Manaslu Circuit Short Trekking - 14 days
The Manaslu Circuit Short Trek provides a mountain journey that circles Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest peak at 8,163 meters. This trek covers around 125 to 135 kilometers from Machha Khola to Tilije in one of Nepal's most off-the-beaten regions. The path travels through Manaslu Conservation Area, where tough mountain trails meet genuine Tibetan cultural traditions.
The path passes through the remote Tsum Valley and Nubri Valley, where ancient Buddhist monasteries are included in the landscape. Waterfalls flow down the cliffs while progressing toward the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. Traditional Nubri Valley settlements welcome trekkers with colorful prayer flags, sacred stone chortens, and shrines. Local teahouses and mountain lodges provide simple yet warm hospitality with shared meals that bring trekkers together. Expect more basic facilities at higher elevations like Dharmasala, where dormitory-style rooms are shared among adventurers.
Entry requires special restricted area permits, including RAP, MCAP, and ACAP. A mandatory licensed guide accompanies all trekkers due to the region's protected status. Spring months bring blooming rhododendrons and crystal-clear mountain panoramas. Autumn offers crisp mountain air and snow-dusted peaks that create photographer's paradise conditions.
Unlike the crowded trails of EBC or Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit Trek 14-day includes experiences where adventure, cultural discovery, and natural splendor blend seamlessly.
Why Choose the Mount Manaslu Circuit Short Hike?
- Conquer the challenging high-altitude Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters elevation
- Marvel at Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), standing at the base camp of the world's eighth-tallest peak
- Discover the rich ecosystem within the renowned Manaslu Conservation Area's protected boundaries
- Cross thrilling suspension bridges spanning the deep waters of the Budhi Gandhaki River
- Witness spectacular views of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal while walking through Macchakhola, Jagat, Deng, and Namrung villages
- Encounter beautiful Gurung settlements where traditional mountain life continues unchanged
- Admire magnificent panoramas of Himchuli, Naike, and Larke Peak from Sama, Samdo, Larke Bazar, and Dharamsala villages
- Experience peaceful trekking away from crowded trails in the captivating Manaslu region
- Enjoy sweeping 360-degree mountain vistas featuring Kang Guru, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, Himlung, Gyaji Kung, and Larke Peak
- Immerse yourself in Nubri Valley's distinctive culture and experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist traditions
Fast Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days Route Overview
The Fast Manaslu Circuit Trek begins when adventurers arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Our staff greets visitors with a warm Nepali welcome and handles hotel transportation. At check-in, the mountain guide covers trek essentials and outlines the upcoming expedition.
Dawn starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola and Macchakhola across Nepal's countryside villages. The road becomes rough and uneven approaching Tari Bensi, marking where the true highland adventure kicks off. Reaching Macchakhola reveals the first dramatic sight of Ganesh Himal rising above the river valley.
The route passes through Khorlabensi and Tatopani before entering the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat and Deng. Trekking toward Namrung and Lho Gaun unveils expanding mountain panoramas. Hikers witness the distinct Tibetan heritage of Nubri Valley before resting at Shyala.
The ancient Pung Gyen Gompa offers glimpses of Punggen Glacier on the approach to Samagaon. This village provides an essential rest day with optional excursions to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) via the breathtaking Birendra Taal.
The path progresses through Samdo to Dharmasala. These high camps prepare climbers mentally and physically for Larkya La Pass (5,106m/16752ft), the circuit's highest point. Conquering this pass often becomes the trek's most moving experience, delivering spectacular 360-degree mountain vistas.
Descending into Annapurna territory brings relief as trails become gentler with returning pine forests and dropping elevation. The route passes Bhimtang before trekking down to Goa. The walking portion ends at Tilije, followed by a picturesque drive returning to Kathmandu.
Manaslu Circuit Short Trek 14 Days follows a thoughtful climbing schedule that helps bodies adapt to elevation changes naturally. The journey showcases everything Manaslu territory holds: historic monasteries, glacier-carved valleys, traditional Tibetan settlements, and Nepal's unspoiled peaks.
When is the Best Time for the Rapid Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The best time to go to the Manaslu Circuit Short Trek is either in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November).
In spring, the trail is full of life. Rhododendrons start blooming, forests turn lush and green, and the weather is comfortably warm, usually around 10°C to 20°C in the day. The skies are mostly clear, and with winter behind, teahouses along the way begin to open their doors again.
Autumn is just as good, maybe even better if you love clear mountain views. The air feels fresh, the paths are dry, and temperatures stay between 8°C and 18°C. This season includes two of Nepal’s biggest festivals, known as Dashain and Tihar. It’s a beautiful mix of nature and culture.
If you're picking a specific time, October stands out. The weather is usually stable, the scenery is at its best, and everything just feels right for the journey. Spring and autumn really are the golden windows for experiencing Manaslu at its finest.
Winter and monsoon, on the other hand, are best avoided. Snowfall in winter often closes high passes like Larkya La and drops temperatures well below freezing. Monsoon season turns the trail muddy and unpredictable, with clouds blocking mountain views and a higher risk of landslides. If you're looking for the safest path and the best experience, stick to spring or autumn when the Manaslu region is truly at its best.
How Difficult is the Shortest Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal? How Long Should I walk?
The Short Manaslu Circuit Trek delivers a perfect 14-day adventure into Nepal's untouched wilderness. It's moderate to challenging through several demanding factors. This Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty comes from multiple sources, including the 125 to 135-kilometer distance through landscapes that shift from lush forests to barren alpine zones. The serious altitude gain peaks at Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters). Remote rocky terrain tests ankles and knees daily, while basic mountain lodge facilities mean no luxury backup when things get tough.
Daily walks demand 12-15 kilometers of steady hiking for 5-8 hours through rugged ground that changes constantly. The difficulty for the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek intensifies with unpredictable weather that can dump snow in October. Proper acclimatization becomes crucial since bodies need time to adjust to thin air, and the remoteness means help stays hours away when problems develop.
Physical fitness requirements go beyond weekend hiking. Your legs must handle steep rocky sections while your lungs work overtime in oxygen-poor air. Limited facilities at high camps like Dharmashala offer basic shelter and simple meals, not the comfort zones most people expect. Weather conditions shift without warning, logistics get complicated by restricted-area permits, and the combination of altitude, distance, and isolation creates challenges that separate serious trekkers from casual walkers.
Manaslu Circuit Short Trek Itinerary
- Day 01 Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400m) and transfer to hotel for trek preparation
- Day 02 Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Machha Khola (900m) – Duration: 9 hours, Distance: 160 km through rural Nepalese landscapes
- Day 03 Trek from Machha Khola (900m) to Jagat (1,340m) – Duration: 7-8 hours, Distance: 22 km along the Budhi Gandaki Valley
- Day 04 Trek from Jagat (1,340m) to Deng (1,860m) – Duration: 8-9 hours, Distance: 20 km crossing traditional mountain villages
- Day 05 Trek from Deng (1,860m) to Namrung (2,630m) – Duration: 7-8 hours, Distance: 19.5 km through alpine forests and Buddhist mani walls
- Day 06 Trek from Namrung (2,630m) to Shyala (3,180m) – Duration: 4-5 hours, Distance: 10.5 km/6 miles with panoramic Himalayan views
- Day 07 Trek from Shyala (3,180m) to Samagaon (3,520m) – Duration: 3-4 hours, Distance: 6-7 km via glacial valleys and highland villages
- Day 08 Acclimatization day in Samagaon (3,520m) with optional hikes to Birendra Lake (3,690m) or Manaslu Base Camp (4,895m)
- Day 09 Trek from Samagaon (3,520m) to Samdo (3,875m) – Duration: 4-5 hours, Distance: 8 km near the Tibetan border
- Day 10 Trek from Samdo (3,875m) to Dharmasala (4,460m) – Duration: 4-5 hours, Distance: 11.5 km approaching Larkya La Pass
- Day 11 Trek from Dharmasala (4,460m) to Bhimtang (3,590m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m) – Duration: 8-9 hrs, Distance: 24.5 km
- Day 12 Trek from Bhimtang (3,590m) to Goa (2,515m) – Duration: 6-7 hours, Distance: 19 km descending through lush valleys and forests
- Day 13 Trek from Goa (2,515m) to Tilije (2,300m) and drive back to Kathmandu (1,400m) – Duration: 8-9 hours, Distance: 215 km
- Day 14 Departure from Kathmandu (1,400m) with airport transfer and conclusion of the Manaslu Circuit Short Trek
Alternate Treks for Quick Manaslu Circuit Trek
Check out these Manaslu Circuit Short Trek alternative routes that offer different cultural experiences and varying difficulty levels to match your trekking goals.
Manaslu with Tsum Valley (20 Days) - Unique Cultural Exploration
The Manaslu with Tsum Valley (20 Days) trek mixes rugged mountains with genuine spiritual experiences. You'll walk through the Tsum Valley, where old monasteries sit on rocky ledges and monks still use caves for meditation like their ancestors.
The big moment comes at Larke Pass (5,160m), where massive peaks stretch endlessly around you without tour groups blocking your photos. This trek gives you both the tough mountain challenge and real cultural encounters that most other routes simply can't match.
Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 days - Off-the-beaten-trails
This trek takes you along the same Manaslu Circuit Trek route as the 14-day trek but adds a full day in Kathmandu. On this day, you’ll have a guided tour of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
It’s a great choice for those who want to experience the mountains while also getting a taste of Nepal’s rich culture and history before or after the trek.
Short Manaslu Circuit Trek with Reliable Tour Operator - 2025
Our 14-day Manaslu Circuit Short Trek Itinerary works great for people who want the full mountain experience around Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) and over Larkya La Pass (5,106m). Being one of the best trekking companies for this route, our guides actually come from these villages. They know which tea houses serve the best dal bhat, when the weather changes, and how to pace the walk so you don't get altitude sickness.
Over 2,500 people have left positive 5-star reviews about our trips, making us the most reviewed company for the Treks in Nepal, including Manaslu Trip. We handle everything from permits to porters, so you can just focus on walking.
For 2025/26, our Manaslu Short package covers all the paperwork, your guide, someone to carry your big backpack, and places to sleep at reasonable prices for the Manaslu Circuit Short trek in Nepal. You can add cool side trips in Samagaun, like hiking to Birendra Lake or visiting the old Pungyen Gompa monastery, plus we'll take you to Manaslu Base Camp if you want.
We also do Kathmandu tours to those famous UNESCO sites if you want to see more of Nepal before or after your trek. Call us up, and Nepal Hiking Team will plan your 2025 or 2026 trip to show you why Manaslu beats the crowded routes every time.