Details:
duration: 13 Days
maximum elevation: 5,106 m (Larke La Pass)
total trekking distance: approximately 151 km
total driving distance: approximately 390 km
highest overnight stay: Dharmasala (Larke Phedi) – 4,460 m
highest point reached: Larke La Pass (5,106 m)
difficulty: moderate to challenging
best seasons: spring (March–May) & autumn (September–November)
accommodation: local tea houses/lodges
required permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Local Government Permits
starting point: Machhakhola
ending point: Tilje
transportation: public bus or private jeep
meals during trek: breakfast, lunch & dinner available at tea houses
major highlights: Larke La Pass (5,106 m), Manaslu Base Camp, Pungyen Gompa, Samagaun, Samdo, Bhimtang, Tibetan Buddhist Culture, Glacial Valleys, Suspension Bridges, and breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and Ganesh Himal.
Trip Highlights
- Trek around the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m).
- Cross the spectacular Larke La Pass (5,106 m), one of Nepal’s finest high mountain passes.
- Explore the remote Manaslu Conservation Area with breathtaking alpine scenery.
- Visit the beautiful villages of Namrung, Lho, Syala, Samagaun, Samdo, and Bhimtang.
- Hike to Pungyen Gompa, an ancient monastery with outstanding glacier and mountain views.
- Optional acclimatization hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) or the turquoise Birendra Lake.
- Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture, monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal.
- Cross lush forests, suspension bridges, glacial valleys, and high Himalayan landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Driving: Airport transfer (30–60 minutes)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, meet your trekking guide for a briefing and permit check.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu to Machhakhola (930 m)
- Driving Distance: Approximately 160 km
- Driving Time: 8–10 hours
Travel by public bus or private jeep through scenic hills, river valleys, and traditional villages before arriving at Machhakhola.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 3: Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1,340 m)
- Distance: 22 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Gain: +410 m
Follow the Budhi Gandaki River through forests, waterfalls, and suspension bridges before reaching the charming village of Jagat.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 4: Jagat to Deng (1,860 m)
- Distance: 20 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Gain: +520 m
Pass through Philim, Ekle Bhatti, and lush pine forests before reaching the peaceful village of Deng.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2,630 m)
- Distance: 19 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Gain: +770 m
The trail climbs through beautiful forests and Tibetan-style villages with increasingly impressive mountain views.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 6: Namrung to Syala (3,500 m)
- Distance: 14 km
- Walking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +870 m
Walk through Lho village before reaching Syala, surrounded by spectacular views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 7: Syala to Pungyen Gompa and Continue to Samagaun (3,530 m)
- Distance: 14 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Gain: +350 m / Descent: -320 m
Take a scenic side hike to Pungyen Gompa, one of the most beautiful monasteries in the region, before descending slightly to Samagaun.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Samagaun
Option 1: Manaslu Base Camp
- Distance: 14 km (round trip)
- Walking Time: 7–8 hours
- Highest Elevation: 4,800 m
- Elevation Gain: +1,270 m
Option 2: Birendra Lake
- Distance: 6 km (round trip)
- Walking Time: 2–3 hours
- Highest Elevation: 3,700 m
- Elevation Gain: +170 m
Spend the day acclimatizing while enjoying incredible views of Mt. Manaslu and surrounding glaciers.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 9: Samagaun to Samdo (3,875 m)
- Distance: 8 km
- Walking Time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation Gain: +345 m
A short but scenic trek through alpine meadows leads to the Tibetan-influenced village of Samdo.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala (Larke Phedi) (4,460 m)
- Distance: 11 km
- Walking Time: 4–5 hours
- Elevation Gain: +585 m
Gradually ascend toward the base of Larke La Pass while enjoying magnificent mountain scenery.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 11: Dharmasala to Bhimtang via Larke La Pass (5,106 m)
- Distance: 24 km
- Walking Time: 8–10 hours
- Elevation Gain: +646 m
- Descent: -1,731 m
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Cross the spectacular Larke La Pass (5,106 m) before descending through glacial valleys to Bhimtang.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 12: Bhimtang to Tilje (2,300 m)
- Distance: 19 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Descent: -1,250 m
Descend through rhododendron forests, yak pastures, and traditional villages to Tilje.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 13: Tilje to Kathmandu or Pokhara
- Driving Distance: Approximately 230 km to Kathmandu or 170 km to Pokhara
- Driving Time: 8–10 hours
Drive by shared or private jeep through the Marsyangdi Valley to either Kathmandu or Pokhara, marking the end of your Manaslu Circuit adventure.
