Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, nestled in Nepal's remote Himalayas, offers a captivating mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. Known for its serene landscapes and challenging trails, this trek encircles the stunning Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world. Join us as we explore this incredible journey, covering essential highlights, day-wise itineraries, fitness requirements, and tips for a successful trek.

Manaslu circuit trek: a remote Himalayan adventure

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is known for its breathtaking views, isolated trails, and vibrant cultural experiences. As one of Nepal's less-travelled circuits, it promises adventure with stunning landscapes and unique encounters with the local Himalayan communities.

Stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems

The trek offers views of snow-capped mountains, including Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), lush valleys, and dense forests. Trekking through these areas, you will witness the region’s rich biodiversity, from rhododendron forests to high-altitude flora and fauna.

Unique cultural experience

The Manaslu circuit trek passes through several remote villages, predominantly inhabited by Tibetan descendants, giving trekkers a rare insight into the region's customs and traditions. The villages, monasteries, and prayer flags along the way add to the trek's cultural richness.

Challenging yet rewarding

While the trek is demanding, the experience of crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters is a rewarding achievement for trekkers, with panoramic views and a sense of adventure unmatched by more popular routes.

Quick itinerary for Manaslu circuit trek

This itinerary provides a snapshot of the trek, giving an idea of the main stages and rest points along the route.

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola

Day 2: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola

Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat

Day 4: Jagat to Deng

Day 5: Deng to Namrung

Day 6: Namrung to Samagaon

Day 7: Acclimatization day in Samagaon with a side trek to Manaslu Base Camp

Day 8: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo

Day 9: Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi)

Day 10: Cross Larkya La Pass, trek to Bimthang

Day 11: Bimthang to Tilije

Day 12: Tilije to Dharapani, drive back to Kathmandu

What each day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek looks like?

Each day of the Manaslu trek brings a unique experience, as you traverse through various terrains and gain altitude steadily.

1. Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Day 1)

This is a scenic drive that takes you out of the bustling city and into Nepal's countryside, passing through charming villages and terraced fields.

1. Soti Khola to Jagat (Days 2-4)

The trail begins with relatively low altitudes, passing through rice paddies, rivers, and lush forests. Each day presents increasing elevation and magnificent views.

1. Jagat to Samagaon (Days 5-7)

As the trek approaches Samagaon, the surroundings become more rugged, and trekkers start experiencing the high-altitude atmosphere. Samagaon is an acclimatization stop with an optional trek to Manaslu Base Camp.

1. Crossing Larkya La Pass (Day 10)

The trek’s highest point, this section is challenging due to steep climbs and snow-covered paths. The panoramic views from the pass make the effort worthwhile.

1. Descent from Bimthang (Days 11-12)

The trail winds down through forests and small villages, marking the final descent back to lower altitudes.

Complete day-wise guide for Manaslu circuit trek

A detailed, day-wise guide is crucial for a successful trek around the Manaslu circuit. Proper planning and acclimatization are essential to tackle the changing altitudes, long trekking hours, and challenging mountain passes. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the key highlights and preparations needed for each day.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive)

The trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, covering approximately 141 km, a journey that takes around 7-8 hours. The drive is an adventure in itself, winding through lush green hills, terraced farmlands, and rivers. Passing through towns like Dhading and Arughat, the route gives trekkers a taste of Nepal’s countryside life. Soti Khola is a small village nestled near the Budi Gandaki River and serves as the starting point for the trek. Here, trekkers rest and prepare for the trail ahead.

Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola

The trek officially begins as you leave Soti Khola and follow a path along the Budi Gandaki River. This 6-7 hour hike takes you through rice paddies, dense sal forests, and small Gurung villages. The terrain is a mix of narrow paths, forest trails, and cliffside routes, giving trekkers an early taste of the challenging and varied landscapes of the Manaslu Circuit. The day ends at Machha Khola, a small settlement with basic teahouses for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat

Continuing along the Budi Gandaki River, the trek from Machha Khola to Jagat is about 6-7 hours of moderate hiking. The trail takes you through rocky paths, suspension bridges, and waterfalls. You will pass through the village of Khorlabesi, famous for its hot springs, and Tatopani, where trekkers can enjoy a refreshing natural hot bath. Reaching Jagat, trekkers enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected region that requires special permits to enter. Jagat, with its stone-paved lanes, is an ideal place to experience traditional mountain village life.

Day 4: Jagat to Deng

Starting from Jagat, the trail climbs up to Salleri before descending to Sirdibas and then reaching Philim, a large Gurung village known for its vibrant cultural atmosphere. The trek from Jagat to Deng takes around 6-7 hours. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, with more pine and bamboo forests lining the trail. The day ends at Deng, a village with Tibetan influences, where trekkers can get a glimpse of the region's distinct cultural blend.

Day 5: Deng to Namrung

The trek from Deng to Namrung is a 6-7 hour journey through lush forests and steep ridges. The trail crosses several suspension bridges, passes through small settlements like Ghap, and offers beautiful views of the Shringi Himal mountains. As you gain altitude, the landscape and vegetation change, with more alpine flora and rugged terrain. Reaching Namrung, trekkers find a village rich in Tibetan culture, with prayer flags, mani walls, and monasteries marking the Buddhist influence in the area.

Day 6: Namrung to Samagaon

This 6-7 hour trek from Namrung to Samagaon takes you further into the heart of the Manaslu region. The trail ascends steadily, with breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and other surrounding peaks. Passing through villages like Lho and Shyala, the day offers several panoramic viewpoints. Samagaon, situated at 3,530 meters, is one of the larger settlements on the route and serves as an acclimatization stop.

Day 7: Acclimatization day in Samagaon (optional trek to Manaslu Base Camp)

To adapt to the high altitude, trekkers spend a rest day in Samagaon. This is an opportunity to explore the local culture, visit ancient monasteries, and take a short acclimatization trek to Manaslu Base Camp, which lies at an altitude of approximately 4,800 meters. This side trek provides stunning views of Mount Manaslu and allows trekkers to experience high-altitude hiking while preparing for the upcoming elevation gain.

Day 8: Samagaon to Samdo

The trek from Samagaon to Samdo takes about 4-5 hours, following the Budi Gandaki River towards its source. The landscape becomes more barren and rugged as you gain altitude. Samdo is a small, traditional Tibetan village situated at 3,875 meters and is the last major settlement before crossing Larkya La Pass. Trekkers can explore the village, interact with locals, and prepare for the challenging ascent ahead.

Day 9: Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi)

The trek from Samdo to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, takes around 4-5 hours. This is the final stop before the Larkya La Pass and serves as a base camp for the crossing. Dharamsala is located at 4,460 meters and offers basic accommodations. Trekkers rest here, acclimate, and prepare for an early start to cross the pass the following day.

Day 10: Cross Larkya La Pass to Bimthang

One of the trek's most challenging days, this involves crossing the Larkya La Pass, which stands at 5,160 meters. Starting early in the morning, trekkers ascend gradually, tackling the steep and rugged terrain leading to the pass. The ascent can be challenging due to snow, high altitude, and cold winds, but the panoramic views from the top of Larkya La are breathtaking, with sights of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. After crossing the pass, a long descent leads to Bimthang, where trekkers can rest and celebrate the accomplishment of completing the most difficult section of the trek.

Day 11: Bimthang to Tilije

After crossing Larkya La, the trek descends into lush green landscapes as you make your way to Tilije. This day’s trek takes about 5-6 hours, offering a gradual descent through rhododendron forests and small villages. The trail becomes easier to navigate, with milder temperatures and more oxygen-rich air as you lose altitude. Tilije is a beautiful village with more amenities and comfortable lodges, a welcome change after the high-altitude trekking.

Day 12: Tilije to Dharapani and drive to Kathmandu

The final trekking day from Tilije to Dharapani takes around 4-5 hours and marks the end of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. From Dharapani, trekkers can arrange transportation back to Kathmandu, which is a 6-7 hour drive. This journey brings trekkers back to the comforts of the city after days in the remote Himalayan wilderness. Returning to Kathmandu allows trekkers to rest, reflect on the adventure, and explore the capital city’s cultural offerings before heading home.

How difficult is the Manaslu circuit trek?

The Manaslu circuit trek is moderately to highly challenging, demanding good physical fitness and acclimatization to high altitudes.

Altitude and acclimatization

Reaching heights over 5,000 meters, the trek can pose altitude sickness risks for some. Proper acclimatization days are necessary.

Terrain challenges

The trail includes steep ascents and rocky paths, especially around Larkya La Pass, where snow can make navigation more challenging.

Weather variability

Conditions can vary dramatically, with colder temperatures and wind at higher altitudes, adding to the trek’s difficulty.

Why fitness is important for Manaslu circuit trek?

A high fitness level is essential for the demanding terrain and prolonged trekking duration in the Manaslu circuit.

Endurance for daily trekking

The trek involves around 5-7 hours of trekking daily. Stamina and endurance are crucial for maintaining pace and energy levels.

Strength for steep ascents and descents

Strong legs and core are essential for managing the steep sections, especially around Larkya La Pass.

Mental resilience

Trekking for two weeks in remote areas requires a positive attitude and determination, as challenging days can test mental fortitude.

Best time to do the Manaslu circuit trek

Timing is key for a safe and enjoyable trek. The best months are generally autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May).

Autumn season

Known for stable weather, clear skies, and excellent visibility. Ideal for viewing Mount Manaslu and surrounding peaks.

Spring season

Spring offers warmer weather and blooming rhododendrons along the trail, adding vibrant colours to the scenery.

Monsoon and winter

Avoid these periods due to heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides, and extreme winter conditions, which make certain passes inaccessible.

How to reach the Manaslu circuit trek base camp?

The trek typically starts from the town of Soti Khola, which is reachable from Kathmandu by road.

Drive from Kathmandu

The journey to Soti Khola is approximately 7-8 hours by bus or jeep, with options for private or shared transport.

Permits and entry

Ensure you have the required permits for the trek: the Manaslu Restricted Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.

How to plan your travel for the Manaslu circuit trek?

Proper planning is crucial for a successful trek in remote Himalayan regions. Below are the things you need to consider for the Manaslu circuit trek.

1. Permits and documentation

The Manaslu circuit is a restricted area, and special permits are required, including a licensed guide.

1. Guides and porters

Hiring a local guide and porter is recommended for safety and assistance with navigating the trails.

1. Trekking group size

Group sizes are typically kept small, as this minimizes impact and allows for better coordination in remote regions.

Manaslu circuit trek packing list

Packing the right gear is essential for comfort and safety on the trek. Below are the things you need to add to your packing list before you go on the Manaslu circuit trek.

Clothing: Layered clothing is essential, including a base layer, mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell. Pack a down jacket for high altitudes.

Footwear: Durable trekking boots are a must, along with comfortable socks and sandals for evenings.

Essential accessories: Include gloves, a hat, and trekking poles. Sun protection like sunglasses and sunscreen are also necessary.

Things to take for Manaslu circuit trek

The right equipment ensures safety and comfort on your journey.

1. Navigation and safety

Maps, a compass, and a first-aid kit are essential for navigation and minor injuries.

1. Hydration and nutrition

Carry water purification tablets and energy bars to stay hydrated and energized.

1. Camping essentials

For those trekking independently, a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and cooking gear are recommended.