The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic and less crowded trekking route. This trek offers dramatic Himalaya scenery, authentic Tibetan village, and a thrill to cross Larke La Pass (5,106m/16,752ft). This trek is also often considered as the best alternative to the Annapurna Circuit. This trek circles the Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth highest mountain in the world.
Here, we provide you a 16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary carefully designed by Access the Asia Treks, focusing on proper rest/acclimatization, safety comfort, and cultural immersion, making this trek ideal for those who are seeking to get remote and raw Himalayan experience.
Night view of milky way and Mt manaslu
Quick Facts about Manaslu Circuit Trek
Trek duration: 16 days
Maximum Elevation: Larke La Pass (5,106m/16,752ft)
Starting point of the trek: Machha Khola
Ending point of the trek: Dharapani
Trek difficulty: Moderate
Best seasons: Spring and Autumn
Permit required: MCAP, ACAP, RAP
Mount Manaslu from Lho
Why Choose Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded than Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek. While doing this trek you can encounter stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, Himchuli, Ganesh Himal and many more beautiful mountains. You can have experience of local Tibetan influenced village culture. This region is rich in Buddhist culture and ancient monasteries. Here, you can experience dramatic landscape change from subtropical valleys to alpine terrain. This trek is challenging but achievable high mountain pass.
Fresh river on lower region
Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 Days: Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)
After arriving in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to hotel.
Overnight at Kathmandu
Day 2: Sightseeing at Kathmandu Valley (1,400m/4,593ft)
On this day, you can explore UNESCO World Heritage Site with an experienced licensed city guide:
Pashupatinath Temple
Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Boudhanath Stupa
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Overnight at Kathmandu
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (900m)
On this day, you can have scenic drive through lush forest, waterfall, rivers and many more to Machha khola, the starting point of the trek.
Drive duration: 8-9 hours
Overnight at Machha Khola
Day 4: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410m)
On this day, you have to cross suspension bridge, pass waterfall, and walk through narrow gorges. Jagat is marked as entry point of Manaslu Restricted Area.
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
Overnight at Jagat
Day 5: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,804m)
The trail to Deng starts to ascend gradually through forest and small villages with increasing Tibetan influenced culture.
Trek duration: 6 hours
Overnight at Deng
Day 6: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
Walk through bamboo forest, monasteries and Mani stones on the way. Amazing mountains views starts to see from this point.
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
Overnight at Namrung
Day 7: Trek from Namrung to Shyala (2,460m)
On this day, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Mt. Manaslu Himchuli and Ngadi Chuli while trekking through alpine villages.
Trek duration: 4-5 hours
Overinght at Shyala
Day 8: Trek from Shyala to Samagaun (3,530m)
On this day you can hike to Pungen Gompa and hike down to Samagaun. While hiking to Pungen Gompa you can have best view of Mt. Manaslu.
Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Overnight at Samagaun
Day 9: Acclimatization day at Samagaun (3,530m)
On this day, you will have optional hike;
Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m)
Birendra Lake
This day is very important for altitude adjustment.
Overnight at Samagaun
Day 10: Trek from Samagaun to Samdo (3,860m)
A gentle ascent through yak pastures and barren landscape near the Tibet border.
Trek duration: 3-4 hours
Overnight at Samdo
Day 11: Acclimatization in Samdo (3,860m)
There is a optional hike to Tibet boarder on this day. This hike will help you a lot to cross Larke La Pass.
Overnight at Samdo
Day 12: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,460m)
The trail is more rugged and alpine as you are preparing for the highest pass of the trek.
Trek duration: 4-5 hours
Overnight at Dharmasala
Day 13: Trek from Dharmasala to Bhimthang (3,700m) via Larke La Pass (5,106m)
This is the most challenging and most rewarding day in the whole trek. Cross Larke La Pass with beautiful Mountain View from the top and back down to Bhimthang.
Trek duration: 7-8 hours
Overnight at Bhimthang
Day 14: Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,960m)
On this day, you will descend through forest, river, and village, and also reconnecting with the Annapurna Circuit Trail.
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
Overnight at Dharapani
Day 15: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Enjoy the scenic mountain road back to Kathmandu.
Drive duration: 8-9 hours
Overnight at Kathmandu
Day 16: Departure
Our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu for your onward journey, marking the end of memorable trek to the Himalayas.
Green forest on lower region
Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit
Spring (March to May): Blooming Rhododendron, stable weather
Autumn (September to November): Clear skies, best mountain views, best season to trek
Winter: Very cold but possible for experienced trekker
Monsoon: Not recommended due to landslide
Local village Lho
Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP/RAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Access the Asia Treks will arrange all this permits for you.
Walk to Jagat
Why Trek with Access the Asia Treks?
Experienced government license holder local guide
Well planned itinerary
Carefully planned acclimatization days
Ethical trekking and local community support
Competitive pricing
24/7 support during trek
Book your Manaslu Circuit Trek with Access the Asia Treks for your authentic trekking in Nepal.
