How long is Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek – A Himalayan Solitude Adventure

Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a real and the most natural trekking experience in Nepal's restricted zone. The Manaslu trek begins with an 8- to 10-hour jeep or bus ride from Kathmandu to Machhakhola at 930 meters / 3,051 ft. The journey back is through Dharapani at 1,963 meters / 6,440 ft. to Kathmandu via Besisahar. The total Manaslu trekking walk distance from Machhakhola to Dharapani is approximately 110 miles (177 km).

Trekking Highlights

• Cross dramatic Larke La Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft)

• Explore traditional Gurung and Tibetan villages

• Explore Manaslu Conservationa Area

• Explore ancient Monsteries alogn the trail

• Vist and Explore high freshwater lake like Birendra Lake

• Hike through Budhi Gandaki River gorge

• Visit Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m / 15,748 ft) from Samagaon

• Enjoy close views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft)

• Witness views of Himalchuli (7,893 m / 25,896 ft), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m / 25,823 ft), and Ganesh Himal (7,422 m / 24,350 ft)

• Enjoy solitary walk, true remoteness and wilderness

Trail Conditions and Difficulty

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trails involves steep climbs, rugged terrains, and river crossings. The hardest part is Larke Pass crossing due to cold, snow, and thin air. The trek is moderately to highly demanding and requires good physical condition. Trails remain remote and peaceful.

Food and Accommodation

• Sleep in basic teahouses with shared rooms and minimal power

• Try local Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, and Tibetan bread

• Hot showers and internet connectivity are provided at some villages at an additional charge

Trekking Time and Daily Overview

• Total trekking time: 12–15 days

• Average daily hike: 6–7 hours

• Average walking distance daily: 8–12 miles (13–20 km)

• Total hiking time for entire trek: 80–100 hours

Transportation

• Jeep/bus drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola: 8–10 hours

• Return trip by jeep/bus from Dharapani or Besisahar to Kathmandu: 9–11 hours

Best Time for Trek to Manaslu

• Spring season (March through May)

• Autumn season (September through November)

• These months offer clear skies, pleasant weather, and mountain scenery.

14 Days Manaslu Trek | 14 days

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Permits and Guide Requirement

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Licensed guide is necessary

Porters are optional but not required

Trekking to Manaslu Circuit is best suited for adventure seekers looking for off-the-beaten-path Himalayan trekking in Nepal.

How long is Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek from Machhakhola to Dharapani is around 177 kilometers and takes 12 to 14 days. The trek starts at Machhakhola (869m) and gradually moves higher to Larkya La Pass (5,160m), which is the highest altitude of the trek.

Important places/ stops during Manaslu Cirucit Trek are at Jagat (1,340m, 15km), Deng (1,860m, 20km), Namrung (2,630m, 19km), Lho (3,180m, 11km), Samagaon (3,530m, 8km), and Samdo (3,875m, 7km).

A rest day at Samagaon facilitates acclimatization in Manaslu Cirucit Trek. From Dharamsala (4,460m, 6km), trekkers cross the icy Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and go down to Bimthang (3,590m, 16km).

The final stretch of Manaslu Ccirucit Trek goes through Tilije (2,300m, 17km) to Dharapani (1,860m, 6km).

This Manaslu trek offers remote trails, mountain landscapes, and Tibetan culture. It's best done in spring (Mar-May) or autumn (Sep-Nov) for favorable weather and safe conditions.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance: Machhakhola to Dharapani

Manaslu Cirucit Trek from Machhakhola (869 m) to Dharapani (1,963 m) trail is about 177-180 km. The terrain has drastic height gains, river crossings, forest, and high-altitude village walks. It normally takes 7–8 days. A day-to-day distance, elevation, and approximate hiking time summary is provided below.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance: Machhakhola to Dharapani Chart

| (1,340 m)/t22 km / 6–7 hrs
| | Day 2: Jagat – Deng
| (1,804 m)/21 km / 6–7 hrs
| | Day 3: Deng – Namrung
| (2,630 m) /19 km / 6–7 hrs | | Day 4: Namrung – Lho
| (3,180 m)/ 11 km / 4–5 hrs | | Day 5: Lho – Samagaon
| (3,530 m)/8 km / 4 hrs | | Day 6: Acclimatization at Samagaon
| 0 km / Rest (Pungen Gumba Trek-6 km) | | Day 7: Samagaon – Samdo (3,860 m)
| 8 km / 3–4 hrs/ (3,860 m)
| | Day 8: Samdo – Dharamsala
| (4,460 m) 6 km / 3–4 hrs
| | Day 9: Dharamsala – Larke Pass (5,106 m) – Bimtang (3,590 m)
| Larke Pass (5,106 m) – Bimtang (3,590 m)24 km / 8–9 hrs
| | Day 10: Bimtang – Dharapani (1,963 m)
| 22 km / 6–7 hrs/ (1,963 m)** |

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance from Kathmandu to Kathmandu

The Manaslu Circuit Trek involves around 177 km of trek from Machhakhola to Dharapani, with out-of-the-way Himalayan landscapes and cultural immersion. The whole trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu is covering about 280 km of driving and 177 km of trekking. So the total distance of Manaslu Circuit Trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu is 457 km. Below is an overview table of trekking elevations and distances throughout the route.

| 140 km drive (8–10 hours) – 710 m | | Soti Khola to Machha Khola
| 14 km trek – 930 m
| | Machha Khola to Jagat
| 22 km trek – 1,340 m
| | Jagat to Deng
| 19 km trek – 1,860 m
| | Deng to Namrung
| 19 km trek – 2,630 m
| | Namrung to Lho
| 11 km trek – 3,180 m
| | Lho to Samagaon
| 8 km trek – 3,530 m
| | Acclimatization Day in Samagaon
| Optional hike to Pungyen Gompa (3,870 m) | | Samagaon to Samdo
| 7 km trek – 3,860 m
| | Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi)
| 6.5 km trek – 4,460 m
| | Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass
| 14 km trek – 5,106 m pass / 3,590 m Bimthang
| | Bimthang to Tilije
| 26 km trek – 2,300 m
| | Tilije to Dharapani
| 5 km trek – 1,860 m
| | Drive: Dharapani to Kathmandu
| 140 km drive (9–10 hours) via Besisahar** |

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary with Distance and Elevation: Daily Work Plan

| 160 km (drive) 900 m | | Day 2: Machhakhola to Jagat
| 22 km (6–7 hrs walk) 1,340 m
| | Day 3: Jagat to Deng
| 20 km (6–7 hrs walk) 1,860 m | | Day 4: Deng to Namrung
| 19 km (6 hrs walk) 2,630 m
| | Day 5: Namrung to Lho
| 11 km (4–5 hrs walk) 3,180 m | | Day 6: Lho to Samagaon | 17 km (5–6 hrs walk) 3,520 m
| | Day 7: Acclimatization at Samagaon Short hikes
| 3,520 m | | Day 8: Samagaon to Samdo
| 8.5 km (3–4 hrs walk) 3,875 m | | Day 9: Acclimatization at Samdo Short hikes
| 3,875 m
| | Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala
| 7 km (4–5 hrs walk) 4,460 m | | Day 11: Cross Larkya La to Bimthang
| 24 km (8–9 hrs walk) 5,160 m → 3,720 m | | Day 12: Bimthang to Tilije
| 26 km (6–7 hrs walk) 2,300 m | | Day 13: Tilije to Dharapani, Drive to Besisahar
| 17 km walk + 35 km drive 1,960 m → 760 m | | Day 14: Besisahar to Kathmandu
| 175 km (drive)
1,400 m** |

How many acclimatization days do I need in Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Two acclimatization is recommended for your Manaslu Cirucit Trek. One at Lho Gaun(3180m) and thet other at Samagaon(3500m). You can rest and acclimatize your body with highest elavations before ascending to Larkya Pass(5106m). These two days acclimatization in Manaslu Cirucit Trek will help you conquer over Larkya Pass conveniently.

The first acclimatization day is either at Namrung (2,630 m) or Lho (3,180 m). Lho is the more popular option among trekkers. A typical side hike is to Ribung Monastery or higher up to Shyala (3,500 m), with close-up views of Manaslu. The round trip distance is approximately 4–5 km.

The second acclimatization day is at Samagaun (3,530 m). The finest excursion is to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m). It is a full-day excursion for 10–12 km. For a shorter excursion, there is Birendra Lake (3,650 m), just 1.5 km.

These acclimatization excursions help you adapt before crossing Larkya La Pass (5,160 m). Don't skip them.

Proper acclimatization in Manaslu Circuit Trek increases safety and enjoyment on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek | 16 days

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Are you planning to do some Side Trips during your Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Allocate Extra 2 days for Side Trips

If you have an extra two days on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, take a side excursion to Kal Tal or Pung Gyen Gompa.

Option 1: Kal Tal (3,680 m) – From Prok (2,380 m), hike 10 km (one-way, 5–6 hours). Kal Tal is hidden alpine lake with wide Manaslu, Himalchuli, and glacier views. The climb is more challenging but less crowded and more rewarding. Camp or return to Prok.