Manaslu Circuit Trek - 14 Days

A long-distance trek around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m, the eighth-highest mountain in the world) in the Gorkha district of Nepal. It crosses Larke La Pass (5,160 m) and offers views of high peaks, remote Tibetan-influenced villages, and forests.

Northwest of Kathmandu, beside the Annapurna range (west) and Ganesh Himal (east). At Dharapani, the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit, so trekkers can continue over Thorong La (5,416 m) if they wish.

 Yes. The Manaslu region is a restricted area, so every foreign trekker needs a licensed guide from a registered agency and special permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and the Chumnubri Rural Municipality fee. Nepali citizens do not need the RAP. We arrange everything for you.

• RAP: USD 100 for the first 7 days plus USD 15 per extra day (September–November); USD 75 for the first 7 days plus USD 10 per extra day (December–August)
• MCAP: NPR 3,000 (NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals)
• ACAP: NPR 3,000 (NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals)
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality: NPR 1,000 per foreign trekker

Together, roughly USD 200–260 per person in autumn on a standard 14-day trek. Fees are revised periodically, so we confirm the current amounts when you book.

 SAARC nationals, including Indians, pay lower rates for the MCAP and ACAP (NPR 1,000 each), and the RAP is also charged at a lower SAARC rate. 

The Restricted Area Permit is issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu, and only through a registered trekking agency. You cannot obtain it yourself or through a freelance guide. Let a government-registered agency handle it. We need your passport copy, a passport-size photo, and your itinerary.

No. The RAP already records your details, so a TIMS card is not needed for the restricted section. It only becomes relevant on the open Annapurna trails beyond Dharapani.

It begins at Jagat and ends at Dharapani. Permits are checked at Jagat and Dharapani, and at other checkpoints along the route.

 Yes, with a licensed guide. On 22 March 2026, Nepal's Department of Immigration removed the rule that two trekkers had to apply together, so a single traveller can now get the RAP. "Solo" means you and your own licensed guide, not walking alone: you must still book through a registered agency, and the guide requirement is unchanged. The old workaround of buying a "ghost trekker" permit is no longer needed. You can choose a private trek (US$1,390 for one traveller) or join a group departure.

Yes. The guide requirement applies to everyone in the restricted area, regardless of experience.

Moderate to difficult. Expect 6–8 hours of walking a day, steep climbs, rocky and sometimes snowy trails, and high altitude. Larke La is the hardest day (8–10 hours, up to 11–12 in snow). Good fitness, previous trekking experience, and proper acclimatisation help. It is not ideal for people with knee problems.

About 177 km (110 miles). The standard trek takes 12–16 days, depending on pace and acclimatisation; our itinerary is 14 days, including arrival and departure.

 Larke La Pass at 5,160 m (16,929 ft). Other sources list it between 5,106 m and 5,213 m, depending on the measuring point. The highest place you sleep is Dharamsala (4,460 m).

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is generally stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. Avoid winter (December to February) because of heavy snow, and the monsoon (June to August) because of landslide risk and damaged trails.

• September: clear skies, the start of festivals, blooming flowers
• October: the peak month, with most trekkers; the monsoon has just ended
• November: also busy; you can cross Larke La until the end of the month. From December, people from Samdo and Samagaon use another trail from Arughat so they do not have to cross the pass

 You drive from Kathmandu via Arughat Bazaar to Machha Khola (some itineraries start earlier along the same road at Arughat or Soti Khola). The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki through alpine country to Samdo via Samagaon, then crosses Larke La to Bimthang, joins the Annapurna route at Dharapani, and continues by road via Besisahar to Kathmandu.

By jeep or bus from Kathmandu. The drive takes about 7–8 hours, depending on road conditions.

 14 days is our standard itinerary; a Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is about 20–22 days. We tailor the itinerary to your preferences: extra rest days, a Lho night, side trips or an extension. Contact us and we will plan it with you.

 Yes. About 12,000 trekkers walked the circuit in the 2024 season, compared with roughly 50,000 on the Everest Base Camp trek. 

 See the comparison above. The circuit crosses Larke La and loops the whole massif; the "Manaslu Trek" often means a shorter route to base camp.

Our 14-day package starts at US$1,290 per person (US$1,390 for one traveller, down to US$1,097 for groups of 16–25). Guided treks in general run from about US$1,290 to US$3,500 for a 14–16 day trip, depending on group size, transport (bus or private jeep), guide and porter arrangements, and comfort level.

 Our 22-day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek starts at US$1,890 per person. Tsum Valley requires an additional restricted-area permit.

 On the circuit, a single trekker can now obtain the permit, but a licensed guide from a registered agency is compulsory.

 Yes. We offer the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek and other Manaslu itineraries, led by an experienced guide, with typically one porter for every two trekkers (extra porters on request). Ask us about full-board service and custom itineraries. Questions? Contact us and we will answer them.

 Tea houses and lodges: twin rooms with basic beds, shared bathrooms, a heated dining room and no heating in bedrooms. New lodges have opened as the trek has become popular. Dharamsala and sometimes Bimthang are more basic. Camping can be arranged on request.

Simple, hearty food: dal bhat, momos, noodles, soup, potatoes, eggs, chapati and porridge. Choices shrink and prices rise with altitude because mules and yaks carry the supplies. Vegetarian meals are widely available.

 Wi-Fi is available in many tea houses for a fee (Namrung, Lho, Samagaon and Samdo are the best), but is slow and unreliable at altitude. Nepal Telecom has the best coverage in the mountains, then Ncell. Emergency communication is via your guide's phone or satellite/V-SAT.

Yes, it is required. Your policy must cover medical evacuation from high altitude (at least 5,200 m), including helicopter rescue. Read the terms carefully, including the maximum altitude covered. Providers that trekkers have used, by region (check current cover and details yourself; this is not an endorsement): Canada: TuGo, Alberta Blue Cross;

USA: Europ Assistance USA, AXA Assistance USA; Australia and New Zealand: International SOS memberships, SCTI (New Zealand); UK: International SOS memberships

Europ Assistance; Europe: Europäische Reiseversicherung; Germany and Switzerland: Eurocross; Netherlands: International SOS memberships;

Asia and South Africa: International SOS memberships, MS Insurance.

 Only children who love the outdoors and have trekking experience. Larke La is very hard, and a child could develop altitude sickness, so they must be able to tell you clearly how they feel. See your family doctor first and make sure they have no heart or lung problems.

 Yes, especially around Larke La. Acclimatise properly, walk slowly, stay hydrated and tell your guide about any symptoms. The rest day at Samagaon helps, and you should descend if symptoms worsen.

Altitude sickness; sudden weather changes, snow or heavy rain; and muddy, slippery or landslide-affected trails in the monsoon.

• Fitness: cardio, strength and long hikes with a loaded pack for at least two months
• Altitude: hikes at elevation if you can
• Gear: warm clothes, a good sleeping bag, waterproof boots, a first-aid kit and a headlamp
• Mental preparation: long days, tough climbs and basic amenities

See the packing guide above. In short: layers, a down jacket, waterproof shell, warm gloves and hat, broken-in boots, microspikes, a sleeping bag (or hire one), headlamp, first-aid kit, water purification, and a power bank.

The section between Jagat and Dharapani is a restricted area. You must trek with a licensed guide and your permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency. A freelance guide cannot obtain the permit for you, and you cannot buy it yourself.

You no longer need a second trekker. Since 22 March 2026 the Department of Immigration issues the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit to a single person. A solo trekker still walks with a licensed guide from a registered agency.

You need three government permits, plus a small local fee.

A. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Covers the restricted section of the trail, from Jagat until you leave the restricted area near Dharapani. Issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. The fee depends on the season and the number of days you spend inside the restricted zone:

• September to November: USD 100 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 15 per extra day
• December to August: USD 75 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 10 per extra day

Example: on our 14-day itinerary you are inside the restricted area for about 10 days (Jagat on Day 3 to Dharapani on Day 12), which works out at roughly USD 145 in autumn and USD 105 outside autumn.

SAARC nationals (including Indian trekkers) pay a lower RAP rate. [CONFIRM current SAARC rate on the immigration fee page before quoting one.]

B. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

Required for the whole route and checked at points including Jagat and Philim. NPR 3,000 for most foreign nationals (roughly USD 22–30 depending on the exchange rate); NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. The same price applies all year. You need a passport copy and a photo.

C. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Needed for the last section from Dharapani to Besisahar. Same price as the MCAP: NPR 3,000 (about USD 22–30); NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. Same documents.

What is the Chumnubri Rural Municipality fee, and why is it charged?

Beyond the three national permits there is a smaller fourth fee that many older guides don't mention. The Manaslu route runs almost entirely through Chumnubri Rural Municipality in Gorkha district. It covers the former Samagaun, Lho, Prok, Bihi, Chekampar, Chumche and Siridibas areas, and stretches from 1,239 m up to the 8,163 m summit of Manaslu itself. Since 2024 the municipality has charged its own entry fee of NPR 1,000 per foreign trekker (NPR 200 for domestic trekkers), payable in cash at a checkpoint in Jagat, Ward 3.

Unlike the RAP, MCAP and ACAP, this money does not go to a national body. It pays for trail maintenance, small development projects and community services in a municipality with no road beyond Machha Khola. The Manaslu Circuit passes through a working local government area whose communities depend on trekking income. [CONFIRM: is this fee included in our package price or paid by the trekker at Jagat?]

Approximate total for permits

For a standard 14-day circuit in autumn, the RAP, MCAP, ACAP and Chumnubri fee together come to roughly USD 200–260 per person, and a little less outside autumn. We confirm the exact amount when you book. [CONFIRM estimate.]

Do you need a TIMS card for the Manaslu Circuit?

Not for the restricted-area section. The Restricted Area Permit already records your name, passport number and route with the Department of Immigration. A TIMS card only becomes relevant on the open Annapurna trails beyond Dharapani. [CONFIRM: your old inclusions list TIMS; make this consistent, and if you buy TIMS as a precaution, say so.]

Extending to Tsum Valley?

Tsum Valley needs an additional restricted-area permit. See our Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.

Permit fees are revised from time to time, so always confirm the current rates with your agency before departure. For more detail see our Manaslu permit guide.

Best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit can be trekked before the monsoon (spring) or after it (autumn).

Spring (March to May) brings rhododendron and wildflower colour to the lower forests, mild temperatures and long days. Expect the occasional shower and afternoon haze, and some of the best mountain views of the year.

Autumn (mid-September to November) follows the monsoon, when rain has washed the dust from the air. Skies are clear, temperatures are moderate and the weather is stable, which is why October and November are the busiest months. Autumn also coincides with Dashain and Tihar, Nepal's biggest festivals, so you can add a cultural dimension to the trek.

Read our Manaslu weather and season guide for more.

Month-by-month conditions

What makes this itinerary different?

A well-planned itinerary matters on any high-altitude trek. Ours is built for a steady pace, proper acclimatisation and time to enjoy the region.

• Gradual ascent. The route gains height slowly before Larke La, with a rest day at Samagaon for Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp (optional) and Pungyen Gompa.
• Balanced days. Walking distances are set to keep you strong, not exhausted. Each overnight stop is chosen for logistics, scenery and cultural interest, so you have time with local communities.
• Honest about the big days. Day 6 (Namrung to Samagaon) is the largest climb of the trek, about 900 m via Lho, and is followed by the full rest day. If you prefer a gentler profile, we can split it with a night at Lho. Ask us for the 15-day version.
• Flexible. Trekkers who want more culture can extend to the sacred Tsum Valley; those on the standard circuit cross Larke La and descend into the Annapurna region.

Why trekkers love the Manaslu Circuit

A rewarding challenge

Crossing Larke La Pass (5,160 m) is the highlight, with views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal and Annapurna II. High-altitude adventure and changing landscapes keep every day different.

Rich culture and local traditions

The trail passes Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages with ancient monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls and warm hospitality. Tea-house stays give a real insight into Himalayan life.

Peaceful trails and an authentic experience

As a restricted-area trek, Manaslu draws far fewer people than Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, which means a quieter, more immersive trip that also helps protect the region.

Are the Manaslu Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek the same?

Not quite. "Manaslu Trek" is often used for the shorter trek towards Manaslu Base Camp (see our Manaslu Short Trek). The Manaslu Circuit Trek goes further: it loops around the whole massif and crosses Larke La. The base-camp trek is essentially a part of the circuit.

• Route length: the circuit is a full loop around the mountain; the standard trek usually goes to base camp and returns.
• Challenge: the circuit crosses the high Larke La and demands more acclimatisation.
• Scenery: both show Manaslu, but the circuit adds glaciers, rivers and a wider range of villages and landscapes.

Major attractions along the route

Each section of the trail brings new landscapes, villages, monasteries and cultural experiences. See our Manaslu trek map guide.

Machha Khola. The trek starts at this small riverside settlement, where the Budhi Gandaki River roars through green hills. It is the gateway to the Manaslu region.

Jagat. The official entry point to the restricted area, where permits are checked. The stone village gives a first look at the region's culture and architecture.

Namrung. First good views of Manaslu, and stronger Tibetan influence in the monasteries, chortens and prayer flags.

Lho. One of the prettiest villages on the route, home to the historic Ribung Monastery, with sunrise and sunset views of Manaslu.

Samagaon. The main acclimatisation stop beneath Manaslu: explore the Tibetan village and its monasteries, hike to Birendra Lake or make an optional trip towards Manaslu Base Camp.

Samdo. The last permanent settlement before Larke La, close to the Tibetan border, with mountain views and a look at the old trading culture.

Larke La Pass (5,160 m). The high point of the trek, with views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II and surrounding glaciers.

Bimthang. Alpine meadows, glacial streams and views of Manaslu and Lamjung Himal. One of the most picturesque overnight stops on the circuit.

Manaslu Conservation Area. One of Nepal's richest areas for biodiversity. Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, musk deer and the snow leopard live here, in forests of rhododendron and pine.

Why is the Manaslu region a restricted trekking area?

The Manaslu Circuit crosses two protected areas, the Manaslu Conservation Area and the Annapurna Conservation Area, and the route between Jagat and Dharapani is a restricted area that requires government permission. Other restricted-area treks in Nepal include Kanchenjunga, Upper Mustang, Lower Dolpo, Upper Dolpo and Nar Phu Valley.

The restriction aims to preserve natural beauty, protect wildlife (snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan blue sheep and musk deer among them) and conserve the culture of the remote villages. It also limits the impact of tourism.

The area was closed to foreign visitors until 1991. Today, with a special permit, international trekkers can walk one of Nepal's most secluded trails: terraced farmland, charming villages, scenic valleys and the dramatic Budhi Gandaki gorge with its suspension bridges.

Packing for Manaslu is different from a normal holiday. You walk from warm subtropical valleys to freezing alpine terrain, cross a 5,160 m pass and sleep in remote tea houses with limited supplies. Weather changes quickly, and replacing forgotten gear on the trail is hard or expensive. Since this is a tea-house trek you do not need technical mountaineering gear, but a good system of layers matters.

Two-bag system. Pack two bags: a duffel for heavier, rarely used items that a porter carries, and a daypack with your personal items (money, camera, water, layers, toiletries). The porter walks straight to the overnight stop, so keep what you need during the day with you.

Clothing

• Base layers: light thermal tops (2), 2 pairs of lightweight long underwear
• Insulating layers: fleece jacket or pullover, down jacket (essential above 4,000 m)
• Outer layers: waterproof shell jacket; soft-shell pants (1 pair)
• Trekking pants (2 pairs), trekking shirts, 2 pairs of nylon hiking shorts, cotton pants for the tea house (1 pair)
• Underwear (4), 2 women's synthetic sports bras
• Hands: liner gloves (1), warm woollen gloves (1), shell gloves (1)
• Head and neck: sun hat, warm hat, lightweight balaclava, neck warmer or buff
• Socks: liner socks (4 pairs), heavyweight socks (3 pairs), lightweight socks (1 pair)

Footwear

• Waterproof trekking boots (already broken in), 1 pair
• Light trekking shoes or camp shoes, 1 pair
• Microspikes or ice cleats for the icy descent from Larke La, and lightweight gaiters if snow is likely

Break in your boots before you travel. New boots often cause blisters in the first days.

Gear and equipment

• Backpack or duffel for the porter, and daypack (30–40 L)
• Four-season sleeping bag (rated to at least −10 °C; ask us about rental) and liner
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Water bottles or hydration system (2 litres), plus purification tablets or iodine tablets

Accessories

• UV-protection sunglasses or glacier glasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Personal first-aid kit
• Multi-tool or pocket knife (checked baggage only)
• Dry bags or zip bags

Personal items and documents

• Passport, extra passport photos (4 copies), airline ticket and insurance documents
• Toiletries, toilet paper, hand wipes, hand sanitiser, quick-dry towel
• Snacks and energy bars
• Camera or smartphone, power bank (20,000 mAh recommended), travel adapters

Medicines (talk to your doctor before you travel)

• Headache and pain relief (for example ibuprofen)
• Anti-diarrhoea medicine
• Blister kit
• Altitude medication such as Diamox 125 mg, only on your doctor's advice

Rent or buy in Kathmandu. Thamel has many shops for reasonably priced gear, so allow a little time. [ADD: your rental items and prices.]

Accommodation and food on this route are simpler than in the Annapurna or Everest regions, but new teahouses and lodges have opened on the standard trail, so tea-house trekking is comfortable enough. If you prefer, we can arrange camping.

Tea houses and lodges

Tea houses sit at intervals along the trail. Rooms have beds, mattresses, pillows and blankets, typically twin-share. Bathrooms are shared and hot showers are not available everywhere. Bedrooms are unheated, but dining rooms are heated in the evening; above about 3,500 m a kerosene or metal heater may be used for a small fee (USD 1–3 per person, paid to the lodge). At Dharamsala and sometimes Bimthang, accommodation is more basic, often dormitory-style.

Private rooms cannot be guaranteed in peak season. In quieter periods they are often available at no extra cost.

Food options and availability

Local Nepali and Tibetan dishes are served: dal bhat, momo, soups, fried rice, chapati, thukpa, achaar, plus noodles, eggs, potatoes, pasta and porridge. Snacks such as chocolate, biscuits and noodles are on sale. Dal bhat is cheapest at lower altitudes; potatoes and tsampa are cheapest higher up, where rice is not grown. Prices rise with altitude because supplies arrive by mule and yak. Menus include a lot of garlic, which locals use to help with altitude. Vegetarian meals are available almost everywhere and are recommended over meat, which has often travelled for days.

Hygiene and water safety

Boiled water is available in some places, and you should carry purification tablets or a filter or purifier. Food and drinks in tea houses are generally safe if freshly cooked.

Electricity and charging

Most tea houses have electricity, mostly from solar panels or small hydropower plants, so supply can be limited in bad weather. Charging devices costs extra (roughly USD 1–3 per charge, more at altitude). Bring a power bank.

Wi-Fi and mobile coverage

Wi-Fi is available in many tea houses (for a fee), especially in larger villages such as Namrung, Lho, Samagaon and Samdo, but it slows down and becomes less reliable with altitude and in bad weather. Nepal Telecom (NTC) has the best mobile coverage in the mountains, followed by Ncell, but signal weakens near Larke La and is patchy beyond the road-head. Do not rely on your phone. Your guide has emergency communication, and satellite (V-SAT) phones are used in emergencies. Tell your family that contact may be limited.

Cash and ATMs

There are no reliable ATMs after Kathmandu (Arughat and Machha Khola may have limited options). Carry enough Nepalese rupees for food, charging, showers, snacks, Wi-Fi and tips. Almost all tea houses take cash only, and cards and foreign currency are not accepted on the trail. Budget roughly USD 15–20 a day for extras. [CONFIRM this matches your guidance.]

Toilets and showers

Some lower villages have Western-style toilets; squat toilets become more common with altitude. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitiser. Hot showers cost extra and become rarer higher up. Above Samdo many trekkers skip them because of the cold.

Manaslu trek costs include transport, accommodation, food and drink, permits and guide fees. Our package covers the main costs; the figures below show what each element costs so you can budget for extras.

Transportation

• Private jeep: comfortable, flexible and door-to-trailhead for a group and its luggage. It costs more than the bus, roughly USD 125–225 per transfer (Kathmandu to the trek start, and Dharapani back to Kathmandu).
• Local bus: the budget option, about USD 9–10 each way. It is cheaper but slower, more crowded and less comfortable.

Food and drinks

Tea-house meals cost around USD 4–5 each and rise with altitude. Drinks such as bottled water, tea and coffee run about USD 2–3. Our package covers meals during the trek [CONFIRM]; drinks and snacks are extra.

Permits

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: USD 100 for the first 7 days plus USD 15 per extra day (September–November); USD 75 for the first 7 days plus USD 10 per extra day (December–August)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): NPR 3,000 per person (NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals)
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality: NPR 1,000 per person
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 per person (NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals)

Guide and porter services

A licensed guide is compulsory; a porter is optional but recommended for carrying luggage. Market rates are about USD 35–90 per day for a guide and USD 25–35 per day for a porter, covering wages, meals and lodging. Both are included in our package.

The Manaslu Circuit (the "Larke La Pass trek") is one of Nepal's more demanding tea-house treks because of rugged terrain, steep climbs, remote days and distance. The average walking day is 6–8 hours, and crossing Larke La can take 8–10 hours, or 11–12 hours in snow. Some parts of the trail are rocky and exposed, and some sections may stay snow-covered. It is not ideal for people with knee problems.

Until about 2010 there was no proper trail and camping was the only option; today tea-house trekking is possible, but the trek is still remote. If you have good stamina and are keen on the culture of the high valleys, it is achievable. Difficulty depends on walking hours, maximum altitude, terrain and remoteness. The rest day at Samagaon helps considerably.

Physical demands

Expect long walks on rocky trails and over a high pass. You need good endurance and steady energy through several consecutive days.

Altitude sickness and acclimatisation

Above about 3,000 m, altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness, AMS) becomes a real risk. As a general guideline, above 3,000 m aim for about 500 m of gain in sleeping altitude per day and take rest days. Our itinerary includes a rest day at Samagaon; Day 6 is the biggest gain of the trek, and we can split it with a night at Lho. Drink plenty of water, walk slowly and tell your guide about any symptom. If AMS symptoms appear, descend.

Recommended fitness preparation

Train for several weeks (ideally two months) before you go, for example an hour of incline walking, running or cycling four to five times a week:

• Cardiovascular training
• Strength training
• Endurance training (long hikes with a loaded pack)
• Flexibility and mobility training

If you have any health condition, or are over 60, get a medical check-up first.

Simple habits go a long way: drink plenty, start early to arrive before dark and follow your guide's advice on weather and trail conditions.

1. Solo trekking and guides

You cannot trek the Manaslu Circuit without a licensed guide. Since March 2026 you no longer need a partner to get the permit, so a solo trekker can join a private departure with their own guide or a group departure. Guides are trained to handle health emergencies and organise rescue. 

2. Handling altitude sickness

Acclimatise, hydrate, sleep low and climb at a sensible pace. If AMS symptoms develop, descend to a lower altitude.

3. Emergency services and evacuation

We carry emergency communication (satellite phone or radio). You must buy insurance that covers helicopter evacuation up to the trek's maximum altitude, because rescue is expensive. [ADD: safety equipment carried and evacuation procedure.]

Local ethnic groups

The trek introduces the traditions, lifestyles and languages of the Manaslu region's communities, which include Gurung, Tamang, Bhotia and Nubri people. Higher up, the Nubri and Tibetan-influenced communities carry the strongest Tibetan culture.

Religion and traditions

At higher elevations you see Buddhist monasteries, mani walls and prayer flags. Lower villages such as Machha Khola have temples dedicated to Hindu deities such as Shiva and Durga.

Responsible tourism and respect for local culture

• Walk to the left of prayer walls and spin prayer wheels clockwise
• Ask permission before photographing people or religious sites
• Dress modestly in villages (cover shoulders and legs)
• Remove shoes when entering a home or monastery
• Avoid drones (they are not permitted without a special permit)
• Carry out your rubbish and avoid single-use plastic

Tipping is customary: 10–15% of the trek cost, shared between guide and porters.

If Manaslu doesn't suit your dates, fitness or interests, these are other classic Nepal treks.

Annapurna Circuit Trek. Subtropical forests, terraced fields and alpine meadows, then the crossing of Thorong La (5,416 m). Along the way you meet Gurung, Thakali and Manangi communities. The Annapurna Circuit has more developed facilities and easier permits, so it suits a wider range of trekkers.

Everest Base Camp Trek. Follow the route of famous climbers to the foot of the world's highest mountain, with views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. The trail runs through Sherpa country, Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, with plenty of tea houses and monasteries more than 200 years old.

Upper Mustang Trek. A trek into the hidden kingdom of Mustang, with a dry, wind-carved landscape of eroded cliffs, caves and monasteries and a culture that is almost Tibetan. It costs more and needs a special permit, but it is far less visited.

Langtang Valley Trek. Shorter and easier, north of Kathmandu, through forest, alpine meadows and mountain views, with Tamang and Tibetan settlements. Ideal if you have less time or prefer a less strenuous trek.

Manaslu options with us: Manaslu Short Trek (10 days), Manaslu Circuit Trek with Jeep Return from Dharapani, Manaslu Circuit Group Join Trek, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.

Insider tips for a great Manaslu Circuit trek

• Start the Larke La crossing before sunrise, before the wind picks up.
• Carry small-denomination Nepalese rupees for tea houses.
• Download offline maps before leaving Kathmandu.
• Bring a power bank of at least 20,000 mAh.
• Order meals early in busy villages during peak season.
• Keep your permits and passport easy to reach for checkpoints.
• Break in your trekking boots well before the trip.
• Don't rely on mobile coverage for emergencies.
• Pack microspikes for the icy descent from the pass.
• Allow spare days before your flight home in case of weather or road delays.