Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days

 The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and remote trekking routes, offering raw Himalayan wilderness, authentic cultural experiences, and fewer crowds compared to the Everest or Annapurna regions. Circling the eighth-highest mountain in the world—Mount Manaslu (8,163m)—this 14-day adventure unveils breathtaking alpine scenery, Tibetan-influenced villages, and the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,160m). If you're looking for an unforgettable trekking experience in the heart of Nepal, this guide to the Manaslu Circuit Trek (14 days) is tailored for you.

Sunrise over Manaslu peaks

Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu region lies in the west-central part of Nepal and was opened to foreign trekkers in the 1990s. Despite being remote, it’s rising in popularity among seasoned trekkers who crave solitude and untouched landscapes. Unlike the commercialized routes, the Manaslu Circuit offers pristine nature, monasteries clinging to cliffs, yak pastures, suspension bridges that sway above roaring rivers, and dramatic mountain passes—all without the crowds.

This trek is also ideal for those who want to:

• Experience the Tibetan Buddhist culture up close.
• Cross a high Himalayan pass without excessive altitude sickness risk.
• Support sustainable tourism in lesser-known areas.
• Explore off-the-beaten-path trails and hidden valleys.

Here's a day-by-day breakdown of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, designed to include proper acclimatization and maximum enjoyment:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930m)

Your journey to the Himalayas begins with an early morning drive from the bustling capital, Kathmandu, to the riverside village of Machha Khola. The first leg of the journey takes you through scenic hill towns like Dhading Besi and Arughat. As you leave the paved roads behind and enter rugged terrain, the views become increasingly dramatic. Expect terraced fields carved into steep hillsides, dense forests, and scattered rural homes. The road conditions after Arughat are rough and dusty, but the scenic beauty along the Budhi Gandaki River makes up for the bumps. The journey takes about 8–9 hours by private jeep. Once you reach Machha Khola, you’ll feel the calmness of the river valley settle around you as the sun dips behind the hills.

Day 2: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)

Today, your trek officially begins as you follow the Budhi Gandaki River upstream through narrow gorges and lush hillsides. The trail passes through Khorla Besi, a small Gurung village, and then reaches Tatopani, where you can take a brief rest beside a natural hot spring. The path includes numerous ups and downs, crossing suspension bridges, carved stone steps, and cliff-side walkways. The jungle-covered valley is rich in biodiversity and birdlife. You’ll gradually ascend to Jagat, a traditionally stone-paved village that marks the entry checkpoint of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Jagat, with its tidy houses and welcoming locals, is a beautiful place to experience village life in the mid-hills of Nepal.

Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m)

Leaving Jagat, the trail ascends over rocky ridges and leads into a narrow river gorge. You pass through Salleri and Sirdibas, where Buddhist chortens and prayer flags start to become more prominent, marking the growing Tibetan cultural influence. After crossing a long suspension bridge, you reach the Gurung village of Philim, a well-developed settlement with a police checkpoint and schools. From here, the trail becomes more remote and dramatic as you climb above the Budhi Gandaki, traversing millet fields and bamboo forests. After a descent to the river and a final uphill climb, you’ll reach Deng, a small but culturally rich village where the ethnic mix shifts from Gurung to more Tibetan-influenced communities.

Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m)

Today’s journey is a beautiful blend of nature and culture. The trail climbs through a forest of pine and fir as you continue following the Budhi Gandaki. The gorge gradually opens up, revealing wider views of the valley. You'll pass through charming villages like Rana and Bihi, where you can observe the distinct Tibetan dialect and lifestyle of the locals. Mani stones, prayer flags, and chortens appear more frequently, reflecting the spiritual atmosphere of the region. The final stretch to Namrung includes steep ascents through dense woodland and narrow ravines. Namrung is a well-established village offering excellent views of Ganesh Himal, Siring Himal, and Mt. Himalchuli.

Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,180m)

As you ascend from Namrung, the landscape begins to feel more alpine. The trail leads through rhododendron forests and picturesque barley and buckwheat fields. You’ll pass through the beautiful villages of Lihi and Sho, each adorned with stone houses and elaborate Mani walls. Snow-capped mountains such as Manaslu, Manaslu North, and Naike Peak become visible along the trail. Upon reaching Lho, you’ll be greeted by a stunning panorama of Manaslu towering in the background. Lho is a culturally rich Tibetan village with a large monastery on a ridge above town. It’s worth visiting Ribung Gompa in the evening for its serene ambiance and hilltop views.

Day 6: Trek from Lho to Samagaon (3,520m)

This day offers one of the most scenic stretches of the trek. The trail gently climbs through alpine meadows and pastures, offering continuous views of snow-draped peaks. After passing the village of Shyala, where mountains surround you, the trail enters a wide glacial valley. You’ll then arrive in Samagaon, a large village nestled in the Manaslu Valley and home to a Tibetan community. Wooden homes, yak pastures, and prayer wheels create a tranquil, spiritual feel. Samagaon lies directly beneath Mt. Manaslu and is the base for treks to Manaslu Base Camp and hikes to glacier viewpoints. It’s the perfect place to rest and soak in the high Himalayan aura.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon

To adjust to the increasing altitude, today is reserved for acclimatization. You can take a side hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m), which offers panoramic views of glaciers and towering peaks or opt for an easier hike to Pungyen Gompa, an ancient monastery with mesmerizing mountain backdrops. Both hikes offer great opportunities to explore the landscape and avoid altitude sickness. Back in Samagaon, spend time interacting with locals or simply relax while enjoying the views of Mt. Manaslu, which looms impressively above the village.

Day 8: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m)

Today’s trek is shorter and ideal for gradual acclimatization. You’ll follow the Budhi Gandaki River through a glacial valley, crossing barren hills and yak pastures along the way. The trail opens up with fewer trees and broader landscapes. Samdo, just a few kilometers from the Tibetan border, is a remote Tibetan refugee village where life revolves around animal herding and trade. You’ll see colorful prayer flags, traditional woolen clothes, and stone homes stacked along the hillside. Spend the evening exploring the village or walking up a ridge to view Samdo Peak and the surrounding high passes.

Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Samdo

This is your second acclimatization day before crossing Larkya La. A recommended side hike is to the old trade route leading toward the Tibet border, which rewards you with magnificent views of Manaslu, Simnang Himal, and the remote Larkya Glacier. Samdo is also a great place to observe high-altitude Himalayan birds like the Himalayan griffon or lammergeier. Rest, hydrate, and conserve energy for the challenging day ahead.

Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460m)

The trail today climbs steadily to Larkya Phedi (also known as Dharamsala), the last stop before the high pass. You’ll trek along a ridge with views of Larkya Glacier and snow-covered cliffs. The route is dry, windy, and barren but beautifully stark. The basic lodge at Dharamsala serves as a rest point for trekkers preparing to cross the pass the next day. Due to its high altitude and exposure, it can get very cold and windy here, so it’s important to keep warm, eat well, and sleep early.

Day 11: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and Trek to Bimthang (3,590m)

This is the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek. You’ll start before dawn to ensure you cross the pass before the weather changes. The trail gradually ascends over a rocky moraine with long, steady climbs. After about 4–5 hours, you reach the Larkya La Pass—marked with prayer flags and a signboard. From the top, you can see the magnificent panorama of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, and the Larkya Glacier below. The descent is steep and slippery at times, taking you down to the green meadows of Bimthang, where comfortable lodges and warm food await.

Day 12: Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m)

After the grueling pass, this day’s descent feels heavenly. You’ll walk through pine and rhododendron forests, cross high pastures, and traverse icy rivers. The views of Manaslu’s backside, the Ponkar Glacier, and Mt. Lamjung remain visible in the distance. You’ll pass yak grazing grounds and then descend into warmer, forested valleys. Arriving in Tilije, you’ll find a charming village with a mix of cultures—Tibetan and Gurung influences blend beautifully here. It’s a great place to enjoy a proper hot meal and celebrate your journey.

Day 13: Trek to Dharapani and Drive to Besisahar

Today is a relatively short walk downhill through beautiful farmlands and lush forests. You’ll pass through Thonje and then reach Dharapani, which lies on the famous Annapurna Circuit trail. From here, a jeep takes you to Besisahar, a busy town that serves as the entry point for the Annapurna region. After many days in remote areas, Besisahar feels like a return to civilization—with shops, restaurants, and Wi-Fi available.

Day 14: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu

The final day involves a 6–7 hour drive back to Kathmandu. As you journey through green hills and along winding rivers, you’ll have time to reflect on the unforgettable adventure you’ve just completed. Once back in the capital, you can enjoy a well-earned meal, a hot shower, and perhaps some shopping or relaxation before heading home.

Accommodation and Food During the Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a tea house trek, meaning you’ll stay in local lodges and eat freshly cooked meals. Lodging ranges from very basic (in higher regions like Dharamsala) to cozy and comfortable (in places like Samagaon and Namrung). Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, pancakes, and Tibetan bread are common meals. You can find vegetarian and vegan options easily.

Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Since Manaslu is a restricted area, you need the following permits:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

You also need to trek with a licensed guide and at least two trekkers in a group.

Best Time to Do the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The two best seasons are:

• Autumn (September to November) – Clear skies, vibrant foliage, and perfect weather.
• Spring (March to May) – Blooming rhododendrons, pleasant temperatures, and great mountain visibility.

Avoid the monsoon (June–August) due to landslides and slippery trails, and the dead of winter (late December–February) when the pass may be snow-blocked.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trek

• Train beforehand – Cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and hiking practice help.
• Acclimatize properly – Don't skip rest days.
• Pack wisely – Good hiking boots, layered clothing, a headlamp, a sleeping bag, and a water purifier are must-haves.
• Stay hydrated and eat well – Especially at altitude.
• Respect local culture – Always ask before taking pictures and dress modestly.