Manaslu Circuit Trek: Complete Guide for 2026
The Manaslu Circuit Trek remains one of Nepal's most rewarding Himalayan adventures. Circling Mt. Manaslu — the world's 8th highest peak at 8,163m — this 177km route through Gorkha District offers dramatic landscapes, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and far fewer crowds than the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit trails. This guide covers everything you need for a 2026 trip.
What's New for 2026
Teahouse infrastructure in upper sections has continued to improve. Several lodges in Samagaon and Samdo now offer attached bathrooms and solar-heated showers. Permit regulations remain unchanged, but enforcement has tightened — always carry your permits and register at every checkpoint. Digital permit systems are increasingly used at entry points, so having clear photos of your documents on your phone is helpful alongside originals.
Required Permits
You cannot trek the Manaslu Circuit without the following permits:
| Permit | Cost | Where to Obtain | |--------|------|-----------------| | MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit) | NPR 3,000 (~$22) | Kathmandu or Soti Khola | | RAP (Restricted Area Permit) | $100/person (Sep–Nov), $75 (other months) | Kathmandu only | | ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) | NPR 3,000 (~$22) | Dharapani checkpoint | | TIMS Card | NPR 2,000 | Kathmandu |
The RAP must be obtained before you leave Kathmandu. A licensed guide is legally mandatory — solo trekking is not permitted on the Manaslu Circuit.
Best Time to Trek in 2026
- Spring (March–May): Rhododendron forests bloom, stable weather, good visibility. March and April are ideal.
- Autumn (September–November): Clear skies post-monsoon, strong mountain views. October is peak season.
- Avoid: December–February (extreme cold at high elevation), June–August (monsoon, landslide risk).
Standard 2026 Itinerary (14–17 Days)
Days 1–2: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (890m)
Arrange permits and take a bus or jeep to Arughat, then continue to Soti Khola. The drive takes 8–10 hours from Kathmandu.
Days 3–5: Soti Khola to Deng (1,804m)
Trek through sub-tropical forest and river gorges. Pass through Machha Khola and Jagat (1,340m) where your permits are checked.
Days 6–8: Deng to Namrung (2,630m) to Lho (3,180m)
The trail climbs steeply into high mountain terrain. Lho offers your first sweeping views of Mt. Manaslu's north face.
Days 9–11: Samagaon (3,530m) — Acclimatization
Spend at least two nights in Samagaon. Use the acclimatization day to hike to Birendra Tal (glacial lake) or toward Manaslu Base Camp. This is essential for crossing Larke Pass safely.
Days 12–13: Samdo (3,860m) to Dharamsala (4,460m)
A short but high-altitude day to Dharamsala, the base camp before the pass. Arrive early to rest.
Day 14: Larke Pass (5,160m) to Bimtang (3,590m)
The hardest day of the trek. Start before dawn (4–5 AM). The pass crossing takes 4–6 hours depending on conditions. Descend to Bimtang for a well-earned rest.
Days 15–17: Bimtang to Dharapani (1,860m) and out
Descend through Tilche and finish at Dharapani, where you obtain your ACAP permit and arrange transport back to Kathmandu via Besisahar.
Costs for 2026
| Budget Level | Estimated Total (14–17 days) | |---|---| | Budget | $800–$1,200 | | Mid-range | $1,500–$2,000 | | Luxury/Fully Guided | $3,000+ |
Guide fees run $25–$35 per day; porters cost $20–$25 per day. Both are highly recommended.
Key Tips for 2026
- Book guides early for October — demand is high and licensed guides book out fast.
- Carry cash (NPR) — ATMs do not exist beyond Arughat.
- Altitude acclimatization is non-negotiable. Samagaon rest days have prevented many evacuations.
- Travel insurance must cover helicopter evacuation to at least 5,500m.
- Pack layers — temperatures at Larke Pass can drop to -15°C overnight.
The Manaslu Circuit rewards careful preparation with an experience that is increasingly rare in Nepal: genuine wilderness, authentic culture, and a true sense of accomplishment at the top of the pass.