Manaslu Circuit Trek





Trek at a Glance
Duration
13 days
Trip Grade
Challenging
Max. Altitude
5,106m
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Group Size
1–10 pax
Region
Manaslu
Accommodation
Tea houses
Meals
Included
Start / End Point
Pokhara / Kathmandu
Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview
Itinerary designed by Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide Verified local guide
A restricted-area circuit around the world's 8th highest mountain, remote Himalayan villages and the Larkya La Pass at 5,106m with virtually none of the crowds found on nearby Annapurna routes.
The Manaslu Circuit is the trek that our team recommends when someone has done ABC or the Annapurna Circuit and wants something that feels genuinely different. The route encircles Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest peak on earth, through a region that shares a cultural and linguistic world with Tibet rather than the Hindu lowlands. The restricted area permit requirement means the circuit never gets crowded, and the villages from Soti Khola to Samagaon have preserved a way of life that the more accessible Annapurna trails no longer show.
The trek begins in earnest from Soti Khola or Arughat, reached by road from Kathmandu, and follows the Budhi Gandaki river north through subtropical forest that gives way to increasingly arid, high-plateau terrain as we approach the Tibetan borderlands. Samagaun at 3,520m is the cultural and logistical heart of the route, a large Tibetan-influenced village with monasteries, yak herds, and a direct view of Manaslu's south face. Our guides build in a mandatory rest day here to ensure proper acclimatisation. The next sleeping altitude at Samdo (3,860m) and then the Larkya La (5,106m) crossing require a properly adjusted body.
The pass crossing is the defining moment of the trek. We will leave Dharmasala (4,460m) before dawn and climb steep, often icy terrain to the prayer-flag-festooned summit of Larkya La. The descent to Bimthang on the other side is long, over 1,600m of height loss in a single day, and legs are usually destroyed by the end. The circuit exits through the Annapurna Conservation Area past Dharapani, which means we also need an ACAP permit. Solo trekking is not permitted; a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers are required by government regulation.
This trek is for experienced trekkers who have completed a moderate multi-day trek before and want a more remote, culturally rich experience. The Larkya La Pass crossing at 5,106m requires genuine fitness, altitude tolerance, and the willingness to spend 10+ hours walking in a single day. Government regulations require a minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide. Solo trekking is not permitted on this route.
Larkya La Pass
5,106 m / 16,752 ftThe dramatic high pass that closes the restricted Manaslu Circuit. A long pre-dawn climb from Dharamsala brings you to the prayer-flag summit with panoramic views of Himlung, Cheo Himal and the Annapurna range, followed by a knee-pounding 2,000-metre descent to Bimthang.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights
- Cross Larke Pass (5,106m), the trek's highest point with panoramic views of Manaslu, Himalchuli (7,893m) and Ngadi Chuli (7,871m)
- Manaslu Base Camp side hike with views of the towering north face
- Remote Tibetan-Buddhist villages, ancient monasteries, mani walls and chortens above 3,000m
- Lush forests of rhododendron, pine and bamboo in the lower sections
- Birendra glacier lake on the way to Manaslu Base Camp
- Restricted-area trail with far fewer trekkers than the nearby Annapurna Circuit
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary | Max Altitude | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Pokhara to Machhakhola | 870m / 2,854ft | — | 7-9 hours drive |
| Day 2 | Machhakhola to Jagat | 1,410m / 4,626ft | 18km / 11.2mi | 5-7 hours |
| Day 3 | Jagat to Deng | 1,860m / 6,102ft | 12km / 7.5mi | 5-6 hours |
| Day 4 | Deng to Namrung | 2,630m / 8,629ft | 14km / 8.7mi | 6 hours |
| Day 5 | Namrung to Lho | 3,180m / 10,433ft | 8km / 5mi | 3-4 hours |
| Day 6 | Lho to Pung Gyen Gomba to Samagaon | 3,520m / 11,549ft | 9km / 5.6mi | 5-6 hours |
| Day 7 | Acclimatisation at Samagaon (Manaslu Base Camp) | 3,520m / 11,549ft | — | 8-9 hours hike |
| Day 8 | Samagaon to Samdo | 3,860m / 12,664ft | 8km / 5mi | 4-5 hours |
| Day 9 | Samdo to Dharmasala | 4,460m / 14,633ft | 6km / 3.7mi | 4 hours |
| Day 10 | Dharmasala to Bhimtang (Pass Day) | 5,106m / 16,752ft | 21km / 13mi | 8 hours |
| Day 11 | Bhimtang to Goa | 2,515m / 8,251ft | 13km / 8mi | 5 hours |
| Day 12 | Goa to Beshisahar | 790m / 2,592ft | — | 1.5 hours hike + 4-5 hours drive |
| Day 13 | Beshisahar to Pokhara or Kathmandu | — | — | 5-6 hours drive |
Day 01: Pokhara to Machhakhola
Duration7-9 hours driveAltitude870m / 2,854ftBreakfast at Pokhara, lunch at Gorkha. About 3 to 4 hours of drive from Pokhara to Gorkha, then another 4 to 5 hours of drive from Gorkha to Machhakhola. Camp at Machhakhola.
Day 02: Machhakhola to Jagat
Distance18km / 11.2miDuration5-7 hoursAltitude1,410m / 4,626ftElevation Gain+540 m5 to 7 hours along the Budhi Gandaki river. Breakfast at Machhakhola, lunch on the way. Entry into the Manaslu Restricted Area. Camp at Jagat.
Day 03: Jagat to Deng
Distance12km / 7.5miDuration5-6 hoursAltitude1,860m / 6,102ftElevation Gain+450 m5 to 6 hours through the gorge with frequent suspension bridges. Breakfast at Jagat, lunch at Ekle Bhatti. Camp at Deng.
Day 04: Deng to Namrung
Distance14km / 8.7miDuration6 hoursAltitude2,630m / 8,629ftElevation Gain+770 mAbout 6 hours of climbing into the first Tibetan-influenced villages. Breakfast at Deng, lunch at Ghap. Camp at Namrung.
Day 05: Namrung to Lho
Distance8km / 5miDuration3-4 hoursAltitude3,180m / 10,433ftElevation Gain+550 m3 to 4 hours of climb through pine forest with the first close views of Manaslu. Breakfast at Namrung, lunch at Sho. Camp at Lho.
Day 06: Lho to Pung Gyen Gomba to Samagaon
Distance9km / 5.6miDuration5-6 hoursAltitude3,520m / 11,549ftElevation Gain+340 m5 to 6 hours via the Pung Gyen Gomba monastery side trip on the way to Samagaon. Breakfast at Lho, lunch on the way or at camp. Camp at Samagaon.
Day 07: Acclimatisation at Samagaon (Manaslu Base Camp)
Duration8-9 hours hikeAltitude3,520m / 11,549ftElevation Gain0 mAcclimatisation day. We need to adapt to the environment and the oxygen level. Long 8 to 9 hour up-and-down hike to MBC (Manaslu Base Camp) via the beautiful glacier lake Birendra. Camp at Samagaon.
Day 08: Samagaon to Samdo
Distance8km / 5miDuration4-5 hoursAltitude3,860m / 12,664ftElevation Gain+340 m4 to 5 hours of gentle climb up the upper valley to the highest permanent Tibetan village in the area. Breakfast at Samagaon, lunch at camp. Camp at Samdo.
Day 09: Samdo to Dharmasala
Distance6km / 3.7miDuration4 hoursAltitude4,460m / 14,633ftElevation Gain+600 mAbout 4 hours to the basic high camp below Larke Pass. Breakfast at Samdo, lunch at camp. Camp at Dharmasala.
Day 10: Dharmasala to Bhimtang (Pass Day)
Distance21km / 13miDuration8 hoursAltitude5,106m / 16,752ftElevation Gain+646 mPass day. Start the hike early at around 4:00 am for Larke Pass at 5,106m. About 8 hours total with a long descent on the western side. Breakfast at Dharmasala, lunch at Phedi. Camp at Bhimtang.
Day 11: Bhimtang to Goa
Distance13km / 8miDuration5 hoursAltitude2,515m / 8,251ftElevation Gain-2,591 mAbout 5 hours of descent through pine and rhododendron forest. Breakfast at Bhimtang, lunch on the way. Camp at Goa.
Day 12: Goa to Beshisahar
Duration1.5 hours hike + 4-5 hours driveAltitude790m / 2,592ftElevation Gain-1,725 mBreakfast at Goa. 1.5 hours of hike from Goa to Tilje (known for its apple gardens), then a 4 to 5 hour jeep drive to Beshisahar. Camp at Beshisahar.
Day 13: Beshisahar to Pokhara or Kathmandu
Duration5-6 hours driveBreakfast at Beshisahar, then drive back to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide
Govt. License #1497Rohit Timilsina
Co-Founder & Lead Guide · 6K Nepal Treks
Hi, I'm Rohit Timilsina
I started 6K Nepal Treks to give travellers the trek I would want myself: small groups, honest prices and a guide who actually knows the trail. I have guided across the Annapurna, Manaslu and Everest regions for over five years, and I design every itinerary on this site personally.
“Whether it is your first teahouse trek or your tenth Himalayan expedition, I want you back home telling everyone it was the best trip of your life.”
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost & What's Included
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Manaslu Circuit Trek Reviews
4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews
Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.
“Riding from Pokhara to Upper Mustang over five unforgettable days with Rohit was a true adventure in every sense of the word. As an experienced adventure motorbike rider, including demanding desert expeditions, I can say with absolute confidence that Rohit is a phenomenal rider and an exceptional tour guide. He masters the terrain, understands the mountains, and rides with calm authority and precision. I highly recommend Rohit and his company.”
Jacob Mato ★
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour · Mar 2026
“Rohit was an excellent guide for my Khopra Ridge trek. From the very first day, he was professional, friendly, and always attentive. He knows the trail extremely well and made sure the pace was comfortable while still keeping good time each day. What I really appreciated was how caring and patient he was, especially on long uphill sections and in changing weather. I highly recommend Rohit to anyone planning the Khopra Ridge trek or any trek in Nepal.”
Birendra T Xettri ★
Khopra Ridge Trek · Mar 2026
“My first trek with Rohit, who is extremely knowledgeable. He is the mountain man of Nepal. His deep love for the mountains means he wants to give his trekkers the best experience, share his stories but above all make sure you are feeling safe, comfortable and able to complete the trek. We did Mardi Himal Trek, blessed with the weather. Do not hesitate to book with Rohit, I will be back again. Namaste”
Ange ★
Mardi Himal Trek · Jan 2026
“This was my second trek with Rohit, I first did the Manaslu Circuit with him a while ago and came back for Mardi Himal this time. Both experiences were absolutely fantastic. Rohit is professional, kind, and really knows the mountains. He always makes sure you're safe, comfortable, and enjoying yourself. He takes care of all the logistics, finds great tea houses, and adjusts the pace perfectly for everyone. Wouldn't trek in Nepal with anyone else.”
Peter Murphy ★
Manaslu Circuit + Mardi Himal · Jan 2026
“Rohit is a young, energetic, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic guide. He took us up to Annapurna Base Camp. We had bad weather, so Rohit decided to wait a day when other guides kept going up. Due to avalanche-risk, this was the obviously the best decision. Rohit always made sure that we felt comfortable and always in a good mood. We had fun, lots of laughter and great stories. Thanks to Rohit we will never forget: Dahl Baht Power 24 Hour!”
Sander Wolters ★
Annapurna Base Camp · 2025
“Without doubt the best guide in the world... Every part of our trip was a dream. From start to finish Rohit and his team had prepared everything to perfection. I cannot recommend this young man enough, so professional, so fun and so considerate. Thank you so much for making our time so special.”
Ryan Chandler ★
Himalayan Trek · Oct 2025
“Just returned from completing a 2 day trek with Rohit as our guide to Kapuche Glacier lake. It was a challenging but fantastic experience thanks to his professional skills his passion for the mountains and his outgoing and friendly personality. He was always there to guide and motivate us even up the never ending stairs!! His support and sense of humour got us safely to our destination and back again. If we return to Nepal we will definitely meet again.”
Karen Smith ★
Kapuche Glacier Lake · 2025
“We did Austrian Basecamp with Rohit. I thought it was going to be a short and predictable trek but I was surely wrong. We went up and stayed for the night and on the next day we did a long return going through some of the most stunning views I've ever seen in my 37 years of life. I don't think that would have been possible without the guidance of Rohit. Also it's really nice to share with him, he is friendly, respectful and chill. And he knows everything about Nepal, its mountains and its flora and fauna.”
Arturo Cuevillas ★
Australian Camp Trek · Jan 2026
“I recently embarked on the Dhampus-Pothana-Australia Camp trek with Rohit, and it was an experience I'll cherish forever. From the very beginning, Rohit's easygoing nature and ability to connect made the journey incredibly enjoyable. Our conversations ranged from deep discussions about spirituality, mountains, and cultures to sharing our mutual love for rock and metal music. Overall, trekking with Rohit was an incredible experience. His warmth, knowledge, and passion for the mountains truly enhanced the trip.”
Fahad Rahman ★
Dhampus-Pothana-Australian Camp · 2025
“Undertook Annapurna Base Camp Trek along with Rohit in first week of April 2025. His detailed knowledge and experience of the terrain and weather helped us having an awesome experience. He was accommodative of our needs and change in plans. Two days later we undertook a motorbike ride upto Muktinath in Mustang Valley. Again his energy, knowledge and experience in the area resulted in us having a superb n memorable time.”
Prateek Johari ★
Annapurna Base Camp + Mustang · Jul 2025
“Rohit was our guide on the 12 day Manaslu circuit trek. The trek was great, nice scenery, not too hard and Rohit took good care of making sure we had a place to sleep every night, as teahouses were filling up quickly because of high season. Rohit is a cheerful guy, social and he takes good care of his guests. With Rohit you are definitely in good company.”
Sara Coessens ★
Manaslu Circuit Trek · 2025
“Had an amazing 9 day Annapurna Base Camp Sanctuary Trek this June with Rohit and his team. His fantastic organisation, hosting, knowledge and professionalism makes Rohit a fabulous choice of guide. Visiting Nepal and especially the Himalayas is a life changing experience and I will never forget it.”
Rupert Potts ★
Annapurna Base Camp · Sep 2025
“Rohit (Haku) was one of the many blessings we received from Nepal. He is not only a great guide who knows how to make trips and expeditions fun and flowy. He is also an incredibly fun human to be around. It was delightful to spend some days riding to the temple of Muktinath with him. Jamming, and discovering a new young friend, full of kindness, values and knowledge.”
David Sanchez ★
Muktinath Motorbike Tour · 2025
“I called Rohit just before 8hrs of starting our Khumai Danda trek. Even after being tired he said let's meet in morning at 6am. He knows English, Hindi, French and Nepali. He not only guided the trek route but made the whole stretch very memorable and interesting. We told stories to each other. He became more like a friend. It was complete fun trekking with Rohit. And yes, Rohit has his own band. Quite an interesting guy.”
Shreyassh Verma ★
Khumai Danda Trek · 2024
“Had an amazing trek, Rohit is a perfect guide especially when dealing with the unpredictability of the trek, someone who's very easy going and social however extremely professional and even other guides would come to him for advice. 100/10”
Louis Anderson ★
Himalayan Trek · 2024
“Rohit is the guy to go trekking with! He knows a lot and can tell you a lot about life in the mountains but also about his amazing family. This drummer of a band can show you around, but also knows that silence in walking is good when doing a hike. Super chill and easy going.”
Rutger Dankelman ★
Himalayan Trek · 2024
“We had an amazing time with Rohit and Yuddha. Rohit was quick to reply when planning the trip and clearly explained the route options, and on the trip his enthusiasm and knowledge were very appreciated. He seems to know all the best tea houses for food too.”
Ben Ashby ★
Himalayan Trek · 2024
“What an amazing experience! Highly recommend Rohit to guide you through the Himalayas. Nothing was too much trouble for him and his team and they went out of their way to ensure we had an unforgettable trip. And most importantly. SO MUCH FUN!!!”
Richard Hilliard ★
Himalayan Trek · Sep 2025
“Just had the most fantastic trek with Rohit and his team. An incredible experience that has created amazing memories and hit the reset button for me in such a positive way. Thank you Rohit.. Namaste”
Jonathan Marriott ★
Himalayan Trek · Sep 2025
“Our experience in Nepal was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to our incredible friend. He truly is a superman! From the very beginning, the tour was meticulously personalized to cater to our every need and interest, ensuring that we always had exciting activities to look forward to.”
Minhaj Ul Islam ★
Nepal Tour · 2025
Why Book With 6K Nepal Treks
Licensed & Insured
Registered with Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA. Fully insured for trekking, climbing, and high-altitude emergencies.
Expert Local Guides
Every trek is led by a licensed, first-aid trained Sherpa or Gurung guide, born and raised in these mountains.
Safety First
Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen carried on all high-altitude treks. Helicopter evacuation protocol on standby.
Small Groups
Maximum 12 trekkers per group. One porter per two guests. You are a person, not a tour number.
Fair & Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. Permits, guides, porters and taxes are all included and itemised in your quote.
Responsible Travel
Fair wages for all staff, eco-friendly practices on the trail, and direct support for the mountain communities we work with.
Know Before You Go
The Manaslu Circuit is rated Challenging and earns that rating in two specific places: the sustained high-altitude walking across multiple days above 3,500m, and the Larkya La crossing itself. Daily walking time runs 5-7 hours on most days, with the pass crossing day requiring 9-10 hours from a 3-4am start.
The terrain varies considerably. The lower gorge (Soti Khola to Deng) involves rocky riverside trail with frequent bridge crossings and is not technically difficult but is unrelentingly steep in sections. The middle section (Deng to Namrung) adds altitude to the physical load. Above Namrung, the trail is on open high-altitude terrain with loose rock and potential for snow.
The Larkya La approach from Dharmasala involves steep rocky and often icy slopes at and above 5,000m. Trekking poles and traction aids (microspikes or crampons in season) are strongly advised. Physical fitness needs to be higher than for ABC or the Poon Hill circuit. Specifically, cardiovascular capacity at altitude matters more than pure leg strength because the cumulative days of walking at 3,500-4,500m deplete reserves that low-altitude training cannot fully replicate. Previous multi-day high-altitude trekking experience is genuinely recommended.
Begin cardiovascular training 10-12 weeks before departure for the Manaslu Circuit. The circuit accumulates more total altitude gain than ABC and requires sustained output over 12-14 consecutive days. Running, cycling, and hiking with a loaded pack are all relevant. The goal is being able to walk 6-7 hours daily without the last two hours becoming a survival exercise.
High-altitude experience from a previous trek helps calibrate your acclimatisation response. If this is your first time above 4,000m, consider whether a shorter introduction at altitude before Manaslu would be wise. Even a week at the ABC or Langtang level teaches you how your body handles thin air. For Manaslu specifically, the acclimatisation rest day at Samagaun (3,520m) and the short day to Samdo (3,860m) are built into the itinerary for good reason; our guides will not shorten them.
Carry acetazolamide (Diamox) prescribed by your doctor. Diamox does not prevent altitude sickness but it supports acclimatisation when used correctly. Know the AMS symptoms cold. On a restricted-area trek with no quick road access, early recognition and descent are more important than on accessible routes. Travel insurance that explicitly covers emergency helicopter evacuation from a restricted area is not optional.
Good to know. Arrive in Pokhara at least one day before departure so there is time for your pre-trip briefing and any last-minute gear hire. We can store spare luggage while you trek.
FAQs for Manaslu Circuit Trek
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