Manaslu Circuit Trek
A remote and spectacular circuit around the world's 8th highest peak (8,163m), crossing the Larkya La pass (5,160m). A wilder alternative to Annapurna Circuit.
Gorkha · Gandaki Province
Duration
14–18 days
Distance
177 km
Max elevation
5,160 m
Permit cost
$100
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek loops around the world's eighth-highest mountain, Manaslu (8,163m), through the restricted Nubri and Kutang valleys of Gorkha district. Less crowded than Everest or Annapurna, it combines deep river gorges, Tibetan-influenced Buddhist villages, high pastures and the demanding crossing of the Larkya La pass (5,160m). A restricted-area permit and a registered guide are mandatory, and the trek is graded strenuous. Highlights include Samagaon beneath Manaslu's ice face, the village of Samdo near the Tibetan border, and the long descent to the Annapurna region at Dharapani. Best in spring and autumn; the Larkya La can be snowbound in winter.
Highlights
- check_circleLarkya La Pass (5160m)
- check_circleRestricted area wilderness
- check_circleTsum Valley option
- check_circleNubri culture
- check_circlePungyen Gompa
- check_circleRemote villages
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700m)
Long scenic drive via Arughat into the Budhi Gandaki valley.
Stay: Teahouse, Soti KholaMax alt: 700 mWalking: ~1 hMeals: BLD - 2
Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m)
Trail along the river through waterfalls and terraced fields.
Stay: Teahouse, Machha KholaMax alt: 900 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 3
Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410m)
Cross to Tatopani hot springs and enter the restricted area at Jagat.
Stay: Teahouse, JagatMax alt: 1,410 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 4
Jagat to Deng (1,860m)
Gorge walking past Philim into the Nubri valley.
Stay: Teahouse, DengMax alt: 1,860 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 5
Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
Climb through Buddhist villages with first Manaslu views.
Stay: Teahouse, NamrungMax alt: 2,630 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 6
Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m)
Pass Lho and Shyala with grand views of Manaslu and Naike Peak.
Stay: Teahouse, SamagaonMax alt: 3,530 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 7
Samagaon acclimatisation day
Acclimatise with a hike to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp.
Stay: Teahouse, SamagaonMax alt: 4,400 mWalking: ~5 hMeals: BLD - 8
Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m)
Short climb to the last permanent village before the Tibetan border.
Stay: Teahouse, SamdoMax alt: 3,860 mWalking: ~4 hMeals: BLD - 9
Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460m)
Short ascent to the base of the pass; rest and hydrate.
Stay: Teahouse, DharamsalaMax alt: 4,460 mWalking: ~4 hMeals: BLD - 10
Cross Larkya La (5,160m) to Bimthang (3,720m)
Pre-dawn start for the long, demanding pass crossing with a steep descent to Bimthang.
Stay: Teahouse, BimthangMax alt: 5,160 mWalking: ~9 hMeals: BLD - 11
Bimthang to Dharapani (1,960m)
Long descent through forest into the Marsyangdi (Annapurna) valley.
Stay: Teahouse, DharapaniMax alt: 1,960 mWalking: ~7 hMeals: BLD - 12
Drive Dharapani to Kathmandu
Jeep and bus back to Kathmandu.
Stay: Hotel, KathmanduMax alt: 1,400 mWalking: ~1 hMeals: BLD
Teahouses & homestays
Lodging and food along the route. Book ahead in peak season; availability and prices vary.
Jagat
1,410 mFood: Dal bhat, noodles, eggs; restricted-area permit checked here.
Lodging: Basic stone teahouses with shared facilities.
Namrung
2,630 mFood: Improving menu, bakeries appear; Tibetan bread.
Lodging: Comfortable lodges with some attached baths.
Samagaon
3,530 mFood: Dal bhat, soups, Tibetan dishes; key acclimatisation stop.
Lodging: Several lodges; the largest village on the circuit.
Samdo
3,860 mFood: Limited menu; carbohydrate meals before the pass.
Lodging: Basic high-altitude lodges; very cold nights.
Dharamsala
4,460 mFood: Minimal menu, hot soups; single cluster of lodges.
Lodging: Very basic shelter at the pass base; book early or camp.