The Best Manaslu Circuit Trekking Itinerary

Raj
Updated on July 08, 2024

Since its opening in 1992, trekking in the Manaslu region is slowly coming to the limelight in the trekking communities. Today, around 2,000 people trek to Manaslu yearly. This number may not be significant compared to the other popular trekking destinations in the country. However, given it’s a restricted area trekking and is far more remote than the others, it’s still a great count. 

Being a comparatively new trekking region, there’s still confusion among trekkers about which route to take, which itinerary to follow, or if it’s even safe to trek to Manaslu. But worry not! We’re here to help you. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best Manaslu Trekking Itineraries that you can take depending on the areas you want to cover and the time duration you have. Please go through the listed itineraries, and we’re sure, by the end, you’ll find the one that suits you. 

First, let’s get to know a little more about trekking in Manaslu. The Manaslu trekking region is located in the Manaslu Conservation Area in the west-central Himalayas in Nepal between the Annapurna and Langtang. It is under the Nepal Government’s restricted area so one requires a special Restricted Area Permit along with a Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit to trek here. Furthermore, you must be in a group of at least 2 foreign trekkers to commence the trek and you must be accompanied by a certified trekking guide during the entire trekking journey. So, if safety is your concern, you’re completely safe with skillful Nepali trekking guides. 

The trekking trails in Manaslu feature multiple ups and downs, starting in the sub-tropical hilly forested regions and leading to the barren alpine high-altitude terrain. It is considered a difficult trek so you must be in a great physical and emotional state to complete the trek; previous high-altitude trekking experience is beneficial. As it is a tea house trek, you’ll find basic mountain lodges or tea houses for food and accommodation. The amenities you’ll get up in the mountains are more than basic, so it’s best not to expect any luxury when you’re on the go. 

Now, let’s get to the best Manaslu trekking itineraries. We’ve gathered 7 different itineraries ranging from 12 to 24 days. All these itineraries are carefully planned to provide you with the best Manaslu trekking experience. Go through them and choose the one that fits your preferences.

Manaslu Circuit Trek - 14 Days Itinerary

The Manaslu Circuit Trek of 14 days is the standard Manaslu itinerary that takes you around Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain peak in the world at 8163 meters above sea level. The trip begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. The very next day, you will drive in a local bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, which is the starting point of the trek. Beginning the trekking journey in Soti Khola, you will hike across Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, and Namrung to Sama Gaon, where you spend an acclimatization day at 3390 meters. After a day full of rest, you resume the hike once more from Sama Gaon to Samdo, Larke La Phedi, Larke La Pass at 5135 m (highest point of the trek), Bhimthang, and finally to Dharapani, where the trek concludes. From here, you take a bus back to Kathmandu and say goodbye to Nepal with your final departure on the final day of the trek. It is the classic route and itinerary that most people follow for an appropriate pace and acclimatization.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and Transfer to Hotel (1345m) 

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat (700m) 

Day 3: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m) 

Day 4: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m) 

Day 5: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860m) 

Day 6: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2900m) 

Day 7: Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon (3390m) 

Day 8: Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon (3390m) 

Day 9: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3690m) 

Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Larke La Phedi (4460m) 

Day 11: Trek from Larke La Phedi to Bimthang via Larke La Pass (5135m) 

Day 12: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (1960m) 

Day 13: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu (1345m) 

Day 14: Final Departure from Kathmandu

Trek Cost - US$ 900 to US$ 1025 (depending on the group size)

Manaslu Larke Pass Trek - 16 Days Itinerary

The 16-day Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is another popular Manaslu trekking itinerary which is a little more leisurely than the standard 2-week trip. It includes a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley on the second day of the itinerary before beginning the trekking journey. You will then take a bus trip to Soti Khola on the third day. You will also end the trek in Jagat, instead of Dharapani, which altogether extends the itinerary by 2 more days, making it a total of 16 days. Just like other Manaslu itineraries, you will be walking for about 5 to 7 hours each day in the tough Himalayan terrain of the Manaslu region. Similar to the standard Manaslu Circuit hike, this trekking itinerary also encircles Mt. Manaslu. The highest point of the trek, likewise, is going to be Larke La Pass at 5135 meters. 

Day to Day Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to the hotel 

Day 2: Full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu 

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat Bazaar 

Day 4: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola 

Day 5: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat 

Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Deng 

Day 7: Trek from Deng to Namrung 

Day 8: Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon 

Day 9: Rest at Sama Gaon for Acclimatization 

Day 10: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo 

Day 11: Trek from Samdo to Larkya La Phedi 

Day 12: Trek from Larkya La Phedi to Larkya La Pass to Bimthang 

Day 13: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani 

Day 14: Trek from Dharapani to Jagat 

Day 15: Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu 

Day 16: Transfer to the Kathmandu Airport for your final departure

Trek Cost - US$ 1025 to US$ 1150 (depending on the group size)

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek - 23 Days Itinerary

Manaslu Tusm Valley Trek is one of the longest trekking itineraries in the Manaslu region that takes you to the remote northernmost part of Tsum Valley, in addition to the Manaslu Circuit route in 23 days. Tsum Valley is a hidden valley inhabited by Tibetan descendants who follow the centuries-old Buddhist Bon religion and remain isolated from the rest of the world. Like a standard Manaslu Circuit hike, the trip begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. When you get to Jagat, the route deviates towards Tsum Valley traversing through Lokpa, Chumling, Chhokang Paro, Nile, Mu Gompa, and back to Chumling. The trail reconnects the Manaslu circuit in Deng and follows the classic route, acclimatizing at Sama Gaon, crossing Larke La Pass, and commencing the trek at Jagat. 

If you’re a pro trekker and have enough time on your hands, adding Tsum Valley to the usual Manaslu circuit route is an excellent way to explore the region and learn about its culture in depth.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and Transport to Hotel (1350m)

Day 2: Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley (1350m) 

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m) (7 hours) 

Day 4: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (869m) (7 hours) 

Day 5: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m) (7 hours) 

Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2240m) (7 hours) 

Day 7: Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2386m) (4 hours) 

Day 8: Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3031m) (6 hours) 

Day 9: Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile (3361m) (6 hours) 

Day 10: Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3700m) (3 hours) 

Day 11: Trek from Mu Gompa to Chumling (2386m) (8 hours) 

Day 12: Trek from Chumling to Deng (1860m) (6 hours) 

Day 13: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630m) (8 hours) 

Day 14: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3180m) (5 hours) 

Day 15: Trek from Lho to Sama Gaon (3520m) (5 hours) 

Day 16: Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon (3520m) 

Day 17: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3875m) (4 hours) 

Day 18: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4460m) (4 hour) 

Day 19: Trek from Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass (3590m) (8 hours) 

Day 20: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (1963m) (7 hours) 

Day 21: Trek from Dharapani to Jagat (1300m) (5 hours) 

Day 22: Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu (1350m) (8 hours) 

Day 23: Transport to the international airport for flight departure

Trek Cost - US$ 1295 to US$ 1475 (depending on the group size)

Manaslu Trekking with Nar Phu Valley - 24 Days Itinerary

Another extended Manaslu trek and the longest on our list is the 24-day Manaslu Trekking with Nar Phu Valley. Nar Phu Valley is another restricted area in the Annapurna region. Like Tsum Valley, it is an isolated valley tucked deep in the northern Himalayas and separated from the rest of the world. People here are also Tibetan descendants living a simple life following ancient Buddhist culture. The first segment of the trek takes you around Mt, Manaslu walking on the original Manaslu circuit trail. Once you complete the circuit in Dharapani, you begin the next segment leading to Nar Phu Valley. From Dharapani, you walk to Koto, Meta, Phu Gaon, and to Nar Village passing the Nar Pass at 5306 meters. The trail then crosses Kang La Pass and takes you to Pisang, Dharapani, and Jagat, where the trek ends. This trek is also meant for experienced trekkers who want to go above and beyond with their trekking adventure. 

Day to Day Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel in Thamel 

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat to Soti Khola (700 m) 

Day 3: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870 m) 

Day 4: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1340 m) 

Day 5: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860 m) 

Day 6: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2900 m) 

Day 7: Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon (3390 m) 

Day 8: Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon 

Day 9: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3690 m) 

Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Larke La Phedi (4460 m) 

Day 11: Trek from Larke La Phedi to Bhimtang (3590 m) via Larke La Pass (5160 m) 

Day 12: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani (1860 m) 

Day 13: Trek from Dharapani to Koto (2600 m) 

Day 14: Trek from Koto to Meta (3560 m) 

Day 15: Trek from Meta to Phu Gaon (4080 m) 

Day 16: Excursion around Phu Valley 

Day 17: Trek from Phu Gaon to Nar (4200 m), crossing Nar Pass (5306 m) 

Day 18: Exploration around Nar Village 

Day 19: Trek from Nar Village to Ngawal (3660 m) via Kang La Pass (5306 m) 

Day 20: Trek from Ngawal to Pisang (3200 m) 

Day 21: Trek from Pisang to Dharapani (1860 m) 

Day 22: Trek from Dharapani to Jagat (1300 m) 

Day 23: Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu (1350 m) 

Day 24: Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your final departure

Trek Cost - US$ 1600 to US$ 1800 (depending on the group size)

Manaslu Trekking - 13 Days Itinerary

Manaslu Trekking of 13 days is a short and sweet itinerary in the Manaslu region. This trek is the best for trekkers who are already in Nepal and want to add some adventure to their visit by adding a trek to Manaslu. This itinerary does not include your arrival and departure date to and from Kathmandu, but you have to be in Kathmandu a day prior to the trek departure date to issue the necessary permits. 

On the very first day of the trip, you will be driven from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, which is the beginning point for this particular Manaslu itinerary. From Machha Khola, you trek to Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Sama Gaon, Samdo, Dharamshala, Larke La Pass, Bhimthang, and Dharapani, where the hiking journey ends. Although it’s a short trek, you’ll spend 2 acclimatization days, one at Sama Gaon, where you’ll hike to Pungyen Gumba, and another at Shamdo, from where you’ll go on a day hike to the Tibetan border. 

Day to Day Itinerary 

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola 

Day 2: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat 

Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng 

Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrung 

Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Lho 

Day 6: Trek from Lho to Sama Gaon 

Day 7: Acclimatization at Sama Gaon (day hike to Pungyen Gumba) 

Day 8: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo 

Day 9: Acclimatization at Samdo (day hike to the Tibetan Border) 

Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharamshala 

Day 11: Trek from Dharamshala to Bhimthang via Larkya La Pass 

Day 12: Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani 

Day 13: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu

Trek Cost - US$ 900 to US$ 1025 (depending on the group size)

Manaslu Trek - 12 Days Itinerary

The 12 day Manaslu Trek is another short itinerary for Manaslu and the shortest on our list. Similar to the 13-day itinerary, this one also excludes the Kathmandu arrival and departure days but only has 1 acclimatization day at Sama Gaon, that’s why you can complete the trek in just 12 days. Excellent for time-bound trekkers, this itinerary takes you to all the major attractions that the standard Manaslu Circuit includes. However, you have to be in Kathmandu a day before the trek departure date to begin the trip efficiently as it takes a full day to issue the restricted area permits. Starting and ending in Kathmandu, the trip follows the classic Manaslu Circuit route, starting in Soti Khola, spending a rest day at Sama Gaon, crossing Larke La Pass, and ending the trek in Dharapani.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat 

Day 2: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola 

Day 3: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat 

Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Deng 

Day 5: Trek from Deng to Namrung 

Day 6: Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon 

Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon 

Day 8: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo 

Day 9: Trek from Samdo to Larkye La Phedi 

Day 10: Trek from Larkye La Phedi to Bhimthang via Larkye La Pass 

Day 11: Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani 

Day 12: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar

Trek Cost - US$ 825 to US$ 950 (depending on the group size)

Manaslu Trekking via Barpak - 15 Days Itinerary

Last but not least, we have Manaslu Trekking via Barpak, which begins in Barpak village of Gorkha District, instead of Soti Khola. On the first day of the trip, you drive from Kathmandu to Barpak. Beginning the trek in Barpak, you trek through Laprak, Khorla Besi, and meet the classic Manaslu circuit trail at Jagat. From Jagat, you hike to Deng, Ghap, and Lho before spending a rest day at Sama Gaon. One of the unique features of this trek is the detour to Kal Tak (black lake) on the way from Deng to Ghap and a day trip to the Tibetan border from Samdo. You’ll also trek past earthquake-affected areas of Gorkha District during the initial days of the trip. Beginning and ending in Kathmandu, this 15-day itinerary is an awesome alternative to the classic Manaslu Circuit.

Day to Day Itinerary 

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Barpak 

Day 2: Trek from Barpak to Laprak 

Day 3: Trek from Laprak to Khorla Besi 

Day 4: Trek from Khorla Besi to Jagat 

Day 5: Trek from Jagat to Deng 

Day 6: Trek from Deng to Ghap via Kal Tal 

Day 7: Trek from Ghap to Lho 

Day 8: Trek from Lho to Sama Gaon 

Day 9: Rest Day at Sama Gaon for Acclimatization 

Day 10: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo 

Day 11: Hike from Samdo to the Tibetan Border and back to Samdo 

Day 12: Trek from Samdo to Dharamshala 

Day 13: Trek from Dharamshala to Bhimtang via Larke La Pass 

Day 14: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani 

Day 15: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu 

Trek Cost - US$ 965 to US$ 1095 (depending on the group size)

Manaslu is one of the most beautiful trekking destinations of Nepal with untouched natural beauty to relish throughout the journey. From lush green forests to clear blue skies, from roaring waterfalls to peaceful giant mountains, Manaslu is home to natural wonders that can take anyone’s breath away. Walking past the tiny Himalayan villages, you’ll find out about the rich cultural heritage of the locals reflected in their simple lifestyle. You’ll be hiking high in the Himalayas but the humble locals will keep you grounded in your roots.

With our carefully curated selection of these 7 best Manaslu trekking itineraries, we aim to help you with your Manaslu journey planning. Every trekking package includes transportation, lodging in the Manaslu region with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (wherever applicable), and an experienced guide and potters. To ensure that your vacation is hassle-free, we also handle obtaining the required permits and entrance tickets to the monuments. Make a thoughtful decision because each of the 7 itineraries has unique challenges and specialties. Please contact us if you're still unsure about which option to select.

For more than 20 years, Outfitter Nepal has provided services to the trekking sector in Nepal. We offer the most affordable all-inclusive trekking packages in all of Nepal's Himalayan areas. In addition, we plan trips to many Nepali cities, including Lumbini, Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Travel with a reputable and long-standing local company to experience the real Nepal.

Kindly keep us in mind on your next vacation in Nepal. We are here to help with any travel-related needs around the clock. You can reach us via phone, email (info@outfitternepal.com), or WhatsApp (+977 9851137385), whichever works best for you. Wishing you the best travels in Nepal.


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