The full Manaslu Circuit takes 14 to 16 days from Kathmandu, with an acclimatisation day at Samagaon and often one at Samdo. A short version of 10 to 12 days drives further up the Budhi Gandaki at the start, takes a jeep out from Dharapani or Tilche at the end and trims rest days. The short plan works for fit, experienced trekkers; the full plan is safer and sees more.
Short circuit and Full circuit at a glance
- Days from Kathmandu. Short circuit: 10 to 12. Full circuit: 14 to 16.
- Start of walking. Short circuit: Machha Khola or beyond, by jeep. Full circuit: Soti Khola or Machha Khola.
- Rest days. Short circuit: one, at Samagaon. Full circuit: two: Samagaon and Samdo.
- Side trips. Short circuit: usually none. Full circuit: Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa; Tibet border walk from Samdo.
- End. Short circuit: jeep from Tilche or Dharapani. Full circuit: walk to Dharapani or beyond, then jeep.
- Margin for weather on the pass. Short circuit: none. Full circuit: one or two days.
Where the days are saved
Roads have crept up both ends of the circuit. At the start, jeeps now reach Machha Khola and, in the dry season, sometimes further. At the end, a track comes up from Besisahar to Dharapani and Tilche. Using both saves two to three days of low-altitude walking. The rest of the saving comes from dropping the second acclimatisation day and the side trips.
Acclimatisation
Samagaon is at 3,530 m, Samdo at 3,875 m, Dharamsala at about 4,460 m and the Larkya La at 5,106 m. The full plan spends two nights at Samagaon and often two at Samdo, with a day hike high from each. The short plan goes Samagaon, Samdo, Dharamsala on consecutive days after a single rest day. Many people manage it; some do not, and on the far side of the pass there is no quick way back.
What you miss
From Samagaon the day walk to Manaslu Base Camp, at about 4,800 m, or to Pungyen Gompa under the east face, is among the best days of the trek. From Samdo you can walk towards the Tibet border. The short plan usually skips these.
Weather margin
The Larkya La should be crossed only in settled weather. With spare days you can wait out a storm at Samdo. Without them, a closed pass means turning back down the whole valley.
Season
Both plans are for October to November and March to May. The lower road is unreliable in and just after the monsoon, which can undo the time saved.
Cost
The short plan saves a few days of lodging and wages but adds jeep hire, so the saving is modest.
The lower valley: worth walking?
The first days up the Budhi Gandaki are hot, low and rough, with long ups and downs above a roaring river. Some trekkers find them a slog. Others value the villages, waterfalls and the sense of earning the high country. If you drive part of it, you still walk through the best of the gorge above Jagat.
Permits
Whatever the length, the trek needs the Manaslu restricted area permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area permit, arranged by a registered agency for at least two trekkers with a licensed guide.
Our suggestion
If you can find 14 days, take them. The extra days go on acclimatisation and on the best side trips, which is where they do most good.
Choose Short circuit if
- You have trekked above 5,000 m before without trouble.
- Your leave is limited to under two weeks.
- You are fit and walk fast.
- You accept turning back if the pass is closed.
Choose Full circuit if
- It is your first trek over 5,000 m.
- You want Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa.
- You want a weather margin.
- You enjoy the lower villages and the gradual change of landscape.
Plan it
See the Manaslu Circuit guides, or ask us for both day-by-day plans.
Common questions
What is the minimum number of days for the Manaslu Circuit?
About 10 from Kathmandu, for fit and experienced trekkers using jeeps at both ends.
Is one rest day enough?
For some. Two is safer.
Can I add Tsum Valley to a short plan?
No. Tsum needs another week.
Do permits differ?
No. The same restricted and conservation permits apply.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
We run this route as a Manaslu Circuit trek from Kathmandu, with the restricted-area paperwork handled for you.
