Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek – 23 Days

The Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek can be extended with optional side hikes to Ponkar Lake, Samdo Ri, and Rui La Pass. These hikes require one extra day at either Samdo or Bhimtang and allow you to experience the region beyond the standard trekking route.

Adding an extra night in Bhimtang gives you time to explore one of the hidden alpine highlights of the Manaslu region. Instead of continuing directly toward Dharapani, you follow a quieter trail toward Ponkar Lake through glacial terrain, yak pastures, and rocky moraine landscapes. The trail gradually climbs above Bhimtang through wide alpine meadows where yaks often graze during the warmer months. As you continue higher, the landscape changes into rough glacial terrain with scattered rocks, icy streams, and open views toward the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Compared to the main trekking route, this section feels far quieter and more remote.

Ponkar Lake sits beneath the glaciers below Larkya Peak and collects icy meltwater flowing from the surrounding mountains. The lake changes shades throughout the day depending on sunlight and weather conditions. The area remains peaceful, with hanging glaciers, snowy slopes, and dramatic mountain scenery surrounding the lake.

Many trekkers choose this side hike not only for the scenery but also to slow down after crossing Larkya La Pass. Instead of immediately descending into lower valleys, you get another full day to enjoy the high mountain environment, take photographs, rest your body, and experience a less-visited corner of the Manaslu region. This optional hike is ideal for trekkers who prefer a slower and more immersive mountain experience before entering the Annapurna region.

Quick facts on this day hike:

• Extra day required: +1 day in Bhimtang
• Maximum elevation: Around 4,100 m
• Walking time: 5 to 7 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail: Alpine pasture, moraine, and rocky glacial terrain
• Facilities: No teahouses along the route
• Starting point: Bhimtang village
• Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and trekkers with additional time

A glimpse of your Ponkar Lake day:

• Begin after breakfast from Bhimtang
• Walk through alpine landscapes and glacial valleys
• Reach Ponkar Lake and enjoy the mountain scenery
• Spend time around the lake and nearby viewpoints
• Return to Bhimtang for overnight stay
• Continue trekking toward Dharapani the next day

Group of Trekkers Near Ponkar Lake

Samdo Ri rises directly above the village and provides one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the Manaslu region. The trail climbs steadily along a ridge behind Samdo, gradually revealing wider views of the Budhi Gandaki Valley and surrounding Himalayan peaks. The climb begins just outside the village and quickly gains elevation on dusty and rocky trails. As you continue higher, the small settlement of Samdo starts to look tiny below, while snowy mountain ridges begin appearing one after another across the horizon. Prayer flags, grazing yaks, and distant Himalayan valleys add to the high-mountain atmosphere of the hike.

From the top, you can see Manaslu, Simnang Himal, Naike Peak, and distant ridges stretching toward Tibet. The viewpoint also helps trekkers prepare physically for the altitude of Larkya La Pass. Unlike the longer Rui La hike, Samdo Ri is shorter and easier to fit into the itinerary while still reaching impressive elevation. Since the hike returns to the same village lodge, it works well as an acclimatization day without changing the overall trek structure.

Quick facts on this day hike:

• Extra day required: +1 day in Samdo
• Maximum elevation: 4,800–5,000 m
• Walking time: 4 to 5 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail: Steep and rocky ridge path
• Starting point: Samdo village
• Best for: Panoramic mountain views and acclimatization

A glimpse of your Samdo Ri day:

• Begin hiking after breakfast in Samdo
• Climb gradually along the ridge above the village
• Enjoy expanding views toward Manaslu and the surrounding valleys
• Reach the viewpoint and spend time at the top
• Return to Samdo for lunch and overnight stay

Trekker Enjoying Samdo Ri View

The route toward Rui La follows an ancient Himalayan trade trail once used between Nepal and Tibet. This side hike from Samdo gives you the chance to walk beyond the regular trekking route into remote high-altitude terrain close to the border. After leaving the stone houses of Samdo behind, the trail slowly climbs across dry hillsides and yak grazing areas. Along the way, you may notice old caravan routes, scattered stone shelters, and prayer flags marking sections of the historic trade path. The scenery gradually changes from deep Himalayan valleys into a broader and more open landscape that resembles the edge of the Tibetan plateau.

As the trail climbs gradually, the valley becomes wider and drier, with broad views opening behind you toward Manaslu and Samdo Peak. Near the upper viewpoints close to Rui La, the landscape begins to resemble the Tibetan plateau. On clear days, the higher viewpoints provide wide views toward both the Nepalese Himalayas and the Tibetan side. The route feels less like a standard trekking trail and more like a journey into a remote mountain frontier. Besides the mountain views, this hike is also useful for acclimatization before crossing Larkya La Pass. Since you return to sleep at Samdo, it follows the recommended “hike high, sleep low” approach.

Quick facts on this day hike:

• Extra day required: +1 day in Samdo
• Maximum elevation: Approximately 4,900–5,000 m
• Walking time: 5 to 7 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Trail: Old trade route with exposed high-altitude sections
• Facilities: No teahouses on the route
• Starting point: Samdo village
• Best for: Acclimatization and Tibetan border landscapes

A glimpse of your Rui La Pass day:

• Start after breakfast with a light backpack
• Follow the traditional trade route beyond Samdo
• Gain elevation steadily with expanding mountain views
• Reach viewpoints near Rui La Pass
• Rest and enjoy the scenery before descending
• Return to Samdo for overnight stay

Trekker Enjoying Snowy Rui La Pass View

This combined Manaslu with Annapurna Circuit trek uses two different permit systems: one for the Manaslu Restricted Area and one for the Annapurna Conservation Area. In total, you usually need three permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). A TIMS card is not required for Manaslu, and it is no longer enforced for the Annapurna Circuit since 2023.

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Manaslu is a restricted area, so the RAP is the main permit. It can only be issued through a registered Nepali trekking agency, and you must trek with a licensed guide. From 22 March 2026, one person can get a Manaslu RAP. The old “minimum two trekkers” rule no longer applies, but you still need a licensed guide.

The cost of the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit for September to November (peak season) is:

• USD 100 for the first 7 days
• USD 15 per person per extra day after the first week

The cost of the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit for December to August (off-season) is:

• USD 75 for the first 7 days
• USD 10 per person per extra day after the first week

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The Manaslu region lies inside the Manaslu Conservation Area. Thus, a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit is compulsory to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. The MCAP fee supports local conservation work, trail maintenance, wildlife protection, and community projects in villages along the trek. Without this permit, you are not allowed to enter the conservation area.

You can get it from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or through your registered trekking agency, which usually arranges it together with your RAP before the trek starts. It costs NPR 3,000 for non-SAARC nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

After Dharapani, the Manaslu–Annapurna combined route enters the Annapurna Conservation Area. ACAP is required to enter and travel inside this protected area. The fee helps manage trails, forests, and wildlife, and supports local communities and conservation projects in the Annapurna region.

You can obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or at the Annapurna Conservation Area entry checkpoint (for example, in the Besishahar/Dharapani area). Your trek agency arranges it in advance so you don’t have to stop at the counter. It costs NPR 3,000 for non-SAARC nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

Travel insurance is compulsory when you go climbing. Furthermore, your travel insurance covers your injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, rescue mission, loss of property, etc. Most importantly, check with your insurance company that your adventure and climbing above 3000m are covered. If you haven’t taken an insurance policy, then it would be difficult for us to operate your rescue mission.

In Kathmandu, we usually provide a 3-star hotel with the facility of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but you can upgrade it as per your wish. Similarly, while climbing, we provide the most comfortable tea houses with hot showers, toilets, western food, and private rooms. Likewise, the tea houses provide you with their local foods. They also provide you with breakfast, lunch, and dinner facilities if you wish. Most importantly, they also provide food in sufficient quantities.

Likewise, the local food at higher altitudes is cheaper than the western foods because most local dishes are produced from local farms. Meanwhile, Western food has to be imported from the cities, which adds to the cost of the food. Western foods are slightly expensive. Furthermore, as you go higher up the altitude, the price of the meals also increases. Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, alcoholic drinks, hot shower, laundry, phone bill, bar bill, hot water, etc are not provided. But, it can be adjusted according to our consumers’ wishes. But, at higher altitudes, Nepali and Western foods differ in price. Meanwhile, Western food is more expensive than local food.

The Safety and Security of our trekkers are very important to us. Similarly, while your journey at Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek. Likewise, we carefully check every route for the trek. So, don’t worry, you will be safe with us. Similarly, we also take good care of the belongings of our trekkers on the lodges and during the trek. Therefore, you feel free and fully enjoy yourself during the trek. You should not worry about yourself and your belongings. We fully take care of that.

As you ascend, the atmospheric pressure decreases. Hence, the amount of oxygen available also decreases. Altitude sickness occurs when your body cannot acclimatize adequately to a rapid decrease in oxygen volume. Its symptoms are nausea, vomiting, headache, lack of appetite, exhaustion, muscle aches, rapid pulse even at rest (+/- 120 beats per minute), and insomnia.

To avoid AMS, our itineraries include acclimatization days in between. You should walk slowly and steadily, eat enough carbohydrates, and drink plenty of water. You could eat chocolates and toffee while walking and avoid alcohol and smoking.

Our guides are well-trained to handle emergencies like AMS and other sicknesses. They know how to use an oxygen meter to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels at high altitudes. They can help you with other medical kits (first aid) and health check-ups as necessary.

If you have symptoms of AMS or are feeling sick, you must report it to your guide immediately. You must not ascend further, rest, and take medicines like acetazolamide or Diamox. If symptoms persist, you must descend to a lower altitude and visit a doctor immediately. If the condition worsens, we shall coordinate with your insurance company for helicopter evacuation.

The climate and weather of Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit keep changing. Similarly, the weather is unpredictable. So, you must be ready for any challenge it bestows on you during the trek. The best time to visit this trek is spring and autumn. You will travel in a clear sky and beautiful weather during this time. A lot of tourists climb here during this time. Similarly, during the spring season, you will find the best value for your trek. However, this can also be done in the monsoon season. If you do this circuit trekking during autumn, you will enjoy the environment, temperature, and weather fully.

During this time, the weather is also very stable for climbers. The Spring season consists of March, April, and May. April is the warmest month of the year. This season is best if you want to travel in pleasant weather and a suitable climate. But it usually gets cold at night due to the drop in temperature. However, the time of spring usually remains warm, and the trail gets moist and clean after the long winter. In addition, spring and autumn provide glorious scenery in the surroundings, adding to the fun of your trek. Similarly, if you visit here at the right time, you will certainly not be a victim of any diseases. Likewise, the journey also gets easier, which reduces the possibility of injury during the trek.

Summer and Winter are not ideal trekking seasons in the Manaslu Annapurna region. The monsoons in Nepal fall under the summer season, and there will be heavy rainfall in the lower parts of the Annapurna region. Hiking up towards the Manaslu will be challenging as the rain is unpredictable. Besides that, the chances of Landslides and floods increase, making the trek more difficult. However, the upper region lies in the rain shadow area; trekking is still possible during summer in this region.

Heavy snowfall occurs during winter in the Manaslu region. The trails become slippery, making trekking difficult. The trek’s highest point, Larkya La Pass, is closed due to excessive snowfall. Very few teahouses will be available for accommodation during the trek. However, some people trek to this region during early and late winter.

Your day on a trek starts from the place where you are staying. You will have three meals per day. Your breakfast will be at the place where you will be staying. A briefing session will be after breakfast, during which your guide will give you brief information about today’s hike. Your hike will begin right after your briefing session. You will be hiking for around 6-8 hours a day. Your lunch will be around 12-1 pm. It will be in a tea house or local cafe along the way. You can rest after lunch, but it depends on your remaining distance to be covered. You will be stopping at scenic spots to take pictures and enjoy the majestic views of the Himalayan beauty. Your hike will end at the place where you are staying. You will have dinner at the place where you will stay.