Day 1: Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930m)
Driving: Approximately 8–9 hours
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu towards Machha Khola. The journey follows winding mountain roads through Nepal’s countryside, passing rivers, terraced hills, traditional villages and beautiful landscapes.
After reaching Machha Khola, you check into a local teahouse or lodge and prepare for the trekking days ahead.
Overnight: Machha Khola
Altitude: 930m
Day 2: Machha Khola to Dobhan (1,000m)
Machha Khola to Dobhan (1,000m)
Day 3: Dobhan to Philim (1,590m)
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Distance: About 14 km
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today’s trail continues along the Budhi Gandaki River through increasingly dramatic Himalayan scenery. You cross suspension bridges, pass waterfalls and walk through beautiful forested sections.
As you gain altitude, the landscape and architecture gradually begin to reflect the Himalayan culture of the Manaslu region. The trek ends at Philim, a beautiful Gurung settlement.
Overnight: Philim
Altitude: 1,590m
Day 4: Philim to Deng (1,860m)
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Distance: About 18 km
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Leaving Philim, the trail continues through forests and narrow sections of the Budhi Gandaki Valley. You pass traditional villages and several impressive waterfalls before gradually climbing towards Deng.
The Himalayan scenery becomes more prominent as you move farther into the restricted Manaslu region.
Overnight: Deng
Altitude: 1,860m
Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Distance: About 16 km
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today marks a noticeable change in the landscape as the trail climbs higher into the mountains. You pass through forests, traditional settlements and beautiful Himalayan viewpoints.
The trail gradually becomes more alpine, and the surrounding mountains become increasingly impressive. After a steady climb, you reach Namrung, an important village on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Overnight: Namrung
Altitude: 2,630m
Day 6: Namrung to Samagaon (3,525m)
Walking: Approximately 7–8 hours
Distance: About 17 km
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
One of the most scenic days of the trek takes you from Namrung towards Samagaon. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine, with spectacular views of Manaslu and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
The trail passes through traditional Tibetan-influenced villages and beautiful mountain landscapes before reaching Samagaon, one of the most important settlements on the Manaslu Circuit.
Overnight: Samagaon
Altitude: 3,525m
Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon (3,525m)
Walking: Optional
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is an important acclimatization day before ascending towards the high-altitude sections of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Depending on your fitness and the advice of your guide, you can take a relaxed day exploring Samagaon or enjoy an optional hike towards Birendra Lake, Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp.
The purpose of the day is not simply to rest but to allow your body to adapt to the increasing altitude.
Overnight: Samagaon
Altitude: 3,525m
Day 8: Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m)
Walking: Approximately 3–4 hours
Distance: About 8 km
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The trail leaves Samagaon and follows the Budhi Gandaki Valley towards Samdo. The vegetation becomes much sparser as you enter the high Himalayan environment.
Although the walking distance is relatively short, the altitude makes the day more demanding. Your guide will maintain a comfortable pace and allow sufficient time for acclimatization.
Overnight: Samdo
Altitude: 3,875m
Day 9: Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460m)
Walking: Approximately 4–5 hours
Distance: About 11 km
Accommodation: Lodge / Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today’s trek takes you deeper into the high-altitude landscape. The trail gradually climbs towards Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, the final overnight stop before crossing Larkya La Pass.
The surrounding landscape becomes increasingly rugged and barren, with spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks.
Because you are sleeping at high altitude, your guide will monitor your condition and walking pace carefully.
Overnight: Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi
Altitude: 4,460m
Day 10: Dharamsala to Bimthang (3,590m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
Walking: Approximately 8–10 hours
Distance: About 18 km
Maximum Altitude: 5,106m
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
You begin early in the morning and gradually climb towards Larkya La Pass (5,106m). The ascent can be demanding because of the high altitude, cold temperatures and changing mountain weather.
After reaching the pass, you are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
From the pass, the trail descends towards Bimthang. The long descent eventually brings you into a greener landscape, providing a dramatic contrast to the barren terrain around the pass.
Overnight: Bimthang
Altitude: 3,590m
Highest Point: Larkya La Pass – 5,106m
Day 11: Bimthang to Dharapani (1,860m)
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Distance: About 15–18 km
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After crossing Larkya La Pass, today’s trail continues downhill through forests and beautiful mountain landscapes.
The environment becomes greener as you descend to lower elevations. You pass through traditional villages and forested sections before reaching Dharapani.
This is your final major trekking day of the Manaslu Circuit.
Overnight: Dharapani
Altitude: 1,860m
Day 12: Dharapani to Kathmandu
Driving: Approximately 8–10 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, you leave the mountains and drive towards Kathmandu via Besisahar and the scenic Middle Hills.
As the journey progresses, the landscape changes from high Himalayan terrain to green hills, rivers and populated areas. You arrive in Kathmandu by the evening, marking the end of your 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Trip Ends: Kathmandu
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 12 Days
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular Himalayan adventures, taking you around Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain. This challenging and rewarding trek combines dramatic mountain scenery, remote Himalayan villages, ancient Buddhist culture, lush forests and the spectacular crossing of Larkya La Pass at 5,106m.
Starting from the lower hills and gradually ascending into the high Himalayas, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an incredible change of landscapes and cultures. The trail passes through traditional Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages before reaching the high-altitude settlements of Samagaon and Samdo.
Our 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary is designed to provide a balanced trekking experience with sensible altitude progression and an acclimatization day in Samagaon. However, trekking in the Himalayas cannot always follow a fixed schedule. Our experienced guide may adjust the daily walking distance, starting time or overnight stop according to your walking speed, group fitness, trail conditions, weather, altitude and local conditions.
With Altitude Thrill Adventure Travel, you trek with experienced local guides who prioritize safety, acclimatization and an enjoyable Himalayan experience while allowing reasonable flexibility throughout the journey.
