Samdo to Dharapani on the Manaslu Circuit covers 4 stages, via Dharamsala, Larkya La Pass and Bimthang. It goes from about 3,860 m to about 1,860 m, a net descent of roughly 2,000 m. Total walking time is about 15 to 20 hours.
Quick facts
- Start: Samdo, about 3,860 m
- End: Dharapani, about 1,860 m
- Change: a net descent of roughly 2,000 m
- Stages: 4
- Total time: about 15 to 20 hours of walking
- Hardest stage: hard
Stage by stage
- Samdo to Dharamsala: 3 to 4 hours (hard)
- Dharamsala to Larkya La Pass: 3 to 4 hours up (hard)
- Larkya La Pass to Bimthang: 4 to 5 hours down (hard)
- Bimthang to Dharapani: 5 to 7 hours (moderate)
How to split it
This is more than a day of walking, so trekkers usually break it into stages and sleep along the way. The route passes through Dharamsala, Larkya La Pass and Bimthang. Lodge availability changes by season, so confirm night stops with your operator.
Altitude and health
This route reaches about 5,106 m. Altitude sickness is possible above 3,000 m, so walk slowly, drink water and tell your guide about headaches, nausea or poor sleep. Altitudes vary by a few tens of metres between maps and guidebooks.
Reverse direction
Walking Dharapani to Samdo is the same route in reverse and means a net climb, so allow more time than the walk down.
Common questions
- How long is Samdo to Dharapani? Total walking time is about 15 to 20 hours, depending on pace and stops.
- Which places are on the way from Samdo to Dharapani? The route passes Dharamsala, Larkya La Pass and Bimthang.
Plan it
Back to all route information or see the Manaslu Circuit guides.
