Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary (Complete Guide)
Around the World’s Eighth Highest Mountain – Mt. Manaslu (8,163m)
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and rewarding trekking adventures. Encircling the majestic Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain, this trek offers a perfect combination of breathtaking Himalayan scenery, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, remote mountain villages, and high-altitude adventure.
Compared to the Annapurna and Everest regions, the Manaslu Circuit remains less crowded, allowing trekkers to experience authentic Himalayan life and untouched natural beauty. The journey passes through deep river gorges, dense forests, suspension bridges, ancient monasteries, and remote settlements before crossing the spectacular Larke Pass (5,106m), one of Nepal’s most dramatic mountain passes.
🧭 Trip Overview
Duration: 10 Days
Max Altitude: 5,106m (Larke Pass)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
Best Seasons: March–May & September–November
Starting Point: Kathmandu → Machha Khola
Ending Point: Dharapani → Kathmandu
📅 Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
🗓️ Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930m)
Driving time: 8–10 hours
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu through hills, rivers, terraced farmland, and traditional villages. Following the Budhi Gandaki River, you reach Machha Khola, the gateway to the Manaslu region.
Overnight: Machha Khola
Highlights: Scenic countryside, river valleys, rural Nepal
🗓️ Day 2: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Follow the Budhi Gandaki River through narrow gorges, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and traditional villages.
Overnight: Jagat
Highlights: River trails, waterfalls, stone-paved villages
🗓️ Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m)
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
The trail climbs gradually through forests and picturesque villages. You begin noticing stronger Tibetan cultural influences as you move deeper into the mountains.
Overnight: Deng
Highlights: Forest trails, mountain views, local culture
🗓️ Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Pass through beautiful forests and traditional settlements while enjoying your first close views of Manaslu and neighboring peaks.
Overnight: Namrung
Highlights: Himalayan scenery, Buddhist culture, mountain villages
🗓️ Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m)
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
One of the most scenic days of the trek. The valley widens as spectacular views of Manaslu dominate the landscape.
Overnight: Samagaon
Highlights: Manaslu views, monasteries, traditional Tibetan culture
🗓️ Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon
Optional hikes:
- Manaslu Base Camp
- Birendra Lake
- Pungyen Gompa
This important acclimatization day helps your body adjust to higher elevations.
Overnight: Samagaon
Highlights: Glacier views, monastery visits, altitude adaptation
🗓️ Day 7: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m)
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
A relatively short trekking day through high alpine landscapes. Samdo is the last permanent settlement before crossing Larke Pass.
Overnight: Samdo
Highlights: Alpine scenery, yak pastures, Tibetan lifestyle
🗓️ Day 8: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala / Larke Phedi (4,460m)
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Ascend gradually to Dharamsala, the base camp for the Larke Pass crossing.
Overnight: Dharamsala
Highlights: High mountain environment, preparation for pass crossing
🗓️ Day 9: Cross Larke Pass (5,106m) → Bimthang (3,720m)
Trekking time: 8–10 hours
🏔️ The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek.
Start before dawn and climb steadily to Larke Pass. From the summit, enjoy spectacular views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna peaks.
Descend through glacial valleys to Bimthang.
Overnight: Bimthang
Highlights: Larke Pass crossing, panoramic Himalayan views, glaciers
🗓️ Day 10: Trek to Dharapani & Drive to Kathmandu
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Driving time: 8–10 hours (or overnight stay and continue next day)
Descend through forests and traditional villages to Dharapani, where the trek officially ends. Drive back to Kathmandu with unforgettable memories of the Manaslu region.
Highlights: Forest trails, mountain villages, trek completion
🏔️ Trek Highlights
✔ Trek around the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu (8,163m)
✔ Cross the spectacular Larke Pass (5,106m)
✔ Explore remote Tibetan-influenced villages and monasteries
✔ Experience one of Nepal’s best off-the-beaten-path treks
✔ Enjoy breathtaking views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna peaks
✔ Walk through deep river gorges, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys
✔ Visit traditional mountain communities untouched by mass tourism
✔ Stay in authentic Himalayan teahouses
✔ Experience rich Buddhist culture and ancient traditions
✔ Combine adventure, culture, and natural beauty in one trek
🎯 Trek Difficulty & Preparation
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Walking Duration: 5–8 hours per day
Maximum Altitude: 5,106m (Larke Pass)
Fitness Level: Good physical fitness required
Acclimatization: Included in itinerary
Previous Trekking Experience: Recommended
🌄 Best Season
🌸 Spring (March–May)
- Rhododendron blooms
- Pleasant temperatures
- Excellent mountain views
🍁 Autumn (September–November)
- Clear skies
- Stable weather
- Best trekking conditions
❄️ Winter (December–February)
- Snow-covered scenery
- Fewer trekkers
- Heavy snowfall may affect Larke Pass
📋 Permit Requirements
The Manaslu region is a restricted area and requires:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Licensed trekking guide (mandatory)
Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is ideal for trekkers seeking a genuine Himalayan adventure away from crowded trails. With dramatic mountain scenery, authentic Tibetan culture, remote villages, and the thrilling crossing of Larke Pass, it is widely considered one of Nepal’s finest trekking experiences.
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