Trekking Partners NepalManaslu Circuit Trek
Circle Mt Manaslu from the Budhi Gandaki gorge through Tibetan Buddhist villages and over the Larkya La to join the Annapurna side.
- Duration14–18 days
- Highest point5,106 m (Larkya La)
- DifficultyChallenging
- Best seasonMar–May, Sep–Nov
Trekkers looking for partners
No open partner posts for Manaslu Circuit yet. Be the first – post your dates and others heading this way will find you.
Post a tripWho the Manaslu Circuit suits
Manaslu is the circuit people pick when they want the scale of the Annapurna Circuit without the road and the crowds. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki gorge from Soti Khola or Machha Khola, climbs into Tibetan Buddhist villages like Lho, Samagaun and Samdo below Manaslu (8,163 m), crosses the Larkya La (5,106 m), and drops into the Annapurna region at Dharapani.
It's challenging: long days, real altitude, and a big pass day. It suits trekkers with some previous trekking experience and around two weeks, who are happy with simpler teahouses in the remote sections.
Do you need a guide or permit?
Yes, Manaslu is a restricted area. You need a restricted-area permit, which only a registered trekking agency can apply for, and a licensed guide must walk with you. You also need the Manaslu Conservation Area permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area permit for the exit via Dharapani. TIMS is not required.
Since 2026, a single trekker can get the permit through an agency. You no longer need a second person to apply. Read Restricted Area Treks in Nepal for how it works.
Best months, and when it's easiest to find a partner
Late September–November is the main season, with the most stable weather for the Larkya La. March–May is the second season. In winter the pass is often snowbound, and in the monsoon the lower gorge has landslide risk.
Because everyone needs an agency and guide, partners usually team up before the trek, not on the trail. Post your dates two to four weeks ahead so you can apply for the permit together.
Doing Manaslu with a partner
- Why it matters here: with a guide required, a partner is the single biggest cost saving. You split the guide's daily fee, food and lodging, plus the jeep to the trailhead.
- Where to meet: Kathmandu, where your agency will hand over the permits. Meet a day or two early to check you're a good match.
- Get on one permit: apply through the same agency so you share the same guide and paperwork.
- Splitting up: inside the restricted area you stay with your guide, so plan the trip as a team. Some pairs add Tsum Valley together at the start.
Trek Manaslu Circuit with a local guide
Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area, so a licensed guide is required. Choosing the right one matters as much as the permit.
An experienced guide isn't only there to show you the way. They know the families who run the teahouses and homestays, explain the villages, monasteries, festivals and food you'd otherwise walk straight past, help you talk with local people, watch for altitude sickness and changing weather, and handle rooms, permits and transport so you can simply enjoy the walk. Many trekkers say their guide was the best part of the trip.
Discover Parbat is a licensed local trekking company from Parbat, near Pokhara, with experienced guides who know these trails and the people along them. Trekking with a partner? Share one guide and split the cost.
Manaslu Circuit: frequently asked questions
Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit solo?
You can now get the Manaslu restricted-area permit as a single trekker, through a registered agency. A licensed guide must still go with you, so you will not be completely alone.
Which permits do I need for Manaslu?
The Manaslu restricted-area permit (through an agency), the Manaslu Conservation Area permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area permit for the exit. TIMS is not required.
How can I make the Manaslu Circuit cheaper?
Find a partner and go on the same permit with one guide. Splitting the guide, transport and agency costs two or three ways makes the biggest difference.
Heading to Manaslu Circuit? Post your dates and find someone to trek with. It's free.
Questions about Manaslu Circuit
Trail conditions, permits and gear, answered by trekkers who were just there and our local team.
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Tsum Valley
A sacred, hidden valley near the Tibetan border with ancient gompas, mani walls and traditional villages.
Meme Pokhari
A new trail in Dordi, Lamjung, from the village of Khinchok past Bahrapokhari to the sacred Meme Pokhari lakes. Homestays lower down; camping and herders’ shelters above Khinchok.