Manaslu Circuit Trek
One circuit. One pass at 5,106m. Twelve days around the eighth-highest mountain on earth.
This is not a sightseeing trek. The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted permit route through remote Himalayan terrain – Tibetan villages, ancient monasteries, and high alpine passes that most trekkers never reach. It ends with Larke Pass at 5,106m.
Altitude
Kathmandu to Kathmandu
One pass, the Larke La at 5,106m, is the high point and the hardest day. You gain height slowly up the Budhi Gandaki, rest and acclimatise at Samagaun, then cross the pass from the Dharamsala high camp and drop into the Annapurna side at Bhimthang.
Why This Trek Is Different
This Is Not a Standard Nepal Trek
You circle the eighth-highest mountain on earth through Tibetan-influenced villages, ancient monasteries, and high alpine terrain. The route ends with Larke Pass at 5,106m – a full day crossing that starts at 4am and demands everything you have.
"Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast." Fast ascents here do not mean rushing - they mean long days, steady rhythm, and perfect acclimatisation. Arrive at camp in good health. Every time. Start early. Move steady. Respect the altitude.
This trek can help people preparing for high altitude climbs, long distance runs, or any endurance activity that demands strong breathing capacity anywhere in their fitness regime.
Itinerary
Twelve days, day by day
Bar length shows altitude. Read down and you see the shape of the walk.
00
1,400m
ArrivalKathmandu
Arrive by evening. Trip briefing and welcome. The next day is trek preparation, documentation and last-minute shopping. Permits finalised.
01
900m
RoadKathmandu to Machhakhola
8 to 9 hours by private vehicle. The road turns bumpy after Arughat. Overnight at a teahouse where the walking begins.
02
1,340m
WalkingMachhakhola to Jagat
6 to 7 hours on narrow trails and suspension bridges. Jagat is the entry point for the Manaslu Conservation Area.
03
1,860m
WalkingJagat to Deng
6 to 7 hours. The Tibetan-influenced villages begin as the valley climbs and narrows.
04
2,660m
WalkingDeng to Namrung
6 to 7 hours. Steep climbs with great mountain views. The cold weather starts here.
05
3,520m
WalkingNamrung to Shyala
4 to 5 hours. A deliberately short day to aid acclimatisation, with stunning views of Manaslu opening up.
06
3,530m
AcclimatiseShyala to Samagaun, via Pungyen Gompa
6 to 7 hours with a side trip to Pungyen Gompa at 4,000m for acclimatisation. Ancient monastery and glacier views. Sleep at Samagaun.
07
3,530m
RestSamagaun, rest and acclimatisation
A rest day at 3,530m. Optional hikes to Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800m or Birendra Tal. Necessary for altitude safety and not skipped.
08
3,875m
WalkingSamagaun to Samdo
3 to 4 hours, an easy walk through open valley. Optional afternoon walk up towards the Tibetan border at Gyala Bhanjyang.
09
4,460m
WalkingSamdo to Dharamsala (Larke Phedi)
3 to 4 hours up to the high camp at 4,460m. Cold and windy. An early night to prepare for the pass.
10
5,106m
The passDharamsala to Larke Pass to Bhimthang
The big day, 8 to 9 hours. A 4 to 5am start over the Larke La at 5,106m, snow possible, then a long descent to Bhimthang at 3,720m.
11
2,300m
WalkingBhimthang to Tilche
6 to 7 hours through forests and rivers, with warmer air on the descent into the Annapurna side.
12
1,400m
RoadTilche to Kathmandu
Jeep to Besisahar, then on to Kathmandu, 9 to 10 hours total. Trip wrap-up. The trek ends.
Full itinerary document, inclusions and costing sent individually on enquiry.
The qualifying standard
One qualifying standard applies to every trek. You need to meet either one of these, not bothIt is a filter for readiness.
If your body cannot sustain a steady pace at sea level, the mountain will find out at altitude.
This is not a barrier put there to keep people out. It is a promise that everyone on the trail can look after themselves at altitude, and that nobody is carrying anybody else. You must also be free of respiratory illness at the time of departure.
Organisers
Notes
How a departure works
- A deposit confirms your place.
- Full refund on the deposit if cancelled two weeks before departure. No questions asked.
- Minimum 6 trekkers for a departure to run.
- Departures run in April & October months of a year.
- Tell me when you can travel and I will tell you what is open.
- Cost varies by nationality, because the Manaslu Conservation Area permits and rules. Full costing is sent with the itinerary document when you enquire.
Manaslu’s summit is where my real journey began.
This circuit won’t take you to the top – but close enough.
Venky