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Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

A remote circuit around the eighth highest mountain, over Larkya La at 5,106 m. A 13-day plan from Kathmandu with daily stops, altitudes and walking times, an altitude profile, warnings and permits. Pick your start date and add it to your calendar.

Duration

13 days

10 walking, from Kathmandu

Highest point

5,106 m

Larkya La

Difficulty

Strenuous

Manaslu (restricted area)

Best months

March to May + October to November

Spring and autumn

Restricted area. You need a permit arranged through a registered trekking agency and a licensed guide. You cannot trek here independently.
Planning guide, not a substitute for a guide. Altitudes and walking times are compared from several operator itineraries and differ between sources by 10 to 150 m and by an hour or more. Weather, trail damage and road changes alter plans. Confirm your route, permits and fees with a licensed agency or guide.

Plan your dates

Add rest or spare days

Altitude profile

The height you sleep at each night. Dots: green rest day, amber and red a bigger climb than the usual guideline. Triangles mark the highest point of a day.

0k1k2k3k4k5k6k3,000 m: altitude guidelines startLarkya La: about 5,106 mDay 1: Soti Khola, about 710 mDay 2: Machha Khola, about 900 mDay 3: Jagat, about 1,350 mDay 4: Deng, about 1,830 mDay 5: Namrung, about 2,630 mDay 6: Lho, about 3,180 mDay 7: Samagaun, about 3,530 mDay 8: Samagaun, about 3,530 mDay 9: Samdo, about 3,780 mDay 10: Dharamsala, about 4,460 mDay 11: Bimthang, about 3,700 mDay 12: Dharapani, about 1,860 mDay 13: Kathmandu, about 1,400 m12345678910111213Day

2 days climb faster than the usual guideline (about 500 m a night above 3,000 m, and a rest day roughly every 1,000 m). This is common on the standard route. Go slowly, drink plenty, and add the rest days above if you can.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Kathmandu to Soti Khola

    Sleep: Soti Khola · about 710 m8 to 9 h by road

    A long drive to the start of the trail at Arughat and Soti Khola. Permits are checked on the way.

  2. Day 2

    Soti Khola to Machha Khola

    Sleep: Machha Khola · about 900 mWalking 6 to 7 h

    Follow the Budhi Gandaki through forest and across suspension bridges.

  3. Day 3

    Machha Khola to Jagat

    Sleep: Jagat · about 1,350 m (sources: 1,340 to 1,410 m)Walking 6 to 7 h

    Pass hot springs at Tatopani and cross the river on narrow bridges. Permits are checked at Jagat.

  4. Day 4

    Jagat to Deng

    Sleep: Deng · about 1,830 m (sources: 1,800 to 1,860 m)Walking 6 to 7 h

    Enter the upper valley at Philim and climb through bamboo and rhododendron forest.

  5. Day 5

    Deng to Namrung

    Sleep: Namrung · about 2,630 mWalking 5 to 7 h

    Cross the river and climb through Ghap to Namrung, where the culture begins to feel more Tibetan.

  6. Day 6

    Namrung to Lho

    Sleep: Lho · about 3,180 mWalking 4 to 5 hSleeping altitude +550 m

    Pass mani walls and chortens, with the first clear views of Manaslu. Some itineraries go straight to Samagaun, which gains more than the usual guideline.

    Your sleeping altitude rises about 550 m. The usual guideline above 3,000 m is no more than about 500 m a night.

  7. Day 7

    Lho to Samagaun

    Sleep: Samagaun · about 3,530 mWalking 3 to 4 hSleeping altitude +350 m

    Pass the Ribung monastery and arrive at Samagaun, the main village below Manaslu.

  8. Day 8 · rest day

    Rest day at Samagaun

    Sleep: Samagaun · about 3,530 mWalking 3 to 6 h

    Do not skip it. Walk to Pungyen Gompa or toward Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake, then return to sleep in Samagaun.

  9. Day 9

    Samagaun to Samdo

    Sleep: Samdo · about 3,780 m (sources: 3,690 to 3,860 m)Walking 4 to 5 hSleeping altitude +250 m

    A short walk to the last village before the pass, near the Tibetan border.

  10. Day 10

    Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi)

    Sleep: Dharamsala · about 4,460 mWalking 4 to 6 hSleeping altitude +680 m

    Steep climb on rocky ground to a basic camp at the foot of the pass. A big altitude gain, so go slowly and drink plenty of water.

    Your sleeping altitude rises about 680 m. The usual guideline above 3,000 m is no more than about 500 m a night.

  11. Day 11

    Dharamsala over Larkya La to Bimthang

    Sleep: Bimthang · about 3,700 m (sources: 3,590 to 3,720 m)Walking 7 to 9 hReach Larkya La · about 5,106 m (sources: 5,106 to 5,160 m)

    The hardest day. Start in the dark. The route crosses moraine and a glacier, with a final steeper section to the pass, then a long descent to Bimthang. Turn back in bad weather or with altitude symptoms.

  12. Day 12

    Bimthang to Dharapani

    Sleep: Dharapani · about 1,860 m (sources: 1,860 to 1,960 m)Walking 5 to 6 h

    Down through rhododendron forest and past Karche to the Marsyangdi valley.

  13. Day 13

    Dharapani to Kathmandu

    Sleep: Kathmandu · about 1,400 m9 to 11 h by road (jeep to Besisahar, then bus or private vehicle)

    A very long day of travel. Some groups split it with a night in Besisahar.

Permits

  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (arranged only through a registered trekking agency)
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the final section
  • A licensed guide is required. Confirm the full permit list and any group-size rule with a registered agency before booking

Fees and rules change, so this page does not quote prices. Check the current fee with your agency or the permit office.

Altitude sickness basics

  • Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a night, and rest about every 1,000 m of climbing.
  • Headache, nausea, dizziness and unusual tiredness are early signs. Do not go higher with symptoms.
  • If symptoms get worse, or you feel confused or unsteady, go down immediately.
  • Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and do not travel alone. Ask a doctor about medication before you go.

General information, not medical advice.

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Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary from Kathmandu

The Manaslu Circuit follows the Budhi Gandaki river through deep gorges and Nubri and Tsum villages to Samagaun beneath Manaslu (8,163 m), then crosses Larkya La (about 5,106 m) and descends to the Marsyangdi valley at Dharapani. The route is remote and less crowded than the Annapurna Circuit.

Manaslu is a restricted area. You must have a permit arranged by a registered trekking agency and you must be accompanied by a licensed guide. The route has long days and teahouses are basic, so allow time for rest at Samagaun.

Day-by-day itinerary (13 days)

  1. Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola. Sleep at Soti Khola (about 710 m). 8 to 9 h by road.
  2. Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola. Sleep at Machha Khola (about 900 m). Walking about 6 to 7 h.
  3. Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat. Sleep at Jagat (about 1,350 m). Walking about 6 to 7 h.
  4. Day 4: Jagat to Deng. Sleep at Deng (about 1,830 m). Walking about 6 to 7 h.
  5. Day 5: Deng to Namrung. Sleep at Namrung (about 2,630 m). Walking about 5 to 7 h.
  6. Day 6: Namrung to Lho. Sleep at Lho (about 3,180 m). Walking about 4 to 5 h.
  7. Day 7: Lho to Samagaun. Sleep at Samagaun (about 3,530 m). Walking about 3 to 4 h.
  8. Day 8: Rest day at Samagaun. Sleep at Samagaun (about 3,530 m). Walking about 3 to 6 h.
  9. Day 9: Samagaun to Samdo. Sleep at Samdo (about 3,780 m). Walking about 4 to 5 h.
  10. Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi). Sleep at Dharamsala (about 4,460 m). Walking about 4 to 6 h.
  11. Day 11: Dharamsala over Larkya La to Bimthang. Sleep at Bimthang (about 3,700 m). Walking about 7 to 9 h. Reach Larkya La (about 5,106 m).
  12. Day 12: Bimthang to Dharapani. Sleep at Dharapani (about 1,860 m). Walking about 5 to 6 h.
  13. Day 13: Dharapani to Kathmandu. Sleep at Kathmandu (about 1,400 m). 9 to 11 h by road (jeep to Besisahar, then bus or private vehicle).

Altitudes and walking times are compared from several operator itineraries and differ between sources. Confirm your route, permits and fees with a licensed agency or guide.

Best time

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best seasons. Autumn has the clearest skies and is the busiest. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom, but afternoon cloud is common. June to August is monsoon, and December to February is cold with snow at height. Larkya La is risky in snow.

Permits

  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (arranged only through a registered trekking agency)
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the final section
  • A licensed guide is required. Confirm the full permit list and any group-size rule with a registered agency before booking

Altitude sickness

Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a night and rest about every 1,000 m of climbing. Do not go higher with symptoms, and descend if they get worse. This is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

How many days is the Manaslu Circuit Trek from Kathmandu?

This plan takes 13 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, with 10 days of walking and the rest for travel and rest. Itineraries from operators vary, and you can add extra rest days on the page.

How high does the Manaslu Circuit Trek go?

The highest point most itineraries reach is Larkya La, at about 5,106 m.

What is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

March to May and October to November. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best seasons. Autumn has the clearest skies and is the busiest. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom, but afternoon cloud is common. June to August is monsoon, and December to February is cold with snow at height. Larkya La is risky in snow.

Do I need a permit for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (arranged only through a registered trekking agency). Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the final section. A licensed guide is required. Confirm the full permit list and any group-size rule with a registered agency before booking. A licensed guide is required in this restricted area. Fees change, so confirm the current amounts with your agency.

Do I need a guide for the Manaslu Circuit?

Yes. Manaslu is a restricted area, and sources agree that a licensed guide and a permit arranged through a registered trekking agency are required. Solo trekking without a guide is not allowed.

How long is the Manaslu Circuit?

About 13 days from Kathmandu with one rest day at Samagaun, although 14 to 17 day itineraries with more rest days are common and give a safer pace.

How high is Larkya La?

About 5,106 m, although a few sources give 5,160 m. It is the highest point of the trek and the most demanding day.