Manaslu Circuit Trek
Trip overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek, in full
Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, cost, map, permits, altitude, difficulty, best time, route details and complete trekking guide with Real Himalaya.
Your trip at a glance
- Destination
- Western Region
- Duration
- 14 days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Max elevation
- 5160 m
- Group size
- 2-16 people
- Activities
- Driving and Trekking/Hiking
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you will meet your trekking guide for a detailed briefing about the Manaslu Circuit Trek, including the itinerary, permits, altitude considerations, and safety procedures. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation, sightseeing, or last-minute trekking preparations.
- 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (869 m / 2,851 ft)
We begin our journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola via Soti Khola. The drive passes through terraced fields, rivers, hills, and traditional villages. We travel on a paved road for the first part of the journey before continuing on a rough mountain road along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Machha Khola.
- 3
Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340 m / 4,396 ft)
Today, we start trekking along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail passes through Khorlabesi, Tatopani, and Dovan while crossing several suspension bridges. We walk through small villages, terraced fields, and river valleys before reaching Jagat, the entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- 4
Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860 m / 6,102 ft)
After breakfast, we continue through forests, waterfalls, and traditional villages. The trail passes through Salleri, Philim, Chisapani, and Ekle Bhatti. Along the way, we enjoy views of Shringi Himal and begin to see stronger Tibetan cultural influences before reaching Deng.
- 5
Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630 m / 8,626 ft)
Today, we trek through forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron while crossing several bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River. As we gain altitude, we pass mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens that reflect the region's Tibetan Buddhist culture. We reach Namrung, a beautiful village with excellent mountain views.
- 6
Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,180 m / 10,433 ft)
We continue through the villages of Lihi and Sho while enjoying increasingly impressive mountain views. Along the trail, we see traditional Tibetan houses, monasteries, and prayer flags. Upon reaching Lho, we enjoy close views of Mount Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- 7
Trek from Lho to Samagaon (3,530 m / 11,581 ft)
Today, we trek through Shyala Village, one of the most scenic sections of the Manaslu Circuit. The trail offers excellent views of Mount Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu North. After a gradual ascent, we arrive at Samagaon, the largest village in the Nubri Valley.
- 8
Acclimatization Day at Samagaon - Hike to Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp (4,895 m / 16,060 ft)
Today is an acclimatization day to help our bodies adjust to the higher altitude. We can hike to Birendra Lake, Pungyen Gompa, or Manaslu Base Camp depending on the group's pace and fitness level. The hike offers beautiful views of glaciers, mountains, and alpine landscapes before returning to Samagaon.
- 9
Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,875 m / 12,713 ft)
We continue along a gradual trail through open valleys and yak grazing pastures. The route follows an ancient trading path that connected Nepal and Tibet. After a few hours of trekking, we arrive at Samdo, a traditional Tibetan village near the Nepal-Tibet border.
- 10
Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,460 m / 14,632 ft)
Today, we make our way to Dharmasala, the final stop before crossing Larkya La Pass. The trail passes through high alpine terrain and follows an old trade route. Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi, is a basic settlement used by trekkers preparing for the pass crossing.
- 11
Trek to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass - Gateway Between Worlds
The crossing of Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters marks the pinnacle of your journey, a pre-dawn climb through stark, divine landscapes. Each step along the ridges unveils ever-expanding views until the summit greets you with prayer flags and a 360° panorama of the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. Descending into Bimthang at 3,590 meters feels like stepping into another world, where glaciers meet meadows in a valley that celebrates the eternal artistry of the mountains.
- 12
Trek to Dharapani via Bimthang and Goa
The trail from Bimthang to Dharapani eases you back into the world of abundance, descending through lush valleys and rhododendron forests alive with birdsong. Snow-crowned peaks bid farewell in morning light as streams tumble beside your path like songs of ancient glaciers. Breathing grows easier with each step, and Dharapani at 1,963 meters welcomes you with stone houses and terraced fields—a gentle meeting of human life and mountain grace.
- 13
Drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani via Besisahar - The Circle Completes
The final day carries you from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar, a gentle return from peaks and glaciers to the everyday world. Besisahar at 760 meters offers a last farewell to the mountains before the 10–12 hour drive continues toward the city. The road winds past rivers and terraced fields, landscapes now familiar yet forever transformed by your journey. You return with memories of thin air, towering peaks, and beauty so profound it reshaped your sense of being alive.
- 14
Transfer to International Airport - Where Ending Becomes Beginning
After a nostalgic breakfast, your guide will take you to the airport for your onward journey. As the plane rises above Kathmandu Valley, the Himalayas bid you farewell, their golden peaks shining like blessings in the morning light. Though the adventure ends, it lives on in your heart—each photograph a doorway back to thin air, towering beauty, and the profound transformation found in the embrace of the mountains. Thank you for choosing Real Himalaya. For any queries, contact us at +977 985-1026840 www.realhimalaya.com Speak to an Expert Gokul Thapa +977-9851026840 View Dossier Online