Trekking · Gorkha
Manaslu Circuit Trek from Gorkha
A restricted teahouse trek up the Budhi Gandaki to Samagaun and over the 5,106 m Larkya La below Manaslu.
The Manaslu Circuit is the flagship trek of Gorkha district — a roughly two-week teahouse loop that climbs the Budhi Gandaki gorge to the high villages beneath Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's eighth-highest mountain, then crosses the Larkya La (5,106 m) to descend into the Annapurna region. It is a restricted-area trek, walked with a licensed guide, and rewards the effort with deep gorges, Tibetan-Buddhist culture and one of Nepal's grandest pass crossings.
Route overview
From Kathmandu, trekkers drive west through Dhading and Gorkha to Arughat and Soti Khola, where the trail begins. The path follows the Budhi Gandaki upstream through subtropical gorge, terraced farms and pine forest, passing Machha Khola, Jagat (the permit checkpoint) and Deng before reaching the Buddhist upper valley. At Samagaun (3,520 m), the route opens beneath the Manaslu glaciers — the key acclimatisation base, with side hikes to Birendra Tal and Pungyen Gompa.
From Samagaun the trail climbs through Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), the launch point for the pass. A long, cold pre-dawn start carries you over the Larkya La, with views of Himlung, Cheo and Annapurna II, before a steep descent to Bimthang and out through Dharapani onto the Annapurna Circuit road.
Permits and the restricted-area rules
The Manaslu region is protected and sensitive, so the rules are strict. You need a Restricted Area Permit for the Jagat–Dharapani section, plus the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit and, beyond the pass, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit. Permits require a registered agency, a licensed guide and a minimum group size — there is no legal solo trekking here. Our Manaslu and restricted-area treks guide breaks down the paperwork, and the Larkya La pass page covers the crossing itself.
Acclimatisation and safety
With the Larkya La above 5,000 m, altitude is the main risk. Build a rest day at Samagaun, climb high and sleep low, and read our guide to altitude sickness in Nepal before you go. Weather can close the pass quickly in shoulder seasons, so keep a spare day in hand.
Combining and basing
Many trekkers add the side trip into the Tsum Valley, branching off at Lokpa for a sacred Buddhist detour before rejoining the main circuit. For lodging strategy along the way and in Gorkha town, see our Gorkha homestays guide, and place the whole trek in context with the Gorkha trekking and Manaslu gateway overview. First-timers should also skim the general Nepal trekking guide for gear and etiquette.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Manaslu Circuit start?+
The trek sits in northern Gorkha district. Most trekkers drive from Kathmandu through Dhading and Gorkha to Arughat and Soti Khola, then start walking up the Budhi Gandaki gorge. Some itineraries begin a little higher at Machha Khola, depending on road conditions.
How high is the Larkya La pass?+
The Larkya La, the trek's high point, sits at about 5,106 metres. It is crossed in one long day from Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) down to Bimthang on the Annapurna side, so good acclimatisation and an early start are essential.
Do I need a permit for the Manaslu Circuit?+
Yes. The route is a restricted area requiring a Restricted Area Permit, plus Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area permits. You must trek with a registered agency and a licensed guide, and permits are issued for groups, not solo walkers.
How long does the Manaslu Circuit take?+
Most itineraries run about 12 to 16 days of walking, depending on the start point and whether you add the Tsum Valley. Allow extra days for the drive in, acclimatisation at Samagaun and weather margin around the Larkya La.
