Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide 2026: Permits, Larkya La Pass, Costs, and Safety

Overview of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026

The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Located in the Gorkha District of central-western Nepal, this trek has become the leading teahouse alternative to the heavily crowded Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp routes.

Starting in Machha Khola (860m) following the Budhi Gandaki River gorge, the trail climbs through subtropical forests, steep gorges, and traditional Gurung villages before entering high-altitude Tibetan-influenced settlements in the Nupri region. The trek covers roughly 177 kilometers over 13 to 14 days, culminating in the pass crossing at Larkya La (5,106m) and exiting into Dharapani.

2026 Permit Requirements, Guide Rules, and Costs

Because the upper Manaslu region borders Tibet, it is classified as a Restricted Area by the Nepal Department of Immigration. Foreign nationals cannot trek here independently.

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Autumn season (September 1 to November 30) costs 100 USD per person for the first 7 days, plus 15 USD per person for each additional day. Winter and Spring seasons (December 1 to August 31) cost 75 USD per person for the first 7 days, plus 10 USD per day thereafter.

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Costs NPR 3,000 (approximately 23 USD) per foreign trekker, collected by the National Trust for Nature Conservation.

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Costs NPR 3,000 (approximately 23 USD) per foreign trekker. This permit is mandatory because the trek exits through Dharapani, which falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area.

4. Mandatory Guide Regulation: Foreign trekkers must hire a certified licensed Nepali guide through a registered agency. As of March 2026, solo foreign trekkers are allowed to hold a RAP, but the requirement to be accompanied by a licensed guide remains in force.

Acclimatization Strategy for Larkya La Pass (5,106m)

Crossing Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters presents significant physiological demands. Trekkers gain over 4,200 meters of elevation from the trailhead at Machha Khola to the top of the pass.

To minimize Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) risk, a safe itinerary incorporates two mandatory rest and acclimatization stops:

Samagaun (3,530m): Schedule a full rest day here on Day 6 or 7. Use this day for an active acclimatization day hike up to Birendra Lake (3,620m) or Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m), returning to Samagaun to sleep. This follows the established high-altitude principle of climbing high and sleeping low.

Samdo (3,860m): Schedule a second acclimatization day here. An active day hike toward the Tibetan border at Rui La Pass (4,998m) or the viewpoint above Samdo helps prepare your cardiorespiratory system for sleeping at Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi at 4,460m).

Larkya La Pass Crossing Day Protocol

The pass crossing day begins at Dharmasala (4,460m) around 3:30 AM to 4:00 AM. Starting before dawn is critical because afternoon winds across Larkya La frequently reach 40 to 60 kilometers per hour, blowing snow across frozen trail sections.

The ascent from Dharmasala to Larkya La (5,106m) takes 4 to 5 hours across glacial moraines and icy snowfields. Microspikes are strongly recommended during spring and late autumn. The descent from the pass to Bimthang (3,720m) drops nearly 1,400 vertical meters over 3 to 4 hours, requiring trekking poles to reduce knee impact on steep scree and ice.

Teahouse Infrastructure, Electricity, and Connectivity

Teahouse accommodation along the Manaslu Circuit has expanded significantly over the past decade. Twin-share rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses are standard from Machha Khola to Samdo.

Electricity is generated primarily via local micro-hydro plants and solar panels. Charging power banks, phones, or camera batteries costs NPR 200 to NPR 500 per device above Namrung (2,630m). Hot showers rely on gas or solar heating and cost NPR 300 to NPR 600.

Mobile connectivity: Nepal Telecom (NTC) provides reliable 3G and 4G voice/data coverage up to Philim and Namrung. Past Lho, mobile signal becomes intermittent. Satellite Wi-Fi networks (such as Airpage or Everest Link cards) are available at select lodges in Samagaun and Samdo, but speed decreases during peak autumn usage.

Frequently Asked Questions