Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 12-day off-the-beaten-path journey around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s 8th highest mountain. If you’re seeking one of the best, less crowded treks in Nepal, this circuit offers unparalleled solitude and raw natural beauty. The trail lies in the remote Manaslu Conservation Area, showcasing diverse landscapes and high passes like Larkya La Pass at 5160m. Trekkers are rewarded with authentic Tibetan Cultures in traditional villages and stunning views of snow-capped peaks.
Why the 12-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Should Be on Your Bucket List
The 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek strikes an ideal balance between challenge and cultural immersion. In just under two weeks, you will encircle Mount Manaslu. Along the way, you’ll cross suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River, walk through terraced fields and rhododendron forests, and eventually climb above the tree line into barren, glacier-carved valleys.
Unlike popular teahouse treks in Nepal, the Manaslu region sees only a limited number of trekkers each year. This means you’ll enjoy peaceful trails and have many viewpoints nearly to yourself – a rare privilege in the Himalayas. The Manaslu Region is a restricted trekking area of Nepal. That’s why only a few visitors visit this region with a special restricted permit.
Moreover, the Manaslu Trek offers more cultural immersion. Tibetan Buddhist villages in the upper Manaslu Valley, where monasteries, prayer flags, and mani stone walls are part of daily life. Every step of this journey offers a sense of discovery.
Another reason to do this Manaslu Circuit Trek is that it is rugged and off-the-beaten-path. Even the neighboring trekking route, like the Annapurna Circuit Trek, is more crowded than this trek. The final push over Larkya La Pass is challenging but non-technical; reaching the top rewards you with a 360° view of Manaslu and the Annapurna Range. Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a perfect blend of scenic grandeur, cultural richness, and adventure, all packed into a 12-day itinerary that will leave you with lifelong memories.
Best Off-the-Beaten and Less Crowded Trekking Trail in Nepal
Manaslu Circuit Trek is also known as one of the best off-the-beaten-path trekking paths in Nepal. What makes it special is its isolated and remote villages. The trail was officially opened to foreigners only in the early 1990s, and even today, it is regulated as a restricted area. Hence, trekkers must obtain a special restricted permit for Manalsu. Being off the beaten path also means you get to enjoy wilderness and tranquility.It’s no surprise that many people rank Manaslu among the top off-the-beaten treks in Nepal for its solitude and untouched beauty. Unlike other popular treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek, you will rarely find the traffic of visitors along the way.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance and Elevation
The entire Manaslu Circuit route is approximately 177 km (110 miles) long, starting around 700 m and reaching a maximum altitude of 5,160 m at Larkya La Pass. The trek involves significant elevation gain and loss as you ascend into the mountains and descend into valleys. Below is an overview of our Manaslu Circuit Trek 12-day itinerary with the distance, trek duration, and overnight elevation for each day:
Day | Destination (Overnight) | Distance | Duration |
Day 1 | Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola (730 m) | 160 km (by Jeep) | 7–8 hours (drive) |
Day 2 | Soti Khola to Khorlabesi (970 m) | 14 km trekking | 6–7 hours trek |
Day 3 | Khorlabesi to Philim (1,590 m) | 16 km trekking | 6–7 hours trek |
Day 4 | Philim to Ghap (2,250 m) | 21 km trekking | 6–7 hours trek |
Day 5 | Ghap to Lho (3,180 m) | 16 km trekking | 5–6 hours trek |
Day 6 | Lho to Samagaon (3,530 m) | 8 km trekking | 4–5 hours trek |
Day 7 | Rest Day in Samagaon (3,530 m) | Side hikes optional | – (acclimatization) |
Day 8 | Samagaon to Samdo (3,875 m) | 8 km trekking | 3–4 hours trek |
Day 9 | Samdo to Dharamsala (Larke Phedi, 4,480 m) | 6 km trekking | 4–5 hours trek |
Day10 | Dharamsala to Bhimtang (3,720 m) via Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) | 16 km trekking | 7–9 hours trek (pass crossing) |
Day 11 | Bhimtang to Dharapani (1,910 m) | 18 km trekking | 6–7 hours trek |
Day 12 | Drive Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar | 190 km (by Jeep/Bus) | 8–9 hours (drive) |
Total Trek Distance: ~177 km Highest Elevation: 5,160 m (Larkya La Pass)
This 12-day Manaslu Trek itinerary is carefully designed for proper acclimatization while covering the essential route.
12-Day Guided Manaslu Circuit Trek Price, 2025 & 2026 Updated
How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost? The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost for a 12-day guided package typically ranges from around USD $1100 to $1400 per person, depending on what’s included and your group size. Mountain Eco Trails offers this trek as an all-inclusive service package to ensure you get the best value with no hidden costs. As of 2025/2026, our 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek package is competitively priced and updated to cover all necessary expenses. Contact us via email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153 to get a quote on the Manaslu Circuit Trek package.