Overview
The Manaslu Circuit is for trekkers who want something more remote and adventurous. The trail circles Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, following the deep Budhi Gandaki gorge up into Tibetan Buddhist villages and over the high Larkya La pass.
Because Manaslu is a restricted area, trekker numbers are lower and the villages feel more traditional. You’ll walk past long mani walls, prayer flags and old monasteries, with snowy giants appearing around every corner.
Why I love this trek
Manaslu feels like the Annapurna Circuit used to feel: quiet trails, simple lodges and real mountain villages. It’s a big challenge, but the reward is an amazing sense of adventure.
Good to know
- Guide required: Manaslu is a restricted area. By law you must trek with a licensed guide, in a group of at least two trekkers.
- Fitness: This is a long trek with a high pass. Previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended.
- Lodges: Teahouses are simpler than on the main trails, which is part of the charm.
- Extend it: Add the Tsum Valley, a hidden valley of monasteries and nunneries, for an even more special trip.
Trek highlights
- Crossing the Larkya La (5,106 m) with huge glacier views
- Close-up views of Manaslu (8,163 m) from Samagaun
- Remote Tibetan Buddhist villages with ancient monasteries
- Far fewer trekkers than on the Everest or Annapurna trails
- The dramatic Budhi Gandaki gorge with waterfalls and suspension bridges
Day-by-day itinerary
A typical plan. Every trip is flexible, so days can be added for rest, side trips or bad weather.
- Day 1
Kathmandu → Machha Khola (930 m)
A long drive west and north into the Budhi Gandaki valley.
- Day 2
Machha Khola → Jagat (1,340 m)
Follow the river past hot springs and waterfalls to the permit checkpoint at Jagat.
- Day 3
Jagat → Deng (1,860 m)
The gorge narrows and the culture starts to change, with more mani walls and chortens.
- Day 4
Deng → Namrung (2,630 m)
Cross the river many times and climb into forest, with first views of the high mountains.
- Day 5
Namrung → Lho (3,180 m)
Walk through Tibetan-style villages to Lho, with an incredible view of Manaslu from the monastery.
- Day 6
Lho → Samagaun (3,530 m)
A short walk into the wide valley of Samagaun, right under Manaslu.
- Day 7
Acclimatisation in Samagaun
Hike toward Manaslu Base Camp or to Pungyen Gompa and the glacier viewpoint.
- Day 8
Samagaun → Samdo (3,875 m)
A gentle walk to Samdo, a village close to the Tibetan border.
- Day 9
Samdo → Dharamsala (4,460 m)
A short, high day to the stone shelters at the foot of the pass.
- Day 10
Larkya La (5,106 m) → Bimthang (3,720 m)
The toughest day. An early start to cross the pass, then a long descent with glaciers all around.
- Day 11
Bimthang → Dharapani (1,860 m)
Down through pine and rhododendron forests to join the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani.
- Day 12
Dharapani → Kathmandu
Drive via Besisahar back to Kathmandu.
