Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trip Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek with Fly Trek Nepal is one of Nepal’s finest wilderness adventures, circling Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, once part of an ancient salt-trade route to Tibet, through deep gorges, bamboo forests, and terraced villages. As you climb, the landscape and culture change from Gurung and Magar communities in the lower valley to Tibetan-influenced villages like Lho, Samagaon, and Samdo, where mani walls, monasteries, and prayer flags line the paths.

The journey peaks at the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), a high crossing with sweeping views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. You then descend into the green meadows of Bimthang and continue to the end of the trail. Because Manaslu is a restricted area, access is limited to trekkers with special permits and a licensed guide, which keeps the route far quieter than Everest or Annapurna. Fly Trek Nepal arranges your permits and guide, and you stay in comfortable teahouses throughout, so you can focus on the mountains and the culture.

Trip Highlights

• Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m): Trek beneath the world’s eighth-highest peak, with close-up views from Lho, Samagaon, and Samdo.
• Larkya La Pass (5,106 m): Cross one of Nepal’s most dramatic high passes, rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of snow peaks.
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Trail: A restricted-area route with special permits means far fewer trekkers and a wilder, more peaceful experience.
• Tibetan Buddhist Culture: Visit monasteries, mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags in villages where life still follows mountain traditions.
• Samagaon and Birendra Lake: Rest and acclimatize in Samagaon, with a short hike to the turquoise glacial lake below the Manaslu Glacier.
• Pungyen Gompa: Visit the ancient monastery set high above Samagaon, with views across the valley.
• Budhi Gandaki River Valley: Follow a historic salt-trade route through gorges, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and forests.
• Ever-Changing Scenery: Walk from subtropical valleys and rhododendron forests to alpine meadows, glaciers, and rocky high country.
• Bimthang Valley: Descend into a wide, green glacial valley beneath Manaslu’s south face after the pass.
• Wildlife and Conservation Area: Trek through the protected Manaslu Conservation Area, home to Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and the rare snow leopard.
• Panoramic Peaks: Enjoy views of Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and the Annapurna range along the way.
• Teahouse Trekking with Local Guides: Comfortable lodges, hot meals, and a licensed Fly Trek Nepal guide mean no camping is needed.