Manaslu Circuit Trek Map & Itinerary Breakdown

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventurous journey with a demanding yet fulfilling adventure through the complete circuit. The Manaslu Conservation Area in Gorkha District features the trek, providing its explorers natural wonders and cultural diversity. Along the path, you will travel through thick forests followed by rural villages and distant communities that display Tibetan spiritual heritage, allowing visitors to witness Tibetan Buddhist cultural traditions and Sherpa customs. During this trek you can observe snow leopards and blue sheep in addition to other wildlife species because the trails lead through rich wildlife habitats.

The Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters) is an essential highlight of this trek by providing outstanding views encompassing the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. The Manaslu Circuit demands higher difficulty than its Annapurna Circuit counterpart because it includes sensitive terrain that ranges from simple to hard and requires significant elevation increases during the trek.

If you seek genuine Himalayan discovery alongside mountain vistas, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a good option. It provides authentic Himalayan experiences with low crowds.

Explanation of Trekking Route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary starts with the scenic drive from Kathmandu and takes you through Maccha Khola. Proceeding from Maccha Khola, you will traverse to the pretty village of Jagat, which serves as the initial checkpoint for visiting the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). Following Jagat, you will travel to the Tibetan-influenced village of Dyang. Throughout its cultural richness, the area played an essential part in the recovery process right after the earthquake struck. Namrung stands out as a vital spot because it is a cultural center that preserves Tibetan Buddhist traditions. You will find Shyala on your trip because of its breathtaking mountain views of Manaslu and the prominent location of the Pungyen Gompa Buddhist monastery in the area.

You will stop at Pungyen Monastery before continuing your trek to Samagaun, where you will find a peaceful community with spectacular views of Manaslu alongside Birendra Lake. An exceptional adventure awaits visitors who venture toward the untouched area of Manaslu Base Camp, where they can appreciate personal encounters and extraordinary views of Manaslu Mountain. You will journey to Samdo, where the village rests close to the Tibet border because of its quiet environment and magnificent views of the Manaslu Himalayas range. From Larkya La Phedi, the trail becomes the base camp for the demanding Larkya La Pass journey. After crossing through this high-altitude pass, the route descends to Bhimthang, which is a captivating location with stunning mountain scenery all around. From Bhimthang, trekkers can move into the Annapurna region when they want to proceed.

Moving from Dharamsala to Tilje will expose you to a traditional Tibetan village where stone houses line narrow alleys. Tilje serves as the last destination of the Manaslu Circuit before the journey leads down towards Besisahar. Your journey ends with a scenic drive from the country landscape back to the busy city environment of Kathmandu. The Manaslu Circuit trek finishes at international departure routes as you leave all the recent unforgettable experiences behind.

Outline Itinerary of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola
Day 3: Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat
Day 4: Trek to Dyang
Day 5: Trek to Namrung
Day 6: Trek to Shyala
Day 7: Visit to Pung Yen Monastery and Trek to Samagaun
Day 8: Hike to Manaslu Base Camp
Day 9: Trek to Samdo
Day 10: Trek to Larkya La Phedi
Day 11: Cross Larkya La Pass and Descend towards Bhimthang
Day 12: Trek to Tilje Village
Day 13: Drive back to Besisahar
Day 14: International Departure

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map and Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, where our Yeti Hikes staff will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You can then rest or visit the nearby local market.

• Trek Info: No trekking today.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola

You will have a drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola, enjoying the beautiful terrain, the green landscape, and the chilly cold breeze throughout the drive.

• Drive Duration: 9 to 10 hours.
• Trek Info: No trekking today.

Day 3: Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat

Jagat is a scenic village and the official entry checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). It is a short trek with well-maintained and clear markings and trail conditions.

• Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours.
• Fact: Jagat means "World" in Sanskrit.

Day 4: Trek to Dyang

It is also known as Deng or Dhang in the Chumnuwri Rural Municipality of Gorkha District. The Nubri people, an ethnic group with Tibetan roots, inhabit the village.

• Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours.
• Fact: Support Area for the post-earthquake recovery phase.

Day 5: Trek to Namrung

It is a memorable stop with natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual depth. It is a cultural hub where Tibetan Buddhist traditions are observed.

• Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours.
• Fact: In February 2024, Namrung inaugurated Milarepa Park.

Day 6: Trek to Shyala

Shyala, also known as Shyala Kharka, is a serene and culturally rich destination on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

• Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours.
• Fact: The most renowned monastery in the area is the Pungyen Gompa.

Day 7: Visit to Pungyen Monastery and Trek to Samagaun

Pungyen Gompa/ Monastery is dedicated to the Buddhist traditions and serves as the place of worship and meditation.

Samagaun is a small village with stunning views of Manaslu, the Birendra Lake, and the surrounding glaciers.

• Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours.
• Fact: Pungyen Gompa is notable for its resilience following the 2015 Nepal earthquake.

Day 8: Hike to Manaslu Base Camp

Manaslu Base Camp is a rare and pristine experience. In addition to the physical journey, it is an incredibly personal and reflective experience.

• Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours.
• Fact: It is one of the most untouched and serene destinations in the trekking world.

Day 9: Trek to Samdo

Samdo is a beautiful village before the Larkya La Pass, with a well-lit scenario of the Manaslu Himalayas and authentic culture and customs.

• Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours.
• Fact: The village is close to the Tibet border.

Day 10: Trek to Larkya La Phedi

Larkya La Phedi is a crucial stop, and it is considered one of the most challenging high-altitude passes in the Himalayas.

• Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours.
• Fact: "Phedi" in Nepali means "foot of a mountain", which means the location is the starting point to cross the Larkya La Pass.

Day 11: Cross Larkya La Pass and Descend towards Bhimthang

Larkya La Pass is among the most challenging high-altitude passes in the Himalayas. However, the area's desolate beauty makes it a peaceful stop.

Bhimtang is a beautiful place surrounded by the serene beauty of the mountains.

• Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours.
• Fact: Bhimthang is the “gateway to the Annapurna region.” Trekkers can continue the trek from Manaslu to the Annapurna Circuit.

Day 12: Trek to Tilje Village

Tilje village is a traditional Tibetan-influenced village, characterized by stone houses, narrow alleys, and beautiful landscapes. It is a lovely spot to relax and reminisce before the trek ends.

• Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours.

Fact: Tilje is the final stop on the Manaslu Circuit before the Manaslu Circuit Trek ends.

Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu

Take the scenic drive back to Kathmandu and witness the transition from the serene countryside to the bustling cityscape.

• Drive Duration: 8 to 9 hours.
• Trek Info: No trekking today.

Day 14: International Departure

Say goodbye to Nepal and the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. 

Why should you choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

If you want a peaceful and full-intensity Himalayan adventure, choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek. During the trek, you will encounter two distinct aspects: the spectacular sights of Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth-tallest peak, and multiple environments that combine woodlands and rivers with mountain valleys and glacial terrains. The Manaslu region is beneath the crowded guidelines of Everest and Annapurna, providing you with authentic wilderness and untouched scenic value. Climbing Larkya La Pass stands as an exhilarating peak of the trek because its extensive views of mountains create powerful feelings of success.

The distinctive element of this trek is its outstanding cultural journey. The journey through Samagaun and Namrung traditional villages lets you see how Tibetan Buddhist traditions dominate all aspects of daily existence, including sacred monasteries, flying prayer flags, and friendly village hospitality. Traveling through the Nubri and Tsum Populations today provides an insight into their traditional cultural practices as if traveling through a past era. The Manaslu Circuit Trek stands out by uniting splendid scenery with meaningful ethnic heritage in a serene countryside environment that attracts adventurous people.

Why trek with Yeti Hikes?

Trekking with Yeti Hikes guarantees a safe experience and genuine care every step of the way. Every itinerary we have designed provides a combination of qualified leadership, real personal service, and secure trekking conditions. The provided guides have complete expertise in local trails, culture, and terrain specifics to provide meaningful traveling experiences. Every service point, from airport transportation to the day of departure, receives detailed professional assistance while maintaining heartfelt care.

The memorable aspects of the Manaslu Circuit Trek include demanding passes like Larkya La and tranquil Nubri villages. We focus on delivering an enriching experience for every stage of the journey. With us, Yeti Hikes, you will spend more time creating memories walking through the Himalayas while joining our hiking adventures.