The Manaslu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding Himalayan adventures, offering remote mountain landscapes, Tibetan-influenced culture, dramatic suspension bridges, and breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
More often than not, when someone thinks of trekking in the Himalayas in Nepal, they refer to Base Camps. Nepal has nearly 4,000 mountains above 5,500m, including the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848.86m). Thousands of elevations below 5,500m are not on the list and are not considered a ‘mountain,’ as Nepali people refer to those only as ‘hills.’ So, please don’t get offended if they refer to another country’s highest mountains as ‘hills.’
At present, some 300 or so peaks are open for mountaineering expeditions in Nepal. That means there are over 300 base camp treks in Nepal (326, to be exact)! Most travelers are likely familiar with only one or two in Nepal. While the number of days required to reach these base camps could vary greatly, it is around 13 days on average. So you could say that it will take you at least a dozen years to complete these base camps! That makes Nepal the ultimate place for trekking and hiking!
Since you are likely already familiar with Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), the two most famous and widely visited destinations in Nepal. We thought to give you information about the 8th-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), and its base camp. As much as it deserves some three-letter names too, we cannot call it MBC, as that refers to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (the Fishtail Base Camp).
Quick Facts About Manaslu Base Camp Trek
| Trek Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration | 13-16 Days |
| Location | Gorkha District, Central-Northern Nepal |
| Trek Distance | ~180 km |
| Maximum Altitude | 5,106m (Larke La Pass) |
| Manaslu Base Camp Altitude | 4,800m |
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Best Seasons | Spring (Mar-May) & Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Accommodation | Tea Houses |
| Starting Point | Machha Khola |
| Ending Point | Tilje or Dharapani |
| Restricted Area Permit | Required (RAP, MCAP, ACAP) |
| Guide Requirement | Mandatory |
Where Is Mount Manaslu Located, and How to Reach Manaslu Base Camp?
Set in the northern Himalayan range in the Gorkha District of Nepal, Mt. Manaslu stands out as the 8th-highest mountain in the world. Climbing and trekking on this mountain are not as widely known as those at the other base camps, but it is gaining popularity, especially among those who prefer remote, off-the-beaten-path trails. Manaslu Trek is so remote that it is only possible to reach the jump-off point (either Soti Khola or Machha Khola) by private 4×4 jeep or a local bus. A huge difference compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek, where a flight to Lukla is possible. The trek also requires at least ten days to reach base camp.
The base camp is situated beneath Mt. Manaslu at an altitude of approximately 4,800 meters, and the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River valley before ascending toward Samagaun, a beautiful Tibetan-style village that serves as the acclimatization point for the base camp hike. From Samagaun, trekkers hike to Manaslu Base Camp and often continue toward the challenging Larke La Pass (5,106m).
Why Is It Called the Manaslu Circuit Trek Instead of the Manaslu Base Camp Trek?
For Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp treks, the ending point of the trek is the base camp, and then from there, you return to your jump-off point. For Manaslu, it is different. The Manaslu Base Camp trek is better known as the Manaslu Circuit Trek. In this trek, Manaslu Base Camp is not the ultimate destination, but rather a side trip.
For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will follow a loop, starting in Sotikhola or Machha Khola, reaching the Tsum Valley, stopping at Manaslu Base Camp, crossing the Larke Pass, and concluding your trek in Besi Sahar in the Annapurna region. In Base Camp treks, these are usually your primary destination, and then you typically return to where you started. For a Circuit trek, the starting point and endpoint are always different. Famous base camp treks include Everest Base Camp, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, and Annapurna Base Camp. The Annapurna Circuit is a popular trekking circuit in Nepal.
Manaslu Base Camp Trek Route Overview
The standard route usually follows the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary with an additional hike to Manaslu Base Camp.
Manaslu Base Camp Trek Route: Kathmandu → Machha Khola → Jagat → Deng → Namrung → Shyala → Samagaun → Manaslu Base Camp → Samdo → Dharamsala → Larke La Pass → Bimthang → Tilje → Dharapani → Besisahar → Kathmandu
The route offers a range of landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine glaciers and high Himalayan terrain.
Manaslu Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Depending on the rest day, season, and side trips, the Manaslu base camp trek itinerary typically ranges between 13 and 22 days. If the trek occurs between June and early September, which is the monsoon season, the minimum duration is the 17-day Manaslu trek itinerary. The number of days also depends on the side trips you wish to take.
For example, possible side trips during the trek include Pungen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, and the Tibetan Border. There is also the Tsum Valley side trip during the Manaslu Trek, which many trekkers highly recommend. Note that if you want to include Tsum Valley in your itinerary, then be prepared to spend around 22 days from Kathmandu and back. The best times of the year to visit Manaslu are October, November, March, and April, when the 13-day Manaslu Trek is suitable, as the road conditions can cause delays and push your itinerary a few days ahead.
| Day | Itinerary | Altitude | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola by Local Bus or Private Jeep | 870 m/2,854 ft | 160 km/99.42 mi | 7–8 Hrs |
| 02 | Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,340 m/4,396 ft | 20 km/12.43 mi | 6–7 Hrs |
| 03 | Trek from Jagat to Deng | 1,860 m/6,102 ft | 21 km/13.04 mi | 7–8 Hrs |
| 04 | Trek from Deng to Namrung | 2,630 m/8,628 ft | 19 km/11.80 mi | 6–7 Hrs |
| 05 | Trek from Namrung to Shyala | 3,500 m/11,482 ft | 16 km/9.95 mi | 4–5 Hrs |
| 06 | Trek from Shyala to Samagaon via Pungen Gompa (4,040 m) | 3,530 m/11,581 ft | 17 km/10.56 mi | 4–5 Hrs |
| 07 | Acclimatization day in Samagaon. Day hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) or Birendra Lake (3,450 m) | 3,530 m/11,581 ft | 13 km/8.07 mi | 7–8 Hrs |
| 08 | Trek from Samagaon to Samdo | 3,875 m/12,713 ft | 5 km/3.10 mi | 2–3 Hrs |
| 09 | Acclimatization day in Samdo. Day hike to Tibetan Border (5,030 m) | 3,875 m/12,713 ft | 20 km/12.42 mi | 8–9 Hrs |
| 10 | Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala | 4,460 m/14,632 ft | 6 km/3.73 mi | 3–4 Hrs |
| 11 | Trek from Dharmasala to Bhimtang via Larke La Pass (5,106 m) | 3,720 m/12,204 ft | 15 km/9.32 mi | 8–9 Hrs |
| 12 | Trek from Bhimtang to Tilje | 2,300 m/7,545 ft | 20 km/12.43 mi | 5–6 Hrs |
| 13 | Drive from Tilje to Besisahar by Shared Jeep & Besisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara by Local Bus or Private Vehicle | 760 m/2,493 ft | 200 km/124.27 mi | 8–9 Hrs |
Best Time for Manaslu Base Camp Trek
The best time for the Manaslu Base Camp Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is stable, mountain views are clear, and conditions on the Larke La Pass are safer.
- Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the best seasons for the trek. Rhododendron forests bloom beautifully, temperatures are moderate, and mountain visibility is excellent.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn offers stable weather, crystal-clear skies, and ideal trekking conditions. This is the most popular trekking season.
- Winter (December to February): Winter trekking is possible, but it can be very cold at higher elevations. Snow may block the Larke Pass.
- Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rainfall, landslides, and slippery trails make trekking less suitable during this period.
Permits Required for Manaslu Base Camp Trek
Anyone planning to travel to Manaslu should also be aware of the Manaslu trekking permit regulations established by the Nepali Government. Due to the open border with Tibet in this region, and to control unnecessary border exits by foreign citizens during the trek, no one is allowed to enter Manaslu without a special permit issued by the government. An authorized local Nepali trekking member should also accompany it. To avoid trouble in the mountains, please be aware of the permit requirements for any trek. Additionally, compared to other treks such as the EBC or ABC, the Manaslu trek costs more, primarily due to the special permit mentioned above.
Since the Manaslu region is a restricted area, trekkers need special permits. To complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek, including Manaslu Base Camp, you must obtain three different permits and oneChum Nubri Municipality Entry Permit in Jagat.
Required Permits
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP/RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Important Rules
- Independent trek is now allowed; you must hire a licensed guide.
- Permits must be applied through a registered travel agency.
- A single trekker can obtain the restricted area permit (new rule 2026).
| S.N. | Permit Name | Sep - Nov | Dec - Aug | Extend Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP/RAP) | USD 100 / Week | USD 75 / Week | USD 15/Per Day USD 10/Per Day |
| 2. | Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | Rs. 3000 (~USD 25) | Rs. 3000 (~USD 25) | X |
| 3. | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | Rs. 3000 (~USD 25) | Rs. 3000 (~USD 25) | X |
| 4. | Chum Nubri Municipality Entry Permit | Rs. 1000 (~USD 7) | Rs. 1000 (~USD 7) | X |
Total permit cost typically ranges from USD 150 to USD 200, depending on your trekking duration.Accommodation and Food During the Trek
Tea houses are available throughout the Manaslu Base Camp Trek route, providing basic yet comfortable accommodation for trekkers. Most tea houses offer twin-sharing rooms with simple beds, blankets, pillows, and shared bathrooms. In lower villages, some lodges may have attached bathrooms, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and charging facilities, while higher-altitude areas offer more limited services due to the remote mountain environment.
The food during the trek is nutritious and filling, with menus designed to support trekkers on long hiking days. Common meals include Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles), noodles, fried rice, soups, Tibetan bread, pancakes, potatoes, pasta, eggs, and seasonal vegetables. Dal Bhat is the most popular choice because it is fresh, energy-rich, and often comes with free refills.
Common Food Options
- Dal Bhat
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Tibetan bread
- Soup
- Tea and coffee
As altitude increases, food prices also rise because supplies are transported by mules and porters.Internet and Charging Facilities
Most lower villages along the Manaslu Base Camp Trek have Wi-Fi and mobile network coverage, especially in Machha Khola, Namrung, and Samagaun. You can also use mobile data if you have a Nepal Telecom (NTC) SIM card, which has good network coverage in the Manaslu region. However, internet connections are often slow and unstable due to the remote Himalayan terrain. As trekkers ascend to higher elevations such as Samdo and Dharamsala, network coverage can be limited, and Wi-Fi may not always be available.
Charging facilities are available in most tea houses along the trek, but they usually incur an additional fee per device. In lower regions, charging is often powered by electricity, while higher-altitude lodges commonly rely on solar energy or small hydroelectric systems. Because of this, charging may only be available during certain hours and may become less reliable in bad weather.
Packing List for Manaslu Base Camp Trek
Packing the right essential gear is very important for a safe and comfortable Manaslu Base Camp Trek. Since the route takes you through changing climates—from warm lowlands to freezing high-altitude regions—your equipment should be suitable for both comfort and protection.
Essential items
- Down jacket
- Warm layers
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking boots
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Water purification tablets
- Gloves and a hat
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp
- Power bank
- Personal medications
Weather conditions can change immediately in the Manaslu region, so rain cover or a poncho is most important.Manaslu Base Camp Trek Cost
The cost of the Manaslu Trek with Manaslu Base Camp ranges between USD 800 and USD 1,500, depending on:
- Trek duration
- Guide and porter services
- Transportation
- Accommodation standard
- Group size
- Permit fees (season and off-season)
Guided packages generally include permits, accommodation, meals, transportation, and guide services.Manaslu Base Camp Trek Map
Conclusion
The Manaslu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s best remote trekking adventures for travelers seeking raw Himalayan beauty, cultural richness, and peaceful mountain trails.
From ancient Buddhist monasteries and glacier valleys to the dramatic crossing of the Larke Pass (5,106m), every day on the trail offers unforgettable scenery and authentic mountain experiences.
If you want a less crowded alternative to Everest Base Camp while still experiencing world-class Himalayan trekking, the Manaslu region is an excellent choice.
If you require any additional information beyond what we have mentioned above, please do not hesitate to contact us at nestadventure@gmail.com or via WhatsApp at +977 9851052042. We are happy to give you further information.
