If you want to know what the Annapurna Circuit felt like before the roads, walk Manaslu. It circles the world’s eighth-highest mountain, crosses a 5,106 m pass, and sees a fraction of the traffic.
Restricted area rules
Manaslu is a restricted region, which shapes the logistics. You need a Restricted Area Permit, a minimum of two trekkers, and a government-registered guide — independent trekking is not permitted. Permits are seasonal and cost more from September to November. We handle all of this, but it means the trek cannot be arranged last-minute.
The route
You start low in the Budhi Gandaki gorge, subtropical and humid, and climb steadily north for a week. The transition is remarkable: by Samagaon the culture is essentially Tibetan, with chortens, mani walls and yak herding. From there you cross Larke La and descend into the Annapurna region at Dharapani.
Larke La
At 5,106 m it is lower than Thorong La but the day is longer and more remote, with a long descent on loose moraine. There is no lodge at the pass and no easy exit once committed. An early start and settled weather are essential.
Side trips worth taking
- Pungyen Gompa from Samagaon — a superb acclimatisation walk with Manaslu directly above.
- Manaslu Base Camp — a long, steep day but the closest view of the mountain.
- Birendra Lake — short and easy, good for a rest day.
- Tsum Valley — a separate restricted valley, adding a week of genuinely remote culture.
How hard
Harder than Annapurna Base Camp, comparable to Everest Base Camp but more remote. Fourteen to eighteen days. Lodges are simpler and less frequent, so daily stages are fixed by where you can sleep.
Get in touch about Manaslu — permits need arranging well ahead.
