Here is a Breakdown of Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Published On : 26th Aug, 2019 By Adventure

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary – 12 Days Adventure

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most rewarding trekking adventures in Nepal, offering a perfect blend of high mountain views, cultural experiences, and pristine natural landscapes. Covering 12 days of trekking, the journey starts at Soti Khola in the Budhi Gandaki River valley and ends at Chamje in the Marshyangdi River valley. Each day’s walking time varies depending on elevation and trail difficulty, but the trek is carefully planned to balance pace, acclimatization, and adventure.

Table of Content

Trek Overview

The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 5,220 meters at Larkya La Pass, but there are no overnight stops above 4,450 meters, ensuring proper acclimatization. Extra rest days along the route allow trekkers to adjust safely to the higher altitude. The Manaslu Circuit provides an immersive experience in both nature and rural Nepali culture, with villages, monasteries, and stunning landscapes along the way.

Walking Through Budhi Gandaki River Valley

Most of the trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River valley, offering serene river views, dense forests, and glimpses of remote villages. Trekkers typically walk 5 hours per day on average, though some days are shorter or longer depending on terrain. Along the valley, you can enjoy Nepalese rural life, interact with locals, and marvel at the lush surroundings. The gradual ascent helps your body adapt to higher elevations.

Acclimatization at Sama Gaun

At Sama Gaun (3,500 meters), trekkers take an important acclimatization break before ascending higher. Spending an extra day here allows your body to adjust to thinner air, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. This pause is essential for safe trekking, especially before reaching elevations above 4,000 meters.

Side Excursions from Sama Gaun

During the acclimatization day, there are several day hike options:

Manaslu Base Camp: A challenging full-day trek for adventurous trekkers, offering close-up mountain views.
Birendra Lake: A shorter day hike providing spectacular scenery and a serene mountain environment.
Village exploration: Discover local culture, traditional houses, monasteries, and panoramic views of surrounding peaks.

These excursions enrich the trek by combining adventure with cultural insights.

Crossing Larkya La Pass

The Larkya La Pass is the highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. At 5,220 meters, it is the highest point on the trek. Crossing the pass is challenging due to its steep ascent and high altitude, but the panoramic views of the Himalayas make it a truly unforgettable experience. After the pass, the trek descends gradually, providing a rewarding sense of accomplishment.

Entering Marshyangdi River Valley

The final segment of the trek leads into the Marshyangdi River valley, joining the trail of the Annapurna Circuit. Trekkers enjoy lush landscapes, terraced fields, and local villages as they descend toward Chamje, the endpoint of the 12-day trek. This section combines natural beauty with a sense of peaceful closure after the challenging mountain journey.

12-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day	Route	Highlights	Walking Hours	Overnight
1	Soti Khola – Machha Khola	River valley trek, village views	5 hrs	Machha Khola
2	Machha Khola – Jagat	Suspension bridges, local culture	6 hrs	Jagat
3	Jagat – Deng	Traditional villages, forest trails	6–7 hrs	Deng
4	Deng – Namrung	Scenic valleys, local monasteries	5–6 hrs	Namrung
5	Namrung – Sama Gaun	Mountain vistas, acclimatization	5 hrs	Sama Gaun
6	Acclimatization Day	Birendra Lake / Manaslu Base Camp	Optional	Sama Gaun
7	Sama Gaun – Samdo	High altitude village, Tibetan influence	4–5 hrs	Samdo
8	Samdo – Dharamsala	Preparations for Larkya La	3–4 hrs	Dharamsala
9	Dharamsala – Larkya La – Bimtang	Pass crossing, Himalayan panoramas	8–9 hrs	Bimtang
10	Bimtang – Tilje	Descending, scenic valley views	6–7 hrs	Tilje
11	Tilje – Tal	Forest trails, terraced fields	6 hrs	Tal
12	Tal – Chamje	Marshyangdi valley, endpoint	5–6 hrs	Chamje

Key Takeaways

The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers 12 days of adventure through diverse landscapes, from river valleys to high mountain passes.
Acclimatization days ensure safety and comfort at high elevations.
Trekkers experience Nepalese rural life, Tibetan-influenced villages, and pristine Himalayan scenery.
Crossing Larkya La provides a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan adventure.

Embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is ideal for those seeking both adventure and tranquility in the heart of Nepal. Every step brings unique experiences, cultural insights, and stunning views, making the 12-day trek an unforgettable journey.