Plan my trek
Plan my trek
Gorkha, west-central
Manaslu 8,163 m
Manaslu Circuit, Tsum
RAP + MCAP + ACAP
Oct–Nov, Mar–May
Arughat / Machha Khola
The Manaslu Region is the high country of northern Gorkha district in west-central Nepal, wrapped around Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain. It sits between the Annapurna massif to the west and the Ganesh Himal to the east, and its northern edge is the border with Tibet. Almost all of it lies inside the Manaslu Conservation Area, about 1,663 km² of gorge, forest, glacier and high pasture protected since 1998.
It is quieter than the Everest Region or the Annapurna Region, because it is a restricted area: you need a special permit arranged by a registered agency and a licensed guide. That, plus a long drive in and simpler lodges, keeps numbers low and the villages very much lived in rather than built around trekkers.
Think of the region as one long river valley with a side branch. The Budhi Gandaki rises near the Tibetan border and flows south through a deep, narrow gorge to Arughat, the road head town in the south. The main trekking trail follows it north: Machha Khola, Jagat and Deng in the low, warm, Hindu and Gurung lower valley; then Namrung, Lho, Samagaun and Samdo in Nubri, the Tibetan Buddhist upper valley beneath Manaslu.
Near Lokpa, a day north of Jagat, the Tsum Valley branches off north-east along the Shiar Khola towards Tibet, a separate restricted area with its own permit. At the head of Nubri the trail turns west over the Larkya La (5,106 m) and drops to Bimthang and the Dudh Khola, which joins the Marsyangdi at Dharapani in Manang district, on the Annapurna Circuit.
The big peaks are Manaslu itself, Himalchuli (7,893 m) and Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m) on the south side of the massif, with Himlung, Cheo Himal and Kang Guru above the Larkya La and Bimthang, and the Ganesh Himal visible from upper Tsum. Administratively, the lower valley falls in Arughat and Dharche rural municipalities and the upper valley and Tsum in Chumnubri rural municipality.
Manaslu suits fit trekkers who have done at least one multi-day hill trek, ideally a previous trip in Nepal, and who are happy with basic lodges and a long, cold pass day. The Tsum Valley, which has no high pass, suits trekkers more interested in monasteries and village life than in summits. It is not a good choice for a first ever trek or for anyone who needs reliable wifi and hot showers every night.
Against the Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu has fewer roads, fewer people and more continuous footpath, but simpler lodges and the cost and rules of a restricted area. Against Everest Base Camp, there is no Lukla flight to worry about and no out-and-back, but evacuation is harder and the lodges more basic. Against Mustang, another restricted area, Manaslu is greener, higher and more of a trekking challenge.
Trail status, 22 October 2026: two floods have hit the Budhi Gandaki valley this season. On 6 September a flood on the Therang Khola near Namrung destroyed a bridge; locals built a temporary crossing and the route reopened within days. Then on 11 October a landslide-dammed flash flood swept down the lower valley, washing away bridges and long stretches of trail around Jagat, Salleri and Philim, damaging the road near Arughat and Soti, and cutting the main bridge out of the Tsum Valley. Local tourism representatives reported trails reopening on temporary routes from around 18 October, but we have not found an official notice confirming a full reopening. The upper valley (Namrung to Larkya La) was not reported damaged. Treat the lower valley and Tsum as uncertain, and ask your agency for a specific, current route plan before you book or fly.
These are the sights most trekkers rate as the best of the region. Most sit on or close to the Manaslu Circuit; the Tsum Valley highlights need extra days and a separate permit.
The mountain dominates the upper valley. You first see it properly around Lho, where the morning view across the monastery roofs to the twin summits is one of the best on any teahouse trek. From Samagaun the Manaslu Glacier spills almost to the village. Manaslu was first climbed on 9 May 1956 by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu of a Japanese expedition, and the name is usually translated as ‘mountain of the spirit’. Mornings are clearest; cloud often builds by early afternoon.
The high point of the circuit and the reason most people come. From the stone huts at Dharamsala you leave by headtorch, usually between 3 and 5 am, and climb about 650 m over moraine to a broad, prayer-flagged crest. The descent to Bimthang is longer, about 1,400 m, and often icy near the top. Plan for 8 to 11 hours. Some maps give the pass as 5,160 m; most use 5,106 m. Carry microspikes in spring and from mid-November, and keep a spare day in case snow closes it.
A milky glacial lake at the snout of the Manaslu Glacier, about 30 to 45 minutes’ walk from Samagaun. It is the gentle option on an acclimatisation day, with ice cliffs and avalanches occasionally rumbling down from above. Go early for still water and reflections, and do not walk on the moraine edges, which are loose. Combine it with a slow wander round Samagaun’s mani walls for a restful half day.
A monastery site on a grassy shelf at roughly 4,000 m above Samagaun, facing the icefall of Manaslu. The original building was destroyed by an avalanche in the 1950s, and local tradition linked the disaster to the first climbing attempts. Allow about 4 to 5 hours return. It is a superb acclimatisation hike: you gain about 500 m and sleep low again. Take a warm layer, water and snacks, as there are no facilities.
The tough option from Samagaun: a 7 to 8 hour round trip with around 1,300 m of climbing to the expedition base camp above the glacier. The views of the Manaslu icefall and Naike Peak are huge, but this is a big day before you are fully acclimatised. Only do it if you are sleeping and eating well, start early, and turn round if a headache develops. In the autumn and spring climbing seasons you may see expedition tents.
Lho’s monastery stands on a ridge above the village with a classic view of Manaslu behind its chortens. It is an active gompa with resident monks, and morning or evening prayers are often open to quiet visitors. Allow 30 to 60 minutes from the lodges. Walk clockwise around chortens and prayer wheels, ask before photographing monks, and leave a small donation if you go inside.
The lower valley is the unsung highlight: a steep, roaring river gorge crossed again and again on long suspension bridges, with waterfalls, cliff-cut stone staircases and hot springs at Tatopani. It is warm, often humid and more tiring than people expect. After the 2026 floods parts of this section are on temporary routes, so expect diversions and listen to your guide. Early starts help beat the midday heat.
At the head of the Tsum Valley, Mu Gompa (about 3,700 m) is the valley’s largest monastery, close to the Tibetan border and surrounded by bare hills and yak pasture. Lower down, Rachen Gompa is a nunnery in the Shiar Khola valley, often visited on the same loop. Both are working religious communities, not museums. Visiting them needs the separate Tsum Valley permit and usually a 6 to 7 day detour from the main circuit.
The Tibetan saint Milarepa is said to have meditated in caves in Tsum, and the best known, Piren Phu or ‘Pigeon Cave’, sits on a cliff near Burji in the upper valley. It has small shrines and is an important pilgrimage site, so behave as you would in a temple. Allow half a day from Chhokangparo. Several caves in the region are linked to Milarepa; ask your guide which one you are visiting.
Bimthang (about 3,590 to 3,720 m) is a wide, grassy ablation valley below the Larkya La with views of Himlung (7,126 m), Cheo Himal and the west face of Manaslu. If you have energy after the pass, or spend an extra night, walk up to the Ponkar Glacier and its small lake for 2 to 3 hours. The descent below Bimthang through rhododendron forest is spectacular in April.
Samdo is the last village before the pass and a short way from the old trade route to Tibet over the Lajyang La. On the acclimatisation day, walk up towards the border valley for 3 to 4 hours, gaining up to about 500 m, for wide views and the chance of seeing blue sheep. You cannot cross into Tibet; the hike is purely for altitude and views.
Villages are listed in the order you reach them on the standard anticlockwise circuit, followed by the two main Tsum Valley stops. Altitudes vary by 50 to 100 m between maps and agencies; we give typical figures.
The usual first night: a riverside village of simple lodges where the road from Arughat and Soti Khola gives out, named after the ‘fish river’ that joins the Budhi Gandaki here. It is hot, low and full of the noise of the river, with banana trees and rice fields around. Lodges are basic but have dal bhat, charging and sometimes hot showers. Buses and jeeps reach it in the dry season; after the monsoon and the October 2026 flood, you may have to walk from Soti Khola (about 5 to 6 hours). On: Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley.
A paved, stone-flagged village at the entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area, where the first permit checkpoint sits. It has long been a key stop for both the circuit and the Tsum Valley. Jagat was badly hit in the 11 October 2026 flood: the Kathmandu Post reported hotels at Tallo Bagar swept away and the trail to Philim destroyed, with conservation officials saying Jagat was cut off from both directions. Expect rebuilding, temporary trails and fewer beds in the 2026–27 seasons. On: Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley.
A small cluster of lodges in a narrow, forested section of the gorge, just beyond the Lokpa junction for the Tsum Valley. Deng marks the start of the transition from Gurung and Hindu villages to the Buddhist Nubri area, and you begin to see mani walls and prayer flags. It is a quiet, simple overnight stop rather than a place to linger. Day 3 on most circuit itineraries, reached from Jagat via Salleri and Philim. On: Manaslu Circuit.
The gateway to Nubri and the first village where the trail feels properly mountainous. There is a permit checkpoint, some of the better lodges on the lower route, paid wifi and good views of Siringi Himal and, on clear mornings, Ganesh Himal. The September 2026 flood destroyed a bridge on the Therang Khola nearby; a temporary crossing was built. Above Namrung the houses change to stone and timber with flat roofs. Day 4 on most itineraries. On: Manaslu Circuit.
A Nubri village spread along a terrace, famous for the view of Manaslu behind Ribung Gompa. Many trekkers stay here rather than walk straight through, because sunrise from the monastery is a highlight of the trek. Lodges are simple and cold at night; carry a warm sleeping bag from here on. It is reached in 4 to 5 hours from Namrung via Lihi and Sho, and it is a good first night above 3,000 m. On: Manaslu Circuit.
The largest village in Nubri and the heart of the region: a broad plain of barley fields, stone houses and yak herds beneath Manaslu, with a monastery and school. It has the best lodges above Namrung, paid wifi, a few shops and the last reliable hot showers before the pass. Everyone should spend at least two nights here for acclimatisation, with day hikes to Birendra Tal, Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp. Basic health posts exist, but serious problems mean descent or a helicopter. On: Manaslu Circuit, Manaslu Base Camp.
A windswept village of Tibetan origin, settled by families from across the border, and the last permanent settlement before the Larkya La. It sits on a high shelf with wide views and is a three to four hour walk from Samagaun. Most good itineraries include a second acclimatisation night here, with a hike towards the Tibetan border trail. Lodges are basic and cold, and food prices rise. On: Manaslu Circuit.
Not a village but a high camp: a handful of stone lodges and, in peak weeks, overflow dormitories and tents at the foot of the pass. It is the most basic and coldest night of the trek, and many people sleep poorly; that is normal at this height. Dinner is early and the alarm is usually set for 2 or 3 am. Beds are limited in October, so arrive in good time. If anyone shows serious altitude symptoms here, the safe move is down to Samdo, not over the pass. On: Manaslu Circuit.
The first stop after the Larkya La, on a grassy plain below the Ponkar Glacier with arguably the best mountain panorama of the trek: Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and the west face of Manaslu. Lodges are basic but welcome after a 9 to 11 hour day. If your schedule allows, an extra night here is a pleasant reward and lets you walk up to the glacier. Bimthang marks the move from the Manaslu Conservation Area into the Annapurna Conservation Area. On: Manaslu Circuit.
The end point of the circuit, where the Dudh Khola joins the Marsyangdi in Manang district. It is a road-side village on the Annapurna Circuit, with lodges, shops and jeeps down to Besisahar. ACAP permits are checked here. From Dharapani you can drive out to Besisahar and on to Kathmandu or Pokhara, or turn north towards Chame and Manang to continue on the Annapurna Circuit. Jeeps now often pick up at Tilije, a little higher.
The main settlement of upper Tsum: two neighbouring villages, Chhokang and Paro, on a wide, sunny shelf with views towards Ganesh Himal. Houses are stone with firewood stacked on the roofs, and fields of barley and buckwheat surround them. It is the usual base for visiting Milarepa’s Cave and the Rachen Gompa nunnery. Lodges and homestays are simple. Reached from Chumling in about 5 to 6 hours. On: Tsum Valley.
The high point of most Tsum itineraries: the valley’s largest monastery, close to the Tibetan border, above the last villages of Nile and Chhule. Accommodation is very basic, in the monastery guesthouse or a nearby simple lodge, and nights are cold. Many groups walk up from Nile for the day and return. Expect a working monastery with resident monks, morning prayers and very few visitors. Bring a warm layer for the prayer hall and leave a small donation if you stay. On: Tsum Valley.
The region has one famous trek, the Manaslu Circuit, and a handful of variations built around it. All of them start up the same lower Budhi Gandaki valley, so the 2026 flood damage affects every route below except the far end of the Annapurna extension.
13–16 days from Kathmandu. Max 5,106 m. Strenuous. The classic loop: up the Budhi Gandaki from Machha Khola, through Nubri with acclimatisation days at Samagaun and Samdo, over the Larkya La and down to Dharapani. It suits fit trekkers with multi-day experience who want a real pass and few crowds. Read our full Manaslu Circuit trek guide for the day-by-day itinerary, costs and packing.
12–15 days from Kathmandu. Max about 3,700 m (Mu Gompa). Moderate. An out-and-back from Lokpa into the sacred Tsum Valley, visiting Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile, Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa and Milarepa’s Cave. No high pass, simpler lodges and some of the most traditional Tibetan Buddhist villages in Nepal. It suits culture-focused trekkers. After the October 2026 flood destroyed the bridge out of the valley, check its status carefully.
18–22 days. Max 5,106 m. Strenuous. Tsum first, then rejoin the circuit at Deng and continue to Samagaun and the Larkya La. The Tsum days work as a gentle acclimatisation lead-in, so the high section feels easier. This is the best way to see the whole region if you have three weeks. You need both restricted area permits.
24–26 days. Max 5,416 m (Thorong La). Strenuous. Finish Manaslu at Dharapani, then walk up the Marsyangdi to Manang and over Thorong La to Muktinath. You arrive at Thorong La superbly acclimatised. Long, but one of the great Himalayan journeys. See our Annapurna Circuit guide for the second half.
1 extra day from Samagaun. Max about 4,800 m. Hard day. Not a separate trek but a long acclimatisation hike on the circuit, worth building in if you are strong and well. It can also be the focus of a shorter out-and-back trip to Samagaun for people who do not want to cross the pass, returning down the same valley.
Typically 16–20 days. Camping. Very strenuous. A handful of specialist operators run camping routes from the Gurung village of Barpak (the epicentre of the 2015 earthquake) over the Rupina La (about 4,600 m) into the Budhi Gandaki, or explore the Serang and Kutang areas. These involve tents, cooks and more remote terrain, and are outside the teahouse trekking we describe here.
| Trek | Days (from Kathmandu) | Max altitude | Difficulty | Lodges | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Circuit | 13–16 | 5,106 m | Strenuous | Teahouses | A real pass, few crowds |
| Tsum Valley | 12–15 | about 3,700 m | Moderate | Simple lodges, homestays | Monasteries, village life |
| Manaslu + Tsum | 18–22 | 5,106 m | Strenuous | Teahouses | Seeing the whole region |
| Manaslu + Annapurna Circuit | 24–26 | 5,416 m | Strenuous | Teahouses | Long double-pass journey |
| Out-and-back to Samagaun / Base Camp | 11–13 | about 4,800 m | Moderate to hard | Teahouses | Manaslu views without the pass |
| Rupina La | 16–20 | about 4,600 m | Very strenuous | Camping | Experienced, remote-minded trekkers |
Day counts include the drive in and out and assume sensible acclimatisation. Agencies vary by a day or two either way. Compare these with other routes in our trekking in Nepal guide.
Manaslu is one of Nepal’s restricted areas, created to manage access near the Tibetan border. The rules below apply at the time of writing (October 2026). They change, sometimes at short notice, so ask your agency to confirm everything when you book.
| Permit | Cost (foreign nationals) | Approx. GBP | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, September–November | US$100 for the first 7 days, then US$15 a day | about £75, then about £11 a day | Roughly Jagat to Dharamsala; agency only |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, December–August | US$75 for the first 7 days, then US$10 a day | about £57, then about £8 a day | As above |
| Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit | about US$40 (Sep–Nov) or US$30 (Dec–Aug) for the first 7 days, then about US$7 a day | about £23–30 | Tsum Valley only; agency only |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | NPR 3,000 (SAARC nationals NPR 1,000) | about £17 | Jagat (Philim) to Bimthang |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 (SAARC nationals NPR 1,000) | about £17 | Bimthang to Dharapani and beyond |
| Chumnubri Rural Municipality fee | reported as NPR 1,000 | about £6 | Collected locally; not officially confirmed |
On a standard 13-day circuit you are inside the restricted area for about 9 days, so the RAP costs about US$130 (roughly £100) in autumn and about US$95 (roughly £72) in spring. Add MCAP and ACAP and the permit total is roughly US$175–210 per person, or about £135–160. RAP fees are paid in US dollars; conservation permits in rupees. Conversions assume roughly NPR 175–180 to £1 and US$1 to about 75–78p. Children under ten are generally exempt from conservation area fees; confirm restricted area charges for children with your agency.
MCAP is issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), which runs the Manaslu Conservation Area Project; your agency normally arranges it with the RAP. Note that a permit being issued does not mean the trail is open. After the October 2026 flood, MCAP was still accepting applications while parts of the lower valley were closed.
There is no airport or airstrip in the Manaslu Region, so you arrive by road from Kathmandu. The normal route runs west on the Prithvi Highway, then north via Dhading Besi (or a longer route via Gorkha town) to Arughat, the road head town on the Budhi Gandaki. From Arughat a rough, single-lane dirt road follows the river north to Soti Khola and Machha Khola. It is slow, dusty when dry, muddy when wet and often blocked by landslides in and after the monsoon.
The trek ends on the Annapurna side. From Dharapani or Tilije, jeeps run down the Marsyangdi valley to Besisahar, the Lamjung district headquarters, from where buses go to Kathmandu and Pokhara.
| Leg | Option | Time | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Machha Khola | Local bus, early morning | 8–10 hr | NPR 1,500–2,500 (about £8–14) per person |
| Kathmandu to Machha Khola | Private jeep, up to 6–7 people | 7–9 hr | about US$150–280 per vehicle |
| Tilije or Dharapani to Besisahar | Shared or private jeep | 3–4 hr | about US$15–30 per seat, or US$100–150 per vehicle |
| Besisahar to Kathmandu | Tourist or local bus | 6–8 hr | NPR 1,000–1,600 (about £6–9) |
| Besisahar to Pokhara | Local bus | 4–6 hr | about NPR 700–1,300 (about £4–7) |
| Dharapani to Kathmandu | Private jeep, door to door | 8–10 hr | about US$200–300 per vehicle |
Fares are approximate, from current agency and transport guides, and move with fuel prices, season and road damage. Most packages include transport, usually a private jeep for small groups.
The best months are October and November, followed by late March to May. Both give a realistic chance of a clear, snow-free Larkya La. For the bigger picture across Nepal, see our guide to the best season to travel in Nepal.
| Months | Weather | Trail and views | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | Cold high up, warming below; snow possible on the pass | Clear mornings; microspikes often needed on Larkya La | Low to moderate |
| April–May | Mild and mostly dry; haze and afternoon cloud build in May | Rhododendrons below Bimthang; second-best season | Moderate |
| June–August | Monsoon: heavy rain, leeches, landslides | High flood and landslide risk in the gorge; road often closed | Very low |
| September | Monsoon tailing off; rain early in the month | Lush lower valley; trail and road damage common | Moderate |
| October | Stable, dry and clear; cold nights high up | Best visibility; book permits and lodges early | Highest |
| November | Dry, clear and colder; first snow possible late month | Excellent views; Dharamsala well below freezing | Moderate to high |
| December–February | Very cold; heavy snow can close Larkya La | Some upper lodges close; Tsum Valley possible with care | Very low |
The Budhi Gandaki is a steep, narrow valley and floods quickly. In 2026 the worst flood came on 11 October, after the monsoon and in peak season. Whatever month you choose, build in at least one or two spare days and book with an agency that tracks local trail conditions.
Monastery festival dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar and change each year. Your guide can check what is on before you set off.
Walking up the Budhi Gandaki is a walk through cultural zones as well as climate zones. Knowing the broad picture makes the trek more interesting. For a wider introduction, see our guide to culture in Nepal.
From Arughat to around Jagat and Philim, most villages are Gurung, with Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri and Dalit families too. Religion is a mix of Hinduism, Buddhism and older local traditions. Houses are often whitewashed or slate-roofed, with terraces of rice, millet and maize. Many Gurung families have a long tradition of service in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments, and you may meet former soldiers running lodges.
Above Deng and especially beyond Namrung, you enter Nubri, whose people (Nubriba) are of Tibetan origin and speak a Tibetan dialect. They follow Tibetan Buddhism, mostly of the Nyingma tradition. Villages are compact and built of stone and timber, with long mani walls carved with prayers, chortens at the entrance to each settlement, and kani (arched gateways) to walk through. Life revolves around barley, potatoes, buckwheat and yak and sheep herding, with seasonal trade with Tibet that was once central to the economy.
The Tsumba of the Tsum Valley also speak their own Tibetan dialect and have strong traditions of their own. The valley is regarded as a beyul, a sacred hidden valley, and since the 1920s local leaders and monks have upheld an agreement against killing animals, so there is no hunting, fishing or slaughter. Polyandry, in which brothers share a wife, has persisted in some families. The valley was opened to foreign trekkers in 2008, so tourism is young and the culture very little changed.
The Manaslu Region is remote, with fewer facilities and slower help than the Everest or Annapurna trails. These are the things worth sorting before you go.
The whole circuit can be done on a teahouse basis. Expect twin rooms with thin walls, foam mattresses and shared, often squat, toilets; some lodges in Namrung, Lho and Samagaun have attached bathrooms. Rooms cost roughly NPR 500–1,500 (about £3–9) a night lower down and NPR 1,500–3,000 (about £9–17) in the high villages in peak season. Dal bhat costs about NPR 500–700 (£3–4) in the lower valley and NPR 900–1,200 (£5–7) above 3,500 m. Tsum lodges and homestays are simpler still. Bring a sleeping bag rated to about minus 10°C.
If you pay for lodges yourself, budget about US$25–40 (£20–30) a day for food and rooms, plus extras such as hot showers, charging and wifi (US$60–150 for the trip). Full-board packages for the circuit typically run about US$1,300–2,200 (about £1,000–1,700) per person; these are market ranges, not quotes. There are no ATMs on the trek. Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu for the whole trip, including tips for your guide and porter.
Mobile signal from Nepal Telecom or Ncell works in parts of the lower valley and around some villages. Paid lodge wifi exists in Namrung, Samagaun and a few others but is slow and often down. Expect several days with little or no connection, especially in Tsum. Charging is available in most lodges for a fee; the October 2026 flood damaged some micro-hydro schemes, so carry a 20,000 mAh power bank.
The key sleeping gains are Namrung (2,630 m) to Lho, Samagaun, Samdo and Dharamsala (4,460 m). Keep the acclimatisation nights at Samagaun and Samdo, drink 3 to 4 litres a day and tell your guide early about headaches, nausea or breathlessness. If symptoms worsen, descend. Health posts are basic; serious illness means a helicopter, which needs flyable weather. Read our guide to altitude sickness, which applies here too. Treat all water with a filter or tablets.
At the time of writing (October 2026), the UK FCDO does not advise against travel to Nepal. Its current page highlights the August 2026 flooding in Rasuwa, names Gorkha as also affected, and warns of further flood and landslide risk. The FCDO has also warned about some guides rushing clients to altitude and calling unnecessary helicopter rescues; a reputable agency is the best protection. Protests and strikes can start at short notice, as in the September 2025 unrest in Kathmandu. Check the latest FCDO advice before booking and before you fly, and read our safety tips for trekking in Nepal.
After the 11 October flood, conservation officials said there was no trail left between Philim and Jagat, and Nepal Tourism Board channels advised delaying departures until route information was available. From around 18 October, local representatives reported trails reopening on rebuilt and temporary sections, and trekkers already above Philim were able to continue to the Larkya La. We have not seen an official confirmation that the whole route is restored, and the Tsum Valley exit bridge was destroyed. If you are travelling in late 2026 or spring 2027, ask your agency for a current route plan, spare days and a clear cancellation policy.
You need travel insurance that covers trekking up to at least 5,200 m and helicopter evacuation, with a licensed guide. Check the altitude limit and any exclusions for areas affected by natural disasters, as some policies change cover after a widely reported event. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.
Use a filter rather than buying plastic bottles: there is no waste collection in the upper valley. Carry out batteries and packaging. Choose an agency that limits porter loads (around 20 to 25 kg for two trekkers’ kit), equips and insures its staff, and pays fair wages. Buy food and services locally, eat dal bhat (cooked fresh and fuel-efficient), and in the 2026–27 seasons expect, and support, villages that are rebuilding after the flood.
Manaslu sits between Kathmandu and the Annapurnas, so it slots easily into a longer trip in Nepal.
The circuit ends in the Annapurna Region. From Dharapani you can continue to Manang and over Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit, or head to Pokhara for lakeside rest before flying home.
Every Manaslu trip starts and ends in Kathmandu, where you need at least a day for permits and gear. Add a day or two for Durbar Square, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.
For a shorter, lower trek close to Kathmandu, Langtang is the natural partner, with Tamang villages and glaciers in a week. Note that parts of Rasuwa were hit by the August 2026 floods; check the current situation.
For a different kind of Himalaya, compare the busier, flight-accessed Everest Region or the dry, Tibetan-influenced restricted area of Upper Mustang in our trekking in Nepal guide.
Ready to go? Tell us your dates, experience and how much time you have, and we will help you put together a Manaslu or Tsum Valley trek with a licensed guide, sensible acclimatisation and an up-to-date route plan. plan your trip with Get Lost Forever.
In northern Gorkha district, west-central Nepal, between the Annapurna and Ganesh Himal ranges and bordering Tibet. The trek ends in neighbouring Manang district. The trailhead is roughly a 7 to 10 hour drive from Kathmandu.
Yes. It is a restricted area: the permit is only issued through a registered Nepali agency with a licensed guide assigned, and independent trekking is not allowed. Since April 2023 guides have also been required in most conservation areas.
Since March 2026 the Department of Immigration allows solo trekkers to obtain restricted area permits through an agency, provided a licensed guide is assigned. Previously at least two foreign trekkers were needed. Confirm with your agency, as older sources still quote the two-person rule.
The Restricted Area Permit is US$100 for the first seven days plus US$15 a day from September to November, and US$75 plus US$10 a day from December to August. You also need MCAP and ACAP, each NPR 3,000 (about £17). Tsum Valley needs its own extra permit.
Partly, according to local reports. The 11 October flood destroyed bridges and trail around Jagat, Salleri and Philim. From around 18 October locals reported temporary routes reopening, and the upper trail was not reported damaged, but no official full reopening had been confirmed at the time of writing. The Tsum Valley may take longer. Check with your agency.
A sacred Tibetan Buddhist side valley in the north-east of the Manaslu Region, opened to trekkers in 2008. It has monasteries such as Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, Milarepa’s Cave and a no-killing tradition. It needs a separate permit and adds about 6 to 7 days to the circuit.
Strenuous but non-technical. Expect 5 to 7 hour days, a rough lower valley and an 8 to 11 hour crossing of the Larkya La (5,106 m). It suits fit trekkers with previous multi-day experience. Full details are in our Manaslu Circuit guide.
October and November for the clearest, most stable weather, then late March to May. Avoid June to August, when monsoon rain brings landslides and floods to the Budhi Gandaki.
It is quieter and wilder, with more footpath and less road, but lodges are simpler, permits cost more and help is further away. Many people do both, continuing from Dharapani onto the Annapurna Circuit.
There are no ATMs, so bring all the cash you need from Kathmandu. Paid wifi exists in a few larger villages such as Namrung and Samagaun but is slow and unreliable, and mobile signal is patchy.
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