charging, showers, communications and high-season capacity.Rules & permitsSolo and guide rulesIndependent trekking without a licensed guide is not the same as travelling alone. Nepal Tourism Board lists the Manaslu Circuit among routes requiring a licensed trekking guide and an agency-issued TIMS card. A single traveller can book a private guide, but the agency must confirm whether the restricted-area permit can be issued for that exact one-person application and date.Access updateRoad and trailheadThe traditional approach began around Soti Khola, while many recent itineraries drive to Machha Khola and some propose starting as far north as Jagat. There is no permanent universal trailhead: road condition, vehicle access, permits, construction and the value you place on lower-valley walking should determine the start.Live conditionsTrail conditionsCurrent Manaslu conditions must be assembled from same-week driver, lodge and guide reports. This page deliberately marks Larkya La as unverified until a dated field source confirms the crossing; an old successful trek is not evidence that the pass is open today.

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106 focused guides for manaslu circuit planning.

Route planningComplete itineraryA highly detailed day-by-day Manaslu itinerary with route descriptions, walking distances, elevation gain and loss, trail conditions, acclimatisation, meals, lodges, side trips and road contingencies.Budget planningDetailed trek costItemised Manaslu costs for permits, guide, porter, transport, food, lodges, trail extras, insurance, tips and emergency reserves.Official documents2026 permits & feesCurrent Manaslu RAP, MCAP and ACAP fees, seasonal examples, documents, processing, checkpoints, child policy and Tsum Valley extension rules.Map & navigationRoute mapAn accessible Manaslu route map with overnight stops, Budhi Gandaki corridor, acclimatisation points, Larkya La, stage distances and road links.EquipmentPrintable packing listAn interactive and printable equipment checklist covering quantities, sleeping bag, footwear, pass-day gear, medical items, documents and seasonal variations.Season planningBest time by monthA twelve-month comparison of lower-valley rain, high-pass snow, visibility, lodge availability, crowds and whether Larkya La is normally practical.PreparationDifficulty & readinessA practical assessment of daily effort, altitude, terrain, remoteness, pass day and a fitness-readiness checklist.SafetyAltitude safetyRecognise altitude symptoms, understand descent decisions and prepare an emergency response for the remote upper Manaslu route.Trail lifeLodges & foodA village-by-village facilities guide to rooms, meals, toilets, charging, showers, communications and high-season capacity.Rules & permitsSolo and guide rulesIndependent trekking without a licensed guide is not the same as travelling alone. Nepal Tourism Board lists the Manaslu Circuit among routes requiring a licensed trekking guide and an agency-issued TIMS card. A single traveller can book a private guide, but the agency must confirm whether the restricted-area permit can be issued for that exact one-person application and date.Access updateRoad and trailheadThe traditional approach began around Soti Khola, while many recent itineraries drive to Machha Khola and some propose starting as far north as Jagat. There is no permanent universal trailhead: road condition, vehicle access, permits, construction and the value you place on lower-valley walking should determine the start.Live conditionsTrail conditionsCurrent Manaslu conditions must be assembled from same-week driver, lodge and guide reports. This page deliberately marks Larkya La as unverified until a dated field source confirms the crossing; an old successful trek is not evidence that the pass is open today.Contingency planningPass closure planIf Larkya La is unsafe, the correct plan is usually to wait only when food, shelter, health and forecast justify it—or turn back through the Budhi Gandaki valley. A helicopter is not a guaranteed alternative, and no itinerary or international flight justifies forcing the pass.Tsum Valley extensionManaslu with TsumCombining Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit normally creates an 18–22 day journey. The detour branches near the lower restricted corridor, visits Chumling, Chhekampar, Nile, Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, then rejoins the circuit before the long ascent to Larkya La.Trail logisticsWi-Fi and chargingNTC and Ncell coverage is intermittent on the Manaslu Circuit, lodge Wi-Fi is paid and unreliable, and charging becomes scarcer above Samagaun. Carry offline maps, a 20,000 mAh power bank and a plan that does not depend on daily connectivity.Money planningCash and daily budgetThere are no dependable trail ATMs, and cards should not be expected for lodge spending. For a 13-day circuit, many travellers carry roughly NPR 25,000–45,000 for personal extras and tips, plus a separately protected emergency reserve based on what their package excludes.Who is it for?Manaslu for beginnersA beginner can complete Manaslu only when ‘beginner’ means new to Nepal trekking—not untrained, medically unprepared or unable to walk consecutive mountain days. The route is a poor first choice for someone who has never tested boots, hills, basic lodges or recovery after a long descent.Age & preparationManaslu over 50There is no useful universal age limit for Manaslu. A well-trained traveller over 50 or 60 may be better prepared than a younger sedentary trekker. Suitability depends on cardiovascular health, recovery, joint tolerance, altitude history, medication, support and schedule flexibility.Food planningVegetarian and vegan foodVegetarian food is widely available on the Manaslu Circuit, while strict vegan, gluten-free and allergy-controlled choices narrow with altitude. Communicate requirements in simple written form, carry safe backup snacks and do not assume a familiar dish is prepared with the same ingredients at every lodge.Booking timingWhen to bookFor October, book the guide, staff and itinerary roughly three to six months ahead when possible. Spring often allows more flexibility, while last-minute bookings remain vulnerable to genuine group/permit rules, Dharamsala capacity, guide availability and international-flight timing.Route dataTrek DistanceThe complete circuit is commonly described as roughly 170–180 km, but totals vary with road endpoints, GPS method and side trips. Plan effort by daily stage, elevation change and time rather than one headline number.ElevationAltitude ProfileThe route rises from about 930 m at Machha Khola to 5,106 m at Larkya La, with key sleeping stops at Samagaun 3,530 m, Samdo 3,860 m and Dharamsala about 4,460 m before descending to Bimthang.WeatherWeatherManaslu weather changes sharply with altitude. Lower valleys can be warm and wet while Samdo, Dharamsala and Larkya La remain below freezing with wind and snow. Use seasonal patterns for planning and short-range local forecasts for decisions.Support teamGuide and Porter CostPlan roughly USD 30–45 per guide per day and USD 22–30 per porter per day as a working range, then check what staff transport, insurance, meals, lodging, equipment and taxes are included.TransportTransport GuideThe common approach runs Kathmandu–Gorkha/Arughat–Machha Khola by changing road conditions; the exit runs Dharapani–Besisahar–Kathmandu. Private jeeps offer control, not immunity from landslides or construction delays.Approach roadKathmandu to Machha KholaAllow a full day for Kathmandu to Machha Khola. The journey combines highway, hill road and rough river-corridor sections; 7–10 hours is a planning range, not a promise.Exit roadDharapani to KathmanduDharapani to Kathmandu normally requires a rough jeep sector toward Besisahar followed by a longer highway transfer. Treat 8–12 hours as a broad planning range and avoid same-evening flights.InsuranceTravel InsuranceChoose a policy that explicitly covers trekking to at least 5,106 m, remote medical treatment and helicopter evacuation under its terms. A policy saying only ‘hiking’ may not cover the route.High passLarkya La Pass GuideLarkya La is the circuit’s highest and most committing stage. This guide uses 5,106 m while noting that published maps also show figures around 5,160 m. Conditions, not the label, determine the decision.Daily stageMachha Khola to JagatMachha Khola to Jagat covers 20–22 km in about 6–7 hr. The route changes from 930→1,340 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.Daily stageJagat to DengJagat to Deng covers 19–21 km in about 6–8 hr. The route changes from 1,340→1,860 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.Daily stageDeng to NamrungDeng to Namrung covers 17–19 km in about 6–8 hr. The route changes from 1,860→2,630 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.Daily stageNamrung to LhoNamrung to Lho covers 10–12 km in about 4–5 hr. The route changes from 2,630→3,180 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.Daily stageLho to SamagaunLho to Samagaun covers 8–10 km in about 4–5 hr. The route changes from 3,180→3,530 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.Daily stageSamagaun Acclimatisation DaySamagaun Acclimatisation Day covers 4–14 km by option in about 3–8 hr. The route changes from Sleep 3,530 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.Daily stageSamagaun to SamdoSamagaun to Samdo covers 7–9 km in about 3–4 hr. The route changes from 3,530→3,860 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.Daily stageSamdo Acclimatisation DaySamdo Acclimatisation Day covers 3–8 km in about 3–5 hr. The route changes from Sleep 3,860 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.Daily stageSamdo to DharamsalaSamdo to Dharamsala covers 6–8 km in about 4–5 hr. The route changes from 3,860→~4,460 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.Daily stageDharamsala to Larkya La to BimthangDharamsala to Larkya La to Bimthang covers 22–25 km in about 8–11 hr. The route changes from 4,460→5,106→~3,590 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.Daily stageBimthang to TilijeBimthang to Tilije covers 19–21 km in about 6–8 hr. The route changes from ~3,590→~2,300 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.Daily stageTilije to DharapaniTilije to Dharapani covers 3–6 km in about 2–3 hr. The route changes from ~2,300→~1,860 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.Village guideMachha Khola on the Manaslu CircuitMachha Khola (930 m) is roadhead and warm budhi gandaki settlement. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideJagat on the Manaslu CircuitJagat (1,340 m) is stone village and common restricted-area checkpoint. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guidePhilim on the Manaslu CircuitPhilim (1,570 m) is large gurung village above the river corridor. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideDeng on the Manaslu CircuitDeng (1,860 m) is small transition village before the upper valley. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideNamrung on the Manaslu CircuitNamrung (2,630 m) is forest-edge village where altitude becomes more noticeable. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideLho on the Manaslu CircuitLho (3,180 m) is monastery village with major manaslu views. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideShyala on the Manaslu CircuitShyala (3,500 m) is high settlement surrounded by mountain views. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideSamagaun on the Manaslu CircuitSamagaun (3,530 m) is primary acclimatisation base below manaslu. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideBirendra Lake on the Manaslu CircuitBirendra Lake (~3,690 m) is glacial lake side trip from samagaun. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideManaslu Base Camp on the Manaslu CircuitManaslu Base Camp (~4,800 m) is demanding acclimatisation hike; not suitable for every group. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideSamdo on the Manaslu CircuitSamdo (3,860 m) is last permanent settlement before the pass approach. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideDharamsala on the Manaslu CircuitDharamsala (~4,460 m) is basic seasonal high camp below larkya la. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideLarkya La on the Manaslu CircuitLarkya La (5,106 m) is high point of the circuit; mapping figures vary. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideBimthang on the Manaslu CircuitBimthang (~3,590 m) is first major lodge settlement west of the pass. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideTilije on the Manaslu CircuitTilije (~2,300 m) is lower village near the end of the walking circuit. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Village guideDharapani on the Manaslu CircuitDharapani (~1,860 m) is annapurna corridor road connection and common exit. Use this guide for arrival planning, facilities, acclimatisation context and the next trail stage.Tsum ValleyTsum Valley PermitThe Tsum extension needs restricted-area coverage separate from the standard Manaslu RAP. Confirm the seasonal fee, number of controlled-area days, group arrangement and guide/agency processing before the combined itinerary is issued.Tsum ValleyLokpaLokpa is the gateway settlement after the route leaves the main Budhi Gandaki corridor. It is a practical overnight or lunch point before the steeper forest route toward Chumling.Tsum ValleyChumlingChumling is a lower Tsum village with simple lodges and cultural sites, used to break the climb toward the broader upper valley.Tsum ValleyChhekamparThe Chhokang–Paro settlement area is a central upper-valley base where the landscape opens and Tibetan Buddhist culture becomes increasingly visible.Tsum ValleyNileNile is one of the highest regular overnight settlements in Tsum and a staging point for Mu Gompa; cold, basic facilities and slower acclimatisation deserve attention.Tsum ValleyMu GompaMu Gompa is a high cultural objective reached from Nile or nearby settlements. Visit only with suitable acclimatisation, weather and respectful monastery behaviour.Tsum ValleyRachen GompaRachen Gompa is commonly included on the return through upper Tsum, adding cultural depth without replacing the acclimatisation needed later on the Manaslu Circuit.SafetyManaslu Acclimatisation GuideUse Samagaun and Samdo for active acclimatisation, sleep progressively higher and never ascend with worsening altitude symptoms.SafetyAMS Symptoms on the Manaslu CircuitHeadache with nausea, dizziness, fatigue or poor sleep after ascent can indicate AMS; stop ascent and report symptoms early.SafetyHAPE and HACE on the Manaslu CircuitBreathlessness at rest, wet cough, confusion or loss of coordination are high-altitude emergencies requiring immediate descent and rescue coordination.SafetyEmergency Evacuation on the Manaslu CircuitEvacuation combines immediate first aid and descent with insurer, agency and helicopter coordination; flight is never guaranteed.SafetyHelicopter Rescue Limitations in ManasluCloud, wind, darkness, terrain, landing space, aircraft availability and insurer approval can delay or prevent helicopter rescue.SafetyManaslu Trek Insurance RequirementsThe policy should explicitly cover guided trekking above 5,000 m, remote medical treatment and helicopter evacuation under clear terms.SafetyManaslu First-Aid KitCarry personal medicines, blister supplies, dressings and water treatment while the guide carries the group emergency system.SafetyManaslu Landslide and Road SafetyMonsoon rain, construction and steep valley roads can interrupt access; avoid crossing active slides without local clearance.SafetySnow and Larkya La Pass ClosureFresh snow, wind loading, avalanche exposure and hidden ice can make the pass unsafe even during a normally good month.SafetyDrinking-Water Safety on the Manaslu CircuitTreat tap and stream water by boiling, filtration or chemical treatment and carry a backup method.SafetyFood Hygiene on the Manaslu CircuitChoose freshly cooked food, be cautious with unrefrigerated meat and maintain hand hygiene before meals.SafetyCommunication and Emergency Contacts in ManasluCarry offline agency, insurer and local emergency contacts; mobile and lodge internet coverage is intermittent.Monthly guidein JanuaryJanuary requires separate planning for the warm Budhi Gandaki corridor and the exposed upper route. Old snow, new storms, hard ice and wind loading can close or seriously complicate Larkya La. Dharamsala may be closed, so January is an expedition-style choice rather than a reliable circuit month.Monthly guidein FebruaryFebruary requires separate planning for the warm Budhi Gandaki corridor and the exposed upper route. Persistent winter snow and hard ice remain likely. Late February sometimes improves, but a new storm can reset the pass and lodge situation immediately.Monthly guidein MarchMarch requires separate planning for the warm Budhi Gandaki corridor and the exposed upper route. Old winter snow, shaded ice and occasional fresh snowfall remain realistic, especially early in March. Conditions often improve through the month as lodges reopen.Monthly guidein AprilApril requires separate planning for the warm Budhi Gandaki corridor and the exposed upper route. Larkya La is often practical with settled weather, but old snow, freeze-thaw ice and spring storms still require current reports and a turnaround plan.Monthly guidein MayMay requires separate planning for the warm Budhi Gandaki corridor and the exposed upper route. The crossing is commonly possible, but afternoon cloud, wet snow and individual pre-monsoon storms can reduce visibility or leave fresh accumulation.Monthly guidein JuneJune requires separate planning for the warm Budhi Gandaki corridor and the exposed upper route. The pass may remain physically crossable between storms, but cloud, fresh wet snow, poor visibility and limited lodge demand make decisions less predictable.Monthly guidein JulyJuly requires separate planning for the warm Budhi Gandaki corridor and the exposed upper route. Snow is less persistent than in winter, yet storm snowfall, cloud and poor visibility can make navigation and the moraine descent unsafe.Monthly guidein AugustAugust requires separate planning for the warm Budhi Gandaki corridor and the exposed upper route. Persistent winter snow is unlikely, yet fresh high snow, rain, fog and unstable moraine can still block a safe crossing window.Monthly guidein SeptemberSeptember requires separate planning for the warm Budhi Gandaki corridor and the exposed upper route. Larkya La often becomes more practical as monsoon circulation retreats, but fresh high snow, lingering cloud and wet moraine remain possible.Monthly guidein OctoberOctober requires separate planning for the warm Budhi Gandaki corridor and the exposed upper route. Larkya La is often snow-light and practical, but an October storm can still produce fresh snow, ice and a temporary no-crossing decision.Monthly guidein NovemberNovember requires separate planning for the warm Budhi Gandaki corridor and the exposed upper route. The pass is often dry or snow-light early, with a rising chance of hard ice, fresh snow and wind-related closure later in the month.Monthly guidein DecemberDecember requires separate planning for the warm Budhi Gandaki corridor and the exposed upper route. Early December can remain crossable after a dry autumn; later winter storms, hard ice and lodge closure make the pass increasingly uncertain.Compare optionsvs Annapurna CircuitChoose Manaslu for a restricted, guided and quieter-feeling route; choose Annapurna for broader access, more route variants and more developed services.Compare optionsvs Everest Base CampManaslu is a full circuit with a high pass and road access; EBC is an out-and-back lodge trek commonly reached by a Lukla flight.Compare optionsvs Everest Three PassesThree Passes is generally higher and more sustained; Manaslu is remote, guided by rule and centred on one major pass crossing.Compare optionsvs Tsum ValleyThe circuit crosses Larkya La; Tsum explores a cultural side valley and normally returns without the same circuit crossing.Compare optionsWith or Without Tsum ValleyAdd Tsum for cultural depth and extra days; skip it for a more focused 14–16 day circuit.Compare options13-Day vs 15-Day Manaslu ItineraryThirteen days is efficient; fifteen days provides better road, recovery and acclimatisation margin.Compare optionsManaslu in Spring vs AutumnSpring is warmer and greener; autumn is usually clearer, drier and busier.Compare optionsManaslu in October vs NovemberOctober is warmer and busier; November is colder, often clear and quieter later in the month.Compare optionsPrivate vs Group Manaslu TrekPrivate trips maximise pacing control; groups reduce shared cost but require compatible dates and decision-making.Compare optionsGuide vs Guide-and-Porter Support on ManasluA guide manages route and safety; adding a porter reduces carried weight and protects daily pacing.Compare optionsManaslu vs KanchenjungaManaslu is shorter, more compact and easier to support from Kathmandu; Kanchenjunga is longer, farther east and more logistically remote. Both require licensed-guide planning under current NTB guidance, but Kanchenjunga demands more days and a larger contingency budget.Compare optionsMachha Khola vs Jagat startMachha Khola preserves two meaningful lower-valley stages and more gradual entry into trekking; Jagat reduces walking but adds rough-road exposure and can alter the restricted-permit entry date. The better start depends on current road access, available days and whether the lower trail matters to you.Amigo trek packageTrek PackageA dedicated Manaslu package overview with a 15-day route, permits, guide support, private-departure options and a clear path to request current inclusions from Amigo Treks.Author profileDinesh BhusalDinesh Bhusal is Co-Founder and Director of Amigo Treks & Expedition in Kathmandu and writes practical Nepal trekking guidance informed by itinerary design, traveller support and the company’s field team.Reviewer profileNiti SharmaNiti Sharma is part of the Amigo Treks & Expedition team in Kathmandu and reviews Manaslu planning content for clarity, traveller usefulness, itinerary consistency and alignment with current company information.About this guideEditorial PolicyThis guide separates official fees from planning estimates, names its author and reviewer, records dates, links page-specific sources and corrects conflicting figures rather than copying them.About this guideCorrections PolicyMaterial errors are corrected promptly, the reviewed date is changed and significant updates are recorded. Readers can report an issue to info@amigotrekking.com.About this guideData Methodology and Update HistoryDistances, altitudes, costs and seasonal statements are documented as estimates where sources vary; official fee tables retain their published currency and date.