Route around the Manaslu region, Nepal
The 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular Himalayan journeys. It circles Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak, offering remote landscapes, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, deep river gorges, and dramatic high mountain passes.
The trek passes through the restricted zone of the Manaslu Conservation Area, requiring special permits and a registered guide. The highlight is crossing the challenging Larke La Pass (5,160m), one of the most scenic Himalayan crossings in Nepal.
🧭 Trip Overview
- Duration: 12 Days (excluding arrival/departure in Kathmandu)
- Max altitude: 5,160m (Larke La Pass)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
- Best seasons: March–May & September–November
- Starting point: Soti Khola / Machha Khola (drive from Kathmandu)
- Ending point: Dharapani (drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara)
📅 Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700m)
Driving time: 7–9 hours
Road condition: Highway + off-road mountain track
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River. The road becomes rougher after Arughat as you enter the remote Gorkha district.
Soti Khola is a small riverside settlement surrounded by lush green hills and waterfalls.
Overnight: Teahouse in Soti Khola
Highlights: River valleys, rural Nepal lifestyle, first glimpse of Himalayan foothills
Day 2: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m)
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing suspension bridges, waterfalls, and rocky cliffs. The path includes some narrow sections carved into the hillside.
Machha Khola is a peaceful village beside the river.
Overnight: Teahouse in Machha Khola
Highlights: Waterfalls, cliffside trails, Gurung villages
Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Today involves gradual ascent through Tatopani (hot spring area) and several small settlements. After a steep climb, you reach Jagat, the official entry point of the restricted region.
A permit checkpoint is located here.
Overnight: Teahouse in Jagat
Highlights: Entry into conservation area, stone-paved villages
Day 4: Jagat to Deng (1,860m)
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
The trail becomes more culturally Tibetan as you ascend. You pass Philim village and enter dense forests of bamboo and pine.
Deng is a small settlement influenced by Tibetan culture.
Overnight: Teahouse in Deng
Highlights: Buddhist influence begins, deep river gorge scenery
Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
The trail climbs steadily through forests and traditional villages. You will notice mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags becoming more frequent.
Namrung offers one of the first close mountain views.
Overnight: Teahouse in Namrung
Highlights: First views of Himalayan peaks, Tibetan-style villages
Day 6: Namrung to Lho (3,180m)
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
A shorter day allows better acclimatization. The landscape opens up dramatically, revealing stunning views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli.
Lho village is known for its large monastery.
Overnight: Teahouse in Lho
Highlights: Lho Monastery, panoramic mountain views
Day 7: Lho to Samagaun (3,530m)
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
One of the most scenic days of the trek. You walk through forests and open valleys with continuous views of Manaslu.
Samagaun is the main acclimatization village in the region.
Overnight: Teahouse in Samagaun
Highlights: Glacial valleys, Buddhist settlements, Manaslu base views
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Samagaun
Optional hikes:
- Manaslu Base Camp viewpoint (4,800m approx.)
- Pungyen Gompa hike
This rest day is crucial for altitude adaptation. The hikes help improve oxygen efficiency while offering spectacular glacier and mountain views.
Overnight: Samagaun
Day 9: Samagaun to Samdo (3,860m)
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
A short trek helps further acclimatization. The landscape becomes dry and desert-like due to Tibetan plateau influence.
Samdo is close to the Tibetan border.
Overnight: Teahouse in Samdo
Highlights: Border region culture, high-altitude terrain
Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala / Larke Phedi (4,460m)
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
A challenging but short climb leads to Dharmasala, the final stop before crossing the pass.
The air is thin and conditions are basic but dramatic.
Overnight: Basic lodge in Dharmasala
Highlights: Glacier valleys, preparation for Larke La Pass
Day 11: Cross Larke La Pass (5,160m) to Bimthang (3,720m)
Trekking time: 8–10 hours
This is the toughest and most rewarding day of the trek. You begin before sunrise to cross the high mountain pass.
From the top, you see breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.
A long descent leads to Bimthang valley.
Overnight: Teahouse in Bimthang
Highlights: Larke La Pass crossing, glaciers, panoramic Himalayan views
Day 12: Bimthang to Dharapani (1,960m) and Drive out
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
The trail descends through rhododendron forests, rivers, and open meadows. You rejoin the Annapurna region trail at Dharapani.
From here, a jeep ride takes you back to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Highlights: Forest descent, exit of Manaslu region, road journey
🧾 Important Permits Required
To complete this trek, you need:
- Restricted Area Permit (Manaslu RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
A licensed guide is mandatory.
🏔️ Best Time to Trek Manaslu
- Spring (March–May): Rhododendron forests, stable weather
- Autumn (September–November): Clear skies, best mountain visibility
Avoid monsoon (June–August) due to landslides and winter (December–February) due to heavy snow at the pass.
🎒 Difficulty & Preparation
The Manaslu Circuit is a moderate to strenuous trek due to:
- High altitude (over 5,000m pass)
- Long trekking days
- Remote terrain
- Basic accommodation in higher regions
Good fitness and prior trekking experience are highly recommended.
