Manaslu Circuit Trek: The Quieter Alternative to Annapurna

Wild, remote and crossing a 5,100 m pass — Manaslu is the trek for those who want the old Nepal.

If the Annapurna Circuit's growing popularity puts you off, the Manaslu Circuit is the answer. Looping around the world's eighth-highest mountain (8,163 m), it delivers the same epic variety — deep river gorges, Tibetan-influenced villages, a dramatic high pass — but with a fraction of the crowds. It is one of the most rewarding treks in Nepal.

The route and the Larke La pass

The trek follows the Budhi Gandaki river north, climbing steadily from terraced farmland into high alpine country and the Buddhist villages of Samagaon and Samdo. The climax is the crossing of the Larke La pass at around 5,106 m, with huge views of Manaslu, Himlung and the Annapurnas, before a long descent toward the Annapurna region.

How long and how hard?

Plan for roughly 14 to 16 days. It is a moderate-to-challenging trek: the daily distances are manageable, but the remoteness, the rough trail in places, and the high pass make it tougher than ABC. Good fitness and careful acclimatisation are important. The reward is a genuine wilderness feel that the busier circuits have lost.

Permits — why you need a guide

Manaslu is a restricted area. You cannot trek it independently: a Restricted Area Permit, plus the Manaslu and Annapurna conservation permits, must be arranged through a registered agency, and you must trek with a licensed guide in a group. We handle all of this as part of your trip.

Best time to go

Autumn (October–November) and spring (April–May) are ideal, with the most stable weather for the Larke La crossing. Avoid the monsoon, when landslides can affect the lower trail, and be cautious in deep winter when the pass may be snowed in.