The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most spectacular high-mountain trekking journeys, taking you around Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 meters. This 14-day adventure combines dramatic Himalayan scenery, traditional mountain villages, Tibetan-influenced culture, beautiful forests, deep river valleys and challenging high-altitude terrain.
The trek starts in Kathmandu and follows the classic Manaslu Circuit route through Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho Gaun, Sama Gaun, Samdo and Dharamshala before crossing the spectacular Larkya Pass at approximately 5,106 meters.
After crossing Larkya Pass, the trail descends through Bhimtang and Tilije before reaching Dharapani. From Dharapani, transportation continues toward Besisahar and then to Pokhara.
The standard itinerary finishes in Pokhara, where you can relax after completing the trek and continue your journey from this beautiful lakeside city. If you prefer to return to Kathmandu, onward transportation from Pokhara to Kathmandu can also be arranged according to your travel plans.
Starting point: Kathmandu
Standard finishing point: Pokhara
Alternative finishing point: Kathmandu, with onward transportation from Pokhara
The itinerary is designed with gradual progression in altitude and includes dedicated acclimatization time at Sama Gaun and Samdo before the demanding crossing of Larkya Pass.
Starting with a scenic drive from Kathmandu toward Machha Khola, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through the lower hills before gradually entering the higher Himalayan landscape.
As the altitude increases, the scenery changes from lush forests and terraced hillsides to alpine meadows, glacial landscapes and impressive views of Mount Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
One of the major highlights of the journey is Sama Gaun, where an acclimatization day provides an opportunity to explore the surrounding mountain landscape, including Birendra Lake and the Manaslu Base Camp area. The trek then continues toward Samdo and Dharamshala before reaching the highest point of the trek, Larkya Pass at approximately 5,106 meters.
After crossing Larkya Pass, the trail descends through spectacular mountain landscapes toward Bhimtang and Tilije before reaching Dharapani. From Dharapani, the trekking section ends and transportation continues toward Besisahar and Pokhara.
This carefully prepared 14-day itinerary provides a gradual progression in altitude, with acclimatization time before reaching the higher elevations and crossing Larkya Pass.
Trek around Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
Start your Himalayan adventure in Kathmandu and follow the classic Manaslu Circuit route.
Experience the diverse landscapes of the Manaslu region, from green lower valleys to high alpine terrain.
Walk through the beautiful Budhi Gandaki River valley, forests, waterfalls, suspension bridges and traditional mountain villages.
Experience the distinctive Tibetan-influenced culture and traditions of the upper Manaslu region.
Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Manaslu and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Spend an acclimatization day in Sama Gaun with an opportunity to explore Birendra Lake and the Manaslu Base Camp area.
Continue through the high Himalayan settlements of Samdo and Dharamshala.
Cross Larkya Pass at approximately 5,106 meters, the highest point of the trek.
Descend through the beautiful alpine landscapes of Bhimtang and Tilije.
Complete the trekking section at Dharapani before continuing by road toward Besisahar and Pokhara.
Enjoy a farewell dinner in Pokhara and receive a verified Manaslu Trek Completion Certificate.
Choose to continue your journey from Pokhara or arrange onward transportation to Kathmandu.
Below is our carefully prepared 14-day itinerary for your Manaslu Circuit adventure. We have designed it with gradual progression in altitude, manageable walking days where possible and dedicated acclimatization time before reaching the higher elevations and crossing Larkya Pass.
We hope this itinerary gives you a wonderful opportunity to experience the magnificent Himalayas, peaceful mountain villages, local culture and warm hospitality along the Manaslu route. Each day brings a different landscape and a new experience, while our guide and porter team will be with you throughout the journey to provide support and help make your trek safe, comfortable and memorable.
The detailed 14-day itinerary is as follows:
Early in the morning at around 7:00 AM, our guide and porter team will come to pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu with a private Jeep.
The journey follows the highway toward the Manaslu region, passing through beautiful countryside, rivers, hills and local settlements. After Soti Khola, the road continues toward Machha Khola.
You will stop for lunch at a suitable restaurant along the route. The total drive to Machha Khola generally takes approximately 9–10 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions.
Although Soti Khola is around 730m, the final overnight point at Machha Khola is approximately 930m.
Driving distance: Approximately 145–165 km
Driving duration: Approximately 9–10 hours
Overnight elevation: 930m
Elevation change from Soti Khola to Machha Khola: Approximately +200m
Overnight at a hotel in Machha Khola.
After breakfast, the trek begins along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail passes through forests, small settlements, suspension bridges, waterfalls and beautiful Himalayan landscapes.
The trail gradually gains elevation as you continue toward Jagat.
Walking distance: Approximately 23 km
Walking duration: Approximately 9 hours
Starting elevation: 930m
Ending elevation: 1,370m
Approximate elevation gain: +440m
Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Jagat.
Today the trail continues deeper into the Manaslu region. You will pass through beautiful mountain villages, forests and river valleys while gradually gaining altitude.
The landscape becomes increasingly Himalayan as you approach Deng.
Walking distance: Approximately 20 km
Walking duration: Approximately 9 hours
Starting elevation: 1,370m
Ending elevation: 2,095m
Approximate elevation gain: +725m
Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Deng.
After breakfast, continue along the Budhi Gandaki Valley toward Namrung. The trail passes through forests, traditional settlements and mountain terrain, with increasingly impressive views of the surrounding peaks.
Walking distance: Approximately 19 km
Walking duration: Approximately 9 hours
Starting elevation: 2,095m
Ending elevation: 2,540m
Approximate elevation gain: +445m
Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Namrung.
Today you enter a higher Himalayan environment. From Namrung, the trail continues through beautiful forests and traditional mountain villages toward Lho Gaun.
On a clear day, you can enjoy magnificent views of Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Walking distance: Approximately 10 km
Walking duration: Approximately 6–7 hours
Starting elevation: 2,540m
Ending elevation: 3,180m
Approximate elevation gain: +640m
Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Lho Gaun.
Today is a comparatively shorter and more gradual walking day. The trail passes through alpine landscapes and traditional settlements as you continue toward Sama Gaun, one of the most important villages on the Manaslu Circuit.
The gradual ascent helps your body adjust to the increasing altitude.
Starting elevation: 3,180m
Ending elevation: 3,390m
Approximate elevation gain: +210m
Walking duration: Approximately 4–5 hours
Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Sama Gaun.
Today is dedicated to acclimatization and exploration around Sama Gaun.
After breakfast, you will hike toward Birendra Lake and continue toward the Manaslu Base Camp area, reaching approximately 4,400m before returning to Sama Gaun for the night.
This is an important acclimatization day because you will climb to a significantly higher elevation during the day and then return to sleep at the lower elevation of Sama Gaun.
Starting elevation: 3,390m
Highest point: Approximately 4,400m
Approximate maximum elevation gain: +1,010m
Descent back to Sama Gaun: Approximately -1,010m
Walking duration: Approximately 7–8 hours
Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Sama Gaun.
After breakfast, continue toward Samdo. The trail gradually climbs through an increasingly barren and spectacular Himalayan landscape.
Samdo is one of the highest settlements on the Manaslu Circuit and is located close to the Tibetan border.
Walking distance: Approximately 8 km
Walking duration: Approximately 4–5 hours
Starting elevation: 3,390m
Ending elevation: 3,690m
Approximate elevation gain: +300m
Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Samdo.
Today is a rest and acclimatization day at Samdo.
You can take a short, easy walk around the village and nearby hills while allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude. Your guide will monitor how you are feeling and help you prepare for the higher elevations ahead.
Overnight elevation: 3,690m
Main purpose: Rest and acclimatization
Optional short acclimatization walk
Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Samdo.
Today the trail continues toward Dharamshala, also known as Larkya Phedi, the final overnight settlement before crossing Larkya Pass.
The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and high alpine. Because you are now at considerable altitude, the walking pace will be slow and steady.
Walking distance: Approximately 12 km
Walking duration: Approximately 6–7 hours
Starting elevation: 3,690m
Ending elevation: 4,460m
Approximate elevation gain: +770m
Overnight at Dharamshala.
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Manaslu Circuit.
You will start very early in the morning and gradually climb toward Larkya Pass. The trail crosses high Himalayan terrain, and the final approach to the pass can be physically demanding because of the altitude.
At approximately 5,106m, you will reach Larkya Pass, one of the major highlights of the trek. From the pass, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and landscapes.
After spending some time at the pass, the trail descends toward Bhimtang.
Walking distance: Approximately 24 km
Walking duration: Approximately 10–12 hours
Starting elevation: 4,460m
Larkya Pass: Approximately 5,106m
Overnight elevation: 3,590m
Elevation gain to Larkya Pass: Approximately +646m
Descent from Larkya Pass to Bhimtang: Approximately -1,516m
This is a long and demanding trekking day, so an early start and a steady walking pace are important.
Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Bhimtang.
After breakfast, the trail gradually descends through beautiful forests and mountain landscapes.
As you lose elevation, the vegetation becomes greener and the climate more comfortable. You will continue toward Tilije, a traditional settlement on the lower section of the Manaslu Circuit.
Walking distance: Approximately 26 km
Walking duration: Approximately 8 hours
Starting elevation: 3,590m
Ending elevation: 2,300m
Approximate elevation loss: -1,290m
Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Tilije.
After breakfast, continue walking from Tilije toward Dharapani. This is the final walking section of your Manaslu Circuit trek and takes you through the lower mountain landscapes toward Dharapani.
The trekking section officially ends at Dharapani in the Manang district. From Dharapani, you will take a shared local Jeep toward Besisahar.
Walking distance: Approximately 10 km
Walking duration: Approximately 4 hours
Starting elevation: 2,300m
Dharapani elevation: Approximately 1,860m
Approximate walking elevation loss: 440m
Jeep journey: Approximately 4 hours
Road distance to Besisahar: Approximately 50 km
Upon arrival in Besisahar, check in at your hotel and enjoy a comfortable evening and overnight stay.
Overnight at a hotel in Besisahar.
After breakfast, at approximately 8:00 AM, you will leave Besisahar by vehicle for Pokhara. The journey will take you through the scenic countryside toward the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel, which you have arranged and booked yourself.
Departure from Besisahar: Approximately 8:00 AM
Transportation: Vehicle
Destination: Pokhara
Overnight: Your hotel in Pokhara
In the evening, our company will organize a farewell dinner for you to celebrate the successful completion of your Manaslu Circuit trek. This will be a special opportunity to spend a final evening together with your guide and porter.
During the farewell dinner, we will present you with your Manaslu Circuit Trek Completion Certificate as a memorable recognition of your journey. You will also say goodbye to your guide and porter and present their tips as a traditional expression of appreciation for their dedicated service and support throughout the trek.
This farewell dinner marks the completion of your Manaslu Circuit adventure with Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking.
We sincerely wish you a wonderful and relaxing time in Pokhara and a safe and enjoyable continuation of your journey.
The walking distances, trekking times, driving durations and elevations provided in this itinerary are approximate and may vary depending on weather conditions, road and trail conditions, individual walking pace and other unforeseen circumstances.
Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd. places the highest priority on the safety, comfort and well-being of every guest. Should conditions require, your trekking guide may adjust the itinerary to help maintain a safe and enjoyable trekking experience while preserving the overall objectives of the journey.
The USD 1,450 price is for the full 14-day trekking service described above.
Manaslu Special Trek Permit
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Manaslu Local Government Area Entry Permit
Nepal Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Private Jeep transfer from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, the starting point of the trek
Breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the 14-day itinerary
One cup of freshly prepared tea or coffee with each breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the 14-day itinerary. Tea or coffee is normally prepared at the teahouse and is not machine-made.
13 nights' accommodation in hotels and teahouses along the trekking route, including the overnight stay in Besisahar
Shared Jeep transportation from Dharapani, the trekking endpoint, to Besisahar
Transportation from Besisahar to Pokhara as arranged in the itinerary
Certified trekking guide, including the guide's wages, food, accommodation, insurance, transportation and required trekking permits
Trekking porter to carry your main luggage, including the porter's wages, food, accommodation, insurance, transportation and required trekking permits
Trekking duffel bag for your main personal trekking belongings, provided by Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd., featuring our company name and logo, and carried by the porter during the trek.
A separate trekking duffel bag for keeping your personal belongings with you during the trek, provided by Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd. and featuring our company name and logo. This bag is not carried by the porter.
Seasonal fruits during the trek
Emergency rescue arrangement and coordination support, with the actual rescue cost payable by your travel insurance company
Trekking poles, which must be returned to our office after the trip
Sleeping bag, which must be returned to our office after the trip
Manaslu Trek Map
All applicable Nepal Government taxes
Administrative and trip coordination support
Verified Trek Completion Certificate
Bottled water, hot water, boiled drinking water and other bottled beverages, including alcoholic drinks.
Machine-made or specialty coffee and tea, such as latte, cappuccino, Americano and other espresso-based beverages.
Hot showers, Wi-Fi/internet and battery charging, which are generally available at an additional cost along the trekking route.
Personal expenses and any services not specifically mentioned in the "Cost Includes" section.
Tips for the trekking guide and porter.
This package is designed for travelers who prefer a private guided trek with their own dedicated guide rather than joining a large group. Our aim is to provide a safe, comfortable and well-organized Himalayan trekking experience with attentive service throughout the journey.
Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd. provides private guided trekking services in the Himalayas with experienced local guides and carefully arranged transportation, accommodation, permits and trekking support.
Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd. is a Kathmandu-based trekking company registered in Nepal and authorized to provide trekking, hiking, Nepal tours and related mountain adventure services.
Our trekking services are operated by experienced local guides and porters who understand the mountain environment, local communities, trails and changing conditions along the Manaslu Circuit.
Your Manaslu Circuit trek is arranged as a private guided journey rather than as part of a large group, allowing our team to provide personal attention throughout the trek.
We coordinate the major arrangements required for your trek, including permits, transportation, accommodation, meals, guide and porter services, trekking equipment and trip coordination.
Your guide remains with you throughout the trekking journey and provides assistance with daily trekking arrangements, altitude awareness, trail conditions and general safety. Emergency rescue coordination support is also included, while actual rescue expenses are payable by your travel insurance provider.
A porter-carried trekking duffel bag, a separate personal-use trekking duffel bag, trekking poles and sleeping bag are provided as part of the package.
Our full-service package clearly explains what is included and what is not included, helping you understand the cost of your Manaslu Circuit trek before confirming your booking.
After successfully completing the trek, you will receive a Verified Manaslu Trek Completion Certificate as a lasting reminder of your Himalayan journey.
Tipping is a valued tradition and part of the trekking culture in the Nepal Himalayas. While entirely voluntary, it is customary for guests to offer a gratuity to their trekking guide and porter at the end of the trek in recognition of their hard work, dedication and professional service.
For more information about tipping practices in Nepal, please visit:
www.nepaltrekkinginhimalaya.com/pages/tipping-trekking-guides-in-nepal
www.nepaltrekkinginhimalaya.com/pages/trekking-equipment-list-in-details
www.nepaltrekkinginhimalaya.com/pages/nepal-visa-fee-updated
www.nepaltrekkinginhimalaya.com/pages/customer-support
By confirming your booking with Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd., you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to the following:
Customer Acknowledgment & Acceptance Notice
www.nepaltrekkinginhimalaya.com/pages/customer-acknowledgment-acceptance-notice
Terms and Conditions
www.nepaltrekkinginhimalaya.com/pages/terms-conditions
Privacy Policy
www.nepaltrekkinginhimalaya.com/pages/privacy-policy
We are dedicated to providing a safe, enjoyable and well-organized Himalayan trekking experience.
Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd.
Your Hiking Guide in the Himalaya
Nepal Government Registration No.: 215808/75/076
Kumarigal-7, Bouddha, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel/WhatsApp: +977 9808717598
Email: nepalhimalayanhiking@gmail.com
Website: www.nepaltrekkinginhimalaya.com
