The Ultimate Manaslu Circuit Trekking Itinerary
22 May 2023 Chandra Gurung
If you’re looking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek should be at the top of your list. This trekking route is becoming increasingly popular and offers a one-of-a-kind experience as it takes you around the eighth-highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu, which stands at a staggering height of 8,163m. You can uncover all the details regarding the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Itinerary on this site.
Introduction of Manaslu Circuit Trek
Before we delve into the itinerary, let us give you an overview of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The trek will encircle Mount Manaslu, which rises to a height of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet), making it the eighth-highest summit in the world. It is located in Nepal’s Gorkha district. The trek is around 177 kilometres (110 miles) long and takes 14-16 days to complete.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers trekkers a chance to witness the pristine beauty of the Himalayas, explore remote villages, and experience the region’s unique culture. The trek takes you through dense forests, terraced fields, and high mountain passes, making it an exhilarating and challenging journey.
Starting from Soti Khola, you will embark on an exhilarating journey. For a couple of weeks to explore the beauty of Manaslu through trekking. This trek will be the best for those looking to explore the unexplored, isolated areas of the middle Himalayas. With expert guidance and comprehensive support from Himalaya Guide Nepal, you can create a new and exciting chapter . Manaslu circuit trek will be your travel memories for life time.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Itinerary
In this article, Himalayan Guide will provide you with ultimate Manaslu Circuit Trekking itinerary, covering everything from Day 1 to Day 14.
Itinerary Overview
Here is a breakdown of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Itinerary:
Day 0: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 meters)
Day 0: Explore Kathmandu and obtain trekking permits
Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m)
Day 2: From Sota Khola to Macha Khola (900m)
Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m)
Day 4: Jagat to Deng (1804m)
Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2630m)
Day 6: Namrung to Lho (3180m)
Day 7: Lho to Samagaon (3530m)
Day 8: Rest day in Samagaon
Day 9: Samagaon to Samdo (3860m)
Day 10:Samdo to Dharamsala (4460 m)
Day 11:Dharamsala to Bimthang (3590 m)
Day 12:Bumthang to Tilije (2300 m)
Day 13:Tilije – Dharapani to Besisahar (760 m)
Day 14:Besisahar to Kathmandu (1350 m)
Day 0: Explore Kathmandu and obtain trekking permits
Rise and shine! After enjoying a delicious breakfast, it’s time to meet with your guide for the Manaslu circuit trek at our office. The briefing will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with your tour leader and learn more about the planned trekking program before you start your journey.
Hence ,at the briefing, your guide will give you all the detailed information you need before getting ready for the forthcoming journey.
In your spare time today, visit nearby heritage and religious sites steeped in rich history and culture.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m)
Day one of your Manaslu circuit treks, you’ll start your journey from Kathmandu and make your way to Soti Khola, which sits at an elevation of 710m. It will take around 8-9 hours from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, and you will pass through beautiful landscapes and charming villages.
You’ll drive through Dhading Besi, Arughat, and finally reach Soti Khola. Walking toward Soti Khola, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery, including rolling hills, lush forests, and the roaring Budhi Gandaki River.
Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m)
On second day of your trek, you’ll leave Soti Khola and make your way toward Machha Khola, which sits at an elevation of 900m.
The trail will take you through charming villages and lush forests, and you’ll cross several suspension bridges. Depending on your pace, it will take 6-7 hours to get to Machha Khola from Soti Khola. As you approach Machha Khola, you’ll notice the landscape changes, with more rocky terrain and fewer trees. We will spend that night at a lodge by the Gurung community.
Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m)
On day three, we’ll start our journey to Jagat, 1410m above sea level. The trekking trail from Machha Khola to Jagat takes you through a mix of terrain, from rocky paths to lush forests, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
As you go along the trail, you’ll cross the Machha Khola River and climb a steep hill before descending to a sandy river bed. After crossing the river, you’ll trek through small villages and farmlands before arriving at Jagat, a small village on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River.
Day 4: Jagat to Deng (1804m)
Day fourth of trek, you’ll leave Jagat and continue towards Deng, which sits at 1804m.
Even though a series of difficult ascents and descents and some lovely woods and tiny settlements are all part of the walk from Jagat to Deng. It will be a wonderful trek.
The scenery starts to alter as you get closer to Deng, with more rocky cliffs and rougher terrain becoming more common. Deng, a little village with a few teahouses and shops, is a nice stop to relax and replenish before continuing your journey.
Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2630m)
On the fifth day of your Manaslu circuit trek, you’ll leave Deng and continue towards Namrung, which sits at 2630m.
The trekking trail from Deng to Namrung takes you through some stunning forests, rocky cliffs, and small villages. Namrung is a small village with a few teahouses and shops known for its stunning views of Manaslu and the surrounding mountains.
Day 6: Namrung to Lho (3180m)
Next day of your Manaslu circuit trek, you’ll leave Namrung and continue towards Lho, which sits at 3180m.
The trekking trail from Namrung to Lho takes you through incredible alpine forests, rugged terrain, and small villages. Along the trail, you’ll see beautiful views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, especially Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
Day 7: Lho to Samagaon (3530m)
Seventh day of your Manaslu circuit trek, you’ll leave Lho and continue towards Samagaon, which sits at 3530m. Samagaon is a small village with a few teahouses and shops and is known for its incredible views of Manaslu and the surrounding mountains.
You can visit the nearby Pungyen Gompa, a centuries-old Buddhist monastery, and learn about the rich culture and history of the region. Get a good night’s rest and prepare for the next day’s trek, which will take you further into the mountains and offer even more incredible views.
Day 8: Rest day in Samagaon
Acclimatization is crucial for safe and effective Mountain trekking. Samagaon, 3525 meters above sea level, is the perfect place to recuperate and plan upcoming treks. The magnificent mountain views from the village make it worthwhile for you to visit.
Around Samagaon, there are many chances for short hikes. A few popular hiking spots near Samagaon are Punggyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, and Monastery of Sama Town. Spend the evening at a lodge.
Day 9: Samagaon to Samdo (3860m)
On day nine of your Manaslu circuit trek, you’ll leave Samagaon and continue towards Samdo, which sits at 3860m.
The trekking trail from Samagaon to Samdo takes you through some stunning alpine landscapes, with towering mountains and glaciers all around you. As you ascend higher into the mountains, you’ll notice the effects of altitude, making trekking more challenging. Animals like the Himalayan blue sheep and beautiful birdlife might also be seen.
Day 10:Samdo to Dharmsala (4460 m)
Tenth day of your Manaslu circuit trek, you’ll leave Samdo and continue towards Dharamshala at an elevation of 4460m. You will encounter some incredibly rugged terrain, with rocky cliffs, glaciers, and stunning mountain views through the path from Samdo to Dharamsala.
In fact, Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, is the final halt before navigating the Larkya La Pass and is a small community with a few teahouses and shops. Take in the breathtaking views in Dharamsala before having a full night’s sleep and getting ready for the strenuous walk over the pass the following day.
Day 11:Dharamsala – Larkya Pass to Bimthang (3590 m)
You will depart Dharamsala on day eleven of your Manaslu circuit trip and start the strenuous walk over the Larkya La Pass, located at 5160m, before descending to Bimthang at 3590m.
One of the hardest parts of the Manaslu circuit trek is the walk through the Larkya La Pass, which features steep slopes and rocky terrain. Whereas the pass provides breathtaking views of the area’s mountains, glaciers, and valleys, but it’s crucial to move gently and pay attention to your health to prevent altitude sickness.
Next you will start your descent toward Bimthang after passing through the pass. As you descend into the lower altitudes’ lush trees, the trail progressively becomes less strenuous after first being steep and rocky. Likewise, spend time exploring the village and enjoying the beautiful surroundings before resting in your accommodations for the night.
Day 12: Bimthang to Tilije (2300 m)
On day twelve of your Manaslu circuit trek, you’ll leave Bimthang and continue your descent through the lush forests. Similarly, the valleys towards Tilije, with stops at Yak Kharka and Gho.
The trek from Bimthang to Yak Kharka is relatively gentle, gradually descending through lush forests and small streams.
Then the trail between Yak Kharka and Gho is relatively flat and easy. The trail is gentle and easy that descent through the forests and meadows. Furthermore , spend some time at Gho resting and recharging before continuing to Tilije.
Day 13:Tilije to Besisahar (760 m)
This day will be your last day at Manaslu circuit trek. Therefore you’ll leave Tilije and continue your descent towards Besisahar, with stops at Dharapani and Tal along the way. In addition,the journey from Tilije to Dharapani is straightforward, consisting of a steady downhill via many villages and terraced fields.
You will go from Dharapani to Tal, a little community at the base of an amazing waterfall. Again the route from Dharapani to Tal is generally flat and simple, gently descending through meadows and woodlands. Following this before going to Besisahar, stop and rest for a while at Tal.
The last section of the journey from Tal to Besisahar is straightforward. The charming villages, terraced farms, lovely forests, and streams will make you delighted. Besisahar is the end point of a 14-day-long trek.
Day 14:Besisahar to Kathmandu (1350 m)
Next you will depart Besisahar on the fourteenth day.It will be your last day of your Manaslu circuit trip and return to Kathmandu by bus or jeep.It will all depend on your preferences.
Hence, the drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu takes around six to seven hours. And you’ll pass through some stunning landscapes and small towns.
