11 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek

Beyond the roads and cities of Nepal lies a mountain route, the Manaslu Circuit Trek, where daily life follows the rhythm of rivers, prayer flags wave above stone villages against a backdrop of snow-topped mountains.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is about experiencing the gradual transition from subtropical valleys to high Himalayan wilderness. It is a remote Himalayan trekking route that encircles the world’s 8th-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu (8,136m / 26,781ft).

Located in the northwest of Kathmandu, this 11 days Manaslu Circuit Trek reveals a quieter side of the Himalayas, where ancient traditions and breathtaking scenery remain largely unchanged. This trek takes you through traditional mountain villages, crossing suspension bridges above roaring rivers, Buddhist monasteries, forests, and high mountains before crossing the legendary Larkya La Pass (5,106m).

The 11-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is designed for trekkers seeking a shorter itinerary while still experiencing the highlights of the Manalsu region. This trek is often considered one of the best alternatives to the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek for a more undisturbed adventure in the Himalayas.

Major Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek

Mount Manaslu Views: You’ll trek around Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 meters.

Larkya La Pass (5,106 m): Crossing the highest point of the trek, which presents panoramic views of surrounding Himalayan peaks and glaciers.

Budhi Gandaki River Valley: Follow one of Nepal’s deepest river gorges, passing waterfalls, suspension bridges, and dramatic canyon landscapes.

Traditional Mountain Villages: Walking through settlements such as Jagat, Namrung, Samagaon, and Samdo.

Tibetan Buddhist Culture: Discover monasteries, chortens, mani walls, prayer flags, and traditions influenced by nearby Tibet.

Manaslu Base Camp Excursion: Optional acclimatization hike to Manaslu Base Camp for closer views of glaciers and surrounding peaks.

Birendra Lake: You’ll visit the turquoise glacial waters of Birendra Lake beneath the slopes of Mount Manaslu.

Manaslu Conservation Area: Trek through a protected Himalayan region known for its biodiversity, forests, wildlife, and mountain ecosystems.

11 days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

Our journey begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, leaving the city behind and entering hill roads. The drive passes through lush hills and the Trisuli River alongside, and several villages, and by the time you reach Machha Khola, the air feels calmer and more rural.

Day 2: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat

The first real trekking day starts from Machha Khola, with the Budhi Gandaki guiding your path. You walk past suspension bridges, hot springs, and scattered villages where life moves slowly. By evening, Jagat welcomes you with its stone-paved lanes and quiet mountain atmosphere.

Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng

The trail starts feeling more remote now. Forest sections, uphill climbs, and quiet river paths lead you deeper into the valley. You begin noticing subtle changes in culture and architecture as Tibetan influence slowly becomes more visible.

Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrung

Continuing, the trail keeps rising steadily through forests and ridges. Villages feel more traditional, prayer flags start appearing more often, and mountain views begin opening up in the distance as you reach Namrung.

Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon

This is one of the most scenic days. The mountains start dominating the skyline, especially Manaslu itself. Passing through Shyala and Lho, you’ll slowly enter the heart of the region, peaceful village of Samagaon.

Day 6: Acclimatization day in Samagaon

Today is an important day. You stay in the village, letting your body adjust while exploring nearby viewpoints like Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa. The views feel closer, more personal, almost overwhelming in silence.

Day 7: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo

The trail becomes shorter but noticeably higher. The landscape turns dry and alpine, with open valleys and strong winds. Samdo appears like a small settlement standing quietly near the borderlands.

Day 8: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala

A gradual climb brings you closer to the pass. Everything feels more rugged and raw with few trees, colder air, and a sense of anticipation as you reach Dharamsala, the last stop before the big crossing.

Day 9: Trek to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass

An early start leads you to Larkya La Pass. The climb is challenging, but the reward is vast Himalayan views stretching endlessly. After the pass, the trail drops dramatically into peaceful Bimthang valley.

Day 10: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani 

The landscapes soften again as you descend. Green forests return, rivers get louder, and villages feel more frequent. It almost feels like stepping back into a warmer world after days in high altitude.

Day 11: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu

A long drive brings you back from the mountains to the city. As the roads straighten and traffic increases, the quiet rhythm of Manaslu slowly turns into memory.

How it differs from Other Itineraries?

This 11-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary is designed for trekkers who want to complete the full circuit in less time without missing the region’s main highlights. Compared with longer itineraries, it follows a faster pace and includes fewer acclimatization or exploration days.

Shorter Duration: Most Manaslu Circuit itineraries range from 13 to 15 days. The 11-day version reduces the overall trekking time by using road transfers to reach the trailhead and by limiting rest days along the route.

Focus on the Main Circuit: The itinerary focuses on the core Manaslu Circuit experience. Trekkers pass through the traditional mountain villages, cross the famous Larkya La Pass, and enjoy views of Mount Manaslu and surrounding peaks.

Fewer Acclimatization Days: Longer itineraries often include extra days for acclimatization, but the 11-day itinerary keeps it efficient.

More Suitable for Limited Holidays: For travelers with only two weeks available in Nepal, the 11-day itinerary gives a practical way to complete one of the country’s most spectacular trekking routes without requiring a lengthy commitment.

Thinking about trekking Manaslu? Watch this video before you go to get a better idea about the location, best time, and preparation tips.

Required Permits with Cost

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): This is required for the upper Manaslu region from Jagat onwards toward Samagaon and Samdo.

Cost:

• USD 100 per week (Sep-Nov)
• USD 75 per week (Dec-Aug)

Note: Additional charges apply for extra days beyond 7 days

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): This permit is needed to enter and trek through the Manaslu Conservation Area from the lower section of the route.

Cost: USD 30 per person (one-time fee)

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): It is required for the section after crossing Larkya La Pass, when entering the Annapurna region.

Cost: USD 30 per person (one-time fee)

Important Note:

• Permits must be arranged before starting the trek (usually in Kathmandu).
• MRAP is only issued through a registered trekking agency with a licensed guide.
• Keep permits safe as they are checked at multiple entry points along the route.

Some Alternative Routes from the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Although trekking in the Manaslu Circuit is among the best treks that one can do in Nepal, but for travelers with extra time or who want to explore more beyond the main trail, several alternative routes can add a completely different experience to the adventure. These additional routes take trekkers off the beaten path, leading through valleys and mountainous areas that feature unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Tsum Valley

For trekkers interested in culture and spiritual experiences, the most popular extension is the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley. Leaving the main trail at Lokpa, trekkers will find themselves surrounded by a remote valley with a rich Buddhist tradition that remains intact. This will be an experience of tranquility and serenity with centuries-old monasteries, traditional mani walls, prayer flags, and friendly settlements.

Manaslu Base Camp Side Trip

From Samagaon, trekkers can spend a day walking toward Manaslu Base Camp. The trail climbs through alpine terrain and rewards the effort with close-up views of Mount Manaslu, glaciers, and surrounding peaks. It is a great option for those who want a closer connection to the mountain without adding many extra days to the itinerary.

Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Combination

For those who wish to trek further, they continue beyond Dharapani and follow the famous Annapurna Circuit. This trek merges the features of two of Nepal’s most beautiful trekking destinations into a single exciting venture. It features varied landscapes, more mountain crossings, as well as exposure to the wildness of Manalsu and the grandeur of Annapurna.

Nar Phu Valley

Nar Phu Valley, lying between the Manaslu and Annapurna regions, provides another hidden alternative for those trekking who seek peace. The route involves crossing through canyons, traditional stone settlements, and other natural features which have remained almost unchanged for many years. Known as the ‘Little Tibet,’ the area gives visitors a unique culture and an opportunity to avoid crowds.

Ruby Valley Trek

For travelers who prefer a quieter and less demanding route, Ruby Valley provides an excellent alternative. The trail links the Ganesh Himal and Manaslu regions through traditional villages, terraced farmland, forests, and scenic ridges. You’ll feel the authentic local experiences and beautiful mountain views while remaining largely untouched by mass tourism.