Manaslu Circuit Trek

12 Days Trekking Itinerary:

• Day 01: Drive to Machha Khola.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Walking: 6/7 hrs.
  • Trail Attractions: Budhi Gandaki River, Waterfalls, Rocky Trail, Gurung Village, and Suspension Bridge.
  • Max. Altitude: 900 m (Machha Khola).
  • Overnight: Teahouse.

  • The road journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola marks the beginning of the remarkable Manaslu Circuit Trek, offering a mix of adventure and scenic beauty. Covering a distance of approximately 160–170 kilometers, the drive takes around 7–9 hours, depending on road conditions and weather. The journey starts on a well-paved highway from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi, passing through picturesque green hills, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages. As you leave Dhading Besi, the road turns into a bumpy gravel path that leads to Arughat, offering stunning views of the Ganesh Himal and the flowing Trishuli River.
    From Arughat to Machha Khola, the trail becomes more rugged, with steep ascents, rocky terrain, and occasional river crossings. This section, often navigated by 4WD vehicles, runs alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, offering breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and traditional settlements. While the road can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season, the journey is a visual treat, setting the perfect tone for the trekking adventure ahead. Starting early in the day is recommended to make the most of the daylight and avoid delays. For those seeking both excitement and natural beauty, this drive is an unforgettable prelude to the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

• Day 02: Trek to Jagat.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and  Dinner.
  • Walking: 6/7 hrs.
  • Trail Attractions: Hotspring and Stone Stairs trail.
  • Max. Altitude: 1,410 m (Jagat).
  • Overnight: Teahouse.

  • One of the most scenic portions of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Machha Khola to Jagat. Trekkers are able to experience the natural beauty of the region together with the culture of the inhabitants and a lot of excitement. The path goes along the winding Budhi Gandaki River and crosses suspension bridges, dense forests, terraced fields, and beautiful settlements. You also get to go through Khorlabesi and pass by the natural hot springs at Tatopani, where most trekkers like to stop and have some rest. In the higher elevations, the features of the land change dramatically with subtropical valleys giving way to jagged, rough terrains. The best part of the trek in this stretch Yamunotri to Jagat which is the village that comes in Manaslu Region. Jagat is a village, which has traditionally stone paved streets and other interesting customs, which is the last settlement before entering the Manaslu Conservation area which is a restricted zone. Today’s trek started, was filled with all possible landscapes, interesting characters and life’s experiences. It was rugged but rewarding and doing so to all these sights and sounds, the trekkers were saying mentally exhilarating.

• Day 03: Trek to Deng.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Walking: 6/7 hrs.
  • Trail Attractions: Bamboo Forest.
  • Max. Altitude: 1,804 m (Deng).
  • Overnight: Teahouse.

  • The hike from Jagat to Deng is about 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) long and usually takes 7 to 8 hours, depending on how fast you walk and how often you stop. Along this part of the trail, you'll see both cultural and natural sights as you walk up through green forests next to the Budi Gandaki River. You'll pass through small, pretty villages like Salleri and Philim, where you can learn about the local Gurung people and their buildings. As you keep walking, the land gets more rough, with steep hills and deep valleys. One of the best parts is crossing a hanging bridge near Ekle Bhatti, which gives you a great view of the river. When you get closer to Deng, the area starts to feel more open, and you'll see the tall Himalayan mountains for the first time, getting you ready for the more remote parts of the hike ahead.

• Day 04: Trek to Namrung.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Walking: 6/7 hrs.
  • Trail Attractions: Mani Walls, view of Siringi Himala, and Monasteries.
  • Max. Altitude: 2,630 m (Namrung).
  • Overnight: Teahouse.

  • The hike from Deng to Namrung on the Manaslu Circuit is about 19 kilometers (12 miles) long and usually takes 6 to 7 hours. This part of the trail takes you further into the mountains, where the scenery and culture change noticeably. As you climb higher, the path gets steeper and the terrain rougher, but the stunning views of the Budi Gandaki Gorge, thick pine forests, and snowy mountain peaks make the trip worth it. Along the way, you'll pass through villages like Ghap, where Tibetan culture is strong, seen in the prayer flags, stone walls with prayers, and monasteries. When you arrive in Namrung, at 2,660 meters (8,727 feet), you'll be greeted by a wide view of the Himalayan mountains, including Manaslu (8,163 meters), which shows you've reached a more remote and alpine part of the trek.

• Day 05: Trek to Lho.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Walking: 6/7 hrs.
  • Trail Attractions: views of Siring Himal, Ganesh Himal, Mt HimalChuli, Mt. Manaslu, 
  • Max. Altitude: 3,530 m (Samagaon).
  • Overnight: Teahouse.

  • The hike from Namrung to Lho takes you through beautiful forests, traditional Tibetan villages, and amazing views of the Himalayas. As you climb, you'll see incredible sights of snowy mountains like Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Saula Himal. Along the way, you'll visit lovely villages such as Lihi and Sho, which have colorful prayer flags, mani walls, and old chortens that show the area's strong Buddhist culture. At the end of the day, you'll reach Lho, a lovely village under the big Manaslu mountain. There, you can visit the grand Ribung Monastery and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings. This part of the journey is a great mix of nature and culture, making it a favorite part of the Manaslu Circuit.

• Day 06: Visit Pungyen Gompa go to Samagaon.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Walking: 6/7 hrs.
  • Trail Attractions: Mani Stones, Sherpa's Traditions, and visit Pungyen Gompa..
  • Overnight: Teahouse.

  • The hike from Lho to Samagaon, with a stop at peaceful Pungyen Gompa, is one of the best parts of the Manaslu Circuit. It begins in the beautiful village of Lho, where the path shows amazing views of the Manaslu mountain as it goes through green forests and open fields. A short walk to Pungyen Gompa, which sits on a hill, gives a calm feeling with stunning views of glaciers and nearby mountains. This old monastery, full of Buddhist traditions, is a perfect place to stop, think, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Himalayas. After visiting the monastery, the trail leads down to the wide valley of Samagaon, a lively village with tall mountains around it, and a starting point for more adventures. This part of the trip combines amazing nature with cultural experiences, making it a very special and memorable part of the trek.

• Day 07: Acclimatization day visit Manaslu Base Camp.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Walking: 4/5 hrs.
  • Trail Attractions: Mani Walls.
  • Max. Altitude: 4800m (MCB).
  • Overnight: Teahouse.

  • A day in Samagaon for acclimatization is ideal for visiting the famous Manaslu Base Camp. Begin early, and the hike takes you up through grassy hills and rocky paths, with stunning views of nearby mountains and glaciers. As you go higher, the air becomes thinner, making the hike both challenging and helpful for getting used to higher altitudes. At the base camp, you’ll see breathtaking views of the towering Manaslu (8,163 meters), the world’s eighth-highest mountain, and its dramatic landscape. This visit not only lets you admire the beauty of the mountain but also gives you a glimpse into the lives of climbers getting ready for their adventures. After enjoying the scenery and taking memorable photos, you’ll head back to Samagaon, fully prepared for the next part of your trek.

• Day 08:Trek to samdo.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Trail Attractions: Trisuli River, terrace fields etc.
  • Overnight: Teahouse.

  • The hike from Samagaon to Samdo on the Manaslu Circuit is a beautiful adventure that takes travelers further into the wild and rough area of the Manaslu region. Starting from the peaceful village of Samagaon, hikers walk along a path that goes through high mountain valleys and rocky areas, giving amazing views of the nearby mountains. The village of Samdo, close to the Tibetan border, greets hikers with its special culture and friendly people. This part of the hike lets you enjoy the untouched nature and meet local Tibetan communities, making it a special and culturally rich part of the Manaslu Trek.

• Day 09: Trek to Dharmasala.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Walking: 4/5 hrs.
  • Trail Attractions: Wooden Bridge and Larkya Glacier.
  • Max. Altitude: 4,460 m (Dharmasala).
  • Overnight: Teahouse.

  • Hiking from Samdo to Dharmasala on the Manaslu Circuit is a tough but rewarding trip through the high mountains of the Himalayas. Starting from the Tibetan-style village of Samdo, the path slowly goes uphill, giving amazing views of snowy peaks and rough land. Dharmasala, also called Larkya Phedi, is an important stop where hikers rest and get ready for the difficult Larkya La Pass. This pass is one of the highest parts of the Manaslu Circuit. The hike to Dharmasala is exciting because of the upcoming pass and the beautiful, empty scenery of the high Himalayas, making it a key part of the Manaslu adventure.

• Day 10: Cross Larkya La Pass & Trek to Bhimtang.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Walking: 8/9 hrs.
  • Trail Attractions: views of Cho Danda, Larkya Peak, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and Mt. Manaslu.
  • Max. Altitude: 5,160 m (Larkya La Pass).
  • Overnight: Teahouse.

  • The trek from Dharmasala to Larke La Pass and then to Bhimtang is one of the toughest and most exciting parts of the Manaslu Circuit. After leaving Dharmasala, hikers climb a steep and difficult path to reach the impressive Larke La Pass, which is the highest point of the trek. At the pass, travelers are greeted with stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and glaciers. The trail then goes downhill to Bhimtang, a beautiful meadow surrounded by snowy peaks. Staying overnight in Bhimtang is a well-earned break after reaching the pass, giving trekkers a chance to enjoy the peaceful and breathtaking nature of this remote mountain area. This part of the trek shows the challenges and rewards of trekking at high altitudes in the Manaslu region.

• Day 11: Trek to Dharapani.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Walking: 6/7 hrs.
  • Trail Attractions: views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal, and Rhododendron Forest.
  • Max. Altitude: 1,860 m (Dharapani).
  • Overnight: Teahouse.

  • The journey from Bhimtang to Dharapani is the last part of the amazing Manaslu Circuit. This part of the trek takes you through many different landscapes and lets you experience different cultures. Starting from the beautiful Bhimtang, the path goes down through green forests, pretty villages, and fields with steps, which is very different from the rough, high-altitude areas you saw earlier. As you get closer to Dharapani, the landscape changes to a mix of warm and cold regions, with the Annapurna and Manaslu mountains giving a beautiful view behind everything. Dharapani is a friendly village that shows the end of the Manaslu Conservation Area and the start of the more popular Annapurna Circuit. This change shows how interesting and exciting the Manaslu Trek is, making the trip from Bhimtang to Dharapani a great finish to this Himalayan adventure.

• Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu/Pokhara .

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Drive : Kathmandu 9hrs,Pokhara 7hrs 
  • Trail Attractions: Dudh Khola, Marshyangdi Khola and waterfall.
  • Max. Altitude: 1,300 m (Jagat).
  • Overnight: Teahouse.

• • After finishing the amazing Manaslu Circuit Trek, you'll travel from Dharapani to your chosen place – either the peaceful city of Pokhara by the lake or the lively capital, Kathmandu. From Dharapani, you can take a beautiful drive along winding mountain roads, seeing villages and pretty scenery. When you arrive, you'll be taken to your hotel to rest and think about your amazing trek. If you choose Pokhara, you'll enjoy the calm Phewa Lake and views of the Annapurna mountains. If you choose Kathmandu, you'll experience its rich culture and busy streets. Your adventure ends with comfort and memories that will last forever. Thank you for trekking with us, and we hope to see you again for another Himalayan adventure!

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Take a Glimpse of Manaslu Circuit Trek in following Pictures

Here are some of the enticing pictures captured on Manaslu Circuit Trek Route