Drive Distance: ~160 km (Kathmandu to Machhakhola)

Time Taken: 8–10 hours

Elevation Profile: 4,600 ft (Kathmandu) → 3,300 ft (Machhakhola)

The day begins with an early morning drive out of Kathmandu, winding through the middle hills of Nepal alongside the Trishuli and later the Budhi Gandaki River. The roads transition from tarmac to rough dirt tracks past Arughat, offering glimpses of terraced fields, rustic villages, and waterfalls. Machhakhola is a riverside hamlet nestled in a deep gorge and serves as the gateway to the Manaslu region.

Trek Distance: ~15 km (Machhakhola to Jagat)

Time Taken: 6–7 hours

Elevation Profile: 3,300 ft → 4,265 ft

The trail continues along the Budhi Gandaki, crossing suspension bridges and passing hot springs and small settlements like Tatopani. The gorge narrows dramatically, with lush forests and waterfalls flanking the path. Steep stone steps lead up to Jagat, a checkpoint village with a traditional stone-paved center and entry to the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Trek Distance: ~17 km (Jagat to Deng)

Time Taken: 6–7 hours

Elevation Profile: 4,265 ft → 6,200 ft

Climbing steadily, you pass through Salleri and Philim—villages surrounded by millet and cornfields. The trail gradually enters more remote terrain, and the river cuts through a wild gorge. With every kilometer, the scenery becomes more alpine. Deng is a small hamlet where you begin to sense the Tibetan Buddhist culture in the architecture and prayer flags.

Trek Distance: ~19 km (Deng to Namrung)

Time Taken: 6–7 hours

Elevation Profile: 6,200 ft → 8,625 ft

Today’s walk is a transition from lower hills to alpine zone. You pass through a beautiful pine forest, narrow ravines, and cascading waterfalls. The trail climbs sharply at times but opens into wide pastures with yaks grazing. Namrung is a large settlement with tea houses and monasteries, offering your first clear views of Himalayan peaks like Manaslu North.

Trek Distance: ~16 km (Namrung to Shyala)

Time Taken: 8 hours

Elevation Profile: 8,625 ft → 11,500 ft

Start from Namrung (2,630 m) and gradually ascend through alpine forests and picturesque Tibetan villages like Lihi, Sho, and Lho.

Enjoy panoramic views of Manaslu, Manaslu North, and surrounding peaks as you move higher into the valley.

Pass by the stunning Ribung Gompa before reaching the peaceful village of Shyala.

Trek Distance: ~17 km

Time Taken: 8 hours

Elevation Profile: 11,500 ft → 11,581 ft via 13,310 ft

Scenic ascent through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests.

We visit Pungyen Monastery (~13,310 ft), a serene and remote gompa with panoramic views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli

Trek Distance: ~4–5 km (Acclimatization day at Samagaon)

Time Taken: 3–4 hours

Elevation Profile: 11,500 ft → 13,000 ft (optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp viewpoint or Birendra Tal)

A vital acclimatization day. Most trekkers opt for a hike to Birendra Tal, a glacial lake at the foot of Manaslu, or further to the Base Camp viewpoint. The day is as much about slowing down as it is about soaking in the spiritual essence of the Himalayas. Explore the monastery, interact with locals, or rest at the tea house amidst yak herds and crisp alpine air.

Trek Distance: ~8 km (Samagaon to Samdo)

Time Taken: 4–5 hours

Elevation Profile: 11,500 ft → 12,700 ft

A short and relatively gentle day that allows the body to continue acclimatizing. The trail leaves the tree line behind and moves into more barren terrain with expansive alpine vistas. You cross glacial streams and pass yak herders' shelters before reaching Samdo, a windswept Tibetan refugee village nestled just below a prominent ridge. The village lies close to the Tibetan border and retains a strong cultural heritage.

Trek Distance: ~6 km (Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi)

Time Taken: 4 hours

Elevation Profile: 12,700 ft → 14,600 ft

This is a shorter, but important day before the pass. The trail climbs steadily across rugged high-altitude desert terrain. The dramatic landscape is marked by moraines, glaciers, and distant snow peaks. Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, is a rudimentary cluster of stone huts that acts as the final base before the push over Larkya La. Early dinner and rest are essential to prepare for the long next day.

Trek Distance: ~25 km (Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass)

Time Taken: 9–11 hours

Elevation Profile: 14,600 ft → 16,752 ft (Larkya La) → 11,775 ft (Bimthang)

The toughest and most rewarding day of the trek. Starting before dawn, you slowly ascend to Larkya La Pass along a moraine ridge. The pass rewards with 360-degree views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After the pass, a long and steep descent over glacial moraine and scree brings you to the beautiful meadow of Bimthang, where you can finally breathe easy and reflect on the accomplishment.

Trek Distance: ~18 km (Bimthang to Tilche)

Time Taken: 7 hours

Elevation Profile: 11,775 ft → 7,400 ft

A long but easier downhill walk through lush rhododendron and oak forests. The trail crosses pristine rivers and offers views of Manaslu’s backside and the Lamjung Himal. Tilche is a Gurung village marking the end of the remote upper Manaslu region. The comforts of lower elevation and green surroundings are a welcome change after the alpine barrenness.

Drive Distance: ~165 km (Tilche to Pokhara)

Time Taken: 8-9 hours

Elevation Profile: 7,400 ft → 2,950 ft

The trekking part ends here. After a short walk to Dharapani, you board a jeep that descends through the Marsyangdi valley to Besisahar. The journey takes you back through more populated and verdant regions of central Nepal. Besisahar marks the junction with the Annapurna Circuit and is the gateway town for your transfer toward Pokhara.

The final drive takes you along scenic highways and river valleys to Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital. With lakeside cafés, hot showers, and cozy lodges, it’s the perfect place to unwind and celebrate the completion of the Manaslu Circuit.

• Previous experience of multi-day treks at altitudes above 12,000 ft is recommended.

• You should be comfortable walking 12–20 km a day for 7–9 hours.

• Trekkers must carry a valid passport, TIMS card, and Manaslu Conservation Area permits, which Odyssey will assist in arranging.

• Good health, no history of acute altitude sickness, and basic understanding of acclimatization principles are essential.

• Arrive 1 day prior before 10am to obtain permission in person.

• Ability to walk continuously uphill/downhill for several hours with a backpack (6–8 kg).

• Cardiovascular endurance to manage long days (up to 11 hours during the pass crossing).

• Participants should have a routine fitness regime at least 6–8 weeks prior to the trek.

• This can include brisk walking, running, cycling, or swimming (3–5 sessions per week).

• Strength training focused on core, glutes, and legs (2–3 sessions/week).

• Punctuality, cooperation with the team, and respect for locals, customs, and the environment.

• Active participation in all briefings and decisions that concern the safety of the group.

• Readiness to deal with basic discomforts: altitude symptoms, limited shower access, and shared accommodations.