How long is Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance? What are the possible routes? Find your answers below.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is far-less crowded than other classic treks in Nepal. And you cover a Manaslu Circuit trek distance of almost 180 km (111 miles) in Manaslu Circuit trek to explore the pristineness of the Manaslu region.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a virgin trail challenging at times yet it is less walked. Day by day the trek is gaining popularity among both local and international trekkers. It is becoming a better substitute for Annapurna Circuit trek in recent times.
The trek is moderate and begins to get strenuous when it starts snowing in the higher elevation. However, the trek remains a true remote adventure despite the increase in its popularity since many tea houses opened.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is possible throughout the year. But the best season to trek is Spring starting from March until May and Autumn starting from September until November.
And since the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a tea house trekking route, you do not have to worry about food and accommodation.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Facts
Trip duration: 13–18 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Peak Elevation: 5,213 meters (17,103 feet) at Larkya La
Guiding: Required
Accommodations: Camping and teahouses
Paperwork: You will need a registered guide and party of two or more. Trekkers will need a Restricted Area Permit, TIMS card, and permits for the Manaslu Conservation Area Park (MCAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Park (ACAP).
You can purchase all the permits from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or through a registered guide for about $200 total. You will need approximately eight passport photos.
Manaslu Circuit trek distance and route
The Manaslu Circuit is the trekking jewel of Nepal. The trek borders the Annapurna Conservation Area to the west and the Tibetan Plateau to the north and east. The region remained closed to foreign tourists until 1991.
Since then Manaslu welcomes organized groups on a restricted basis.
Now let us give you an overview of the itinerary and the places that will give you an idea of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance.
Distance from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
Travel Distance: 88 miles (141.3 km)
Driving time: 8-10 hours
You will drive west along the Kathmandu – Pokhara highway towards the village of Soti Khola.
The drive hour is roughly 8 hours. The drive passes through the rural communities, small towns, green terraces, and lush hillsides.
The road will then become a dirt path. From there you will start seeing the views of the southern slopes of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal.
You will arrive at Soti Khola which lies in the Budhi Gandaki valley.
Overnight at Soti Khola.
Distance from Soti Khola to Machha Khola
Manaslu Circuit trek distance: 9 miles (14 km)
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
After breakfast at Soti Khola, the journey to this epic trek begins. You will walk up and down through various landscapes. This will include forest, rice paddies, rushing rivers, and several beautiful waterfalls.
The journey begins by crossing a bridge then you trek through a forest and climb onto a ridge above the wild rapids of the Budhi Gandaki river.
You will then reach Khursani on a rocky trail and pass two tropical waterfalls on a steep. Eventually, you will descend past a few rice paddies and then continue up and around the Gurung village of Labubesi.
From here you will further climb near a rocky outcrop where the valley opens up next to a river. Head down to the river and cross another suspension bridge to reach the village of Machha Khola.
Distance from Machha Khola to Jagat
Trekking distance: 13.7 miles (22 km)
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Today your trek will begin which follows the gorge and continues up the river. The trail is narrow at first and gently heads up and down. You will then cross the Tharo Khola to reach Khola Besi.
After some ascend and descend, you will reach a small hot spring in Tatopani. This is a good place to take a break.
Later, you will climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge.
You will further climb a staircase and head over a ridge to Dobhan. Crossing another suspension bridge will set you to climb the stone staircase to reach Thado Bharyang.
You will finally reach Jagat village. It is the entry checkpoint of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Distance from Jagat to Deng
Trekking distance: 12.3 miles (19.9 km)
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
After having breakfast in the village of Jagat. You will proceed your way through various landscapes and dense subtropical forests. You will also pass small rivers and villages before you get to the final destination.
The trek will begin by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri and then descend to Sirdibas. As you continue walking upstream, you will cross a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village.
Heading north towards the terrace fields to Ekle Bhatti, you will encounter a steep, inhabited gorge. With that, you descend down to the grassy land slopes and ultimately cross the Budhi Gandaki bridge.
As you trek along the western and eastern bank, the trail then widens through the valley and you will pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola River.
Upon crossing, you will reach the tiny village of Deng.
Distance from Deng to Namrung
Trekking distance: 12.1 miles (19.5 km)
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
In today’s trek, you will cross the Budhi Gandaki River and climb up to the bridge. Here you will climb a bit further to join a trail from Bhi.
You will then head west up the valley and pass through the lush forest, alpine vegetation with major peaks appearing in the distance.
You will take the trail through Prok, a village that has a beautiful vantage point of the snow-capped Siringi Himal.
The trail then follows the river upstream through a dense forest and leads to a narrow gorge.
You will continue to walk until the forest becomes less dense and proceed to experience the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Distance from Namrung to Samagaon
Trekking distance: 10.9 miles (17.7 km)
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
As always your trek begins after breakfast. On the trail, you will first climb steadily and pass through forests to reach Lihi. It is a fine village with many stupas and barley terraces.
The trail then drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal close by.
Further, you will pass through the villages of Sho, Lho, and Shyla before reaching Sama Village. From here you can enjoy the extraordinary views of Manaslu from Lho and also explore the famous Ribbing Gompa.
In Shyala village you will get views of high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left. Also, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead. Today’s journey ends in Samagaon.
Distance from Samagaon to Samdo
Trekking Distance: 10.1 miles (16.4 km)
Trekking time: 4 hours
After breakfast in Samagaon, you will descend to the Budhi Gandaki River and follow a bridge over a side stream.
Here you will pass several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. The mountain views along this route are amazing and you get closer to the Tibetan border.
This is an easy trek above the river that passes through Juniper and birch forests in Kermo Kharka. Later you will drop down and cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge.
After some steep climbs between two forks of the river, you will come to a stone archway. Continue walking until you find the village of Samdo.
Distance from Samdo to Dharamsala
Trekking distance: 8 miles (12km)
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Today you will pass a seasonal Tibetan market called Larke Bazaar and descend to the Budhi Gandaki River.
After crossing the wooden bridge you will walk upward crossing two streams and witness the Larkya Glacier.
Further, you will head along the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to Dharamsala also known as Larke Phedi. Along the route, you will get to see many traditional monasteries.
Since today’s hike is short, it gives you time for rest and acclimatization.
Distance from Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass
Trekking distance: 15.3 miles (24.7 km)
Trekking time: 7-9 hours
Unlike the previous trek, today you will set out on a longer hike. So after having breakfast in Dharamsala, you will start your journey towards a more challenging trail.
However, along with the adventurous trail, you will witness a number of rustic villages, clear glacier lakes. Added beautiful valleys and a wide range of flora and fauna.
After a short climb, you will reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glacier. From here you can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak.
Further, you will walk across the glacier making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper at the end of the pass.
From here you will witness striking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the massive Annapurna II.
Ultimately you will walk into the misty low pasture with the Mount Manaslu emerging in the distance.
Distance from Bimthang to Tilije
Trekking distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
After breakfast in Bimthang, you will head out to a nearby ridge where you can enjoy great views of Manaslu and various other Himal.
You will descend on the trail and cross a high pasture followed by a bridge over the Dudh Khola River.
Further, you will pass through lush fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. A short distance from here is the village of Gho from where you will continue walking until you get to Tilije.
Distance from Tilije to Tal
Trekking distance: 7 miles (11.3 km)
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
After breakfast, you’ll continue your descent starting with a climb over a small ridge where you can enjoy the stone-paved trail.
Then you will cross the bridge over the Dudh Khola River and climb up through a stupa-shaped arch and a mani wall before you reach the village of Thonje.
Further down you will cross a bridge over the Marsyangdi Khola River. There will be some mani walls before reaching the village of Tal.
Distance from Tal to Syange
Trekking distance: 8 miles (12.9km)
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
In today’s trek, you will follow the steep trail down to the village of Chyamje. Later you will cross the beautiful Marsyangdi Khola (once again) via a suspension bridge.
The trail then descends further through picturesque rhododendron and pine forests. Then you will get to the village of Syange where you’ll stay the night.
Distance from Syange to Kathmandu
Travel distance: 125 miles (201 km)
Driving time: 3-5 hours
After breakfast in Syange you can take one last walk around the village before you hit the road.
The drive from Kathmandu via Besisahar offers an opportunity to enjoy both hill and mountain landscapes.
Last Say – Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance
The best part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the breathtaking views. The peaceful ambiance, the amazing landscape, natural flora and fauna, ethnic rural lifestyle, and a perfect mixture of Nepalese-Tibetan culture are amazing.
This moderate to challenging trek will also help you to find your inner capabilities and willpower.
You can make the trek longer or shorter according to your preference. For further questions and queries, please feel free to contact us. It is our pleasure to guide and assist you in planning the trek and making it a successful one.
