Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you planning a Manaslu circuit trek itinerary and trying to work out how many days you actually need? The route is broadly the same, but the way it is divided into walking days can change the experience considerably. Starting from Soti Khola or Machha Khola, adding an acclimatization day in Samagaun, or extending the trip into Tsum Valley can all change the total duration.

A 14 day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary is a common choice because it gives enough time to reach Samagaun, spend a day acclimatizing, cross Larkya La Pass, and finish at Dharapani without compressing too many stages. Shorter itineraries are available, but they leave less flexibility if you are affected by altitude, bad weather or road delays.

Overview of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

The Manaslu Circuit Trek route follows the Budhi Gandaki Valley from the lower foothills towards the high Himalayan villages around Samagaun and Samdo. The trekking section commonly begins at Machha Khola, although some itineraries start from Soti Khola depending on road access. From there, the trail passes through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho and Samagaun before reaching Samdo and Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi.

The highest point of the trek is Larkya La Pass at 5,106 metres, crossed between Dharamsala and Bimthang. The route then drops towards Bimthang, Tilije and Dharapani. Most organised Manaslu Circuit Trek itineraries take 14 to 16 days, including transportation and an acclimatization day. Shorter versions are possible, but they usually combine several walking stages and leave less room for changes caused by weather or altitude.

The total Manaslu Circuit trek distance is approximately 177 km, with the exact distance depending on your starting point and any side trips you choose to include. As a restricted Nepal trekking route, you'll need the required Manaslu Circuit Trek permits and a licensed Manaslu Circuit Trek guide before starting the trek. 

Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Walk from the lower Budhi Gandaki Valley to Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m, the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek elevation profile.
• Stay in villages including Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun and Samdo, with the landscape and architecture changing noticeably as the trail moves higher.
• Spend an acclimatization day in Samagaun and, if time allows, visit Birendra Lake, Pungyen Gompa, or Manaslu Base Camp.
• Arrive in Bimthang after crossing Larkya La Pass, where the harsh mountain landscape gives way to pine forests and open pastures.
• Finish in Dharapani, where the Manaslu route connects with the Annapurna region.

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Itinerary

The Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley itinerary is an extended version of the classic Manaslu Circuit Trek that includes a side trip into the remote Tsum Valley. After reaching Lokpa, the trail leaves the main Manaslu Circuit Trek route and heads towards villages like Chumling, Chhokang Paro, and Nile before reaching Mu Gompa, one of the main highlights of the valley.

If you are searching for a Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary with Tsum Valley, allow more time than the standard circuit because the valley is a separate out and back section rather than a minor detour.

After exploring Tsum Valley, trekkers return to the main trail and continue through Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, and Samdo before crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). The route then descends through Bimthang and ends at Dharapani, where the trail connects with the Annapurna region.

A combinedManaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley requires around 18 to 22 days, depending on acclimatization days, side trips and the exact starting point. The additional days let trekkers spend more time in the villages, monasteries, and landscapes of the Manaslu Conservation Area instead of just speeding through the route.

Best Side Trips from Samagaun During the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Samagaun is the key acclimatization stop on the standard Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary. If you have an additional day here, you can use it for a short local hike or one of the longer side trips around the village. The village is already at a high altitude, so most trekkers spend some time here before continuing towards Samdo and Larkya La Pass. If you have an extra day, a few nearby hikes are worth considering.

Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m): A longer hike from Samagaun that takes you closer to Mount Manaslu. The route offers a different perspective of the mountain and the surrounding glacier area compared to the main trekking trail.

Pungyen Gompa: Located above Samagaun, this monastery is a good short hike if you want to explore more of the area without going too far. It also gives you a chance to see the religious side of the local Tibetan influenced culture.

Birendra Lake: A relatively short walk from Samagaun, Birendra Lake is a glacial lake surrounded by mountain scenery. It is one of the easier options for an acclimatization day.

These hikes are useful for different reasons, so choose according to your condition rather than trying to complete all three. Birendra Lake is the shortest option, Pungyen Gompa gives you a cultural and mountain viewpoint, and Manaslu Base Camp is the most demanding outing.

10 to 12 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

A 10 to 12 day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary is a fast paced version of this Nepal trekking journey, but it is possible and requires combining some parts of the route and spending fewer days at lower elevations. Compared to the usual 14 to 16 day schedule, this version leaves less room for rest and acclimatization.

The shorter route still includes major sections of the Manaslu Circuit hiking, including Machha Khola, Namrung, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharamsala, and the Larkya La Pass crossing before ending at Dharapani. For trekkers planning trekking in Nepal, this option works best if they already have experience with long mountain days and high altitude trails.

Manaslu Circuit Trek 9 Days Itinerary (Compressed Route)

This 9 day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary is a compressed version of the route, starting from Jagat and skipping the usual overnight stay at Samdo. It includes an acclimatization day in Samagaun before heading to Dharamsala and crossing Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m.

This is not the standard Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, so don't choose it just to save a few days, especially if you are a beginner or have little experience trekking at high altitude. The walking times below are approximate and can differ with trail conditions, weather and individual walking speed.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking 14 Days Itinerary

A 14 day Manaslu trekking itinerary allows you to follow the route without speeding on the higher parts of the trail. The trail starts at Soti Khola and gradually moves through the Budhi Gandaki Valley, with an acclimatization day at Samagaun before reaching the higher parts of the route. You then cross Larkya La and descend through Bimthang to Dharapani. The table below shows the Manaslu trekking route, approximate distance, daily walking hours and elevation for each stage.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance, Duration and Elevation

Before starting the Manaslu trek, it is useful to understand the total distance, trekking days and altitude profile. The route covers approximately 177 km and takes 14 to 16 days, depending on the starting point, acclimatization schedule and side trips. For anyone planning trekking in the Manaslu region, these figures give a useful idea of how much time to allow for the journey.

The highest elevation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m, which is crossed between Dharamsala and Bimthang. Most days on the route require 5 to 8 hours of walking, but the time can change depending on the day's distance, altitude, and trail conditions. The journey starts in the lower Budhi Gandaki Valley and gradually moves into higher mountain landscapes, making the Manaslu route one of the more unique options for Nepal trekking.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map and Route

The Manaslu Circuit trek map covers the route from Soti Khola through the Budhi Gandaki Valley and the villages of Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho and Samagaun. From Samagaun, the trail continues to Samdo and Dharamsala before crossing Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m. The route then descends to Bimthang and continues through Tilije to Dharapani, where it meets the Annapurna Circuit route.

The route changes considerably along the way. The lower trail passes through forests and cultivated areas, while the landscape around Samagaun and Samdo becomes more exposed and dominated by rock, pasture and mountain views. The map also makes it easier to see where the main acclimatization stop fits into the journey and how quickly the route gains altitude after Samagaun.

The main Manaslu Circuit route follows Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, Samdo and Dharamsala before Larkya La. After the pass, trekkers descend to Bimthang and continue toward Dharapani. Those adding the Tsum Valley extension leave the main route earlier in the trek, explore the valley, and then return to the Manaslu trail before continuing toward the pass.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

Totrek to Manaslu round journey, trekkers must obtain several official permits as the route passes through restricted and protected area of Nepal. Foreign trekkers cannot enter the restricted area independently and must arrange the required permits through a registered trekking agency. The main permits are the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and, after Larkya La toward Dharapani, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit is required for foreign trekkers entering the restricted area. The permit is issued for a specific number of days and must be arranged through a registered trekking agency. Independent trekking is not permitted in the restricted area, so foreign trekkers must travel with a licensed guide. The MRAP is issued for a specific number of days and must be arranged through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. 

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit is required to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, which protects the region's forests, wildlife and traditional villages. This permit supports conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices. The permit supports conservation work in the area, which includes protecting forests, wildlife and local ecosystems.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is also required because the Manaslu Circuit Trek briefly passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, especially after crossing Larkya La Pass. This permit allows access to the Annapurna region and supports conservation programs and local development projects. 

Cultural Experience Along the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal is not only about mountains and walking trails; it is also a chance to experience the traditional lifestyle of people living in the Himalayas. As the trail goes from lower villages to higher areas, you will notice changes in culture, food, and daily life. Villages like Lho, Samagaun, and Samdo have a strong Tibetan influence because of their location near the Tibetan border.

Along the route, villages such as Jagat, Lho, Samagaun, and Samdo still follow many traditional customs influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. You will see prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens along the trail, which are important parts of local religious practices. Near Samagaun, Pungyen Gompa is a peaceful monastery that shows the strong spiritual connection between local communities and Mount Manaslu.

Life in the higher villages is closely connected with farming and livestock. People grow crops like barley, potatoes, and buckwheat, while yaks and sheep are important for transportation and daily work. Trying local foods like tsampa, butter tea, and homemade bread gives trekkers a better understanding of Himalayan culture while trekking in Nepal.

Respecting local traditions makes the experience more meaningful. Simple actions like greeting locals with “Tashi Delek,” asking before taking photos, and walking clockwise around religious monuments show respect for the communities along the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. These small cultural experiences are what make the Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal more than just a mountain journey.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Tips Before You Go

Proper preparation is important before starting the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Since this is a remote trekking experience in Nepal that reaches high elevations, understanding the route, permits, weather, and basic trekking requirements helps you enjoy the journey more comfortably.

Trek with a Licensed Trekking Guide in Nepal

The Manaslu Trek is located in a restricted area, so foreign trekkers must travel with a licensed trekking guide and obtain the required permits through a registered trekking agency. A local trekking guide helps with route, communication, permits, and provides useful knowledge about the culture and landscapes along the trail.

Take Time for Acclimatization

Following a proper Manaslu Round Trek itinerary with enough rest and acclimatization days is important for adjusting to the increasing altitude. Most itineraries include an acclimatization day at Samagaun before the Larkya La Pass crossing (5,106 m). Walking slowly, staying hydrated, and recognizing the signs of altitude sickness on Manaslu Circuit can help make the trek safer.

Prepare for Mountain Weather

Weather conditions in the Manaslu region can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Carrying proper layers, warm clothing, and waterproof gear will help you stay comfortable during different sections of the Manaslu Circuit Trek route.

Carry Cash and Personal Essentials

The Manaslu region has limited facilities compared with popular trekking areas, so carrying enough Nepalese currency for snacks, charging, hot showers, and other personal expenses is recommended. Packing essential items in advance also helps avoid difficulties on the trail.

Respect Local Culture and Environment

The Manaslu Conservation Area is home to traditional Himalayan communities and diverse natural landscapes. Respect local customs, avoid unnecessary waste, and follow responsible trekking practices while exploring the region.

Physical Fitness and Acclimatization for Manaslu Trek Nepal

• Physical Fitness: The Manaslu Circuit trek involves challenging terrain and high altitudes. Physical and cardiovascular fitness are crucial. Regular hiking and cardio workouts in the months leading up to your trek will help prepare your body.

Successful Tips and Tricks for Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Acclimatization: Acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness. Your Nepal trekking itinerary should include gradual altitude gains and rest days to help your body adjust to reduced oxygen levels as you ascend.

Ask a qualified healthcare professional whether you need medication for altitude illness before the trek. Do not use prescription altitude medication without appropriate medical advice.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Gear

For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you do not need to carry unnecessary items, but a few important pieces of gear can make a big difference. The route reaches the highest point of the trek, Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), where cold weather, strong winds, and long walking days are common.

The things you should never miss include:

• Waterproof trekking boots with good grip.
• A warm fleece layer and down jacket for cold mornings and nights.
• A waterproof jacket and trekking pants for changing mountain conditions.
• Warm gloves, hat, and extra trekking socks for higher elevations.
• A sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures in mountain tea houses.
• Trekking poles for support during steep climbs and descents.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen for protection from strong Himalayan sunlight.
• A headlamp, water bottle, purification tablets or a filter, personal medicine, and a basic first aid kit.
• A power bank, passport, Manaslu Circuit Trek permits, and enough Nepalese cash for expenses along the trail.

How much does it cost for 14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary?

Manaslu Circuit Trekking is an adventure that takes you around the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu. For trekkers who are keen to see the Himalayas, this trek is challenging. However, it is important to understand the costs before planning the trek.

The cost for 14 day Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary depends on the package, group size, and services included. At Nepal Trekking Routes, the package price ranges from US$950 to US$1,520 per person. This price usually includes required permits (Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, and ACAP), a licensed Manaslu Circuit Trek guide, porter service, accommodation in teahouses, meals, transportation from Kathmandu to the trailhead and back, and government taxes.

If you’re trekking in a private group or during the off season, prices may be different slightly. Extra costs like travel insurance, personal gear, snacks, hot showers, charging electronics, and tips for staff are usually not included in the package price and should be budgeted separately.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permits Cost 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek permit cost depends on the season and the number of days spent in the restricted area. From September to November, the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit fee is USD 100 per person for the first week and USD 15 for each additional day. From December to August, it is USD 75 per person for the first week and USD 10 for each additional day.

The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit costs NPR 2,000 for foreign visitors. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit also costs NPR 2,000 for foreign visitors. These fees are separate from the restricted area permit.

The final Manaslu trek permit cost depends on your travel season and the number of days covered by the restricted area permit. A registered local trekking agency arranges the required permits before you enter the restricted area. 

Guide and Porter Fees for Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Hiring a trekking guide in Nepal is mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. A porter is optional but recommended for carrying bags:

• Trekking Guide Cost: USD 25 to USD 40 per day
• Trekking Porter Cost: USD 20 to USD 25 per day

A group of trekkers can share the cost by hiring one guide for the entire team and sharing porters.

Transportation Costs for Manaslu 

Transportation is a significant part of the Manaslu trek cost because the trailhead is reached by road from Kathmandu and the trek finishes at Dharapani. Most trekkers use a local bus or shared jeep to reach Soti Khola, while a private jeep is more practical for groups that want a direct journey.

Kathmandu to Soti Khola: A local bus is the cheaper option, while a private jeep costs more and is shared among several trekkers.

Dharapani to Besisahar: Shared jeeps are commonly used after completing the trek. The fare depends on the season, road conditions and number of passengers.

Besisahar to Kathmandu: Buses and jeeps are available, with the price depending on the type of vehicle and service chosen.

If transportation is included in your Manaslu Circuit Trek package, check whether the price covers private or shared vehicles before booking. Road conditions in the Manaslu area can also affect travel time and transport arrangements.

Accommodation and Food Costs during the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit is mainly in basic teahouses and family run lodges. The Manaslu trek accommodation cost is usually around USD 6 to USD 10 per night, although prices vary between villages and can be higher at greater elevations. Meals commonly cost around USD 5 to USD 10 each, so your Manaslu trek food cost depends on what you order and where you eat. Dal bhat, noodles, soup, potatoes and Tibetan style dishes are commonly available.

For a 14 day trek, you can budget roughly USD 350 to USD 630 per person for food and accommodation. This is an estimate rather than a fixed amount, as prices tend to increase in the more remote villages where food and other supplies are harder to bring in.

If your Manaslu trekking package includes meals and tea house accommodation, check the package inclusions before booking so you know which expenses are already covered.

Miscellaneous Costs

Drinking water, charging, hot showers and snacks are usually paid for separately during the trek. A liter of bottled or treated water may cost around USD 1 to USD 3, while charging a phone or other device can cost around USD 2 to USD 5 at teahouses. Hot showers generally cost around USD 3 to USD 5, although availability varies between villages.

It is worth keeping some extra money for Manaslu trek expenses such as snacks, drinks, charging, showers and small personal purchases. Prices tend to be higher in villages farther from the road, so carrying enough cash for the Manaslu trek is important.

Manaslu Circuit Trek FAQs

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek suitable for first time trekkers?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek for beginners is possible if you are fit and have prepared properly, but it is not an easy introduction to high altitude trekking. The route reaches 5,106 m and some villages have very limited facilities. If you have never trekked at altitude before, choose the regular itinerary rather than the compressed 9 day version.

How cold does it get on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Nights become cold from Samagaun onward, with the lowest temperatures around Samdo, Dharamsala and Larkya La. During late autumn and winter, temperatures can fall below freezing at night. A warm sleeping bag, down jacket, gloves and thermal layers are important for the Manaslu Circuit Trek weather at these elevations.

Is there mobile network on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Mobile coverage is available in some villages but is not consistent throughout the route. Manaslu Circuit Trek internet is also limited. Some teahouses offer WiFi for an extra charge, but the connection can be slow or unavailable. If you need reliable communication, carry a local SIM or another backup option rather than depending on lodge WiFi.

Can I charge my phone on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Many teahouses provide charging, usually for an additional fee. Electricity becomes less reliable as you reach the higher villages, so make sure you carry a power bank for Manaslu Circuit Trek is useful. Keep your phone and power bank protected from very cold temperatures, as batteries lose charge faster in the cold.

Are ATMs available on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

There are no reliable ATMs along the main trekking route. Take enough cash for Manaslu Circuit Trek expenses before leaving the lower road accessible areas. Keep some extra money for food, drinks, showers, charging and unexpected expenses because card payments are not something you should depend on.

Can I get a hot shower on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Hot showers are available at many teahouses, but they are not guaranteed at every overnight stop. They usually cost extra and may become less available as you reach the higher villages. A hot shower on Manaslu Circuit Trek is best treated as an extra facility rather than something you can expect every day.

What food is available on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Teahouses commonly serve dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, soup, potatoes, eggs and Tibetan style dishes. Food on Manaslu Circuit Trek becomes more limited around the higher villages, where fewer ingredients are available. Carrying a few snacks from Kathmandu is useful if you have specific preferences.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek crowded?

The number of trekkers changes with the season. The Manaslu route receives fewer visitors than Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, but it is not empty. Spring and autumn bring the most trekking groups, and popular overnight stops can become busy during these periods.

Can I do the Manaslu Circuit Trek without a guide?

Foreign trekkers cannot enter the restricted Manaslu area without a guide. A Manaslu Circuit Trek guide is required, and the trek must be arranged through a registered trekking agency. This is a permit requirement rather than a recommendation for people who are new to trekking.

Is Larkya La Pass open all year?

No. There is no guarantee that Larkya La Pass will be crossable throughout the year. Heavy snowfall can make the pass difficult or temporarily prevent a safe crossing. Winter trekkers should check recent information from their guide or local agency before heading toward Dharamsala.

Can I add Tsum Valley to the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Yes. The Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek combines the main circuit with a detour into Tsum Valley. The extension adds several days and includes villages and monasteries that are not part of the standard circuit. It should be planned before the trek because the extra distance and accommodation need to be included in the itinerary.

Conclusion: Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary Guide

The right number of days depends on how much time you have for acclimatization, the Larkya La crossing and possible changes on the trail. The standard 14 day plan gives most trekkers enough time to reach Samagaun, continue to Dharamsala, cross Larkya La and finish at Dharapani without compressing the higher stages.

If you have extra time, the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek adds another side of the region, with Tibetan influenced villages, monasteries and less visited trails. If your schedule is limited, the 9 day version should be treated as a specialised option rather than the normal Manaslu trekking route.

This Manaslu Circuit Trek guide gives you the main itinerary options, route details and practical information needed to decide which schedule suits your trek. For most people, giving the trek a few extra days is a better choice than cutting the schedule too close.