Manaslu Circuit Trek Map

Manaslu circuit trek is one of the longest trekking routes in Nepal. Given its duration, this trek is equally incredible and exciting. This circuit offers you one of the best views of the mountains and valleys. Manaslu circuit trek takes us to a journey full of adventure and beautiful scenarios.

Following this Manaslu Trek map, we travel through a wide range of vegetation and traditional settlements. The base of the eighth highest mountain in the world, Manaslu(8163m), can be overwhelming for many.

This trekking route is a difficult one. There is plenty of distance to cover, and you will be in remote areas for two weeks.

But trekking is all about endurance and overcoming difficult times. Trekking brings out the true form of an individual, and it is the best way to achieve peace. But I do not have to point out the perks of trekking in the Himalayas.

Talking about the Manaslu Trek Map, this map is straight-forward and a standard one. As you can see, there are many green indicators on the map. Some have numbers in them, and some don’t. The indicator is for major places and points. Number 1 indicates the first day and 16 indicates the sixteenth day.

The orange trail indicates our trekking route. This route offers better accommodations and rest houses. Like all other major trekkings, the Manaslu circuit trek starts and ends at Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, we drive to Soti Khola(710m). Our actual trek starts at Soti Khola the next day when we head off towards Macha Khola(900m).

And as you can see in the Manaslu Trek map, we stay at Jagat(1410m), Deng(1920m), Namrung(2700m), Lho(3180m), and Sama Gaun(3530m). On the tenth day, we hike to the Manaslu base camp(4800m) and return for an overnight stay at Sama Gaun.

We continue our journey towards Samdo(3780m), Dharamsala(4480m) and then to Bimthang(3700m) through the incredible Larkya La pass(5213m). After that, we descend towards Tilje(2300m) and Syange(1100m) before ending our journey in Kathmandu on the sixteenth day.

Related:
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
manslu trek without guide
Manaslu Trek Distance
Manaslu Trek 12 Days

Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola

After arriving in Kathmandu and an extra day for preparation, we start our journey on the third day. A 6 hours drive will take us to Soti Khola, where we stay for the night.

Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola

Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Today we start our actual trekking when we head towards Machha Khola. There are lots of ups and downs in this trail. We walk beside the Budi Gandaki river, rocky path, and some landslide areas.

We can meet and greet with the locals while we pass through some traditional Gurung settlements.

We will reach Machha Khola after crossing a suspension bridge. We stay at Machha Khola for the night.

Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m)

Trek duration: 6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

The walk from Machha Khola to Jagat is exciting. There are a few suspension bridges to cross, and we can experience natural hot spring at Tatopani.

We take an uphill trail after crossing a suspension bridge from Lauri and arrive at Jagat. We stay for the night there.

Trek from Jagat to Deng (1920m)

Trek duration: 7 hours

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

We cross several villages today. These villages have traditional houses and Gurung settlements. Upon reaching Ekle Bhatti, we cross the Budi Gandaki river and continue ascending till we reach Deng.

You can see some indications in the Manaslu Trek map towards Northeast of Ekle Bhatti. This route takes you to Mu Gompa and upper Tsum valley, which is one of the most sacred and beautiful places in Nepal. We can see the intersection of Chilung Khola and Budi Gandaki in Ekle Bhatti.

Overnight in Deng.

Trek from Deng to Namrung (2700m)

Trek duration: 5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Following the orange trail on the map, we head towards Namrung from Deng. We cross Budi Gandaki through several wooden bridges, and small villages before reaching Namrung.

We can see different Tibetan monuments and signs during our hike. We stay at Namrung for the night.

Trek from Namrung to Lho (3180m)

Trek duration: 4 to 5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Following the map, we head towards Lho. It is a small settlement which offers a beautiful view of Manaslu and Fishtail (6993m). We walk across wide fields and small villages. You can see beautiful landscapes on your way, and a Monastery in Lho.

Overnight in a Lodge.

Trek from Lho to Sama Gaun (3530m)

Trek duration: 5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Today we hike across dense forest and plains before reaching Sama Gaun. It is a small settlement with a splendid view of the snow-capped mountains.

Acclimatization Day: Hike to Manaslu Base Camp and Return

 

Trek duration: 5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

You need a rest day today. Your body needs to cope with the altitude, hence we hike up to the Manaslu base camp and return to Sama Gaun for the night stay.

It will take us 3 hours to reach the base camp and 2 hours to return. Manaslu base camp is a splendid place. You can get a panoramic view of the mountains like Manaslu(8153m), Ganesh Himal(7319m), Shringi(7187m), and Himal Chuli(7893m).

You can even hike to Pung Gyen Monastery towards the west of Sama Gaun.

Overnight in Sama Gaun.

Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo (3690m)

Trek duration: 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy

3 hours of pleasant hike and we will reach Samdo. It is a small village at the base of the samdo peak. We stay at a tea house for the night.

Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4480m)

Trek duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Today we will head towards Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi. The trail for today is not an easy one as we need to gain some altitude and ascend a steep trail. But the rewards are wonderful. We get to see the beautiful Larkya Bazar and Larke Khola.

The beautiful landscapes look mesmerizing. And the excitement of crossing Larkya La Pass tomorrow increases.

Manaslu Trek map locates Tibetan Border towards the north of the trail. The green spot is indicating the Larkya Bazaar.

We stay overnight in Dharamsala.

Trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang (3700m) via Larkya La Pass (5213m)

Trek duration: 8 hours

Difficulty: Challenging

We start early today, as it is going to be a long and tiring day today. We start ascending towards Larkya La Pass with incredible views of the Larkya peak. The trail includes steep uphill climb onto rough grounds and moraines.

As you ascend, you can see the valley beneath, which looks beautiful. The trail leads you to a beautiful lake and onto a rocky hill. We continue our journey and come across some lakes before we arrive on the Larkya La Pass.

All your hard work pays, as you can see heavenly views from the top. The mountains look astounding, and you can feel the Tibetan vibe in this area.

We spend some time on the pass and start descending towards Bimthang. The descend is not that smooth either. We will walk on top of rugged terrains and rocky areas. We arrive on Bimthang after a tiresome downhill climb.

Overnight in Bimthang.

Trek from Bimthang to Tilje (2300m)

Trek duration: 5 hours

Difficulty:

The destination for today is Tilje. We start losing altitude as we descend from Bimthang. The trail includes lush vegetation and a view of beautiful landscapes. After crossing a small village called Gowa, we finally arrive at Tilje.

Overnight in a Hotel.

Trek from Tilje to Syange (1100m)

Trek duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: Easy

The last day of our trekking is a smooth one. Leaving Tilje behind, we now head towards Syange. We walk alongside the Marsyangdi river and reach cross many settlements before reaching Syange.

You will see dusty motor road, and we ride to Kathmandu tomorrow.

Drive from Syange to Besisahar to Kathmandu

It will take 2 to 3 hours to reach Besisahar from Syange. And 6 to 7 hours to reach Kathmandu from Besisahar.

And as you can see on the Map, we end our journey at Kathmandu.

Permits and Permissions for Manaslu Circuit Trek

You need three different permits for this trek.

RAP

The first one is the Restricted area permit (RAP). The fee for this permit depends upon the time of your visit. It will cost $100 per week if you are trekking from September to November. And $15 per day beyond 1 week.

Similarly, if you visit from December to August, it will cost you $75 per week, and $10 per day beyond 1 week.

MCAP

You need a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, which will cost about $30.

ACAP

You will need Annapurna Conservation Area Permit as well. It also costs about $30.

Tsum Valley Permit (optional)

This permit is only required if you wish to visit the Tsum valley. Just like the RAP, it will cost you $40 per week if you are trekking between September and November. $7 per day beyond 1 week.

If you visit between December and August, you have to pay $30 per week, and $7 per day beyond that.

How Difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu circuit trek is long, and takes you to one of the most remote corners in Nepal. The difficulty level for this trek is above average. Since this trek takes a long time, you have to be moderately fit and should have good stamina.

Mental stress can take over you before physical stress. You will be far from proper civilization and luxury. Hence a fear could build up inside of you, and self-motivation is the key to overcome this fear.

Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Possible Without a Guide

No, this trek is not possible without a guide, as there are many restricted areas in this circuit. A solo traveler will find it difficult even to get a permit.

Weather and Temperature

What you cannot see in the Manaslu Trek Map is the information about Weather and Temperature in that region. Weather can be unpredictable in the Manaslu region. But the weather and temperature depend on the season you are trekking.

Autumn

Max temperature: 20 degrees C

Min temperature: -6 degrees C

Precipitation: low

Weather: stable

September to November has stable weather in this region. It neither gets too cold nor gets too hot. Snowfall occurs in the summit, whereas the lower altitudes are perfect for hiking.

Spring

Max temperature: 21 degrees C

Min temperature: -6 degrees C

Precipitation: low

Weather: stable

March to May has stable weather as well. Precipitation is low, and the temperature becomes comfy to walk.

Summer

Max temperature: 25 to 30 degrees C

Min temperature: 6 degrees C

Precipitation: high

Weather: not stable

Summer is not an ideal season to trek in Manaslu. This region receives heavy rainfall, and the trail gets damaged in many areas. Weather does not stay stable, and it becomes too hot to walk during the day.

Winter

Max temperature: 13 degrees C

Min temperature: -20 degrees C in Larkya La

Precipitation: low

Weather: not stable

Winter can be harsh on the Manaslu region. This area gets heavy snowfall, and the trail becomes difficult.

Can You Get Altitude Sickness?

Yes, you can get altitude sickness during this trek. There are lots of areas where you will be at an altitude of above 4000m from the sea level. If your body is not properly acclimatized with altitude, you can get altitude sickness.

If you do get altitude sickness, you must let your friends know, and descend asap. Once you get to lower altitude and catch your breath, you can start climbing but at a steady pace. And you must rest often.

Diamox is a medicine you can use against altitude sickness, but you should consult your doctor beforehand.

Some Tips For Manaslu Circuit Trek

• One should drink plenty of water during their visit to the Himalayas. Dehydration can be a massive upset.
• Always pack light and wise. Do not overpack, but pack only the necessary stuff.
• Make sure you carry enough Nepali money in cash. There are no ATMs and cash machines in this trekking route.
• Choose the best season to trek.
• Always maintain hygiene. You would not want to get sick in such remote areas.
• Get a health insurance that covers mountain flights.
• If you need an extra day for acclimatization, take it.
• Make sure you follow the Nepal government and local rules.
• Keep the environment clean, and do not harm any flora and fauna.

Conclusion

Manaslu is one of the best places you can visit. It is one of the best treks to discover Buddhism in the Himalayas. Following this Manaslu Trek Map, you can visit this wonderful place and explore the beautiful landscapes.