How quickly can you do the Manaslu Circuit Trek? This question has been asked many times on the internet. Well, today is your day to find out. This article will break down all the pros and cons and let you decide how short this trek could be customized without being affected by the altitude.
| Before you come to any conclusion, remember you have to look out for these factors. |
| You have to ensure the itinerary you choose suits your fitness. |
| You have to ensure there is an acclimatization day to avoid any altitude sickness. |
| Side trips are the best part of this trek; ensure you are not missing out. |
| Traveling to and from the trailhead impacts your total days, but depending on the time of year, days may be shortened or extended. Ensure to include the expert’s advice. |
I’m a local guide born and raised in the Manaslu region. In this article, you will learn all of my expertise on how to complete a short Manaslu trek in no time. Follow me in this writing to learn more about the logistics of this trek.
The Side Trips
What makes Manaslu so unique is the side trip. This is the only trek where hikers can experience more side trips than any other base camp. These are iconic, so make sure you see as many of them as possible.
| Side note: To make the most of it, ensure your itinerary includes these sides, including Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, Pung Gyan Gomba, and Lho Gomba. |
Remember, it isn’t for the marathon; the goal is to enjoy the culture and scenery and experience mountain nature. Those with decent fitness and health may complete this hike as early as 8-10 days without worrying about the altitude and the major side trip, including to Manaslu Base Camp. Follow me below for the altitude and itinerary.
Altitude Sickness is Real
Manaslu is probably the only hiking trail in Nepal that has a very low chance of catching altitude sickness. The only reason behind this is that you will spend more time at the lower elevation before reaching the high. Due to the new road construction in the first phase of the hike, the trail has shortened, especially in summer, but the elevation remains the same. The more you rush, the higher your chances of altitude sickness. The side trip mentioned above is the strategy to help you acclimatize and enjoy the 360° mountain views and call it a day.
| Side note: Check with local agencies to see if the trailhead is clear so you can skip the lower part via jeep and save some days. Manaslu is prone to landslides, and rushing streams wipe off the bridge after the monsoon. |
What You Find Online
If you google “Manaslu Short Trek,” you will find an 8-10-day itinerary with mostly no side trips in the middle. When planning high-altitude treks in the Himalayas, remember that the altitude you gain each day is more important than how much distance you cover in a hike. This factor comes into the plan when considering the success rate for completing a high-pass trial.
Check this out.
| Does the itinerary come with an acclimatization day? |
| Is the day too long in distance and higher than 300/400m elevation in one day? |
| Does it include side trips to Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, Pung Gyan Gomba, Lho Gomba, etc.? |
Some trekkers may not mind walking 20 to 30 km daily to cover as much distance. But do you know how much elevation you will gain in that 30 km? Many companies eagerly suggest a rapid itinerary without considering the clients’ safety. So think twice and make sure you plan and understand what each day means and how much elevation you gain each day. Remember to check:
10 Days Manaslu Trek Itinerary (My Suggestion)
Here is the better itinerary version, as I suggested for ten days. The bright side of the route below is that you will not miss out on those iconic parts of the Manaslu circuit trek and the acclimatization day in Samagaun. However, a little consideration may require:
- It is only doable in the spring (mid-October to early December) after the monsoon, and local jeeps may not be able to drive to Machhekhola. (Check with us first)
- To complete this trek, you need to be at a high level of physical fitness, have long-distance hiking experience, and, if possible, high-altitude trek experience. You should also know your body’s capabilities and limitations.
- You must take a private jeep from Kathmandu to Jagat early in the morning. Once you reach Lapubesi, hike straight up to Jaget to save days; the cost of the Manaslu Trek might be slightly higher due to the private jeep ride.
- Before Samagaun, the days were much more prolonged and required at least 20km to 25km of hiking, which took about 8 to 9 hours. You will need to cover more distance at a lower elevation, so there is no need to rush when you reach a higher altitude. After Samagaun, there is more altitude than distance, so the hike is easy.
- The last day of the trek from Dharapani to Kathmandu is also expected to be extended. You must travel for 3 to 4 hours on a local jeep between Dharapani and Besishar and then 5 to 6 hours on a local bus or a private car from Besishar to Kathmandu. In total, that is roughly 9 to 11 hours of driving to get back to Kathmandu.
| Days | Day to Day Itinerary | Elevation | Trek hour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meter | Feet | |||
| 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Lapubeshi and trek to Machhikhola | 710m | 2,328 ft | 10-hour drive |
| 2 | Trek from Machhikhola to Philim | 1,570m | 5,150 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 3 | Trek from Philim to Namrung | 2,660m | 8,730 ft | 9-10 hours trek |
| 4 | Namrung to Lho monasteries and camp to Samagaun | 3,525m | 11,565ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 5 | Rest day, explore MBC, Birendra Lake, Pung Gyen Gomba | 2,630m | 8,626 ft | 7-8 hours trek |
| 6 | Trek from Samagaun to Samdo and climb to Samdo hill | 3,700m | 12,139 ft | 4-5 hours trek |
| 7 | Samdo to Dharmasala | 4,460 m | 14,629 ft | 4-5 hours trek |
| 8 | Trek from Dharmasala to Bhimthang Via Larke Pass 16,929ft | 3,700m | 12,139ft | 7-8 hours trek |
| 9 | Bhimtang to Dharapani | 1,860m | 6,102 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 10 | Dharapani to Kathmandu Drive | 1,300m | 4,265 ft | 9-11 drive |
Option 2: 5 Days Pongkar Lake Trek in Manaslu
A much shorter trek is the Pongkar Lake (3,964m) trek, which is also located in the Manaslu region near Bhimtang. This trek offers the best panoramic view of Mount Manaslu, Ponkar Himal, Himalchuli, Nike Peak, and more. This is usually part of the two-week Manaslu trek as a side trip.
Note that this itinerary will only bring you to Pongkar Lake (the best possible viewpoint) from the other side of the trail. This route starts from Dharapani, usually the endpoint for a regular Manaslu circuit.
Why is Pongkar Lake Hike an excellent short trek?
- In a short time, you will be rewarded with fantastic views of Mount Manaslu
- Expensive Manaslu restricted area permit is not necessary
- The trek is relatively cheaper compared to the other trek in Nepal.
- Accessible throughout the year
- Experience Manaslu trek without spending at least two weeks
| Days | Day to Day Itinerary | Elevation | Everyday trek hour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meter | Feet | |||
| 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani | 1,860m | 6,102 ft | 10-hour drive |
| 2 | Trek from Dharapani to Surki Khola | 2,730m | 8,956 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 3 | Trek from Surki Khola to Bhimtang | 3,700m | 12,139 ft | 9-10 hours trek |
| 4 | Bhimtang to Pongkar Lake and Back to Bhimtang | 3,964m | 13,005 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 5 | Bhimtang to Dharapani | 1,860m | 6,102 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 6 | Dharapani – Besishar – Kathmandu drive | 1,300 m | 4,265 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
