The short version
Complete guide to the Manaslu Circuit — 14 days, Larkya La Pass (5,160m), restricted area permit, and why this remote circuit is Nepal's fastest-growing premium trek for 2026.
- The Manaslu Circuit is a remote, road-free loop around the world's eighth-highest mountain, Manaslu (8,163m) — the wild experience the Annapurna Circuit has largely lost.
- The climax is the Larkya La Pass (5,160m), one of Nepal's most dramatic and demanding pass crossings.
- It's a restricted area: you need a Manaslu RAP, MCAP and ACAP, a registered guide, and a group of at least two — no solo trekking.
- Typically 14 days; harder than ABC, with a serious high pass requiring good acclimatisation.
The circuit Annapurna used to be
Before roads reached the Annapurna Circuit, it was the world's greatest teahouse trek. Many of those who mourn that change now walk the Manaslu Circuit instead — a remote loop around the world's eighth-highest mountain, Manaslu (8,163m), that delivers the wild, road-free experience the Annapurna Circuit has largely lost.
The route
The trek follows the Budhi Gandaki river north from Soti Khola through steep gorges and Gurung villages, gradually entering Tibetan-influenced Nubri culture around Samagaon (3,520m). The climax is the crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,160m), one of the most dramatic and demanding pass crossings in Nepal, before descending into the Annapurna region at Dharapani.
Permits
Manaslu is a restricted area. You need a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the final section. The RAP requires you to trek with a registered guide and in a group of at least two — solo trekking is not permitted.
The Manaslu RAP requires a registered guide and a group of at least two. Solo trekking is not permitted. Your agency arranges the RAP, MCAP and ACAP together.
Difficulty & duration
Typically 14 days. It is harder than the Annapurna Base Camp trek: longer, more remote, with a serious high pass and fewer comforts. Good acclimatisation (including a rest day at Samagaon with a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake) is essential.
Take the rest day at Samagaon (3,520m) with a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake. Good acclimatisation here is essential for safely crossing Larkya La (5,160m).
Best season
October–November is prime, with stable weather and clear views. April–May is the spring alternative. Larkya La can be blocked by snow in winter and is unsafe during monsoon.
Why book it for 2026
Manaslu offers the scale of Everest, the cultural depth of Mustang, and the variety of the old Annapurna Circuit — without the crowds of any of them. It is the connoisseur's Nepal trek. For the full day-by-day plan see our Manaslu Circuit hub; for fees see the permits hub, and compare with the best treks in Nepal.
How hard is the Manaslu Circuit compared to Annapurna Base Camp?
It's harder. The Manaslu Circuit is longer (typically 14 days), more remote, and crosses the serious Larkya La pass at 5,160m with fewer comforts. Good acclimatisation, including the rest day at Samagaon, is essential.
Can I trek Manaslu without a guide?
No. Manaslu is a restricted area. The Manaslu RAP requires a registered guide and a group of at least two — solo trekking is not permitted. You also need the MCAP and ACAP.
Ready for the connoisseur's circuit? Contact us to arrange permits, a guide, and your 2026 departure.
Written by
Travel Himalaya NepalPokhara-based, NMA-certified trekking guides. We’ve led 5,000+ treks across the Annapurna and Everest regions since 1998 — every word here comes from the trail. More from this author →
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