Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary: 14, 16 & 18-Day Plans

Which Itinerary Is Right for You?

Every Manaslu itinerary follows the same line: up the Budhi Gandaki gorge, through the Tibetan-influenced Nubri valley to Samagaon and Samdo, over the Larkya La (5,106 m), then down to Dharapani where the trail joins the Annapurna Circuit. What changes is how many acclimatisation and side-trip days you build in, and whether you add the Tsum Valley.

All versions start with a long jeep drive from Kathmandu to the roadhead and finish with a drive out from Dharapani via Besisahar. There is no fly-in option.

The Classic 14-Day Itinerary

This is the standard route, with one essential acclimatisation day at Samagaon before the pass. It is well-paced for a fit trekker, though it leaves little spare time for weather delays.

Day 1: Kathmandu → Soti Khola / Machha Khola (roadhead)

A long, rough jeep drive west through Gorkha to the trailhead on the Budhi Gandaki. (7–9 hrs driving.)

Day 2: Machha Khola → Jagat (1,340 m)

Up the gorge past waterfalls, hot springs at Tatopani and suspension bridges to Jagat, the first restricted-area checkpoint. (6–7 hrs.)

Day 3: Jagat → Deng (1,860 m)

Continue up the steep-sided gorge, crossing the river several times, passing the Tsum Valley turn-off, to Deng, where the culture begins to feel Tibetan. (6–7 hrs.)

Day 4: Deng → Namrung (2,630 m)

A long climb past mani walls and gompas to Namrung, the gateway to the upper Nubri valley. (6–7 hrs.)

Day 5: Namrung → Lho (3,180 m)

Through Tibetan-style villages and barley fields, with the first close views of Manaslu and a fine hilltop gompa at Lho. (4–5 hrs.)

Day 6: Lho → Samagaon (3,520 m)

A shorter day past Shyala with grandstand Manaslu views to Samagaon, the key acclimatisation hub. (4–5 hrs.)

Day 7: Acclimatisation day at Samagaon

An essential rest day. Side-trip up to Manaslu Base Camp (around 4,800 m) or to Birendra Lake and Pungyen Gompa, all aid acclimatisation.

Day 8: Samagaon → Samdo (3,860 m)

A gentle day up toward the river's source, past the Birendra Tal turn-off, into arid high country to Samdo, the last permanent village. (3–4 hrs.)

Day 9: Samdo → Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460 m)

A short but high day across moraine to the simple lodges at Dharamsala, the base for the pass. An early night ahead of a pre-dawn start. (3–4 hrs.)

Day 10: Cross Larkya La (5,106 m) → Bimthang (3,720 m)

The crux: a pre-dawn start, a long climb over moraine and glacier to the prayer-flag-strewn pass with its panorama of Himlung, Cheo and Annapurna II, then a steep descent to the meadows of Bimthang. (8–9 hrs.)

Day 11: Bimthang → Dharapani (1,860 m)

A long descent through rhododendron and pine forest to Dharapani, where the route joins the Annapurna Circuit. (6–7 hrs.)

Days 12–14: Drive Dharapani → Kathmandu

A jeep down the Marsyangdi valley to Besisahar, usually with a vehicle change, then on to Kathmandu. Keep a contingency day, as the pass and roads are weather-dependent.

The 16-Day Itinerary (with Samdo acclimatisation)

The safest and most rewarding version for most trekkers. It adds a second acclimatisation day at Samdo before the pass and gives more margin for weather, which markedly lowers the altitude risk on the Larkya La.

• Days 1–7: As the classic route, up the gorge to Samagaon with an acclimatisation day and a Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake side-trip.
• Day 8: Samagaon → Samdo (3,860 m).
• Day 9: Acclimatisation day at Samdo, a hike toward the old Tibet trade route to gain height, sleeping low.
• Days 10–11: Samdo → Dharamsala, then cross the Larkya La to Bimthang.
• Days 12–13: Bimthang → Dharapani, then begin the drive out.
• Days 14–16: Drive to Kathmandu with a built-in contingency day.

The extra Samdo rest day is the single best upgrade you can make. It improves acclimatisation before the highest day, see our Manaslu altitude sickness guide.

The 18+ Day Itinerary (with Tsum Valley)

The fullest version, combining the circuit with the sacred Tsum Valley, a remote Tibetan-Buddhist side-valley that branches off near Deng. It adds roughly a week of culture, monasteries and quiet trails, and is commonly walked as a single restricted-area trip, the Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek.

• Days 1–3: Kathmandu drive, then up the gorge to the Tsum turn-off near Deng.
• Days 4–9: Explore the Tsum Valley, Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa and the upper villages, then rejoin the main trail.
• Days 10–16: The classic circuit to Samagaon, Samdo, over the Larkya La to Bimthang and down to Dharapani.
• Days 17–18: Drive out to Kathmandu with a contingency day.

The Tsum Valley needs its own restricted-area permit, which a registered agency arranges alongside the Manaslu permits. The extra days also help acclimatisation before the pass.