How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The 12-day Manaslu Circuit is considered challenging . Daily hikes are long (6-9 hours), and the altitude reaches over 5,000 m at Larkya La. Trekkers need a good fitness level and stamina. Proper acclimatization (built in rest day in Samagaon) is essential. The trail involves steep ascents/descents, but there are no technical climbs (rope use, etc.). Many seasoned trekkers say it’s harder than Annapurna Circuit but easier than Everest Three Passes.

What permits are required?

You need a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (only available via agencies, Nepal requires groups of ≥2 with a guide) and the standard Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permits. Master Himalaya handles all permit processing. You cannot trek Manaslu solo; special permission enforces group/guide.

When is the best time to do this trek?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov) are ideal. We recommend late winter through early spring (Feb-Apr) for mild weather and stable trails. The route sees snow on Larkya La in winter, so trekking from late autumn to spring avoids the monsoon. “Best trek Nepal December-April” considerations mean daylight is slightly shorter in Dec-Jan, but after January it rapidly improves.

Yes. The Manaslu region is a restricted area. By Nepali law, trekkers must go in organized groups with licensed guides. The guide also provides safety, local knowledge and takes care of permits. Master Himalaya’s guides are experienced in this region. (Porters are optional and can be hired.)

You’ll need standard Himalayan trek gear: waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles, layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece/down jacket), warm hat and gloves for cold nights, rain gear, sunglasses and sunscreen. A sturdy 50L+ backpack and a good sleeping bag (for -10°C or lower) are important. Detailed gear checklist is provided by Master Himalaya in advance.

How many kilometers is the Manaslu Circuit?

The full loop is about 177 km (110 miles) of trekking over 12 days. This includes walking to and from villages and the high pass. It’s a circular 12-day route (Kathmandu-Maccha Khola-Jagat-Samdo-Larkya La-Bimthang-Dharapani-Kathmandu) covering rugged Himalayan terrain.

What are the highlights?

Highlights include the panoramic crossing of Larkya La, spiritual sites like Pungyen and Ribung Gompas, the alpine turquoise Birendra Lake , and lush mountain villages of the Budhi Gandaki valley. You’ll experience Tibetan-Buddhist culture (monasteries, prayer flags) and enjoy unusual wildlife sightings in the Manaslu Conservation Area (ntb.gov.np) .

Can I trek Manaslu in December or during Spring break 2025?

Trekking in late winter (Dec-Jan) is possible but very cold; many tea houses limit services then. From February onward, conditions improve significantly. Spring (Mar-Apr) is excellent for the trek. If considering December, note that Larkya Pass often has heavy snow and may require snow gear. Always check current conditions and have flexibility in your schedule.

What about insurance?

High-altitude trekking has risks (altitude sickness, weather, injuries). Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment is essential . Don’t wait until arrival; sort insurance before you fly to Kathmandu.

Manaslu Circuit Trek - 12 Days in Nepal's Himalayas

Day 1:

Drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola (850 m) Duration: 7-8 hours

Lunch: At Jyamire ( In between Kathmandu and Soti Khola)
Transportation: From Kathmandu to Soti Khola to Macchakhola ( bus )
Night stay / Dinner: At Maccha Khola ( Everest guest house )

After breakfast we meet at the hotel or the office of Master Himalaya and a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Maccha-Khola, passing through rural villages and green hillsides. Stop point for lunch in between places like Jyamire. We may change the transportation vehicle from Soti-Khola and head towards Maccha Khola.

Day 2:

Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m) Duration: 6-7 hours

Morning Breakfast: At Maccha Khola ( Everest Guest House )
Lunch: At Dovan (family guest house )
Trekking distance / Walking Hour: 22 kilometer / 7- 8 Hours
Night stay / Dinner: At Jagat (Restricted area) - Himalayan Guest house

After breakfast at Maccha Khola we trek along the Budhi Gandaki River, pass through the natural hot spring at Tatopani of Manaslu where you can spend a little time playing with Water, then the next stop will be for lunch at Dovan, After lunch cross a suspension bridge to Dobhan and climb steeply for three hours to reach Jagat, where permits are checked. Trek into the restricted region, and explore Jagat's stone houses with a rural look.

Day 3:

Jagat to Deng (1860m) Duration: 6-7 hours

Trekking hour: 7hrs
Breakfast : At Himalayan guest house (Jagat)
Lunch : At Chisapani( ( Solukhumbu lodge )
Dinner / Night stay : At Deng ( Hotel Windy Valley )

After breakfast, head towards Deng with around 7 hours of walking. First, we descend towards the river through stone steps and then ascend a terraced hillside Salleri, further heading towards Chisapani which is also the stop point for lunch, after spending about one hour at Chisapani we climb towards our final stop Deng. Enjoy impressive views of Singrin Himal along the way. Overnight in Hotel Windy Valley at Deng.

Day 4:

Deng to Namrung (2,600m) Duration 5-6 hours

Activity: 6hrs Trekking
Breakfast: Hotel Windy Valley (Deng)
Lunch: Bhem Phedi or Ghap
Dinner : At Namrung ( Nurbi guest house )

Cross Budhi Gandaki from Deng, climb Rana at 1,910 m, and head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. Pass through Prok village, enjoying the forest and mani walls. Reach Namrung with a good viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal. Overnight in Namrung.

Day 5:

Namrung to shyala Village (3,420m) Duration: 5-6 hours

Activity: 6hrs Trekking
Breakfast: At Namrung ( Nurbi guest house )
Lunch: At Lho
Dinner: - At Shyla Village ( Shanti Guest House)

Move steadily, passing through forests and reaching Lihi. Enjoy views of Simnang Himal and Ganesh Himal. The trail is flat before passing through Sho, with a view of Manaslu in about 4 hrs from Namrung we reach the beautiful village of Lho, stop about an hour for lunch then walk the trail filled with pine forest and Rhododendron (National flower of Nepal) Forest. After trekking for an hour or 2, we reach our final stop for today the Shyla villages. Overnight in Shyala village maybe at Shanti Guest house.

Day 6:

Trek from Shyala to Samagaun (3540 m) hike to Pungen Gompa (monastery)

Trekking Hour: 6 hrs
Breakfast: At Shyla (Shanti Guest House)
Lunch : At Pyungen Gompa
Dinner / Night Stay: Samagaun (Bodhisattva Hotel)

After having breakfast our journey starts to Samagaun, it takes around 4-5 hours to reach Pyungen Gompa(An 800-year-old monetary). spend some time there then continue to Samagaun which takes about 2 hrs for the night rest.

Day 7:

Acclimatization day at Samagaun and a day hike to Manaslu Base Camp

Take a day for acclimatization. Optionally, take a day hike to Manaslu Base camp.

Day 8:

Samagaun to Samdo (3,860m) Duration: 3-4 hours

Trekking hours: 4 hrs
Breakfast: At Samagaun ( BoddhiSatva Hotel )
Lunch / Dinner / Night stay: At Samdo ( Hotel Snow Lion )

Descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, cross the wooden bridge, and witness the Larkya glacier. Reach to Samdo and enjoy views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. This is a small camp. High altitude trek will be difficult if the camp is long, the distance between Samagaun to Samdo is about 16 km, from Larkya glacier towards the green vegetation of high altitude. In between, you cannot find any teahouses, there may be a traditional type of vintage local huts here and there. So, the lunch stop will be the final stop. Lunch and Overnight at Samdo Hotel.

Day 9:

Samdo to Dharmasala (4,480m) Duration: 4-5 hours

Max Altitude: 4460m/14632 ft
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek through icy streams, Larke Bazaar, and ascend towards Dharmasala. Pass through monasteries, and mani walls, and enjoy views of the Larkya Glacier.

Day 10:

Dharmasala to Bimtang (3,720m) Via Larkya la Pass (5,106m) Duration: 7-9 hours

Max Altitude: 5135m/16847ft
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek through challenging terrain to Larkya La Pass, offering views of Cho Danda, Larkya Peak, and the four frozen lakes. Descend to Bimthang, enjoying views of Himling Himal, Cheo Himal, Bouddha Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, and Mt. Manaslu.

Day 11:

Bimtang to Dharapani (1,960m) Duration: 5-6 hours

Max Altitude: 1970m/6463 ft
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend through lush green forests, cross Dudh Khola, pass through Karche village, and reach Dharapani. Notice signs of agriculture and tilled fields. lunch at Surkhi Khola / Goan

Day 12:

Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Beshisahar (Duration: 7-8 hours