Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 days is one of those rare journeys that gives you a bit of everything, some challenge, lots of beauty, and a real sense of discovery. SotiKhola marks the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit trail, which moves through peaceful avenues of scenic valleys along icy rivers leading to the high Larkya La Pass.
Along the way, you will meet warm communities with strong Tibetan roots and experience their unique culture. What sets the trekking in Manaslu Circuit apart is not just the striking views of the mountains, beyond that, it is the quiet paths, the slow rhythm of village life, and the feeling that you are walking trails that still feel wild and untouched.
What makes the Manaslu Circuit experience even more special is how the landscape and culture shift as you ascend. In the lower areas, you will trek through rice terraces and warm forests, but as you climb higher, the landscape shifts to rocky cliffs, glaciers, and high-mountain passes.
You will spend your nights in local teahouses-basic but cozy-among fellow adventurers and locals, perfect for making those special connections. Every day, there's a new page, whether you are trekking over a suspension bridge, sipping tea with a family, or catching your breath under the shadow of mountains capped in white. Nepal Manaslu Circuit trekking is not just a hike-it is an adventure through some of Nepal's most far-flung beauty.
Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days Highlights
- Walk a peaceful, less-crowded Manaslu Circuit route through Nepal’s remote wilderness.
- Experience true off-the-beaten-path trekking and enjoy the quiet.
- Cross the challenging Larkya La Pass: a big highlight of the journey.
- Take in jaw-dropping views of mountains, valleys, and glaciers.
- Soak up the Tibetan-inspired culture and warm hospitality of local villagers.
- Spend two nights in SamaGaun to rest and acclimatize.
- Trek through forests, deep gorges, moraines, and glacier fields.
- Choose a side hike to Manaslu Base Camp or the beautiful Birendra Lake.
What to Expect in Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit trek is packed with stunning scenery and experiences, making it a unique and unforgettable experience in the Himalayas. Here are some highlights to help you decide if this adventure suits you.
Secluded trails and untouched nature
If you love the idea of being deep in the mountains with just raw wilderness, the Nepal Manaslu Circuit Trek delivers. The beauty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in its untouched charm. While famous routes like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp are busy with trekkers, Manaslu keeps things peaceful.
You will walk through changing climates, swaying bridges, cross rivers, spot yaks grazing in high pastures, and maybe even glimpse a Himalayan Tahr or marmot. Manaslu's pristine environment enriches your Himalayan journey with its blissfully quieter trails, where you can hike for hours in solitude.
Remote trekking adventure with the thrilling Larkya La Pass crossing
The off-beat and adventurous surface of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal adds excitement. This trail is meant for someone looking for something rugged: steep climbs, rocky paths, and real challenges. It is not an average walk in the park, so getting to Larkya La Pass feels rewarding: I am proud of conquering everything from glacier walks to snow.
Standing amidst snowcapped peaks and endless sky, you will take solace in what you have completed. The climb to Larke La Pass across glaciers may test all your endeavors, but with the vistas, the view from there will make every step worth it.
Adventurous trail with sensational mountain views
The 15-day Manaslu Circuit trek Odyssey isn’t just about the destination, it is about the journey. The ever-changing landscapes feel straight out of an adventure movie as you walk beside roaring rivers and take on the Larkya Glacier with grit and awe.
But what steals the show are the mountains. Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Gyaji Kang (7,038 m), Kang Guru (6,981 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m), Simnang Himal (6,251 m), Naike Peak (6,211 m), Himlung Himal (7,126 m), and a host of other snowy giants rise like silent guardians all around you. It is wild, remote, and endlessly beautiful.
Rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage and friendly locals
Manaslu Circuit region is a world of its own, lying adjacent to the Tibetan country just a step away; the villages haven't changed in centuries. Far from the mayhem of contemporary cities, the area still follows conventional trade roads and deeply rooted traditions. As you trek through remote villages, you will meet locals who live meaningfully, guided by Tibetan Buddhist beliefs.
Their hearts are warm, their stories fascinating, and their culture untouched by the world. A shared laugh, a sip of butter tea, or a turn of a prayer wheel together are these few humble moments that bring the Manaslu Circuit Trek to life as something special and well worth a visit.
Spend two nights in Sama Gaun to acclimatize
We take a well-earned acclimatization day in Sama Gaun, and it is more than just a rest- it is a chance to explore. You can hike up to Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 meters for jaw-dropping mountain views, or head to Birendra Lake, a beautiful glacial lake tucked beneath the icy peaks at 3,691 meters.
If you are in the mood for something quieter, Pungyen Gompa, an ancient quiet monastery in the hills above the lake, would be a worthy visit. This is a lovely, peaceful, out-of-the-way place with Tibetan Buddhist culture at its heart and surrounded by raw mountain beauty. Whether stretching your legs or soaking in the scenery, this day is something special added to the journey.
Manaslu Circuit trek guide and Porters
Outfitter Himalaya always recommends trekking the Manaslu Circuit with a guide for safety and mental calm. Most trekking routes in Nepal, especially those in the high Himalayas, can be risky on a solo trek.
Our experienced trekking guides are familiar with every twist and turn of the trail, having walked these paths up and down many times. Also, since the region is restricted, you must have a local guide in Manaslu Circuit.
You will be assigned a city guide for Kathmandu sightseeing and a trekking guide for the entire Manaslu circuit trek. If there are more than eight members in your group, another guide will also be available. Porters are not included in the price, but we can book one for you if you would like to have one for extra help while booking the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Why Manaslu Circuit Trek is special?
Manaslu Circuit Trek stands out as one of Nepal’s hidden gems. While many trekkers flock to Everest or Annapurna, Manaslu offers a quieter and more authentic experience of the Himalayas. This trail, which runs along the ancient trade route once used for connecting Nepal with Tibet, passes more than 10 beautiful towering Himalayan peaks above 6,500 meters. It is truly a visual treat, with far fewer people.
What makes the Manaslu Circuit trek unique, though, is the cultural blend. It leads through villages inhabited by Nubri, Tsum, and Gurung peoples, each with its unique language, customs, and way of life. Thus, this trek is more than walking among mountains; it opens up a culturally lively place where ancient traditions are still part of everyday life.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
The standard Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary spans 14 to 18 days, depending on your route and acclimatization needs. The journey starts at Soti Khola and ends at Dharapani while encircling the majestic Manaslu mountain range. The itinerary leads you through picturesque mountain settlements, including Namrung, Samagaon, and Samdo, before reaching the thrilling Larke Pass at 5,106 meters.
Acclimatization days in Manaslu Circuit Trek are in Samagaon or Samdo, where you can take side hikes to glaciers, monasteries, or Manaslu Base Camp. In this journey, you will experience a diverse combination of forest paths, river passages, Buddhist temples, and stunning mountain vistas; please look at the day-by-day detailed itinerary to learn more about the daily Manaslu Circuit Trek routine.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map
Manaslu Circuit Trek starts in Kathmandu and follows a scenic drive to SotiKhola, the trailhead. From there, you will trek through forests, river valleys, and villages like Jagat, Deng, and Namrung as you gain altitude towards the high Himalayas.
The trek builds up to the thrilling Larke La Pass (5,106m), the highest and most challenging part. There’s a scheduled rest day in Sama Gaun for acclimatization, and then the trek ends with a descent to Dharapani and a drive back to Kathmandu. You can find the detailed trek route map of the Manaslu Circuit on this page.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude
Manaslu Circuit Trek gradually climbs through diverse landscapes, starting at a relatively low altitude of 700m in Soti Khola. The trek steadily ascends, with daily altitude gains of about 400-700m, reaching 3,520m at Sama Gaun. Along the way, you will pass through villages like Jagat (1340m), Namrung (2630m), and Samdo (3875m), all while acclimatizing to the changing altitudes.
Manaslu Circuit Trek’s highest point is the iconic Larke La Pass, at 5130 meters altitude. This challenging day offers stunning views of Himalayan giants like Manaslu, Annapurna II, and Himlung Himal. Acclimatization days in Sama Gaun and Samdo safely sidestep the risks of altitude sickness and offer a safe and exhilarating journey to the top; look at the attached Manaslu Circuit Trek altitude chart for daily elevation gain and maximum heights of Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Where is the Manaslu Circuit trek located?
Manaslu Circuit trekking trail is nestled between the Annapurna and Langtang regions in the central-north part of Nepal. It circles the majestic Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world! You will start the trek in Soti Khola (about an 8-9-hour drive from Kathmandu) and end near Dharapani, linking up with the Annapurna region.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Duration
The beauty of Manaslu Circuit trekking is its flexibility. Our Manaslu Circuit treks range from a fast-paced 11-day journey to a slow, immersive 22-day exploration. Go short, go long, or go custom! We are here to help craft the perfect Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary just for you, whether you are chasing sunrises or sipping tea in remote villages.
How many days do you need? No worries- we’ll walk you through the options based on your time, pace, and travel style. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a curious explorer, there's a Manaslu itinerary with your name!
Manaslu Circuit Trek distance
The total walking distance for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is approximately 177 kilometers (110 miles). Over 10 hiking days, you will walk daily for 5 to 7 hours, covering approximately 12 to 22 kilometers daily.
The Manaslu Circuit trek starts at SotiKhola and climbs steadily through remote villages, lush forests, and rocky ridges before reaching the thrilling highest point, Larke La Pass, at 5,160 meters. Some days are less demanding (like SamaGaun to Samdo, 9 km), while others test your endurance (like Phedi to Bimtang, 16 km).
But don’t worry! Frequent breaks, village tea stops, and incredible views will keep your spirits and legs moving!
Manaslu Circuit Trek Booking
Outfitter Himalaya is a local company that specializes in small-group Manaslu Circuit Trek. We offer fixed departures for those wanting to share the trails with others. We organize private Manaslu Circuit trek for those wanting a personalized approach. You can tell us on any date that works best for you.
We suggest you book the Manaslu circuit trek in advance, as then we can organize everything quite smoothly, like your guide arrangements and permits. However, if you are making last-minute decisions, know we are happy to help with short-notice bookings, too!
Manaslu Circuit Trek Best Company: Outfitter Himalaya
Outfitter Himalaya is a trusted local trekking company for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Our expert guides, in-depth knowledge of the region, and commitment to safety make us a top choice for trekkers in any season.
As you plan your Manaslu Circuit trek in Nepal, consider your aspirations, the season that resonates with you, and your willingness to embrace the Himalayas' ever-changing weather conditions. The chosen season will influence your journey, the landscapes you traverse, and the memories you create.
Your Himalayan dream waits, and with our support, it's sure to be a successful and memorable experience, no matter the season!
