Manaslu Circuit Trek
Complete circuit around Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) through remote Gorkha and Manang districts
The Manaslu Circuit is an extraordinary teahouse expedition following the Budhi Gandaki upstream from subtropical river gorges toward the glaciated amphitheatre below the world's eighth-highest mountain (8,163m). Terraced hills and rhododendron forests transition into ancient stone villages, monasteries, and mani walls steeped in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Ten trekking stages and one dedicated Samagaun acclimatisation day lead across the 5,106m Larkya La pass before descending into Bimthang and exiting via the Annapurna corridor at Dharapani.
The Journey & Landscape
The Manaslu Circuit is an extraordinary teahouse expedition following the Budhi Gandaki upstream from subtropical river gorges toward the glaciated amphitheatre below the world's eighth-highest mountain (8,163m). Terraced hills and rhododendron forests transition into ancient stone villages, monasteries, and mani walls steeped in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Ten trekking stages and one dedicated Samagaun acclimatisation day lead across the 5,106m Larkya La pass before descending into Bimthang and exiting via the Annapurna corridor at Dharapani.
Walk from the warm Budhi Gandaki gorge into the high Buddhist villages of Nubri, acclimatise beneath the Manaslu massif, and cross the 5,106 m Larkya La pass on a compact 13-day circuit.
All expedition members must practice strict Leave No Trace principles, respect local Himalayan spiritual customs, and protect pristine alpine water sources.
Expedition Highlights
Complete circuit around Mt. Mana...
Complete circuit around Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) through remote Gorkha and Manang districts
Challenging high-altitude crossi...
Challenging high-altitude crossing of Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m / 16,752 ft
Follow the wild Budhi Gandaki ri...
Follow the wild Budhi Gandaki river gorge across suspension bridges and dramatic canyons
Immerse in authentic Nubri Tibet...
Immerse in authentic Nubri Tibetan Buddhist mountain culture in Lho, Samagaun, and Samdo
Acclimatisation day in Samagaun ...
Acclimatisation day in Samagaun with guide-selected hike options to Birendra Lake or Pungyen Gompa
Descend through pristine alpine ...
Descend through pristine alpine meadows and pine forests of Bimthang beneath towering peaks
Operated with licensed Nepal mou...
Operated with licensed Nepal mountain guides, strict 1:4 safety ratio, and twice-daily pulse oximetry
Route Map & Altitude Visualizer
150–170 km drive · Trek day
15–17 km · Trek day
18–21 km · Trek day
17–20 km · Trek day
10–12 km · Trek day
8–12 km · Trek day
4–12 km (activity dependent) · Trek day
8–10 km · Trek day
6–8 km · Trek day
18–24 km · Trek day
13–15 km · Trek day
9–12 km · Trek day
220–250 km drive · Trek day
Day-by-Day Trek Itinerary
13 Days / 12 Nights, Kathmandu to Kathmandu • Total Distance: Approximately 130–150 km plus optional acclimatisation hikes • Max Elevation: Larkya La, approximately 5,106 m / 16,752 ft
Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Early morning departure from Kathmandu by private/shared jeep west toward Gorkha and north along the Budhi Gandaki. The journey transitions from highway to rugged mountain tracks. Arrive at Machha Khola for trail briefing, document check, and gear review.
Machha Khola to Jagat
Jagat to Deng
Deng to Namrung
Namrung to Lho
Lho to Samagaun via Shyala
Acclimatisation in Samagaun
Samagaun to Samdo
Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi
Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya La (5,106m)
Bimthang to Gho
Gho to Dharapani
Dharapani to Kathmandu
Safety & Contingency Protocols
Acclimatization & SpO2 Logs
Structured elevation ascent profiles with twice-daily resting pulse and blood oxygen saturation logs monitored by lead guides above 2,500m up to Larkya La, approximately 5,106 m / 16,752 ft.
High-Altitude Medical Equipment
Every expedition carries certified portable medical oxygen cylinders, automated external diagnostics, trauma first-aid kits, and high-altitude emergency medication.
Emergency Evacuation Network
Direct satellite communication protocols with regional emergency heli-rescue operations and base operations for condition-led rapid evacuation contingency.
Mountain Ethics & Trail Conduct
Leave No Trace Standards
All non-biodegradable waste is packed out of the wilderness. Trekkers use bio-friendly toiletries and avoid single-use plastics along trails and campsites.
Sacred Alpine Water Ethics
Glacial tarns, rivers, and alpine lakes across the Kathmandu / Machha Khola / Jagat / Deng / Namrung / Lho / Samagaun / Samdo / Dharamsala / Larkya La / Bimthang / Gho / Dharapani circuit are culturally revered. Entering or polluting water bodies is strictly forbidden.
Local Community Dignity
Always ask permission before photographing local residents or spiritual ceremonies. Support mountain communities with fair wages and mutual cultural respect.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Need to Know Details
Join the Next Departure
Bookings for Manaslu Circuit Trek are capped to ensure small team sizes, personalized safety, and zero environmental overcrowding.