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Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek

16 Reviews on Tripadvisor

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Trip Duration

17 Days
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Max. Altitude

5,106m. / 16,752ft.
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Nature of Trip

Tea House Trek
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Trip Difficulty

Challenging
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Group Size

2-20+
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Best Seasons

Mar-May/Sep-Nov
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Activity

Trekking
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Start/End

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek

16 Reviews on Tripadvisor

The Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek takes one of Nepal’s best treks, the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and makes it even better! You get more time in the Himalayas and a more remote experience along less-travelled paths.

Experience local culture, the thrill of a challenging adventure and breathtaking natural landscapes on the Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek. The 17 day trek encircles the base of Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, and even includes a day hike to its base camp at 4800 m.

The route starts in Barpak, a hillside settlement that was completely destroyed by the 2015 earthquake and has since been rebuilt. For the first few days of your trek, you hike through secluded villages, eventually joining the main Manaslu Circuit route on the third day. From here, the trail hugs closely to the Budhi Gandaki River and slowly ascends through jungle, yak pastures and alpine terrain towards Larkya La (5106 m), this trek’s high mountain pass. Along the way, you take an alternative route through the village of Prok and its surrounding terraced fields and up to a serene lake in the mountains.

The upper route is a lesser-known way of accessing the incredible Manaslu region of Nepal. You need to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area for the Upper Manaslu Trek, which is a restricted region. Restricted regions exist where there are Nepal-Tibet borders so extra permits are required in order to enter. Due to the restricted nature and extra hoops to jump through, the Manaslu region has been left relatively untouched. Although gaining in popularity because of how breathtaking it is, much of the culture and delicate mountain terrain has still been well-preserved. Taking the upper route of the Manaslu Circuit gives an even more authentic glimpse into the local people and their way of life.

You can expect to see many stunning waterfalls, lush green forests and sensational mountain views. Seeing Mt. Manaslu is absolutely breathtaking, as well as some of the other huge peaks including Himlung Himal (7126 m) and Annapurna II (7937 m). Although the snow-capped mountains are the stars of the trek, there is so much else to explore and enjoy. Trekkers also enjoy the cultural immersion of the trek, with many Buddhist monasteries to visit, quaint villages to stay in and delicious local food to try. It is truly an honour to recieve such a warm welcome into the lives of the local people.

Mountain viewpoint on the Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek
Viewpoint of the first day of hiking on the Upper Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu Circuit Upper Route extends your time in the mountains and gives you even more time to acclimatize to the high elevation. From the beginning, the entire trek leads up to and prepares for the exciting and challenging crossing of Larkya La Pass. It is important to trek slowly and carefully, allowing the body time to adapt to the high altitude. Although 5106 m is not the highest pass in the Nepali Himalayas, Larkya La is still quite challenging and proper pre-training is recommended before arriving in Nepal.

You will journey through lush forests, expansive fields, and rocky alpine terrain, all with their own unique wildlife and vegetation. Even in the challenging mountainous environments, you can expect to see lots of wildlife including deer, monkeys, birds, and domesticated yaks. The trails are well-maintained and there is no expert climbing required to complete the trek.

Our Upper Manaslu Circuit itinerary is 17 days, including two travel days to and from the route, but can be modified based on your needs and preferences. Perhaps you would like to add an extra acclimatization or rest day or add on the spiritually rich Tsum Valley Trek.

This page includes everything you need to know about trekking the Upper Manaslu Circuit with Himalayan Peace Treks. We are an ethical trekking company focused on serving our guests with exquisite care along with serving our community and the environment. We would love to connect with you are discuss your trekking and travel options.

Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights

  • An even more immersive, secluded trek in a quieter region of Nepal
  • Views of the 8th highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), with the opportunity to hike to its bViews of the 8th highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), with the opportunity to hike to its base camp (4800 m)
  • Everchanging flora and fauna as you trek from forests at lower elevation, past many waterfalls and wildlife, to the rocky alpine above
  • A unique glimpse into the ancient traditions of the various Nepali and Tibetan ethnic groups
  • Visit important cultural sites including monasteries, mani walls, and prayer wheels
  • Day trips including hiking to the Tibetan border (4998 m) and a special, additional day hike through the forest to Kal Tal, a sacred lake backed by huge mountains
  • The opportunity to reach over 5000 m elevation as you cross over the high mountain pass, Larkya La at 5106 m
  • Stay in local villages, feel warmly welcomed into cozy tea houses, and appreciate the rural way of life in the mountains
  • Many mountain views along the way including Manaslu (8163 m), Himlung Himal (7126 m) and Annapurna II (7937 m)

Why Trek With Himalayan Peace Treks?

We are a trusted, ethical trekking and tour company that facilitates incredible experiences in the Himalayas. You can feel good about choosing our company to guide you because of our genuinely excellent service and commitment to giving back to our communities and the environment.

Our ethical trekking approach means appropriate wages and working conditions for our wonderful team, community empowerment and support, and environmental consciousness. We are honest and thoughtful with our guests and everyone we do business with. We promise you transparency and enjoyment from start to finish and would be happy to customize your trip for you.

With decades of experience among the team, we want to share with you what we love about the Himalayas in the most peaceful way.

Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary Summary

Pre-Trek Day 00: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345 m)
Pre-Trek Day 0: Final Day in Kathmandu
Trek Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Barpak ( 1915 m) 181 km, 7-8 hrs
Trek Day 2: Trek Barpak to Laprak (2100 m) 8 km, 5 hrs
Trek Day 3: Trek Laprak to Khorla Besi (970 m) 12 km, 7 hrs
Trek Day 4: Trek Khorla Besi to Jagat (1340 m) 13 km, 7 hrs
Trek Day 5: Trek Jagat (1340 m) to Deng (1860 m) 20 km, 8 hrs
Trek Day 6: Trek Deng (1860 m) to Prok (2400 m) 8 km, 4-5 hrs
Trek Day 7: Hike to Kal Tal (3575 m), Overnight in Prok 8 -9 hrs
Trek Day 8: Trek Pork to Lho (3200 m) 18 km, 7 hrs
Trek Day 9: Trek Lho to Sama Gaun (3520 m) 10 km, 3 hrs
Trek Day 10: Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4000 m), Birendra Lake or Pungen Gompa 8 hrs
Trek Day 11: Trek Sama Gaun to Samdo (3860 m) 8 km, 3 hrs
Trek Day 12: Hike to Tibet Border, Rui La (4998 m), Overnight in Samdo 8 hrs
Trek Day 13: Trek Samdo to Dharamsala (4460 m) 6 km, 4 hrs
Trek Day 14: Trek Dharamsala to Larkya La Pass (5106 m), Overnight in Bimthang (3720 m) 16 km, 8-10 hrs
Trek Day 15: Bhimthang (3720 m) to Goa (1860 m) 15 km, 4-5 hrs
Trek Day 16: Trek Gowa to Dharapani (1860 m) 7 km, 3 hrs Then Drive to Besisahar 4 hrs
Trek day 17: Drive to Kathmandu (1350 m) 175 km, 7 -8 hrs

Photo/Video Gallery

Itinerary of Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek

We are happy to work with you to adjust this itinerary to create your own personalized experience.

*Times are estimated based on the average hiking pace and do not include breaks.

Welcome to Nepal! You can arrive today, or earlier, to enjoy Kathmandu and prepare for your trek. We will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, the tourist heart of the valley. Please let us know your flight itinerary so we can arrange your pick-up.

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Distance: 7 km - Airport to Thamel

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Overnight Altitude: 1345m./4,413ft. (Kathmandu)

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Meal: None

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Accommodation: Three Star Hotel

Includes/Excludes

What is included?

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
  • Two nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast included
    • Standard itinerary includes two nights upon arrival
    • We can include additional nights or arrange for one night pre-trek and one night post-trek depending on your schedule and preference
  • Luggage storage at you hotel in Kathmandu
  • All necessary trekking permits
    • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  • Transportation to and from trekking route by local bus
    • Private jeep available upon request
  • All accommodation while trekking
  • Three meals a day (unless otherwise listed), with a tea or coffee at each meal
  • Daily fresh fruit whenever available
  • Trekking map
  • One experienced and professional local guide who speaks English
    • Guide fees include their insurance, livable wages, transportation, food and accommodation
    • Assistant guides might be added with larger groups
  • First-aid kit carried by guide
  • If needed, our team will arrange an emergency rescue with your insurance company
  • Company fees, administration fees, and government tax (VAT)
  • Minimum 1% of profits donated to schools and orphanages in Nepal
  • A tree planted in your name

What is not included?

  • International flights and tourist visa upon arrival
  • Personal sightseeing costs and meals in Kathmandu (eg. temples, monastery entrance fees, souvenirs, lunches, etc.)
  • Temple and monastery entrance fees during the trek
  • Extra costs while trekking for things like snacks, fancy coffees, hot showers, laundry, battery charging fees, wifi fees, monastery fees, donations, etc.
  • Local porters to carry the items for your trek
    • Porter fees include insurance, livable wages, transportation, food, accommodation and an optional duffle bag to carry your items
    • The number of porters and price depends on the number of trekkers: one porter carries the items for two people (maximum 20 kg)
  • Drinking water (you need to have a water filtration system or plan to buy boiled water)
  • Sleeping bag and puffy jacket rentals are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara if needed
  • Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property and theft, etc.
  • Staff tips
    • Many trekking guides and porters in Nepal rely on tips to supplement a lower wage. With Himalayan Peace Treks, you will be able to travel knowing that the team is being paid fairly and that any tip you want to give is a reflection of your experience
Price starts

US$ 1193

Standard trek price (per person)

  • 2 - 2 people
    US$ 1416
  • 3 - 4 people
    US$ 1321
  • 5 - 6 people
    US$ 1244
  • 7 - 8 people
    US$ 1211
  • 9 + people 9999
    US$ 1193

Total Cost:

US$

Trip Information

Upper Manaslu Circuit Difficulty

The Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging and deeply rewarding journey. Its duration (17 days), high elevation (5106 m at Larkya La), long days (average 7 hours a day), and a bit of rough terrain as you descend after the pass make it challenging. That being said, no mountaineering, climbing or scrambling are required to complete the trek. To help adjust to the high altitude, the Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary is designed to ascend slowly and includes three acclimatization days. With proper training in advance, and perhaps hiring a porter to help you, the Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek is even an option for beginner trekkers and those who have never spent time at high altitude. The trek is tough but doable. Thorough training, hiring a porter, and managing your health are important for the success of your Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Respecting Culture and Religion On The Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek

Nepali cultural groups including Chhetri, Gurung, Magar, Sherpa, and Tibetan, live within the Manaslu region and Tibetan-Buddhism is the main religion. There are many monasteries that you are welcome to visit and as you hike you’ll see many prayer flags, mani walls, and stupas adorning the trails and within the villages. Remember that you are generously being welcomed into this traditional region in which modesty is the local norm. This means that openly changing in front of people and urinating in public spaces is not appreciated. Please consider the culture when selecting what clothing to bring and keep public displays of affection to a modest minimum. Your clothing needs to cover your knees and shoulders when entering monasteries and sacred places. It is costumery to remove your shoes upon entering and leave a small donation upon exiting temples and monasteries. A gentle reminder to only enter homes and kitchens when invited, and ask for permission to take photos of local people and their homes (a good practice anywhere!). Many people will be happy to be photographed, but it is important to still ask. The right hand is considered sacred, so try to remember to walk beside religious structures with your right side facing them (walking clockwise). Only use your right hand for spinning prayer wheels, eating, and offering items, such as currency, to someone.

Major Elevation Points on The Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Kal Tal (Lake): 3600 m
  • Pungyen Gompa: 4100 m
  • Manaslu Base Camp: 4800 m
  • Tibetan Border: 4998 m
  • Larkya La Pass: 5106 m
  • Starting Elevation: 869 m in Machha Khola
  • Finishing Elevation: 1860 m in Dharapani

Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek Packing List

Here is our recommended packing list for the Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is important that you use your own judgement when packing because our list is just a suggestion. Most people heavily overpack for their first trek!

We have created a detailed packing list with explanations and here is a printable PDF packing checklist.

Upper Manaslu Circuit Weather

During the peak seasons (spring and autumn) you will likely have clear skies, minimal precipitation, warm days and cool nights.

At lower elevation the days are actually quite hot, however the temperature cools down as you gain elevation. Be prepared for chilly evenings, especially with higher altitude. If you are trekking closer to winter (Dec to mid-Feb), then you are likely to get clear but cold weather. If you are trekking close to monsoon season (mid-May to mid-Sept) then you can expect to get wet! In the mountains, regardless of the time of year, the mornings are generally clearer and the clouds start to roll in after midday.

Food on the Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek

Nepali food is delicious! Or, in Nepali language, it is, “mitho chha”!

Each tea house has a menu to choose from including local and international dishes. Be sure to try Nepal’s national dish, dal bhat. The beloved dish is lentil soup (dal) and a hearty portion of rice (bhat), traditionally served with curry, sautéed greens, and maybe some fresh cut vegetables, a spicy sauce or local yogurt. It’s always made fresh and has unlimited refills so many trekkers choose to have it at least once a day to fuel their journey. 

Although dal bhat is a go-to dish, the tea house menus are surprisingly big, with other dishes including pasta, fried noodles and soup.  Breakfast options include western items such as pancakes, eggs and oatmeal. Common food requirements such as allergies, vegan, and gluten-free can absolutely be accommodated for, however cross-contamination is a possibility. 

Upper Manaslu Circuit Accommodation

The entire Upper Manaslu Trek is a tea house trek with no camping required. Tea houses are quaint local lodges with a shared dining space and basic guest rooms to stay overnight. Along the route, the amenities of the tea houses are varied. Although you might start with hot showers, attached bathrooms and electricity in the rooms at lower elevation, the amenities become more basic as you gain elevation.  As you trek deeper into the Himalayas, be prepared for cold water and shared squat toilets. The dining halls are often heated by a delightful wood stove, but with no heating in the guest rooms a good sleeping bag is required.

Required Permits for the Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek

Booking with Himalayan Peace Treks means that we will obtain all necessary permits on your behalf. We just need a passport style photo of each guest and to borrow your passports once you arrive and we’ll get everything sorted.

Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)

    • From September to November it costs US$100 per week and US$15 per additional day
    • From December to August it costs US$75 per week and US$10 per additional day
    • To enter the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area you need a certified guide and trekking company, and a minimum of two people in your group (if you’re an individual you can contact us to join a group)

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)

    • For most guests from most countries this will cost Rs. 3000 (~US$24)
    • For SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) guests it costs Rs. 1000

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)

    • Because the Manaslu Circuit ends where the Annapurna Circuit begins, a permit to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area is required
    • The cost is Rs. 3000 (~US$24) for most guests and Rs. 1000 for SAARC guests

All permit costs and service fees are included in the cost of your trek. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Trekking the Upper Manaslu Circuit is best in the spring and autumn seasons. The spring season is typically from the mid-February to the beginning of May and the autumn season starts mid-September and continues through to mid-November. Some guests are interested in coming at quieter times, or have schedule restrictions, and choose to come at the beginning or end of a season and manage the weather conditions.

Yes, because the Upper Manaslu Circuit trek enters the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area, you need to have a minimum of two people in your group and be accompanied by a certified guide. If you are an individual who is interested in trekking the Upper Manaslu Circuit, you can reach out to us and we will find a group for you to join. Guides and trekking companies organize all of the trek details for you including arranging transportation, obtaining permits, and booking tea houses. Guides also offer local knowledge about the culture and language, as well as the surrounding flora, fauna and mountains. Your guide will help you set the pace, assess risks and manage emergency situations.

A porter is not necessary for everyone who treks the Upper Manaslu Circuit, but it is definitely recommended. If you have lots of experience trekking at high altitude and are feeling physically and mentally confident, then you will likely be just fine. Porters are recommended for anyone who is new to trekking at high altitude, is nervous about the terrain, or is seeking more enjoyment than a challenge. Hiring a porter is a lovely way to support the local economy and have another staff member present in case of emergency.

Surprisingly, yes! For a lot of the Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek there is electricity in the tea houses. Very few have charging outlets in guest rooms, but you can charge your devices in the main dining hall. Some tea houses charge a small additional fee for charging. Be prepared that the electricity is unpredictable and could cut out at any time. The final stop before the pass, Dharamsala, does not have electricity at all. Be sure to charge up your devices before arriving so that you can capture the incredible journey over Larkya La. Many trekkers choose to bring a power bank or solar charging device. Either can be useful (especially if your phone is your camera) but are not necessary.

Yes, there is wifi accessible while trekking. Although we suggest that you use the opportunity to disconnect, many tea houses have wifi so you can still let your loved ones know that you are having the time of your life. Many tea houses charge a small fee to access the wifi for your stay. Similarly to the electricity, the wifi can be extremely unpredictable and unreliable so we don’t recommend that you plan to rely on it for anything important.

You can choose to travel via local bus or private jeep to and from the Upper Manaslu Circuit. A local bus is included in the price of your trek package. Local buses can be a fun cultural experience but are often noisy, dusty and slow. If you would like to add a private jeep for a quicker, more comfortable ride, then you are welcome to do so. We would subtract the cost of the local transportation from the cost of the private jeep(s).

The total walking distance on the Upper Manaslu Circuit is approximately 195 km. This number could vary slightly depending on the day tours or side hikes that you choose to do. Each day you can expect to walk an average of 15 km.

The restricted areas of Nepal, such as the Manaslu Conservation Area, are located in culturally sensitive areas and where there is a Nepal-Tibet border. The extra permit requirements help to monitor access which results in less travellers entering the region. A reduced amount of traffic helps to protect the local culture and the delicate flora and fauna of the area.

Altitude sickness, which occurs as a result of spending time at high elevation, can happen any time you’re above 2500 m. It is a result of gaining altitude too quickly and not allowing time for the body to adjust to the reduced oxygen and air pressure changes. Symptoms can include anything from headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, vomiting and difficulty sleeping to more severe symptoms such as fluid in the lungs, irrational behaviour, breathlessness, blue skin, and an inability to walk. Surprisingly, altitude sickness can happen to anyone, even if they’re young, fit, and have been at high altitude before. It is important to do everything possible to prevent altitude sickness and not ignore symptoms if they arise.

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to ascend slowly. This means physically walking slowly, as well as limiting how much elevation you gain in a short period of time and stretching your trek out over many days. To further help the body acclimatize to the elevation gain, it’s a good idea to hike up to a higher point than you plan to sleep. You can also include rest days, often referred to as “acclimatization days” in which you spend two nights at the same elevation and hike up to a higher point during the day. The Upper Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary suggested by Himalayan Peace Treks already has the above ways to help prevent altitude sickness factored in with three acclimatization days. If it’s your first time at elevation or you have time to spare, then we can adjust your itinerary to include more acclimatization days for an even slower ascent. Altitude sickness medication is best used as a treatment instead of a prevention. You can consult your doctor if you have any specific questions.

DO: ascend slowly, drink lots of water, monitor your symptoms and trek with an experienced guide
DON’T: push through severe symptoms, heavily consume alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or smoke cigarettes, take sleeping pills, ascend too quickly

Yes, a tourist visa can be obtained at immigration on arrival. Options include a 15 day visa for $30, a 30 day visa for $50, and a 90 day visa for $125. You can pay the USD equivalent in any major currency. Although credit cards are accepted, cash is recommended. If needed, you can extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Immigration Office in Pokhara. The extension cost is a minimum of $45 for up to 15 days and then an additional $3 per day.

Yes, obtaining good medical travel insurance before you come to Nepal is necessary to trek safely and worry-free. Ensure that whatever insurance you get covers high altitude activities. You can send your insurance information to Himalayan Peace Treks so we can coordinate your safe return if there are any unlikely emergencies.

To pay for your trek you can bring any major currency ($€£¥). For spending money in Kathmandu and on your trek, you’ll need local Nepali Rupees (NPR) as Nepal mostly deals in cash. You can exchange or withdraw local rupees in Kathmandu. Once you venture into the mountains there are no reliable ATMs, so any cash you might need for the entirety of the trek (for snacks, souvenirs, gear replacement, etc.) needs to have been already obtained beforehand.

To pay your initial 15% deposit, you can send a money transfer (eg. Wise) or an international bank transfer. To pay for the remainder of your trek once you have arrived in Kathmandu, you can pay by cash (in any major currency). Any fees associated with a transfer or payment are your responsibility. All prices are listed in USD.

Trip Reviews

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Price starts

US$ 1193

Standard trek price (per person)

  • 2 - 2 people
    US$ 1416
  • 3 - 4 people
    US$ 1321
  • 5 - 6 people
    US$ 1244
  • 7 - 8 people
    US$ 1211
  • 9 + people 9999
    US$ 1193

Total Cost:

US$

Have Questions?

Talk to our expert team and plan your trip.
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
Hari Dhakal
Chris Brooker
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
whatsapp viber +977 9846722055
Hari Dhakal
whatsapp viber +977 9863653779
Chris Brooker
whatsapp viber +977 9851414779

Have Questions?

Talk to our expert team and plan your trip.
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
Hari Dhakal
Chris Brooker
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
whatsapp viber +977 9846722055
Hari Dhakal
whatsapp viber +977 9863653779
Chris Brooker
whatsapp viber +977 9851414779

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