Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary - Himalayan Magic Adventures

Duration: 14 Days
Maximum Altitude: 5,160 meters (16,929 feet) at Larkya La Pass
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time to Trek: March to May, September to November
Provider: Himalayan Magic Adventures

Overview:

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, taking you around Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters) and through the Manaslu Conservation Area. The trek offers incredible views of towering peaks, dense forests, and remote villages that are rich in Tibetan culture. You will cross the challenging Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,160 meters, and witness breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows.

The trek is a fantastic alternative to the Annapurna Circuit for those who prefer less crowded trails, yet want to experience a similar combination of culture, nature, and adventure.

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary for Manaslu Circuit Trek by Himalayan Magic Adventures

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu.

• Meals: None (Dinner on your own).

• Activities:

  • Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.

  • Meet your guide and enjoy an evening briefing about the trek.

  • Optional: Explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath Stupa.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola

• Transport: 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola.

• Accommodation: Tea house in Soti Khola.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Activities:

  • Drive to Soti Khola, the starting point of your trek, passing through scenic villages and terraced fields.

  • Enjoy views of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu during the drive.

  • Overnight in Soti Khola, a small village beside the river.

Day 3: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola

• Trek Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles) - 6-7 hours.

• Elevation Gain: 700 m to 930 m (2,297 ft to 3,051 ft).

• Accommodation: Tea house in Machha Khola.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Activities:

  • Begin your trek along a narrow trail through lush forests, crossing suspension bridges and small rivers.

  • Reach Machha Khola, a riverside village, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 4: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat

• Trek Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles) - 7-8 hours.

• Elevation Gain: 930 m to 1,340 m (3,051 ft to 4,396 ft).

• Accommodation: Tea house in Jagat.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Activities:

  • Trek through subtropical forests, passing small villages like Khorla Bensi and Tatopani.

  • Cross a series of suspension bridges over the Buri Gandaki River.

  • Arrive at Jagat, a village known for its traditional stone houses and Tibetan culture.

Day 5: Trek from Jagat to Deng

• Trek Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles) - 6-7 hours.

• Elevation Gain: 1,340 m to 1,860 m (4,396 ft to 6,100 ft).

• Accommodation: Tea house in Deng.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Activities:

  • The trek takes you through forests, terraced fields, and small settlements.

  • Cross the river and enter a more remote area, with views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks.

  • Arrive in Deng, a Tibetan-influenced village.

Day 6: Trek from Deng to Namrung

• Trek Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles) - 6-7 hours.

• Elevation Gain: 1,860 m to 2,660 m (6,100 ft to 8,727 ft).

• Accommodation: Tea house in Namrung.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Activities:

  • Trek through bamboo and pine forests with views of Manaslu.

  • Pass through villages like Bihi Phedi and Namrung, which have strong Tibetan Buddhist influences.

  • Namrung is known for its scenic surroundings and the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Day 7: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon

• Trek Distance: 13 km (8 miles) - 6-7 hours.

• Elevation Gain: 2,660 m to 3,530 m (8,727 ft to 11,580 ft).

• Accommodation: Tea house in Samagaon.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Activities:

  • Continue your trek through alpine meadows and pastures, offering views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks.

  • Reach Samagaon, a large Tibetan-style village with a monastery and stunning views of Manaslu Glacier.

Day 8: Rest day at Samagaon for acclimatization

• Accommodation: Tea house in Samagaon.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Activities:

  • Take a rest day to acclimatize to the higher altitude.

  • Explore Pungyen Gompa, a small Buddhist monastery, or take a hike to the Manaslu Base Camp for stunning views of Mount Manaslu and surrounding glaciers.

Day 9: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo

• Trek Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles) - 4-5 hours.

• Elevation Gain: 3,530 m to 3,860 m (11,580 ft to 12,664 ft).

• Accommodation: Tea house in Samdo.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Activities:

  • Trek through rocky terrain, crossing streams and enjoying views of Manaslu.

  • Reach Samdo, a Tibetan village located on a high plateau near the border with Tibet.

Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala

• Trek Distance: 8 km (5 miles) - 4-5 hours.

• Elevation Gain: 3,860 m to 4,460 m (12,664 ft to 14,632 ft).

• Accommodation: Tea house in Dharamsala.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Activities:

  • Continue your trek along the Buri Gandaki River, heading towards the Larkya La Pass.

  • Arrive at Dharamsala, a small settlement where trekkers often rest before crossing the high-altitude Larkya La Pass.

Day 11: Cross Larkya La Pass, Trek to Bhimtang

• Trek Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles) - 8-9 hours.

• Maximum Altitude: 5,160 m (16,929 ft) at Larkya La Pass.

• Accommodation: Tea house in Bhimtang.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Activities:

  • Start early to cross Larkya La Pass (5,160 m), one of the highest passes in the Himalayas.

  • The pass offers breathtaking views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Cheo Himal, and Ngadi Chuli.

  • After crossing the pass, descend to Bhimtang, a beautiful village at the foot of the pass.

Day 12: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani

• Trek Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles) - 6-7 hours.

• Elevation Loss: 3,590 m to 1,860 m (11,778 ft to 6,100 ft).

• Accommodation: Tea house in Dharapani.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Activities:

  • Trek through beautiful forests and past Tibetan villages.

  • Descend towards the village of Dharapani, a key stop on the Annapurna Circuit.

Day 13: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu

• Transport: 7-8 hour drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

• Activities:

  • Drive back to Kathmandu through scenic villages and winding roads.

  • Relax and reflect on your incredible journey in the Himalayas.

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner with your trekking team.

Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu

• Meals: Breakfast.

• Activities:

  • Free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu.

  • Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.

Why Choose Himalayan Magic Adventures for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

• Experienced Guides: Our expert guides are locals who know the trails intimately and can provide insights into the culture, history, and wildlife of the region.

• Safety & Support: We prioritize your safety with comprehensive pre-trek briefings, medical kits, and emergency evacuation plans.

• Cultural Immersion: Trek through Tibetan-style villages and monasteries, gaining an understanding of the region's unique culture and traditions.

• Sustainable Travel: We support responsible tourism and work with local communities to ensure the sustainability of the Manaslu region.

Important Notes for Manaslu Circuit Trek:

• Permits: This trek requires special permits, including the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Timberline Permit.

• Altitude Considerations: The trek reaches altitudes over 5,000 meters, so acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness.

• Fitness Level: This trek is physically demanding, and prior trekking experience and a good fitness level are recommended.

• Weather: The weather can be unpredictable, especially in higher altitudes. Be prepared for cold temperatures and possible rain.

Inclusion