Manaslu Circuit Trek 2026: Complete Guide to Nepal’s Hidden Gem

The Manaslu Circuit is more than just a trek-it’s a wild, forgotten frontier that still pulsates to the rhythm of the old Himalayas. It’s a trail that seems untouched, where silence is predominant and every footfall resonates across deep valleys and ancient stone villages. Manaslu remained for many years the best-kept secret of Nepal, while most heading into these regions favored Everest and Annapurna, but it will be dubbed the ideal combination of solitude, scenery, and pure Himalayan soul in 2026.

The trail circles Mt. Manaslu-8,163 m and the world’s eighth highest peak-like a living, breathing storybook of Nepal’s raw landscapes. From subtropical forests and roaring rivers to high alpine ridges swept by cold winds, every day is so different that it is more akin to walking through seasons rather than along trails. You start low, where rice terraces shine beneath the sun and suspension bridges swing over turquoise rivers. With increased altitude, the world quiets down; forests give way to rocky cliff faces, stupas appear around bends, and the people-influenced by their Tibetan roots-welcome you with shy smiles and cups of yak-butter tea.

By the time you get to Samagaun, nestled amidst glaciers and Mani walls, the air is thin but the spirit high. It is a stop for trekkers not only to acclimatize but also to absorb. Short hikes to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa remind you just how colossal this mountain is-it doesn’t just rise, it dominates.

Next up is Larkya La Pass, at 5,160 above sea level-the trek’s dramatic climax. You barely sleep the night before; it’s cold, dark, and your breath fogs up in the beam of your headlamp. But when dawn hits the prayer flags at the top, when you stand there with snow crunching under your boots and the Himalayas blazing around you-that’s the moment. It is then that you know why Manaslu Circuit has been described as Nepal’s hidden gem. The way down toward Bimtang enters you into a different world; pine forests are back, the sun is again warm on your skin, and that over-the-pass euphoria remains.

The Manaslu trail doesn’t just show you mountains but contrasts between hardship and reward, isolation and connection, ancient and alive. The Manaslu in 2026 is one of Nepal’s most genuine adventures, a trek that hasn’t sold its soul to luxury or to traffic. It’s still wild, still sacred, and still humbling in ways that only the Himalayas can be. If you want a journey that feels raw and earned, where every sunrise feels personal and every trail tells a story, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is waiting.

Best Season to Trek the Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, moving dramatically from humid river valleys to the high Himalayan passes like Larkya La (5,160 m), can be technically done all year round, but very good seasons exist: spring, March to May, and autumn, September to November. These months offer stable weather, crystalline skies, and landscapes at their most cinematic-just what you imagine when you dream of trekking in Nepal.

Spring is the time when the Manaslu area bursts into life. The lower parts of the trail-between Soti Khola and Namrung-are draped in green, with waterfalls spilling down cliffs, while rhododendron forests paint the hills in shades of pink and red. Warm, sunny days make trekking comfortable, while nights are cool yet bearable even at altitude. The higher you go, the closer to the snowline you get, where clear mornings reveal the blinding white peaks of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli glowing against deep blue skies. The trail is alive-full of trekkers swapping stories over cups of tea in cozy lodges.

Autumn: The time from September to November forms the classic Himalayan trekking season-crisp, clean, and spectacularly clear. The summer rains have washed the air anew, the fields gleam like gold, and the mountains appear sharper than ever. It’s a good time to cross Larkya La Pass under deep blue skies without fearing significant snow or poor visibility. Days are mild and ideal for long walks; nights grow cold, but nothing a good sleeping bag cannot handle. Autumn coincides with local festivals, and almost every day you’ll find yourself walking through villages alive with fluttering prayer flags, music, and tradition-a cultural bonus that few treks can match.

Winter spans from December to February, turning Manaslu into a frozen world: the higher trails silent and snowbound, with Larkya La Pass closed due to heavy snow and biting wind. Only experienced trekkers or those seeking solitude attempt it in these months. That said, lower Manaslu villages up to Samagaun can still be beautifully explored under clear skies with peaks dusted by snow.

Monsoon (June-August) brings heavy rains to the lower valleys, making the trail slippery and leech-prone. Landslides can affect routes, and mountain views are often hidden by cloud. Yet, the landscape turns lush and alive – bright green forests, raging rivers, and fields that seem to shimmer. For photographers or solitude seekers this can be a time of surreal beauty, but it demands caution. For most trekkers, though, spring and autumn remain unbeatable: the perfect balance of weather, scenery, and safety. These are the seasons when the Manaslu Circuit reveals its full character: untamed, colorful, and breathtakingly pure. Trek it then, and you’ll understand why this trail is called Nepal’s hidden gem.

Food and Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

On the Manaslu Circuit Trek, there’s this one moment: you have been climbing for hours, your legs ache, and your breath steams in the cold air; then you step into a teahouse. Wood smoke, garlic soup, and warm tea greet you, and suddenly you’re home again. Up here, food and accommodation aren’t just comfort; they’re culture. It’s part of what makes Manaslu unforgettable.

Let’s start with the food. On the Manaslu trail, Dal Bhat is not just a meal, it’s a ritual. You’ll eat it almost every day and you will like it more each time. A plate piled high with rice, steaming lentil soup, sautéed greens, and vegetable curry — simple, local, and endlessly refillable. The owners will smile and say, “More Dal?” before you even ask. There’s a saying here: Dal Bhat power, 24 hour — and on Manaslu, it couldn’t be truer.

The menu changes as you go higher. In the lush lower villages, you could be having fried noodles, vegetable thukpa, or Tibetan bread with honey for breakfast. By the time you reach Namrung and Lho, teahouses have started serving yak cheese omelets and apple pancakes. Food feels almost celebratory in Samagaun: hot soups, momos, or even yak burgers made fresh from the produce. Everything tastes that much nicer because you’ve just walked six hours through mist and mountain air. And when it starts getting cold, there’s nothing more perfect than a mug of ginger lemon honey tea or butter tea shared around a wooden table while the snow falls outside.

Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit is pure mountain charm: basic, warm, and deeply human. Teahouses are family-run lodges, many built from local stone and timber, bedecked with prayer flags and smoky hearths. Rooms are simple: a wooden bed, thick blankets, and paper-thin walls that let you hear the wind whisper through the valley. You’ll often huddle in the common dining hall, where a central stove burns yak dung or wood, socks dry on a rope above, and trekkers trade laughter, blisters, and dreams.

The higher you go, the simpler it gets: Above Samdo and Dharamsala, you’ll find fewer comforts-shared toilets, no Wi-Fi, sometimes no showers-but every ounce of warmth becomes luxury. The nights at Larkya Phedi are cold, almost brutal, but the teahouse meal feels like a feast: a plate of noodles, a cup of tea, and a fire that keeps going as long as the owner stays awake.

On the Manaslu Circuit, food and accommodation are never background details; they are the heartbeat of the trek. Every meal brings you closer to the people who live here year-round, smiling through the cold, serving up something hot with pride. Every teahouse, every plate of Dal Bhat, every cup of tea passed among strangers becomes a part of your story out here. You don’t just refuel; you belong.

Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek

The trek begins with a warm welcome in Kathmandu, where you explore the city and complete all permits required for the Manaslu region. After sightseeing, you drive to Machha Khola, the starting point of the trek, and gradually begin the journey through scenic villages and forests. The trail climbs slowly, passing Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Samagaon, where the mountains grow bigger and the air thinner. Around Samagaon, you have an acclimatization day to rest and explore nearby attractions like Birendra Lake or even hike to Manaslu Base Camp for stunning views.

The trek continues through Samdo and Dharamshala, reaching the high point at Larkya La Pass (5,215 m) before descending to Bhimphedi. From there, the trail winds down through Tilje and Chamje, returning gradually to lower altitudes. Finally, you drive back to Kathmandu for a relaxing end to the adventure, ready for your departure. The itinerary balances challenging high-altitude trekking with rest days and cultural experiences, offering both spectacular Himalayan scenery and glimpses into local life along the way.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permits

Hiking the Manaslu Circuit is more than a walk through beautiful mountains; it is responsible travel. Official permits that every trekker is obliged to have protect not only the sensitive environment of the Himalayas but also the communities that have called these high valleys home.

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit:

Manaslu is a restricted area; therefore, each trekker must obtain a Restricted Area Permit. The use of this kind of permit means that the trekking will be controlled, which would help to preserve natural beauty and protect the culture in this region.

• Price: NPR 8,000 (approximately USD 65) per person for 8–14 days
• Validity: Single entry, valid for the duration of your trek

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit:

This trek lies within the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected area supporting conservation, wildlife preservation, and sustainable tourism. MCAP ensures trekkers contribute to local development and environmental protection.

• Price: NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 18) per person
• Validity: Single entry, valid for trek duration

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Because this trek ends near the Annapurna region, an ACAP permit is also required for legal access to these trails.

• Price: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 27) per person
• Validity: Single entry

Where to Obtain Permits

• Government offices: the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Dharapani
• Registered trekking agencies: Most approved trekking agencies will handle all permits for you prior to setting off; this is advisable to save time and hassle like Graceful Adventure travel.

Documents Required

• Original passport and photocopy
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Application forms completed – provided by office or agency

Important Notes

• Permits are nontransferable and nonrefundable, so double-check all details carefully.

Remember to always carry your permits with you, as they are checked at various points en route. Payment in Nepalese Rupees (NPR) is quite agreeable, so carry enough cash with you. These aren’t just formalities but a way of supporting conservation, funding local development, and ensuring the safety of trekkers. Now that everything is in place, one can look onward to the trail: mountains, villages, and raw, untamed beauty of Manaslu.

Average Manaslu Circuit Cost

Basic costs for trekking the Manaslu Circuit differ by the degree of service, group size, and type of support. For a regular 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026, the average cost per participant is about USD 1,800.

This average cost generally includes accommodations in teahouses along the way, three meals a day while trekking, all necessary permits (Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, ACAP), certified guide and porter services, and ground transfers to and from the trailhead.

It does not include hot showers, internet, snacks, or tipping guides and porters, but overall, these are marginal expenses against the overall cost. Clients get a fully planned, full expedition with all logistics and safety arranged.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Travel Insurance

Insurance for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is not an option; it’s a must-have. As a trekker in the Himalayas, there are certain risks you can face that are beyond your control, like altitude sickness, unfavorable weather, accidents, or last-minute flight cancellations. Proper travel insurance cover will protect you against such contingencies, and you can enjoy yourself on the trek without thinking about “what-ifs.”

The most critical coverage your insurance policy must have is emergency evacuation. On the backcountry sections of the Annapurna Circuit, like Manang, Thorong Phedi, or high passes such as Thorong La, helicopter evacuations are upwards of thousands of dollars if paid out-of-pocket. Make sure your policy states helicopter evacuation and high-altitude medical rescue up to at least 5,500–6,000 meters because some passes are very high. It should also cover medical expenses, hospitalization, trip cancellation or interruption, and loss or theft of personal belongings.

Airplane cancellations are frequent in Nepal due to the unpredictability of mountain weather, especially between Pokhara, Jomsom, and Kathmandu. Make sure your policy covers cancellations or delays in a trip.

Graceful Adventure Travel doesn’t sell insurance, but we require every trekker to purchase one before heading to Nepal. Make sure your agent knows that your trip is for high altitude trekking, not city sightseeing. Some policies don’t have more than 4,000 meters, so make sure your policy covers the peak altitude you will be reaching.

Some reliable insurance companies used by trekkers include:

• USA and Canada: Travelex, InsureMyTrip.com, HCC Medical Insurance
• UK: Specialty Group, Harrison Beaumont
• Europe: CORIS
• Australia and New Zealand: Cover-More
• South Africa: TIC Insurance

Upon departure, carry with you both a printed and digital copy of your policy. In cases of emergency, it allows your guide or trekking company representative to immediately call the insurance company for arrangements of evacuation or treatment. With good travel insurance, your Annapurna Circuit trek is more enjoyable and secure, and you can relish the Himalayan experience without worry.

Conclusion

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is more than a trek; it’s an adventure into some of the most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Himalayas. From lush river valleys, terraced fields, and high alpine ridges to the snow-capped Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters, this trek will plunge you into the full gamut of Nepal’s natural beauty and rich human heritage. It challenges your body, tests your spirit, and rewards you with moments of wonder that linger long after the journey ends.

Along the way, you get to pass through villages where time has stood still, people who are always so warm and hospitable, making every stop a memorable one; you get daily glimpses of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and surrounding peaks. Every day opens up a new landscape-from emerald forests and thundering rivers to alpine meadows and glacial valleys-while every night under a star-studded Himalayan sky is a reward in itself. The bonding you will make with other trekkers over meals, laughter, and stories is as unforgettable as the mountains themselves.

Crossing the Larkya La Pass, gaining access to high-altitude villages, both challenges the body and represents a spiritual journey that immediately connects you with generations of local culture and the raw, untamed energy of the Himalayas. The Manaslu Circuit proves that adventure is as much about the means as the end-about observing, embracing, and learning from each and every step along the way.

Ultimately, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is an experience of the senses, the body, and the spirit. Raw, real, and unforgettable, this is a trek that tests your endurance, celebrates your perseverance, and leaves you with lifetime memories of the Himalayas.

Contact Details for Manaslu Circuit Booking