Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance and Duration

The Manaslu Circuit Trek distance and duration depend on your itinerary, starting point, and where you finish the trek. The walking route generally takes several days from Machha Khola to Tilje, with the total distance varying according to the route and side trips included.

For a standard 13-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, the walking distance is around 180 km from Machha Khola to Tilje, including the crossing of the 5,106-meter Larke (Larkya) La Pass as well accliamtization side trips to Manaslu Base Camp and Tibetan Border. The actual trekking duration can be shorter or longer depending on the itinerary, acclimatization days, and optional side trips along the route.

This article breaks down the Manaslu Circuit Trek distance and duration day by day, including where the trek starts and ends, how much you walk each day, and how side trips can change the overall distance and trekking time.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance Facts

• Driving Distance: Kathmandu to Machha Khola (approx. 164 km/102 miles) and Tilije to Kathmandu (226 km/140 miles)
• Total Trekking Distance: 180 km (111.8 miles)
• Daily Walking Distance: Approx. 5-20 km (3-12 miles), depending on route and day
• Trek Duration: 13 days, depending on your itinerary
• Highest Point: 5,106 meters (16,752 ft) at Larkya La Pass
• Longest Walking Distance: 22 km (13.6 miles)
• Hardest Section: Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass
• Optional Side Trips: Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, Pungyen Gompa, and Tibet Border
• Road Sections: Kathmandu to Jagat and Tilije to Kathmandu

How Many Kilometers Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek total distance is approximately 565 km (351 miles), including both trekking and driving distance.

The actual walking distance from Machha Khola to Tilije is approximately 180 km (111.8 miles), and the rest is driving.

Kathmandu to Machha Khola distance is approximately 164 km (102 miles), depending on the route taken. If you travel via the Lower Manaslu region (via Barpak, Gorkha), the route is even longer. Machha Khola can be reached by private or shared jeep, or public vehicle too.

Furthermore, after completing the trek at Tilije, you will be driving back to Besisahar on a private or shared jeep. The drive route from Tilije to Besisahar is approximately 56 km (35 miles). Then, from Besisahar, you can take a private jeep or public vehicle to Kathmandu, which covers approximately 170 km (106 miles).

Note:
All these routes and distances are as per Himalayan Masters’ 13-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary. Total distance and route options can vary depending on several factors.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance and Duration as per Itinerary

The standard Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary covers around 180 km (111.8 miles) over 11 walking days. Along the way, the trail winds through the depths of remote villages and forests of various trees, and passes high mountains surrounded by the beauty of the magnificent peaks of the Himalayas.

1st day: Drive distance and time from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

First, we drive from Kathmandu and then head towards Arughat via Dhading Besi. Arughat Bazaar (570 m/1,870 ft) is 125 km (78 miles) from Kathmandu. From here, we head to Soti Khola, which is only 20 km (12.4 miles) away. Then, with around a 15km (9.3 miles) drive, we can reach Machha Khola.

This is a total drive of 160 km (100 miles), taking 7-8 hours.

2nd day: Trek distance and time from Machha Khola to Jagat

The distance from Machha Khola to Jagat is around 20 km (12.4 miles), with some very demanding uphill and downhill walks on the trail following Budhi Gandaki River. It takes about 6 to 7 hours to get to Jagat.

In between, you also stop at Thulo Dhunga for lunch.

3rd day: Jagat to Deng Trek distance and time

From Jagat, we enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. After getting the permit for the conservation area in Jagat, you walk 22 km (13.6 miles) to reach Deng/Dyang. With a stop at beautiful Ghatta Khola and Deng Khola, this is about 7-8 hours of walking.

The route passes through several riverside settlements and crosses sections of forest and suspension bridges along the way.

4th day: Trek distance and time from Deng to Namrung

This is another long day as we walk from Deng to Namrung, about 19 kilometers (13.4 miles). It takes 6 to 7 hours to reach Namrung. The path involves steep climbing on the zigzag ridges.

5th day: Trek distance and time from Namrung to Shyala Village

Now, the 5th day is relatively calm and relaxing as we get to Shyala in about 6 hours. It is about 16.5 km (10.2 miles) of walking along the Budhi Gandaki River and the sub-tropical forest.

6th day: Trek distance and time from Shyala to Samagaun via Pungyen Monastery

It’s an exciting day of walking from Shyala village to Samagaun, about 17 km (10.6 miles) which take 4-5 hours of walking including stop at the Pungyen Monastery.

7th day: Rest day at Samagaun

Day 7 is the rest day, at Samagaun. This day is allocated as the acclimatization day where trekkers take a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp which is about 13.2 Kilometers (8.3 miles) round from Samagaun.

8th day: Trek distance and time from Samagaun to Samdo

This day is the shortest day you will cover in the 13 day itinerary. The distance from Samagaun to Samdo is 5.1 kilometers (3.16 miles) which just takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Note:
If trekkers want to visit Birendra Lake, they can combine it with the journey from Samagaon to Samdo. The walk from Samagaon to Birendra Lake takes around 2 hours, followed by about 4 hours from Birendra Lake to Samdo. The combined route covers approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) in total.

9th day: Rest day in Samdo

Day 9 is the second acclimatization day for 13 day itinerary. Trekkers stay in Samdo at 3,875 meters and use the day to acclimatize before crossing Larkya La Pass on Day 11.

On this day, trekkers can hike toward the Tibetan border for acclimatization. The round trip covers approximately 19.5 km (12.1 miles) and takes around 8 to 9 hours.

Note:
Although the Tibetan Border hike is optional on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, its distance is included in the approximate total trekking distance when following the Himalayan Masters itinerary.

10th day: Trek distance and time from Samdo to Dharmasala

On Day 10, trekkers walk 6.1 km (3.8 miles) from Samdo to Dharmasala. The journey takes around 4 hours of walking. The trail gradually climbs through the high-altitude alpine landscape toward the base of Larkya La Pass. Dharmasala is a preparatory teahouse settlement for the following day’s pass crossing.

11th day: Trek distance and time from Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass

From Dharmasala, the distance to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass is about 16 km (9.9 miles) and takes around 12 hours. The route includes an 8 km climb from Dharmasala to Larkya La Pass, followed by another 8 km of steep descent from the pass to Bimthang. It is one of the longest and most demanding days of the trek.

12th day: Trek distance and time from Bimthang to Tilije and Drive From Tilije to Besisahar

From Bimthang to Tilije, it is about 20 km (12.4 miles). Although the distance is long, the trail is mostly downhill and level, thus making it easy to walk. This is about a 5-6 hour walk to the famous Gurung village of Tilije.

From Tilije, you’ll drive to Besisahar, which is about 50 km (31.07 km).

13th day: Drive distance and time from Besisahar to Kathmandu

The drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu covers roughly 175 km, following the local provincial road from Besisahar down to Dumre, and then joining the main Prithvi Highway toward Kathmandu.

Which is the Longest Day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The table compares the major walking days on the Manaslu Circuit Trek by distance, walking time, and trail conditions.

It shows that the longest day by walking time is the Dharmasala to Bimthang section via Larkya La Pass, while Jagat to Deng covers the greatest distance on the regular trekking route.

The table also includes the Samdo to Tibetan Border acclimatization hike, which is a separate round trip from the main trail.

The hardest day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass. This day covers about 16 km. (9.9 miles). But the real challenge is not the distance; it’s altitude.

The trek starts at 4,460 meters (14,633 ft) at Dharmasala, and climbs up to 5,106 meters (16,752 ft) at Larkya La Pass, gaining 870 meters (2,854 ft). The risk of altitude sickness is significant around this section.

The descent is just as difficult. After the pass, you descend steeply towards Bimthang (3,590 m/11,778 ft) on a loose scree and rocky trail. This puts a lot of pressure on your knees. Unpredictable weather puts another layer of risk.

This combination of altitude, tough route, and weather makes Dharmasala to Bimthang, on the 11th day of the standard Manaslu Circuit Trek offered by Himalayan Masters, rather than the distance itself.

Why is a Shorter Day Sometimes Harder Than a Longer Day?

A longer walking distance does not always mean a harder trekking day. Altitude, elevation gain, terrain and walking time can make a shorter route more challenging.

The Samagaun to Manaslu Base Camp and back to Samagaun is a good example. The round trip covers around 13.2 km (8.2 miles), but the high altitude and uphill sections make it a demanding hike.

In comparison, Bimthang to Tilije covers around 20 km (12.4 miles) but takes about 5-6 hours. The trail is mostly downhill through forests and mountain villages, making it comparatively easier despite the longer distance.

This shows why trekking difficulty cannot be judged by distance alone. Altitude, elevation gain, terrain and walking time should also be considered when comparing different sections of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

How Does the Distance Between Himalayan Masters’ Itineraries Change?

*Distances are based on the listed trekking stages. Vehicle sections are excluded, and optional hikes can add more distance.

Why Does Manaslu Circuit Trek Total Distance Vary?

Let’s make one thing clear. The total distance of the Manaslu Circuit Trek that you see on the internet is not universal. It can change from website to website. It is due to different trailheads, changes in exit point, road construction and road extensions, GPS records and map measurement, optional side trips, and itinerary customization.

Trailhead changes

Previously, Soti Khola used to be the starting point for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. However, there has been a lot of road construction and extension has been going on. At present, many itineraries start at Machha Khola. Some even use Jagat as their trailhead.

Road extensions along the Budhi Gandaki Valley continue, pushing the trailhead further in. With each new road section constructed, it cuts a few kilometers of walking, but adds driving distance instead.

Exit point changes

Our standard itinerary ends at Tilije and then drives back to Kathmandu via Besisahar. Or, you can further trek up to Dharapani and then take a private or shared jeep to Besisahar.

The chosen exit point therefore changes the total walking distance.

Road construction

Landslides often damage road sections between Kathmandu and Machha Khola and Tilije and Kathmandu, especially during monsoon. This makes travel inconvenient and often requires detours or longer walks.

As a result, the practical distance can change from one season or itinerary to another.

GPS vs. Map Measurement

Different GPS devices, mapping platforms, and route maps read distances differently.

A GPS device tracks the actual path taken, switchbacks, and elevation changes, while a map calculates straight distance.

This is one reason why two sources can report slightly different distances for the same section.

Optional Side Trips

If you skip acclimatization side hikes such as Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, Pungyen Gompa, and Tibet Border, it shortens your walking distance. But we do not recommend doing so, as rest/acclimatization hikes are essential for acclimatizing to increased elevation.

Itinerary Variations

Alternative approaches through Gorkha, Barpak, and other parts of the Manaslu region also have different route lengths.

Depending on the route taken, you can customize the trek from 12 to 20 days. Shorter itineraries require longer walking distances, while longer itineraries can be customized to include additional acclimatization days, side trips, or even shorter walking distances. Therefore, the total distance depends not only on the Manaslu Circuit itself but also on how the itinerary is designed.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Optional Side Trips Distance

There are several side trips that you can add to your Manaslu Circuit Trek. Most are optional but essential acclimatization hikes.

These hikes add extra kilometers to your Manaslu Circuit Trek distance, some of which are included in the standard 175 km circuit distance.

Samagaon to Manaslu Base Camp Distance

Manaslu Base Camp is one of the most popular and the most challenging side treks in the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Starting from Samagaun (3,530 m/11,581 ft), the Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m/15,748 ft) Hike is approximately 13.2 km (8.2 miles, round-trip) and takes 7-8 hours. The elevation gain is roughly 1,270 meters (4,167 ft).

Due to the quick elevation gain, and steep terrain makes it is a demanding day hike option.

Note:
As it is already included in our standard itinerary, its distance is also included in the standard 175 km trip distance.

Samdo to Tibetan Border Distance (Rui La Pass)

Side hike to Tibetan Border from Samdo is another popular acclimatization option. It is about 19.5 km (12 miles) round and takes 8 to 9 hours; this distance is already included in the Manaslu Circuit total distance.

Starting at 3,875 meters (12,713 ft) in Samdo, the hike gains an additional elevation of approximately 1,123 meters (3,684 ft), reaching 4,998 meters (16,398 ft) at Lajyang Bhanjyang (Rui La Pass).

It is a long and demanding high-altitude hike and is optional.

Samdo Peak

Samdo Peak (5,177 m/16,985 ft) is a short alternative hike from Samdo Village. The round trip is approximately 5-6 km (3.1-3.7 miles) and takes around 4-5 hours. For those who want to skip the side hike to the Tibetan Border, you can choose this option, reducing your total distance by 13 km (8 miles).

Note:
It’s a separate peak, requiring a separate climbing expedition permit.

Pungyen Gompa

Pungyen Gompa is another popular acclimatization and cultural side trip that lies on the trek day from Shyala to Samagaun.

A short detour along the route, the round trip to Pungyen Gompa is approximately 8-9 km (5-5.5 miles) and is included in the total standard Manaslu trek distance.

Trail climbing through open alpine terrain towards the historic monastery; it is generally considered a moderate hike.

Birendra Lake

Starting from Samagaun, Birendra Lake is a short acclimatization hike located at 3,644 meters (11,955 ft). It’s approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) round trip from Samagaun, about a 1.5 to 3 hours hike. You can do this hike on acclimatization day, or cross the lake on the way from Samagaun to Samdo.

Serang Gompa

Adding Serang Gompa to your Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary extends your trek by 3-4 days, not just a few kilometers.

The route branches from the main trail around Bihi/Bihi Phedi, then climbs to Serang Gompa (3,100 m/ 10,170 ft). Later, the route reconnects with the main Manaslu Circuit route near Ghap.

Serang Gompa is roughly 10 km (10 miles) from Bihi, and 14 km (8.7 miles) from Serang Gompa to Ghap.

Other Less Popular Off-the-Beaten-Path Side Trips in Manaslu Circuit

Beyond these popular acclimatization hikes, the Manaslu region offers several lesser-known side trips.

One great option is a hike to Kaal Tal (Death Lake). It is a remote side trip from Prok village, adding an additional day or arrangements. The round trip takes 3-5 hours and requires a local guide.

Himalchuli Base Camp is an off-the-beaten-path hike that requires a separate route and additional trekking days.

A side hike from Bimthang to Ponkar Lake is a short hike located near Bimthang Village, or on the way to the Larkya La Pass crossing day. It usually takes about 4-5 hours round trip from Bimthang. However, trekkers usually do this after crossing Larkya La.

How Many Hours Do You Walk Each Day?

On the Manaslu Circuit Trek, trekkers usually walk for 2 to over 8 hours, depending on the distance, terrain, altitude gain, and itinerary.
Some days are short and relaxed, while some involve long climbs and descents.

Walking time depends on your fitness level, weather in Manaslu region, group size and pace, and breaks taken more than just distance. A short high-altitude climb can take just as long as a longer walk on an easier lower-elevation or descending trail.

Tips to reduce the difficulty due to the Manaslu Trek distance

Here are a few tips to tackle the difficulties due to the Manaslu Trek distance:

• The road network has now extended beyond Machha Khola to Jagat. If possible, you can drive this section so that you don’t have to trek as much.
• The Himalayan Masters’ Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary is designed in such a way that even when you stroll and rest, you will reach your destination by evening. Don’t rush. Take your time to walk.
• If you feel like covering the distance is impossible, you might change the itinerary and stay in the available teahouses midway.
• You can customize your longer walking days and split them into two shorter days. Although it increases the total number of days in your itinerary, it reduces the average walking day. Talk to your guide if you need this option.
• Start training at least 2 to 3 months before the trek. Hiking or stair climbing helps build stamina for long walking days.
• Use trekking poles on steep sections, on the descent from Larkya La to Bimthang.
• Don’t skip the rest days. They are essential for acclimatizing to increasing elevation and for preparing your body for the high-altitude days ahead.

How far is the Manaslu Circuit Trek from Kathmandu?

The distance from Kathmandu to the start of the trek, Machha Khola, is about 164 km (102 miles) by road. It usually takes around 7-8 hours, but can take longer or shorter depending on road conditions and traffic.

From there, the actual trekking begins. Starting from Machha Khola to Tilije, the trekking distance is about 175 km (109 miles). Then, you can drive towards Besisahar, or further continue trekking up to Dharapani.

Dharapani is about 4.5 km (2.8 miles) from Tilije/Tilche, which is about a 1.5 to 2 hour trek. If you take a private or shared jeep from Tilije, it’s a 56 km (34.8 miles) drive on a rough, cliffside road. It can take around 4 hours. Then, Besisahr to Kathmandu is about 170 km (105.6 miles).

In total, counting both driving and trekking, the total Manaslu Circuit Trek distance is about 565 km (351 miles)

How Far is the Manaslu Circuit Trek from Pokhara?

For trekkers looking to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek from Pokhara, they can reach Machha Khola via Gorkha. Depending on the route taken, it can take around 9 hours by jeep to reach Machha Khola from Pokhara, covering around 170 km (105 miles).

From Machha Khola, the trail follows a standard itinerary, ending at Tilije. Thereafter, you drive to Besisahar, and then continue to Pokhara. This return trip from Besisahar to Pokhara is much shorter, only about 106 km (65 miles), and takes about 4-5 hours.

So, this total of 441 km (274 miles) Manaslu Circuit Trek distance from Pokhara is a good option, especially for trekkers combining this trek with treks in the Annapurna region, making this route an alternative option.

What’s the total Manaslu Circuit Trek distance from Gorkha Bazaar?

Manaslu Circuit Trek from Gorkha is much shorter than from Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Machha Khola is about only 79 km (49 miles) from Gorkha Bazaar via Arughat. However, if you want to travel to Gorkha first to explore, then head towards the Manaslu Circuit, you’ll have to drive an additional 4-5 hours to Gorkha, about 138 km (85.7 miles).

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance from Barpak

The Manaslu Circuit Trek can also be done via Barpak, from Gorkha.

From Gorkha Bazaar, the road continues to Barpak, which is only 60 km (37 miles) and takes 2-3 hours by car.

From Barpak, you can follow the Lower Manaslu Trek trail via Singla village, which connects to Khorlabesi on the standard Manaslu Circuit route. This section covers approximately 60 km (37 miles). This route adds an additional 2-4 days depending on the itinerary. Once you reach Khorlabesi, the trail joins the standard Manaslu Circuit itinerary.

Understanding the Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance

The Manaslu Circuit Trek distance depends on your starting point, itinerary, route, and optional side trips. The standard Himalayan Masters 13-day itinerary covers around 175-180 km of trekking from Machha Khola to Tilije, with additional distance for optional hikes and vehicle travel.

Distance alone does not determine the difficulty of the trek. Altitude, elevation gain, terrain, weather, and walking hours also affect each day. Longer itineraries can spread the walking more comfortably, while shorter itineraries may involve longer walking days.

Understanding the distance and route beforehand helps you plan your pace, acclimatization, training, and transport more effectively.