The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an incredible Himalayan adventure through untouched mountain vistas, unspoiled Tibetan-style culture, and breathtaking high-altitude passes. The trek starts from lower hill villages and moves to the challenging Larke La Pass (5,106m) in a steady ascent, offering a combination of raw wilderness, alpine beauty, and religious heritage. Less traversed than the Everest or Annapurna regions, this path is ideal for trekkers who enjoy a less crowded, more immersive trekking experience. Visit Himalaya Treks brings you the most detailed guide to the Manaslu Circuit Trek route, designed for adventure seekers who hunger for both guidance and discovery.
Situated in the northern corners of the Nepalese Himalayas lies one of Nepal's most well-kept trekking secrets, the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Encircling the mighty Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth-tallest mountain, the trek whisks you away from fertile valleys and terraced fields to desolate alpine landscapes and glacial passes. In contrast to commercialized trekking routes, the Manaslu route is untouched and raw, where you walk through centuries-old Tibetan-style villages, visit centuries-old monasteries, and cross the mythical Larke Pass.
The hike starts in the subtropical Arughat or Barpak and takes the Budhi Gandaki River into the heart of the mountains. As you climb, the landscape and culture start to change, dense forests make way for exposed cliffs, and Hindu-style villages give rise to Tibetan Buddhist settlements. The last challenge, the crossing of the Larke La Pass, is as much physically as emotionally taxing, with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges.
Visit Himalaya Treks has been operating this trail for years and knows each turn and bend of the trail. In this blog, we lay out the full trekking itinerary, day-by-day highlights, altitude points, and what to expect, so you can plan with confidence for one of Nepal's most unforgettable adventures.
Embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Overview of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route.
The classic Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from Barpak or Soti Khola in the Gorkha district and ends at Dharapani, where it connects with the Annapurna Circuit trail. The trail takes you through typical Gurung and Tibetan villages, mountain rhododendron and pine forests, river canyons, and ultimately over the challenging but rewarding Larke La Pass (5,160m).
Distance: Approx. 177 km.
Duration: 18–20 days.
Highest Point: Larke La Pass (5,160 meters).
Start Point: Barpak or Soti Khola.
End Point: Dharapani (Annapurna region).
Major Stops on the Manaslu Circuit Route.
1. Barpak & Laprak (Alternate Scenic Route)
Differing from the more conventional Soti Khola departure, Visit Himalaya Treks provides a rich and less-traveled trek route via Barpak and Laprak. These mountain hillside villages, formerly at the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake, are nicely rehabilitated and now present themselves as beacons of resilience. Trekking via these culturally wealthy Gurung villages not only allows for better acclimatization but also offers stunning vistas of the Ganesh Himal and Boudha Himal ranges.
2. Khorla Besi to Philim.
After meeting the main trail, the trek from Khorla Besi to Philim is a walk along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and walking along shaded bamboo forests and cultivated fields. The trek follows scenic Magar villages and offers a glimpse of rural life. Philim is a significant checkpoint and gateway to the upper Manaslu region, bordering deep gorges and cascading waterfalls.
3. Bihi Phedi to Serang Gompa.
Ascending deeper into remote mountain terrain, the walk from Bihi Phedi includes a tranquil side trip to Serang Gompa, a serene and ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery at 3,042 meters. Located in a forest and ridge landscape, Serang Gompa offers trekkers the chance to connect spiritually with the environment and observe monastic life beyond the tourist trail, making this side trip a deeply enriching and serene experience.
4. Lho and Sama Gaon.
Here, the cultural environment of the trek shifts because you are now coming into the Nupri region, which is virtually all Tibetan in origin. Lho village offers your first dramatic views of Mt. Manaslu and its glaciated ridges. Going further along, Sama Gaon (3,525 meters) is one of the key acclimatization stops and a point for an excursion. Ringed by prayer wheels, chortens, and wooden stone homes, it is also a launching point for Manaslu Base Camp treks, Pungyen Gompa, and the glacial lake of Birendra Tal.
5. Samdo and Dharamshala.
At a height of more than 3,800 meters, Samdo is the final permanent village before the pass and lies close to the Tibetan border. The village is a perfect spot to rest, acclimatize, and take in the harsh alpine landscape. A little further ahead, Dharamshala (or Larke Phedi) is the final overnight camp before the pass. Though basic in amenities, it is a crucial staging area for the high-altitude ascent ahead.
6. Larke La Pass (5,160m)
The most difficult and rewarding part of the trek is the pre-dawn ascent to Larke La Pass. With icy winds and high-altitude terrain, the crossing demands endurance and will. The panorama from the summit is breathtaking, with Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru in front of us, and even Annapurna II in the distance. The steep downward trek to Bimthang is scenic and gives one a feeling of achievement and wonder.
7. Bimthang to Dharapani.
The path, which drops gradually through rhododendron and pine forests after passing the pass, passes through Karche and Gho villages. The ground becomes less alpine and bare and more lush valleys as one reaches Dharapani, the final village of the Manaslu Circuit. Trekkers here can continue on to the Annapurna Circuit, head deeper into the Himalayas, or return to Kathmandu via Besisahar.
One of the most beautiful lakes along the Manaslu Circuit Trek route is Birendra Tal.
What to expect on the Manaslu Circuit Trail?
- Less Crowded & Remote: Manaslu Circuit is ideal for those wanting to get away from touristy Everest or Annapurna trails and enjoy a serene, off-the-beaten-track adventure where you often go hours without encountering another party.
- Diverse Landscapes: The trek involves a stunning diversity of natural scenery, starting with rice terraces and subtropical forest, ascending through deep gorge valleys, alpine forest, and concluding with glacial, barren highlands above the tree line.
- Cultural Immersion: Hiking through, you meet Gurung, Ghale, and finally Tibetan-origin villages, offering a genuine chance to experience traditional lifestyles, view ancient monasteries, turn prayer wheels, and learn about Himalayan Buddhism.
- Breathtaking Scenery of Mountains: The trek greets you with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, like Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters), the world's eighth highest peak, and a glimpse of Himlung Himal, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and even Annapurna II as you step into its territory.
- Challenging Terrain: While the trek itself doesn’t include technical climbing, it is still difficult with steep ascent and descent, high-altitude terrain, and the effort needed to cross the Larke La Pass at 5,160 meters, which requires acclimatization and stamina.
- Basic but Hospitable Teahouse Lodging: The lodgings along the route are less luxurious than in the Annapurna or Everest regions, yet the teahouses are cozy and run by hospitable local families offering healthy food, plain rooms, and a true taste of mountain hospitality.
- Rich Biodiversity and Natural Scenic Beauty: As the trail passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, there are possibilities of spotting blue sheep, Himalayan monals (Nepal's national bird), and a wide range of alpine flora, especially in the spring rhododendron flower season or the green post-monsoon period.
- An Authentic Himalayan Experience: The Manaslu Circuit is a rare combination of cultural diversity, wonderful scenery, and physical challenge, which is perfect for the active trekker who wants an unspoiled, raw, and rewarding experience in the high mountains.
Nepal and Tibet Border: A Side Trip from Samdu on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek for you?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is best suited for adventure enthusiasts who desire adventure in its real sense, off the beaten path, ethnically diverse, and physically demanding. With a little trekking experience, sound physical condition, and tolerance to walking 5 to 7 hours daily on mountain trails, you can discover this trek as an incredibly rewarding adventure.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is especially well-suited for those who want to explore the raw beauty of Nepal without the crowds of tourists typically found on more popular routes like Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The Manaslu Circuit trek takes you into the remote and almost untouched Himalayan villages where you'll be able to witness raw mountain culture, breathtaking scenery, and sacred monasteries.
But this is not for beginners. The high altitude, long days of trekking, spartan accommodation, and the challenge of traversing Larke La Pass well over 5,100 meters require preparation, mental resilience, and a love of raw, unvarnished nature. If you're the kind of person who delights in authenticity rather than convenience and is willing to push your boundaries for breathtaking scenery and immersive cultural experiences, then the Manaslu Circuit Trek is indeed the trek that you must do.
Conclusion.
The Manaslu Circuit Trekking Route offers a genuine, richly rewarding experience that blends together beautifully with the high Himalayas with the untouched, pure mountain culture of Nepal's remote countryside. Join Visit Himalaya Treks and take advantage of a tailor-made itinerary, outstanding local support, and personalized service to ensure your trek is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
Whether you're seeking breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion, or an off-the-beaten-path trek challenging enough to satisfy your spirit of adventure, the Manaslu Circuit is an unforgettable journey through Nepal that goes beyond the guidebooks.
Ready to experience the unspoiled natural splendor of the Manaslu region? Let Visit Himalaya Treks craft your dream Himalayan getaway and help you make memories that will be with you forever.
