This blog will provide all the required information for the Manaslu Circuit Trek (MCT) in the Manaslu region. You will get detailed information like days, destination, duration, and summary for each of the packages by North Nepal Trek. Similarly, side trips to popular Gompa (Monastery), Lake, and other destinations will add value to your trek.
11 Days itinerary to Manaslu Circuit Trek is explained on the table with the day, location of your trek, duration of the walk, elevation of your destination, and a summary of the day.
|
Day |
Location |
Altitude/Elevation |
Trek Duration |
Day Summary |
|
1 |
Kathmandu/Pokhara to Machha Khola |
870 m. (2,854 ft) |
8-9 hrs drive |
Drive from Kathmandu/Pokhara to Machha Khola. A long drive along the scenic road. |
|
2 |
Machha Khola to Jagat |
1,290 m (4,232 ft) |
7 hrs |
Hike along Budi Gandaki River. Passing through villages like Khola Besi and Doban. Reach Jagat, the entry point for the Manaslu Circuit trek. |
|
3 |
Jagat to Dyang |
1,860 m (6,102 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
Hike through Rhododendron and Pine Forest. The trail passes through the Buddhist community of Gurung at Philim. |
|
4 |
Dyang to Namrung |
2,630 m (8,6291 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
The trail is composed of easy flat paths and winding trails. Requires a careful walk around a few sections. Enjoy the view of Manaslu Peak, Valley, and the monastery. |
|
5 |
Namrung to Samagaun |
3,530 m (11,582 ft) |
5-6 hrs |
Views of mountains and Tibetan-Buddhist villages make you forget the tiring trek. |
|
6 |
Samagaun (Acclimatize & Hike) |
3,961 m (4,800 ft) |
2hrs(Lake) 6 hrs(Gompa) 7 hrs(MBC) |
Rest day for acclimation. Optional trek to Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, and Pungyen Gompa. |
|
7 |
Samagaon to Samdo |
3,690 m (12,106 ft) |
4-5 hrs |
Short trek to Samdo. You will pass through Lela Kharka and Khermo Kharka, known for Yak herding. |
|
8 |
Samdo to Dharmasala |
4,460 m (14,633 ft) |
5-6 hrs |
Trek high altitude. Pass through Larkya La Bazar (4,200 m), once the business spot for people living in Manaslu and Tibet. |
|
9 |
Dharamsala to Bhimthang via Larkya La Pass |
3,720 m (12,205 ft) |
7-8 hrs |
Trek through challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m. and descend to Bimthang. |
|
10 |
Bimthang to Dharapani |
1,860 m (6,102 ft) |
5-6 hrs |
A descent through Karche, a Gurung settlement with scenic views of mountain, vegetation, and local culture. |
|
11 |
Dharapani to Pokhara/Kathmandu |
Pokhara 822 m Kathmandu 1,400 m (4,593 ft.) |
10-12 hrs |
A long drive along the scenic road of Nepal |
8 Days Tsum Valley trek covers around 103 km of distance and is graded as a moderate trek in the Manaslu region. It is explained in the table with the day, location of your trek, duration of the walk, elevation of your destination, and a summary of the day.
|
Day |
Location |
Altitude/Elevation |
Trek Duration |
Day Summary |
|
1 |
Ktm/Pkr to Jagat |
1,290 m (4,232 ft) |
8-9 hrs |
Drive to Jagat via Aarugaht and Soti Khola through scenic road |
|
2 |
Jagat to Lokpa |
2,240 m (7,349 ft) |
7-8 hrs |
Trek consists of uphill and downhill walks through traditional villages and lush green forests. |
|
3 |
Lokpa to Gho Village |
2,415 m (7,923 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
The initial segment can be difficult due to the debris of landslides. Walk is composed of ascents and descents crossing. |
|
4 |
Gho Village to Nile |
3,480 m (11,417 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
Trek is quite easy on flat land. Tsum offers the taste of Tibetan-Buddhist culture and nature. |
|
5 |
Nile to Mu Gompa back to Chhekampar |
Mu Gompa 3,700 m Chhekampar 3,000 m |
6-7 hrs |
Excursion to Mu Gompa offers you a sneak into the centuries-old culture and traditions of the Mu Gompa people. |
|
6 |
Chhekampar to Chumling |
2,386 m (7,828 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
Walk through scenic farming valleys, alpine forests, and views of mountain peaks. |
|
7 |
Chamling to Philim |
1,590 m (5,217 ft.) |
5-6 hrs |
You will encounter waterfalls, locals, wildlife, and natural vegetation on trail. |
|
8 |
Philim to Jagat |
1,290 m (4,232 ft) |
3-4 hrs |
Shortest trek along Budi Gandaki River. Drive back to Kathmandu or Pokhara. |
The trek is a mix of challenging and easy routes along the traditional settlement of Tibetan Buddhist people in the hidden valley of the Himalayas. On 18 Days long trek, you will cover around 120 km of distance. Larkya La Pass, at 5,106 m, is the highest point of this trek, while Jagat, at 1,290 m, is the lowest point. The rest of the information is on the table.
|
Day |
Location |
Altitude/Elevation |
Trek Duration |
Day Summary |
|
1 |
Ktm/Pkr to Jagat |
1,290 m (4,232 ft) |
8-9 hrs |
Drive to Jagat via Aarughat and Soti Khola through scenic road |
|
2 |
Jagat to Lokpa |
2,240 m (7,349 ft) |
7-8 hrs |
Trek consists of uphill and downhill walks through traditional villages and lush green forests. |
|
3 |
Lokpa to Chumling |
2,386 m (7,828 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
It's an easy walk through the suspension bridge and the Cantilever bridge, gradually through a steeper but newly-improved section with stairs. |
|
4 |
Chumling to Chekkampar |
3,031 m (9,944 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
The trail takes you through the remote region of Manaslu. Offer you the view of the mountain peaks and the traditional lifestyle of Tibetan descent people. |
|
5 |
Chekkampar to Nile |
3,480 m (11,417 ft) |
7-8 hrs |
Walk set off with the view of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu ranges. The trail is more of a spiritual walk through Mani walls, prayer flags, and a Monastery. |
|
6 |
Nile to Mu Ghompa and trek to Lamagaun |
3,200 m (10,497 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
The journey takes you through the Alpine zone of Mansalu with the wildflowers blooming and crickling streams. |
|
7 |
Lamagaun to Sipchet/Ripchet |
2,70 m(8,103 ft) |
7-8 hrs |
You take an alternative route, explored by fewer trekkers. This walk allows you to view Tsum Valley from a different perspective. |
|
8 |
Ripchet to Dyang/Deng |
1,860 m (6,102 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
Descents to Lopka join the classical Manaslu Circuit route. The route offers you several fleeting moments, giving you enough local exposure. |
|
9 |
Deng to Namrung |
2,630 m (8,6291 ft) |
5-6 hrs |
The chances of witnessing rare vegetation increase as you walk in the Manaslu Conservation Area. |
|
10 |
Namrung to Shyala |
3,500 m (11,480 ft) |
5-6 hrs |
Trail takes you through the small settlements of Shyala. Alpine forest, exotic landscapes, and a view of Mt. Manaslu are a joy. |
|
11 |
Shyala to Samagaun |
3,530 m (11,582 ft) |
7-8 hrs |
The path will take you to the beautiful Tibetan-Buddhist settlement of Samagaun, secluded in the mountains and hills. |
|
12 |
Samagaun to Manaslu Base Camp and back |
4,800 m (15,748 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
This technical trail takes you to turquoise Birendra Lake at 3,691 meters and Manaslu Base Camp. |
|
13 |
Acclimatization at Samagaun |
3,530 m (11,582 ft) |
- |
Rest Day at Samagaun. Important to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). |
|
14 |
Samagaun to Samdo |
3,690 m (12,106 ft) |
4-5 hrs |
You will hike through the flat trail to the village of Samdo. Picturesque views of valleys, mountains, and alpine landscapes allure you. |
|
15 |
Samdo to Dharamsala |
4,460 m (14,633 ft) |
4-5 hrs |
Trek is changing due to the high altitude. You walk through Larkya Bazar. Samdo Peak and Syacha Glacier are the highlights of the trek. |
|
16 |
Dharamsala to Bhimthang |
3,720 m (12,205 ft) |
10-11 hrs |
Longest and most tiring descent of the trek. Cross the longest Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m. |
|
17 |
Bhimthang to Tiliche |
2,300 m (7,545 ft) |
4-5 hrs |
Rest at Tiliche village. The harmony of different ethnic groups, local cultures, and local cuisine will open your heart with joy and ecstasy. |
|
18 |
Tiliche to Dharapani drive to KTM/PKR |
1,860 m (6,102 ft) |
2-3 hrs trek 10-11 hrs drive |
Trek to Dharapani and drive back to Pokhara or Kathmandu |
The Bhimthang trek is graded moderate along the traditional Buddhist villages in the Manaslu region of Gorkha, Nepal. Bhimthang at 3,720 m (12,205 ft) is the highest point, while Dharapani at 760 m (2,493 ft) is the lowest point of the Bhimthang trek. Rest on the table.
|
Day |
Location |
Altitude/Elevation |
Trek Duration |
Day Summary |
|
1 |
Arrival at Kathmandu |
1,400 m (4,593 ft.) |
- |
Greetings from the North Nepal team, and resting at the hotel in Kathmandu. |
|
2 |
PKR/KTM to Chyamche |
1,370 m (4,495 ft) |
8 hrs drive from Kathmandu 5 hrs drive from Pokhara 2 hrs trek |
Shortest and easiest trek sections. |
|
3 |
Chyamche to Dharapani |
1,860 m (6,102 ft) |
5-6 hrs |
Passing by Chyamche waterfall and a walk through stone steps takes you to Dharapani. |
|
4 |
Dharapani to Gho |
2,515 m (8,251 ft) |
5-6 hrs |
Trail takes you through mountain tracks along the Marsyangdi River. |
|
5 |
Gho to Bhimthang |
3,720 m (12,205 ft) |
4-5 hrs |
The trail takes you through photogenic landscapes, a view of Manaslu Peak, and lush green forest along the Marshyangdi River. |
|
6 |
Exploring Bhimthang |
3,720 m (12,205 ft) |
2-3 hrs |
Explore Ponker lake, Ponker glacier, and Nayamlo lake. Enjoy the view of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and Himchuli Peak. |
|
7 |
Bhimthang to Dharapani |
1,860 m (6,102 ft) |
7-8 hrs |
Trace back the same route to Budhi Khola. Passing the Rhododendron forest and the Apple orchard at Tije. |
|
8 |
Dharapani to Besisahar |
760 m (2,493 ft) |
9-10 hrs drive by Jeep |
Drive along the scenic road. |
|
9 |
Dharapani to PKR/KTM |
- |
6-7 hrs |
Return to Pokhara or Kathmandu. |
11 days Manaslu Circuit trek is a moderate trek suitable for both beginners and professionals. It takes you through the local villages of the Manaslu region. Inhibited by Tibetan Buddhism, this trek offers you exposure to Buddhist culture, monasteries, and Mani walls. Since you travel through the Manaslu Conservation Area, you get to witness local flora and fauna.
|
Day |
Location |
Altitude/Elevation |
Trek Duration |
Day Summary |
|
1 |
Arrival at Kathmandu |
1,400 m (4,593 ft.) |
- |
Greetings from the North Nepal team, and resting at the hotel in Kathmandu. |
|
2 |
Jagat to Dyang |
1,860 m (6,102 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
Hike to Dyang offers you a traditional lifestyle of local, Buddhist culture, and a Monastery in the Gurung settlement. |
|
3 |
Dyang to Namrung |
2,630 m (8,6291 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
Trail starts on a flat track and gradually ascends to the highland through Rhododendron and Pine forest. |
|
4 |
Namrung to Samagaun |
3,530 m (11,582 ft) |
5-6 hrs |
Hike to the Buddhist village of Samagau offers panoramic views of Manaslu, Gorkha, Saula, and other peaks. |
|
5 |
Acclimatization at Samagaun |
3,530 m (11,582 ft) |
- |
Explore Monastery. Trek to Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake. |
|
6 |
Samagaun to Samdo |
3,690 m (12,106 ft) |
4-5 hrs |
Walk through different Kharkas: Lela Kharka and Khermo Kharka. Yak grazing meadows. |
|
7 |
Samdo to Larkya La Phedi |
4,460 m (14,633 ft) |
6-7 hrs |
Trek through Larkya Bazar, once a trade point for the people of Tibet and Manaslu. |
|
8 |
Larkya La Phedi to Bhimthang |
3,720 m (12,205 ft) |
5-6 hrs |
Cross Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m; one of the challenging segments of the trek. |
|
9 |
Bhimthang to Dharapani |
1,860 m (6,102 ft) |
5-6 hrs |
Trek through the Rhododendron forest and Apple Orchid at Tilche. |
|
10 |
Dharapani to Besisahar |
760 m (2,493 ft) |
4-5 hrs drive |
Reach by driving a Jeep. Overnight stay at Besisahar. |
The Manaslu Circuit Trek route consists of a flat walk on the wide valley, steep ascents, and steep descents. Trekking to Manaslu is a mix of easy and difficult treks. Passing by the landslide area can be difficult, but with proper guide instructions, it won't do any harm. Larkya La Pass is a challenging trek due to its height of 5,106 m and snow in winter. Despite the difficulty, the trek is worth exploring and learning.
Hinang Gompa is located at an elevation of 3,100 m (10,171 ft). This monastery is situated between Lihi and Sho village. Isolated between high hills and mountains of the Manaslu circuit trek, it is an important religious place for the locals.
Pungyen Gompa is a short trip located between Shyala and Samagaun. Located at an elevation of 4,050 m (13,287 ft), it is the oldest Buddhist monastery in the region. Encompassed on the flat land between dry hills and snowy Manaslu ranges, it offers a balanced harmony between nature and religion.
Another side trip you can take during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Upper Nile Cave at 3,361 m (11,027 ft). A 1-2 hour trek from Nile Village takes you to the Cave. Upper Nile Cave is an important cave for locals because Guru Rinpoche used to meditate in this cave.
The route to Himalchuli Base Camp passes through Lihi, Hinang Gompa, and Hinang Khola through the alpine forest of Manslu. Himalchuli Base Camp is located at an elevation of 4,020 m (13,189 ft). It offers a grand view of Mt. Himalchuli, which is 7,893 m. above sea level.
Manaslu Base Camp is located at an elevation of 4,800 meters (15,748 ft). The route to base camp passes from Samagaun. Trekking for 4-5 hours takes you to the base camp. You will encounter beautiful Birendra Lake along the way.
A 45-minute climb from Samagaun takes you to the turquoise-colored lake, Birendra Lake. It also falls on the way to the Manaslu Base Camp trek. Located at an elevation of 3,691 m (12,110 ft), it offers a wide view of the mountains.
Samdo Ri is the most visited peak when you stay at Samdo Village during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Samdo Village is the closest settlement to Tibet in the northern part of the Manaslu region. Trekking to Samdo Ri even takes you closer to the border of Tibet.
Milarepa Cave is located at an elevation of 3,361 m (11,027 ft) on the trail of the Annapurna Circuit. It is closer to Lamagaun. Legend has it that Saint Milarepa used to meditate in this cave. Since then, it has carried religious significance for the locals.
Ganesh Himal is located at an elevation of 4,200m (13,779ft). It offers a stunning view of Ganesh Himal 7,422 m (24,350 ft) and a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
Serang Gompa is located in the isolated Nubri Valley at an elevation of 3100 m (10,171 ft). A side trip to this ancient Buddhist Gompa (Monastery) goes from Samagaun. Serang Gompa gives you insight into the cultures and traditions of Tibetan Buddhists who migrated to the Manaslu region centuries ago from Tibet.
Rachen Monastery is an ancient monastery located above 3,240 meters. It’s a monastic place where you can witness the day-to-day life of Buddhist nuns.
Kal Tal (Lake) is situated at an elevation of 3,574 m(11,726 ft), Translated as “Death Lake,” it is often referred to as Kalchhuman Lake in the local dialect. This lesser-known side trip during the Manaslu trek offers you the view of a pristine lake and snowy peaks.
Mu Gompa (Monastery) is an ancient Buddhist shrine at an elevation of above 3,700 meters. 4-5 hours from Chhekampar takes you to Mu Gompa. It is not only a Buddhist Monastery but also a museum that has been preserving the art, history, and cultures of the Nyingma tradition in Manasu.
Ponkar Taal is located at an elevation of 4,100 m (13,451 ft). A few hours' trek from the Bhimthang offers you a beautiful view of the turquoise-colored glacier lake. It is a popular destination during the Bhimthang trek.
Nemjung South Base Camp is located at an elevation of around 5,394 m above sea level. The trail starts from Bhimthang on a moraine trail past the Nayamlo Tal. Base camp offers a panoramic view of Nemjung and other peaks.
Nayamlo Lake is situated at an elevation of 4,089 m. closer to Ponkar Lake. Since it is not much explored Guide is recommended while exploring the Lake.
Rock Shelter Cave is located between Bhimthang and Sangure Kharka at approximately. 3,430 meters. It can be an interesting spot to explore and learn about the surrounding environment.
Deng/Dyang is located at an elevation of 1,860 m (6,102 ft). It is the village of a Buddhist community. Deng is a popular night stop for travelers before going to Namrung or Tsum Valley.
Namrung is located at an elevation of 2,630 m (8,6291 ft) above sea level. Situated between Ghap and Lhi Village of the Manaslu region, it is one of the popular stops during the trek. Village is a Tibetan Buddhist settlement that offers a beautiful view of Manaslu Mountain and other peaks.
Samagaun is one of the largest villages in the Manaslu Circuit trek. The majority of the people follow the Buddhist religion and are of Tibetan descent. Located at an elevation of 3,530 m, it exposes you to the local culture and traditions of Tibetan Buddhists. Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp are the side trips you can make during your stay at the village.
The altitude of Larkya La Pass is 5,106 m (16,752 ft) above sea level. Larkya La Pass is one of the highest mountain passes, which is challenging to cross during the Manaslu trek. Walking the pass during the winter season makes it even more challenging due to the snow. The trail is covered by snow, which makes it difficult for trekkers to navigate the path. Another reason is its elevation at 5,106 m. You might suffer from altitude sickness. Therefore, a professional guide is a must. While in other seasons it's mostly rocky and rugged.
The Manaslu Base Camp (MBC) trek is a new trek in the Manaslu region. The Manaslu, MBC trail follows the same path as the Circuit trek until you reach Samagaun. From Samagaun, the trail heads upward to Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 meters (15,748 ft), passing the nearby Birendra Lake.
Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley are lesser-known destinations. Do not miss your chance to explore the trail before it gets crowded. Does not matter the days you want to trek in Manaslu, North Nepal Trek always walks beside you. The beauty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek is ineffable. Exotic landscapes, snowy mountains, Tibetan-Buddhist cultures, and a warm welcome from the locals are an unforgettable life experience.
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