Guide Rajan completed trek with Benjamin and his son

The Manaslu Trek offers a fantastic combination of adventure and spirituality, all in one package. It is distinct from the Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Circuit trek and is possibly the best trekking experience in Nepal. The Manaslu Trek itinerary is flexible to meet the needs of trekkers. However, trekkers must decide how many days they want to spend in the Manaslu region, as it is a restricted area that requires a special permit.

The general itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit trek is 16 to 17 days, allowing sufficient time for acclimatization to the high altitude. The 17-day trek includes two acclimatization days: one in Samagaon and another in Samdo. The Manaslu trek itinerary can be as short as 10 days and can be extended to 22-24 days.

If you choose an itinerary as short as 14 days, be prepared to walk at least 7-9 hours per day. This shorter itinerary will not provide sufficient acclimatization days. For a 10-day trek, you will only trek around the lower Manaslu region. At least a 14-day itinerary is recommended for the Manaslu Circuit trek.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, also known as the Around Manaslu Trek, encircles the world’s 8th highest peak, Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), and crosses one of the highest passes in the region – Larkya La Pass (5,125 m).

10 Days’ Lower Manaslu Trek Itinerary

The Lower Manaslu Trek covers some of the lower parts of the Manaslu region, including the historical Gorkha Palace and Barpak village, which was the epicenter of the devastating 2015 earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9. The trek involves both walking and jeep driving, allowing you to explore various villages along the way.

DaysDay-to-Day ItineraryElevation in meterTrekking hour per day
1Kathmandu to Ghairung via Manakamana Temple1350 m3/4 hours drive and 5 hours trek
2Ghairung to Gorkha Bazaar1135 m5/6 hours trek
3Rest in Gorkha Bazaar / Explore the historical sites1135 m 
4Gorkha Bazaar to Sirandanda1500 m6/7 hours local drive and 1 hour trek
5Sirandanda to Barpak1920 m7/8 hours trek
6Barpak to Larpak2100 m6/7 hours trek
7Larpak to Nambai Kharka2700 m5/6 hours trek
8Nambai Kharka to Tallo Thotneri 7/8 hours trek
9Tallo Thotneri to Gyampesal1000 m6/7 hours trek
10Gyampesal to Kathmandu1350 m6/7 hours drive

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14 Days’ Manaslu Trek Itinerary

Daniel from Israel in manaslu trek
Daniel from Israel in manaslu trek

The 14-day itinerary for the Manaslu trek is ideal for many travelers who prefer shorter trips during their vacations and holidays.

On the first day, you’ll embark on a 6 to 7-hour drive towards Soti Khola, passing through the rural town of Arughat. While Arughat traditionally marks the starting point of the Manaslu trek, the journey now typically begins at Soti Khola due to ongoing road construction between Arughat and Soti Khola, making the raw, muddy road less appealing for trekking.

This itinerary includes 2 acclimatization days to help you adapt to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. You’ll stay in Samagaon and Samdo, where you can enjoy side trips such as visiting the Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) and exploring the Tibetan border.

On the 11th day, you’ll cross the challenging Larkya Pass (5,120 m) and reach the village of Bhimtang. Over the next 2 days, you’ll make your way to Tal. From Tal, you’ll take a bus back to Kathmandu. Crossing the Larkya Pass is one of the trek’s most extreme segments, requiring an 8-9 hour trek through frozen ice and rocky terrain, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences of the Manaslu Trek.

DaysDay-to-Day ItineraryElevation in meterTrekking hour per day
1Kathmandu to Soti Khola710 m 6/7 hours drive
2Soti Khola to Machha Khola930 m5/6 hours trek
3Machha Khola to Jagat1410 m 
4Jagat to Deng1805 m6/7 hours trek
5Deng to Namrung2630 m7/8 hours trek
6Namrung to Samagaon2100 m6/7 hours trek
7Rest day in Samagaon and a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp3530 m 
8Samagaon to Samdo38604/5 hours trek
9Acclimatization day at Samdo and visit to Tibetan border3860 m 
10Samdo to Dharmasala4460 m4/5 hours trek
11Dharmasala to Bimtang via Larkya La (5120 m)3700 m8/9 hours trek
12Bimtang to Tilije1700 m5/6 hours trek
13Tilije to Tal1080 m5/6 hours trek
14Tal to Kathmandu1350 m6/7 hours trek

Manaslu Trek Itinerary – 16 Days

Pungen Gompa - Manaslu Trek
Pungen Gompa – Manaslu Trek

The 16-day itinerary of the Manaslu trek, shown below, includes only one rest day in Samagaon. However, it provides the necessary walking hours per day. To further help you acclimatize to the altitude, we can add an additional acclimatization day in Samdo. With this extra day, you will be better prepared for the altitude. After the additional acclimatization day in Samdo, you can proceed directly to Bhimtang the following day.

DaysDay-to-Day ItineraryElevation in meterTrekking hour per day
1Kathmandu to Arughat570 m6 hours drive
2Arughat to Soti Khola730 m5/6 hours trek
3Soti Khola to Machha Khola930 m5/6 hours
4Machha Khola to Jagat1410 m6 hours trek
5Jagat to Deng1800 m6/7 hours trek
6Deng to Ghap2160 m5/6 hours trek
7Ghap to Lho2630 m5/6 hours trek
8Lho to Samagaon35306/7 hours trek
9Acclimatization day at Samagaon3530 m 
10Samagaon to Samdo3680 m6/7 hours trek
11Samdo to Larky Guest House4470 m3/4 hours trek
12Larkya Guest House to Bhimtang via Larkya Pass3720 m8/9 hours trek
13Bhimtang to Dharapani1860 m6/7 hours trek
14Dharapani to Bahundanda1310 m5/6 hours trek
15Bahundanda to Besisahar760 m4/5 hours trek
16Besisahar to Kathmandu1310 m6/7 hours drive

21 Days’ Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary

The 21-day Manaslu trek itinerary not only covers the Manaslu region but also extends to the Tsum Valley. This valley is isolated from the modern world, and its culture and traditions closely resemble those of Tibet. The inhabitants of Tsum Valley still practice polyandry and have their unique festivals and customs. From Tsum Valley, you can see the majestic Ganesh Himal (7,422 m) towering in the south.

As Tsum Valley is also a restricted area, you will need a restricted area permit and will stay there for at least 7 days.

In fact, you can extend the Manaslu trek itinerary beyond 21 days if you wish to explore the culture and traditions of the Manaslu region more thoroughly.

DayDay to Day ItineraryHigh AltitudeWalking Time
Day 01Kathmandu to Arughat to Sotikhola710 m8-9 hours drive
Day 02Sotikhola – Machha Khola930 m6 hours
Day 03Machha Khola – Jagat1410 m6 hours
Day 04Jagat – Eklebhatti1600 m4 hours
Day 05Eklebhatti – Chumling2700 m6 hours
Day 06Chumling – Chhekampar2960 m5 hours
Day 07Chhekampar – Mugompa3800 m5 hours
Day 08Mugompa – Chhekampar2960 m5 hours
Day 09Chhekampar – Lukpa2240 m6 hours
Day 10Lukpa – Deng1800 m5 hours
Day 11Deng – Ghap2160 m5 hours
Day 12Ghap – Lho Gaun3180 m6 hours
Day 13Lho Gaun – Samagaun3530 m3 hours
Day 14Rest Samagaun – Visit to Tibetan Border/Manaslu Base Camp3530 m 
Day 15Samagaun – Samdo3690 m4 hours
Day 16Samdo – Dharmashala4470 m4 hours
Day 17Dharmashala – Bhimtang via Larkya Pass (5200 m)3720 m8 hours
Day 18Bhimtang – Gho2560 m5 hours
Day 19Gho – Chamche1400 m5 hours
Day 20Chamche – Besishahar600 m5 hours
Day 21Besishahar – Kathmandu1310 m8-9 hours drive

Recommended Itinerary for Manaslu Trek

According to many travelers who have already explored Manaslu, a 14-16 day itinerary is perfect. They also note that this itinerary is flexible and adaptable, allowing travelers to customize it based on their planning and preferences before the trip.

Article by

Ariyal

Hi, I’m Ariyal, a passionate tour operator at Around Manaslu Trek, based in Kathmandu, Nepal. With years of experience in adventure tourism, I specialize in curating memorable trekking experiences, particularly in the majestic Manaslu region. Beyond my love for the mountains, I’m an avid fan of technology and photography, capturing the stunning landscapes and cultural richness Nepal has to offer. Whether you’re seeking a challenging trek, stunning views, or an authentic cultural experience, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s plan your next adventure!

One Reply to “Manaslu Trek Itinerary – Different Route Options”

  1. Hello there, we are two people from Thailand ,would like to trekking for 14 days or 16 days (which one ist more beautiful).
    Our time should beginn from 27/10/2023. Is it possible to join some small group 2-3 more. could you pls. send us information about the trip for 2 people and join 4-5 people.
    How much is the price.

    regard.

    Ga

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