Manaslu Circuit Trekking (Manaslu Round Trek)

This trek circles Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth highest peak, through a restricted region that sees far fewer trekkers than the Annapurna or Everest trails. You follow the Budi Gandaki river and valley, past gorges and glaciers, through villages where Gurung and Bhotia communities live much as they always have.

The route is remote and the trails are rough in places, climbing from lowland forest into high alpine terrain before crossing the Larkya La pass at 5,167 metres. Teahouses along the way cover the basics — a bed, breakfast, dinner, a shower — but comfort is simple throughout.

This is a trek for people who want genuine wilderness and don't mind working for the views. Expect long days, real altitude, and villages where you're clearly off the main circuit.

What you'll do

• Trek the Budi Gandaki valley past gorges and glaciers
• Cross the Larkya La pass at 5,167 metres
• Take in views of Manaslu, Annapurna I, Ganesh Himal and Himlung Himal
• Pass through Gurung and Bhotia villages with Tibetan-influenced culture
• Walk through rhododendron, pine and oak forest with a chance of spotting Thar or snow leopard
• Finish the trek at Beshishahar before returning to Kathmandu