Manaslu Circuit Trek — Everything You Need to Know
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most complete trekking experiences. In a single journey you cross one of the Himalayas' most dramatic high passes, walk through two distinct cultural worlds, and circumnavigate the world's 8th highest peak. This guide covers every practical detail you need to plan and complete the trek confidently.
The Trek in Numbers
- Distance: ~177km
- Duration: 14–21 days (standard); 10–12 days for experienced trekkers
- Highest Point: Larke Pass, 5,160m
- Trek Start: Soti Khola (890m), Gorkha District
- Trek End: Dharapani (1,860m), Manang District
- Peak Circled: Mt. Manaslu (8,163m, 8th highest in the world)
- Province: Gandaki Province, Nepal
Permits — A Detailed Breakdown
You need four separate permits. Do not try to sort these out on the trail — the RAP in particular must be obtained in Kathmandu before departure.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
This is the most important and most expensive permit. It designates the Manaslu region as a restricted zone requiring special authorization.
- Cost: $100/person (September–November), $75/person (all other months)
- Obtain: Kathmandu (Nepal Tourism Board offices or through a registered trekking agency)
- Note: Minimum group of two trekkers required; a licensed guide must accompany you
MCAP — Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- Cost: NPR 3,000 (~$22)
- Obtain: Kathmandu or sometimes at the entry checkpoint
ACAP — Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- Cost: NPR 3,000 (~$22)
- Obtain: At Dharapani on the final section of the trek
TIMS Card
- Cost: NPR 2,000
- Obtain: Kathmandu (Nepal Tourism Board or trekking agencies)
Altitude Sickness: Your Biggest Risk
Altitude sickness is the most serious health risk on the Manaslu Circuit. The trek climbs from 890m to 5,160m, and the upper sections spend multiple nights above 3,500m.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Headache, nausea, dizziness at altitude — early AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
- Confusion, loss of coordination, severe breathlessness — HACE/HAPE (medical emergencies)
Rules to Follow
- Never ascend more than 500m per day above 3,000m
- Spend two nights in Samagaon (3,530m) — this is the standard acclimatization stop
- Use the acclimatization day to hike higher and sleep lower
- If symptoms worsen, descend immediately — do not wait to see if you feel better in the morning
- Carry a pulse oximeter to monitor blood oxygen levels
Packing Essentials
Clothing
- Down jacket (rated to at least -10°C)
- Waterproof outer shell jacket and pants
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Fleece mid-layer
- Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
- Warm hat, balaclava, sun hat
- Gloves and waterproof over-mitts for the pass
Gear
- Trekking poles (essential for the pass descent)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag (-15°C comfort rating recommended)
- Daypack (25–35L)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Sunglasses (UV400, category 3 or 4)
- High-SPF sunscreen (50+)
Health and Safety
- Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation to 5,500m+
- Basic first aid kit
- Diamox (acetazolamide) — discuss with your doctor before the trek
- Pulse oximeter
- Blister treatment supplies
Money and Connectivity
- ATMs: Last reliable ATM is in Arughat or Gorkha Bazar. Carry enough NPR for the full trek.
- Typical daily spend: NPR 2,000–4,000 ($15–30) at teahouses for food and accommodation
- Mobile signal: Sporadic. NTC SIM has better coverage than Ncell in this region. Expect no signal for 3–4 day stretches.
- Wi-Fi: Available in larger villages (Jagat, Samagaon, Samdo) for a fee of NPR 200–500.
Cultural Etiquette
- Always walk clockwise around mani walls, chortens, and monasteries
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially monks and elderly residents
- Dress modestly when entering gompas — remove shoes and cover shoulders
- Accept tea or food offered by hosts with both hands
- Avoid pointing feet toward religious objects or people
Guide and Porter Logistics
A licensed guide is legally required on the Manaslu Circuit. This is not optional.
- Guide cost: $25–$35/day
- Porter cost: $20–$25/day (each porter typically carries up to 25kg)
- Hire through a registered Kathmandu trekking agency for reliability and accountability
- Tip your guide and porter at the end — 10–15% of their total fee is standard
Getting Back to Kathmandu
From Dharapani, take a local bus or jeep to Besisahar, then onward to Kathmandu. The journey takes 6–8 hours. Many trekkers arrange a private jeep pickup in advance.
With solid preparation and respect for altitude, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a profoundly rewarding journey through one of the least-visited great trekking regions in the Himalayas.