9 Reasons to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek
If you’re searching for a trek in Nepal that combines the majesty of the Himalayas, rich culture, and true adventure, the Manaslu Circuit Trek deserves your attention.
Often described as one of Nepal’s most rewarding long-distance routes, it takes you around the world’s eighth-highest mountain – Mount Manaslu (8,163m) – and through landscapes that range from subtropical forest to high-altitude wilderness.
While the trek has grown in popularity in recent years, it still offers a quieter experience than busier trails like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna. So, why should you consider the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal for your next big adventure?
Below, we explore nine compelling reasons that make it one of the best routes for trekking in Nepal.
Table of Contents:
Breathtaking Himalayan Views
What makes the Himalayan views along the Manaslu Circuit Trek so special?
Key viewpoints along the route
Unique Cultural Immersion
What cultural experiences can you expect on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Cultural highlights
Adventure for All Levels
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek suitable for all levels of trekkers?
Varied Landscape and Wildlife
What kinds of landscapes and wildlife will you encounter on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Landscapes
Wildlife sightings
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience
Why is the Manaslu Circuit Trek considered an off-the-beaten-path adventure?
Benefits of trekking a less-travelled route
Trekking in the Footsteps of History
What historical significance does the Manaslu Circuit Trek have?
Historical highlights
The High Point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
What makes crossing Larkya La Pass a highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Highlights of the Larkya La crossing
Challenge and Personal Achievement
How challenging is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Main challenges
The Final Reward: Reaching the Panoramic Views
What is the reward for completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Why it feels so rewarding
Summary
FAQs
Breathtaking Himalayan Views
What makes the Himalayan views along the Manaslu Circuit Trek so special?
Few treks rival the Himalayan views that unfold along our Manaslu Circuit Trek. As you ascend through river valleys and mountain passes, the panorama shifts constantly - each turn revealing snow-capped giants and pristine glaciers that feel almost within reach.
From the lower villages of Soti Khola to the high-altitude hamlet of Sama Gaon, trekkers are treated to unforgettable perspectives of the Nepalese Himalaya.
Key viewpoints along the route include:
Mount Manaslu (8,163m) – The “Mountain of the Spirit,” dominating the skyline throughout much of the trek.
Himalchuli (7,893m) – A graceful peak that rises dramatically above lush foothills.
Ngadi Chuli (7,871m) – Also known as Peak 29, this impressive massif offers stunning symmetry.
Ganesh Himal – Visible in the distance, adding depth to already breathtaking Himalayan vistas.
Perhaps the most awe-inspiring moment comes at Larkya La Pass (5,160m), where the horizon explodes into a sea of peaks after a steep climb to your highest point of the route.
Unique Cultural Immersion
What cultural experiences can you expect on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
One of the joys of trekking in Nepal is how seamlessly natural beauty intertwines with culture. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is particularly special for its blend of Gurung and Tibetan heritage.
As you pass through villages like Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Sama Gaon, and Samdo, you’ll notice how the customs and dialects shift with the landscape. The lower regions reflect Nepal’s mid-hill Gurung traditions, while the higher settlements near the Tibetan border echo Buddhist influences.
Cultural highlights include:
Ancient monasteries and prayer walls that line the trail.
Local festivals, where music and masked dances celebrate age-old traditions.
Traditional foods such as tsampa, yak butter tea, and momos, shared with warm hospitality.
Mountain Kingdoms’ treks prioritise genuine connection - your local guides will introduce you to families, help you learn a few Nepali or Tibetan phrases, and ensure your cultural encounters feel authentic and respectful.
Adventure for All Levels
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek suitable for all levels of trekkers?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is ideal for moderate to experienced trekkers. It’s challenging enough to feel like a true adventure, but with steady acclimatisation and support, it’s achievable for anyone with good fitness and determination.
Below is a quick comparison to help gauge difficulty:
Everest Base Camp Trek – 14 days on trek, reaching 5,545m at Kala Pattar overlooking Everest Base Camp. A strenuous graded trek that attracts large numbers of trekkers each season.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek – 11 days on trek, with a maximum altitude of 4,130m. A vigorous graded trek, and one of Nepal’s most popular routes.
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 11 days on trek, climbing to 5,106m. A strenuous graded trek that remains less crowded, offering a more authentic mountain experience.
Trekkers who’ve completed classic routes often find this one more remote, scenic, and culturally rich.
Varied Landscape and Wildlife
What kinds of landscapes and wildlife will you encounter on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
From dense lowland jungle to icy mountain passes, the Manaslu Circuit showcases the full diversity of trekking landscapes found in Nepal.
You’ll begin in lush river valleys, cross suspension bridges over the roaring Budhi Gandaki River, then climb into alpine meadows dotted with rhododendrons and prayer flags. The terrain shifts almost daily, with each new elevation revealing another side of the Himalaya.
Landscapes you’ll experience:
Subtropical forests rich with waterfalls and terraced fields.
Alpine meadows where yaks graze beneath towering cliffs.
High-altitude deserts reminiscent of Tibet’s wild expanses.
Wildlife sightings may include:
Himalayan Tahr – sure-footed mountain goats navigating steep ridges.
Himalayan Monal - Nepal’s colourful national bird.
Musk deer - solitary creatures known for their distinctive tusk-like teeth and musky scent glands.
Marmots - playful rodents often sunbathing on rocks or whistling alarm calls across meadows.
Golden eagle - majestic raptors soaring high above the valleys in search of prey.
Blue sheep – often spotted on grassy slopes near Lho or Sama Gaon.
For those drawn to nature and biodiversity, it’s one of Nepal’s richest trails. To compare other ecosystems, see our Five High Passes trek from Dolpo to Mustang, which takes you through towering peaks, ancient villages, and five of Nepal's finest 5,000m passes with a thriving wildlife scene.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience
Why is the Manaslu Circuit Trek considered an off-the-beaten-path adventure?
The Manaslu Circuit has been described as a hidden trekking route in Nepal previously, but it’s since become quite a popular route. With that said, it still remains less crowded than the Everest or Annapurna Circuits.
For the most part, you won't have the trail entirely to yourself during peak season, but you’ll still enjoy moments of solitude and encounters that feel genuine rather than commercial.
Benefits of trekking a less-travelled route:
Closer connection with local communities and landscapes.
Authentic teahouse stays rather than large tourist lodges.
A sense of discovery as each day reveals remote valleys and little-visited villages.
It’s an adventure for those who value cultural depth and quiet beauty over convenience. For a guide to other off-the-beaten-path treks, explore our trekking regions of Nepal.
Trekking in the Footsteps of History
What historical significance does the Manaslu Circuit Trek have?
Long before it became a bucket-list trek, the Manaslu route served as a trading corridor between Nepal and Tibet. Traders once led yak caravans across these mountains, exchanging salt, wool, and grains - a tradition that still continues in some border villages.
The area was closed to foreign trekkers until 1991, preserved for decades as a restricted region. This helped protect both its ecosystems and its cultural heritage.
Historical highlights:
Restricted area status until the early 1990s, keeping it untouched by mass tourism.
Ancient trails once used by Tibetan traders and pilgrims.
Centuries-old monasteries that still form the spiritual heart of Himalayan life.
Walking these paths feels like stepping into living history, where each mani wall and stupa is a reminder of those who’ve passed before.
To better understand the cultural ties that shape this region, explore our range of Tibet trekking holidays, which delve deeper into the same landscapes and traditions that influence life along the Manaslu Circuit.
The High Point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
What makes crossing Larkya La Pass a highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
At 5,160 metres, Larkya La Pass is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and arguably its most exhilarating.
The climb begins in the early hours, winding through icy terrain as dawn breaks over the peaks. Prayer flags mark the summit of the pass, fluttering wildly in the cold Himalayan wind.
Highlights of the Larkya La crossing:
Altitude: 5,160m – a true high-altitude achievement.
Views: Striking panoramas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II.
Reward: A deep sense of accomplishment and perspective few treks can match.
It’s a demanding section but one of the great Himalayan crossings, comparable to Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit. Those looking for other high-altitude treks in Nepal might also enjoy our Everest region trips and holidays.
Challenge and Personal Achievement
How challenging is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu trek difficulty lies in its length and altitude rather than any technical climbing. The trail’s variety keeps it engaging - one day you’re walking through forested valleys, the next crossing snow-covered passes.
Main challenges include:
Altitude: Gradual ascent helps, but acclimatisation remains key. Our trek provides excellent opportunities for acclimatisation, including well-planned rest days in Sama Gaon before crossing the Larkya La Pass to ensure trekkers adjust comfortably to the thinner air.
Weather: Cold nights are common at higher elevations, particularly between November and March. As our colleague Jess recently discovered while trekking the route, even late October - once one of the most reliable times of year - can now bring heavy snowfall. It’s a timely reminder that weather patterns across the Himalaya are becoming less predictable, even during what were traditionally the best trekking months.
Terrain: Expect long, rocky sections and steep ascents that test both endurance and determination.
Yet these challenges are precisely what make the journey so fulfilling. Each day builds your stamina and confidence, and by the time you reach the pass, the sense of personal achievement is immense.
If you’re drawn to treks that balance challenge with beauty, the Annapurna region trails offer another rewarding alternative.
The Final Reward: Reaching the Panoramic Views
What is the reward for completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Although trekkers don’t climb Mount Manaslu itself, the panoramic vistas from Larkya La Pass more than make up for it. Standing at over 5,000 metres, you’ll gaze across a sweep of peaks - Manaslu, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II - that seem almost close enough to touch.
Why it feels so rewarding:
The culmination of days of effort and determination.
A chance to reflect on the landscapes and people you’ve met along the way.
The indescribable emotion of standing amongst the giants of the Himalaya.
This isn’t just about ticking off another trek. It’s about connecting deeply with nature, culture, and yourself.
Summary
The Manaslu Circuit Trek blends everything that makes trekking in Nepal so special: spectacular mountain scenery, warm local hospitality, cultural depth, and a sense of challenge that feels achievable yet profound.
Whether it’s your first long-distance trek or your next great Himalayan adventure, Manaslu offers a perfect balance between discovery and personal growth.
If you’re interested in more adventures like this, why not browse our full collection of trekking and walking holidays in Nepal? Booking your next adventure with Mountain Kingdoms allows you to experience the spirit of the Himalaya with expert guides, small groups, and genuine local insight. If you have any questions, contact our friendly team, who will be happy to help.
FAQs
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit is a moderate to challenging trek. It involves long days of walking and a high pass at 5,160m but requires no technical climbing. Good fitness and previous trekking experience are recommended.
How to prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Build cardiovascular endurance through hiking or running, and include leg-strength and altitude training if possible. Our team provides pre-departure advice to help you prepare.
How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Typically 14–17 days, depending on the itinerary and acclimatisation stops. It covers approximately 177km around the Manaslu massif.
What is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The best seasons are March–May and October–November, when skies are clear, temperatures pleasant, and trails are most stable.
What should I pack for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Layers for varying temperatures, waterproofs, trekking poles, and a good sleeping bag rated to –15°C. We provide detailed packing lists for all treks.
This blog was written by Mountain Kingdoms' Marketing & Product Manager Jude Limburn Turner, who has trekked and travelled extensively in Nepal. She has trekked many of the classic treks in the Everest and Annapurna regions and also gone well off-the-beaten-track. Among her favourite treks are the Manaslu Circuit and remote Kangchenjunga North & South Base Camps.