Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging journey through one of Nepal’s more remote Himalayan regions. The route follows deep river valleys, passes through mountain villages and Buddhist cultural landscapes, and gradually climbs toward the high country beneath Manaslu.

The defining challenge is the crossing of Larkya La Pass at approximately 16,752 ft / 5,106 m. The circuit offers views toward Manaslu and surrounding Himalayan peaks before descending toward Bim Thang and the lower valleys beyond.

Duration

16 Days

Difficulty

Challenging

Maximum Altitude

16,752 ft / 5,106 m

Accommodation

Lodges

The Route

The journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu toward Arughat before entering the Budhi Gandaki Valley. The trail follows the river through lower-elevation villages and cultivated landscapes toward Soti Khola, Machha Khola and Jagat.

As the route climbs through Deng and Namrung, the surroundings become increasingly alpine and Buddhist cultural influences become more visible. The upper stages continue through Shyala, Samagaon and Samdo toward Larkya Phedi.

The crossing of Larkya La is the highest point of the circuit. From the pass, the route descends toward Bim Thang before continuing through Tilje and eventually reconnecting with the lower valleys toward Besisahar.

What Makes This Trek Special

Larkya La Pass

The crossing of Larkya La at approximately 16,752 ft / 5,106 m is the defining high-altitude challenge of the circuit.

Remote Himalaya

The route passes through a comparatively remote mountain landscape of river gorges, high valleys and small settlements.

Mountain Culture

Mani stones, Buddhist traditions and Tibetan-influenced villages become increasingly prominent as the route climbs into the upper valley.

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel before preparing for the journey into the Manaslu region.

Day 2: Drive to Arughat — 1,988 ft / 606 m
Travel from Kathmandu toward Arughat, the starting area for the journey into the Manaslu region.

Day 3: Trek to Soti Khola — 2,362 ft / 720 m
Follow the Budhi Gandaki River through villages and rice fields, climbing gradually toward Kyoropani before descending to Soti Khola.

Day 4: Trek to Machha Khola — 3,051 ft / 930 m
Cross the river and climb along sections of rocky trail before continuing through the Gurung village of Labishe toward Machha Khola.

Day 5: Trek to Jagat — 4,724 ft / 1,440 m
Continue toward Jagat, passing the natural hot springs at Tatopani along the way. Several steeper and more exposed sections make this a more demanding day.

Day 6: Trek to Deng — 6,102 ft / 1,860 m
Descend toward the river before climbing through a deep gorge with repeated river crossings and views toward Sringi Himal on the approach to Deng.

Day 7: Trek to Namrung — 8,398 ft / 2,560 m
Continue through the valley as mani stones and other signs of Buddhist culture become more prominent. The landscape gradually transitions toward higher alpine terrain.

Day 8: Trek to Shyala — 11,482 ft / 3,500 m
Climb toward the Tibetan-influenced village of Sho, where views toward Manaslu begin to open, before passing through Lho and continuing toward Shyala.

Day 9: Trek to Samagaon — 11,482 ft / 3,500 m
Follow the upper valley toward Samagaon with mountain views forming the backdrop to the day’s walk.

Day 10: Trek to Samdo — 12,467 ft / 3,800 m
Continue gradually higher through the upper Budhi Gandaki Valley toward Samdo as the landscape becomes increasingly sparse and alpine.

Day 11: Trek to Larkya Phedi — 14,632 ft / 4,460 m
Continue into increasingly stark high-altitude terrain beneath snow-covered peaks before reaching Larkya Phedi at the foot of the pass.

Day 12: Cross Larkya La (16,752 ft / 5,106 m) – Trek to Bim Thang (12,139 ft / 3,700 m)
High Pass Day
Climb gradually toward Larkya La at approximately 16,752 ft / 5,106 m. From the pass, views extend across the surrounding Himalayan landscape before a long descent toward Bim Thang.

Day 13: Trek to Tilje — approx. 7,545 ft / 2,300 m
Begin with a gentle climb toward Karcha La before descending through the valley toward Tilje.

Day 14: Trek to Jagat — 4,724 ft / 1,440 m
Continue through farmland, terraces and several villages as the route returns to significantly lower elevations.

Day 15: Trek to Besisahar & Drive to Kathmandu
Complete the final section of the trek toward Besisahar before returning to Kathmandu by road.

Day 16: Depart Kathmandu
Depart Kathmandu for your onward journey.

How Difficult Is the Manaslu Circuit?

The Manaslu Circuit is a challenging trek involving sustained walking, significant elevation gain and travel through remote Himalayan terrain.

The most demanding stage is the crossing of Larkya La at approximately 16,752 ft / 5,106 m, followed by a substantial descent toward Bim Thang.

Trekking through the Manaslu region of Nepal

Altitude & Acclimatization

The circuit climbs gradually from the lower Budhi Gandaki Valley into elevations above 4,000 meters before reaching Larkya La at approximately 5,106 meters.

The gradual progression through the upper valley provides time for the body to adjust as elevation increases.

Learn more about altitude and acclimatization →

When to Trek

Conditions on the Manaslu Circuit vary considerably throughout the year, particularly at Larkya La. Weather, visibility, snowfall and trail conditions should all be considered when choosing when to trek.

Learn more about trekking seasons in Nepal →