Manaslu Circuit Trek - 14 Days

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits 2026 Update

The Manaslu region is a restricted trekking area, which means obtaining permits is more complex than a standard Nepali trek — and critically, you cannot apply for the main permit yourself. It must be processed through a registered trekking agency like Higher Limits Trek & Expedition. Three permits are required:

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

This is the primary permit and the most important. It is required from Jagat (the first checkpoint at 1,340m) all the way through the restricted zone. The cost depends on the season:

• Autumn (September–November): USD 100 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 15 per additional day
• All other seasons (December–August): USD 75 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 10 per additional day

Important: Before March 2026, you had to travel in pairs in Restricted Areas, but now the requirements have been removed. Now you can travel solo but with a licensed guide. For more information, you can check the Restricted Area Permit Update.

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit is required for entering the Manaslu Conservation Area protected zone. Fixed cost year-round: NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 22) per person.

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is required as the trail exits the Manaslu region near Dharapani and enters the Annapurna Conservation Area. Fixed cost: NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 22) per person.

4. Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit is a local government permit issued by the Chumnubri Rural Municipality. The collected fee is used for local trail maintenance, suspension bridge repairs, and check post staffing of most of the upper Manaslu villages – including Lho, Sama Gaun, and Samdo. Cost: NPR 1,000 per person (approx. USD 8)

All four permits are included in the Higher Limits Trek package price and arranged entirely by our team. You provide a passport scan, Nepal visa copy, and travel insurance details — we handle everything with the Nepal Department of Immigration.

The process required to obtain a permit to enter the Manaslu region is more complicated than in the normal trekking permit system found elsewhere in Nepal, since there are various types of permits to enter the restricted area, multiple checkpoints along the trek, and a new Chumnubri Municipal Permit required for those travelling after 2026. We handle all necessary permits for you as part of the package. For additional information about how to obtain each of the permits listed above, including the associated fees, and the effects of the new 2026 regulations on your trek, refer to our complete guide to the Manaslu region permits.

If you would like to study Nepal's trekking permit system in more detail, including TIMS cards, conservation area permits, and restricted area rules, then you can check our full guide on Trekking Permits in Nepal.

Best Time for 14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek

The best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are:

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring (March - May)

The spring season is one of the most popular times for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. During this season, the weather is stable, with clear skies, and it offers beautiful scenery when trekking through the mountains. The rhododendron trees that grow in the dry forests surrounding the trek are also flowering at this time of year, creating not only a beautiful scene but also providing pleasant weather for travelers. This season is perfect for traveling and experiencing the beauty of nature.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Autumn (September - November)

Autumn is generally considered the best time for trekking in the Manaslu region. After the monsoon season, the atmosphere is clean and free of dust, resulting in a clear line of sight to the mountains. Typically, the sky is clear during this time, allowing for uninterrupted panoramic views of the beautiful Himalayas, including Manaslu. The weather is usually stable, which helps ensure a safe and comfortable trekking experience.

Winter treks are also possible for experienced trekkers, while the monsoon season is less recommended due to rain and cloudy views.

For more information on which season suits you best, read our complete guide to the best time to trek the Manaslu region.

Health & Safety on Manaslu Circuit Trek

The highest altitude reached during the trek is Larkya La Pass (5,106m), the longest pass of the Himalaya, so there are chances of high altitude.

Signs to watch for:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath even while resting
• Fatigue or trouble sleeping

How to be safe:

• Walk slowly and take your time
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat well and stay energized
• Take proper rest and acclimatize
• Please inform your guide if you feel uneasy 

You can enjoy every sunrise, every stunning view, and every step along the Manaslu trails with confidence with proper acclimatization.

Travel Insurance Recommendations

Mountain adventure is thrilling, but peace of mind is priceless. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers the following:

• High-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m)
• Medical emergencies and evacuation by helicopter
• Hospital stays, medications

Knowing you are fully covered lets you focus on the beauty around you – the glacial valleys, towering peaks, and the quiet majesty of Manaslu – without worry.

A Typical Day on the Manaslu Trekking Route

A typical day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with breakfast at the teahouse while admiring the beautiful scenery of mountains and valleys. After breakfast, you will start trekking through scenic trails in the forest, where you are welcomed by beautiful mountain and valley views.

Along the way, you will have a break for tea, photos, and lunch at local teahouses. Most trekking days involve around 5–8 hours of walking, though some days are shorter while others, especially around Larkya La Pass, can be longer and more challenging.

By afternoon, you will arrive at the teahouse for the night, where you can relax, explore the village, or enjoy the Himalayan scenery. After dinner, you can spend time chatting with fellow travelers and discussing the next day's plan. Or you can head to bed soon after dinner.

Meals on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Meals on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are simple but are enough to keep trekkers energized during long days on the trail. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during the trek, and usually served in the teahouse where you stay.

For breakfast, you can have porridge, Tibetan bread, pancakes, eggs, toast, muesli, tea, and coffee. Lunch and dinner menus are quite similar; you can get food items like Dal Bhat, fried rice, noodles, pastas, momos, soups, potatoes, and vegetable curries. Food choices become more limited at higher elevations as supplies are transported by porters, mules, and yaks.

Vegetarian meals are widely available and are often preferred by trekkers at higher elevations. There are vegan options available at the teahouses, but you might get limited options in the remote villages. Snacks, chocolates, and soft drinks are available in many settlements, but prices gradually increase as you ascend higher into the mountains.

Accommodation during the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is in locally run teahouses that offer a simple but comfortable place to rest after a day on the trail. We always try our best to provide the best available teahouses in each village to ensure a pleasant trekking experience. Rooms are usually twin-sharing with basic bedding, blankets, and pillows. In the lower villages, some lodges have attached bathrooms, while at higher elevations, shared toilets and washing facilities are more common. Evenings are often spent in the communal dining room, enjoying a warm meal, a cup of tea, and sharing stories with fellow trekkers before heading to bed. 

Wi-Fi and Electricity on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Electricity is available in most villages along the Manaslu Circuit, but don't expect a constant power supply, especially as you climb higher. In places like Samagaon and Samdo, charging your phone, camera, or power bank is usually possible, though teahouses often charge a small fee per device. Wi-Fi can be found in some teahouses, but the connection tends to be slow and unreliable, particularly at higher elevations. It's a good idea to bring a power bank, spare batteries, a headlamp, and a universal adapter, as these can be very useful on days when electricity is limited.

Acclimatization on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Proper acclimatization is essential on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, especially as the trail crosses Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). As you gain altitude, the oxygen level decreases, making it important to ascend gradually and allow your body time to adjust. To aid acclimatization, we include a rest day in Samagaon, where trekkers can relax or take short hikes to nearby viewpoints. Our guides are experienced in recognizing the symptoms of altitude sickness, but if symptoms worsen, descending to a lower elevation remains the most effective treatment. We also recommend consulting your doctor before the trek if you have any pre-existing heart, lung, or medical conditions.

Fitness and Experience Required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek involves walking for around 5–8 hours a day, with a few longer and more demanding days at higher elevations. While previous trekking experience is not mandatory, a good level of fitness and regular walking or hiking beforehand will make the journey more enjoyable. The trek is suitable for anyone physically active, prepared for consecutive days of hiking, and comfortable spending time at high altitude.