Manaslu Circuit Trekking Nepal - 14 Days

Overview And Highlights

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Nepal – A Complete Guide

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most captivating off-the-beaten-path adventures, offering a perfect blend of dramatic mountain scenery, rich cultural heritage, remote Tibetan-influenced villages, and diverse flora and fauna. Circling the majestic Mount Manaslu (8,163m) — the eighth highest mountain in the world — this trek is a true hidden gem, ideal for those seeking solitude, authenticity, and adventure in the Himalayas.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal

Unlike the crowded Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek trails, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a more tranquil, raw, and immersive Himalayan experience. The route takes you through the Manaslu Conservation Area, following the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges, high alpine pastures, and finally reaching the dramatic Larke La Pass (5,160m).

Since the trail is in a restricted region, trekkers need a special permit and must be accompanied by a licensed guide. The trek beautifully combines natural grandeur with Tibetan Buddhist culture, making it one of Nepal's most enriching journeys.

✨ Key Aspects of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Max Elevation: Larke La Pass (5,160m)

• Trek Duration: 10 to 15 days (customizable)

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging

• Start/End Points: Soti Khola to Dharapani/Besisahar

• Best Seasons: March-May & September–November

• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

• Permits Required: Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, ACAP, TIMS (not required for this trek)

📅 Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary Options

Here are a few sample itinerary durations based on trekking pace and acclimatization needs:

🔟 10 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

For experienced trekkers in good shape

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700m)
Take a long but scenic drive (7–9 hours) from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. The journey offers views of terraced fields, rivers, and villages as you enter the Manaslu region.

Day 2: Trek to Machha Khola (900m)
Follow the Budi Gandaki River through dense forest, waterfalls, and rocky trails. Cross several suspension bridges before arriving at Machha Khola.

Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1,340m)
Continue through narrow gorges and hot springs. Pass Khorlabesi and Tatopani before reaching the stone-paved village of Jagat—a checkpoint into the restricted area.

Day 4: Trek to Deng (1,800m)
Hike through Salleri and Philim, with views of waterfalls and terraced hillsides. Cross the Budi Gandaki again to reach Deng.

Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2,630m)
Enter the Nubri region, where Tibetan culture becomes evident. The trail winds through dense forests and mani walls before reaching Namrung.

Day 6: Trek to Lho (3,180m)
Walk through alpine forests and barley fields, with breathtaking views of Manaslu, Saula Himal, and more. Visit Ribung Gompa in the village of Lho.

Day 7: Trek to Samagaon (3,530m)
A gradual ascent leads to Shyala village, offering panoramic Himalayan views. Reach the cultural hub of Samagaon, a beautiful village beneath Manaslu.

Day 8: Trek to Samdo (3,860m)
A short but high-altitude walk takes you through barren landscapes to Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village surrounded by snowy peaks.

Day 9: Trek to Dharmasala (4,460m)
Ascend gradually to Dharmasala (also called Larke Phedi), the base for crossing Larke La Pass. Rest and hydrate well.

Day 10: Cross Larke La Pass (5,106m) – Descend to Bimtang (3,590m) – Drive to Dharapani (1,963m)
Start early to cross the Larke La Pass with spectacular Himalayan views. Descend steeply to Bimtang, then drive (or trek) further to Dharapani, marking the trek's end.

🔟➕1️⃣ 11 Days Itinerary: With Acclimatization Day in Samagaon

Adds time for exploration and safety

Same as the 10-Day Itinerary with the following addition:

Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon (3,530m)
Use this day to explore nearby gems like Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or Pungyen Gompa with views of glaciers and Manaslu. Helps adjust to higher altitudes.

Then continue the rest as:

Day 9: Trek to Samdo
Day 10: Trek to Dharmasala
Day 11: Cross Larke Pass – Descend to Bimtang – End at Dharapani

🔟➕2️⃣ 12 Days Itinerary: Balanced Trek with Slower Descent

Best for trekkers who want a moderate pace and better recovery

Same as the 11-Day Itinerary, with one more day added after the pass:

Day 10: Cross Larke La Pass – Trek to Bimtang (3,590m)
Spend the night in beautiful Bimtang, enjoying views of Mt. Manaslu, Himlung, and Cheo Himal.

Day 11: Trek to Tilije (2,300m)
Gradual descent through rhododendron forests and small villages.

Day 12: Trek to Dharapani – Drive to Besi Sahar or Kathmandu

🔟➕3️⃣ 13 Days Itinerary: Ideal for Most Trekkers

Offers a flexible and safe experience with minimal daily strain

Days 1–8: Same as the 12-Day itinerary.

Day 9: Rest or exploration day in Samdo (optional side hike to Tibetan border)

Day 10: Trek to Dharmasala
Day 11: Cross Larke La Pass – Overnight at Bimtang
Day 12: Trek to Tilije
Day 13: Trek to Dharapani – Drive out

🔟➕4️⃣ 14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trekking Itinerary

Most recommended itinerary for culture, comfort & acclimatization

Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola
Day 2–3: Machha Khola, Jagat
Day 4–5: Deng, Namrung
Day 6–7: Lho, Samagaon
Day 8: Acclimatization in Samagaon (hike to Base Camp or Gompa)
Day 9: Trek to Samdo
Day 10: Rest or explore the Tibetan border
Day 11: Trek to Dharmasala
Day 12: Cross Larke La Pass – Overnight Bimtang
Day 13: Trek to Tilije
Day 14: Trek to Dharapani – Drive out

🔟➕5️⃣ 15 Days Itinerary: Full Immersion Including Arrival/Departure Days

Includes buffer days for Kathmandu arrival & final departure

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu – Transfer to hotel
Day 2: Drive to Soti Khola
Days 3–12: Follow the same itinerary as the 14-day trek
Day 13: Trek to Dharapani – Drive to Besisahar
Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 15: Final departure from Kathmandu or optional city tour

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Guide and Porter for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trekking the remote and rugged Manaslu Circuit is not just about endurance and adventure—it's also about connection, safety, and cultural discovery. That’s where having a licensed guide and experienced porter becomes an invaluable part of your experience.

Why You Need a Guide

The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted region of Nepal, meaning a government-authorized guide is mandatory for all trekkers. But beyond fulfilling regulations, a guide brings the trail to life. They are:

• Fluent in local languages and English, making communication smoother in villages where English is rarely spoken.

• Trained in first aid and altitude sickness protocols – providing crucial support in high-altitude scenarios like Larke La Pass (5,160m).

• Walking encyclopedias of the Manaslu region – offering insight into Buddhist culture, monasteries, ethnic communities like the Nubri and Tsum people, and regional flora and fauna.

• Your logistics manager handles permits, accommodation, meals, and itinerary adjustments during unpredictable mountain conditions.

The Role of a Porter

Porters are the unsung heroes of Himalayan trekking. They carry your main backpack—usually up to 20–25 kg—so you can trek light and focus on the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings. Hiring a porter means:

• Less physical strain, allowing you to conserve energy for altitude challenges.

• Safer trekking — you're not overloaded while walking narrow, uneven, and icy trails.

• Supporting the local economy — most porters are from nearby mountain communities, and their work provides vital income for their families.

Ethical Trekking: Hire Locally & Responsibly

• Choose a porter-guide combo if you're budget-conscious—a single individual performs both roles.

• Ensure your porter is properly equipped with clothing, footwear, and insurance.

• Book through a registered trekking agency to guarantee fair wages, safety, and professionalism.

🏋️ Physical Fitness Requirements for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek isn’t just a scenic walk through the Himalayas — it’s a high-altitude adventure that demands determination, stamina, and mental resilience. While you don’t need to be an elite athlete to complete this trek, a good level of physical fitness is essential to enjoy the journey and reduce the risk of altitude-related complications.

1. Cardiovascular Endurance is Key

The trail involves multiple days of continuous hiking, often between 6 to 8 hours a day, on rugged terrain with steep ascents and descents. Cardiovascular fitness — developed through activities like running, cycling, swimming, or stair climbing — prepares your heart and lungs to cope with long hours of exertion and thinner air at higher altitudes.

2. Leg Strength and Stamina

Strong legs are your best allies. Trekking the Manaslu Circuit means ascending from under 1,000 meters to over 5,100 meters at Larke Pass. Prepare with squats, lunges, hill walking, and weighted hikes to build up muscle endurance, particularly in your thighs, calves, and knees.

3. Core and Back Stability

Carrying a daypack over long distances requires solid core and back strength. Regular core exercises like planks, crunches, and back extensions will help maintain posture, prevent injury, and keep your pack from becoming a burden.

4. Adaptability to Altitude

Though fitness doesn’t make you immune to altitude sickness, a well-conditioned body adjusts more efficiently. Include simulated altitude training if possible, or plan short treks to elevations above 3,000 meters in the months leading up to the trek.

5. Mental Toughness

Perhaps more important than physical strength is mental endurance. The Manaslu region is remote, and the trek can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging. Staying motivated, calm, and positive, especially when conditions get tough, will be vital.

6. Training Timeline

Start your training at least 8–12 weeks before the trek. Aim for a balanced routine of cardio (4x/week), strength (2–3x/week), and hiking practice with a loaded backpack. If possible, include weekend hikes on steep trails to simulate real trekking conditions.

7. Fitness Level Recommendation

This trek is best suited for people with an intermediate to advanced fitness level. If you’re a beginner, allow more time to train or choose shorter treks first to build your capacity.

🧠 Altitude Sickness Awareness

Altitude sickness is a real risk above 2,500m. To minimize it:

• Ascend gradually

• Acclimate in places like Samagaon

• Stay hydrated, eat well

• Avoid alcohol and sleep-inducing meds

• Know AMS symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness

Carry Diamox if needed, and descend if symptoms worsen.

💵 Cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manslu Circuit Trek Cost always depends on various by services and group size. We, Nepal Himalayas Trekking, offer Budget to Luxury Options 

Permits alone cost around $100–$160, depending on the season.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance: A Scenic 177-Kilometer Himalayan Loop

The Manaslu Circuit Trek covers a total distance of approximately 177 kilometers (110 miles), making it one of Nepal’s most rewarding yet moderately challenging treks. This epic loop circumnavigates Mount Manaslu (8,163m) — the world’s eighth-highest mountain — and takes trekkers through remote highland villages, dense forests, alpine meadows, and across the stunning Larkya La Pass (5,160m).

Unlike the more commercialized routes of Everest or Annapurna, the Manaslu Circuit offers a quieter, less crowded, and more authentic trekking experience. The total distance is typically completed over 12 to 15 days, depending on the specific itinerary and acclimatization needs. On average, trekkers walk 12 to 20 kilometers per day, with both ascents and descents that test stamina and endurance.

Here’s a rough breakdown of the distance per section:

• Soti Khola to Machha Khola – ~15 km

• Machha Khola to Jagat – ~23 km

• Jagat to Deng – ~20 km

• Deng to Namrung – ~19 km

• Namrung to Samagaon – ~17 km

• Samagaon to Samdo – ~15 km

• Samdo to Dharamsala – ~8 km

• Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass – ~24 km

• Bimthang to Dharapani – ~20 km

• Optional exit to Besi Sahar by Jeep or trek – additional 15–25 km depending on route

The trail gradually ascends from 700 meters at Soti Khola to over 5,000 meters at the Larkya Pass, providing a beautiful mix of lowland terraced fields, lush river valleys, and high-altitude Himalayan scenery. The Manaslu region falls within a restricted area, so trekkers must travel with a registered guide and obtain special permits.

This 177 km journey is not just about distance — it’s about the transformation you experience as you move through diverse cultural zones, from the Gurung villages in the lower region to the Tibetan-influenced settlements near the border with Tibet. Each step offers a rich blend of natural beauty, spiritual charm, and physical adventure.

In short, the Manaslu Circuit Trek distance is a perfect balance of challenge and beauty — long enough to feel like a true expedition, yet accessible enough for trekkers with good fitness and proper acclimatization.

🗺️ Manaslu Circuit Trek Map – A Trail Through Remote Himalayan Grandeur

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Map unveils a less-traveled yet incredibly rich route circling Mount Manaslu (8,163m)—the eighth-highest peak in the world. This circuit blends natural wilderness, ancient Buddhist culture, and dramatic topography as it skirts the Tibetan border.

The trail begins at Soti Khola, winds through lush green hills and deep river gorges, gradually climbing to Larkya La Pass (5,160m), the trek's dramatic high point, before descending into the Annapurna region. The map traces your journey from lowland subtropical forests to alpine meadows and icy glaciers—each step a masterpiece of Himalayan diversity.

From charming Gurung and Tibetan villages like Jagat, Samagaun, and Deng to panoramic viewpoints like Lho and Shyala, the trek is dotted with visual and spiritual landmarks. The route not only guides your physical steps but also narrates a timeless cultural and geographical story of Nepal's remote northern frontier.

🧭 Manaslu Circuit Trek Route Map – Key Locations in Sequence

People Also Ask (FAQs)

✅ Is the Manaslu Circuit trek difficult?

Yes, it’s moderately to highly challenging. The remoteness, long days, and high altitude (over 5,100m) make it suitable for trekkers with good fitness and some trekking experience.

✅ What is the Manaslu Circuit trek?

It’s a remote Himalayan trek in Nepal that circles Mount Manaslu, offering stunning landscapes, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the thrilling Larke Pass. It’s a less-crowded alternative to Annapurna and Everest treks.

✅ What is the Manaslu Circuit trek for 14 days?

The 14-day trek is the most recommended itinerary. It includes scenic villages, proper acclimatization, a rest day in Samagaon, and a gradual climb over Larke Pass before ending in the Annapurna region.

✅ Is the Manaslu Circuit trek safe?

Yes, it’s safe with a guide and proper preparation. The trail has improved infrastructure and safety protocols. However, always be cautious of altitude sickness, weather, and landslides during the monsoon.

Day to Day Itinerary

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