Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance

Manaslu Trekking route is taken as one of the most thrilling and adventurous trekking route of
Nepal. Through the distant trails, varying landscapes and the astounding view of Mount
Manaslu, this trek has a lot to offer the trekkers. Not only has the striking natural beauty, remote
trails of Manaslu Circuit Trek matched its perfection because of the cultural experiences. We
can’t collide with this blend of natural beauty and perfect cultural experiences until we get
proper understanding of total distance and the fraction of distance.

Trek distance of the Manaslu Circuit trek

The entire distance of the Manaslu Circuit Trek ranges from 175 km to 180 km or roughly 110
miles. The distance may vary if the trekkers choose side trips or demands optional days for
acclimatization.

Map Breakdown Distance (in miles) Walk
duration

 

Map Breakdown Distance (in miles) Walk
duration

Route	Distance (km)	Distance (miles)	Walk Duration	Altitude (m)
Soti Khola to Machha Khola	14.2	8.8	5-6 hrs	900
Machha Khola to Jagat	22.2	13.8	5-6 hrs	1300
Jagat to Deng	20	12.42	8-9 hrs	2095
Deng to Namrung	10.5	6.52	5-6 hrs	2900
Namrung to Samagaon	18	11	7-8 hrs	3500
Samagaon to Samdo	8.1	5	3-4 hrs	3690
Samdo to Larke Base Camp/Dharamsala	13	8	4 hrs	4470
Larke BC to Bhimthang via Larkya La Pass	25	15.5	8-9 hrs	3720
Bhimthang to Dharapani	30	18.64	8-9 hrs	1860

 

Entire Duration

Manaslu Circuit Trek usually takes 12 days to 18 days being conditional on trek speed, side trips,
acclimatization days and weather conditions. Trek speed varies in accordance to age and walking
ability. The side trips are optional. Acclimatization days are essential as well to remain away
from concerning altitude sickness.

Mean distance for a day

Trekkers on Manaslu Circuit Trek should walk almost 11 miles on an average. Some days it
might be around 5 miles and some day it might be around 19 miles. Time frame of the walk
depends on the altitude as well. Trekkers typically become slow when the altitude rises.

Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Other Treks

Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek

The total distance of Manaslu Circuit Trek ranges from 175-180 km, with the total duration of
almost 12-14 days whereas, the total distance of Annapurna Circuit Trek ranges from 160-230
km, with the total duration of almost 12-20 days.

Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Everest Base Camp Trek

The total distance of Manaslu Circuit Trek ranges from 175-180 km, with the total duration of
almost 12-14 days whereas, the total distance of Everest Base Camp Trek ranges from 130-135
km, with the total duration of almost 12-14 days.
Distance vs. trekking difficulties

Elevation

The Manaslu Circuit Trek involves many ascents and descents that make trekkers feel the shorter
distances as longer.
Altitude
Time frame of the walk and hardness of the trek depends on the altitude as well. Trekkers
typically become slow when the altitude rises. It is because the oxygen level becomes lower
when the altitude rises and trekkers feel tired quite quicker.

Difficult Conditions

Terrain conditions like rocky trails, river crossings and landslide prone areas are dangerous to
walk through. Heavy rainfall makes the passes impassable.

Distance vs. Psychology

Altitude psychology
Time frame of the walk and hardness of the trek depends on the altitude as well. Trekkers
typically become slow when the altitude rises.

Steep Climbs

Sometimes 5 km can feel and take longer time than a flat 15 km route. Some ways are leaded by
the stairs too. While ascending the stairs, trekkers feel tired and difficulty in ascending.
Picturesque views
Breathtaking scenes and views can make a long trek feel easier and satisfied with the walk.

Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Seasons

Spring season (March-April-May)
­

• Best conditions to trek
• Steady, stable and well balanced trails
• Longer daytime makes easier to cover much distance

Autumn season (September-October-November)

• Nice views and breathtaking scenes
•  But, crowded with lots of trekkers

Holiday season in Nepal

Winter season (December-January-February)
­

• Snowy weather
• Snow can cause slippery trails and slow down the trek

Monsoon season (June-July-August)
­

• Heavy rainfall
• Landslides can cause the prone areas impassable
• Side trips
• Hike to Pungyen Gompa from Samagaon (4050m)

Pungyen Gompa is a beautiful monastery located at an altitude of 4050m. It takes the total
duration of almost 8 hours. On a clear day, we can also have the neat glimpses of Mount
Manaslu, Nadi Manaslu and Himal Chuli from the monastery. We get to see the monks praying
and experience the religious emotions of Buddhism amidst serene natural beauty.

Walk to Birendra Lake (3620m)

Birendra Lake is an amazing lake that lies at 3620m above the sea level. Birendra Lake is named
such after King Birendra of Nepal visited this majestic lake. We can even take a dip into this lake
but you need to be courageous enough to penetrate the chillness of the fresh water. This lake is
the best side trip for a day.

Side trip to Kaal Taal (Death Lake)

Kaal Taal or Death Lake is located at an altitude of almost 3600m which takes around 3-4 hours
to reach from Prok Village. It is named after a nepali word ‘Kaalo’ which means black.
Reflection of water gets dark and makes a stunning contrast. On a clear day, the view gets more
mesmerizing when the reflection of Mt. Manaslu gets on the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can be the entire duration of the Manaslu Circuit trek?
It usually takes 12 days to 18 days being conditional on trek speed, side trips,
acclimatization days and weather conditions. Trek speed varies in accordance to age and
walking ability. The side trips are optional. Acclimatization days are essential as well to
remain away from concerning altitude sickness.

2. Does the Manaslu Trek exceeds difficulty level?
Yes, the Manaslu Trek exceeds difficulty level because of its challenging remoteness,
longer trekking days and altitude.

3. Can Altitude sickness be a major concern?
Yes, altitude sickness will be a major concern above 5100m from the sea level. The
essential requirement is to be properly acclimatized and remain hydrated.

4. What is the highest point throughout the trek?
The highest point is Larkya Pass which is 5160m (16929 ft.) above the sea level.

5. Do I need a proper guide?
Yes, you must require a professional guide with license.

6. Is Manaslu a restricted area?
The need to conserve and preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Manaslu Conservation
Area, has been a major reason of Manaslu being a restricted area.

7. Do I need to take any permits?
It’s only obvious for foreigners to take three permits and an additional one for Tsum
valley.
a) Special Restricted Area permit for Manaslu
b) Manaslu Conservation Area Project permit
c) Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit
8. Are there sufficient teahouses on the way?
Yes, you will find teahouses along the route which serve in a more basic way.