Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit trek permits and rules in 2026

2026 restricted area trek rule change:

The Nepal government has removed the mandatory minimum two-trekker requirement for restricted area treks in Nepal, including the Manaslu Circuit trek.

Solo trekkers can now apply individually for a restricted area permit without needing to find a second trekker.

However, the restricted area permit can only be issued through a Nepali authorized trekking company, and the trekker must be accompanied by a licensed mountain guide.

Manaslu Circuit trek permits 2026:

The Manaslu region is a restricted area in Nepal. It is also a conservation area. In addition to that, you enter the Annapurna region after crossing Larkya La Pass.

So, you will need the following permits for the Manaslu Circuit trek in 2026:

➜ Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit: USD 30 per person

➜ Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit: USD 30 per person

➜ Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (Manaslu RAP):

• September to November: USD 100 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 15 per person per day
• December to August: USD 75 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 10 per person per day

Final Manaslu Circuit trek 2026 regulations:

➜ No minimum two-trekker requirement.

➜ The Manaslu Circuit trek must be organized by a local authorized Nepali trekking company like Leaf Holidays.

➜ A licensed Nepali guide must accompany the trekker.

Our Manaslu Circuit trek package is inclusive of all the permit fees. We will help you obtain the necessary permits.

Manaslu Circuit trek best time

Technically, the Manaslu Circuit trek is possible throughout the year. However, some seasons offer better mountain views and safer trail conditions than others.

Autumn (September, October, November):

Autumn is the most popular time of the year for the Manaslu Circuit trek. It is the post-monsoon period, so the visibility is great. The pollution and dust levels are at their lowest all over Nepal.

Mountains are seen from far away. Likewise, the weather is stable in autumn. You will not see sudden rainfall or snowfall, especially in late September and October.

Similarly, a moderate climate makes long walking pleasant at high altitude. Daytime will be warm, with nights and mornings on the cold side.

In the lower valley, the temperature ranges between 8°C-25°C. Likewise, mid valley has 2°C-18°C and high altitude has 0°C-12°C.

Spring (March, April, May):

Spring is the second great time of the year for the Manaslu Circuit trek. It is a visually very appealing time to explore the Himalayas because lower trails are covered with rhododendron blooms.

There can be occasional snowfall or rainfall in March, but by April, the weather settles down. Visibility is good, so the landscapes and mountain panoramas are clear.

The temperature ranges between 6°C-22°C in the lower valley and 0°C-16°C in the mid valley. Likewise, at high altitude (3,500 m to 4,500 m), the temperature is around -5°C to 10°C. At Larkya La Pass, the temperature is around -15°C to 2°C.

Winter (December, January, February):

Winter is not a popular time for the Manaslu Circuit trek because of extreme cold, unstable weather, and snow-covered trails. However, if you prepare well and dress up for the climate, you will enjoy a very satisfying Manaslu Circuit trek in winter.

Winter offers an experience that no other season offers: magical snowy landscapes, near-total solitude, and crisp air. The challenges and risks are high in winter, but the experience you will have is also unmatched.

There are both gloomy and clear days in winter. Most days have clear skies, so you will enjoy warm sunrays and excellent scenery. The price of accommodation and meals is also low in the winter season.

In winter, the temperature can drop as low as -20°C at Larkya La Pass. In the lower valley and mid valley, the temperature ranges between 15°C and -5°C.

Depending on the trail condition, you may also have to use micro crampons and other winter gear to cross the Larkya La Pass. We have experience in operating the Manaslu Circuit trek in winter, so feel free to contact us if you are interested.

Summer/monsoon (June, July, August):

Between June and August, the weather is very unstable, and the climate is extremely hot and humid. The temperature drops as you ascend higher. Still, daytime is brutal due to high exposure to the sun.

Once the monsoon starts, heavy rains make the trail muddy and slippery with leeches. Landslide risk increases a lot throughout the low and mid hills.

Mountain views are not clear every day. If you are interested in the biodiversity of the Manaslu region, then the summer/monsoon is the best time of the year to do the Manaslu Circuit trek.

Waterfalls, rivers, and streams are in excellent condition. Likewise, the morning mists and rainy landscapes are also quite mesmerizing. Accommodation and meal prices are low in this season.

The temperature ranges between 31°C and -3°C (from the lower valley to Larkya La Pass). You need proper rain gear and professional support to safely complete the Manaslu Circuit trek in the monsoon.

Manaslu Circuit trek difficulty

On the difficulty level, the Manaslu Circuit trek is rated 4 out of 5. It is a strenuous trek and falls under the challenging trek category in Nepal.

During these two weeks’ trek, you will ascend above 5,000 meters, navigating through the remote wilderness of the Manaslu region. There is no road access after Jagat village.

The trail is steep and rocky in many sections. Limited services and daily 6 hours of hiking put a lot of mental pressure. Even if you are exhausted, you have to keep moving.

We only stop if you get sick. To ensure you stay in the best condition during trekking, our guide will monitor your health and customize strategic short breaks so that you can rest and recover as you ascend and descend.

The trail goes through dense forests and yak pastures to glacier moraines. Larkya La Pass is the most demanding section of the Manaslu Circuit and will test your endurance.

Altitude sickness on the Manaslu Circuit trek

High altitude is a big challenge on the Manaslu Circuit trek. It makes trekking more difficult because, as the elevation rises, the oxygen level decreases. You will get tired quickly, and if you do not acclimate, altitude sickness is inevitable.

The symptoms of altitude sickness include persistent headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep, and breathlessness.

These are the early signs of altitude sickness. If you get them, inform your guide immediately. He will provide first aid and monitor your condition.

Do not underestimate these signs because if they progress into a serious form of altitude sickness, we have to immediately transfer you to a hospital in Kathmandu via helicopter evacuation.

While trekking in the Himalayas, you should follow the “trek high and sleep low” rule. It is known as the golden rule and is best for acclimatization. Following our Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary, you will have many trek high, sleep low days.

Altitude sickness preventive measures and tips:

• Keep a steady pace while hiking. Don’t rush. Take your time.
• Keep yourself hydrated while walking. Have garlic soups and ginger-honey tea daily. They are great for acclimatization.
• Do not smoke or have alcohol while ascending.
• Listen to your body and inform your guide if you see any discomfort.
• Follow our acclimation plan.
• Have ample food and sleep at least 8 hours each day to be in the best condition.
• If your symptom does not improve in 24 hours at the same altitude, descend immediately. Do not ascend high, as it will worsen altitude sickness.

Manaslu Circuit trek preparation

Manaslu Circuit trek preparation includes getting physically and mentally ready for the journey. It should be your priority if you have decided to do this trek.

If you are not physically fit, you should at least keep 12 weeks in your hand to get fit enough for the trek.

➜ Cardio: In the first 4 weeks, have 3 to 4 45-60 minute aerobic sessions. You can pick among swimming, cycling, brisk walking, or stair climbing. These activities will help you improve your stamina and endurance.

➜ Long walks and strength training: Then, between weeks 4 and 8, add a long walk carrying a 5 kg backpack. Start with a 30-minute walk and go for more than 2 hours of walking. Combine strength training too. It is great to build your core, legs, and back.

➜ Workout intensity: In the last 4 weeks, increase intensity and workout hours. You should focus on pushing your limits every week.

Travel insurance requirements for the Manaslu Circuit trek

Travel insurance for the Manaslu Circuit trek should include emergency helicopter evacuation up to 5,500 meters and medical bills. It is a mandatory requirement.

Travelers are advised to buy travel insurance with necessary coverage in their country and bring documents with them. There is no travel insurance provision for high-altitude treks in Nepal for foreigners.

Make sure to check the travel insurance clauses and whether it is eligible for a high-altitude trek in Nepal or not. You need to give us your insurance documents before the trek starts. We use it to arrange rescue service if needed.

Guide and porter

Trekking with a licensed Nepali guide is mandatory on the Manaslu Circuit trek. We will provide you with a professional guide with great expertise on the Manaslu Circuit trek route.

He will help you safely navigate the steep, rocky tracks and landslide-prone areas. Likewise, you will get great insights from your guide about the locals’ lives and culture.

Porter, on the other hand, carries a duffel bag for you. Without a heavy duffel bag, trekking becomes easy and safe. Our porters are natives of the Manaslu region. They are funny and add great value to your journey.

➜ Porter weight limit: You have an 8-9 kg duffel bag weight limit and a 5 kg backpack weight limit. Our one porter carries a duffel bag for two trekkers. So, in total, they carry 16-19 kg.

➜ Tips for guide and porter: Tips are not included in our Manaslu Circuit trek package. You are supposed to tip the guide and porter on the last day of the trek. It shows your appreciation for their hard work. You can tip 15% to 25% of the package cost or tip on a per-day basis as you wish.

Transportation to/from the starting and ending points of the Manaslu Circuit trek

You will start the Manaslu Circuit trek from Jagat village. Likewise, the trek ends in Tilje. We book a local bus or jeep. Domestic flights are not available.

You can also upgrade to a private jeep by paying extra money.

Kathmandu to Jagat:

➜ Distance: 180 km/112 miles

➜ Drive duration: 9-10 hours

➜ Vehicle: Local bus or shared jeep (private jeep is available at additional cost)

Private jeeps are safer, faster, and more comfortable. 

Tilje to Kathmandu:

➜ Distance: 195 km/121 miles

➜ Drive duration: 8-9 hours

➜ Vehicle: Shared jeep from Tilje to Besisahar and tourist bus from Besishar to Kathmandu

Manaslu Circuit trek accommodation, food, and drinking water

There are teahouses on the Manaslu Circuit trek route. It is the most basic type of accommodation for trekkers in the Himalayas. Please be aware that teahouses are nothing compared to lodges in the Everest and Annapurna regions.

The teahouses on the Manaslu Circuit trail are family-run. They provide humble accommodation and hot meals to the trekkers. As the elevation increases, the services in the teahouse get simpler and more limited.

In teahouses, you have to pay extra money for charging, WiFi, and hot showers. These are your personal expenses and not covered in our Manaslu Circuit trek cost.  

➜ Rooms: Rooms are twin-shared. There are separate single beds for the trekkers. Most rooms have one window and a table.

➜ Bathroom: You may find private bathrooms up to Namrung village. After this village, shared bathrooms are common. Likewise, squat toilets are most available in the teahouses.

➜ Hot shower and personal washing: Hot showers cost extra money and may not be available at Larke Phedi. It is best to avoid taking a shower at Larke Phedi because of the altitude, and you will cross the Larkya La Pass early the next day. Similarly, do not rely on washing and drying clothes. Pack ample clothes to change into for the entire trek.

➜ Charging: Charging is another paid service. Carry spare batteries and a solar power bank for backup.

➜ WiFi: WiFi is available in many teahouses, but it will also cost a few extra bucks. The network is not reliable.

➜ Food: We provide three meals a day during the trek. In Kathmandu, you only get breakfast. The meals during trekking are provided as per the menu of the teahouses. You will have nice Nepali and Tibetan dishes with some Western options.

➜ Common food: The common food you eat during the Manaslu Circuit trek is thukpa, Tibetan bread, dal bhat, fried rice, Swiss roasties, momo, chowmein, potato pancakes, pasta, stew, soups, porridge, pancake, etc.

➜ Beverages: Different types of tea and coffee are available everywhere. Likewise, hot chocolate and soft beverages are also found in many teahouses.

➜ Drinking water: We drink boiled drinking water during the Manaslu Circuit trek and carry water purification tablets for backup.

Manaslu Circuit trek packing list

➜ You do not have to bring everything from your country. Do trekking in Kathmandu. You will find plenty of options at a great price.

➜ Rent trekking gear if you do not want to invest a lot of money in it. Rental charges are a factor in cost.

The packing list below includes all the things that you will need during the Manaslu Circuit trek:

Clothes and gear:

• Comfortable underwear
• Base layer (trekking t-shirt and pants)
• Thermal layer (bodywarmers, sweater, fleece)
• Outer layer (windproof/waterproof jacket and pants)
• Down jacket
• Beanie
• Sunhat
• Scarf
• Gloves
• Socks
• Trekking boots
• Casual slippers

Trekking gear:

• Daypack with a good waist support band
• Duffel bag
• Trekking poles
• UV sunglasses
• Sleeping bag & liner
• Gaiters
• Water bladder

Essentials:

• Water bladder (recommended)
• Reusable water bottles and water purification tablets
• Universal charger
• Power bank
• Solar charger
• Map
• Torch
• Camera and mobile
• Snacks
• Ziplock bags to store used clothes and other things

Toiletries and first aid:

• Moisturizer and body lotion
• Toilet paper
• High SPF
• Lip balm
• Personal first aid kit
• Wet tissues
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Soap and shampoo
• Hand sanitizer
• GPS devices and a compass (optional)
• Whistle (optional)
• Electrolyte
• Comb
• Pocket mirror
• Travelers knife

Documents and cash:

• Travel insurance documents
• Nepali currency
• Passport with six months of validity
• Nepal travel visa
• Trek permits
• Debit/credit cards