Planning the Manaslu Circuit in 2026? This complete guide covers all three itineraries: the 12-day fast route, the 14-day plan with Manaslu Base Camp acclimatization, and the 16-day Tsum Valley extension. Get day-by-day breakdowns, 2026 permit requirements, Larkya Pass crossing advice, and budget estimates from a senior guide with 20 years on the route.
Let me answer the three questions I get asked most before anything else. The 12-day Manaslu Circuit itinerary is the fastest safe route and suits fit trekkers with limited time.
The 14-day adds a Manaslu Base Camp side trip and an extra acclimatization day, which makes the high-altitude section considerably safer. The 16-day goes through the Tsum Valley and is a completely different experience that combines high-altitude trekking with one of Nepal's most culturally intact regions.
Is the Manaslu Circuit harder than Everest Base Camp? Yes, in several ways. The trail is more remote, the road to the trailhead is rougher, and the Larkya Pass crossing at 5,160 m is a longer and more exposed day than anything on the EBC route. The restricted area regulation means you cannot trek here without a licensed guide. That is not a drawback. It is exactly why Manaslu stays less crowded and more rewarding than most Nepal treks.
I have been guiding trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit since 2006. I have crossed Larkya Pass in every season, in every condition, with groups of all fitness levels. What follows is not a recycled itinerary list. It is the guide briefing I give every group the night before we leave Kathmandu.
Guide's Note: Last autumn I had a group of four from Canada who chose the 12-day plan thinking they could push through. They were strong hikers at home. By Day 9 at Dharamshala, two of them were showing early signs of acute mountain sickness. We held them there an extra half day before attempting the pass. They made it, but it was close. The 14-day plan exists for good physiological reasons. - Dambar Thapa, Senior Trek Leader
By the end of this guide you will know exactly which Manaslu Circuit itinerary matches your situation, what permits you need for 2026, what to expect on Larkya Pass day, and how to prepare your body for the hardest crossing in the region.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is rated strenuous. The daily elevation gains are manageable on most days, but three factors make this harder than it looks on paper. First, the road to Machha Khola is 9 to 10 hours of rough, unsealed driving before you take a single step. Second, the route climbs from 900 m to 5,160 m, meaning acclimatization is not optional. Third, the Larkya Pass crossing is a 10 to 11 hour push starting before dawn. No other day on any popular Nepal trek comes close to that in combined effort and exposure.
Previous high-altitude trekking experience above 4,000 m is strongly recommended. Trekkers with no altitude background should choose the 14-day or 16-day plan and consider adding an extra rest day at Samagaun if they have any doubt about their acclimatization response.
| Season | Months | Rating | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to May | Excellent | Stable weather, rhododendron bloom below 3,500 m, good Larkya visibility. March and April are the sweet spot. May brings pre-monsoon clouds. |
| Autumn | September to November | Excellent | Crystal skies, sharp mountain views, stable Larkya conditions. October is the single best month. November brings early cold at Dharamshala and the pass. |
| Monsoon | June to August | Poor | Leeches, landslides, flooded trails, and reduced teahouse services at altitude. The route is open but not recommended. |
| Winter | December to February | Avoid | Larkya Pass frequently blocked by snow. Very cold nights above 3,500 m. Only for experienced winter mountaineers. |
| Feature | 12 Days | 14 Days | 16 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tsum Valley Included | No | No | Yes |
| Manaslu Base Camp | No | Yes (Day 8) | No |
| Acclimatization Days | 1 | 2 | 2 plus Mu Gompa exposure |
| Larkya Pass Day | Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 14 |
| Exit Point | Tilje to Kathmandu | Chamje to Besisahar to Kathmandu | Tilje to Kathmandu |
| Extra Permits | RAP + MCAP + ACAP | RAP + MCAP + ACAP | RAP + MCAP + ACAP + Tsum Valley RAP |
| Relative Difficulty | Hard | Hard+ | Hard+ (more total distance) |
| Best For | Fit, time-limited trekkers with prior altitude experience | Trekkers wanting safety margin and Base Camp experience | Culture-focused trekkers who want Tsum Valley as core part of the trip |
The 12-day plan is the minimum safe itinerary for this route. It suits trekkers with strong cardiovascular fitness, prior experience above 4,000 m, and genuine time constraints. There is no buffer for a bad weather day or a slow acclimatization response. Choose this plan with clear eyes about what you are committing to.
| Day | Route | Elevation | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Kathmandu to Machha Khola | 900 m | 9/10 hrs drive | Rough road through river gorges. Bring motion sickness tablets if needed. |
| Day 02 | Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,370 m | 6/7 hrs trek | First permit checkpoint at Jagat. Trail crosses multiple suspension bridges. |
| Day 03 | Jagat to Deng | 1,860 m | 6/7 hrs trek | Gorge narrows. Multiple river crossings. Trail becomes noticeably quieter. |
| Day 04 | Deng to Namrung | 2,630 m | 7/8 hrs trek | Longest climbing day in the lower valley. Pace yourself. First clear views of high peaks. |
| Day 05 | Namrung to Lho Village | 3,180 m | 6/7 hrs trek | Ribung Gompa above the village with Mt. Manaslu directly behind. Best light before 3 PM. |
| Day 06 | Lho to Samagaun | 3,520 m | 5/6 hrs trek | Last large village before the high route. Stock up on supplies. Cold nights from here. |
| Day 07 | Acclimatization: Birendra Lake | 3,691 m | 3/4 hrs return | KEY DAY. Climb high, sleep low. Walk to 3,691 m and return to Samagaun. Critical for pass preparation. |
| Day 08 | Samagaun to Samdo | 3,875 m | 3/4 hrs trek | Short day. Arrive early, rest, hydrate. First night above 3,800 m. |
| Day 09 | Samdo to Dharamshala | 4,460 m | 3/4 hrs trek | Rest. Eat well. Sleep as early as possible. 3 AM wake-up tomorrow. |
| Day 10 | Dharamshala over Larkya Pass to Bhimthang | 5,160 m pass / 3,720 m sleep | 10/11 hrs trek | CRUX DAY. Pre-dawn start by headlamp. 700 m ascent, then 1,440 m descent. Trekking poles essential. |
| Day 11 | Bhimthang to Goa | 2,515 m | 6/7 hrs trek | Long descent through rhododendron forest. Take it slow, protect your knees. |
| Day 12 | Goa to Tilje, drive to Kathmandu | 2,300 m | 1 hr trek + 8/9 hrs drive | Book return jeep in advance through your agency. |
The 14-day plan is the most recommended option. The extra two days at Samagaun give your body significantly more time to adjust before Larkya Pass. Day 8 adds a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 m, which is both the physiological and emotional highlight of this itinerary. Standing beneath the south face of the eighth highest mountain in the world is unlike any other experience on a Himalayan trek.
| Day | Route | Elevation | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Kathmandu to Machha Khola | 900 m | 9/10 hrs drive | Same opening drive as 12-day. Rough roads, river gorges. |
| Day 02 | Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,370 m | 6/7 hrs trek | First permit checkpoint. Trail follows Budi Gandaki river north. |
| Day 03 | Jagat to Deng | 1,860 m | 6/7 hrs trek | Gorge narrows. Multiple river crossings. |
| Day 04 | Deng to Namrung | 2,630 m | 7/8 hrs trek | Longest climbing day in the lower valley. Pace carefully. |
| Day 05 | Namrung to Lho Village | 3,180 m | 6/7 hrs trek | Most photogenic village on the circuit. Ribung Gompa photo opportunity. |
| Day 06 | Lho to Samagaun | 3,520 m | 5/6 hrs trek | Main hub of the upper valley. Last chance to stock up on supplies. |
| Day 07 | Acclimatization: Birendra Lake | 3,691 m | 3/4 hrs return | KEY DAY. Glacial lake above Samagaun. Climb high, sleep low. Essential, not optional. |
| Day 08 | Samagaun to Manaslu Base Camp and back | 4,800 m | 7/8 hrs total | KEY DIFFERENTIATOR for 14-day plan. Glacial amphitheater below Manaslu's south face. Best acclimatization tool on any Manaslu itinerary. |
| Day 09 | Samagaun to Samdo | 3,875 m | 3/4 hrs trek | Short day. Rest and hydrate. Body now pre-acclimatized to 4,800 m. |
| Day 10 | Samdo to Dharamshala | 4,460 m | 3/4 hrs trek | Rest. Eat. Sleep early. 3 AM start tomorrow. |
| Day 11 | Dharamshala over Larkya Pass to Bhimthang | 5,160 m pass / 3,720 m sleep | 10/11 hrs trek | CRUX DAY. Prior Base Camp acclimatization makes this crossing meaningfully safer than on the 12-day plan. |
| Day 12 | Bhimthang to Goa | 2,515 m | 6/7 hrs trek | Long descent. Use trekking poles. Enjoy thickening air. |
| Day 13 | Goa to Chamje | 1,430 m | 5/6 hrs trek | Full descent day into the lower Marsyangdi valley. |
| Day 14 | Chamje to Besisahar by jeep, drive to Kathmandu | Exit | 8/9 hrs total | Smoother exit than the Tilje route. Better road network via Annapurna Circuit. |
The 16-day route is a different trek. The first seven days travel through the Tsum Valley, a hidden valley branching north from the main circuit at Jagat. Mu Gompa at 3,700 m is an active monastery that has been continuously occupied for centuries. The cultural depth of Tsum Valley combined with the physical challenge of Larkya Pass makes the 16-day the most complete Himalayan trekking experience in Nepal.
Important: This route requires an additional Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit on top of the standard Manaslu permits. This is a separate document from the standard Manaslu RAP and must be arranged in Kathmandu before departure.
Note on Day 01: The Kathmandu to Machha Khola drive (9/10 hours) should be completed the day before Day 01 begins. Confirm this with your agency when booking, as this itinerary starts trekking from the Machha Khola overnight point.
| Day | Route | Elevation | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,370 m | 6/7 hrs trek | TSUM VALLEY START. Branch north at Jagat toward Tsum. Very few trekkers beyond this point. |
| Day 02 | Jagat to Lokpa | 2,040 m | 6/7 hrs trek | Leave main Manaslu Circuit trail and head into Tsum Valley via Siyar Khola river. |
| Day 03 | Lokpa to Chhokangparo | 3,010 m | 6 hrs trek | Valley opens dramatically as you gain altitude. Entering the upper Tsum culture zone. |
| Day 04 | Chhokangparo to Mu Gompa | 3,700 m | 6 hrs trek | CULTURAL HIGHLIGHT. Active monastery with permanent monk community. Butter lamps, thangka paintings, genuine silence. Spend real time here. |
| Day 05 | Rest Day at Mu Gompa | 3,700 m | Rest/acclimatize | Acclimatization rest. Walk the monastery circuit, visit the nearby nunnery, prepare for the days ahead. |
| Day 06 | Mu Gompa to Chumling | 2,386 m | 7/8 hrs trek | Leave Tsum Valley and descend back toward the main Manaslu Circuit. |
| Day 07 | Chumling to Deng | 1,860 m | 7/8 hrs trek | Rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit at Deng. From here, route follows same path as 12 and 14-day plans. |
| Day 08 | Deng to Namrung | 2,630 m | 7/8 hrs trek | Longest climbing day in the lower valley. You know how to pace by now. |
| Day 09 | Namrung to Lho | 3,180 m | 6/7 hrs trek | Ribung Gompa and first close views of Mt. Manaslu. |
| Day 10 | Lho to Samagaun | 3,520 m | 5/6 hrs trek | Main hub. Stock up on supplies. |
| Day 11 | Rest / Hike to Birendra Lake | 3,691 m | 3/4 hrs return | Your prior Mu Gompa altitude exposure means your acclimatization is already more advanced. Still do this hike. |
| Day 12 | Samagaun to Samdo | 3,875 m | 3/4 hrs trek | Short day. Rest and hydrate. |
| Day 13 | Samdo to Dharamsala | 4,460 m | 3/4 hrs trek | Sleep early. Everything from the first 13 days builds to tomorrow. |
| Day 14 | Dharamsala over Larkya Pass to Bhimthang | 5,160 m pass / 3,590 m sleep | 10/11 hrs trek | CRUX DAY. Pre-dawn start by headlamp. Prior high-altitude Tsum Valley exposure gives 16-day trekkers a meaningful physiological advantage here. |
| Day 15 | Bhimthang to Goa | 2,515 m | 6/7 hrs trek | Long descent. Take it slow. |
| Day 16 | Goa to Tilje, drive to Kathmandu | 2,300 m | 1 hr trek + 8/9 hrs drive | Book return jeep in advance. |
The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted trekking area. You cannot enter without a licensed guide and a minimum group of two people. All permits must be arranged in Kathmandu before departure. Permits are not available at trailhead checkpoints.
| Permit | Required For | Where to Obtain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | All three itineraries | Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu | Mandatory licensed guide + minimum 2 trekkers. Priced per week of trekking. |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | All three itineraries | Nepal Tourism Board or TAAN, Kathmandu | Standard conservation area entry permit. |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | All three itineraries | Nepal Tourism Board or TAAN, Kathmandu | Required for the Bhimthang to exit section which enters the ACAP zone. |
| Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit | 16-day itinerary ONLY | Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu | SEPARATE permit from standard Manaslu RAP. Required for all Tsum Valley access. Must be arranged in advance. Do not confuse with the Manaslu RAP. |
Important: Permit fees are subject to annual revision by the Government of Nepal. Confirm current 2026 fees directly with the Nepal Tourism Board or through your licensed trekking agency before booking.
Cash note: There are no ATMs after Arughat, the last town before the trailhead area. Carry sufficient Nepali Rupees in cash for the full duration of your trek. Your agency can advise the exact amount based on your chosen itinerary.
| Cost Item | Approximate Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permits: RAP + MCAP + ACAP (standard route) | $200 to $350 | Depends on trek duration and current government fee schedule |
| Tsum Valley RAP (16-day only) | $40 to $80 extra | Separate permit, additional cost on top of standard permits |
| Licensed guide (per day) | $30 to $50 | Mandatory. Experienced Manaslu guides cost more and are worth it. |
| Porter (per day, optional) | $20 to $30 | Strongly recommended above 3,500 m |
| Teahouse accommodation (per night) | $5 to $15 | Twin rooms. Basic but functional above Jagat. |
| Meals on trail (per day) | $20 to $35 | Dal bhat, noodles, eggs, hot drinks. Prices are higher above 3,500 m. |
| Transportation (Kathmandu to trailhead and return) | $80 to $150 | Jeep hire. Shared vehicles are cheaper. |
| Total estimated (excluding flights) | $1,200 to $2,200 | Varies by itinerary, group size, and season. |
The Manaslu Circuit has specific gear requirements driven by the Larkya Pass crossing and the pre-dawn cold at Dharamshala. This is not a standard teahouse trek packing list.
| Plan | Acclimatization Days | Highest Point Before Pass | Risk Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Day | 1 (Birendra Lake, 3,691 m) | 3,875 m at Samdo | Adequate for fit trekkers with prior high-altitude experience. No buffer for slow acclimatization responders. |
| 14-Day | 2 (Birendra Lake + Base Camp at 4,800 m) | 4,800 m at Manaslu Base Camp | Recommended. The Base Camp day is the most effective acclimatization preparation available on any Manaslu itinerary. |
| 16-Day | 2 formal plus Mu Gompa exposure at 3,700 m | 3,875 m at Samdo, after prior 3,700 m Tsum Valley exposure | Best acclimatization profile of the three plans due to early altitude exposure in Tsum Valley first week. |
AMS can affect anyone regardless of fitness level. Symptoms above 3,500 m to watch for include headache that does not respond to paracetamol, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. If two or more symptoms appear together, tell your guide immediately. The rule on the Manaslu Circuit is simple: never ascend with AMS symptoms. Descend if symptoms worsen overnight.
Do not compress the 12-day further. It is the minimum safe itinerary for this route. Some operators advertise 10 or 11-day Manaslu plans. These are not physiologically sound and are not recommended by experienced Manaslu guides.
The Larkya Pass crossing at 5,160 m is the defining experience of every Manaslu Circuit itinerary. On all three plans it is a 10 to 11 hour day starting at 3 to 4 AM. Here is what to expect:
Guide's Note: I have had to call for a helicopter three times on the Manaslu Circuit in twenty years. Each time the trekker recovered fully. Each time the evacuation cost between USD 3,000 and 5,000. Each time the trekker had insurance. The one group I guided without proper coverage had to arrange emergency funds by phone from Samagaun. It added enormous stress to an already difficult situation. - Dambar Thapa
Choose the 12-day if you have strong fitness, prior experience above 4,000 m, and a genuine time constraint. Choose the 14-day if you want the safest acclimatization profile and a Manaslu Base Camp experience. Choose the 16-day if the Tsum Valley and cultural immersion matter as much to you as the Larkya Pass crossing. Contact us to discuss which plan fits your specific situation.
Yes. The Manaslu Conservation Area is a restricted zone under Nepal government regulation. A licensed Nepali guide is mandatory for all trekkers on every Manaslu Circuit itinerary, including the 16-day Tsum Valley route. Solo trekking without a guide is not permitted and your permits will reflect this requirement.
In most respects, yes. The Larkya Pass crossing at 5,160 m is a longer, harder day than any single day on the EBC route. The trailhead drive is rougher. The trail infrastructure is less developed. The restricted area means fewer trekkers, which creates a more isolated experience with less readily available rescue infrastructure.
October is the single best month for the Manaslu Circuit trek in 2026. Skies are clear, temperatures are stable, and Larkya Pass conditions are at their most reliable. March and April are the next best option for spring trekkers. Avoid June through August due to monsoon conditions including leeches, landslides, and flooded trails.
All three itineraries require the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The 16-day route additionally requires a Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, which is a completely separate document from the standard Manaslu RAP. All permits must be obtained in Kathmandu before you begin trekking.
The 16-day itinerary is specifically designed around the Tsum Valley loop. If you want a longer Manaslu Circuit without Tsum Valley, the 14-day plan with added rest days at Samagaun or Samdo is the better structure. Talk to our team about customising your itinerary.
You wait at Dharamshala. Your guide will assess conditions each morning and make the call based on weather reports and direct observation. Most closures are temporary, lasting 12 to 36 hours after fresh snowfall. Build at least one extra day into your post-trek travel schedule before any international flights.
The Manaslu Circuit is one of the finest trekking routes in the world. The 12-day plan is the efficient choice for experienced, time-constrained trekkers. The 14-day gives you the safest acclimatization and the Manaslu Base Camp experience. The 16-day gives you the Tsum Valley, and a depth of cultural experience that is genuinely rare in Himalayan trekking.
Larkya Pass changes the people who cross it. Not in a vague, inspirational way. In a specific, physical way. You climb to 5,160 m in the dark, cross a high-altitude col with the Himalayas on every horizon, and descend into Bhimthang knowing you did something genuinely hard. That feeling does not leave you.
Spring and autumn 2026 spots on the Manaslu Circuit fill by January. The restricted area regulation limits total trekker numbers, which means popular departure dates book out early. If you are planning a 2026 Manaslu trek, now is the time to confirm your itinerary.
Check availability for spring and autumn 2026 departures at: Manaslu Circuit Trek
