Manaslu Circuit Short Trek - 16 Days

Trip Introduction: Manaslu Circuit Short Trek 2025/2026

Manaslu Circuit Short Trek2025/2026 with Trekking Planner Nepal will be an enjoyable and exciting adventure, accompanied by an expert guide and field staff. Followed by strong cheerful porters to carry your heavier baggage, all your needs and requirements will be well-taken care of. From the first arrival to the final departure from amazing Nepal, a country full of Himalayan wonders and colorful cultures.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the restricted areas and very scenic regions of North Mid-West Nepal around the Mansiri Himalaya range. Which was open for outside visitors since 1991, a special permit is a must to enter the high Manaslu valley Located in the higher areas of the Gorkha district, with some parts after the Larke-La pass falling within the Manang region.

Mt. Manaslu stands as the world’s eighth highest peak at 8,163 m and 26, 781 feet high. First summited by the Japanese Expedition on May 9th, 1956, since then it is climbed by various national expeditions every year.

Manaslu comes from the ancient Sanskrit word ‘Manas’ which means the mind/soul of a god and holy spirit. Similar to Lake Manasarover in Tibet near holy Mt. Kailash, the native calls it Quoting, which translates as a heavenly mountain or abode.

Upper Manaslu is also an Old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade and Caravan Route from Nepal to Tibet border. Where bartering and trade of goods still exist but in smaller numbers than in the early days. Dharmasala or Larke Phedi/bottom was also a marketplace known as Larke Bazaar in the past years. Where all local villagers from Gorkha, and Manang including Tibetan used to exchange and trade their goods from grains to wool.

At present exists few lodges for trekkers to stay overnight before crossing the high Larke-La Pass to reach the Manang area. Trekking Planner Nepal Manaslu Circuit leads you to all scenic and cultural villages, leaving no stone unturned. The standard itinerary allows trekkers to enjoy and explore around with ample time for acclimatization, before heading towards Larke-La Pass.

Where trekkers can enjoy immersing themselves as elves with the lovely local culture of age-old heritage interwoven into Buddhism religion. On crossing over the highest point Larke-La Pass is 5,106 m/16, 752 feet high. Trekking Planner Nepal guide and staff will make sure that every person is in good health to cross the pass.

We check and inquire about the conditions of our clients every day after the walk, and provide excellent services throughout the journey, taking immense care. This makes Nepal Trekking Planner's every trip successful, as you can witness on this great Manaslu Circuit Short Trek.

How does the Manaslu Circuit Short Trek begin and end?

Manaslu Circuit short trek package begins with a morning breakfast when everyone should be ready for departure from the hotel. An overland journey on a bus, coach, or car as per the size of a group, drive leads on the main highway. The busy road that connects to Kathmandu from all of Nepal, is an interesting way to observe Nepalese rural farm life.

The slow drive diverts from the main highway towards the Gorkha district and then reaches Arughat, a farm town. From here on the rough dirt road to Maccha-Khola, the starting point of the trek of Manaslu Circuit.

The walk starts on a gentle, gradual path through several farm areas to reach cooler hills, leaving the rice paddy areas. Spending overnights at Machha-Khola and Jagat village, then head towards Dying, as you can notice a change in vegetation and landscapes. The adventure continues towards the beautiful and scenic Manaslu Valley as the walk enters the lovely Ghap, Namrung, and Lo-Gaon villages. Views of Sringi Himal and Manaslu Peak can be seen at a distance. Enjoy your time exploring these wonderful places.

The journey leads to the main village Sama-Gaon, which is en route to Manaslu base camp, Larke-La pass, and to the Tibet border. Spending an extra day for acclimatization, as well as exploring the surrounding beautiful area and its interesting village. Where one can visit the viewpoint to catch more stunning scenery of the Manaslu Range of peaks at a close distance. As well as a tour of the village of great cultural interest enriched with ancient heritage similar to its Tibetan predecessor.  Enjoy your lovely day visiting the old monastery closely linked with Tibetan Buddhism and the way of life.

From Sama Gaon, the adventure gets closer to the high Larke-La Pass and walks to Samdo the last village of Manaslu Valley. The journey then reaches Dharmasala or Larke Phedi the base of the pass, which houses a few simple lodges. Herewith time in the afternoon to relax and prepare for an early morning climb to traverse over Larke-La Pass.   

Next early morning before the crack of dawn, having a good breakfast walk takes to a steep climb, heading past the moraine section. Adventure proceeds following the guide, with refreshing stops in between, as altitude gains towards the highest point of the trek. On top marked with a board with the name and height of the pass, festooned with thousands of Buddhist prayer flags.

Enjoy a mind-blowing spectacular panorama of snow-capped peaks that surround you, and views of the whole Manaslu range, with Annapurna and Himlung peaks.

The view includes Ganesh Himal in the east, on achieving great success, where the walk takes you towards Manang district. A long downhill awaits you heading past small icy ponds to reach the other side and base of Larke-La. Back into lush green vegetation and forest of tall rhododendrons, pines, and fir tree lines to Bumthang. A beautiful place for overnight rest amidst lovely woods at the end of the long and toughest part of the adventure. From here Trekking Planner's marvelous adventure completes upon reaching the end of the Manaslu Circuit trek at Dharapani village. Located within the Manang area at the mid-way of the Annapurna Circuit and the finishing point of the Manaslu Circuit. From here on the road to Kathmandu conclude the most overwhelming adventure of a lifetime experience.

Optional activities in Kathmandu before or after the Manaslu Circuit Short Trek

We do have the best alternatives to choose from during your spare time within the scheduled time frame. It provides you with one of the best opportunities for you to unite with nature, your traditional way of life, and age-old culture. Besides getting an insight into the Himalayan dwellers you can indulge in various activities. You get to visit; an old age home, ethnic cooking classes, attend a yoga session, and be at the orphanage or a community school. An exciting option to get a different perspective and a refreshing experience while trekking in Nepal.

Best Season for Manaslu Circuit Short Trek

The most preferable season is from the mid-spring beginning of March to the end of May, as well autumn/fall starts from September to early November month. March to May when sunlight is longer, lower areas can be very warm, and on hills with cooler air, as you get higher sunlight is brilliant on an open area. But cooler in the shade and late afternoon time, including night as well as early morning till the sunlight shows. Clouds during the late afternoon can get snow sometimes around higher areas and on Larke-La Pass. Higher above sunlight is strong with UV rays due to thin air.

Next, the best season is autumn or fall from September to early November, when days are fine with crystal-clear blue skies. But short sunlight hours can be very cold in the late afternoon, night, and morning times. Can get snowed in on a higher region, but mild and perfect temperatures for pleasant walks.

 November is also a fine month for Manaslu Circuit Trek, but most of the lodges and villages will be empty. Where villagers migrate to lower warmer areas to escape the harsh winter cold.