This article has everything you need to know in advance while planning Manaslu trek itinerary, with a recent road construction has pushed the road access to Machhekhola. Sit tight and read further.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary could vary greatly depending on the chosen route and the places one would like to see (for example, a side trip to Tsum Valley and rest days in between). There are several sample itineraries posted by various companies but generally speaking, the trek can be as short as 10 days but could be extended to 22 days with an amazing side trip to Tsum Valley.
Every itinerary comes with rest days in Sama Gaon and Samdo. These two places are iconic, not only for acclimatization but also for scenic side trip activities. Generally speaking, while doing the Manaslu circuit for 14 days, side trips to Manaslu Base Camp or Punggyen Gompa from Sama Gaon are the major activities. While a day hike towards the Tibetan border could also be made from Samdo. Or, If you have extra day side trip to Pongkar lake from Bhimtang is also a great alternative.
During 22 days Itinerary comes with three buffer days in the middle, along with a side trip to Tsum Valley. This could be the longest day you can spend in the Manaslu region. In this article, we thought it would be good to list the possible routes for the Manaslu trek (and sample daily itinerary), and you could choose which might suit your time frame. This documentary may speaks lounder then my word.
Contents
Manaslu Trek Itinerary (14 Days)
A 14-day Manaslu trek itinerary is suitable when there are regular bus services from Kathmandu to Machhe Khola. In the past years, the trailhead to the Manaslu circuit was set off from Sotikhola, but the road construction has recently pushed that point to Machhekhola. However, during monsoon season, when the local stream water level rises high temporary bridges may have been wiped off. Just bear in mind that you may still need to start hiking from Sotikhola, but as of a recent situation, the trailhead has been set out from Machhekhola.
Advice
Nevertheless, checking in advance with your local agency is always a good idea. A basic rule of thumb, hiking starting set-off point may vary by season if you’re planning at the beginning of the monsoon season (June) or late at the window (September) (contact us for the update). Please see our sample 14 days itinerary from Kathmandu with estimated elevation and expected daily traveling time.
Itinerary Highlights
- One of the most popular itineraries that the majority of hikers follow.
- Two days of acclimatization days in the middle.
- It covers all major side trips that Manaslu Circuit Trek has to offer.
- 99% of our customer has completed this itinerary with no issue.
- It skips the motorable road and takes you to actual hiking spots.
- 5-6 hours of hikes and 400-600m elevation each day.
- It fits all levels of hikers with or without prior hiking experience.
- One of the best cultural trails as you hike from village to village of Tibetan- Nepalese communities.
Tips for 14 days Manaslu Trek Itinerary
⇒ 14 day Manaslu trek itinerary starting from Sotikhola and ending at Dharapani is a minimum amount of time with a side trip to Base camp and two additional buffer days, which is the minimum number of days to cover the major side trip.
⇒ If you’re physically fit for 6-7 hours of hike, with 400-500m of altitude gain each day and about 15km on an average distance, you can take this hike with no prior experience in the high altitude.
⇒ Acclimatization day doesn’t only mean just a buffer day. Instead, it is the most panoramic day. So, likely, you shouldn’t skip it. Skipping buffer day means skipping the best part of your trek and also increasing the possible altitude sickness. Keep in mind rushing with short days hike may lead to sickness when you reach a high altitude.
⇒ From the client’s feedback, the last day from Dharapani to Kathmandu is very long and uncomfortable. If you ever plan to do so. For a comfortable journey, you should chop this part into two instead of talking one a day journey to Kathmandu. The roads are very bumpy, and local transportation is not convenient for a 13-hour trip.
⇒ Based on our client’s feedback, Samdo is not worth one and a half-day to spend on a side trip. If you feel safe and sound (with no altitude symptoms) in Samdo. A side trip in Bhimtang after Larke pass to Pongkar Lake is much worth it.
⇒ A mass majority of the itineraries you will even encounter online don’t have a camp in Loh. From the feedback of our clients, most of them said it is one of the best days. The view of Mount Manaslu and the living experience with monks at Buddhist monasteries is the highlights.
Here is the perfect itinerary from the local guide and the collected feedback from our recent client. If you wish to follow this itinerary with our experienced guide, contact NEST Adventure.
| Days | Day to Day Itinerary | Elevation | Everyday trek hour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meter | Feet | |||
| 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to / Sotikhola Machhekhola | 710m | 2,328 ft | 7-8 hour drive |
| 2 | Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola | 930m | 3,051 ft | 5-6 hours trek |
| 3 | Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat | 1,410m | 4,625 ft | 6 -7 hours trek |
| 4 | Trek from Jagat to Deng | 1,804m | 5,917 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 5 | Trek from Deng to Namrung | 2,630m | 8,626 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 6 | Trek from Namrung to Samagaun via Loh monasteries | 3,180m | 12,660 ft | 4-5 hours trek |
| 7 | Sana Gaon rest and Visit MBC, Birendra Lake, | 3,530m | 11,578 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 8 | Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo | 3,860m | 12,660 ft | 4 – 5 hours trek |
| 9 | Rest day & side trip to the Tibetan border, or day hike | 3,860m | 12,660 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 10 | Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala | 4,460 m | 14,629 ft | 4-5 hours trek |
| 11 | Trek Dharmasala to Bimthang Via Larke pass (5,160m) | 3,700m | 12,139 ft | 8-10 hours trek |
| 12 | Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani | 1,700m | 5,576 ft | 5-6 hours trek |
| 13 | Drive from Dharapani to Beshishar | 1,080m | 3,542 ft | 5-hour drive |
| 14 | Drive From Besishar to Kathmandu (Jeep, Bus, or Car) | 1,300m | 4,265 ft | 6-7 hour drive |
17 Days Manaslu Trek Itinerary
This is one of the classic itineraries and probably the best we would recommend. As you will spend more time on acclimatization and more side trip that this region has to offer. The lower elevation area offers more interaction with Hindu culture and villagers, while the upper part comes with Buddhist culture and side trips. We think this itinerary is ideally best for families, senior citizens, and those who may not have enough trekking experience in high-elevation. It is also good if you want to take your time exploring the Manaslu area.
It is also an extended version of a 14 days itinerary. While 14 days only covers the important part of upper Manaslu. But within 17 days you can explore more side trips in the lower area such as Loh monasteries, Kal lake, etc.
Please find below our 17-day Manaslu trek itinerary with the number of hours of travel required each day and the estimated elevation of the camp.
Itinerary Highlights
- 2 Days of acclimatization day
- Covers all major side trip that Manaslu Circuit Trek has to offer
- 100% of our customer has completed this itinerary with no issue
- A mix of motorable road and hiking trail.
- 5-6 hours of hikes and 400-600m elevation each day.
- Fits for someone who needs easy hike with or without prior hiking experience
- Mix culture of Hindu and Buddist, as you hike village to village. Lower parts of the trail cover the Hindu culture, and the higher part of the trek involves Tibetan- Nepalese communities
| Days | Day to Day Itinerary | Elevation | Trek hour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meter | Feet | |||
| 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (private jeep or local bus) | 600m | 2,328 ft | 7-8 hour drive |
| 2 | Trek from Arughat to Lapubeshi | 970m | 3,051 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 3 | Trek from Lapubeshi to Tatopani | 990m | 4,625 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 4 | Trek from Tatopani to Jagat | 1,350m | 5,917 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 5 | Trek from Jaget to Ekle Bhatti | 1,610m | 8,626 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 6 | Trek from Ekle Bhatti to Bihi Phedi | 2,000m | 11,578ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 7 | Trek from Bihe Phedi to Namrung | 2,650m | 11,578ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 8 | Trek from Namrung to Lho | 3,180m | 12,660ft | 4-5 hours trek |
| 9 | Trek from Lho to Sama Gaon | 3,530m | 12,660ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 10 | Acclimatization-rest day in Sama Gaon (trip to MBC, Birendra Lake) | 3,530m | 12,660ft | 4-5 hours trek |
| 11 | Sama Gaon to Samdo | 3,700m | 12,139ft | 8-10 hours trek |
| 12 | Acclimatization rest & rest day in Samdo (side trip to Tibitan border) | 3,700m | 12,139ft | 5-6 hours trek |
| 13 | Trek from Samdo to Dharmashala | 4,450m | 14,599ft | 4-5 hours trek |
| 14 | Trek from Dharmashala to Bhimtang via Larke Pass (16,929ft) | 3,700m | 12,139ft | 8-10 hours trek |
| 15 | Trek from Bhimtang to Tiliche | 2300m | 7,545 ft | 7-8 hours trek |
| 16 | Trek from Tiliche to Dharapani | 1430m | 4,951 ft | 5-6 hours trek |
| 17 | Drive From Dharapani to Kathmandu (Jeep, Bus, or Car) | 1,300m | 4,265 ft | 7-9 hours drive |
20 Days Manaslu with Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary
Dealing with different customer’s interests, we at NEST Adventure often receive a question. Is 20 days trek itinerary for Manaslu Tsum Valley is a good enough? The answer is BIG, YES! While I agree it is doable, I also see some considerations and the fact you should know between 22 days and 20 days.
Itinerary Highlights
- It’s a perfect combination of Himalayan giants and Tibetan Buddhist culture
- Fits for all levels of hikers with or without prior hiking experience
- Lower chances of altitude sickness
- Chance to explore two of the historical monasteries Rachan Gomba, and Mu Gomba
- Closer view of Mount Ganesh Himal and other soundings
- Experience the wildlife blue sheep, and Mountain Thar only in Tsum Valley
22 days vs 20 Days Itinerary
20 days itinerary is a highlight of both Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit. While 22 days gives you more time to make the side trips around the area.
If you choose 20 days Itinerary, you will have the chance to visit Tsum Valley but may not have time to visit Ganesh Himal Base Camp. While 22 days will allow you to explore Gumba Lundang and Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
You will have only one acclimatization days in 20 days itinerary (which is fairy ok because in Tsum Valley, you will have better acclimatization due to the area is in the lower elevation that adds more days before reaching a high altitude)
22 days itinerary is an extended version of 20 days with 3 acclimatization day with all available side trips along the way.
| Days | Day to Day Itinerary | Elevation | Trek hour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meter | Feet | |||
| 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola Via Arughat | 710m | 2,328 ft | 7-8 hours dri. |
| 2 | Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola | 930m | 3,051 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 3 | Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat | 1,410m | 4,625 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 4 | Trek from Jagat to Lokpa | 2,250m | 7,382 ft | 7-8 hours trek |
| 5 | Trek from Lokpa to Chumling | 2,600m | 8,530 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 6 | Trek from Chumling to Chekampar | 3,030m. | 1,942 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 7 | Trek from Chekampar to Mu Gomba . | 3,245m | 10,646 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 8 | Trek from Mu Monastery to Chekampar | 3,030m | 9,940 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 9 | Trek from Chekampar to Gumba Lundang . | 3,200m | 10,498 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 10 | Trek from Gumba Lundang to Ripchet | 2,670m | 8,759 ft | 7-8 hour trek |
| 11 | Trek from Ripchet to Behi Phedi | 1,804m | 5,917 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 12 | Trek from Behi Phedi to Lho | 2,630m | 8,626 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 13 | Trek from Lho to Sama Gaon | 3,530m | 11,578 ft | 5-6 hours trek |
| 14 | Acclimatization & Possible side trip day in Sama Gaon | 3,530m | 11,578 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 15 | Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo | 3,860m | 12,660 ft | 4 – 5 hours trek |
| 16 | Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala | 4,460 m | 14,629 ft | 4-5 hours trek |
| 17 | Trek from Dharmasala to Bimthang via Throng pass (5,160m) | 3,700m | 12,139 ft | 8-10 hours trek |
| 18 | Bimthang to Tilije | 1,700m | 5,576 ft | 5-6 hours trek |
| 18 | Tilije to Tal. | 1,080m | 3,542 ft | 5-6 hours trek |
| 20 | Drive Tal to Kathmandu | 1,300m | 4,265 ft | 7-9 hours drive |
22 Days Manaslu-Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary
22 days Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary is for those who want to experience the Little Tibet or Tsum Valley as part of the Manaslu trek. The Tsum Valley is another popular side trip within Manaslu. Which requires one week of a special permit in addition to the ACAP, MCAP and Manaslu restricted area permit. The cost of the Tsum Valley permit is cost you US$35 for 7 days. You may want to make sure you inform your local company (contact us) in advance if you wish to pass through Tsum Valley so they could arrange the Manaslu trek permit for you.
Itinerary Highlights
- 3 Days of acclimatization day
- Covers all major side trips including, Gumba Lundang, Ganesh Himal Base Camp, in Tsum Valley.
- 100% of our customer has completed this itinerary with no issue
- A mix of motorable road and hiking trail.
- 5-6 hours of hikes and 400-600m elevation each day.
- Fits for someone who needs easy hike with or without prior hiking experience
- Mix culture of Hindu and Buddist, as you hike village to village. Lower parts of the trail cover the Hindu culture, and the higher part of the trek involves Tibetan- Nepalese communities. especially Tsum Valley where you will visit numerous Gomba, Monastries and experience the ancient culture and lifestyle.
| Days | Day to Day Itinerary | Elevation | Everyday trek hour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meter | Feet | |||
| 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola Via Arughat | 710m | 2,328 ft | 7-8 hours drive |
| 2 | Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola | 930m | 3,051 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 3 | Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat | 1,410m | 4,625 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 4 | Trek from Jagat to Lokpa | 2,250m | 7,382 ft | 7-8 hours trek |
| 5 | Trek from Lokpa to Chumling | 2,600m | 8,530 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 6 | Trek from Chumling to Chekampar | 3,030m. | 1,942 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 7 | Trek from Chekampar to Mu Gomba. | 3,245m | 10,646 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 8 | Trek from Mu Monastery to Chekampar | 3,030m | 9,940 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 9 | Trek from Chekampar to Gumba Lundang. | 3,200m | 10,498 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 10 | Acclimatization & rest day in Gumba Lundang (side trip) | 3,200m | 10,498 ft | 8-9 hour trek |
| 11 | Trek from Gumba Lundang to Ripchet | 2,670m | 8,759 ft | 7-8 hour trek |
| 12 | Trek from Ripchet to Deng | 1,804m | 5,917 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 13 | Trek from Deng to Namrung | 2,630m | 8,626 ft | 6-7 hours trek |
| 14 | Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon | 3,530m | 11,578 ft | 5-6 hours trek |
| 15 | Acclimatization & rest day in Sama Gaon (Possible side trip) | 3,530m | 11,578 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 16 | Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo | 3,860m | 12,660 ft | 4 – 5 hours trek |
| 17 | Acclimatization & rest day in Samdo (Possible side trip) | 3,860m | 12,660 ft | 8-9 hours trek |
| 18 | Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala | 4,460 m | 14,629 ft | 4-5 hours trek |
| 19 | Trek from Dharmasala to Bimthang via Throng pass (5,160m) | 3,700m | 12,139 ft | 8-10 hours trek |
| 20 | Bimthang to Tilije | 1,700m | 5,576 ft | 5-6 hours trek |
| 21 | Tilije to Tal. | 1,080m | 3,542 ft | 5-6 hours trek |
| 22 | Drive Tal to Kathmandu | 1,300m | 4,265 ft | 7-9 hours drive |
Lower Manaslu Trek Itinerary (10 days)
Lower Manaslu trek is a homestay basic trek in the lower region of the Gorkha district. This includes the historical Gorkha Palace and the epicenter of the April 25 earthquake, “Barpak”. The full 10 days requires walking through the local villages as well as local jeep ride.
01: Kathmandu to Ghairung via Manakamana. (1350m) 3 to 4 hrs drive, 5 hrs treks.
02: Ghairung to Gorkha Bazaar (1135m/ 3723ft)– 5 to 6 hrs trek
03: Gorkha Bazaar rest and explore the historical site.
04: Gorkha Bazaar to Sirandanda (1500m 4,921ft) 6-7 hrs Local drive and1 hour trek.
05: (Sirandanda to Barpak) (1920m/ 6,299ft) 7- 8 hrs trek.
06: Barpak to Laprak (2100m/ 6,889ft) – 6 hrs to 7-hour trek.
07: Laprak to Nambai Kharka (2700m/8,858ft)– 5 hrs to 6-hour trek.
08: Nambai Kharka to Tallo Thotneri – 7 hrs to 8-hour trek.
09: Tallo Thotneri to Gyampesal (1000m/ 3280ft) – 6 hrs to 7-hour trek.Day 10: Ghampesal to Kathmandu (Local drive 6- 7 hour).
Short Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary (10 days)
A rumor spreads online that Manaslu circuit trek can be completed in just 10 days! While I agree it is doable, I also see some considerations for anyone planning to take Manaslu short trek for 10 days without missing an important site. In my opinion, what makes Manaslu special are the side trips. This is the only trek that allows you to experience Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, Pung Gyan Gomba and Lho Gomba. These are the highlights of a Manaslu trek so make sure you see as much of these as you can.
Many companies are very eager to suggest a rapid itinerary without considering the safety of the clients. So think twice and make sure you plan ahead and understand what each day means. How much elevation you gain each day. Do not be shy to ask: Does the itinerary come with acclimatization day? Does it include side trips to Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, Pung Gyan Gomba, Lho Gomba, etc.?
Here is my suggested itinerary for ten days. The bright side of the itinerary below is that you would not miss our favorite part of the Manaslu circuit trek and the acclimatization day in Samagaun unlike most of the company doesn’t give you this opportunity. Below are some considerations if you want to follow the ten-days itinerary in Manaslu Circuit Trek:
- This is only doable in the spring season and (mid-October to early December). This is not possible during monsoon season as local jeeps cannot drive to Machhekhola.
- High level of physical fitness, long-distance hiking experience and if possible, high-altitude trek experiences are required to complete this trek. You know your body’s capabilities and limitations.
- You need to take a private jeep from Kathmandu to Lapubesi very early in the morning. Once you reach Lapubesi, hike straight away to Machhekhola to save time. Manaslu Trek cost might be slightly higher because of the private jeep.
- Before Samagaun, the days are much longer and require at least 20km to 25km of the hike, in 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 higher elevation. After Samagaun, it is more altitude than distance, so the walk is easy.
- The last day of the trek, from Dharapani to Kathmandu, is also expected to be a long day. You need to travel for 4 to 5 hours between Dharapani to Besishar on a local jeep and then, 5 to 6 hours from Besishar to Kathmandu on a local bus or a private car. In total, that is roughly 9 to 11 hours of drive to get back to Kathmandu.
| Days | Day to Day Itinerary | Elevation | Everyday 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 |
Recommended Manaslu treks Itinerary from another traveler:
Guyshachar.com An individual traveler writes the blog and covers details of his 15-day Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary and experience. The itinerary looks flexible and reasonable that any traveler could adapt depending on how much time they have.
Manaslucircuittrek.com
The site manaslucircuittrek.com is probably one of the most informative sites for the Manaslu circuit trek. The website also provides varying trekking itineraries depending on the number of days including details on potential side trips in the region.
Lonely Planet
The Lonely Planet guidebook also recommends a 13-days trek in the Manaslu area. However, the trekking starts from Arughat (instead of Soti Khola) and ends at Besi Sahar (instead of Tal), and avoiding off-road local jeep rides making the itinerary longer than others. In addition, they also include some optional sightseeing in Kathmandu after the trek.
Matadornetwork.com
There is some helpful information written by Sierra Gladfelter about the trek itinerary.
The Great Himalayan Trail
Great Himalayan Trail is also one of the most informative official websites from Nepal. Their recommendation is the 14-days itinerary starting from Soti Khola and ending in Chemische. But this itinerary is already too old as the local jeep now can drive up to Dharapani.
Trekking Partner’s
This is a great site if you don’t want to be tied up with the tailor-made itinerary from a trekking company. TrekkingPartner.com helps you to find out more about the trek and also seek other trekkers interested in doing the same itinerary as you and you get to split the Manaslu trek cost! All you need to do is visit the website and read about comments or posts from other travelers about the desired date and duration of the trek. You are free to reach out to them and agree to be part of their group. The site has also ranked Manaslu as the best trekking trail in Nepal.
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