# Manaslu Region Treks ## Manaslu region treks around the world’s eighth-highest mountain The **Manaslu region** in west-central Nepal circles Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It is a restricted area, so trekker numbers are far lower than on Everest or Annapurna routes, and villages keep a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture. The **Manaslu Circuit trek** takes around 14–16 days, following the Budhi Gandaki gorge up to Samagaun and crossing the **Larkya La pass** (5,106 m) before descending into the Annapurna region. The remote **Tsum Valley** can be added for a longer, quieter journey. - **Start point:** a road journey from Kathmandu to the Budhi Gandaki valley - **Permits:** Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, plus Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area permits - **Rules:** at least two trekkers and a licensed guide ## Trips - [Manaslu Circuit Trek](https://www.himalayanhiking.com/manaslu-circuit-trek.md): 15 days, Strenuous, max 5,106 m / 16,752 ft, from US$1,590. The Manaslu Circuit trek is a 15-day guided trek around Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, in a restricted area of west-central Nepal.... - [Tsum Valley Trek](https://www.himalayanhiking.com/tsum-valley-trek.md): 15 days, Moderate to challenging, max 3,700 m / 12,139 ft (Mu Gompa), from US$1,390. The Tsum Valley trek is a 15-day journey into the sacred Beyul Kyimolung, the "hidden valley of happiness" in the northern Manaslu region. The trail follows the... ## Manaslu region trekking guide: the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley The **Manaslu region** is our guides' favourite teahouse trek after the classics. It surrounds Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, whose name comes from the Sanskrit word *manasa*, meaning "intellect" or "soul". The region stretches from the deep, subtropical gorge of the Budhi Gandaki river to high Tibetan-influenced villages close to the border with Tibet, with the Larkya La pass linking it to the Annapurna region. Because Manaslu is a restricted area, visitor numbers are much lower than on the Everest or Annapurna trails. This guide explains everything you need to plan **Manaslu trekking**: the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley routes, a typical itinerary, permits and rules, the best seasons, difficulty, lodges and food, and how to prepare. It is written by the Himalayan Hiking team in Kathmandu. ## Why trek in the Manaslu region? The **Manaslu Circuit trek** is often described as what the Annapurna Circuit was like before roads reached it. The trail follows an ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet, passing traditional villages where life still revolves around farming, herding and trade. The scenery changes dramatically from terraced fields and waterfalls in the lower gorge to pine forest, alpine meadows and finally the glaciers and ice walls of Manaslu itself. The cultural experience is equally strong. The upper valley, known as **Nubri**, has a Tibetan Buddhist culture, with carved mani walls, prayer flags, chortens and monasteries in every village. Further east, the hidden **Tsum Valley** is a sacred Buddhist valley that was closed to outsiders until 2008. Life in these villages has changed very little in centuries. Finally, the Manaslu Circuit is a true adventure. It crosses the **Larkya La pass** at 5,106 m, a long, hard day with Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II ahead of you on the way down. ## The Manaslu Conservation Area Most of the trek lies within the **Manaslu Conservation Area**, established in 1998 to protect the region's forests, wildlife and cultural heritage. It is managed with the participation of local communities, and income from permits supports conservation and community projects. The conservation area is home to a wide range of wildlife, including Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, musk deer, langur monkeys and many bird species. The snow leopard, grey wolf and Himalayan black bear also live in the remote high valleys, though sightings are very rare. The descent from the Larkya La crosses into the **Annapurna Conservation Area**, which is why both permits are needed for the full circuit. ## The main Manaslu treks ### Manaslu Circuit trek The classic **Manaslu Circuit trek** takes around 14–16 days from Kathmandu. It begins in the lower Budhi Gandaki valley at Soti Khola or Machha Khola, follows the gorge north through Jagat, Deng and Namrung, then turns west around the mountain to Lho, Samagaun and Samdo. After acclimatising, you cross the Larkya La to Bimthang and descend through forest to Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit, where a road leads back towards Besisahar and Kathmandu. ### Tsum Valley trek The **Tsum Valley trek** branches off the Manaslu trail near Lokpa and climbs into a remote, sacred valley close to the Tibetan border. Highlights include the villages of Chhokangparo, the Rachen Gompa nunnery and Mu Gompa at about 3,700 m, one of the most remote monasteries in the region. The people of Tsum, known as Tsumbas, have their own dialect and traditions, and the valley has a long history as a place of Buddhist meditation. A Tsum Valley trek on its own takes about 12–14 days. ### Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley For the complete experience, the Tsum Valley can be combined with the Manaslu Circuit in a trek of around 20–23 days. This gives more time to acclimatise before the Larkya La and allows you to explore both the cultural heartland of Tsum and the high mountain scenery of Nubri. ### Side trips from Samagaun Samagaun is the base for several good day hikes on your acclimatisation day. You can climb towards **Manaslu Base Camp** (about 4,800 m) for close views of the mountain's glaciers, walk to the turquoise glacial lake of **Birendra Tal**, or visit **Pungyen Gompa**, a monastery set in a meadow beneath Manaslu's east face. ## Manaslu Circuit trek: a typical itinerary Itineraries vary with road conditions, which change as roads extend further up the valley. This is a typical, well-paced Manaslu Circuit trek; altitudes are approximate. DayRouteOvernight altitude1Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola (about 8–9 hours)930 m2Machha Khola to Jagat, restricted area checkpoint1,340 m3Jagat to Deng through the narrow Budhi Gandaki gorge1,860 m4Deng to Namrung, entering the Nubri region2,630 m5Namrung to Lho, views of Manaslu3,180 m6Lho to Samagaun3,530 m7Acclimatisation day: Birendra Tal, Pungyen Gompa or towards Manaslu Base Camp3,530 m8Samagaun to Samdo, a village near the Tibetan border3,860 m9Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi)4,460 m10Cross the Larkya La (5,106 m), descend to Bimthang3,720 m11Bimthang to Tilije or Dharapani2,300–1,860 m12Drive to Besisahar and on to Kathmandu or Pokhara—With an arrival day and a preparation day in Kathmandu, and an extra acclimatisation day at Samdo if needed, most Manaslu Circuit trips last 14–16 days. Our trip pages list the exact itinerary and departure dates. ## Permits and rules for the Manaslu region Manaslu is a **restricted area**, which means the permit system is stricter than on the main trekking routes. For the Manaslu Circuit you need: - **Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)**, required for the section between Jagat and Dharapani. The fee varies by season and length of stay. - **Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)**. - **Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)**, because the descent from the Larkya La enters the Annapurna Conservation Area. - A separate **Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit** if you visit Tsum. Restricted area permits are issued only through a registered trekking agency, to groups of at least **two trekkers** accompanied by a **licensed guide**. Independent trekking is not allowed. If you are travelling alone, contact us and we will explain your options. Himalayan Hiking arranges all permits before you set off, and we confirm the latest fees and regulations when you book. ## Best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit ### Autumn: late September to November Autumn is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit. The skies are clear after the monsoon, the Larkya La is usually free of heavy snow and the views of Manaslu are at their finest. October and early November are ideal, although nights at Dharamsala and on the pass are well below freezing. ### Spring: March to May Spring is the second-best season, with warmer temperatures, blooming rhododendrons in the lower forests and good conditions on the pass, particularly from April. Early March can still bring snow on the Larkya La. ### Winter: December to February Heavy snow often closes the Larkya La in winter, and many high lodges close. Winter Manaslu treks are not recommended except for lower routes such as the lower Tsum Valley with flexible plans. ### Monsoon: June to early September The monsoon brings heavy rain, landslides and leeches to the lower Budhi Gandaki gorge, and the road to the trailhead is often damaged. Trekking is possible in the upper valley, but the approach is difficult and views are limited. ## How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit? The Manaslu Circuit is graded **strenuous**. It is a long trek with walking days of six to eight hours, many ascents and descents along the gorge, suspension bridges, and some rough, rocky sections of trail. The crossing of the Larkya La is a long day of around eight to ten hours: you start before dawn from Dharamsala, climb gradually over moraine to the pass at 5,106 m, then descend steeply to Bimthang. In some conditions the descent can be icy or snowy, and microspikes are useful. No technical climbing skills are needed, but previous multi-day trekking experience and good fitness are strongly recommended. Training should include long hikes with significant elevation gain, ideally on consecutive days, and cardiovascular exercise several times a week for at least two to three months before your trip. ## Altitude and acclimatisation The Manaslu Circuit gains altitude gradually over the first week, which helps acclimatisation. The key stops are Samagaun and Samdo, where we recommend at least one, and ideally two, nights with day hikes to higher ground. As on any high trek, drink plenty of water, walk at a steady pace and tell your guide immediately about symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness or breathlessness at rest. Our guides carry a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter and will adjust the itinerary, add rest days or arrange descent if needed. Because the region is remote, rescue and medical facilities are limited. Travel insurance covering trekking to at least 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation is essential for a Manaslu trek. ## Teahouses and food on the Manaslu Circuit The Manaslu Circuit is now a full **teahouse trek**, with lodges in every overnight village. Lodges are simpler than on the Everest and Annapurna trails: rooms are basic twin rooms, bathrooms are usually shared, and hot showers are limited, especially higher up. At Dharamsala, before the pass, accommodation is very basic, with dormitory-style rooms or simple huts during busy periods. Standards are improving every year as more trekkers visit. Food is simple but filling. Dal bhat is the staple and the best choice for energy, with noodles, fried rice, potatoes, Tibetan bread, porridge and soups also available. Tibetan butter tea and local potatoes from the high villages are a feature of Nubri. There is no ATM on the circuit, so you must bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu for the whole trek. Mobile signal and Wi-Fi are available in some villages, but coverage is limited and unreliable, especially in the upper valley. ## Getting to the Manaslu trailhead The trek begins with a long drive from Kathmandu through Dhading Besi and Arughat to the lower Budhi Gandaki valley. The final section is a rough mountain road that can be affected by landslides, particularly during and after the monsoon. Depending on conditions, jeeps may reach Soti Khola, Machha Khola or even further up the valley. We use private jeeps for comfort and flexibility and adjust the itinerary to current road conditions. At the end of the trek, a road from Dharapani leads down the Marsyangdi valley to Besisahar, from where you can drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara. Many trekkers finish with a few relaxing days in Pokhara. ## Villages of the Manaslu Circuit Much of the joy of the Manaslu Circuit lies in its villages. In the lower gorge, **Jagat** is a paved stone village and the main checkpoint for restricted area permits. Beyond Deng, the valley narrows and the culture changes: **Namrung** marks the start of the Nubri region, with its first large mani walls and views of Siringi Himal. **Lho** has a large monastery, Ribung Gompa, with a classic view of Manaslu behind it at sunrise. **Samagaun** (Sama Gaon) is the largest village of the upper valley, with stone houses, barley fields and yak herds, and a gompa where monks and nuns study. **Samdo**, the last village before the pass, sits on a high plateau just a day's walk from the Tibetan border, and many of its families trace their roots to Tibet. On the other side of the pass, **Bimthang** is a wide glacial meadow facing Manaslu's west face and the Himlung and Cheo Himal ranges. ## Tsum Valley: a typical itinerary A trek into the Tsum Valley can be done on its own or combined with the Manaslu Circuit. A typical Tsum Valley trek looks like this; altitudes are approximate. DayRouteOvernight altitude1–3Drive to Machha Khola and trek up the Budhi Gandaki via Jagat to Lokpa2,240 m4Lokpa to Chumling, entering the Tsum Valley2,380 m5Chumling to Chhokangparo, views of Ganesh Himal3,030 m6Chhokangparo to Nile (Nyile), past Rachen Gompa nunnery3,360 m7Nile to Mu Gompa, explore the monastery and upper valley3,700 m8Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa or Chhokangparo3,030–3,240 m9–12Return down the valley via Gumba Lungdang or Chumling to the Budhi Gandaki and the road—If you combine Tsum with the Manaslu Circuit, you continue from Lokpa up the main valley to Namrung, Samagaun and the Larkya La. The extra days in Tsum help with acclimatisation before the pass. ## Fitness and training for Manaslu Because the Manaslu Circuit is long, remote and crosses a 5,106 m pass, preparation matters. Start training at least three months before your trek. Build up to long hikes of six to eight hours with plenty of ascent and descent, carrying a daypack, and try to complete two or three long days back to back. Add cardiovascular training such as running, cycling, swimming or stair climbing three or four times a week, and strengthen your legs and core with squats, lunges, step-ups and planks. Previous experience of a multi-day trek, ideally at altitude, gives you a good idea of how your body copes. ## What does a Manaslu trek cost? A Manaslu trek costs more than treks on the main routes, mainly because of the restricted area permit, the requirement to travel with a registered agency and licensed guide, and the long jeep journey to the trailhead. The price of a guided trek depends on the season, group size, number of days, transport and whether meals are included. Most packages include permits, private transport, teahouse accommodation, a licensed guide and porters. Budget separately for your visa, insurance, equipment, drinks and snacks, hot showers and charging, and tips for your guide and porters. Because there is no ATM on the trek, you need to carry enough cash for the whole circuit. Our trip pages show the exact price and inclusions for each Manaslu trek. ## Safety, communication and insurance The Manaslu region is more remote than the main trekking areas, so careful planning is essential. Our guides carry a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter, check the weather and trail conditions before the pass, and stay in regular contact with our office in Kathmandu. Mobile coverage is limited in parts of the valley, so guides use the best available networks and satellite communication where needed. In an emergency, helicopter evacuation can be arranged from most villages in good weather. Make sure your travel insurance covers trekking up to at least 5,500 m and helicopter rescue, and keep one or two spare days at the end of your trip in case the pass is delayed by snow. ## Roads and the changing Manaslu trail Like many parts of Nepal, the Manaslu region is changing as roads are built. A rough road now climbs the lower Budhi Gandaki valley, and each year jeeps reach a little further. This shortens the approach and gives villages better access to supplies and health care, but it also affects the trekking experience in the lower valley. Good itineraries follow the old footpaths wherever possible and use the road only where it makes sense, such as in the first and last days. Above Jagat, the trail remains a footpath and the character of the trek is unchanged. We update our itineraries every season to make the best use of current trail and road conditions. ## Manaslu Circuit or Annapurna Circuit? The two circuits are often compared, as they are neighbours and both cross a high pass. The **Manaslu Circuit** is quieter, more remote and more traditional, with less road construction and a stronger sense of wilderness. It requires a restricted area permit, a minimum of two trekkers and a guide. The **Annapurna Circuit** has more facilities, more flexible start and end points, a higher pass at 5,416 m and more side-trip options, such as Tilicho Lake, but roads now cover parts of the route. Many experienced trekkers choose Manaslu for its authenticity, and some combine both by continuing from Dharapani onto the Annapurna Circuit. ## What to pack for the Manaslu Circuit You need a full trekking kit with warm layers for the pass. Essentials include: - Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support. - Thermal base layers, a fleece and a warm down jacket rated for well below freezing. - Waterproof jacket and trousers. - Warm gloves, a warm hat and a buff for the early start on the Larkya La. - A four-season sleeping bag, or a three-season bag with a liner. - Microspikes for snow or ice on the pass, and trekking poles for the steep descent. - Sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and lip balm. - Water purification tablets or a filter and a refillable bottle. - A head torch with spare batteries and a power bank, as electricity can be limited. ## Culture and etiquette in Nubri and Tsum The villages of the upper Manaslu region and Tsum Valley follow Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Always walk to the left of mani walls and chortens, keeping them on your right, and spin prayer wheels clockwise. Remove your shoes and hat before entering monasteries, ask permission before taking photos inside, and make a small donation if you wish. In Tsum, local communities have long protected wildlife, and hunting has been banned by local agreement, so help respect this tradition. Dress modestly and ask before photographing people, especially monks and nuns. ## Book your Manaslu trek with Himalayan Hiking Himalayan Hiking is a local trekking company based in Kathmandu and arranges Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley treks every spring and autumn. We handle restricted area permits, conservation area permits, private transport, lodges, licensed guides and porters, and we plan itineraries with proper acclimatisation for a safe crossing of the Larkya La. Join a small-group departure or book a private Manaslu trek on your own dates. Browse our Manaslu treks above, or contact us with your dates and experience, and we will send a detailed itinerary and quote. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need a special permit for the Manaslu Circuit? Yes. Manaslu is a restricted area, so you need a **Manaslu Restricted Area Permit** plus the Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area permits. Restricted area permits are issued only to groups of at least two trekkers with a licensed guide. Himalayan Hiking arranges all of them. Travelling alone? Contact us and we will explain your options. ### How hard is the Manaslu Circuit trek? It is a strenuous trek with long walking days and a high pass crossing: the Larkya La (5,106 m) day can take 8–10 hours. Previous multi-day trekking experience is recommended. ### What is the accommodation like on the Manaslu Circuit? There are teahouse lodges along the whole circuit, so camping is not needed. They are simpler than on the Everest and Annapurna trails, with basic rooms and shared bathrooms in the higher villages. ### Manaslu Circuit or Annapurna Circuit: which should I choose? Both cross a pass above 5,000 m and last around two weeks. The **Manaslu Circuit** is quieter, more remote and less affected by roads, while the **Annapurna Circuit** has more facilities and more flexible start and end points. ### When is the best time to trek Manaslu? Autumn (late September–November) and spring (March–May) are best. In winter the Larkya La can be closed by snow, and the monsoon brings rain and landslides to the lower valley. Web page: https://www.himalayanhiking.com/category/manaslu-region