Total Distance of Manaslu Circuit Trek
The standard trail of the Manaslu Circuit Trek covers 177 kilometers (110 miles) in total distance. You have the flexibility to choose Machha Khola ahead of Soti Khola as your starting point, as most do. Why? Beginning your trek at Machha Khola with an endpoint at Dharapani lowers the overall distance to 145 kilometers, which equals 90 miles! The total distance spans 160 and 180 kilometers according to your route, rest day, and walking speed. Trekking the Manaslu Circuit route demands 11 to 14 days with daily walks at distances between 10 to 20 kilometers per day.
Also, the distance will lengthen when you choose to explore side trips during your trek. The additional stop at Tsum Valley adds 200 kilometers to the total trekking distance. Beginning your trek from the lower point of Arughat, combined with ending beyond Dharapani, will result in increased total distance.
But at the end, every step becomes rewarding because you can enjoy scenic views of mountains combined with valleys and traditional village landscapes.
Daily Distance Breakdown and Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu (1380m./4528 ft.), to MacchaKhola (930 m./3051 ft.), 8-9 hours | 147 km
Your travel will begin on the third day with a lengthy Kathmandu to Maccha Khola journey. The trip requires 8-9 hours of driving to travel 147 kilometers (91 miles). The route crosses through lush hills with rushing rivers along its path. Your travel by bus or jeep will provide spectacular views of rural scenery as it makes its way uphill and downhill. The mountain settlement of Maccha Khola exists at 930 meters above sea level.
Day 02: Trek from MacchaKhola (930 m./3051 ft.), to Jagat (1349 m./4397 ft.), 5-6 hours | 19 km
You begin your first walking day today. The journey from Maccha Khola to Jagat will take 5-6 hours to complete its 19-kilometer (12 miles) distance. The trail runs parallel to the Budhi Gandaki River while it ascends and descends multiple times. During your walking route, you will walk through villages where you get to observe local people doing agricultural work in their fields. At Jagat, you will reach 1349 meters (4397 feet) elevation where you will find the neat stone-paved village.
Day 03: Trek from Jagat (1349 m./4397 ft.), to Deng (1804 m./ 5920 ft.) via Phillim , 6-7 hours | 21 km
Walking between Jagat and Deng requires 6-7 hours to finish the 21 kilometers (13 miles) long route. A short distance from your way lies the charming traditional village of Phillim. The trail runs through bamboo forests and traverses different bridges above the river. The walk reveals evolving scenery that reflects different cultural elements. Deng stands at 1804 meters above sea level (5920 feet) which marks your transition into Tibetan cultural territory. Your experience of thinner air will become noticeable when reaching higher elevations.
Day 04: Trek from Deng (1804 m./ 5920 ft.) to Namrung (2630 m./ 8629 ft.), 6-7 hours | 19 km
The path from Deng to Namrung town covers 19 kilometers (12 miles) and requires 6-7 hours for completion. The path becomes progressively steeper as you ascend higher while crossing forests and small streams. Entering Namrung, you begin to see larger peaks emerge in the distance. Reaching Namrung at 2630 meters (8629 feet) elevation will place you much higher than your starting point.
Day 05: Trek from Namrung (2630 m./ 8629 ft.) to Shyala via Lho village (3575 m./11734 ft.), 5-6 hours | 12 km
Your journey moves between Namrung and Shyala today while passing through the scenic Lho village. Your journey will take you 12 kilometers through 5-6 hours of hiking until you arrive at Namrung. The path steadily climbs up through pine and rhododendron forests which span the entire journey. From Lho, you gain your first clear view of Mount Manaslu. Shyala stands at an elevation of 3575 meters (11734 feet), where you can witness spectacular neighboring mountain views. The reduced air pressure requires you to move at a slower pace while taking sufficient water breaks.
Day 06: Trek from Shyala (3575 m./11734 ft.), to Samagaun via Pyungen Gompa (3530 m./11582 ft.), 4-5 hours | 8.6 km
You will walk 8.6 kilometers (5.3 miles) during 4-5 hours in this brief trekking day. Beginning in Shyala, you will walk to Samagaun where you will cross the Pungen Gompa Buddhist monastery en route. The trail maintains a flatter terrain than that of the preceding days. The elevation of Samagaun reaches 3530 meters (11582 feet) as it exists in an expansive valley containing potato farms and yak grazing areas. The community displays deep Tibetan influences through its prayer flags while mani walls bearing prayers decorate the landscape.
Day 07: Acclimatization in Samagaun (3530 m./11582 ft.), Hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake (optional)
The day in Samagaun has been designated as a rest day, but not to sit around in the thalouses. It is acclimatization day! Your two hiking options include either going to Manaslu Base Camp or trekking to Birendra Lake. The short treks enable your body to develop its ability to cope with thin air. You follow an upward trail to higher elevation points then descend back down to rest at Samagaun.
Day 08: Trek from Samagaun (3530 m./11582 ft.) to Samdo (3875 m./12718 ft.), 5-6 hours | 14 km
The next journey takes you 5-6 hours to walk 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) from Samagaun to Samdo. Ancient trading paths led people toward Tibet as they walked along this route. You will encounter high alpine meadows together with wooden bridge crossings. The settlement at Samdo stands as the highest permanent stop on the trail at 3875 meters (12718 feet). You will experience breathtaking views since you are now near the massive mountain peaks.
Day 09:Acclimatization Day at Samdo, Trip to Tibetan Border (Rui La Pass), 4-5 hours | 12 km
Today serves as an acclimatization day while you travel to the Tibetan border. You will spend 4-5 hours hiking around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) toward Rui La Pass (4998 meters) which starts from Samdo. You will make a round trip to return to Samdo before spending the night there. You can view Tibet across the valley while standing at the high elevation points.
Day 10: Trek from Samdo (3875 m./12718 ft.) to Dharamsala (4,770m./15,646ft ft.), 4-5 hours | 9 km
The route from Samdo to Dharamsala (known locally as Larkya Phedi) has a total distance of 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) and will take 4-5 hours for completion. You will reach your highest elevation for sleeping at Dharamsala which stands at 4770 meters (15646 feet). The path leads upwards through barren rocky terrain without any vegetation. Due to the thinness of the air you should walk at a slow pace. Dharamsala operates as a modest lodge that functions as the gateway to the major pass.
Day 11: Trek to Bhimtang (3720 m./12207 ft.) via crossing over Larkya La Pass (5106 m./16754 ft.), 8 hours | 24 km
The trek leads from Dharamsala to Bhimtang, where you will pass through the peak elevation point Larkya La Pass at 5106 meters (16754 feet). The challenging segment requires 8 hours to complete its 24-kilometer (15-mile) route. Your expedition starts before sunrise, marking the beginning of what will be a very lengthy morning. An intense, steep terminal combined with rocky terrain leads to the top of the pass with remarkable views of numerous mountain peaks. A long forward journey leads to Bhimtang at 3720 meters (12207 feet) where downhill walking makes the path less difficult.
Day 12: Trek from Bhimtang (3720 m./12207 ft.) to Dharapani (1860 m./6104 ft.), 7 hours | 18 km
After the big day, you will cover 18 kilometers (11 miles) and take about 7 hours to reach Dharapani. Most of the day involves descending as you drop about 2000 meters (6500 feet) in elevation. You will enter forests once again before the air density and temperature begin to increase. Your legs will be particularly tired because of the extended downhill trek. Dharapani exists at 1860 meters (6104 feet) while serving as a stopping destination along the Annapurna Circuit Trek route.
Day 13: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu or Pokhara, 7-8 hours
Your last day consists of a drive from Dharapani toward either Kathmandu which is located at 1380 meters elevation or Pokhara at 830 meters elevation. The entire route extends across 7-8 hours as you travel along mountain roads. The journey takes you through scenic valleys and touches various riverbanks. When you approach the cities, more villages and agricultural land become visible.
Types of Itineraries that Influence the Distance and Time Coverage
Want to explore the Manaslu Region with diverse needs? Your Walking distance and duration differ based on the chosen Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary. This trekking experience can be finished in different amounts of time due to the diverse trek lengths. Here are some popular options available:
Standard Itinerary (Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 days)
The standard Manaslu Circuit Trek attracts the most hikers among all the available routes. Spending 16 days on the trek will allow you to explore the views while your body acclimatizes itself to the high-altitude conditions. Your journey starts with two days in Kathmandu before reaching Maccha Khola to start trekking. Your body needs two rest days to adapt properly to the reduced oxygen levels at high elevations. You will ultimately traverse 177 kilometers and cross Larkya La Pass, which stands at 5106 meters.
Short Itinerary (Short Manaslu Circuit Trek 10 days)
Short on time? For people who want to experience Mount Manaslu without taking too much time, the short Manaslu trek suits all their needs. You can experience the same main route in 10 days, where you will speed up the journey and avoid rest stops on selected days. Going through this region demands more effort from your body because it must adjust to high altitudes within less time.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The Manaslu Circuit gains additional beauty by including the scenic exploration of Tsum Valley as an optional tour. The total distance of the Manaslu and Tsum valley Trek extends by 50-60 kilometers, while it requires around 20 days to complete. The old Tibetan Tsum Valley features stunning monasteries and breathtaking mountain panorama views.
Manaslu Round Trekking
The Manaslu Round trek follows the main circuit route while making optional additional stops at viewpoints or villages outside the main path. It lasts 15 days and covers 177-190 kilometers in total distance. It is the same as the standard Manaslu circuit and follows the same acclimatization days; hence, you can choose either the classic Manaslu Trek route or this. It simplifies the same, but yes! there are some price differences for sure!
Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek
Following the standard trail, the budget option maintains straightforward lodging at rustic teahouses and provides minimal dining experiences. The Budget Manaslu trek requires 14 to 16 days while traveling the same 177 kilometers of distance. The best part? This trek reduces expenses while providing the same path as standard routes.
Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek
The lengthy combination of the Thorong La and Larkya La Pass Trek connects two well-known treks in Nepal into a single enormous expedition that takes 23 days to complete while traversing approximately 300-350 kilometers. After finishing the Manaslu Circuit route, you proceed to the Annapurna Circuit Trek instead of taking a vehicle back to Kathmandu from Dharapani. You get the best of both worlds!
Highest Elevation along the Trail
Larkya La Pass stands as the highest elevation along the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which is located at 5,160 meters (16,930 feet) above sea level. The majority of trekking groups cross Larkya La Pass during their day 13 itinerary while undertaking the standard trek route during morning hours. As you stand at the summit, you will observe more than ten recognizable peaks as well as Mt Manaslu, Annapurna II, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Cheo Himal.
Long Duration and Trekking Hours
You will need to walk 5-7 hours throughout each day during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. You will spend 4-5 hours walking on shorter days but the most strenuous day will require 8-9 hours to cross Larkya La Pass. But don't worry! At elevated areas with thin air, your guide will maintain a controlled walking speed. Walking hours include a brief snack, photo stops, and a longer lunch break.
Highlights of The Manaslu Trek And Key Stops
- Get amazing views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world's 8th highest mountain, from Manaslu Base Camp and throughout the trail
- A feeling of accomplishment emerged from conquering the demanding Larkya La Pass which reached 5,160 meters.
- Walk in off-beaten and less crowded trails compared to other popular treks
- Explore the sacred Birendra lakes which have turquoise water and take a journey to the Tibet Border at Rui La Pass
- Travelers can observe various biodiverse regions which span from subtropical forests to alpine meadows
- Authentic Tibetan Buddhist cultural experiences in remote mountain villages
- See the historical monasteries of Pungyen Gompa and Mirapa Cave
Samagaun (3,530m)
Samagaun is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist village and your first acclimatization stop while hiking the Manaslu Circuit. The village of Samagaun extends across a wide valley beneath Mount Manaslu as it maintains a Tibetan heritage, where each stone house includes flat roofing. The village possesses one of the most beautiful old monasteries, named Pungyen Gompa, adorned with colorful prayer flags. Your acclimatization day at this location offers you time to adjust your body to the elevated altitude while standing as one of the most genuine mountain settlements along the trekking route.
Birendra Lake
You can find the charming blue glacial lake Birendra Lake at 3,700 meters, next to Samagaun village. The walking journey from Samagaun to this destination requires 2 to 3 hours, which makes it an ideal spot for people who want to acclimatize. You can see Mount Manaslu perfectly from the calm, blue-green lake surface.
Manaslu Base Camp
The next acclimatization stop is Manaslu Base Camp which reaches 4,400 meters elevation which requiring between 4-5 hours of trek from Samagaun. The base camp features colorful tents belonging to climbing teams when they operate in the climbing season. The highlight? You obtain stunning perspectives of both Manaslu Glacier and the southern face of Manaslu.
Samdo (3,875m)
Samdo exists as the final permanent settlement before the Larkya La Pass which is located just 15km away from the Tibet border. With around 40 houses and monastery and a school, Samdo operates as a permanent settlement at this high-altitude pass. People use Samdo as their final base before attempting the challenging high pass.
Tibetan Border (Rui La Pass)
The trek from Samdo village leads to Rui La Pass (4,700 meters)where you can visit the Tibet border within one day (4-5 hours). The historical trading route guides you through stunning mountain scenery and rocky terrains. The detour trip allows your body to adjust properly while exposing you to meaningful Tibetan cultural aspects during your trek to Manaslu.
Optional Side Trips and Extension during the trek to Manaslu Circuit
Want to make your Manaslu Circuit Trek more rewarding? Check out the following side trips and extension options for a more meaningful journey:
Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4-5 days)
A northwest extension originating at Khorlabesi leads you through untouched forested landscapes and Gurung ethnic villages until the base of magnificent Ganesh Himal. Along this less popular route, you will have a peaceful time in alpine meadows while enjoying grand views of peaks inspired by Hindu mythology.
Monastery Circuit (2-3 days)
A religious trekking path runs through numerous secluded Buddhist places of worship that you cannot access by typical paths. Climb up from Sama Gaun to reach Mu Gompa at 3,700m then continue walking to Gumba Lungdang to witness Tibetan monks conducting their morning prayers in a serene environment.
Gorkha Durbar Trek (3-4 days)
Experience historical Nepal by wandering through sites that created the unified nation. Before starting your mountain adventure, you will explore terraced cultivation fields which lead to Gorkha Palace to learn about the local culture.
Manaslu Conservation Area Wildlife Tour (2 days)
Are you a nature lover? This guided pre-trek tour organizes wildlife observation through the Manaslu Conservation Area. The diverse ecological zones maintain a habitat for red pandas along with Himalayan tahr and more than 110 different bird species.
Ruby Valley Route (5-6 days)
A less popular route links the Manaslu region to Langtang while sharing the unspoiled landscapes of Ruby Valley which includes natural hot springs with unvisited villages.
Alternate Treks for Newbies
The Manaslu Circuit is a trek that can be done by newbies but the majority opt for simpler routes. Most newbies may find the remoteness and limited accessibility of the Manaslu region intense for the first time. The restricted area needs a guide compulsorily and the trails are rugged and hard to navigate. If you are looking for something less demanding that is not inside a restricted as well as easily accessible with proper facilities along the route, there are many options to choose from. Beginners can try out simpler treks that best fit their level.
The Poon Hill Trek stands as an optimal choice for anyone starting their trekking journey. The total duration for this trek is 4-5 days with about 4-5 hours of daily walking that reaches up to an elevation of 3,210 meters. You can admire spectacular sunrises while looking at numerous big mountains from Poon Hill.
The Mardi Himal Trek combines easy level difficulty with a suitable challenge for those new to trekking. This 5-7 day trek requires daily walking distances of 5-6 hour,s which leads you near the Annapurna mountain range without excessive heights. The highest point reaches 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp for stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Langtang Valley Trek is perfect for first-timers who want to revel in cultural immersion, while reveling in the amazing views of the mountains and conveniently reachable from the capital, Kathmandu. This 7-8 day trip requires 5-6 hours per day of walking and you can reach up to 3870 meters to Kyanjin Gompa and you can climb Kyanjin Ri. The trek provides a chance of getting to see Tamang heritage, Buddhist monasteries as well as yak pastures while enjoying the sight of Langtang Lirung and other peaks.
The Khopra Ridge Trek provides an excellent alternative to more crowded trails that takes 7-9 days with 5-6 hours of trekking a day which is not difficult for a beginner. Rising to its highest level at 3660 meters, the trail offers stunning panoramas of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Ranges, taking you through traditional villages and lush rhododendron jungle.
Tips for Planning Your Manaslu Circuit Trekking
- You need a Restricted Area Permit combined with Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit to trek in Manaslu region of Nepal.
- A guide is mandatory for the Manaslu region according to Nepali legal requirements. A quality guide possesses complete knowledge of the region's geographical characteristics as well as local customs and proper safety procedures for high-altitude environments.
- The most favorable periods for Trekking Manaslu Circuit span from spring months of March to May and fall months of September through November. Larkya La Pass becomes extremely hazardous in winter due to heavy snow while summer conditions include monsoon rains, leeches and trail blockages.
- The Manaslu Circuit is challenging! You need to exercise with cardio equipment together with stair climbing and long-distance backpacking sessions, for at least 2-3 months leading up to your trek.
- Your high-altitude hike requires good hiking boots together with warm layers and quality sleeping bag equipment but remember, additional weight makes you feel heavier at these altitudes.
- Never rush at high altitude. Climb high during daylight and sleep at lower altitudes while implementing rest days according to plan. You should consume about 3-4 liters of water each day while avoiding alcoholic beverages.
- You need to bring sufficient cash since there is no ATM service available during the trek. You need to bring Nepali rupees to cover costs like food, accommodation, and additional porters in addition to emergency funds.
- Get insurance coverage that includes helicopter evacuations extending to heights of 6,000 meters because typical travel insurance plans do not provide this option for high-altitude activities.
Conclusion: Final Say
Whether short or long, no matter the length of your Manaslu Trek, this trek offers thrilling opportunities for people seeking adventure to witness Nepal's stunning mountain panorama. Trekking 177 kilometers across 14-16 days permits explorers to experience this perfect blend of exploration and scenery. Wandering from green valleys to the magnificent Larkya La Pass summit at 5,160 meters will allow you to admire stunning scenery while encountering different ethnic groups.
Check out our diverse and customizable Manaslu Circuit Trek Packages that fit all your needs. Contact Us anytime.
