Manaslu Circuit Trek Alternative Routes & Side Trips

Most trekkers book the Manaslu Circuit Trek expecting just one fixed trail starting from Soti Khola to Dharapani of 13 days, with Larkya La as the grand finish. However, it should be noted that this is just a framework for the trip.

The Manaslu Circuit trek alternative routes and side trips are what most experienced trekkers actually use to shape their trip, swapping the dusty road for higher, quieter alternative trail sections; adding day-hike side trips to glacial lakes, monasteries, and base camps without extending your permit or committing to full multi-day extensions like Tsum Valley or Nar Phu that turn a two-week trek into a month-long Himalayan expedition.

This guide breaks down all three, with extra days and permits, so you can build a Manaslu itinerary that actually matches what you’re looking for, not just the version everyone else does.

Understanding the Routes, Side Trips, and Extensions

Alternative trail routes are different paths to the same destination. You’re just choosing a quieter or less road-affected way to get there. No extra days, no extra permits, just a different walking experience.

Side trips are short detours off the main trail, usually done as day hikes from a village you’re already sleeping in. Manaslu Base Camp from Sama Gaon or Birendra Lake are some of the side trips of the Manaslu Circuit trek; you leave your bags at the teahouse, walk a few hours round trip, and rejoin the circuit the next day.

Extensions are the biggest commitment: entire additional treks stitched onto the Manaslu Circuit, like Tsum Valley, Nar Phu Valley, or Annapurna Circuit. These add anywhere from five days to several weeks, and almost always require a separate restricted-area permit on top of the standard Manaslu RAP, MCAP, and ACAP.

Alternative Routes of Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit is not limited to one fixed trail. Especially in the lower areas of the trail, trekkers can choose alternative paths that reduce road walking and go through peaceful villages. Such trekking routes give you a better experience but require local guidance to understand the terrain due to the steeper elevation.

The Baseri High Route

The Baseri High Route gives an alternative to following the road between Soti Khola and Machha Khola, where vehicle traffic and road construction can make the standard route less appealing.

Instead of continuing along the lower road, trekkers can drive toward Baseri and take a higher trail through the surrounding hills and gorge. The route eventually reconnects with the main Manaslu trail around the Dovan-Jagat area, depending on the exact trail conditions and itinerary.

The advantage of this type of path is its relatively quiet environment that is free from noise and dust. Nevertheless, the elevated trail may be more difficult because of its steeper inclines and rough terrain.

The Kerauja Manbu Yarsa Kasigaun Route

The Kerauja Manbu Yarsa Kasigaun route provides another way to explore the villages away from the more developed lower Manaslu road corridor.

The trail goes through traditional villages and scenic areas that make the trekking route very appealing to those trekkers who have already done the standard Manaslu Circuit or want a more village-focused experience.

This alternative trekking trail takes more time compared to the main one. It is better suited to trekkers who value less-developed villages and quieter trails rather than speed. The alternative trekking trail ultimately meets the main Manaslu trekking route at Dovan/Jagat.

Because local trails and road conditions can change, the exact route should be confirmed with a local guide before departure.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Side Trips

Most of these side trips are into the acclimatization days you’re already spending in Sama Gaon and Samdo, so you’re not really losing time; you’re just deciding how to spend the day you’d otherwise be resting anyway.

Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m / 15,748ft)

This is the one almost everyone does. Most trekkers visit Manaslu Base Camp during the acclimatization day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The round trip runs roughly 12-14 km and takes 6-7 hours, climbing from Sama Gaon’s 3,530 m up to the base camp at 4,800 m. The trek starts through yak pastures, then moves to the lateral moraine of the Manaslu Glacier and ends with rocky terrain; it’s not too technical, but go slow at high altitude.

Birendra Lake (3,691m / 12,110ft)

Birendra Lake is the easier alternative right above Samagaon, if base camp feels like too much on a rest day. It is a short walk to a glacial lake fed by meltwater from the Manaslu and Syacha Glaciers, sitting in an open alpine bowl.

Pungyen Gompa 

Pungyen Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery and an important side trip on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It sits at approx. 4,000m/13,123ft, with dramatic views of Mount Manaslu and surrounding landscapes.

This one has some genuine history behind it: a monastery built in honor of a Buddhist master who spread teachings through the region, sitting high on a ridge with Manaslu filling the skyline behind it. The walk up passes yak pastures, alpine meadows, and a small school where local children study at 4,000 meters. It’s a longer half-day than Birendra Lake, but it rewards you with both the view and a slower, more spiritual pace than the base camp trail.

Rui La Pass from Samdo

From Samdo, a day hike takes you up toward Rui La and, on a clear day, a view straight into Tibet. It’s a good option for trekkers who want to feel like they’ve reached the edge of something, geographically and culturally. 

Note: Just remember that this is at the edge of the restricted zone, so it would be wise to ask your guide how far you are permitted to go.

Ponkar Lake from Bhimtang

This is the reward for anyone who has an extra day after crossing Larkya La. Bhimtang is where most trekkers just recover from the pass, but a 5-7 hour round trip up to Ponkar Lake gives you one more quiet, high-altitude glacial lake before you start descending back toward civilization. 

Lesser-Known Side Trips: Serang Gompa, Hinang Gompa, Himalchuli Base Camp

Serang Gompa, located in the quiet Nubri Valley, is a 500-year-old monastery that attracts much less attention than Pungyen Gompa gets. Hinang Gompa and the views toward Himalchuli Base Camp, both accessible from Lihi, offer a similar quiet, hidden feel. These are best suited to trekkers who’ve already done Manaslu’s main side trips before, or guides looking to build something genuinely different for repeat clients.

Multi-Day Extensions: Combine Manaslu With Another Trek

Trekkers with more time can extend the Manaslu Circuit with alternative treks rather than ending the journey after Dharapani. These combinations allow you to experience additional restricted valleys, high passes, traditional villages, and less-traveled landscapes. The extra days, permits, and difficulty depend on the route you choose.

Tsum Valley

Adding Tsum Valley is a natural extension for trekkers interested in Tibetan Buddhist culture and communities living there. The trek takes you toward villages such as Chumling, Chhekampar, and Nile, with chances of visiting Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa. Often described as the ‘Valley of Happiness,’ Tsum is known for its monasteries, traditional villages, and distinct cultural heritage.

The Tsum Valley route branches from the lower Manaslu trail around Jagat/Philim-Lokpa, depending on the itinerary. You need an additional restricted-area permit, and the extension generally adds around 5-7 days. It suits trekkers who have flexible schedules and want to place greater emphasis on culture and monasteries.

Nar Phu Valley

The Nar Phu Valley extension creates a longer restricted-area adventure combining two remote Himalayan regions. After completing the Manaslu section and crossing Larkya La, the route can connect toward the Annapurna region and eventually cross Kang La Pass (5,320 m/17,454 ft) to reach the traditional villages of Nar and Phu.

This option adds roughly 8-10 days and involves another restricted-area permit. It is particularly suitable for experienced trekkers who want to combine two restricted regions in one journey.

Ruby Valley

For a quieter alternative, trekkers can combine Manaslu with the Ruby Valley. This extension takes you through less-commercialized villages, terraced hillsides, forests, and mountain landscapes between the Manaslu and Langtang regions.

Compared with the Tsum Valley or Nar Phu, this combination is more focused on rural landscapes, local communities, and low trail traffic. It can be a good choice for trekkers who have already experienced Nepal’s major routes and want a less-traveled itinerary.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Connecting the Manaslu Circuit to the Annapurna Circuit is quite a reasonable choice for a longer itinerary since the Manaslu Circuit will end up at Dharapani, a key point in the Annapurna Circuit. Rather than terminating your journey at that point, you may proceed towards the Annapurna Circuit side.

This combination lets you experience two major Himalayan trekking regions in one trip, although the total journey becomes considerably longer. Depending on the itinerary and side trips included, expect approximately 20-25+ trekking days for a comprehensive combination.

Extension Comparison Table

Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek Alternative Routes and Extensions

The three permits every Manaslu trekker needs, regardless of route:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): seasonal pricing: around $100 for the first week in autumn (Sept-Nov), roughly $75 in the off-season (Dec-Aug), plus a daily rate beyond the first week.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP): Around $30 year-round.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP): Also required, since the trek exits near Dharapani on the Annapurna side, around $30.

If you’re adding Tsum Valley or Nar Phu, each requires its own separate restricted area permit.

• Tsum Restricted Area Permit: Around $40 per person (Nov-Sep) and $30 per person(Dec-August) for the first week 
• Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit: Around $100 per person for the first week during peak season & $75 per person during off-season

Group requirement: Since March 2026, solo trekkers can obtain the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) individually.

Guide requirement: A licensed guide from a registered agency is still mandatory, even for solo trekkers.

Permit cost: Government permit fees can change, so check the latest rates with your trekking agency before booking. 

Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek Alternative Routes

Autumn (Sept-Nov) and Spring (Mar-May) are best for high-altitude treks and also side trips like Base Camp and Rui La, as stable trekking conditions, warmer temperatures, and clear skies matter most here. October and April-May are the most reliable months.

Monsoon (Jun-Aug) brings cloud cover that blocks visibility on these same hikes, plus unstable trail conditions; best avoided for anything above Sama Gaon.

Winter (Dec-Feb) offers clear skies but harsh cold at altitude, and some teahouses near Samdo limit the services they provide; doable with a guide, but not ideal for first-timers.

For more information, visit our blog Best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek.

FAQs about Manaslu Circuit Trek Alternative Routes and Side trips

Do I need an extra permit for Manaslu side trips?

No. Side trips like Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, and Pungyen Gompa are all covered under your standard Manaslu RAP, MCAP, and ACAP. You only need an additional permit if you’re adding a full extension like Tsum Valley or Nar Phu Valley.

How many extra days should I add for Tsum Valley?

Most itineraries add 5-7 days to the standard Manaslu Circuit to include Tsum Valley. This covers the detour from Lokpa to Mu Gompa and back down to rejoin the main trail.

Is the Nar Phu extension harder than the standard Manaslu Circuit?

Yes. It adds a second high pass, Kang La (5,320 m), on top of Larkya La, with limited recovery time between the two crossings. It’s better suited to experienced high-altitude trekkers than a first Himalayan trek.

Can I do Manaslu side trips solo?

The side trips themselves are fine to walk with just your guide, since they fall inside your existing permitted zone. Solo trekkers can also obtain the Manaslu RAP individually, though a licensed guide is still mandatory throughout the region. 

What’s the best time of year to add a side trip or extension?

Autumn (Sept-Nov) and Spring (Mar-May) give the most reliable visibility and trail conditions, which matters most for view-dependent hikes.

What’s the best single side trip if I only have one extra day?

Manaslu Base Camp is the strongest single option; it delivers the most dramatic payoff (a close-up view of the mountain’s south face) and doubles as a useful acclimatization hike before Larkya La.