12 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

The Manaslu region is one of the most unexplored areas that are open for trekking. Manaslu trek is not as popular as Annapurna and Everest, but it is one of the best cities to trek in for isolationism and unique landscape.

It is genuinely more scenic and outstanding in terms of natural beauty. This long trek takes you through some of the region’s most stunning valleys, and into villages that can be reached only on foot. The trek to Manaslu for 12 days is an ideal opportunity to see the Tibetan village culture of the Manaslu Region as it lies close to the border of Tibet.
The best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit trek are Spring and Autumn. The weather will be clear and calm as well as you can get the opportunity to view the High mountains, including Manaslu with the full of Snow during Spring, March, April, and May. You can see all the rhododendron forest turns into a beautiful garden as Spring is the perfect season for rhododendron.

Another perfect season is autumn for the Manaslu trek. After the monsoon, September, October, and November are the ideal months for trekking in Nepal. You can get a majestic view of the Himalayas and experience their culture during these months. You can also be part of the biggest festivals in Nepal if you visit during autumn. Trekkers can experience local culture with a phenomenal natural view during this season.

How Challenging is 12 Day Manaslu Trek?

Altitude

Manaslu Base Camp is at an altitude of 4800 meters. Crossing the Larkya La Pass, which has an elevation of 5,123 m is the biggest challenge of this trek. You might also experience altitude sickness when you trek to such high altitudes.

Proper physical preparation is a must to complete this trek. Some ways that will help you stay away from altitude sickness are walking at a slow speed, drinking plenty of water, taking regular rest, and drinking onion soup.

Distance

Your trek begins from the town of Arughat or Soti Khola where you can travel from the Country’s capital ‘Kathmandu’ by bus in 8-9 hours. You will cover a distance of 138km on this bus ride.

As the total length of the trek is about 177 Km, it will take you approximately 10-12 days depending upon the period of your walking days. The first few days of trekking become a little tricky if you are a beginner as the Budhi Gandaki Gorge is harsh and steep. Also, you have to go uphills and downhills regularly. The trails and suspension bridges in this region can also be very busy at these times.

Weather

The temperature, rainfall, amount of sunshine, and wind conditions are different in each season as there are four seasons in Nepal, i.e. Summer, Spring, Autumn, and Winter.

Summer

The Manaslu region is hot and humid during summer, i.e. June, July, and August. The sun shines during the day, making the daytime warm whereas the nighttime is usually below the freezing point.

Because of the rain, the trail is slippery, muddy, and full of parasites during late June and July. It might be tricky to travel Larkya la pass, and you need to bring trekking boots with a firm grip to make your trip more comfortable.

Spring

March, April, and May fall during the Spring season, which is also one of the best times to trek to Manaslu because of the ideal conditions for trekking. The chance of rainfall is least in this season, but the temperature is mildly warm in the daytime around 16 degrees. However, it’s quite cold at the night with an average temperature of 2 degrees.

Autumn

Autumn is the peak time for the Manaslu circuit trek. September - November has quite similar or even better weather conditions compared to the Spring season. The weather and the climate are pleasant because of the stable temperature. You can get phenomenal views of the Mountains during this season.

Winter

Winter in Manaslu Region arrives from December to late February, and it is too cold during that time of the year. The temperature at night is an average of -15 degrees. Don't forget to pack warm clothes for the evening and nighttime. Larkya la pass may close during the winter because of the heavy snowfall.

Physical Strength and Stamina

The key to maintaining your fitness level is strength and stamina training while trekking this kind of route. You will walk in the forest for several days for an average of 5-6 hours a day. The paths through the woods are generally rocky with steep climbs and steep descents.

You can build your shoulder and arm along with your back by walking for a few hours with a backpack.

Maintaining your diet is another important consideration for the Manaslu trek. You should drink plenty of water and also should eat food rich in carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. Your diet should also be balanced while trekking. Having a balanced diet will help you replenish your energy level while trekking.

Mental Preparation

You will not feel how challenging the trek is until you start the trip. Going for a one-day hike before you come for the Manaslu trek is a must. Kathmandu offers you plenty of one-day hikes that you can try before trekking in the Manaslu region. Going on such hikes will give you the experience of how your body reacts to walking for long hours. That will also help you prepare mentally for the trek in Manaslu.

Having proper mental health and having positive energy before the trek is the key to a successful trek. With a few exercises and meditation, you can make your 12-day trek to Manaslu successful.

Detail Itinerary for 12 Days Manaslu Trek

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola

Your journey starts with an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola at an altitude of 710m. At first, the ride is smooth as you go through the highway and you will encounter a fantastic view of villages, and hillocks on the way.

However, the path gets rough from Gorkha. You will change the vehicle from Arughat to Soti Khola and take some rest before changing the vehicle.

Arughat is 15 km ahead of Soti Khola which is the starting point of your trek.

You will have an overnight stay in Soti Khola.

Day 2: Walk from Soti Khola to Machha Khola

The actual trek begins early in the morning from Soti Khola towards Machha Khola which is 15km. It will take around 5 hours to reach Machha Khola from Soti Khola.

You will come across an army lighting camp as you walk from Soti Khola toward the place named Khursani Baari.

You will get a 100m waterfall view on the other side of Khursani Baari. The same side paths will lead you to Machha Khola. The landslide view from the massive earthquake of 2015 can also be witnessed while you go through the ways of Machha Khola.

You will find very few houses in this area and around four popular hotels. Machha Khola is the final destination for that day, so you will have full rest when you reach there.

Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat

You will continue your trek towards Jagat after your permits are checked at the police checkpoint in Machha Khola. Going through the trails, you will also climb a steep uphill trail that takes you to Tatopani.

You can enjoy a bath in the hot spring at Tatopani is known as a hot spring site. A dip in this hot spring site will help to relax your muscles and joints.

With a horizon view of the cantilever bridge from Yaru Bagar, you will reach the 158m-long bridge in 20 min. It is the first cantilever bridge in Nepal.

You will reach Jagat after walking a distance of about 22 km for 7 hours. Jagat, which is at an altitude of 2095m, is the entry checkpoint of the Manaslu Conservation area.

After the tiring trek, you will spend your night in the beautiful village of Jagat.

Day 4: Walking over from Jagat to Deng

You will continue your trek in the early morning from Jagat towards Deng. Deng is a village that lies at an altitude of 1340m and takes about 7 hours to walk from Jagat.

After walking for 40 minutes, you will reach a village named Salleri, where you will get to see two Hydropowers.

Overviewing the mountain's name Siring you will walk from Salleri to Sirdibas. Going through the trail of Sirdibas you will reach a place named Philim, where you can see the different administrative offices, land revenue offices, and police stations.

From Philim you will trek to Chisapani and going through the beautiful trails of Chisapani you will move towards Nayak Phedi and proceed to Phewa.

You will cross two suspension bridges in Phewa and move towards Deng which is just 45 min walk from Phewa.
You will have an overnight stay in Deng.

Day 5: Walk from Deng to Namrung

You will start your trek early in the morning after breakfast in Deng. Passing the trail downhill to Budhi Gandaki river and uphill to Rana gaon you will reach Bhim after a walkabout for 45 minutes.

Walking towards Gap village, you will continue your trek for about 1 hour through the dead pine trees, dense forests, and other exciting sceneries.

It will take an hour and a half to walk from Suksum to reach Namrung. Overall, Namrung is approx 21 km away and at an altitude of 2900m from Deng and will take about 7 hours to arrive.

Day 6: Namrung to Samagaon

You will walk to the beautiful village of Samagaon which is at an altitude of 3500m and takes about 7 hours to walk from Namrung. You will pass through the places like Benjamin, Lihi, Sho, Lho, and Sayla and will also cross the Budhi Gandaki river.

Along with the alpine forests, stone arch, and barely terrace fields you will also get to see a real Yak on your way to Samagaon. You will spend your night in the beautiful village of Samagaon.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon

It is a rest day in Samagaon as you will be climbing higher altitudes. You can spend the rest of the day sitting in the hotel, or you can roam around in your surroundings. You can also go on a short hike to visit Birendra Taal which is 3km from Samagaon, Base Camp, or the Pungen monastery.

Day 8: Early morning trek from Samagaon to Samdo

Early in the morning, you will walk for around 3 hours across a steep hill and proceed on flat land for 15 minutes walk before you reach Samdo, which is your final destination.

Samdo is a Tibetan refugee village that lies at the height of 3800m. You will trek through beautiful juniper and birch forests to the base camp where you will witness the awe-inspiring mountains.

You will get one of the most definite views of Mt. Manaslu, and you will spend your night at Samdo.

Day 9: Samdo to Dharamshala and overnight in Dharamshala 4450m

You start your trek going downhill up to Budhi Gandaki river. After crossing the river, you will climb upwards through Larkya Bazaar and the valley of Salka Khola towards Dharamsala.

Dharamsala is also known as Larkya Phedi, which is at an altitude of 4450m. After walking through the trails, you will come across the magnificent Larkya Glacier in Dharamshala, which is also your final destination for the day.

Day 10: Dharamsala to Bimthang

The Larkya La Pass at 5213m is the highest point and walking to that pass is the most challenging part of your Manaslu 12 days trek.

You might get the best views of the Himalayan ranges like Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Himlung Himal, and also Mt. Annapurna.
After crossing the pass, the trails become more comfortable as you ascend towards the beautiful village of Bimthang, which is at an altitude of 3720m. You will come 25km on this day and reach your final destination for the day.

Day 11: Bimthang to Dharapani

This day is the last and one of the longest days of your trek. Today you will cover a total distance of 34km and reach an altitude of 1860m.

However, this part of the trek will seem easy after crossing the pass and reaching the base camp.

Dharapani extends from Gorkha to Manang district, and the trail descends to the Dudh Koshi river. You will trek through the deep pine forest and forests of rhododendron and get a fantastic view of the Marsyangdi valley. In Tilije you can experience the culture of the Gurung village is famous for its locally-made brandy.

You will have an overnight stay in Dharapani which is also the entry point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Day 12: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu

This day is the last day of your Manaslu 12 days trek. You will catch a jeep and drive to Besisahar from Dharapani. You will drive on the bank of the Marsyangdi river to reach Kathmandu from Besisahar.

The journey on this day is a 7- 11 hrs journey by road. On this day enjoying the beautiful view of the green forest, small houses, huts, and bridges you will cover a distance of 377km.

After you reach Kathmandu, which is also your final destination, your Manaslu trek for 12 days comes to an end.

Finally,

The Manaslu trek is one of the best off-the-beaten trekking trails in the world and a little preparation before you start your 12-day Manaslu trek will raise your confidence and make your trek enjoyable.