Manaslu Circuit Trek – 12 days

Trip Duration

12 Days

Trip Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Highest Altitude

5,160 m (Larkya La Pass)

Accommodation

Teahouses / Lodges

Transportation

jeep

Group Size

2 - 12 people

Best Season

March to May & September to November.

Manaslu Circuit Trek – 12 days Introduction

“Where silence speaks through the cliffs and monasteries, and the mountain reveals itself one sacred curve at a time.”

The twelve-day Manaslu Circuit trek is a compact, immersive Himalayan exploration that takes trekkers around the mighty Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain. This trek is ideal for any trekker who has limited time but a strong desire for a remote experience. The Manaslu Circuit Trek provides trekkers with an in-depth cultural experience and amazing mountain views, including a crossing of the celebrated Larkya La (5,160m). The Manaslu region has a raw and spiritual element that is absent from the busy trails of Everest and Annapurna. This shorter version of the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires a good deal of energy and trekking experience. Most days have sustained hiking with little acclimatization. Nevertheless, for the seasoned trekker, this trek can be said to be one of the best treks in any part of Nepal’s restricted areas.

Highlights

  • Circumnavigate the enormous Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) while visiting remote villages and trekking through wilderness
  • Cross the high and dramatic Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m, which provides sweeping views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II
  • Trek to culturally rich Tibetan-Nubri villages such as Lho, Samagau, and Samdo
  • Trek glacier rivers, suspension bridges, alpine meadows, and deep forested gorges.
  • Because of the restrictions on permit access, fewer trekkers enjoy it.
  • Visit ancient monasteries such as Ribung Gompa and explore the sacred cultural landscape.
  • Stay in local teahouses and enjoy rustic simplicity and warmth.
  • Experience the dramatic change in scenery, from tropical foothills to barren high passes.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola [710m]

*Drive Duration: 8– 9 hours* 

A drive that takes you through the beautiful Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki River banks with terraced fields, waterfalls, village settlements, and riverside areas. Tonight we will sleep on the riverside at Soti Khola.

Day 2: Trek to Machha Khola [900m]

*Trek Duration: 6– 7 hours* 

A day on narrow trails, cliff edges, and riding some forested ridges. We will cross several suspension bridges, walk through Lapubesi before arriving at Machha Khola village.

Day 3: Trek to Jagat [1340m]

*Trek Duration: 6– 7 hours* 

A good day of walking through small communities like Khorlabesi and Tatopani (hot water springs). We will have a gentle climb to Jagat, which is stone-paved and is a UNESCO winter gateway village into the Manaslu region.

Day 4: Trek to Deng [1860m]

*Trek Duration: 6– 7 hours* 

A winding journey through the forest and across bridges, climbing while navigating waterfalls in this river valley. We will visit villages like Philim and Ekle Bhatti before arriving at Deng, passing wild cliffs and streams.

Day 5: Trek to Namrung [2630m]

*Trek Duration: 6– 7 hours* 

This is now a more alpine zone as we trek out of forests between stone staircases, Buddhist chortens, and arrive at Namrung — a cultural doorway to upper Manaslu.

Day 6: Trek to Samagaon [3530m]

*Trek Duration: 6– 7 hours* 

A day of ascending past picturesque villages like Lihi and Lho before reaching Samagaon, while we are surrounded by impressive views of Mt. Manaslu!

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon

Get out and stretch your legs to help with the adjustment to altitude.

Optional hikes:

Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m)

Pungyen Gompa viewpoint

Relax and enjoy the stillness.

 

Day 8: Trek to Samdo (3,875m)

Trek Duration: 4–5 hours 

A trek along the glacial valley passes yak pasture, rocky bed, and eventually arrives in Samdo, the last settlement before the Tibetan border. Samdo is a wind-swept village with Tibetan cultural undercurrents and rich structures.

Day 9: Trek to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460m)

Trek Duration: 4–5 hours

A gradual climb to the last place to stage before the pass, so enjoy some downtime and prepare for tomorrow’s challenge, which will be rewarding. 

Day 10: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m), trek to Bimthang(3,720m)

Trek Duration: 8–9 hours

The summit of your journey: traversing Larkya La Pass with the endless breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and Annapurna II framing the spectacular traverse down to the tranquil meadows of Bimthang. 

Day 11: Trek to Dharapani (1,960 m)

Trek Duration: 7-8 hours 

A long descent through the foothills, forests, pastures, and pleasant Gurung villages, including Tilije, however, reeling in Dharapani as you once again reach the Annapurna Circuit.

Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu

Drive Duration: 9-10 hours 

The transfers required to get back to Kathmandu are to be expected. A jeep ride through Besisahar and onto Kathmandu finishes your epic loop in the Himalaya!

 

Includes

  • All trekking permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, and ACAP
  • Two nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at a three-star hotel (including breakfast)
  • Private ground transportation to Machha Khola and return from Dharapani
  • Nine nights’ accommodation in teahouses during the trek
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Government-certified English-speaking trekking guide 
  • One porter for every two trekkers with a maximum load of 20 kg (shared) 
  • Medical kit and the use of pulse oximeters for monitoring health daily
  • Trekking map and Himalayan Trek Ventures duffel bag 
  • Coordination of emergency evacuation (if required; requires adequate insurance coverage)  
  • All applicable government taxes and paperwork

Excludes

  • International flights and a visa for Nepal
  • Meals and drinks in Kathmandu, except breakfast
  • Personal trekking equipment and clothing
  • Bottled drinks, snacks, internet, hot showers, and whatever else you want to spend money on along the trek.
  • Travel insurance including high-altitude evacuation.
  • Tips for the trekking guide and porter.
  • Extra items for your trek (extra porter, upgrading to private vehicle, etc.)

Trip Map

Gear List

Clothing

  • Thermal Base layers ( 2-3 pairs )
  • Insulated mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
  • Waterproof/windproof shell jacket and pants
  • Trekking shirts and convertible/travel trousers
  • Warm hat, sun hat, gloves (inner and outer)
  • Neck gaiter or scarf
  • Undergarments and warm socks

Footwear

  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Camp shoes or sandals
  • Gaiters (optional for snow or mud)
  •  Sleeping & Equipment
  • Four-season sleeping bag
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • -Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Walking poles Sunglasses with UV protection
  • 30–40L daypack
  • Water bottles and a water purification system
  • Personal hygiene kit (toiletries, towel, wipes)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • First aid kit and personal medications
  • Copies of passport and insurance documents

Important Notes

Due to the permit system for the restricted area, there is a minimum of two trekkers required for every unified planning group.

This is a compressed itinerary and has limited time for acclimatization. This trek is not recommended for first-time trekkers at altitude.

The trekking days require long hours of walking on the trail, which includes 6-8 hours of walking and heaps of ups and downs.

Weather in high altitudes can be challenging and unpredictable, so don’t discount the fact that you will be at higher elevations.

Most of the teahouses are fairly basic, with no guarantee of private facilities, and a proper electricity supply.

We recommend arriving in Kathmandu at least one day before your trek to prepare or rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fit do I need to be for the 12-day Manaslu trek?
You should be in good cardiovascular fitness shape and be able to walk for 6–8 hours each day. Previous experience trekking at altitude is recommended.
How is this shorter version different than the 14-day itinerary?
The 12-day version has fewer acclimatization days or days of rest. It is at a faster pace, so it is more suited to experienced trekkers.
Can this trek be done solo?
No. To trek the Manaslu Circuit, you require at least two trekkers and a registered guide as part of the permit rules around restricted areas.
What would happen in the event of altitude sickness?
Our guide is trained to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness and deal with altitude illness. If needed, an emergency evacuation will be arranged, but your insurance will need to pay for the cost.
Will I have internet access on the trail?
Limited Wi-Fi access is available for a fee in some villages like Samagaun and Lho, but the connections are very slow and unreliable. NTC mobile signal works in some parts of the treks, but you will likely have limited access to it.
Are the meals hygienic and safe on the trail?
Yes, we carefully vet teahouses that we work with, and they follow basic hygiene methods. Only eat freshly cooked food, and do not eat meat above 3000 meters.
How cold does it get on the trek?
At higher altitudes, especially near Larkya La, it can drop to -10 degrees C at night or lower. A good sleeping bag and proper clothing are recommended.
Can I charge my phone or camera along the trek?
Yes, each village has different availability and costs. Please bring a power bank just in case.
Will I need to carry my own bag?
No. Porters will carry your duffel bag (weight limit of up to 10-12 kg). You will only carry a small day pack with water, layers, and your necessities.
Is it obligatory to tip?
It is not obligatory, but it is considered a nice practice. We would recommend tipping a total of approximately 10% of the trek price, to be shared with your guide and porter.
Will the guide speak good English?
Yes, all our guides are licensed and trained, and have good proficiency in English to provide effective communication to you whilst on the trek.
12. Can this trek be extended or modified?
Yes. We can tailor the trek to include Tsum Valley or other acclimatization days if you wish.