Manaslu 16-Day Circuit Trek¶

A 16-day circumnavigation of the Manaslu massif over the challenging Larkya La pass through Nepal's most culturally authentic restricted trekking zone.

Overview¶

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's premier restricted-area treks, circumnavigating the 8,163m Manaslu massif through a landscape of traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, ancient gompas, and high alpine passes. The 16-day itinerary crosses the 5,160m Larkya La pass, the trek's dramatic highlight, before descending to Dharapani. A Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP permit, and ACAP permit are all required; trekkers must travel in a licensed group with an assigned guide.

Day 1: Soti Khola to Machha Khola¶

Drive or bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and begin hiking through subtropical lowland forest along the Budi Gandaki River gorge. The trail is relatively flat on the first day as the valley begins to deepen.

Day 2: Machha Khola to Jagat¶

Continue up the deepening gorge, crossing suspension bridges and passing through small villages where the restricted area checkpoint is located at Jagat. Show permits and register before entering the inner circuit.

Day 3: Jagat to Namrung¶

A long day climbing through the narrowing gorge past waterfalls and Tibetan-influenced villages, entering the temperate forest zone. Namrung is the first village with a distinctly Tibetan cultural character and traditional flat-roofed stone houses.

Day 4: Namrung to Samagaon¶

Pass through Lho village with its panoramic view of Manaslu's south face and continue to the large trading village of Samagaon at 3,530m. Samagaon is an acclimatization base with excellent side hikes toward the Manaslu Base Camp valley.

Day 5: Samagaon to Samdo¶

A short acclimatization day climbing to Samdo, the last major village before the Larkya La. The trail crosses open yak pasture with close views of Manaslu and neighboring peaks. Rest at Samdo for the critical Larkya La crossing day.

Day 6: Samdo to Larkya La Pass to Bimthang¶

The crux day: an early start across glacier moraines to the 5,160m Larkya La pass, the highest point of the trek, with sweeping views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, and the Annapurna range. Descend steeply to the meadow settlement of Bimthang for the night.

Day 7: Bimthang to Dharapani¶

A long, satisfying descent through rhododendron forest, terraced farmland, and riverside trail to Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit. Most trekkers drive from Dharapani to Besisahar and then on to Kathmandu.