Overview of Short Manaslu Circuit Trek
Short Manaslu Circuit Trek, as we know it, is off the beaten track; explore the typical local lifestyle, discover rich cultural heritage and religious sites, admire breathtaking landscapes, vibrant natural beauty, and magnificent mountain views. Embark on an unforgettable adventure and enjoy every moment.
The 11-day Manaslu Trek itinerary begins in Machhikhola and winds along the Budigandaki River all the way to the summit of Larke La Pass. Along the way, you'll traverse charming villages, witness the local ethnic communities’ unique lifestyles, and learn about their Buddhist traditions. And, a magnificent view of Mt. Manaslu (8163m).
Embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, an unforgettable journey through pristine wilderness, rich cultural heritage, and spectacular Himalayan landscapes. Standing in front of Mt. Manaslu, the 8th-highest peak in the world, and crossing the adventure Pass Larke La, 5,106 meters, you'll experience the perfect blend of nature’s beauty, thrilling high-altitude challenges, and cultural exploration.
As you trek through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rugged terrain, you may also encounter wildlife native to the Manaslu Conservation Area. The conservation area plays a vital role in preserving wildlife and safeguarding the forests, with numerous checkpoints to ensure the area's protection.
Your journey begins with a bus or private jeep ride from Kathmandu to Machhikhola, where the trek begins. Each day of trekking is a moderate 6 to 7 hours of walking, with comfortable teahouse lodges available for rest. These lodges serve hygienic, organic meals, providing a great experience along the way.
Day 2: Arrive at Jagat Village, where you'll pass through the main entrance checkpoint. This is a controlled trekking area, so you will need special permits, including MCAP and ACAP, as well as the assistance of a government-authorised trekking agency and licensed guide.
Phillim, Deng, Namrung, and Lho are the picturesque villages you'll pass on your journey. In Lho, you will visit a magnificent monastery before continuing to the vibrant village of Samagaon, where we recommend taking an acclimatisation day.
Rest Day in Samagaon, and Day Excursion
There are a few places to visit around Samagaon. Today is a resting day, but we recommend hiking to some of the altitude viewpoints for better acclimatization and stunning views of Mt. Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. Usually, we recommend a visit to Birendra Tal, Pungyen Gompa, or Manaslu Base Camp. Here are some briefings about the places.
Birendra Tal
Birendra Tal is a beautiful blue lake near the Sama Village, just a 25-minute walk in the corner or base of Mt. Manaslu. It is so clean, the blue lake was made by glacial of Mt. Manaslu. You can easily visit there.
Pungyen Gompa
It is an old monastery situated at 4040m. It is the best hill for a day of hiking and for the magnificent view of Mt. Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. Even blessed by the sacred place of Monks and a monastery.
You must start early in the morning after taking your yummy breakfast. It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours ascending, watching amazing, magnificent views of the world's 8th highest mountain, Mt. Manalsu (8163m), and the surrounding beautiful peaks.
When you arrive at the Monastery, visit to histocial an old monastery. Take photos and videos of majestic mountain views. You can have some snacks, such as an energy bar and biscuits. Then, back to the hotel in Samagaon. It takes one and a half hours downhill.
It is one of the wonderful day excursions with amazing views and better acclimatization. Because you will embark on more than 500m. You will feel so much better after hiking to 4040m. We recommend the best hiking site, Pungyen Gompa, for the blessing and magnificent view of Mt. Manaslu.
Manaslu Base Camp
If you are interested in leaving your footprint on the world's 8th highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu base camp (4800m), you can visit here, but it is a long way to go and much ascending adventurous ascent; you must ascend 3500m to 4800m.
It takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours to ascend, then 2.5 to 3 hours to descend, but extremely adventurous. Because of the extremely ascending way, if you wish, our team, guide, and porter will take you to Manaslu Base Camp.
But, we can say for a better view and a bit easier hiking is Pungyen Gompa, with less altitude and an easy day excursion. Choices are yours, after you.
Then, the trek continues through the scenic valley of Samdo Village and on to Dharamsala, the last stop before crossing the Larke La Pass. If you have time, you can visit the hidden valley of Tsum Valley and continue the Manaslu trek. Here are the details of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. You should plan a 17-day trek.
Famous Buddhist Monasteries in Manaslu Trek
Specifically, the upper part of the Manaslu region is pure Buddhist and religious, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism; they have old and new, small and large monasteries and monuments of Buddhism. There are many monasteries.
Lho Monastery
Lho Monastery is one of the biggest and is situated in a sacred place. It is on the way to Lho Village, and you can visit there easily. And Samagaon has an old monastery and Pungyen Goma.
Serang Gompa
Serang Gompa is one of the secret gompas in Manaslu Trekking; it is situated near Bhi village. You must go to the site trail, it has a huge monastery, where some of the monks live. If you like to stay overnight at Gompa, we can take you, but you need to stay at the monastery; they charge some amount for lodging and food. They heartily welcome clients.
We have normally program is an 11-day itinerary; if you like to stay at Serang Gompa need to extend 2 days. We can make it 13 days plan total. Interested clients can extend for 2 days, and we will take you to stay overnight at Gompa. Definitely, you can meditate, take blessings from monks for positive vibes. Feel free to do it.
They have such Buddhist monuments as monasteries, stupas, Mani walls, Prayer wheels, Prayer flags, Tsortens, etc. The area people are really religious, and they respect Buddhism. All kinds of country people and religious people they welcoem to their monastery.
Larke La Pass (5106m) and Beyond
Crossing the Larke La Pass (5106m) is the most challenging part of the trek. We recommend an early start around 5:00 or 6:00 AM to avoid strong winds that tend to pick up later in the day. The ascent will take about 4 hours, followed by a descent of almost 3 .5 to 4 hours, making the total journey around 8 hours.
There is no place to stop for lunch between Dharamsala and Bimtang, so be prepared for pack lunch and an energy bar, cockies for a long day. Once you reach Bimtang, the views and the relaxed atmosphere make the effort worth it.
After crossing the pass, the trek leads you to Bimtang, where the landscape becomes gentler and breathing becomes easier. Here, you’ll find well-maintained lodges to rest and enjoy the warm hospitality.
The Final Stretch
The next day, the trek descends through the forests and riverside to the Goa and Tilje villages. The walk is scenic and relatively easy compared to previous days. You'll reach Dharapani, where the Annapurna Circuit trail intersects, and another checkpoint for trekkers is located.
Tilje Village marks your final night on the trek with your guide and porters. Take time to relax, share stories, and enjoy a delicious meal together before the journey back.
Return Journey after completing your Manaslu circuit trek
On Day 11, your adventure comes to a close with a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. You’ll travel by local jeep to Besisahar, which takes about 2.5 hours, and then continue by local bus to Kathmandu. The drive is long but scenic, and you’ll arrive in the late afternoon, ready to rest at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.
Our Commitment to Your Adventure
From start to finish, we take care of all the details. We provide professional and dedicated guides and porters who assist you through every aspect of the trek, from daily briefings to ensuring your safety. Our team is experienced and focused on offering you an unforgettable experience, taking care of your needs while sharing insight into Nepal’s culture and landscapes. You’ll be accompanied by honest, strong porters who offer excellent service, making your trek both delightful and memorable.
Short Manaslu Circuit Trek: 10- to 12-Day Itinerary Options
The Short Manaslu Circuit Trek offers flexible itinerary options of 10 to 12 days, depending on your pace and preference.
- The 10-day trek is a compact and fast-paced itinerary with no acclimatisation or rest, ideal for those with limited time and good fitness.
- The 11-day itinerary is our original plan in the main itinerary and includes a rest day in Samagaon, which helps with acclimatisation and provides time to explore the surrounding beauty.
- The 12-day itinerary is the most comfortable and recommended option, including a rest day in Samagaon and additional flexibility either before or after the Larke Pass. This option is well-paced for a smoother and safer trekking experience. You can find day-to-day in the main itinerary.
You can choose any itinerary based on your interests and schedule. We’re here to assist you—feel free to reach out for personalised suggestions.
10-Day Short Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary (No Rest Day)
A 10-day Manaslu Trek is designed for fit people who don't have enough time to spend on a rest day on the trek.
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Machhi Khola (900 m) by bus or private jeep (8–9 hrs).
Day 02: Trek to Jagat (1350 m)—6 to 7 hours' walk. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 03: Trek to Deng (1860m) – Approx. 7-hour walk. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 04: Trek to Namrung (2650 m)—6 to 7 hours' walk. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 05: Trek to Samagaon (3390m) – Around 7 hours' walk. Overnight at a lodge.
If you plan an 11-day trek, there will be a rest day for acclimatisation.
Day 06: Trek to Samdo (3875 m)—4 to 5 hours' walk. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 07: Trek to Dharamsala (4460 m)—4 to 5 hours' walk. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 08: Cross Larke Pass (5106 m) and trek to Bhimtang (3590 m)—8 to 9 hours' walk. Overnight at a scenic lodge.
Day 09: Trek to Tilje (2300 m)—6 to 7 hours' walk. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 10: Drive from Tilje to Besisahar by jeep (2.5 hrs), then continue by bus to Kathmandu.
Cost of Short Manaslu Circuit Trek
A short Manaslu Circuit Trek cost is 825$ per person for an 11-day trek, but requires a minimum of two people in a group pax. If you are a single visitor, the cost will be a bit more. Here are the many optional package costs according to the day. Please have a look at it and feel free to ask for more information.
- 10-Day Trek—$785 per person
- 11-Day Trek—$825 per person
- 12-Day Trek—$875 per person
- 14-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Package (arrival to departure with 3 nights in Kathmandu Hotel)—$925 per person.
All packages are full-board and include:
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Accommodation during the trek
- Transportation local (jeep and bus)
- Needed Trekking permits
- Experienced guide and porter service
Note: Prices are based on a minimum of 2 participants. For solo travellers, the cost may be slightly higher.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or if you’d like a customised plan that fits your time, comfort, and budget.
Kathmandu Hotel is not included in the package. However, if you’d like us to book a hotel in Kathmandu, let us know. We book any category of hotels up to $35.
Entry Permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Yes, you will need entry permits to trek in the Manaslu Circuit, as it passes through both the Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Areas.
The necessary permits include
- Manaslu Special Trekking Permit - 75$ or 100$
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) - 30$
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) - 30$
- Rural municipality of Dharche Entry Fees - 10$.
We take care of all the permit arrangements for you. To process your permits, we require your passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport.
