Short Manaslu Circuit Trek 11 Days

• Distance: 160 km

• Duration: 8–9 hours by private jeep

• Elevation Gain: ~600m

• Overnight Stay: Teahouse in Machha Khola

The adventure begins with a scenic overland drive from Kathmandu toward the western hills of Nepal. As you leave the bustling capital, you follow the Prithvi Highway past Malekhu and Dhading Besi, eventually veering off the paved road at Arughat. The final stretch to Machha Khola involves rough, off-road driving alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, offering views of waterfalls, gorges, and small villages.
You’ll reach Machha Khola, a peaceful village nestled by the river, by late afternoon. Rest here and prepare for the trekking days ahead.

• Distance: 22 km

• Duration: 7–8 hours

• Elevation Gain: ~500m

• Overnight Stay: Teahouse in Jagat

Today's trail winds through forested hills, river gorges, and narrow canyons. You’ll pass small settlements such as Khorlabesi and Tatopani (natural hot spring), ideal for a short tea break. After crossing several suspension bridges, including one over the Yaru Khola, the trail steepens before reaching Jagat.
Jagat is a checkpost village for the restricted area permit and offers insights into the Gurung and Magar culture. Stone-paved lanes and well-built lodges make it one of the more developed villages along the trail.

• Distance: 20 km

• Duration: 6–7 hours

• Elevation Gain: ~400m

• Overnight Stay: Teahouse in Deng

The landscape gradually transforms as you enter more remote areas. After crossing a long suspension bridge, you ascend to Sirdibas, then descend slightly to the riverbed before reaching Philim, a large village with a school supported by Japanese aid.
From here, the trail passes through lush pine forests and landslide zones. The views open up with waterfalls and distant hills. You finally reach Deng, a small hamlet inhabited by Tibetan-origin people, marking your transition into the Tibetan Buddhist influence zone.

• Distance: 19.5 km

• Duration: 6–7 hours

• Elevation Gain: ~830m

• Overnight Stay: Teahouse in Namrung

Today’s trek involves frequent ups and downs through forests, crossing multiple small streams and a few ridges. As you move past Bihi Phedi and Ghap, you'll see mani walls and chortens, reflecting the growing Buddhist culture.
After a steep climb through a dense fir and rhododendron forest, you reach Namrung, one of the most culturally rich and scenic settlements. The views of Ganesh Himal, Siringi Himal, and Himalchuli are magnificent from here.

• Distance: 18 km

• Duration: 6–7 hours

• Elevation Gain: ~900m

• Overnight Stay: Teahouse in Samagaun

This is a scenic day of trekking through alpine terrain and traditional villages like Lihi, Sho, and Lho. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful fields of barley and buckwheat, traditional stone houses, and many prayer wheels.
Lho village offers a first glimpse of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m)—Nepal’s 8th highest peak. From here, you continue to Shyala and finally to Samagaun, a large village at the base of Manaslu. This village is culturally Tibetan and features a beautiful Ribung Monastery. The views of Manaslu, Manaslu Glacier, and surrounding peaks are incredible.

• Activity: Optional hikes (3–4 hours)

• Highlights: Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake

Take a well-earned rest to acclimatize before ascending further. You have options today:

• Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m): Demanding 5–6 hour hike offering glacier views and close-up mountain panoramas.

• Hike to Birendra Tal (3,450m): Shorter, easier walk to a glacial lake.

• Visit the Pungyen Gompa, a peaceful monastery with panoramic views.

This day is vital for preventing altitude sickness and enjoying the natural and cultural richness of Samagaun.

• Distance: 7.5 km

• Duration: 3–4 hours

• Elevation Gain: ~270m

• Overnight Stay: Teahouse in Samdo

A shorter trekking day as you gently ascend to Samdo, a seasonal Tibetan refugee village near the Nepal–Tibet border. Along the way, you’ll pass juniper bushes, yak pastures, and the Budhi Gandaki thinning into smaller streams.
Samdo offers dramatic views of Manaslu North, Samdo Peak, and other ranges. The village is culturally fascinating and remote, often blanketed in snow by late autumn.

• Distance: 6.5 km

• Duration: 3–4 hours

• Elevation Gain: ~600m

• Overnight Stay: Lodge/Basic Teahouse at Dharamshala (also known as Larke Phedi)

This short but steep trek leads you to the last overnight stop before crossing the high pass. The trail is exposed and windy, so early arrival is best.
At Dharamshala, rest, hydrate, and prepare for the Larkya La Pass crossing. The lodge here is basic but functional, and early dinner is recommended as the next day begins before dawn.

• Distance: 24 km

• Duration: 8–9 hours

• Elevation: Ascent to 5,106m, descent to 3,560m

• Overnight Stay: Teahouse in Bimtang

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Starting before sunrise, you slowly ascend through rocky terrain, snowy sections, and glacial moraines to reach the Larkya La Pass, marked by prayer flags and stunning views of:

• Manaslu

• Himlung Himal

• Cheo Himal

• Annapurna II

After a brief celebration at the top, descend sharply on scree trails into alpine meadows and finally reach the beautiful Bimtang valley, nestled between massive ice-capped peaks.

• Distance: 23 km

• Duration: 9–10 hours

• Elevation Loss: ~1,600m

• Overnight Stay: Teahouse in Dharapani

Descend through a mix of rhododendron and pine forests, with views of Lamjung Himal and Mt. Manaslu in the backdrop.
You’ll pass charming villages like Karche, Gho, and Tilje—which mark your return to lower elevations and greener environments.
Finally, you arrive at Dharapani, a major trekking junction that connects to the Annapurna Circuit trail.

• Distance: 223 km

• Duration: 9–10 hours

• Overnight Stay: Not included (optional booking)

• Final Altitude: 1,320m (Kathmandu) or 820m (Pokhara)

Your trek ends with a scenic drive on a rough road to Besisahar, followed by a paved highway to either Kathmandu or Pokhara based on your travel preference.
Rest and celebrate this life-changing journey!