Itinerary · 14 days
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary, 14 Days From India
Fourteen days is the Manaslu Circuit rhythm. The arc: 1 day Kathmandu, 12 days trekking via Larkya La pass (5,160m), 1 day return. Restricted Area Permit required; solo trekking not permitted. Less crowded than EBC, more remote village culture.
The 14-day arc
Arrive Kathmandu plus Thamel hotel.
Permit processing plus gear check.
Pre-trek dinner.
Drive to Soti Khola (8 hours, bumpy).
Arrive plus rest.
Tea house dinner.
Trek through subtropical forest.
Suspension bridges plus river crossings.
Machhakhola (890m).
Trek along Budhi Gandaki river.
Hot springs at Tatopani plus continue.
Reach Jagat (1,410m).
Cross Yaru Bagar to Deng (1,860m).
Buddhist culture begins (prayer wheels).
Tea house dinner.
Trek through Tibetan-influenced villages.
Namrung (2,630m) arrival.
Sherpa hospitality.
View of Mount Manaslu opens up.
Reach Samagaon (3,520m).
Acclimatization talk.
Hike to Birendra Lake glacier.
Pungyen Monastery visit.
Rest day.
Short trek to Samdo (3,860m).
Tibetan village exploration.
High-altitude rest.
Climb to Dharmasala (4,460m).
Rest plus pre-pass briefing.
Early sleep (3am wake for pass crossing).
3am start. Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) by 9am.
Long descent to Bimthang (3,720m).
Celebration dinner.
Descent through pine forest.
Tilije (2,300m) arrival.
Apple orchards plus rest.
Final trek descent to Dharapani.
Jeep to Beshisahar plus drive to Kathmandu (8 hours).
Arrive Kathmandu.
Final souvenirs plus departure.
Flight to India.
Return.
Budget breakdown (per person)
Mid-range solo traveller estimate. Couples sharing rooms save around 25% per person. Luxury upgrades add 50% to 100%.
Booking tips
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP) mandatory for Manaslu; USD 100 per first 7 days plus USD 15 per day extension
- Solo trekking NOT permitted on Manaslu; minimum 2 trekkers plus licensed guide required
- Manaslu is less crowded than EBC or ABC (5,000 trekkers per year vs 35,000 plus on EBC)
- Larkya La pass crossing: 3am start mandatory; weather window matters
- Drive to Soti Khola is 8 hours of rough road; pack motion sickness medication
Frequently asked
Why pick Manaslu over EBC or ABC?
Fewer trekkers (5x less than EBC), more preserved village culture, dramatic Larkya La pass crossing. Similar altitude to EBC (5,160m vs 5,545m) but more remote feel. Best for trekkers who have done one Himalayan trek and want depth.
Can I do Manaslu solo?
No. Nepal regulations require minimum 2 trekkers plus licensed guide for Manaslu Restricted Area. OJ trip handles all permits.
What is the actual total cost from India?
INR 1,15,000 solo mid-range including flights, permits, guide plus porter, evacuation insurance.
When does the OJ Manaslu Circuit run?
October (autumn peak views). Trip cost INR 1.15L for 14 days including flights from Bangalore.