Manaslu Circuit Trek: A European Trekker’s Himalayan Journal

published on: 11th Nov, 2025

Manaslu trek

Manaslu circuit trek

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Manaslu route itinerary

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote, high altitude trekking route that circles Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s 8th highest peak. The Manaslu Trek is located in the Gorkha District of Nepal, in the western central part of the country and lies inside the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA).

It is widely known for:

Fewer crowds (compared to Everest & Annapurna)
Authentic Tibetan-influenced culture
Stunning high-mountain scenery
The dramatic Larke La Pass (5,160m)
It is considered one of Nepal’s best “off-the-beaten-path” treks.

Why Trekkers Love Manaslu

Less crowded than EBC or ABC
Restricted region: controlled tourism, pristine culture
Rich Tibetan culture in villages like Samagaun & Samdo
Scenic diversity: subtropical forests, glaciers, alpine deserts
Larke Pass is one of the most beautiful passes in Nepal

My Journey on the Manaslu Trek; Nepal’s Hidden Himalayan Gem

When I first heard of the Manaslu Trek, it wasn’t from a flashy travel vlog, it was from a quiet recommendation at a hostel in Innsbruck. “Try Manaslu,” a fellow traveler said, “it’s like the Himalayas before Instagram found them.”

He was right. The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal offers a raw, wild beauty that few trails on earth can match.

Why I Chose the Manaslu Circuit Trek over Kilimanjaro or Patagonia

Before heading to Nepal, I debated between Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, Patagonia’s Torres Del Paine, and the Manaslu Circuit.

• Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) is iconic, but it’s more of a climb than a trek crowded and commercialized.

• Patagonia is breathtaking but expensive, with unpredictable weather.

• Manaslu, at 8,163 m, sits quietly between the famous Annapurna and Langtang ranges, a challenge, a cultural immersion, and solitude all in one.

According to trekking trends in 2025, more Europeans are seeking off-the-beaten-path Himalayan routes like Manaslu over the Everest or Annapurna trails.

My Manaslu Trek Experience Day-to-Day Through the Mountains

The Manaslu Circuit begins along the Budhi Gandaki River. The first few days climb through rice terraces and rhododendron forests, until the villages become smaller, colder, and closer to the clouds.

In Samagaon (3,500 m), I watched locals harvest barley beneath the white wall of Manaslu. This felt different from anywhere in Europe untouched, slow, and deeply spiritual.

From Samagaon, I hiked to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m). The climb was steep but rewarding. The view of Manaslu Summit (8,163 m) glowing orange at sunrise was unforgettable.

Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) was the hardest part icy air, thin oxygen, but a feeling of standing on top of the world.

“The silence up there was louder than any applause I’ve ever heard.”

Manaslu Trek Cost, Permits, and Logistics

Doing the Manaslu Trek isn’t as easy as booking a flight and going solo you need preparation:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 100/week in high season

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): USD 30

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD 30 (for exit route)

• Licensed Guide (Mandatory): USD 30-45/day

• Porter (Optional): USD 25-30/day

Average Manaslu Trek Cost (12-14 days with guide, food, and permits): around less than USD 1,500-2,000 per person.

You can arrange the entire trip easily through Master Himalaya, handles permits, guides, transfers, and logistics directly from Kathmandu.

Pros and Cons from a Foreigner’s Point of View

Pros:

• Breathtaking Himalayan views (especially from Manaslu Base Camp and Larkya La Pass)

• Deep cultural immersion in remote Gurung and Tibetan villages

• Less crowded than Everest or Annapurna circuits

• Challenging but achievable for fit trekkers

Cons:

• Restricted-area bureaucracy (permits & guides mandatory)

• Limited comfort teahouses are simple, unheated

• Unpredictable mountain weather

• Altitude requires proper acclimatization

Comparing Manaslu with Other Global Treks

Destination Highlights Difficulty Crowd Level Manaslu Circuit (Nepal) Remote Himalayan culture, 5,106 m pass Hard Low Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) Summit climb to 5,895 m Hard Very High Torres Del Paine (Chile) Glacial lakes, wild Patagonian weather, Moderate High Tour du Mont Blanc (France-Italy-Switzerland) Alpine huts, comfort, civilization Moderate High. If you seek raw wilderness, Manaslu wins.

Final Thoughts: The Hidden Soul of Nepal

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not about luxury; it’s about authentic adventure. If you’re a European traveler craving isolation, altitude, and culture, this is the trek that stays with you long after you’ve left. At Larkya La Pass, I looked back one last time. The wind carried the sound of prayer flags and the quiet rhythm of my breath. Manaslu doesn’t shout, “It whispers and only those who truly listen will understand.”

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