Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek

5
Region
Manaslu Trek
Enquire Now
  • Transportation
    Drive
  • Difficulty
    Challenging
  • Accomodation
    Lodge
  • Altitude
    4460m
  • Duration
    16 Days
  • Activities
    Trekking

Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a spectacular journey through one of Nepal’s most pristine and less-traveled regions. This challenging trek offers stunning panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu (8,156m), the world’s eighth highest peak, and takes you across the famous Larkya La Pass (5,160m) into the culturally rich Tibetan-influenced villages of the Manaslu region.

With restricted permits ensuring fewer trekkers, the Manaslu Circuit provides an authentic and peaceful trekking experience through lush forests, high alpine landscapes, and ancient Buddhist monasteries. This trek is perfect for adventurers seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and thrilling high-altitude trekking.

Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

  • Trek through the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected region rich in biodiversity and Himalayan wildlife
  • Cross the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,160m), one of Nepal’s highest trekking passes
  • Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture in remote villages like Samagaon, Samdo, and Lho
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Ganesh Himal
  • Visit sacred sites including ancient monasteries and the traditional Tibetan-style villages
  • Avoid crowds and explore an off-the-beaten-path trekking route with limited permits

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights

  • Spectacular mountain vistas including Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal
  • Crossing Larkya La Pass with panoramic Himalayan views
  • Exploration of remote Buddhist monasteries and indigenous Himalayan cultures
  • Trekking through diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to alpine meadows
  • Authentic teahouse accommodation with warm hospitality
  • Opportunity to witness traditional festivals and local lifestyles

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty & Preparation

  • Difficulty: Challenging; suitable for fit and experienced trekkers
  • Highest Altitude: Larkya La Pass at 5,160m
  • Trekking Duration: Approximately 16 days
  • Altitude Sickness Risk: Moderate to high; acclimatization days included
  • Preparation: Cardio fitness, hiking experience, and proper gear recommended

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary (16 Days)

DayRoute & Highlights
1Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m) – Transfer to hotel and rest
2Kathmandu sightseeing: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Bhaktapur
3Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola (900m)
4Trek Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410m) – Cross Budhi Gandaki River
5Jagat to Deng (1,804m) – Forests and suspension bridges
6Deng to Namrung (2,630m) – Buddhist monasteries en route
7Namrung to Lho (3,100m) – Stunning views of Mt. Manaslu
8Lho to Samagaon (3,530m) – Explore Ribung Gompa and local culture
9Acclimatization day in Samagaon – Visit Pungyen Gompa
10Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m) – Approaching Manaslu Base Camp
11Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m) – Larkya Glacier views
12Dharamsala to Bimthang (3,720m) – Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m)
13Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m) – Alpine meadows and mountain views
14Tilije to Tal (1,700m) – Enter Annapurna Circuit region
15Tal to Syange (1,080m) – Marshyangdi River valley
16Drive Syange to Kathmandu – End of trek

 

Why Book Your Manaslu Circuit Trek with Himalayan Abode?

  • Deep local knowledge and decades of trekking experience in Nepal
  • Licensed guides fluent in English and trained in safety and first aid
  • Personalized service and flexible itineraries tailored to your needs
  • Strong commitment to responsible tourism and supporting local communities
  • Excellent client reviews and 24/7 support during your trek

Itinerary

Day 01Airport – Hotel in Kathmandu (1,350m)

Once you arrive there at the airport,you will be Picked up and transfer to the Hotel.After your refreshment you can Just walk around your Hotel

Day 02 Kathmandu (1,350m)

After having your breakfast,you begin your Sightseeing tour to the different Cultural heritage Sites from Kathmandu Valley such as; Bhaktapur ” Popularly known as City of devotees”, Pashupatinath ” the most visited Hindu Pilgrimage Site” and Bauddhanath “the largest Stupa from Nepal” and you Just drive back to the Hotel and Stay Overnight.

Day 03Kathmandu – Maccha Khola (900m)

You drive to Maccha Khola. You will be driving on a Paved road till Dhading Bensi, district headquarter of Dhading but the drive from Dhanding Bensi to Arughat will be on a rough road which continues till Maccha Khola.

Day 04Maccha Khola – Jagat (1,410m)

On the next day, you begin your trip to Jagat and trail makes some minor ups and downs .After few ascending and descending, we come across a small Hot spring in Tatopani. From here, you climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a Suspension bridge. At this Juncture, you climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Doban. Upon crossing a Suspension bridge over the Yaru  Khola, you climb the Stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, you climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat.

Day 05 Jagat -Deng (1,804m)

You begin your trek by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. We continue walking upstream to a long Suspension bridge in Phidim, a large Gurung village from where the trail turns north Just above the lowest house in the village and stays on a fairly level trail as it crosses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. At this point, you descend to the grass land slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank and then back again. As you continue through the trail the valley widens and we Pass through bamboo forests to the Deng where we spend a night.

Day 06Deng – Namrung (2,630m)

Here, the trail crosses the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m. You continue your journey through forests and Mani where you turn towards a corner that contours to Ghap. Even though there is another route, you take the route through Prok village. Prok village has a viewpoint for a beautiful Sight of Siringi Himal. We further cross the Budi Gandaki Several times today and come across several Gompas en route. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb you reach Namrung where you Stay overnight.

Day 07 Namrung to Lho (3,100m)

Another attractive Place for the best view of Manaslu (8156m) and Late afternoon  trip to Monasteries  and Stay Overnight.

Day 08Namrung – Samagaon (3,530m)

Here, you climb steadily and Pass through the forests and reach Lihi, a fine village with many Chortens and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by. You further Pass through Sho Lho and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village.You enjoy extraordinary views of Mt. Manaslu from Lho village and also explore the famous Ribung Gompa. In Shyala village you will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli).

Day 09Samagaun

Sama gaon is a Small beautiful village where you Spend another night for acclimatization. Today, you explore around Sama gaon and visit an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa), a monastery with great views of the glacier. It is named after Manaslu, Pungyen Literally means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Mt.Manaslu.

Day 10 Samagaon – Samdo (3,860m)

Here, you descend to the Budhi Gandaki river, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a Side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base Camp. The Larkya la trail passes Several Mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. You drop off the Shelf, Cross the Budhi Gandaki on a Wooden bridge and climb Steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river and finally arrives at Samdo and stay Overnight

Day 11Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m)

The trail descends in the beginning and, crosses the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begins walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the Stone Guest house (4,450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of Shelter called Dharamshala, also known as Larke Phedi where you Spend a night.

Day 12 Dharamsala – Bimthang (3,720m)

After a Short climb, you reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where you can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, you walk across moraines of the Glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes Steeper only in the last Section of the Pass. From the pass, here is an outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. It is a long day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low Pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming Close by is an Overwhelming experience and Stay a night there.

Day 13Bimthang -Tilije (2,300m)

As usual,you start the trek with the views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. you descend further and cross a high Pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola continues through rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche, 2,785 m. You pass the Guha village and finally arrives at Tilije where you spend a night.

Day 14Tilije – Tal (1,700m)

You climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone Paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village. You then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a Chorten-shaped arch, pass a Mani wall and reach the Thonje village. At the village, you go through a Police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. You enter the Annapurna circuit section from Dharapani. Further down, You come across Karte village and after quite a bit of walking you cross a bridge over Marshyangdi Khola. You also come across some Mani walls before reaching the village of Tal, Situated at the foot of a large waterfall. Stay Overnight.

Day 15 Tal -Syange (1,080m)

You follow the trail to Chyamje village crossing the Marshyangdi Khola. The Marsyandi valley opens with its terrace fields and villages clung very high to the hillsides. The trail then descends through rhododendron and Pine forests to Syange. Overnight in Syange.

Day 16Syange – Kathmandu:

You catch a Jeep and drive to Kathmandu via Bensi Sahar offers an opportunity to enjoy both hill and mountain landscapes. The drive is often along the banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers and by the evening you arrive in Kathmandu and stay Overnight at hotel.

Day 17Final Drop to Airport

You will be picked up from your Hotel and transfer to the airport for your final departure.

Not satisfied with this itinerary?

Are you interested in planning a customized trip that suits you?

Gallery

  • Manaslu Trek Itinerary

Useful Info

Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit

  • Autumn (September to November): Clear skies, stable weather, and vibrant cultural festivals
  • Spring (March to May): Blooming rhododendrons, fresh greenery, and moderate temperatures

Monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain and slippery trails, making trekking difficult. Winter (December to February) is cold with snow-covered passes, suitable only for experienced trekkers.

Essential Packing List for Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Layered clothing: thermal base layers, fleece, down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trekking pants
  • Durable trekking boots and wool socks
  • Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • Trekking poles and headlamp
  • Sleeping bag rated to -15°C (available for rent)
  • Personal first aid kit and water purification tablets
  • Lightweight daypack for essentials

FAQs

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek suitable for beginners?

The trek is challenging and recommended for trekkers with good fitness and some high-altitude experience.

How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

What permits are required?

What wildlife might I see?

Reviews

Manaslu Circuit Trek

We did the circuit trek in 12 days, with a really easygoing guide, who was great company. The trek was moderately advanced, getting the permits even more so (haha). Himalayan Abode really helped us with the entire process, as we arrived in Kathmandu with no bookings and a big time crunch. They got our permits and a guide for us in good time, such that we could complete the trek and still get our flights.

A wonderful thing they did for us – from Kathmandu, while we were in the remote Tibetan villages – was keep in touch with our families. There was a big earthquake in Western Nepal while we were on the trek and they were extremely prompt in updating our families about our whereabouts and reassuring them that we were far from the earthquake. Our families, who could not reach us, yet were seeing in the news that an earthquake has hit Nepal, were extremely thankful for this prompt communication.

The two brothers running the company are fun people, and have been a good place for us to go on this trek, which has many logistics involved. The circuit itself is stunning, and I definitely recommend people going for this trek. Do consider Himalayan Abode if you do so. You will be left happy 🙂

Review fromAngarika D Angarika DIndia
Manaslu Circuit Trek

Do you want to Go, Find & Explore?

Our Blog

Browse the latest articles