How to Hike the Manaslu Circuit

Last updated: 20 December 2023

An unforgettable journey awaits you in Nepal on the Manaslu Circuit trek. It's a strenuous walk that takes you through some of the world's most breathtaking and uninhabited regions. As you hike, you'll travel through lush forests, scale lofty mountain passes, and take in stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks. Additionally, you'll get to experience the hospitality and culture of the nearby Gurung settlements. The walk is less crowded than other well-known treks in Nepal, making it the ideal option for those seeking an experience that is more off-the-beaten-path. And the sense of satisfaction after finishing the walk is unsurpassed. So prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience by packing your luggage and heading out on the Manaslu Circuit trek!

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Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is not just a journey through breathtaking landscapes, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the country. During the trek, you will encounter quaint villages and get a chance to interact with the friendly locals, learning about their way of life and customs. One of the highlights of this trek is the visit to the ancient Sereng Monastery, where you can delve into the spiritual heritage of the region and get a glimpse of the daily rituals and practices of the local community. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a truly unique and enriching experience that combines stunning natural beauty with a rich cultural tapestry, making it a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable adventure in Nepal.

Basic Information

Permits: To trek in the Manaslu area, you will need a special permit, which can be acquired in Kathmandu. This license, known as the Restricted Area Permit, must be obtained via a recognized trekking organization.

Physical Fitness: The Manaslu Circuit trek is arduous and demands a high level of physical fitness. You should feel at ease spending several hours per day hiking and be ready for rocky, uneven terrain.

Equipment: A top-notch backpack, cozy hiking boots, warm clothing, and a sleeping bag are all things you should have with you on the trek. A first aid kit and a water filter or purification tablets are also smart additions. Check out the gear I bring with me on most of my trips.

Guides and porters: For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, hiring a guide is required. Guides can also assist you in navigating the trail and are a great source of information. Your gear can be carried by porters, which will improve your trek if you aren't capable of carrying your essentials.

Accommodation: During the trek, you will be staying in teahouses. Teahouses are simple lodges that provide basic accommodation and meals.

Food and water: Basic meals are served at teahouses along the trail, but it's a good idea to pack some snacks and a water bottle. To ensure you have safe drinking water, you'll also need to bring a water filter or purification tablets.

Insurance: It's crucial to have travel and health insurance that covers remote high-altitude trekking.

Altitude sickness: You will be at high altitudes during the Manaslu Circuit trek, and altitude sickness is a real possibility. Recognize the signs and be ready to descend if you feel sick.

Communication: It is a good idea to bring a satellite phone or a GPS device because there isn't much mobile network coverage along the trail.

Local Currency: The official currency of Nepal is the rupee. Although you can also pay with US dollars, it's preferable to have rupees in small denominations for the purchase. Bring enough cash in rupees with you for the cost of the trek.

Best Time to Go

Depending on your personal preferences and the kind of trekking experience you're looking for, there is no one best time to hike the Manaslu Circuit. The two main trekking seasons in Nepal are, however, generally the spring (March to May) and the fall (September to November) seasons.

Spring: The best time to hike the Manaslu Circuit to see the area in bloom is in the spring, from March to May. The rhododendrons, Nepal's national flower, are in full bloom, and the weather is mild. Additionally, there are fewer people on the trails, which makes for a more tranquil trekking experience.

Autumn: The most well-liked trekking season in Nepal is the autumn (September to November), and for good reason. The ideal conditions for trekking are provided by the clear, dry weather. Great views of the mountains are also made possible by the clear skies. But be aware that the trails might be very busy at this time.

Winter: It is not advised to trek the Manaslu Circuit during the winter (December-February) because the trails can be icy and snow-covered, which makes them dangerous. In addition, it is extremely cold outside, and there is a lot of snow up higher, making trekking more difficult. However, going in the shoulder season or off season has its benefits. We went in December and couldn't have been happier because we had clear skies and few people but you might still encounter deep snow in Larka Pass.

Summer: The Manaslu Circuit should not be hiked during Nepal's monsoon season, which lasts from June-August. Since the trails are frequently muddy and slippery, it can be challenging and unpleasant to hike when it rains heavily. The trails may also become impassable in some areas due to landslides and flooding brought on by the heavy rain.

Map

Click to use the map

To better view the map, see it in full-screen. Learn how to download the map for your own offline use by reading how I navigate on the trail.

Itinerary

The trek typically takes around 14-21 days to complete, depending on the route and your pace. Below is an example 14 day itinerary. If you have extra time, consider adding some of the side trips, stopping by more villages along the way, or taking extra rest days.

Brief Itinerary

Day	Itinerary	Distance / Elevation
1	Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola	160 km 99 miles / 700 m 2296 ft
2	Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola	17 km 10 miles / 930 m 3051 ft
3	Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat	14 km 8 miles / 1340 m 4396 ft
4	Trek from Jagat to Deng	18 km 11 miles / 1804 m 5918 ft
5	Trek from Deng to Namrung	15 km 9 miles / 2630 m 8628 ft
6	Trek from Namrung to Lho	12 km 7 miles / 3400 m 11154 ft
7	Trek from Lho to Samagaun	8 km 4 miles / 3520 m 11548 ft
8	Rest day in Samagaun	0 km 0 miles / 3520 m 11548 ft
9	Trek from Samagaun to Samdo	12 km 7 miles / 3860 m 12664 ft
10	Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala	12 km 7 miles / 4460 m 14632 ft
11	Trek from Dharamsala to Bimtang via Larkya La Pass	20 km 12 miles / 5160 m 16929 ft
12	Trek from Bimtang to Tilche	8 km 4 miles / 2300 m 7545 ft
13	Trek from Tilche to Dharapani	12 km 7 miles / 1860 m 6102 ft
14	Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu	190 km 118 miles / 1400 m 4593 ft

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
(160 km / 700 m)

(99 miles / 2296 ft)

The Manaslu Circuit trek's starting point is Soti Khola, which is accessible via both a road and a trail. The most popular method of transportation to Soti Khola is by taking a bus or jeep from Kathmandu to the closest roadhead, Arughat. It takes 6-7 hours to walk from Arughat to Soti Khola. As an alternative, you can drive straight from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. The trip could take up to 10 hours due to the poor condition of the road. The most popular method of transportation to get to Soti Khola is a combination of bus and jeep ride. ↩

Day 2: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola
(17 km / 930 m)

(10 miles / 3051 ft)

The first day of the trek takes you along the Buri Gandaki River, passing through charming rural villages and lush tropical forests. You'll have the chance to see stunning waterfalls and maybe even catch a glimpse of some of the local wildlife, including monkeys and birds. ↩

Day 3: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
(14 km / 1340 m)

(8 miles / 4396 ft)

The second day takes you up into the higher elevations of the trek, offering views of the stunning mountain landscape. As you ascend, you'll pass through traditional villages, where you can learn about the local culture and way of life. ↩

Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Deng
(18 km / 1804 m)

(11 miles / 5918 ft)

On the third day, you'll continue your ascent and cross several suspension bridges as you make your way to Deng. You'll pass through dense forests and cross streams, taking in the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape. ↩

Day 5: Trek from Deng to Namrung
(15 km / 2630 m)

(9 miles / 8628 ft)

On the fourth day, you'll continue to climb higher into the mountains, reaching the charming village of Namrung. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the local culture and maybe even taste some of the traditional cuisine. ↩

Day 6: Trek from Namrung to Lho
(12 km / 3400 m)

(7 miles / 11154 ft)

On the fifth day, you'll head towards the village of Lho, taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains as you go. You'll pass through traditional settlements, cross streams, and trek through lush rhododendron forests. ↩

Day 7: Trek from Lho to Samagaun
(8 km / 3520 m)

(4 miles / 11548 ft)

On the sixth day, the trail takes you from Lho to Samagaun, a large village with a distinct Tibetan influence. The trek follows the Buri Gandaki river and offers scenic views of the surrounding peaks, including the Manaslu range. ↩

Day 8: Rest day in Samagaun
(0 km / 3520 m)

(0 miles / 11548 ft)

Today is a well-deserved rest day in Samagaun. You can take the opportunity to explore the village, visit the nearby monasteries, and soak in the breathtaking mountain views. Personally I liked the trek pst Birendra Lake and up to Manaslu Base Camp. Check out the highlights for more. ↩

Day 9: Trek from Samagaun to Samdo
(12 km / 3860 m)

(7 miles / 12664 ft)

The eighth day of the trek takes you from Samagaun to Samdo, a small village near the Tibetan border. The trail passes through beautiful landscapes and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the Manaslu range. ↩

Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala
(12 km / 4460 m)

(7 miles / 14632 ft)

On the ninth day, the trail takes you from Samdo to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Bazaar. The trail continues to follow the Buri Gandaki river and offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal ranges. ↩

Day 11: Trek from Dharamsala to Bimtang via Larkya La Pass
(20 km / 5160 m)

(12 miles / 16929 ft)

On the tenth day you'll tackle the challenging Larkya La Pass, reaching a height of over 5,100 meters (16,700 ft). The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Himalayas. ↩

Day 12: Trek from Bimtang to Tilche
(8 km / 2300 m)

(4 miles / 7545 ft)

The eleventh day of the trek takes you from Bimtang to Tilche, passing through lush forests and scenic meadows. You will also cross several streams and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks. ↩

Day 13: Trek from Tilche to Dharapani
(12 km / 1860 m)

(7 miles / 6102 ft)

The final day of the trek takes you from Tilche to Dharapani, where your journey will come to an end. You'll pass through traditional villages and cross streams, taking in the final views of the mountains before reaching your destination. ↩

Day 14: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu
(190 km / 1400 m)

(118 miles / 4593 ft)

From Dharapani, one can take a jeep or a bus to get back to Kathmandu. The drive usually takes about 7 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions. Another option is to fly from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu, which is a one-hour flight. ↩

Conclusion

Your Manaslu Circuit itinerary can be as flexible as you want. There are tons of side trips you can choose from, or you can choose to rest somewhere for an extra few days if your schedule allows.

My Favorite Highlights

Every part of our 21 days was breathtaking, and there are infinite possibilities to add side trips to your itinerary, but here is what stands out most for us.

Sereng Gumba (Monastery)

Sereng Gumba is a little ways off the beaten path, but was easily the best part of our trek. We stayed there for nearly three days, waking up early to Tibetan tea and roti, listening to ceremonies, playing football with monks-in-training, and hiking around the surrounding area with our four-legged guide. Check out this video if you would like to see more.

Samagaon and Birendra Lake

three people drinking tea on a frozen lake

Samagaon is the starting point for mountaineers to summit the Manaslu mountain. But even if you're not keen on doing that, Samagaon has a lot to offer. We were told by our guide that Samagaon has retained a lot of Tibetan influence and culture. People still trade over the border from Samaguan. The houses are mostly made of rock, and you have great views of Manaslu and the surrounding mountains. Birendra Lake, which is just North of Samagaon is beautiful, especially in winter because you can walk on the crystal clear ice! Check out this video if you would like to see more.

Manaslu Base Camp

hiker climbing a hill next to a snow covered mountain

From Samagaon you can also hike up to Manaslu Base Camp. It offers stellar views of Manaslu, Samagaon, and Birendra Lake. Depending on the time you go, and your luck, you might be able to see some mountaineers there.

Everything Else

The Manaslu region is breathtaking no matter where you look. I would include all of my side trips and photos but I want you to finish reading sometime soon so you can plan yourself!

Cost

The cost of trekking the Manaslu Circuit largely depends on your preferred trekking style and what you eat :) You can make this as cheap or expensive as you want, but there are a few required costs.

Item	Cost
Breakfast with tea/coffee	$5
Lunch with tea/coffee	$6.5
Dinner with tea/coffee	$6.5
One shared double room	$7 / 2
Total per day	$22
14-21 Days of Trekking	$308 - $462
Permit	$180
Transportation	$70
Total	$558 - $712

The above costs are of course without a guide, porter, or insurance, the costs of which vary based on your needs. By staying in simple housing and eating Dal Bhat everyday, we were able to keep costs down. Believe it or not, there is actually one hotel on the Manaslu trek, complete with hot showers, Wi-Fi, and international food. If you're keen on a more luxurious stay, it is possible but your costs will go up. Personally we were very happy with staying in more rustic tea houses. I think it is more authentic and we were able to connect with the owners more. Some tea houses let you stay for free if you eat dinner and breakfast with them. In general, tea house owners don't want you to bring and cook your own food.

Recommended Gear

Preparation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal demands careful consideration of gear. Sturdy hiking boots with excellent ankle support are crucial for stability on diverse terrain. Layered clothing is essential to adapt to varying temperatures, from lush lower regions to colder elevations. A weather-resistant backpack is indispensable for carrying essentials, including a sleeping bag suitable for freezing temperatures. High-altitude trekking necessitates a quality insulated jacket, thermal wear, gloves, and a hat. Adequate hydration is crucial, requiring a durable water bottle or hydration system. A comprehensive first aid kit, including altitude sickness medication, is imperative. Navigation tools, such as a map and compass, along with a reliable headlamp, ensure safe passage. These essentials enhance readiness for the awe-inspiring Manaslu Circuit journey.

Backpack

The ultimate organizer for all my gear. Everything has its place, and it’s easy to grab what I need.