Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Important things in Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary is one of the most important things to know before you decide on the real Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trip in Nepal other important things to know about Manaslu Circuit Trek like Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost, Manaslu Circuit Trek Best Weather of the year for Manaslu Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek foods and accommodation and Manaslu Manaslu Circuit Trek Communication, hot, shower and toilet facilities.  The trekkers have to decide first which Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary should follow like the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek, 12 days Manaslu Circuit Trek, 14 days Manaslu Circuit Trek or 15/16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary. You have to match the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary with your vacation duration, level of stamina and the budget you have. Then, only you will have a wonderful time during your Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trip in Nepal.   Actually, Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary varies from 14 days to 16 days according to the interest, time frame

What are the most important things in Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary?

While setting or designing up the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary, one should be able to include or know if there is proper acclimatization, proper pacing, the right means of transportation, the right ascent and the reliable and professional trekking crew or not. Let’s talk about these all-important things to know while setting up or finding the right trekking itinerary for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal.

Proper Acclimatization

Both the itinerary designer and the trekkers should know if there is proper acclimatization for Manaslu Circuit Trek or not since the trek is a very challenging trekking trip in Nepal taking the trekkers above 5000m which is Larkya La Pass (5106m). It seems impossible to triumph over Manaslu Circuit Trek without a day of acclimatization before going for crossing Larkya La Pass. So, at least one-day of acclimatization at Samagaon (3530m) is a must and if the trekkers need other days’ acclimatization on the trail, they can talk to their trekking guide and manage it. However, both the trekkers and the trekking company should think that 1 day’s acclimatization is a must at Samagaon and then only the trekkers can cross one of the highest passes of the world, Larkya La Pass while doing their Manaslu Circuit Trek and marvel at the astonishing mountain views including Mt. Manaslu (8163m), the eighth highest mountain of the world with the real thrills of adventure into the wild nature of Manaslu Conservation Area.

Therefore, it is suggested that the trekkers who are doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal should not go with the itinerary which doesn’t at least have one day of acclimatization in the itinerary, rather, they should see the itinerary for their Manaslu Circuit Trek with one spare day at the end of the trek and one-day acclimatization at Samagaon. The trek itinerary for Manaslu Circuit Trek without the day of acclimatization will be very risky and almost impossible to do since Manaslu Circuit Trek is a very adventurous and challenging trek above 5000m in Nepal.

Right/Proper Pacing

The trekking itinerary with proper pacing will let you get victory over a particular trekking trip and an especially challenging trekking trip like the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Right, pacing means the right working hours in a day. The average working hours in a day for Manaslu Circuit range between 5-8. If you think that you can walk 5-8 hours a day at a higher elevation like 3000m and above, you can go for Manaslu Circuit Trek. And, another important thing is that the trekkers need to check if they are going to walk more than 8 hours a day or not. If they are going with such kind of itinerary for Manaslu Circuit Trek that they have to walk more than 8 hours a day, then, don’t go with this kind of Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary, rather ask them to place the right pacing or working hours for you. If you overwork like 9/10 hours a day, then, you are going to break yourself down on the trail. So, the trekkers should think seriously about the right pacing while doing their Manaslu Circuit Trek as they are going above 5000m and they are also working for a minimum of 2 weeks. The average walking distance in Manaslu Circuit Trek must be 12 kilometers while ascending and 15 while descending. 

Right/Reliable Transportation

While accepting the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary, one is required to see if there are reliable means of transpiration or not. In the cost include and exclude section, you can find the means of transportation and the cost of it. The major Manaslu Circuit Trek Transportation is a local bus; one cannot find luxury tourist buses like Kathmandu to Pokhara, Kathmandu-Chitwan and Kathmandu to Lumbini. Besides the local bus, you also can find a four-wheel jeep drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola/Machhakhola. While setting the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary for you, you can ask your travel partner to provide you four-wheel jeep rather than a local bus which will be a more reliable means of transportation for you for more than 9 hours drive to Machhakhola from Kathmandu via country road.

Sometimes, the local bus drive is obstructed by rain and landslides during spring season and you may not reach your destination on time. If you go with Jeep Drive, you can get to the destination you want on time. So, getting the right and reliable means of transportation is a very crucial part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary. If you find the local bus transportation for your Manaslu Trek Itinerary, you can request them to switch to a jeep ride and you should be ready to pay a little more cost for it.

Right Ascent

Go with the itinerary for your Manaslu Circuit Trek with the right ascent. If you climb quickly, you may suffer from acute mountain sickness and your entire dream of accomplishing the Manaslu Circuit Trek will be shattered. The Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary, at least, should be 14 days with the right ascent. If you see the number of days less than 14, you should think about this kind of itinerary and study how it can be possible. The average ascent maximum one should get in one day is 1500m, and the same should be there for one’s Manaslu Circuit Trek except the day of crossing Larke La Pass (5106m).

 If the ascend exceeds more than 1500m, then, there may be various risks to your health. Therefore, it is a very important thing to consider the right ascent in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary to avoid risks and hurdles during one’s Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Be careful while ascending to Larkya La, you may have acute mountain sickness. If you have any, please let your trekking leader know before the problem gets worse and ask for immediate rescue in required. 

Reliable/Professional Trekking Crew

Before you agree with an itinerary for Manaslu Circuit Trek, the trekkers must check if the service provider is offering them a professional and reliable trekking crew or not. For this, you can make a query about the trekking guide and porter you are using/hiring on the trail. You can also check their team and the profile of the guide and porter before fixing a particular trekking itinerary for your Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Further, you can demand a particular trekking crew including guide and porter while you are agreeing with a particular trekking itinerary for Manaslu Circuit Trek. If you aren’t accompanied by a professional and reliable trekking crew for your trek, if the itinerary is well-set, however, the trekkers are not successful in conquering over Manaslu Circuit Trek. Therefore, we request all the trekkers who are doing their Manaslu Circuit Trek to go with a very reliable and professional trekking crew for their trek. Overall, you will be tremendously successful in your Manaslu Circuit Trek if you are with a reliable and professional trekking crew. 

The trekking leader you are accompanying must be licensed holder and from authorized trekking company . Otherwise, you may bear some problems on the trail. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itineraries

There are various itineraries for Manaslu Circuit Trek ranging from 12-16 days. You can go with whichever itinerary you like to follow for your trek. Before going with a particular trekking itinerary for your Manaslu Circuit Trek, you need to check neatly if the itinerary has all sections of the description of trail, guide and porter, cost includes and excludes ascent and pacing and most importantly acclimatization. It is very important to include one day of acclimatization at Samagaon in your Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary.

 Now let’s see different Manaslu Circuit Trek Itineraries with the days you need to allocate for it.

16 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary 

 Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,320 m and transfer to hotel.


Day 2: In Kathmandu trek preparation and sightseeing tour.


Day 3: Drive to Machha Khola 900 m / 2,952 feet.
Driving distance: 160 km / 99. 5 miles. Approx. 6-7 hrs.

Day 4: Trek to Jagat 1,340 m via Dovan 1, 070 m -06 hours.


Day 5: Trek to Deng 1,860 m via Philim village-06 hours.


Day 6: Trek to Namrung 2, 660 m-06 hours.


Day 7: Trek to Lo-Gaon 3,180 m-05 hours.


Day 8: Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,500 m /11, 480 feet-05 hours.


Day 9: At Sama-Gaon rest day for acclimatization and excursion.


Day 10: Trek to Samdo 3,875 m -04 hours.


Day 11: Trek to Dharmasala 4, 450 m /14, 596 feet-04 hours.


Day 12: Trek to Bhimtang 3, 590 m via Larke-La Pass 5,106 m -08 hours.


Day13: Trek to Gowa 2,535 m- 04 hrs.

Day14:Trek to Dharapani(1860 m) and Drive to Besisahar ( 7 hrs)

Day15: Drive Back to Kathmandu

Day16: Final Departure day

 In the above 16 day itinerary, we have one day of acclimatization at Samagaon (3,500 m /11, 480 feet) so that you trekkers can feel comfortable to cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) after you acclimatize your body at 3500m above the sea level. This the fact that before going above 5000m, everyone is required to acclimatize their bodies with the gained elevation and then only they can get victory over the trekking trip/climbing above 5000m. Moreover, it is better to have 2 days of acclimatization while ascending above 5000m like in Everest Base Camp Trek, one day at Namche and the other at Dingbcohe.

The above 16-day Manaslu Circuit Itinerary has enough time for acclimatization, going and coming back, arrival and departure and even trekking preparation day with the Kathmandu sightseeing tour before the trekking trip begins formally. This is a very ideal and convenient Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary for those who are thinking of doing Manaslu Trek.

15 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary 

The 15 day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary doesn’t include the preparation day and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, otherwise, the rest of the activities are the same all the days from start to end.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,320 m and transfer to hotel.


Day 2: Drive to Machha Khola 900 m / 2,952 feet.
Driving distance: 160 km / 99. 5 miles. Approx. 6-7 hrs.

Day 3: Trek to Jagat 1,340 m via Dovan 1, 070 m -06 hours.


Day 4: Trek to Deng 1,860 m via Philim village-06 hours.


Day 5: Trek to Namrung 2, 660 m-06 hours.


Day 6: Trek to Lo-Gaon 3,180 m-05 hours.


Day 7: Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,500 m /11, 480 feet-05 hours.


Day 8: At Sama-Gaon rest day for acclimatization and excursion.


Day 9: Trek to Samdo 3,875 m -04 hours.


Day 10: Trek to Dharmasala 4, 450 m /14, 596 feet-04 hours.


Day 11: Trek to Bhimtang 3, 590 m via Larke-La Pass 5,106 m -08 hours.


Day12: Trek to Gowa 2,535 m- 04 hrs.

Day13:Trek to Dharapani(1860 m) and Drive to Besisahar ( 7 hrs)

Day14: Drive Back to Kathmandu

Day15: Final Departure day

This 15-day Manaslu Circuit Itinerary has one day of acclimatization at Samagaon as other best itineraries for Manaslu Circuit Trek, have arrival and departure days and the only different thing is that you don’t have the extra day to explore Kathmandu city and its World Heritage Sites. You can request to adjust this exploration day in Kathmandu at the end of the itinerary too.

14 day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary 

14 day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary is also known as the short Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary. If you have got only 2 weeks to spend for your Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal, then, go with this itinerary. Sometimes, people have only 14 days and are very passionate about celebrating Manaslu Circuit Trek, an adventure trekking in Nepal but the itineraries they see are either 15 days or more than that. At this time, you can also do your Manaslu Circuit Trek in 14 days with proper acclimatization days, and arrival and departure days.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,320 m and transfer to hotel.


Day 2: Drive to Machha Khola 900 m / 2,952 feet.
Driving distance: 160 km / 99. 5 miles. Approx. 6-7 hrs.

Day 3: Trek to Jagat 1,340 m via Dovan 1, 070 m -06 hours.


Day 4: Trek to Deng 1,860 m via Philim village-06 hours.


Day 5: Trek to Namrung 2, 660 m-06 hours.


Day 6: Trek to Lo-Gaon 3,180 m-05 hours.


Day 7: Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,500 m /11, 480 feet-05 hours.


Day 8: At Sama-Gaon rest day for acclimatization and excursion.


Day 9: Trek to Samdo 3,875 m -04 hours.


Day 10: Trek to Dharmasala 4, 450 m /14, 596 feet-04 hours.


Day 11: Trek to Bhimtang 3, 590 m via Larke-La Pass 5,106 m -08 hours.


Day12: Trek to Gowa 2,535 m- 04 hrs.

Day13:Trek to Dharapani(1860 m) and Drive to Besisahar ( 7 hrs)

Day14: Drive Back to Kathmandu and Departure to Homewards

This itinerary is one of the best itineraries for Manaslu Circuit Trek but it seems to be a little bit rush, isn’t it? Yes, you’d better go with either 15/16 day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary which you can find more convenient and flexible because one knows how will the weather conditions be in the mountains. It is always uncertain as the mountain is wild and mighty. So, you, at least, have to have one spare day for your Manaslu Circuit Trip. But, still 14 days Itinerary is possible for your Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Note: if you are offered the trek itinerary in less than 14 days for Manaslu Circuit Trek, then, you’d better not accept that one since it is almost impossible to do Manaslu Circuit Trek in less than 14 days. You need at least one acclimatization day and arrival and departure with long hours of transportation by local bus or jeep from and to Kathmandu.

Important Manaslu Trek Itinerary FAQs Replied

How many days for Manaslu Circuit trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek takes at least 14 days to complete. If you go with more flexible itinerary, it takes 15/16 days to successfully accomplish your Manaslu Circuit Trek.

These 15 days are allocated like this: day one for arrival and other rest of the 13 days will be for the real trekking days in the mountain. Out of them, one particular day will be for acclimatization at Samagaon (3530m) before we go for crossing Larkya La Pass (5160m). This acclimatization day at Samagaon is very essential to let your body adjust new elevation and the surrounding before you go above 5000m. It is the same thing like people do in Everest Base Camp Trek at Namche Bazaar (3440m) and Dingboche (4410m) for two days before heading for Everest Base Camp(5163m) and Kalapatthar (5545m).

Actually, 14 days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary is very tight schedule and those who have got very sound stamina with high level of confidence can accomplish it or the moderate trekkers need at least 15 or 16 days for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Have 15 or 16 days for your Manaslu Circuit Trek and celebrate this adventure trekking in Nepal is restricted area between Nepal and Tibet. In fact, this trekking trip is distinctly different from other trekking trails like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and even Everest Base Camp Trek.

How difficult is Manaslu Circuit trek?

Ascending above 5000m is always challenging for the trekkers and same goes with Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Manaslu Circuit Trek takes the trekkers up to 5160m that is Larkya La Pass, one of the highest mountain passes of the world and offers the absolute thrills of adventure with true remoteness.

Manasalu Circuit Trek is a very challenging trek in the sense that:

• The trekking trail is located in one of the wildest and remotest areas of Nepal
  
• Vast and hardest landscapes with tough ups and downs
  
• Deep gorges to cross, descend and ascend
  
• Hard to find right and luxury accommodation during the trek
• Restricted area trekking in Nepal between the border of Tibet and Nepal
  
• Sometimes, encounter with weather extremes like heavy rain an heavy snowfall
  
• Lack of luxury transportation
• Crossing Larkya La Pass (5160m) one of the highest passes of the world

However, if you dare to face all these challenges , you will easily conquer over Manaslu Circuit Adventure Trek and Larkya La pass as well with marvelous experiences of adventure trekking with astonishing mountain views in Nepal.

How much is Manaslu Circuit trek package?

Manaslu Circuit Trek Package cost ranges between USD 1500 to 1600 depending on what type of package you go with like: full board meal and BB basis. Actually, if you want a full board meal and accommodation package, the cost will be like around USD 1600 and if you go with only BB ( Breakfast and Bed basis, the cost will be even less than USD 1500, may be like USD 1300-1400 for 15/16 days itinerary.

The full board package cost means, it includes the following things :

•  All Arrival and Departure transfers from airport to airport.
• Twin sharing room on best tourist standard hotels in Kathmandu with all meals (BLD)
• Transport Kathmandu to Machha-Khola and from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Bhesisar.
• Twin-sharing accommodation on best available lodges/Guesthouse includes Breakfast. And you go with a full Board meal it means Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are added
• Service of guide and Porter as per the size of the group (It means, two people and one porter)
• Wages, meals, medical allowance of guides and porters.
• Applicable Special Trekking Permits for Restricted Areas, include MCAP, ACAP and TIMS.
• Comprehensive Medical Kit carried by our staff if required for minor 
wounds and sickness.
• Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

 If you choose only half board package, then, the trek package includes only :

• All Arrival and Departure transfers from airport to airport.
• Twin sharing room on best tourist standard hotels in Kathmandu with Bed and Breakfast only  
• Transport Kathmandu to Machha-Khola and from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Bhesisar.
• Twin-sharing accommodation on best available lodges/Guesthouse includes Breakfast.
• Service of guide and Porter as per the size of the group (It means, two people and one porter)
• Wages, meals, medical allowance of guides and porters.
• Applicable Special Trekking Permits for Restricted Areas, include MCAP, ACAP and TIMS.
• Comprehensive Medical Kit carried by our staff if required for minor 
wounds and sickness.
• Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

So, in full board package, you don’t need to pay any kind of basic payments like for food, accommodation, guide and porter service, transportation and farewell diner in Kathmandu but in half board package only includes your accommodation with  breakfast and you have to pay extra cost for your lunch and dinner. 

Is Manaslu Better than Annapurna? 

In regard of views and landscapes, mountain panoramas, remoteness, wilderness, civilization and local culture, less crowded trail, definitely, Manaslu is better than Annapurna. However, all who wish to do Manaslu trek may not be able to conquer due high altitude above 5000m. Actually, ascending above Dharmasala to Larkyala Pass (5160m) is very tough through Samagaon (3540m).

But, those who have done both trekking trips: Annapurna Base Camp Trek/Annapurna Circuit Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek and if they are asked a question which one do they prefer, here, they always go with Manaslu Circuit Trek rather than Annapurna Base Camp Trek for better views and better experiences with wild nature in less crowded and restricted area trekking of Nepal. 

Therefore, if you really love doing adventure trekking ascending above 5000m in less crowded and in far remote areas of Neapl with grand lasdscapes and mountain panoramas, you can go with Manaslu Circuit Trek rather than Annapurna trekking. 

Manaslu Trek 12 days 

 Manaslu Trek 12 Days itinerary is possible only if the jeep drive takes you directly to Jagat (1300m) from Kathmandu or from Machhakhola. It’s around 10 hours drive from Kathmandu and its 2-3 hours drive from Machhakhola.

 But, now it is, actually, not possible to do Manaslu Circuit Trek in 12 days if you are thinking of and have to commencing the trek from Machhakhola. Hopefully, the road links the two cities ( Machhakhola and Jagat) with smooth driving without any interruptions. But, these days, still the condition of the section of the road from Machhakhola to Jagat is no good in condition. The trucks and other 4-WD Jeeps can easily go up to Jagat during spring ( Mar-May) and winter(Dec-Mar) but not in rainy (Jun-Aug). In fact, you need to make sure that if the jeep goes directly to Jagat or not before you begin your Manaslu Trek 12 days. Otherwise, if the jeep is not going there up to Jagat, it is not possible to accomplish Manaslu Trek in 12 days.

 However, in a few years, the jeep drive to Jagat will beautifully connect from Kathmandu directly or from Machhakhola and people will be able to do Manaslu Trek 12 days. Now and recently, you can either go with 14 days Manaslu Circuit Trek or 16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary. These both Manaslu circuit Trek Itineraries have very flexible time schedule with right days for acclimatization. This way, you can enjoy your Manaslu Circuit Trek in an adventurous and more exciting ways as you like.

What is difference between Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit? 

Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are not totally different; they are very similar each other. It means, you can go with whichever you like to do. 

Both Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are challenging trekking trip in Nepal taking the trekkers above 5000m into the wild mountain. Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to Larkya La Pass (5120m) and Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you to Thorongla Pass (5416m). Both of these high passes of Nepal are very challenging for trekkers and require special trainings beforehand. 

The landscapes and the views are very similar, means grand and massive, which are distinct than in other trekking trips like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. Both trekking trails are located at the border between Tibet and Nepal. 

A few differences between Annapurna Circuit Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek are: you will witness both Manaslu and Annaurna Himalayan views in Annapurna Circuit Trek but you will only see Manaslu and Ganesh Himal in Manaslu Circuit, Manaslu Circuit Trek covers both Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area but Annapurna Circuit Trek covers only Annapurna Conservation Area. Manaslu Circuit begins from Machhakhola/Sotikhola but Annapurna Circuit Trek commences from Besisahar where Manaslu circuit trek ends. Annapurna Circuit trek ends in Jomsom after you visit Muktinath, a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. You can drive or fly back to Pokhara. 

Frankly telling, both trips are equally grand and massive to experience if you love adventure trekking in Nepal’s Himalayas above 5000m.