Is a guide mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit?

Yes. The Nepal government classifies Manaslu as a restricted area. You must be accompanied by a licensed guide and be in a group of at least two trekkers to obtain the necessary permits.

What is the accommodation like?

Accommodation consists of "Teahouses" rustic mountain lodges. While basic, they provide a warm bed and a communal dining area with a wood-burning stove, perfect for sharing stories after a long day of hiking.

Are there any side trips I can add?

Many trekkers choose to add the Tsum Valley to their itinerary. Known as the "Hidden Valley of Happiness," it adds 5-7 days to the trip and offers a rare look at ancient monasteries and untouched Tibetan culture.

How do I prepare for Altitude Sickness?

Our itineraries include essential acclimatization days in villages like Samagaon. We recommend staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and listening to your guide’s advice on pace and health monitoring.

How difficult is the Larkya La Pass?

Larkya La is the highest and most challenging point of the trek ($5,160m$). While no technical climbing is required, the ascent is long and can be snowy. Our guides ensure a slow, steady pace to manage acclimatization.

Manaslu Trek Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and remote trekking adventures, circling Mount Manaslu (8,163m) the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Organized by Lynx Adventure Tour, this trek offers a perfect balance of wilderness, Himalayan grandeur, and authentic Tibetan-influenced culture.

Less crowded than the Annapurna or Everest regions, the Manaslu Trek is ideal for trekkers seeking solitude, dramatic landscapes, and a true off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience. Crossing the thrilling Larkya La Pass (5,160m) is the ultimate highlight of this unforgettable journey.

Duration: 13 days (customizable)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (requires fitness + acclimatization)
Maximum Altitude: 5,160m (Larke La Pass)
Best Seasons: Autumn (Sept–Nov) and Spring (Mar–May)
Starting Price: Contact us for a personalized quote tailored to your group size, preferences, and inclusions

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Overview

Itinerary

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Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek circumnavigates Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. As a “restricted area” trek, it requires a special permit and a licensed guide, ensuring the preservation of its pristine nature and rich Tibetan-influenced culture.

Quick Trip Facts

Duration: 13 Days (Tailored to your pace)
Maximum Altitude: 5,160m (Larkya La Pass)
Trek Grade: Challenging (Requires good physical fitness)
Start Point: Machha Khola / Soti Khola
End Point: Dharapani / Besisahar
Best Season: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
Cultural Experience: Deep immersion into the lifestyle of the Nupri and Tsumba people.

Itinerary

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This is the ultimate Himalayan pilgrimage. By combining the Manaslu Circuit with the "Hidden Valley" of Tsum, you enter a world frozen in time. The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage site where the culture is deeply rooted in ancient Buddhism and the landscape is dotted with centuries-old monasteries. This 18-day journey takes you from the deep gorges of the Budhi Gandaki to the high-altitude glaciers of the Larkya La Pass, offering a profound spiritual and physical adventure.

Day 1 :

Kathmandu to Machha Khola (Drive)

Altitude: 1,350m to 930m
Description & Attractions: Your adventure begins with an early morning drive leaving the Kathmandu Valley. The road follows the scenic Trishuli River before heading toward the Budhi Gandaki River valley. You will pass through rural marketplaces and terraced fields, eventually reaching Machha Khola. This riverside village is the official starting point of your trek.

Day 2 :

Machha Khola to Jagat

Altitude: 930m to 1,410m
Description & Attractions: The trail follows the banks of the Budhi Gandaki, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through small settlements like Khorlabesi and Tatopani (where natural hot springs emerge from the rocks). You will enter a narrow gorge and climb stone stairs to reach Jagat, a beautiful village with slate-paved streets where your trekking permits will be officially registered.

Day 3 :

Jagat to Deng

Altitude: 1,410m to 1,800m
Description & Attractions: As you leave Jagat, the landscape begins to shift toward more rugged terrain. You will cross the river multiple times on swaying suspension bridges. After passing through the bamboo forests of Pawa and the village of Philim, the valley widens. You will enter the "Sringi Himal" range territory before arriving at the small settlement of Deng.

Day 4 :

Deng to Namrung

Altitude: 1,800m to 2,660m
Description & Attractions: Today’s trek marks your entry into the culturally rich upper Manaslu region. You will encounter beautifully carved mani walls (prayer stones) and small chortens along the way. The trail climbs through dense forests of rhododendron and fir. Upon reaching Namrung, you are rewarded with your first spectacular views of Siringi Himal and Ganesh Himal.

Day 5 :

Namrung to Shyala

Altitude: 2,660m to 3,500m
Description & Attractions: This is one of the most scenic days of the trek. As you walk through Lho Village, the massive peak of Mt. Manaslu dominates the horizon. You will pass Ribung Gompa, an ancient monastery. You eventually reach Shyala, a village surrounded by a 360-degree amphitheater of peaks, including Peak 29, Himchuli, and Manaslu itself.

Day 6 :

Shyala to Samagaon (via Pungen Gompa)

Altitude: 3,500m to 3,530m
Description & Attractions: Instead of taking the direct route, you will take a scenic detour to Pungen Gompa. This hidden monastery sits in a vast alpine meadow directly beneath the east face of Manaslu. The views here are arguably the most intimate and powerful of the entire trek. Afterward, you descend into Samagaon, the largest and most traditional village in the region.

Day 7 :

Acclimatization Day (Manaslu Base Camp Hike)

Altitude: 3,530m to 4,400m (Base Camp)
Description & Attractions: A day to let your body adjust to the high altitude. The highlight is a hike up to Manaslu Base Camp, where you can see the colorful tents of expedition teams and the massive Birendra Glacier. If you prefer a lighter day, you can explore the ancient monasteries and witness the unique Tibetan lifestyle of the Samagaon locals.

Day 08 :

Samagaon to Samdo

Altitude: 3,530m to 3,860m
Description & Attractions: A shorter trek today as you head toward the Tibetan border. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, which has now shrunk to a small stream. You will walk through juniper and birch forests before reaching Samdo, a traditional yak-herding community. This is a great place to spot Himalayan Blue Sheep on the surrounding cliffs.

Day 09 :

Rest Day or Hike to Tibetan Border (Rui La)

Altitude: 3,860m to 4,998m (Border)
Description & Attractions: To ensure success at the pass, another rest day is essential. For the adventurous, a day hike toward the Tibetan Border (Rui La) offers a glimpse into Tibet and an incredible vantage point of the Himalayas. Alternatively, a shorter hike to the hills behind Samdo provides excellent views of Mt. Cho Oyu and the surrounding peaks.

Day 10 :

Samdo to Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi)

Altitude: 3,860m to 4,460m
Description & Attractions: The climb toward the pass begins. You will cross a wooden bridge and pass the ruins of the Larkya Bazaar. The vegetation disappears, replaced by a stark, glacial landscape. You will spend the night at Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi) in a basic lodge or tent, resting early for the big summit day tomorrow.

Day 11 :

Dharmasala to Bhimthang (via Larkya La Pass)

Altitude: 4,460m to 5,160m (Pass) down to 3,720m
Description & Attractions: The "Big Day." You start before sunrise to avoid the afternoon winds. After a steady climb, you reach the prayer-flag-strewn Larkya La Pass. The view is legendary: Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the massive Annapurna II. After the celebration, a long, steep descent on glacial moraines brings you to the beautiful meadow of Bhimthang.

Day 12 :

Bhimthang to Tiliche

Altitude: 3,720m to 2,300m
Description & Attractions: The descent continues through some of the most beautiful forests in Nepal. You will walk through rhododendron and pine woods, following the Dudh Khola (Milk River). The trail drops significantly in altitude, making the air feel thick and warm again. You will reach Tiliche, a neat and prosperous Gurung village.

Day 13 :

Tiliche to Besisahar & Drive to Kathmandu/Pokhara

Altitude: 2,300m to 760m (Besisahar)
Description & Attractions: Your final walk takes you to Dharapani, where you join the main Annapurna Circuit road. You will take a local jeep for a bumpy but exciting drive to Besisahar. From there, you will transfer to a private vehicle or bus for the drive back to the city lights of Kathmandu or the lakeside peace of Pokhara, marking the end of your epic circuit.

Trip Details

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Overview

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Overview

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Trip Details

Overview

Quick Trip Facts

Itinerary

Cost

Includes

Excludes

FAQs

Tour Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

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