The Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal’s lesser-known treks. It’s adjacent to the more popular Annapurna Circuit – which is just west of the Manaslu Circuit – and the (typical) end of the Manaslu Circuit is also the (typical) start of the Annapurna Circuit in Besi Sahar. The treks share the same route between Besi Sahar and Dharapani.
You are required to bring a guide and to have a trekking group of at least two people to hike the Manaslu Circuit. This is one of the reasons it’s not as popular as the Annapurna Circuit (which you can trek solo and without a guide). That said, the Manaslu Circuit is arguably more impressive and a better experience than the Annapurna Circuit.
The following collection of photos from the Manaslu Circuit – including the Tsum Valley side trek – begins in Arughat Bazar and ends in Besi Sahar.
Entering Arughat Bazar at the start of the Manaslu Circuit
The road leading north out of Arughat Bazar – we’ve already got a dog friend.
The lower elevations of the Manaslu Circuit can be humid depending on when you’re hiking.
The Manaslu Circuit requires that you travel with a guide – independent trekking is not permitted on (most of) the Manaslu Circuit.
Don’t expect that high-alpine feel until you’re well past Tsum Valley.
Sometimes the valley floor is your trail on the Manaslu Circuit.
There’s no shortage of infrastructure on the Manaslu Circuit.
Just past here is where you officially begin needing a guide on the eastern half of the Manaslu Circuit (heading counterclockwise).
Manaslu Circuit Conservation Area requires you to have a guide, a permit, and a group of two or more trekkers.
The road on the eastern half of the Manaslu Circuit ends a lot further south than the road on the eastern half of the Annapurna Circuit.
Our guide, Gopal – aka Mountain Tiger
Our first glimpses of the high peaks visible from the Manaslu Circuit
The plant diversity on the Manaslu Circuit is something to pay attention to as you gain/lose elevation.
Heading up Tsum Valley – a side trek and detour worthy of your time.
May your hike be free of moments spent waiting for pack animals to cross bridges.
Looking back towards Manaslu from Tsum Valley
Monkeys having their way with some crops in Tsum Valley
The monastery at the end of Tsum Valley
Nicely crafted trail in Tsum Valley
Back on the Manaslu Circuit heading counterclockwise
Stopping in villages, even when you’re not planning to stay there, is generally worth your time.
Not all of the Manaslu Circuit is above the tree line – most of the trek is below.
Looking up at Manaslu
Yak or dzo? What’s a dzo? A cross between a yak and cattle. The mule of the bovine world. Females are called dzomo or zhom.
A side trek to a high point above Namrung
Inside a teahouse on the Manaslu Circuit
Heading up a side trek to the Nepal-Tibet border
Layung La, the Nepal-Tibet border – surprised there’s a fence here
Descending back to Larke La from the Nepal-Tibet border
Sunrise on Manaslu
The trail up to Larke La after a night of snow
Dharmasala – the last place to stop, stay, or eat on the eastern side of Larke La
The glacier and trail on the eastern side of Larke La
Larke La – the pass and highest point of the Manaslu Circuit at 5,106 m (16,752 ft)
Heading down the western side of Larke La
What most teahouses will use to record your purchases (you typically pay for everything all at once when you leave)
The west side of the Manaslu Circuit quickly dips back below the tree line.
Rhododendron blooming on the western side of the Manaslu Circuit
The signage you can expect along the Manaslu Circuit
At Dharapani, the Manaslu Circuit intersects the Annapurna Circuit. You do not need a guide to hike on the Annapurna Circuit (and thus this section of what’s technically also the Manaslu Circuit).
ACAP = Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Walking the road south (counterclockwise) on the final leg of the Manaslu Circuit
Despite the annoyance of the vehicles, the infrastructure is impressive.
On the east side of the river descending toward Besi Sahar
The entrance to the Annapurna Conservation Area – you require an ACA permit to hike in this area.
Besi Sahar, the western terminus of the Manaslu Circuit and home to paved roads
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10 Comments
Hi
Thank you for nice photos
I’m going to Manaslu in two weeks. I’m a bit worried about the walk down back, when it’s steep. Is it very icy and steep? Do you still walk on a trail down or on rocks?
It can be both icy and steep depending on the weather and conditions when you hike. We have some steep, slippery snow at the top with no real semblance of a trail. If you’re worried about your knees, I would suggest you do all you can beforehand to prep them.
Hi Mac,
thank you so much for the blog! So many good / interesting tips!
I’m preparing for the Manaslu circuit in November and I’m thinking about using my Hoka Speedgoats for the trek.
How was your experience at higher altitudes with trail runners vs. hiking boots?
(I’m a bit worried about getting super cold feet over 4000m and in the snow even with good wool socks)
What Trekking Company/Guide did you use? Would you recommend them (or another)?
I’m starting to plan for Manaslu next year but choosing who to go with is a bit overwhelming.
After arriving in Kathmandu I used a company called Glory Himalayan Club to arrange a guide. However, it looks like the may not be in business anymore. If you have the time, you won’t have any trouble arranging a guide once you arrive in Kathmandu. It’s not necessary to arrange for one ahead of time unless you’re on a time crunch.
Reading Time: 7 minutes 
Hi
Thank you for nice photos
I’m going to Manaslu in two weeks. I’m a bit worried about the walk down back, when it’s steep. Is it very icy and steep? Do you still walk on a trail down or on rocks?
Sometimes my knees hurts downhill
Thank you
It can be both icy and steep depending on the weather and conditions when you hike. We have some steep, slippery snow at the top with no real semblance of a trail. If you’re worried about your knees, I would suggest you do all you can beforehand to prep them.
Hi Mac,
thank you so much for the blog! So many good / interesting tips!
I’m preparing for the Manaslu circuit in November and I’m thinking about using my Hoka Speedgoats for the trek.
How was your experience at higher altitudes with trail runners vs. hiking boots?
(I’m a bit worried about getting super cold feet over 4000m and in the snow even with good wool socks)
With the exception of summiting Imja Tse, I have only ever worn trail runners hiking in Nepal. I’m pretty sure I did Manaslu in Speedgoats.
But if you get cold feet, warmer (even waterproof) socks might help – or warmer shoes.
Thanks for the advice Mac.
And thanks for the whole blog, there are amazing posts!
Love your Article and pictures. Thank you for visiting the off-beaten trek Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Ya, it’s really Amazing Pictures.
Thank you so much!
What Trekking Company/Guide did you use? Would you recommend them (or another)?
I’m starting to plan for Manaslu next year but choosing who to go with is a bit overwhelming.
After arriving in Kathmandu I used a company called Glory Himalayan Club to arrange a guide. However, it looks like the may not be in business anymore. If you have the time, you won’t have any trouble arranging a guide once you arrive in Kathmandu. It’s not necessary to arrange for one ahead of time unless you’re on a time crunch.