Manaslu Circuit Trek
Nepal's best-kept secret — raw Himalayan beauty, fewer crowds
The Manaslu Circuit trek is the finest restricted-area trek in Nepal. Over 14 days, you will circumnavigate Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth-highest mountain, crossing the dramatic Larkya La pass at 5,160 meters. This trek requires a special restricted area permit and a minimum group size of two, which keeps trekker numbers low and the experience authentic. The route passes through diverse landscapes — subtropical forests, terraced hillsides, Buddhist monasteries, and high-altitude glacial terrain — with a fraction of the foot traffic of Annapurna or Everest.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
A detailed look at each day of your Manaslu Circuit Trek adventure. Every itinerary is crafted to balance trekking, acclimatization, and cultural experiences.
Day 1: Kathmandu — Arrival & Briefing
Arrive in Kathmandu. Group orientation, permit check, and gear review. The restricted area permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit have been arranged in advance. Briefing dinner with your guide and team.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m)
Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (7-8 hours), then continue to Soti Khola. The drive passes through the hills of Gorkha district, offering a glimpse of rural Nepal. Overnight in a basic lodge by the Budhi Gandaki river.
Day 3: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m)
Trek along the Budhi Gandaki river gorge through subtropical forest. The trail alternates between river-level paths and climbs over rocky ridges. Waterfalls cascade from the cliffs above. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
Continue through the deepening gorge. Cross suspension bridges and pass through small villages. The trail is rugged and beautiful. Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat, where the checkpoint verifies permits. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
Day 5: Jagat to Deng (1,860m)
The valley narrows dramatically. Pass through Philim, a Gurung village with terraced fields, and descend to Deng at the confluence of two rivers. The landscape begins to show Tibetan influence. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
Day 6: Deng to Namrung (2,660m)
Ascend through dense forest into the rain shadow of the Himalayas. The vegetation shifts from subtropical to temperate. Pass mani walls and prayer wheels as Tibetan Buddhist culture becomes dominant. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
Day 7: Namrung to Samagaun (3,530m)
Trek through birch and pine forests with views of Manaslu growing more dominant. Arrive at Samagaun, a prosperous Tibetan trading village at the base of Manaslu. Views of the mountain's massive south face from the village are extraordinary. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Samagaun
Rest day for altitude adjustment. Optional hike to Birendra Lake (3,450m) at the foot of the Manaslu Glacier, or explore the ancient Pungyen Gompa monastery above the village. Your guide monitors acclimatization progress.
Day 9: Samagaun to Samdo (3,860m)
Short trek to the remote village of Samdo, near the Tibetan border. This area was historically a trading post with Tibet. The landscape is arid and wind-swept, with views of Manaslu North. Walking time: 3-4 hours.
Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya BC (4,460m)
Climb to the Larkya Base Camp, a collection of basic stone shelters also called Dharamsala. The terrain is barren and glacial. An early dinner and sleep prepare you for the pass crossing. Walking time: 4-5 hours.
Day 11: Cross Larkya La (5,160m) — Descend to Bimthang (3,590m)
The crux day. Depart before dawn for the climb to Larkya La (5,160m). The ascent crosses glacial moraine with views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Prayer flags mark the pass. A long, steep descent on the other side leads to the meadows of Bimthang with dramatic Manaslu views. Walking time: 8-10 hours.
Day 12: Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m)
Descend through pine forests and past terraced farmland. The landscape transforms from alpine to lush and green. You rejoin the Marsyangdi River valley — the same river system as the Annapurna Circuit. Walking time: 5-6 hours.
Day 13: Tilije to Dharapani — Drive to Besisahar
Final trekking section to Dharapani (1,860m), where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit trail. Drive to Besisahar and continue to Kathmandu or overnight en route. Walking time: 3-4 hours plus driving.
Day 14: Return to Kathmandu — Departure
Arrive in Kathmandu (if not already). Free day for sightseeing, shopping in Thamel, or visiting Kathmandu Valley temples. Farewell dinner and certificate presentation. Airport transfer for departure.
What Is Included
Included in Your Trip
- All Permits & Fees
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), TIMS card, and all checkpost fees included.
- Experienced Local Guide
A certified, English-speaking guide with Manaslu region experience leads the trek. An assistant guide is provided for groups of 6 or more.
- Teahouse & Lodge Accommodation
Twin-share teahouse accommodation where available. Basic lodge or camping at Dharamsala/Larkya BC. Hotel in Kathmandu on first and last days.
- All Meals on Trek
Three meals per day on the trek. At higher elevations where teahouse menus are limited, our team supplements with additional provisions.
- Porter Support
Porters carry your main luggage (up to 15kg) throughout the trek.
- Ground Transport
All ground transfers between Kathmandu, Soti Khola, Besisahar, and back as per itinerary.
Not Included
- International flights to and from the destination
- Travel insurance (required, purchased separately)
- Personal gear and equipment
- Tips for guides and support staff (recommended)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Understanding what to expect helps you prepare properly and enjoy your trek to the fullest.
Fitness Requirements
- Experienced trekker seeking a less-commercialized Himalayan circuit with restricted-area authenticity
- Good cardiovascular fitness — able to walk 6-8 hours per day on steep, rugged terrain for 12 consecutive days
- Comfortable with basic accommodation — teahouses on Manaslu are simpler than Everest or Annapurna regions
- Interested in Tibetan Buddhist culture and remote mountain communities near the Tibet border
- Prepared for the Larkya La pass crossing (5,160m) — the physical and mental crux of the trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek — Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Manaslu require a restricted area permit?
How does Manaslu compare to the Annapurna Circuit?
How hard is the Larkya La pass crossing?
What is the best season for the Manaslu Circuit?
Is the Manaslu trek suitable for beginners?
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