Manaslu Circuit Trek: 14-Day Hike, Larke Pass & Base Camp

Summary

Rural Nepal trails, Larke Pass crossing and mountain silence

You’ll hike through quiet villages and thick jungle on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, share smoky kitchens with locals over dal bhat, and cross the dramatic Larke La Pass at 5,160m. Expect honest mountain days—muddy boots, cold air, warm smiles—and moments where Nepal feels impossibly big but also close enough to touch.

What’s the experience like?

Hands in his pockets, our guide Ram just grinned when we asked how steep the next bit would be. “Little up, little down,” he said, which turned out to mean a lot of both. The first day out from Soti Khola was all earthy smells—mud, woodsmoke from tiny houses, river spray on my face when we crossed those wobbly suspension bridges. I kept stopping to watch women in bright scarves laughing as they carried baskets twice their size. It felt like walking into someone else’s old family photo album.

I’d read about the Manaslu Circuit Trek being quieter than Annapurna or Everest, but I didn’t expect whole mornings where all you hear is your own boots and a few distant bells from goats somewhere above. Sometimes we’d pass a cluster of kids running barefoot after us yelling “Namaste!” and one time an old man handed me a piece of dried yak cheese—chewy, salty, weirdly comforting. Lunches were always dal bhat (I never got tired of it), usually eaten cross-legged in smoky kitchens while Ram chatted with whoever was around. He seemed to know everyone.

The climb up to Larke La Pass is no joke—I’m not sure what kept me going except stubbornness and maybe the promise of hot tea at the top. The wind up there stings your cheeks and all you can see is white on white: mountains layered behind each other until your eyes blur. We stood there for a while not saying much; it’s hard to talk when you’re that high up and out of breath anyway. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Start trek from Soti Khola

• Drive 7 hours northwest from Kathmandu
• Begin trek at Soti Khola
• Trek 6 to 7 hours through jungle
• Enjoy waterfalls and Himalayan views

Top questions

How long does the Manaslu Circuit Trek take?

The trek takes about 14 days from start to finish.

Where does the Manaslu trek start?

The trek begins at Soti Khola after a 7-hour drive northwest from Kathmandu.

What is the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit?

Larke La Pass is the highest point at 5,160 meters above sea level.

Are meals included during the trek?

Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during your time in the mountains.

Is hotel pickup provided for this trek?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

What permits do I need for Manaslu Circuit?

The trek includes all necessary permits: Manaslu Special Permit plus Conservation Area entry fees.

Is this trek suitable for beginners?

No; travelers should have a high level of physical fitness due to challenging terrain and altitude.

Can children join this trek?

The minimum age is 10 years old; maximum recommended age is 70.

What’s included

Your journey includes all trekking permits (Manaslu Special Permit plus Conservation Area entries), round-trip public transport between Kathmandu or Pokhara and Soti Khola, daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners in mountain lodges along with accommodation as per itinerary. You’ll also get hotel pickup and drop-off plus support from a government-registered English-speaking local guide throughout the trek.