The short version
The complete day-by-day Manaslu Circuit itinerary — from Soti Khola to the Larkya La pass (5,160m) and out via Annapurna. Altitudes, walking hours, acclimatisation, and what to expect each day.
- The standard plan is 14 days, climaxing in the Larkya La pass (5,160m) on Day 11.
- Two acclimatisation days — Samagaon (3,520m) and Samdo (3,860m) — are what get you safely over the pass; don't skip them.
- Manaslu is a restricted area: you need the Manaslu RAP, MCAP and ACAP, a registered guide, and a minimum group of two. No solo trekking.
- The pass day is long (8–9 hrs), cold, and demanding with an early start, then a big descent to Bimthang (3,720m).
The wild circuit, day by day
The Manaslu Circuit loops around the world's eighth-highest peak (8,163m) through remote, restricted country — the road-free classic the Annapurna Circuit used to be. Here's the standard 14-day itinerary, with the dramatic Larkya La pass as its climax.
Day by day
Day 1: Drive Kathmandu → Soti Khola (700m). Long, rough drive.
Day 2: Soti Khola → Machha Khola (870m). 6 hrs.
Day 3: Machha Khola → Jagat (1,340m). 6–7 hrs.
Day 4: Jagat → Deng (1,860m). 6 hrs. Entering Nubri country.
Day 5: Deng → Namrung (2,630m). 6–7 hrs.
Day 6: Namrung → Samagaon (3,520m). 6 hrs. Tibetan-influenced village.
Day 7: Acclimatisation day at Samagaon — day hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake.
Day 8: Samagaon → Samdo (3,860m). 4 hrs.
Day 9: Acclimatisation day at Samdo — day hike toward the Tibetan border.
Day 10: Samdo → Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460m). 4 hrs.
Day 11: Cross Larkya La (5,160m) → descend to Bimthang (3,720m). 8–9 hrs. The big day.
Day 12: Bimthang → Tilije (2,300m). 6 hrs.
Day 13: Tilije → Dharapani → drive toward Besisahar. Joins the Annapurna region.
Day 14: Drive Besisahar → Kathmandu.
The Larkya La day
The pass crossing from Dharamsala is a long, cold, demanding day with an early start — a steady climb to the prayer-flag-strewn pass at 5,160m, then a long descent to Bimthang. Weather and snow can make it serious; acclimatisation (the two rest days) is essential.
The crossing is a long, cold, demanding day with an early start. Weather and snow can make it dangerous — and the two acclimatisation days are what get you over it safely. Don't shorten the itinerary.
Permits & rules
Manaslu is a restricted area: you need the Manaslu RAP, MCAP, and ACAP, a registered guide, and a minimum group of two. No solo trekking. See our full Manaslu Circuit guide and the Nepal permits hub for details.
The gradual ascent and the two acclimatisation days (Samagaon, Samdo) are deliberately built in. They are what get you safely over Larkya La and make this remote circuit one of Nepal's most rewarding.
Why this itinerary works
The gradual ascent and the two acclimatisation days (Samagaon, Samdo) prepare you properly for Larkya La. Don't shorten it — the rest days are what get you safely over the pass and make this remote circuit one of Nepal's most rewarding. For costs, see our Nepal trekking cost guide; to compare with other long routes, see the best treks in Nepal.
How many days do you need for the Manaslu Circuit?
The standard itinerary is 14 days, including two acclimatisation days at Samagaon and Samdo. These rest days are essential for safely crossing Larkya La (5,160m), so the trek should not be shortened.
Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit solo?
No. Manaslu is a restricted area requiring the Manaslu RAP, MCAP and ACAP, a registered guide, and a minimum group of two. Solo trekking is not permitted.
Ready to plan it? Contact us to arrange permits, a registered guide, and your 14-day departure.
Written by
Travel Himalaya Nepal
Pokhara-based, NMA-certified trekking guides. We’ve led 5,000+ treks across the Annapurna and Everest regions since 1998 — every word here comes from the trail. Meet the team →
Share this article
Ready to Trek?
From reading about it to standing on it
Our Pokhara-based guides have been doing this since 1998. Tell us your dates and fitness level — we'll build your perfect itinerary. Free, no obligation.
Popular treks to consider
View all 79 toursFree Trekker's Insider Guide
Permits, packing lists, cost breakdowns — no fluff.
We send one useful email. You can unsubscribe anytime.