Manaslu Circuit Trek - Overview
Soti Khola (710 m), which is 9 hours from Kathmandu by road, is the starting point for the Manaslu trek and also its lowest point. The highest point is at the Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,220 meters. The trek offers spectacular views of Mt. Himalchuli (7,893 m), Mt. Ngadi Chu (7,871 m) and Mt. Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), not to mention Mount Manaslu.
The trekking trail runs through the Manaslu Conservation Area, established in 1998. It covers an area of 1663 square kilometers and harbors a mosaic of habitats for 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 11 species of butterflies, and 3 species of reptiles. You will be taken through 6 different climatic zones: tropical, subtropical, temperate, sub-alpine, alpine, and arctic. The extreme contrasts within this approximately 200 km trail are associated with tremendous differences in topography and precipitation.
Alternate Routes:
You can complete the standard Manaslu trek in 14 days. If you wish for more adventure, you can also add the Tsum Valley trek to your Manaslu itinerary. This will add another 6 days to your trip but is well worth it if you have the time. Tsum valley is a beautiful place with strong Tibetan culture. It was a restricted area that has only been open for trekking since 2008. In addition to the three permits, you will need a Tsum Valley Special Permit if you decide to do the Tsum Valley Trek.
This trek can be done in the in the counter-clockwise direction as well but it might take longer. The reason for this is that this direction has steeper ascents which results in slower climb. It may also be necessary to take an extra day of acclimatization in Bimthang before crossing over the Larkya La Pass.
Manaslu Circuit — Trek Facts
| Trek difficulty: | Difficult |
| Trek duration: | 14 Days |
| Remoteness: | Remote - Very Remote |
| Max. altitude: | 5,220 meters while crossing the Larke Pass |
| Accommodation: | Teahouses / Guesthouses / Lodges |
| Best season: | Mar to May, Oct to Nov |
| Transport to/From trek: | Bus |
| Permits required: |
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Manaslu Circuit — Trek Itinerary
The following is a sample itinerary. It may vary slightly depending on the final trekking agency you choose to go with:
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710 m) |
| Day 2 | Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900 m) |
| Day 3 | Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340 m) |
| Day 4 | Jagat to Philim (1,700 m) |
| Day 5 | Philim to Deng (2,095 m) |
| Day 6 | Deng to Namrung (2,900 m) |
| Day 7 | Namrung to Samagaon (3,500 m) |
| Day 8 | Acclimatization day at Samagaon |
| Day 9 | Samagaon to Samdo (3,690 m) |
| Day 10 | Samdo to Dharmashala (4,450 m) |
| Day 11 | Dharmashala to Bhimphedi via Larkya La pass (5,220 m) |
| Day 12 | Bhimphedi to Tilje (2,300 m) |
| Day 13 | Tilje to Chamje (1,410 m) |
| Day 14 | Chamje to Kathmandu (1,400 m) |
Manaslu Circuit — Trek Highlights
- Be rewarded with stunning views of some of the world’s biggest mountains including Manaslu, Annapurna II, and Himlung.
- Explore different cultures around the Manaslu Himal, including Tibetan, Gurung, Gurkha, Thakali, and more, with visits to local temples, shrines, and mountain villages.
- Check out local wildlife, including the endangered red panda, Himalayan musk deer, and the elusive snow leopard, one of the most secretive and hard-to-spot animals in the world!
- Test your head for heights on the suspension bridges around Buri Gandaki. You’ll need to traverse them a few times during your Manaslu Circuit trekking experience.
- Take in the gorgeous Manaslu region scenery as you trek through the Larkya La Pass (5,167 m), the highest point of the trek.
- Enjoy trekking through different ecosystems throughout the Manaslu Circuit Trek, including subtropical jungle, alpine meadows, and, of course, snowy peaks.
Manaslu Circuit Trek — Safety Considerations
All trekking agencies available at Bookmundi take safety seriously and are assessed on their safety standards after every trek, via trekkers’ feedback. They will therefore go through safety procedures with you during your pre-trek meeting. However, please note the following particulars for the Manaslu trek:
- Trek with a guide + a group! To trek in the Manaslu region and the Manaslu Circuit Trek, visitors must be accompanied by a professional trekking guide, but trekking with a group is even safer.
- Pack for all ecosystems. You’ll pass through subtropical jungles one minute and be in chilly open alpine meadows the next. Pack for all weather, temperatures, and eventualities!
- The UV rays on Manaslu are no joke. Just because the snowy peaks feel cold doesn’t mean that you’re not going to get sunburnt from the reflection of the snow. Bring heavy-duty suncream, sunglasses, and hats.
- Make sure you book a tour with acclimatization days and consider bringing altitude sickness tablets with you from home. As with any large mountain trek, altitude sickness is a reality.
- Do not wear brand-new boots on the trail. Wear them before you come—no one wants blisters in the middle of a bucket list trek.