Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary: Perfect Pathway to Serenity

Visit one of the remotest corners of Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a hidden gem. Wedged between the Ganesh Himal and Annapurna range, it is a stunning route that will take you to west-central Nepal where you will see some of the most fascinating sceneries in the country. The trek will take you into the Manaslu Conservation Area and around Mount Manaslu, the world’s 8^th-highest peak.

Introduction to Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu circuit in Nepal is a trip back in time. You will walk on ancient trails used once for salt trading with Tibet. You will visit many ethnic communities of Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Sherpas, and Bhutia. In your Manaslu trek itinerary, you will see towering 8000 + meter peaks, glaciers, lakes, cascading waterfalls, gushing rivers, deep gorges, and lush valleys. You will cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. It is a great alternative for those who have been to the Everest Base Camp and done the Annapurna trek.

It can be physically demanding at times but you should be able to complete this trek successfully with the right planning. There are various itineraries of the trek of different lengths. It is important to pick the correct Manaslu circuit trek itinerary that will be right for you.

Recommended Read: Everything you need to know before Manaslu Circuit trek

Detailed Itineraries for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu trekking itinerary begins from the lowlands of Kathmandu and takes you to the Gorkha District in west-central Nepal. There will be many suspension bridges. You will cross and walk along the Budi Gandaki River, through virgin forests, cross waterfalls, and rice terraces.

There are three popular Manaslu circuit trek itinerary options you can choose from. The 12-day trek is the standard version. The 14-day trek is slower and gives you more time to acclimatize to the high altitude. The 17-day itinerary is an extended trek that takes you to some new places.

Manaslu Circuit Trek – 12 Days Itinerary

Originally, the Manaslu trekking itinerary used to be for 15 days. It has now been made shorter and crisper but the trek now goes deeper into the region. The idea of shortening the itinerary was also to avoid walking on the road.

It starts with a drive to Soti Khola from Kathmandu, which takes about 8-9 hours. The actual trek starts from this village. Here is the detailed Manaslu circuit trek itinerary for 12 days –

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Land at Kathmandu airport and transfer to your hotel. Relax for the rest of the day and prepare mentally for the long trek ahead. You can also do some last-minute shopping.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola

At 730 meters, Soti Khola is the first Himalayan village you will reach. The total journey time is 6-7 hours. If you want, you can also visit the Manbu Waterfall, which is just outside the village.

Day 3: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola

This will be the first day of your trekking. Walk for 2-3 hours to reach the village, which is at an altitude of 870 meters. Machha Khola will give you scenic views of Mount Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal range.

Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat

The trail moves uphill. Cross the Maccha Khola River over a suspension bridge and reach the Tatopani hot spring and then the trail descends to the Budhi Gandaki River. The total walking is for 6-7 hours. Jagat is at an altitude of 1290 meters.

Day 5: Jagat to Deng

On this day, you will walk for 22 kilometers, reaching a basin with three waterfalls and then reaching the Salleri village. A long suspension bridge will take you further to the Philim village after crossing a bamboo forest. There is a check post in this village. The trail moves next to the Budhi Gandaki and takes you to Chisopani and then through pine forests to Shar Khola. Deng village at 1,804 meters is at the confluence of the Deng Khola and Budhi Gandaki.

Day 6: Deng to Namrung

The trail will be undulating as you will go up 1400 meters and descend 600 meters. Walk through lush meadows, forests, wheat and maize fields to reach Gap village where you can have your lunch. There is a big waterfall just outside the village. The trail then moves through rhododendrons and fir forests and takes you to Namrung at 3,480 meters.

Day 7: Namrung to Samagaun

On your Manaslu trek itinerary, you will reach Samagaun today at 3,530 meters. You may also stay at Lho or Shyala, depending on how much distance you can cover. But the elevation gain from Namrung is modest, so you can go all the way to Samagaun. On the way, you will meet the Damodar Khola and cross the Pungyen Monastery, which is a very old gompa in the Manaslu conservation area.

Day 8: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun

This is a rest day for you. Spend the day acclimatizing to the higher altitudes that you will have to climb on your Manaslu trekking itinerary. Consider a few short treks to the Birendra Lake and the Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 meters.

Day 9: Samagaun to Samdo

It is an easy hike today as you will walk for only 9 kilometers, crossing a grassy valley and shrubs. There is a short elevation gain and a wooden bridge just before Samdo village. Samdo is the last Himalayan village before you have to cross the high Larkya La Pass. You will also see the Nubri Pema Decho Ling Monastery.

Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala

This is an easy day as you walk for only 6 kilometers and climb only 505 meters. The trail goes up after Samdo and then drops to reach a valley and Larkya Bazar. Trekkers will get stunning views of Mount Manaslu and Naike Peak. Dharamsala is a small settlement with just a few tea houses.

Day 11: Dharmasala to Bimtang via Larkya La Pass

This is a big day in the Manaslu expedition itinerary as you will cross the Larkya La at 5,106 meters, which is the highest point and a highlight of the trek. A gentle climb from Dharmasala will take you to a flat valley that has four frozen lakes. Prayer flags show you the direction of the pass. At Larkya La, you can see the Himlung Himal (7,126 meters), Gyaji Kung (7, 030 meters), and Cheo Himal (6, 820 meters). You will also see Annapurna II (7,937 meters) on a clear day. The descent takes you to the beautiful Manang region, the Pungkar Tal, and Bhimtang village.

Day 12: Bimtang to Dharapani and Drive to Kathmandu

This is the last day of your Manaslu circuit trek itinerary. Start early in the morning and trek to Dharapani. You can also walk more as it is easy and reach Tilje village, which is a descent of 1,500 meters through Sangura Kharka, Hompuk, Gho, and Marsyangdi Valley. From here, it is a 9-hour jeep journey to Kathmandu, which ends your Manaslu circuit trek itinerary.

Manaslu Circuit Trek – 14 Days Itinerary

There is also a variation where you can do the Manaslu circuit trek in 14 days. The first 6 days of this trek will be the same as the Manaslu circuit trek for 12 days. However, instead of progressing from Namrung to Samagaun on the seventh day, you will spend the day hiking to the village of Lho.

Namrung to Lho Gaun

It is a steep hike through a forest to Lihi. You will see the scenery changing as you ascend higher into the alpine zone. The Lho Gaun or Lho village offers captivating views of Mount Manaslu. You can return to Namrung and then proceed to Samagaun, following the Manaslu trek itinerary for 12 days, or spend the night at Lho and then proceed to Samagaun on the next day.

Lho Gaun is located at an altitude of 10,430 feet or 3,180 meters. The trek duration will be 5-6 hours.

The second day that will be added to your Manaslu trek 14-day itinerary will be after you reach Samdo. You can rest at Samdo, which is a good idea, as you are very close to Larkya La Pass, which is the highest point in your Manaslu circuit trek itinerary and become better acclimatized. Or you can trek to the Tibetan border at Rui La.

Samdo to the Tibetan Border

This will be a challenging day as you have to cross the steep Lajyang Bhangjyang pass and then reach the Larke Danda valley, which is very serene, as hardly any trekkers come here. You will see many grazing yaks, abandoned stone buildings, and a beautiful green river. The valley is surrounded by the Pawar Himal, Cheo, and Jaryka Himal peaks.

Climb to Rui La after crossing a narrow valley between Lajyung Himal and Swelo Khang. It will be a steep climb but the views are incredible. Eventually, you will reach the Tibetan border, which is rare because very few treks in Nepal will take you to the border area. The border will give you excellent views deep into the Tibetan plateau. The Rui La Pass was once a busy route in the salt trade with Tibet.

Manaslu Circuit Trek – 17 Days Itinerary

The Manaslu circuit trek for 17 days is an extended itinerary that takes you to some other places. This Manaslu circuit trek itinerary also follows a different route through Barpak and Laprak. It starts from Kathmandu and ends at the Nepali capital.

Day 3: Drive to Barpak

It is a pleasant 7-8 hours drive through rolling hills and rural settlements. The historic village is inhabited by Chettris, Brahmins, Ghales, Gurungs, Damaris, and Pariyars.

Day 4: Barpak to Laprak

Your trek starts from Barpak as climb through Bhoshu Khang and reach Laprak village at 2,100 meters. You will get panoramic views of the Buddha Himal and Ganesh Himal.

Day 5: Laprak to Khorla Besi

It is a gradual descent, followed by an ascent through the Sing La village to Khorla Besi at 970 meters.

Day 6: Khorla Besi to Jagat

You will reach Jagat after 5 to 6 hours of walking. It is a challenging walk as the trail as you walk above the Budi Gandaki River with a rocky wall on one side and a precipitous drop to the river on the other. The path then joins the Manaslu trek 12 days itinerary trail and continues to reach the Tatopani hot spring.

Day 8: Deng to Prok

On day 7, the route is the same as the fifth day of the 12-day itinerary as you trek from Jagat to Deng. The eighth day is different as you go to Prok instead of Namrung. Prok village of the Bhutia community is on a ridge at 2,397 meters and is rarely visited by outsiders.

Day 9: Prok to Lho

The downhill trail will take you through a forest with juniper, pine, and conifer trees to Ghap. It climbs from there to reach Namrung, Barcham, Lihi, and Sho. This is the isolated Nubri Valley. Finally, you reach Lho at 3,180 meters.

Day 10: Lho to Samagaun

The same as Day 7 of the 12-day itinerary but you are reaching Samagaun from Lho instead of Namrung.

Day 11: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun

All trekkers on the Manaslu circuit trek itinerary, rest for a day at Samagaun, whether they are on a 12, 13, 14, or 17-day itinerary.

Day 12, 13, 14: Samagaun to Samado to Dharmasala to Bimtang

The same as Day 9, 10, and 11 of your 12-day Manaslu trek itinerary.

Day 15: Bimtang to Tilije

The trail moves through pine forests and green meadows to Hampuk and descends to Dudh Khola. After 6-7 hours, you reach Tilije, a Gurung village. It is famous for Apple Brandy.

Day 16: Tilije to Kathmandu

It is only a 1-hour trek to Dharapani and then a 7 to 8-hour drive to Kathmandu.

Day 17: Fly back home

You can spend the day resting int Kathmandu or fly back home on the same day.

Cost and Preparation

The Manaslu circuit trek itinerary cost depends on various factors, like the number of days you will be walking, the time of the year, the number of porters, and the choice of tea houses.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost and Itinerary

A Manaslu itinerary for 14 days will cost you between US$ 825 and US$ 775 for each person, depending on the number of trekkers in the group. The Manaslu circuit trek cost and itinerary for 12 days is US$ 750 per person. For 17 days, it can be US$ 1600 per person for a group of 10 trekkers.

Here is a breakdown of the cost –

Porter and guides: $25 to $30 per day for an English-speaking guide and $20 to $25 per day for a porter.
Transportation: $5 to $8 on a bus to the starting point of your trek. $40 to $50 on a shared jeep for each person.
Accommodation: $5 or $6 per night in a tea house.
Wi-Fi: $3 each night.
Phone, camera, power bank charging: $2 to $3.
Food: $5 to $7 for breakfast. $4 to $8 for lunch and dinner.
Tips & Donations: $50

You can reduce the cost significantly by opting for public transportation instead of renting a jeep from and to Kathmandu. The cost will also be relatively lower if you do the Manaslu circuit itinerary in the off-season. In the peak season, both food and accommodation will be higher. On the other hand, the trek cost will be lower significantly in the winter.

Essential Trekking Gear

Here is a list of things you will need for the Manaslu circuit trek itinerary –

Clothing

Down jacket
Down suit
Primaloft trousers
Primaloft jacket
Waterproof jacket
Thermal tops
Short/long Polypropylene Sleeve Shirt for the lower altitude
Liner gloves
Thermal underwear
Sun hat
Thermal balaclava
Sports bra (for women)
Sunglasses

Climbing Gear

Backpack
Climbing helmet
Harness
Ice axe
Trekking poles
Headlamp
Lithium spare batteries

Footwear

Trekking shoes
Warm socks

Personal Equipment

Sleeping bags
Water bottle
Vacuum flask
Sunscreen
Lip guard
Toiletry bag with mirror
Toilet roll
Sanitary napkins (for women)
Razor and shaving cream
High-calorie snacks

Camping Equipment

Sleeping bag
Inflatable sleeping mattress
Multi-tool knife
Pee bottle

First-Aid & Medicines

Diamox tablets
Antibiotics
Cough lozenges
Painkillers
Foot powder
Bandages and plasters
Water purification tablets
Earplugs
Eye drops
Skin blister repair kit
Hand sanitizer
Insect repellent
Moisturizer

Key Highlights of the Trek

Completing the Manaslu circuit trek itinerary is sure to be a key achievement for all trekkers. You will walk on scenic trails to reach the Manaslu Base Camp. You will see high-altitude alpine lakes, meadows, glaciers, rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls, and authentic villages. It is one of the most adventurous, culturally enriching, and treks in Nepal.

Manaslu Base Camp

The Manaslu base camp is at 4,800 meters. A small detour from Samagaun on your acclimatization day will take you to the camp. It is totally worth it as the camp offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and nearby glaciers.

Larkya La Pass

Larkya La at 5,106 meters is the highest point in your Manaslu circuit itinerary. A long and strenuous climb will take you to the pass, which is stunning and surrounded by tall Himalayan peaks like Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Gyaji Kung, Pawar Peak, Larke Peak, Kang Garu, Peak 29, Annapurna II, and others. It is very difficult to cross the pass in the winter as there will be a lot of snow. You will see many Buddhist prayer flags.

The descent from the Larkya La Pass is also difficult tough and slippery. Make sure to bring a trekking pole and crampons. While coming down, you will enter the beautiful Annapurna Circuit Region.

Rhododendron and Bamboo Forests

In the lower altitude of your Manaslu circuit in Nepal, you will pass through beautiful rhododendron forests and bamboo forests. You will also see many pine, juniper, and conifer trees.

Safety and Health Considerations

The Manaslu trek itinerary is safe if you take proper precautions and are in reasonably good health. Your physical fitness will directly affect the success and safety of this expedition.

1. You should be fit enough to walk for 7-9 hours daily.

2. You should be able to walk with a 12 to 16-kg backpack.

3. The BP reading must be between 70-90 (Diastolic) and 100-140 (Systolic).

4. Pulse rate between 60 and 90 per minute.

5. Respiratory rate at rest between 12 and 20 per minute.

6. No kidney or liver issues.

7. No pacemaker implant.

8. No heart issues, hypertension, bronchial asthma, and diabetes mellitus.

High Altitude Challenges

The high altitude of the Manaslu circuit itinerary can be the biggest challenge for most trekkers. From Machha Khola at 900 meters, you will have to climb up to Larkya La at 5,160 meters, which is an altitude difference of 4,260 meters. Yes, the Manaslu circuit trek itinerary will take you to the top over several days but the huge altitude gain can still cause altitude sickness. For many trekkers, the 5,160 meters altitude is beyond their capabilities.

The oxygen level goes down as the elevation increases. This can cause AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. Drink plenty of water and acclimatize, so that your body can adjust to the gain. Also, make sure to take Diamox tablets.

Climb down if you face serious challenges. If you continue hiking, then it can even lead to HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) where the lungs get affected, or HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) which makes the brain swell.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must before you go on the Manaslu trekking itinerary. There can be unforeseen circumstances in this multi-day long trek like sudden changes in weather, an avalanche, or a medical emergency like altitude sickness. Many firms offer travel insurance to trekkers. Make sure that the plan you buy covers emergency rescue as well.

Trekking Permits and Regulations

You will need two permits for the Manaslu trekking permits you have to get before the trek.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit – Issued by the Nepal Government, this permit is needed for the Manaslu conservation area and Tsum Valley. The per-person cost is $100 for September to November and $75 for December to August. If you overstay for more than a week, then it will be $15 and $10 respectively for each day.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – The Manaslu circuit trek ends in the Annapurna region so you will also need this permit. It is issued from both Kathmandu and Pokhara. The ACAP Manaslu permit cost is $US 30 per person.

You need to supply two passport-size photographs for the permits. The permits are not refundable and are valid only for a single entry.

The Nepal Tourism Board office issues the permits. The office in Kathmandu issues both permits, while the one at Pokhara only issues the ACAP permit. There is also an office at Besisahar, Lamjung that issues the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.

You can also get the permits at the checkpoints. But you will have to pay 100% more.

Cultural and Natural Insights

The Manaslu trek itinerary will take you to one of the most serene and breathtaking parts of Nepal where you will see some of the world’s tallest peaks and stunning natural wonders. You will also visit many authentic villages and meet the local communities of Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Sherpas, and Bhutias. Learn about the local cultures and traditions. See the Buddhist Gompas, Stupas, and prayer flags.

Manaslu Region and Surroundings

The Manaslu region is located in west-central Nepal in the Gorkha District. You will walk on rustic trails where very few trekkers go, discovering hidden valleys, glaciers, alpine lakes, and see many snow-capped peaks, including Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth tallest peak.

At Nubri and Tsum, you will find Nepal’s major ethnic group, the Gurungs. Close to Tibet, you will meet many Bhutias, who are similar to the Sherpas. They have their own lifestyle, culture, and tradition.

Scenic Highlights

In the lower altitudes, you will pass through lush pine, bamboo, and rhododendron forests. There will be rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls, and suspension bridges. As you move up, you will see stunning lakes and glaciers. The greenery will slowly transform as you enter the alpine zone.

Giving you company will be Annapurna II, Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Himlung Himal, Mount Manaslu, and many other tall peaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Manaslu circuit trek itinerary?

The Manaslu itinerary is moderately difficult. The trek will take you to one of the most remote corners of Nepal. There will be many steep ascents and descents. You will have to cross several mountain passes. So, you have to be moderately healthy for this trek.

Is the Manaslu itinerary harder than the Everest trek?

They are both challenging treks. The Annapurna circuit has a higher risk of avalanches and the Mt. Everest trek is considered to be more difficult because of the higher altitude.