Manaslu Circuit Trek - Join Group Trek (2026-2027) - 14 Days

Overview

If you want to see the Himalayas properly but hate the idea of fighting through crowds of tourists, the Manaslu Circuit is the right choice for you. People call it the best alternative to Everest because it is quieter, wilder, and feels more like a real expedition as you are circling the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Because this region is protected as a Restricted Area, the government won't let you trek alone. You legally need a guide and a group to get the permit. That is why joining our fixed group for 2026/2027 is the smartest move. It solves the permit problem instantly and helps you split the costs, making this amazing adventure much more affordable.

Why Choose Manaslu Circuit Trek with The Great Adventure 

Expert-Led Adventure All treks are guided by certified Nepali trekking guides who ensure safety, legal compliance, and meaningful cultural insights throughout the journey.

All Permits Managed for You

We take care of all required permits:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Fully Supported Trek From trekking gear to first-aid kits and emergency preparedness, we ensure your trek is smooth and secure.

Flexible Itineraries Choose between our 11-day version for a faster pace or the 14-day itinerary with extra acclimatization and exploration time.

Highlights

• Larkya La Pass (5,160m): Crossing this pass is the biggest challenge of the trip, but the view of peaks like Himlung Himal and Annapurna II is arguably better than anything you see on the Everest trek.

• Authentic Culture: Villages like Sama Gaon and Samdo are full of Tibetan history. The monasteries and houses are real homes for the local people, not just decorations for tourists.  

• Birendra Lake: A stunning blue glacial lake right at the foot of the mountain. It’s a perfect spot to visit during your rest day.  

• Less Crowded: Unlike other popular treks, you won't be stuck in "traffic jams" of hikers. It feels peaceful and remote.  

• Wildlife: You have a very good chance of seeing Himalayan Tahr (wild goats) and Pika (small mountain mammals) running around the trails.  

Best Season to Visit

You have two main windows to do this trek safely. These are the best seasons for Manaslu Circuit Trek to get the best experience.

• Autumn (September to November): This is the number 1 choice for a reason. The monsoon rain has washed away the dust, so the air is crystal clear. You get the sharpest mountain views and the most stable weather. It is the busiest time, but "busy" in Manaslu is still quieter than Everest.
• Spring (March to May): This is the second-best option. The weather is a bit warmer than autumn, and the forests are full of blooming rhododendrons (Nepal’s national flower). The views are still great, though the afternoons can get a little hazy.
• When NOT to go: Avoid Winter (December-February) because lodges close down and the pass gets blocked by snow. Avoid Monsoon (June-August) because the trails are full of leeches, landslides are common, and you won't see any mountains behind the clouds.

Physical Difficulty & Acclimatization

The Manaslu Circuit is not a casual walk; it is a serious high-altitude challenge that pushes you up to 5,160 meters at the Larkya La Pass. You need to be mentally and physically prepared for what is coming. Expect long days on the trail, often walking for 6 to 7 hours on uneven, rocky terrain. The trail involves a lot of "Nepali Flat" (a little bit up, a little bit down), along with some very steep ascents and descents that will test your knees and stamina.

The weather is another big factor. While the days might be sunny, the nights get brutally cold, especially once you go above 3,500 meters. Acclimatization is the key to success here. Our itinerary is not rushed; we include specific days where we hike high and sleep low to help your body adjust to the thin air. This isn't just a rest day; it is a safety strategy to prevent altitude sickness so you can cross the pass safely.

Safety & Support

Your safety is the only thing that matters more than the view. We don't just send you out with a map; we provide a full support system to keep you safe in this remote environment.

• Experienced Guides: Our guides are licensed professionals who know this terrain inside out. They are trained to spot the early signs of altitude sickness and know exactly how to manage the pace of the group.
• Health Monitoring: We carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and a pulse oximeter on every trip. Your guide will check your oxygen levels regularly to make sure your body is coping well with the altitude.
• Safe Water: Getting sick from bad water can ruin your trip instantly. We ensure you have access to purified drinking water throughout the trek so you stay hydrated and healthy.
• Emergency Rescue: We hope we never have to use it, but we are ready if we do. If a serious injury or altitude issue occurs, we have a protocol in place to coordinate helicopter evacuation immediately (funded by your travel insurance). You are never on your own out there.

Equipment

• Hiking Boots
• Micro-Spikes
• Wool Layers
• Down Jacket
• Power Bank
• Water Purification

Safety

The main thing to watch out for is altitude sickness. We go up very high, very fast. That is why the rest day at Sama Gaon is mandatory, not optional. If your guide tells you to slow down or drink more water, listen to them. If you feel sick, the only cure is to go down. For food, keep it simple. Eat "Dal Bhat" (rice and lentils) because it is cooked fresh and gives you great energy. Avoid eating meat once you get high up in the mountains because refrigeration is rare. Finally, make sure you have insurance that covers helicopter rescue. There are no roads up there, so if something goes wrong, a helicopter is the only way out.

Outline Itinerary (13 Days)

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. The trip starts with a long drive. It takes about 8 or 9 hours on some bumpy roads to reach the starting point, but it gets you out of the city and into the mountains.

Day 2: Trek to Jagat. Today, you enter the special Restricted Area. You will walk along the river through green forests and rocky trails, ending the day in a nice stone village.

Day 3: Trek to Deng. You continue walking upstream through the river gorge. The valley gets narrower and steeper, and you will cross a few suspension bridges along the way.

Day 4: Trek to Namrung. This is a tough day where you climb higher. You will notice the trees changing as you leave the lush lower lands and start getting into the high mountain territory.

Day 5: Trek to Lho. Now you are in the big mountains. Lho is a beautiful village, and it is the first place where you will see the giant Mt. Manaslu towering right above you.

Day 6: Trek to Sama Gaon. A short and beautiful walk takes you to the main village of the region. This is where most trekkers stop to rest and prepare for the higher altitude.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon. You spend the day here to let your body adjust to the thin air. You can hike up to Birendra Lake for the views, but you come back down to sleep.

Day 8: Trek to Samdo. You walk up to the last village before the pass. It is very close to the border of Tibet, and it used to be a major trading post. It is cold and beautiful here.

Day 9: Trek to Dharmasala. This is a short walk to the High Camp. There is only a basic lodge here, and it gets very cold. You rest early because the next day is the big one.

Day 10: Trek to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass. You wake up around 4:00 AM to climb the pass. It is hard work, but the view from the top is incredible. After enjoying the view, you make a long descent down to Bimthang.

Day 11: Trek to Tilije. You walk down quickly into the warmer air. The trees come back, and it becomes easier to breathe as you drop lower into the valley.

Day 12: Trek to Dharapani and Drive to Besisahar. You walk for a bit until you hit the road, then hop in a jeep for a rough drive down to the town of Besisahar.

Day 13: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu. You finish the trip with a drive back to Kathmandu. It’s a long day on the road, but you’ll be back in the city in time for a celebratory dinner.