Since its opening in 1992, trekking in the Manaslu region has slowly been coming into the limelight in the trekking community. Today, around 2,000 people trek to Manaslu every year. That number might sound small next to Nepal’s more famous trekking destinations, but remember — this is a restricted area trek in one of the country’s most remote corners. For a region this wild, that’s a solid count.
Because Manaslu is still a relatively new name on the trekking map, we get the same questions all the time: which route to take, which itinerary to follow, and whether it’s even safe to trek here. Good news — we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best Manaslu trekking itineraries, organized by duration and the areas they cover, so you can find the one that suits you best.
A Quick Introduction to Trekking in Manaslu
Tucked between the Annapurna and Langtang regions in the west-central Himalayas, the Manaslu Conservation Area is home to one of Nepal’s most rewarding off-the-beaten-path treks. Because it falls under a restricted area, you’ll need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) along with a Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit before setting out. You’ll also need to trek in a group of at least two foreign trekkers, with a licensed guide accompanying you the entire way. So if safety is on your mind — and it should be — you’re in good hands with an experienced local guide who knows these trails inside and out.
The trail itself is a journey through contrasts: you’ll start in warm, forested lower hills and climb steadily into stark, high-altitude alpine terrain. It’s a demanding trek, both physically and mentally, so decent fitness and some prior high-altitude trekking experience will go a long way. Accommodation comes in the form of simple teahouses and mountain lodges — comfortable enough, but don’t expect luxury. Up here, it’s all about the mountains, not the amenities.
We’ve put together 7 itineraries ranging from 12 to 24 days, each designed around real trekking conditions and years of guiding experience on this trail. Here’s a quick side-by-side look before we dive into the details.
Best Manaslu Trekking Itineraries at a Glance
| Itinerary | Duration | Highest Point | Difficulty | Trek Cost (USD) | Best For |
| Manaslu Trek | 12 Days | Larkya La Pass (5,135m) | Moderate–Challenging | $825 – $950 | Time-bound trekkers, fastest option |
| Manaslu Trekking | 13 Days | Larkya La Pass (5,135m) | Moderate–Challenging | $900 – $1,025 | Trekkers already in Nepal, extra acclimatization day |
| Manaslu Circuit Trek | 14 Days | Larke La Pass (5,135m) | Moderate–Challenging | $900 – $1,025 | First-time Manaslu trekkers, the classic route |
| Manaslu Trekking via Barpak | 15 Days | Larke La Pass (5,135m) | Moderate–Challenging | $965 – $1,095 | Trekkers wanting a unique, less-traveled start |
| Manaslu Larke Pass Trek | 16 Days | Larke La Pass (5,135m) | Moderate–Challenging | $1,025 – $1,150 | Trekkers who want a slower, leisurely pace |
| Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek | 23 Days | Larkya La Pass (5,135m) | Challenging | $1,295 – $1,475 | Experienced trekkers seeking cultural depth |
| Manaslu Trekking with Nar Phu Valley | 24 Days | Nar Pass / Kang La Pass (5,306m) | Challenging | $1,600 – $1,800 | Seasoned trekkers wanting the ultimate adventure |
Now, let’s get into the details. Go through each itinerary below, and you’ll find the one that matches your time, fitness level, and travel goals.
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 14 Days Itinerary
If you’re looking for the classic way to experience Manaslu, the 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is the one most trekkers go for — and for good reason. This route takes you in a full loop around Mt. Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak at 8,163m, with just the right balance of adventure and acclimatization built in.
Your trip kicks off with your arrival in Kathmandu. The next morning, you’ll hop on a local bus and head out to Soti Khola, the official starting point of the trek. From there, the trail unfolds gradually — through Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, and Namrung — before reaching Sama Gaon, where you’ll spend a well-earned acclimatization day at 3,390m to let your body adjust to the altitude.
Once you’re rested and ready, the journey continues from Sama Gaon to Samdo, then Larke La Phedi, and on to the trek’s highlight and highest point — Larke La Pass at 5,135m. From here, you’ll descend to Bhimthang and finally reach Dharapani, where the trek wraps up. A scenic drive brings you back to Kathmandu, and your Nepal adventure ends with your final departure.
We’ve found this itinerary works best for most trekkers — it’s paced sensibly, gives your body enough time to adjust, and doesn’t rush the pass crossing, which makes all the difference on a trek like this.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary |
| Day 1 | Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and Transfer to Hotel (1,345m) |
| Day 2 | Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat (700m) |
| Day 3 | Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m) |
| Day 4 | Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m) |
| Day 5 | Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m) |
| Day 6 | Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,900m) |
| Day 7 | Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon (3,390m) |
| Day 8 | Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon (3,390m) |
| Day 9 | Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3,690m) |
| Day 10 | Trek from Samdo to Larke La Phedi (4,460m) |
| Day 11 | Trek from Larke La Phedi to Bhimthang via Larke La Pass (5,135m) |
| Day 12 | Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,960m) |
| Day 13 | Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu (1,345m) |
| Day 14 | Final Departure from Kathmandu |
Trek Cost: US$900 to US$1,025 (depending on group size)
Manaslu Larke Pass Trek – 16 Days Itinerary
Want a bit more breathing room in your schedule? The 16-day Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is a slightly more relaxed take on the standard Manaslu route, and it’s a favorite among trekkers who’d rather not rush into the mountains.
The trip kicks off with a full day of sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley before you even hit the trail — a nice way to settle in, adjust to Nepal, and soak up some culture and history before the real adventure begins. On day three, you’ll drive out to Soti Khola to officially start trekking. The other big difference here is the ending: instead of wrapping up in Dharapani like the standard circuit, this route continues on to Jagat, adding two extra days to the trip and bringing the total to 16 days.
Just like our other Manaslu itineraries, expect to be on the trail for around 5 to 7 hours a day, working your way through some genuinely rugged Himalayan terrain. This route also loops all the way around Mt. Manaslu, and yes — Larke La Pass at 5,135m is still the high point of the journey (both literally and figuratively).
If you’ve got the extra couple of days to spare, this itinerary gives you a gentler pace, more time to acclimatize, and a proper Kathmandu welcome before you head into the hills.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary |
| Day 1 | Arrive at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to the hotel |
| Day 2 | Full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu |
| Day 3 | Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat Bazaar |
| Day 4 | Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola |
| Day 5 | Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat |
| Day 6 | Trek from Jagat to Deng |
| Day 7 | Trek from Deng to Namrung |
| Day 8 | Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon |
| Day 9 | Rest Day at Sama Gaon for Acclimatization |
| Day 10 | Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo |
| Day 11 | Trek from Samdo to Larkya La Phedi |
| Day 12 | Trek from Larkya La Phedi over Larkya La Pass to Bimthang |
| Day 13 | Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani |
| Day 14 | Trek from Dharapani to Jagat |
| Day 15 | Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu |
| Day 16 | Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for Final Departure |
Trek Cost: US$1,025 to US$1,150 (depending on group size)
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek – 23 Days Itinerary
For trekkers who want to go deeper — literally and culturally — the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is one of the longest and most rewarding itineraries we offer in the Manaslu region. This 23-day journey combines the classic Manaslu Circuit with a side trip into Tsum Valley, a remote, hidden valley in the north that’s home to Tibetan-descent communities still practicing the centuries-old Bon Buddhist tradition. It’s about as off-the-grid as trekking in Nepal gets.
Like the standard circuit, your trip starts in Kathmandu. But once you reach Jagat, instead of continuing straight along the usual route, you’ll branch off into Tsum Valley — passing through Lokpa, Chumling, Chhokang Paro, Nile, and Mu Gompa, before looping back through Chumling. From there, the trail rejoins the main Manaslu circuit at Deng, following the classic route onward — acclimatizing at Sama Gaon, crossing the dramatic Larke La Pass, and finishing back in Jagat.
This one’s best suited for experienced trekkers with some time to spare. If you’ve got the days and the stamina, adding Tsum Valley to your Manaslu trip is hands-down one of the best ways to experience the region’s raw landscapes and untouched culture in real depth — not just pass through it.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary |
| Day 1 | Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and Transfer to Hotel (1,350m) |
| Day 2 | Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley (1,350m) |
| Day 3 | Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m) — 7 hrs |
| Day 4 | Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (869m) — 7 hrs |
| Day 5 | Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m) — 7 hrs |
| Day 6 | Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,240m) — 7 hrs |
| Day 7 | Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m) — 4 hrs |
| Day 8 | Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,031m) — 6 hrs |
| Day 9 | Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile (3,361m) — 6 hrs |
| Day 10 | Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m) — 3 hrs |
| Day 11 | Trek from Mu Gompa back to Chumling (2,386m) — 8 hrs |
| Day 12 | Trek from Chumling to Deng (1,860m) — 6 hrs |
| Day 13 | Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m) — 8 hrs |
| Day 14 | Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,180m) — 5 hrs |
| Day 15 | Trek from Lho to Sama Gaon (3,520m) — 5 hrs |
| Day 16 | Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon (3,520m) |
| Day 17 | Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3,875m) — 4 hrs |
| Day 18 | Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m) — 4 hrs |
| Day 19 | Trek from Dharamsala over Larkya La Pass to Bimthang (3,590m) — 8 hrs |
| Day 20 | Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (1,963m) — 7 hrs |
| Day 21 | Trek from Dharapani to Jagat (1,300m) — 5 hrs |
| Day 22 | Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu (1,350m) — 8 hrs |
| Day 23 | Transfer to International Airport for Final Departure |
Trek Cost: US$1,295 to US$1,475 (depending on group size)
Manaslu Trekking with Nar Phu Valley – 24 Days Itinerary
If you’re after the ultimate Manaslu adventure, this is it. The 24-day Manaslu Trekking with Nar Phu Valley is the longest and most immersive itinerary on our list, combining the classic Manaslu Circuit with a journey into Nar Phu Valley — another restricted, hard-to-reach region tucked away in the Annapurna area.
Much like Tsum Valley, Nar Phu is a hidden corner of the Himalayas, home to Tibetan-descent communities who’ve kept their traditional Buddhist way of life largely untouched by the outside world. It’s remote even by Nepal standards, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
The trek unfolds in two parts. The first half follows the original Manaslu Circuit route, taking you all the way around Mt. Manaslu. Once you complete that loop at Dharapani, the second half of the adventure begins — heading into Nar Phu Valley via Koto, Meta, and Phu Gaon, before reaching Nar Village by crossing Nar Pass at a lung-testing 5,306m. From there, the trail continues over Kang La Pass and descends through Pisang, back to Dharapani, and on to Jagat, where the trek comes to an end.
This is a trek for seasoned adventurers — those who’ve done high-altitude treks before and are ready to push into some of the most remote, culturally rich terrain Nepal has to offer. If you want bragging rights and a trekking experience most people never get to have, this is the itinerary to book.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary |
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel in Thamel |
| Day 2 | Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat (700m) |
| Day 3 | Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m) |
| Day 4 | Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m) |
| Day 5 | Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m) |
| Day 6 | Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,900m) |
| Day 7 | Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon (3,390m) |
| Day 8 | Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon |
| Day 9 | Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3,690m) |
| Day 10 | Trek from Samdo to Larke La Phedi (4,460m) |
| Day 11 | Trek from Larke La Phedi over Larke La Pass (5,160m) to Bhimtang (3,590m) |
| Day 12 | Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani (1,860m) |
| Day 13 | Trek from Dharapani to Koto (2,600m) |
| Day 14 | Trek from Koto to Meta (3,560m) |
| Day 15 | Trek from Meta to Phu Gaon (4,080m) |
| Day 16 | Excursion Around Phu Valley |
| Day 17 | Trek from Phu Gaon to Nar (4,200m) via Nar Pass (5,306m) |
| Day 18 | Exploration Around Nar Village |
| Day 19 | Trek from Nar Village to Ngawal (3,660m) via Kang La Pass (5,306m) |
| Day 20 | Trek from Ngawal to Pisang (3,200m) |
| Day 21 | Trek from Pisang to Dharapani (1,860m) |
| Day 22 | Trek from Dharapani to Jagat (1,300m) |
| Day 23 | Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu (1,350m) |
| Day 24 | Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for Final Departure |
Trek Cost: US$1,600 to US$1,800 (depending on group size)
Manaslu Trekking – 13 Days Itinerary
Already in Nepal and looking to squeeze in some serious adventure? The 13-day Manaslu Trekking itinerary is exactly what you need. It’s a short, no-frills version of the Manaslu experience, built specifically for travelers who don’t need Kathmandu arrival and departure days baked into the package — you’ll just need to be in Kathmandu one day before departure so we can sort out your permits.
Here’s how it works: on day one, you’ll be driven straight from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, which is where the actual trekking begins on this route. From there, the trail takes you through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Sama Gaon, Samdo, and Dharamshala, over Larke La Pass, and down to Bhimthang and Dharapani, where the trek wraps up.
Don’t let the shorter timeframe fool you — this itinerary still builds in two full acclimatization days to keep you safe and properly adjusted to the altitude. At Sama Gaon, you’ll use your rest day for a side hike up to Pungyen Gompa, and at Samdo, you’ll head out on a day hike toward the Tibetan border. Both are great bonus experiences that give you more to see without adding extra trekking days.
If you want the full Manaslu experience without committing to a longer, all-inclusive itinerary, this is a smart, efficient option.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary |
| Day 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola |
| Day 2 | Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat |
| Day 3 | Trek from Jagat to Deng |
| Day 4 | Trek from Deng to Namrung |
| Day 5 | Trek from Namrung to Lho |
| Day 6 | Trek from Lho to Sama Gaon |
| Day 7 | Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon (Day Hike to Pungyen Gompa) |
| Day 8 | Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo |
| Day 9 | Acclimatization Day at Samdo (Day Hike to Tibetan Border) |
| Day 10 | Trek from Samdo to Dharamshala |
| Day 11 | Trek from Dharamshala over Larkya La Pass to Bhimthang |
| Day 12 | Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani |
| Day 13 | Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu |
Trek Cost: US$900 to US$1,025 (depending on group size)
Manaslu Trek – 12 Days Itinerary
Short on time but still want the full Manaslu experience? The 12-day Manaslu Trek is our tightest itinerary and the shortest on this list — perfect if you’re working with a limited schedule but don’t want to compromise on the adventure.
Like the 13-day version, this itinerary skips the Kathmandu arrival and departure days, but trims things down even further with just one acclimatization day at Sama Gaon instead of two. That’s what makes it possible to complete the whole trek in 12 days flat. Don’t worry, though — you’re still covering all the major highlights of the standard Manaslu Circuit, just at a slightly brisker pace. One thing to keep in mind: you’ll need to arrive in Kathmandu a day before your trek departure, since processing the restricted area permits takes a full day and we want everything sorted before you head out.
The route itself follows the classic Manaslu Circuit path — starting in Soti Khola, working through the mid-hills, resting up at Sama Gaon before tackling the altitude, crossing the dramatic Larke La Pass, and finishing the trek in Dharapani.
If your time in Nepal is limited but Manaslu is still on your bucket list, this itinerary lets you check it off without stretching your trip too thin.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary |
| Day 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat |
| Day 2 | Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola |
| Day 3 | Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat |
| Day 4 | Trek from Jagat to Deng |
| Day 5 | Trek from Deng to Namrung |
| Day 6 | Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon |
| Day 7 | Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon |
| Day 8 | Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo |
| Day 9 | Trek from Samdo to Larkya La Phedi |
| Day 10 | Trek from Larkya La Phedi over Larkya La Pass to Bhimthang |
| Day 11 | Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani |
| Day 12 | Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar |
Trek Cost: US$825 to US$950 (depending on group size)
Manaslu Trekking via Barpak – 15 Days Itinerary
Last on our list, but far from least, is Manaslu Trekking via Barpak — a fantastic alternative route for trekkers who want something a little different from the standard circuit. Instead of starting at Soti Khola, this trek begins in Barpak village, in Gorkha District, giving you a fresh perspective on the region right from day one.
The trip kicks off with a drive from Kathmandu to Barpak, and from there, you’ll trek through Laprak and Khorla Besi before joining up with the classic Manaslu circuit trail at Jagat. From Jagat onward, the route continues through Deng, Ghap, and Lho, before you settle in for a well-deserved rest day at Sama Gaon.
What makes this route special are a couple of standout detours you won’t get on other itineraries: a side trip to Kal Tal (the striking “black lake”) between Deng and Ghap, and a full day hike from Samdo out to the Tibetan border. You’ll also pass through parts of Gorkha District still marked by the 2015 earthquake — a moving, humbling stretch of the journey that adds real depth and perspective to the trek.
Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this 15-day itinerary is a brilliant option if you’ve already done the classic Manaslu Circuit, or if you simply want a route that’s a bit more off-the-beaten-path from the very first step.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary |
| Day 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Barpak |
| Day 2 | Trek from Barpak to Laprak |
| Day 3 | Trek from Laprak to Khorla Besi |
| Day 4 | Trek from Khorla Besi to Jagat |
| Day 5 | Trek from Jagat to Deng |
| Day 6 | Trek from Deng to Ghap via Kal Tal |
| Day 7 | Trek from Ghap to Lho |
| Day 8 | Trek from Lho to Sama Gaon |
| Day 9 | Rest Day at Sama Gaon for Acclimatization |
| Day 10 | Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo |
| Day 11 | Day Hike from Samdo to the Tibetan Border and Back |
| Day 12 | Trek from Samdo to Dharamshala |
| Day 13 | Trek from Dharamshala over Larke La Pass to Bhimtang |
| Day 14 | Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani |
| Day 15 | Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu |
Trek Cost: US$965 to US$1,095 (depending on group size)
Which Manaslu Itinerary Is Right for You?
With 7 different itineraries to choose from, picking the right one really comes down to three things: how much time you have, your fitness and trekking experience, and how deep into the region you want to go. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
If you’re short on time: Go with the 12-Day Manaslu Trek or 13-Day Manaslu Trekking itinerary. Both skip the Kathmandu arrival/departure buffer days and get you straight into the mountains — ideal if you’re already in Nepal or simply want the classic Manaslu experience without a long commitment.
If you want the standard, well-paced experience: The 14-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek is our most popular itinerary for a reason. It hits every major highlight, paces the acclimatization properly, and doesn’t cut corners on safety — a solid first choice for most trekkers.
If you’d rather ease into the trek: The 16-Day Manaslu Larke Pass Trek adds a Kathmandu sightseeing day and a slower build-up, which is great if you want some cultural time in the capital before heading into the hills, or if you simply prefer a gentler pace.
If you want something different from day one: The 15-Day Trek via Barpak is a fantastic pick if you’ve already done the classic route or want a trail that feels more remote and untouched right from the start — plus the Kal Tal detour and Tibetan border hike are hard to beat.
If you’re an experienced trekker chasing something deeper: The 23-Day Tsum Valley Trek and 24-Day Nar Phu Valley Trek are built for trekkers who’ve done high-altitude routes before and want to explore hidden, restricted valleys most visitors never see. Both require more time, more stamina, and a genuine appetite for remote, off-grid culture — but they reward you with an experience that’s hard to put into words.
Still not sure which one fits? That’s exactly what we’re here for. Get in touch with our team and we’ll help you match the right itinerary to your time, fitness level, and travel goals — no pressure, just honest advice from people who’ve walked these trails ourselves.