The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an astonishing trek that takes you around the majestic Manaslu Conservation Area and through spectacular landscapes, where the world’s eighth highest peak is, Mount Manaslu (8,163 m).
This trek combines amazing natural beauty, cultural richness, and an adventurous experience on remote trails. It is a wonderful alternative to crowded treks like Annapurna Base Camp and the Everest region for an alternative, quieter, more authentic trekking experience.
The trail is full of diverse lands, starting from a dense forest area at Maccha Khola, and passing to high mountain meadows at Larkya La Pass or Tsum Valley. On this trek, crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,167 meters is the highlight and the reward is rewarded with wide views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II.
Manaslu Circuit Trek has a rich connection with culture. The region has a deep Buddhist heritage reflected in the Monasteries with prayer flags, and spinning prayer wheels, decorated with chortens. Most are friendly locals who won’t leave your side until you leave. They’ll give you a little glimpse into their way of life.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventure you won’t forget if you want solitude, adventure, and wonderful scenery.
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Why trek the Manaslu Circuit in October?
The The Manaslu Circuit trek is best done in October when the weather is stable, the views are stunning, and there are many lively cultural experiences to watch. This is because of the dry conditions, with little rain or snow, which make for an ideal trekking environment.
Breathtaking views of the Himalayas occur this time of year. Majestic peaks like Manaslu, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Naike Peak come into view clear on clear skies with minimal cloud cover. They give you uninterrupted vistas leading you to the perfect background to your trip while you deeply engage yourself with the region’s natural beauty.
It also happens to be October, when Nepal celebrates its biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar. Trekking at this time allows you to meet local communities and benefit from interacting with their beautiful culture and traditions firsthand. On the trail, there are many tea houses that serve seasonal delicacies made from freshly harvested crops. These spices give your adventure a special culinary touch.
October is a great month to stick around and take your time on the trail, meet some locals, and savor the quiet calm of the landscape. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is the perfect month to have an amazing experience.
Manaslu Circuit difficulty level
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a difficult trek, and those wanting to try it should have good fitness and past trekking experience. The route covers varied terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky trails, and narrow ridges.
Reaching the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters), altitude sickness must be handled by properly acclimatizing. Trekking duration is generally 6 to 8 hours per day under difficult conditions, most of the trails are frozen trails and icy conditions are normal.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is difficult, but if you can properly acclimatize, prepare, and hear your guide, you can easily accomplish it.
Latitude Longitude
The Manaslu circuit trek begins in Soti Khola and ends at Dharapani in central Nepal, passing through the Manaslu conservation area. The route heads north along the middle of Budhi Gandaki River Valley across the Tibetan border at Larkya La Pass, which is of 5,106 meters high. The trek ends in the Annapurna region.
Latitude: 28.6357° N
Longitude: 84.5850° E
Weather and Conditions
Weather in Manaslu Circuit in October
October usually has stable and dry weather on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which is one of the best months to trek. As it is post-monsoon, there are clear skies and amazing visibility of the Himalayan peaks. You’ll have very little rainfall, resulting in fewer obstacles along the trail and easier trekking conditions.
The fresh crisp air helps you trek through forests, valleys, and high mountain regions. Stable weather and hassle-free trekking mean comfortable nights, making it the perfect place to explore the magnificent landscapes around the Manaslu region.
Temperature during Manaslu Circuit Trek in October
The temperature on the Manaslu Circuit Trek during October varies with altitude. In the lower altitudes around Soti Khola (700m), temperatures can range from 10°C to 20°C during the day. Temperatures get lower as you rise up, and at places like Larkya La Pass (5,106m), they vary around -5°C to 5°C throughout the day.
Daytime temperatures are usually mild and trekking temperatures are most pleasant, but nighttime can be cold, so warm clothing is essential for those nights.
Rainfall on Manaslu Circuit in October
October is the driest month for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Rainfall is minimal during this time, as the monsoon stops in late September. That means you will have clear skies, little risk of heavy rain, and dry trails, ideal for trekking.
Also, the paths are not slippery without all the heavy rain. Dry weather also makes it possible to gaze upon the stunning Himalayan views, including Manaslu, Annapurna II mountains, and many other mountains surrounding the area.
Snow conditions on Larkya La Pass in October
The October snow conditions on Larkya La Pass are manageable, but it is beginning to get slightly cooler. You should be aware of the left unmelted snow from the previous season, especially on the higher altitudes, but ongoing snowfall is rare during October.
The Larkya La Pass, located at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet), can have snow patches in the early mornings or late afternoons, but it is generally not heavily snow-covered at this time. This makes crossing the entire the trek easier compared to the winter months, when heavy snowfall can block the route.

Permits and Regulations
Manaslu Circuit Trek permits October
If you’re going to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in October, trekkers will need to have various permits approved, so that they are abiding by regulations and supporting conservation efforts in the area.
Since Manaslu is considered a restricted area, to limit the number of trekkers for environmental protection and safety, we need the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP). It costs $100 for the first 7 days and increases by $15 per day after that. This permit helps preserve the sensitive ecosystem and maintain human impact.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is needed to enter the Annapurna region of the trek. For foreigners, it costs around $30 while nationals of SAARC pay $10 and Nepali people pay NPR 100. The funding for these conservation programs protects the natural beauty of the area and sustains local communities.
In addition, foreigners require the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), which costs $30, SAARC nationals US $10, and Nepali citizens NPR 100 to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. The MCAP allows the management of tourism and protects the area’s biodiversity. The two permits are vital to ensuring the trek continues to be sustainable and the natural and cultural resources of the region are protected.
You can obtain all of this from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu, but for a hassle-free process, you can visit our trekking agency, we take care of all the permits.
Manaslu restricted area permit process
Trekkers must go through a licensed trekking agency in Nepal or submit a trek itinerary, a copy of their passport, and the permit fee the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP). For the P is issued only during guided trek, for which trekkers hire a licensed guide.
MRAP costs $100 per the first 7 days, and $15 per day each day after. He digs up the permit, which must be carried wherever the trek takes you once approved. The MRAP is in the logistical sense needed for legal access to the restricted area.
Tsum Valley add-on permits
If you wish to add an extension on the Manaslu Circuit Trek and trek into Tsum Valley you will require an additional permit. The Tsum Valley Permit is required which is issued by the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) to enter the valley.
The cost for the Tsum Valley permit is around $40 per person for foreign trekkers, and the process is similar to obtaining other trekking permits, by going through a licensed trekking agency. The permit means you can venture into this culturally rich, remote region home of Tibetan Buddhist traditions. It also helps preserve the valley’s environment and heritage.
Do I need a guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Since April 1, 2023, the Nepalese government instituted the rule that solo travelers to Nepal must hire a licensed guide or porter guide for trekking. This rule applies to all trekking regions including Manaslu Circuit.
The decision was made to increase trekker safety and minimize risk, especially in remote and difficult areas with no facilities. The mandatory guide provides trekkers with proper trails to follow and restricted zones to avoid, and they will be provided with immediate assistance in case of emergency.
This helps meet the requirement for licensed guides for Manaslu Circuit Trek, as it’s a restricted area. Hiring a guide, strong as it can be, also promotes sustainable tourism, by creating employment on the ground for locals.

Itinerary and Planning
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a thrilling adventure in nature, culture, and stunning views. The trek starts from Soti Khola or Machekhola, where you traverse green forests, fields, and villages to the high Larkya La Pass (5,160m).
It is a trek that gives you a real Himalayan experience, with a view at Mount Manaslu and other peaks. Along the way, you’ll see monasteries, experience Tibetan Buddhist culture, and marvel at the magnificence of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Without a Hotel in Kathmandu
This package offers you a complete trekking experience without staying in Kathmandu. You start at Soti Khola or Machekhola, where you will travel through villages and and forests and cross the Larkya La Pass. Stunning views of Mount Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and others can be seen.
This will take you on a local culture immersion, visit monasteries, and see prayer flags. Besides diverse wildlife habitats like red pandas and snow leopards in the Manaslu Conservation Area, the route also offers an adventurous and immersive experience.
This is a 12 day trek with the first day being Kathmandu to Maccha Khola, and the second day being Dharapani to Kathmandu.
With Hotel in Kathmandu
This package adds comfort to a hotel stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek. From a Kathmandu hotel, you can explore cultural landmarks like Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, etc. The viewpoints are the same, starting directly from Kathmandu but ending without any preparation and exploration time.
This is a 15 day package with the first day being the arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers to your hotel. Next day, you will also have preparation time, to learn about the upcoming trek and also leisure time to visit Thamel for cafes, bars. At last, you can even take some souvenirs.
Tsum Valley Extension
Hidden in the northern Manaslu region, Tsum Valley, opened to trekkers in 2008 is a visitor’s gem. This extension adds a unique experience, remote landscapes, and Tibetan heritage. This amazing 20 day trip takes you through villages like Chhokangparo and Philim, featuring Ganesh Himal and Annapurna ranges upon its trek.
You can explore monasteries, Chortens, and mani walls and learn about Tibet’s history. Trekking is moderate in difficulty, but you require good acclimatization. Places like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa give a feeling of spirituality. This combined trek promises a unique combination of rough trails, cultural exposure, and serenity.

Costs and Budgeting
Manaslu Circuit Trek Package cost in October
In October, the Manaslu Circuit Trek package price is between $800 and $1,800 per person. It includes accommodations, meals on route, a guide, permits, lodging, and transportation. If you choose more luxury packages, prices can go even higher. It also depends on how many trekkers are in your group, as group trekking can decrease your overall cost.
The accommodation will mostly be teahouses, and you will have all three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). You will get the required trek permits and an expert guide to travel through the terrain.
Daily expenses on Manaslu Circuit
The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek will mainly depend upon your budget, likes and dislikes, and the kind of services you have ordered. A typical budget for food and accommodation is $30 to $40 per day.
The accommodation mostly consists of teahouses, which charge between $5 and $7 per night. You have simple bedding and blankets, with a shared bathroom outside. The accommodations are simple, but the rooms are cozy and warm, perfect after a long day of trekking.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner cost only $5 to $8 per meal, which is affordable. Porridge, toast, or tea are popular for breakfast, and dal bhat (lentils and rice), noodles, or sandwiches are common for lunch and dinner. If you want drinks to get extra refreshment, like tea, coffee, or soda, it costs about $2 to $5 per day. The simple, nutritious meals at tea houses provide many trekkers with the fuel they need to trek.
The basic services are cheap, but there are some extra things that can pull you in and cost you more. In the chilly high altitude regions it costs $2 to $4 for hot showers and $5 to $8 per day for Wi-Fi access. You will pay $1 to $2 per hour when you charge your electronic devices in teahouses.
For most Manaslu circuit trek lovers, spending between $30 and $40successfully complete the trek and comfortably explore the place’s beauty per day on both the basic and other services will be enough to successfully carry out the Manaslu circuit trek and explore the beauty of the place comfortably.
Cost of hiring a guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The charges for hiring a guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek start from $25 to $35 per day. A guide is helpful to you when navigating a trail, and makes sure you get on the right path while giving you local and cultural knowledge too. If you’re trekking in a group, this cost can be split and made more affordable. Having a guide is compulsory on any trek in Nepal, as they make the experience smoother and safer.
Packing and Gear
For the Manaslu Circuit Trek in October, you need to pack the right equipment for maximum comfort, safety, and overall trek experience. You need layered clothing for the changing temperatures and weather of different altitudes.
These are also great for wet climbs since you stay dry with a base layer made for moisture wicking, and then have an insulating mid layer to keep you warm in the cold evenings. The waterproof outer layer protects you from unexpected rain or strong wind. The rocky trails require sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and woolen socks to avoid injury.
Teahouses don’t always manage to keep them that warm in higher altitudes, so an adequately rated sleeping bag will keep you warm during the night. At higher elevations, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses protect you from the sun, and gloves and a hat and scarf keep you warm from the biting cold. A durable backpack with a rain cover and trekking poles reduces strain on your knees when climbing steep ascents and descents.
Always carry your first aid kit with altitude sickness medication like Diamox, ibuprofen, and paracetamol for pain relief, blister treatments, and basic pain relievers. When trekking to its stunning scenery with a phone and camera, make sure your gear stays charged in areas with zero electricity with power banks.
A headlamp would be helpful, and the extra batteries would be even more important for nighttime or early morning hikes. Finally, you’ll need to bring cash in Nepali rupees, because you cannot get some money en route, and you’ll need to pay for meals, accommodation, and permits. Every item contributes to your making a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable trekking experience.

Accommodation and Food
During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can choose from various accommodations and traditional meals, which signify the diverse cultural influence of Nepal and Tibet.
Teahouses along the Manaslu Circuit offer basic comfortable accommodations along the trail. Being the peak trekking season in October, the tea houses are in full operation holding onto the high number of trekkers coming in during this time of the year.
The rooms are usually twin sharing with very little, such as beds, blankets, or pillows. It’s advisable to carry a sleeping bag to amp up the warmth. With popular stops like Samagaon and Dharamshala, you’re advised to book in advance during October since it’s a busy month.
Most tea houses have electricity, but charging devices can sometimes incur extra fees. Hot showers and Wi-Fi can also be limited and cost extra.
Meals in the teahouses throughout the Manaslu Circuit are predominantly Nepali and Tibetan cuisine. Dal bhat is the most common dish, rice, lentils, and vegetables, filling and nutritious food help to make a way through your trek with plenty of energy to spare. Options can be noodles, soups, fried rice, momos, or pancakes. The harvest season in October provides you with fresh seasonal produce for your meal.
Since most items in tea houses can be of meat, vegetarian meals are offered and promoted. You can also carry additional snacks like trail mix, energy bars, protein bars, etc to get high energy during the trek.
You need to inform Radiant Treks first, whether you want vegetarian or nonvegetarian foods. Do tell us first so we can make arrangements accordingly.
Transportation
For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, we provide public buses as our package includes transport facilities, but private jeeps are an option too for extra costs.
The economical way to get to Machha Khola is by public bus from Kathmandu. A two way ticket typically costs $20 to $40 depending on the bus service. As public buses are cheaper, you get to pay less and you can catch a ride from where you are staying, however, they can get very crowded, primarily during high seasons.
If you prefer a more comfortable and efficient trip, look no further than our private jeeps. They are perfect if you’re traveling in a small group, as the price of a two way trip is around $450, divided between 2 to 5 people. A private jeep gives a more flexible and smooth ride, serving you the experience of riding at your own pace and comfortably through the mountain roads.
Our package includes public transportation but if you’d rather have a more customized experience we can arrange private jeeps at an extra cost.
Safety and Health
Our utmost priority in the Manaslu Circuit Trek is your safety and health concerns. We take every step to ensure what happens on your trek is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is one aspect that is the most important when you are doing your high altitude trek. With the rest days planned to allow your body to acclimate to the change in altitude, we reduce the risk of altitude sickness. We gradually ascend to higher altitudes to help acclimate properly.
First Aid and Emergency Support: On the trek, we carry a well stocked first aid kit and essential items for common injuries, medications like Diamox, ibuprofen, and ailments. If things get serious on the health front, we have evacuation plans. If necessary, we will arrange a helicopter evacuation to carry you to the nearest medical facilities, which are lower down.
Guide and Porter Support: Our experienced guides are duly trained in first aid and carryriate emergency equipment. These pTheyhe symptoms of altitude sickness or other health issues that could occur. Your load will be carried by porters, greatly easing fatigue or ovrexertion.
Hydration and Nutrition: During the trek, staying hydrated and well nourished or boiled water is important. Drink a lot of water as you pass by one tea house often. Surely, there will be clean water or boiled ones, safe to drink. For nutrition, you can eat our traditional Nepali dal bhat, and during the trek, bring snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and dried fruits.
Insurance: We strongly suggest buying insurance that covers trekking at high altitudes, helicopter evacuation, and emergency medical treatment. Doing this means you are covered if something goes wrong.
By following these precautions, we hope to bring you a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trekking experience in the mind-blowing beautiful Manaslu region.
Photography and Scenic Highlights
The Manaslu Circuit Trek has among some of Nepal’s most astonishing views and photo-worthy moments.
Larkya La Pass is one of the top viewpoints. A walk from here leads you to wide views of majestic snow covered peaks such as Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli. On the side of the foot of Manaslu, there is Samagaon, the village provides breathtaking views of the mountain.
In addition, this trek provides numerous points of high altitude views, and you can spot some fantastic views of the surrounding peaks while trekking near the village of of Bhimtang.
To take clear, sharp photos of landscape, use a wide zoom lens for distant subjects such as wildlife or mountain peaks. Wildlife such as Blue sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Snow leopard, and Himalayan Griffon Vultures can run away even without the slightest noise or human sighting. It is also dangerous going near any wildlife, so having a zoom lens you can take their short clear and from afar.
You can also take the pictures in the early morning or late, which is also called the golden hours, when the light is soft and warm. Taking photos in the middle of the day can cause intense shadows and overexposure. A tripod is a must, simply for low light situations or to capture motion like waterfalls. Cold temperatures can drain power quickly so don’t forget a few extra batteries.
Samdo or the Larkya La Pass are the best spots for sunrise. From there, you can see the snow covered peaks light up with the first light of day. As you head to the same places or higher vantage points along the trail, you get stunning sunset shots.
During sunset, the mountains turn various colors, from orange to red to pink, making them the perfect backdrop for extraordinary photos. Keep an eye on the ever-changing light and show up early to set up your gear.

Crowds on Manaslu Circuit Trek in October
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is popular from October to November when there are crowds at popular places, such as the Larkya La Pass and Samagaron. You can get affected or mess up with too crowded trails.
To avoid this, begin early each morning before larger cohorts appear. The first half of October isn’t crowded, but it’s better to take precautions and book in advance, not just the tea houses on the trail but also our packages.
With high traffic, you can not experience and interact with local culture. So, you need to book early for packages, and accommodations too. Start the trip early to get one of the best views, before many of the trekkers arrive at the destinations.