Manaslu Circuit Trek is a prestigious trek appreciated for the exceptional solitude and tranquility it offers to visitors within the 177-kilometer (110 miles) journey in the Manaslu region. Renowned for witnessing the rich flora and fauna of the Manaslu trekking region, and deep dive into the Tibetan Buddhist culture of Sherpa people, the trek to Manaslu Circuit started for the public back in 1992. The Manaslu summit was conquered by a Japanese trekker Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norby in 1956. The trek highlights encircling the eighth highest peak, Mt. Manaslu, and to appreciate the remarkable sight of Mt. Manaslu surrounded by other astonishing peaks like Himalchuli Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna II.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is unique for how deeply it touches your heart while gaining insights into the local ancient culture, the history of legendary Manaslu climbers, the majestic peaks, and the living traditions of the Gurung, Bhutia, and Tamang people inhabiting there. The Tibetan Buddhist culture prevails with the existence of ancient monasteries, mani walls, chortens, sacred prayer wheels, and colorful prayer flags that keep the tradition alive and significant to date. Such a timeless way of living prevails among the Himalayan people of the Manaslu region. Apart from the heavy Buddhist influences, the Manaslu Circuit trek highlights amusing biodiversity and pristine water resources with divine fascination. The less-trodden path of the trek highlights diverse scenery ranging from subtropical foothills and barren landscapes surrounding Tibet.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance Guide and Grance
| Day | Route | Elevation (meters/feet) | Distance (km/miles) | Duration (hours) |
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Machha Khola (Drive) | 900m / 2,953ft | 160 km / 99 miles | 9 hours |
| Day 2 | Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,340m / 4,396ft | 22 km / 13.7 miles | 7-8 hours |
| Day 3 | Jagat to Deng | 1,860m / 6,102ft | 20 km / 12.4 miles | 8-9 hours |
| Day 4 | Deng to Namrung | 2,630m / 8,628ft | 19.5 km / 12.1 miles | 7-8 hours |
| Day 5 | Namrung to Lho Gaun via Lihi and Sho | 3,180m / 10,433ft | 10.5 km / 6.5 miles | 4-5 hours |
| Day 6 | Lho Gaun to Samagaon via Shyala | 3,520m / 11,548ft | 8-9 km / 5-5.6 miles | 4-5 hours |
| Day 7 | Acclimatization at Samagaon (Optional hike to Base Camp or Birendra Tal) | 3,520m / 11,548ft | - | Optional 4-8 hour hike |
| Day 8 | Samagaon to Samdo | 3,875m / 12,713ft | 8 km / 5 miles | 4-5 hours |
| Day 9 | Samdo to Dharmasala | 4,460m / 14,632ft | 11.5 km / 7.1 miles | 4-5 hours |
| Day 10 | Dharmasala to Bhimtang via Larkya La Pass | 3,590m / 11,778ft | 24.5 km / 15 miles | 8-9 hours |
| Day 11 | Bhimtang to Goa | 2,515m / 8,251ft | 19 km / 11.8 miles | 6-7 hours |
| Day 12 | Trek to Tilije, then drive to Kathmandu | 2,300m / 7,545ft | 1.5 km + 215 km drive / 0.9 miles + 133.6 miles | 8-9 hours |
Manaslu Circuit Trek in a nutshell
- Choose the Manaslu Circuit trek if you’re looking for an escape from crowds and want to venture into the quiet pathways of the Manaslu region.
- Delight in the spectacle of the eighth-highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu. Don’t miss the opportunity to create an intimate connection with Mt. Manaslu.
- Apart from the Manaslu peak, enjoy the ethereal beauty of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, and Annapurna II. For astounding views of the mountain ranges, watch them from Larkya La Pass situated at 5,106m.
- Explore diverse ecosystems, experience unspoiled natural beauty, and watch the rich flora and fauna of the Manaslu region inside the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Explore deep into Tibetan Buddhism through the culture and traditions of people in the Nubri and Tsum valleys.
- Amuse your taste buds with beverages available in local tea houses during the Manaslu Circuit trek.
- Please the adventurous spirit while crossing exhilarating suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River and deep gorges.
- Walk through a diverse range of topographical landscapes such as alpine terrains, Himalayan foothills, giant peaks, and dense green forests accompanied by pristine rivers, glaciers, and gushing waterfalls.
- The trek to Manaslu Circuit is a chance to tour UNESCO World Heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Difficulty Level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
DIFFICULTY: Depending upon your physical and mental strength and resilience, the 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek may be moderate to difficult. Like most other treks, the Manaslu trek offers limited facilities when it comes to food and accommodation. The trek consists of hiking routes steep and slippery, and the bridges are narrow, hanging over swift rivers. With good quality trekking boots to handle the rough and tough paths of the Manaslu region, the Manaslu Circuit trek is quite rewarding because of the intensity of adventure it offers, including rich geographical features, ancient culture, and a chance to dive deep into oneself while treading on the isolated paths of the Manaslu region. This trek is suitable for physically and mentally fit people, but with proper guidance from a trekking agency like Nepal Hiking Team if you are a newbie or a beginner.
ACCLIMATIZATION: The exhilarating trip to Manaslu Circuit rewards you with the maximum reach of 5,165m altitude to accomplish while crossing Larkya La Pass at 5,106m. The challenges of walking through the steep routes while ascending to higher elevations can be harmful. Fortunately, the Nepal Hiking team has prepared an itinerary so you have enough time/days allocated for acclimatization, where you rest and recharge your body to prepare for higher altitudes. By acclimatizing, you’re less likely to suffer from altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Distance Guide to Manaslu Circuit Trek Good support and expert guidance are vital to ensure the successful accomplishment of the Manaslu Circuit trek. The Nepal Hiking Team is there to help you with everything necessary to venture into this secluded trek. The team will also send a guide for support and protection on the way to your hiking destination.
Daily Highlights, Distance, Length of Manaslu
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 15-day itinerary trek, promising enough to grant you a unique sense of adventure to cherish later. Popular for the solitude and quietness it offers along the Manaslu Himalaya trails, the trek is suitable for solo travelers, too.
There is absolutely a unique experience each day based on your itinerary. Besides, the advantage of seclusion from crowds, you benefit from the pristine and divine natural surroundings. The Sherpa inhabitants of the Himalayas hold ancient and timeless traditions influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Go through the daily highlights of the Manaslu Circuit trek packed with mountainous thrill, visual pleasure, and cultural insights; all are worth exploring. The itinerary plan for each day includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an overnight stay.
DAY 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
On the first day, you arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. You’ll get picked up by one of the representatives of the Nepal Hiking Team with a signboard of the company name.
The staff will help you to check in one of the luxurious hotels of your choice. You may spend the rest of the day resting or strolling around the capital city as you wish. Today, you’ll meet the guide, who’ll brief you about the upcoming Manaslu Circuit trek.
DAY 02: Trek Preparation/Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
The second day is fun-filled and sensational as you tour the UNESCO sites in Kathmandu. On your visit to historical and religious sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath, your guide explains their significance in Nepalese culture in a comprehensive manner. You may ask any question to your guide during the explorative tour.
After visiting the attractive heritages of Kathmandu city, you return to the hotel for a rest or overnight stay.
DAY 03: Drive to Machha Khola (900m/2952ft), 160 km / 99 miles
Now, you’re ready to pack up and get ready for a short drive away from Kathmandu. Meet your guide at 8 am in the hotel, with whom you'll head to Machha Khola at 900m. Drive for 9 hours from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, covering a total distance of 160km.
During the first five-hour journey to Tari Bensi, 115km away from the city, there is ample time to relax as the route is smooth and paved. But, the path becomes bumpy and rough on the way to Machha Khola, which is further 45km away.
Rest at night in a guesthouse of Machha Khola.
DAY 04: Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m/4395ft), 22 km / 13.7 miles
After breakfast early in the morning, you begin hiking up and down the hills of rough landscapes to arrive at Khorlabesi—the next destination after Khorlabesi is Tatopani, a hot water spring. Relax in one of the teahouses there if you want. Now, start walking on the forested ridge for some time and then cross the suspension bridge hanging over the Budhi Gandaki River. Continue following the itinerary along thick forests where you might encounter intriguing mules of the Himalayas. Once you reach Dovan, you’ll finally have lunch for the day.
Keep going and as you ascend from there, you’ll have an adventurous time watching the scenery surrounding the region. Eventually, you arrive at Jagat for an overnight stay, after walking 22km from Machha Khola to Jagat.
DAY 05: Jagat to Deng (2095m/6871ft), 20 km / 12.4 miles
The journey from Jagat to Deng is rather cultural on this day. Around 8-9 hours of a hiking trip, with a 20km distance from Jagat to Deng, you’ll sightsee and explore many local villages, besides watching the scenic mountain ranges like Shringi Himal. Sirdibas and Philim are the two villages you’ll first come to, and breathe in fresh air while walking down the terraced farms there. Continue the path to stop for a delicious lunch at Chisapani.
If you’re a culture enthusiast who loves exploring the way of life of the local people, there is much to dig deep into the Tibetan culture followed by the people there. Besides, remember to explore their primary occupations: agriculture and animal husbandry. Enjoy foods prepared from barley, maize, and oats as well as fruits and nuts grown around the place.
Finally, get ready to continue on the path through Pewa village and a little campsite. Deng is a small town, where you finally reach to stay overnight.
DAY 06: Deng to Namrung (2900m/9512ft), 19.5 km / 12.1 miles
Depending upon the itinerary, your trip plan for the day is to go from Deng to Namrung, walking for a distance of 19.5km for about 7-8 hours.
The journey begins with ascending hills and crossing the river early in the morning as a part of the hiking route. The mani stones with Buddhist mantras to witness through villages like Rana Gaun, Biihi Phedi, Ghap, Ghapsya, etc. is a unique opportunity. The typical villagers believe the stones to hold religious and cultural significance in their Tibetan culture.
The trip continues to take you through another adventure into the density of the thick forest, where you hear the songs of wild insects and mules until you reach Namrung for rest at night.
DAY 07: Namrung to Lho Gaun (3180m/10430ft), 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
The day is more about enjoying the scenic views of the mountains. The major highlights of the day are a magnificent spectacle of Himalchuli, Shring Range, Mt. Manaslu, etc.
You begin hiking from Namrung through Lihi and Sho Gaun until you reach Lho Gaun. Even though the distance is only 10.5 km from Namrung to Lho Gaun, the mountains and the long stone Mani wall make the 5-hour trek a quite worthwhile part of the Manaslu Circuit trek. With the remaining time, you’ll have a lunch camp. But, if you wish, you hike to Ribung Gompa.
Your night stay will be at Lho Gaun.
DAY 08: Lho Gaun to Samagaon (3520m/11550ft), 8-9 km / 5-5.6 miles
From Lho Gaun, the Manaslu Circuit trek continues through the walking trails of Shyala village at 3500m. The height is a perfect viewpoint to look at the eighth-highest peak – Mt. Manaslu.
Walking further from Shyala, you reach one of the most beautiful villages called Samagaun. This is probably the most unforgettable part of the Manaslu trek for many trekkers. The day trip is short and enjoyable, with only an 8.1km distance to cover from Lho gaun to Sama Gaun. Relax at a guesthouse to stay overnight.
DAY 09: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun
Samagaun is the first acclimatization point in the trek to Manaslu Circuit region. The day is primarily for resting and recharging the body to prepare for higher elevations in the following days, but if you wish to hike, you can go to the Manaslu Base Camp at 4800m altitude and return within 7-8 hours.
Alternatively, if you wish for a shorter hike, visit Birendra Tal and come to Samagaun for an overnight stay.
DAY 10: Trek to Samdo (3875m/12710ft), 8 km / 5 miles
Today, you’ll trek from Samagaun to Samdo covering a total distance of 8km. The little trip to Samdo inspires you with beautiful pastures and a great view of Manaslu mountain within 4-5 hours.
Upon reaching Samdo, you’ll discover its location is close to the Tibetan border and the small village inhabited by Tibetan refugees. Stroll around the village if you like after taking your afternoon meal. But, return to Samdo to stay overnight at a guesthouse.
DAY 11: Samdo to Dharmasala (4460m/14630ft), 11.5 km / 7.1 miles
Wake up early in the morning at Samdo guesthouse and enjoy breakfast. You may visit Larke Bazaar, a Tibetan market that takes place on certain occasions if you’re fortunate. The planned trip for this day is 11.5km, from Samdo to Dharmasala, and it may take up to 4-5 hours.
On this day, you walk down to cross a wooden bridge along the Budi Gandaki River. Then, you climb up the gorgeous trails savoring the picturesque Larkya glacier after crossing two streams. Take a tour around the Salka Khola valley and climb further to Dharamsala, also called Larke Phedi.
Sleep at one of the comfortable guesthouses at Dharmasala to prepare for the big day to Larke-La pass the next day.
DAY 12: Dharmasala to Bhimtang (3590m/11750ft) via Larkya La Pass (5106m/16750ft), 24.5 km / 15 miles
This is a long and strenuous day of trekking from Dharmasala to Bhimtang, stretching yourself through a massive length of 24.5km. The distance sounds quite long, but you can complete it within 8-9 hours of slow ascension to Cho Chanda and further to the superior Larkya La Pass at 5106m. Trek your path further to reach Bhimtang for rest at night in a guesthouse.
The rewards of the day are the outstanding sight of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyagi Kung, Kang Koru (6981m) and Annapurna II (7937m) from Larkya La Pass.
DAY 13: Bhimtang to Goa (2515m/8250ft), 19 km / 11.8 miles
After resting well, the previous night, wonder at the sight of mountain ranges including Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and Lamjung Himal from Bhimtang the next morning, i.e. today. Now, you’re ready for the Bhimtang to Goa hiking journey, the distance of which is 19km.
This part of the Manaslu Circuit trek is no less exciting, with the sight of vast pastures and crossing the Dudh Khola over on a wooden bridge. The spectacle of paddy fields along the trails leading to Kharche can be more than joyous. The place is great for witnessing the brilliant scenery around.
When you arrive at Goa finally, you’ll discover a new settlement with fewer people and thinner forests around. Goa is a great viewpoint for watching the entire panorama of the Manaslu range. This is where you can quietly observe the Marsyangdi River through thick forests that run through the valley too.
Unwind the day at a guesthouse in Goa.
DAY 14: Trek to Tilije (2300m), drive back to Kathmandu, 1.5 km + 215 km drive / 0.9 miles + 133.6 miles
The Manaslu Circuit trek ends on the fourteenth day at a place called Tilije at an altitude of 2300m. From Tilije, grab a local jeep to travel to Beshishahar and then drive back to Kathmandu via private vehicle.
This can be one of the longest days of driving. But, after arriving in Kathmandu, ensure to get a hot shower and sound sleep at one of the luxurious hotels in Kathmandu.
DAY 15: Tour Ends/Departure
The final day is departure and boarding your scheduled flight. One of the representatives of the Nepal Hiking Team will drop you off at the airport 3 hours before the flight and bid you goodbye for a safe journey.
CONCLUSION
The 15-day Manaslu Circuit trek is a wonderful trekking journey to experience the bliss of observing Himalayan beauty in the quietness of mountain solitude. You can trek within 14 days by skipping the city tour to UNESCO heritage sites. However, if you’re seeking a deeper experience, you can add the scenic and sociocultural Tsum Valley to the itinerary, extending the trek up to 20 days.
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