A remote, restricted-area circuit around the world's eighth-highest peak, Manaslu (8,163 m). Wilder and far less crowded than the Annapurna or Everest trails, it climbs from lush Gurung lowlands into a high Tibetan-Buddhist landscape, crossing the demanding Larkya La pass. A licensed guide and special permit are mandatory.
Land at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. The evening is for a trip briefing, meeting your guide, and finalising the restricted-area permits that Manaslu requires.
A long, scenic road day northwest out of the Kathmandu Valley, following the Trishuli and then the Budhi Gandaki. The smooth highway gives way to a rough mountain road that winds down to the riverside village of Machha Khola.
The trek proper begins along the churning Budhi Gandaki, crossing suspension bridges and passing the small hot springs at Tatopani. A stone stairway climbs to the tidy, flagstoned village of Jagat, the entry checkpoint to the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Follow the river gorge upstream past Philim and the Tsum Valley turn-off, the trail threading through bamboo and steep, terraced hillsides. The valley narrows dramatically before opening at the small Gurung settlement of Deng.
Cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb steadily through forest, mani walls and prayer-carved boulders — the first clear signs of the Tibetan-Buddhist culture ahead. A final ascent brings you to the stone-built village of Namrung, with its first big mountain views.
A shorter, beautiful day through the Nubri villages of Lihi and Sho, with barley fields, chortens and grazing yaks. Manaslu itself emerges ahead as you reach Lho, whose Ribung Gompa frames a superb sunset on the peak.
Climb through the pretty village of Shyala, ringed by peaks, then follow the valley beneath the Pungen Glacier to Samagaon — a large, traditional Tibetan-style village that is your base for the next two nights.
A vital rest day at altitude. Stay active with a day hike to Manaslu Base Camp (~4,800 m) for close glacier views, or the gentler walk to the turquoise glacial Birendra Lake and the old Pungyen Gompa. Return to sleep low in Samagaon.
A shorter, steadier climb above the treeline into stark, open high country, following the Budhi Gandaki towards its source. Samdo is the last permanent village before the pass — a Tibetan settlement just a day's walk from the border.
A short but important stage to conserve energy for the pass. Cross the Larkya glacial stream and climb gently to Dharamsala, a cluster of basic stone huts at the foot of the pass. Rest, hydrate and prepare for a pre-dawn start.
The crux of the trek. Set off around 4 am for the long, cold climb over moraine and snow to the prayer-flag-strewn Larkya La (5,106 m), rewarded with a sweeping panorama of Himlung, Cheo, Kang Guru and Annapurna II. A steep, knee-testing descent then drops to the meadows of Bimthang.
A long, lush descent through rhododendron and pine forest, crossing the Dudh Khola and passing waterfalls and farmland as the landscape turns green again. Reach the Gurung village of Tilije for a final night of mountain hospitality with the crew.
Walk down to the roadhead at Dharapani, where the trail links to the Annapurna Circuit road, then take a jeep to Besisahar and continue by vehicle back to Kathmandu. A celebratory farewell dinner marks the end of the trek.
The trip concludes after breakfast. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, or extend your stay with further adventures in Nepal.
Choose the package that fits your style and budget. All are guided and fully tailorable — prices are per person and vary with group size and season.
Guaranteed departures. Don't see a date that suits you? Private departures can be arranged year-round.
Manaslu is a government-designated restricted area. Solo trekking is not allowed — you must trek with a licensed guide, in a group of at least two, and carry the Restricted Area Permit. We arrange all of this.
Larkya La (5,106 m) is a long, high crossing on snow and scree — the crux of the trek. The day starts around 4 am and runs 8–9 hours, so good fitness and the acclimatisation built into the itinerary are essential.
Yes — permit limits and the restricted-area rules keep numbers far lower, so you get a wild, authentic experience with strong Tibetan-Buddhist culture.
Yes, and it must specifically cover helicopter evacuation at altitude. Standard policies often do not — check the fine print before you travel.
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