Photo: Bobby Thapa / UnsplashNepal
A two-week loop around the world's eighth-highest mountain, crossing the Larkya La at about 5,106 m. Quieter than Annapurna, but only with a licensed guide and a restricted-area permit.
The circuit climbs the Budhi Gandaki gorge through Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages to Samagaun, below Manaslu (8,163 m), then crosses the Larkya La pass and drops to Dharapani on the Annapurna side.
Manaslu is a restricted area, so you can't trek it alone: permits go through a registered agency, and you walk with a licensed guide. In return, the trails and lodges are far quieter than on the Annapurna or Everest routes.
Day by day
₹56,000–84,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
A long drive west, then up the Budhi Gandaki valley.
Walk up the gorge past waterfalls; restricted-area permits are checked at Jagat.
Into narrower, wilder country with suspension bridges over the river.
Climb into Tibetan-influenced villages with mani walls and prayer flags.
The first big views of Manaslu from the monastery above the village.
A short walk to Samagaun (about 3,530 m), the main village below Manaslu.
Acclimatise with a hike to Birendra Tal lake or towards Manaslu Base Camp, then sleep low.
On to Samdo (about 3,860 m), close to the Tibetan border.
A short day to the high camp (about 4,460 m) below the pass.
Start before dawn to cross the Larkya La (about 5,106 m), then a long descent to Bimthang.
Down through forest into the Marsyangdi valley.
Join the Annapurna Circuit road.
Jeep down the valley.
Drive out, and keep a spare day for road or weather delays.
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Teahouse room | ₹400–1,000 | ₹1,500–3,000 |
| Food (rises with altitude) | ₹1,500–2,500 | ₹2,500–3,500 |
| Licensed guide (your share; required) | ₹1,500–2,500 | ₹2,500–3,500 |
| Charging, Wi-Fi and hot showers | ₹300–600 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Typical day | ₹4,000–6,000 | ₹7,000–11,000 |
Permits are the big fixed cost. The restricted-area permit is USD 100 for the first 7 days from September to November (USD 75 the rest of the year), plus a daily fee after that, and you also need the Manaslu and Annapurna conservation area permits. Agencies arrange them with a guided trek; ask whether Indian passport holders get any reduction.
One of the longest and highest trekking passes in Nepal, with glaciers on all sides.
A Tibetan-style village and a turquoise glacial lake right below Manaslu.
Deep, green and dramatic in the first days of the trek.
Far fewer trekkers than on the Annapurna or Everest routes.
No. It's a restricted area: the permit must be arranged by a registered agency, and you must trek with a licensed guide. Indian passport holders are not exempt.
It's a long, high day of 9–10 hours, reaching about 5,106 m. It's not technical, but you need good fitness, good acclimatisation and settled weather.
Manaslu is quieter and wilder but needs a guide, an agency and more expensive permits. The Annapurna Circuit is busier, cheaper and has more road and lodge choice.
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Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.
