Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek in 13 Days

Early in the morning, you will meet your guide and head to Gongabu Bus Park to catch a public bus. Driving through the countryside roads of Dhading, you will enter the Gorkha district. After passing through Malekhu, Arughat, and Arkhet Bazaar, you will finally reach Soti Khola after approximately 7 to 8 hours, covering a distance of 125 km.

However, in case of bad road conditions, the bus may only reach Machhakhola (870 m) or Soti Khola(730 m). And that means you will have to switch to a shared jeep, which is surely a cost-effective option. The jeep ride to Machhakhola takes about 2 hours, covering around 14 km.

If daylight allows and road conditions are favorable, the same jeep may continue further to Jagat (1,370 m), which is another 17 km drive taking approximately 2 to 3 hours. Otherwise, you will stay overnight at Machhakhola.

In case jeeps cannot reach Jagat due to poor road conditions, an extra trekking day will be required to hike from Machhakhola to Jagat (that’s 18 km in 8 to 10 hours).

Upon reaching Jagat, your guide will assist you in showing the necessary permits and obtaining the local rural municipality permit from Chumnubri Rural Municipality office. After a long day of waterfalls, winding roads, and bumpy jeep rides, you will be exhausted. Have dinner and rest early for the night.

After breakfast, your actual trekking journey will start from Jagat. We will move ahead on the trekking trail towards Philim, where your permits will be checked again. Moving ahead, you will cross Ekle Bhatti (1,580 m) and then reach Nyak (1,625 m). The route is a combination of traditional villages and subtropical forests.

After lunch at Nyak, you will continue along the Budhi Gandaki corridor, reaching Pewa (1,750 m). From there, after a brief rest, you will make the final uphill stretch to Dyang, also known as Deng (1,860 m).

Today’s hike is around 20 km with a gradual ascent followed by a slightly steeper section. It may take 8 to 10 hours, depending on your pace. Deng offers views of Sringi Himal and the surrounding mountains. Here, you will also get to meet and greet with the Gurung community.

After a long day of hiking, have dinner early and rest well. Do not forget to step outside for some stargazing before you sleep!

After breakfast, you begin your hike through the beautiful coniferous forests of pine and fir, along with rhododendron thickets. Crossing several suspension bridges, the lower Manaslu region slowly transitions into the Kutang region inhabited by the Kutangpa people.

You will pass Bihi (2,010 m) and Bhijam (2,005 m) before stopping for lunch at Gap (2,105 m). There is an alternative route from Bur that leads to Prok Village, home to Kalchuman Taal (Kal or Death Lake), but that requires an extra day for proper exploration.

If you are interested, we can adjust the itinerary accordingly. After lunch at Gap, you will continue past waterfalls, mani walls, and chortens reflecting strong Buddhist influence. Crossing Tom Khola as it meets the Budhi Gandaki River, you will follow a forested trail with a mix of straight paths and mostly steep uphill climbs.

Passing Gapshya (2,150 m), we’ll even meet a route that takes you to Sherang Gumba, but we’ll continue forward towards Namrung (2,630 m). The total hike today is around 17 km that takes 8 to 10 hours. Before reaching Namrung, be sure to try some local apple products on the way.

You’ll stay overnight in Namrung, where you are now in Nubri Valley. So, be sure to interact with the famous Nubri (aka Nupripa) community of Manaslu too.

After breakfast, you will show your permits at the checkpoint in Namrung. As the subalpine climatic zone begins, you also start getting closer views of the surrounding mountains.

Passing Bhanjam, you will reach Lhi, which is home to Henang Gompa. Reaching there requires a diversion, which is also the route to Himalchuli Base Camp. However, that requires an extra day for proper exploration, so we rather continue forward through Shyo and then Lho.

The lunch stop is going to be at Lho, which is home to Ribung Monastery and offers your first clear glimpse of Mt. Manaslu (if the weather permits). It is a perfect place to stop for Dal Bhat, which is indeed one of the best budget-friendly meals in the mountains.

After lunch, you continue the final uphill stretch to Shyala (3,500 m).Today, you’d hike for about 13 km that takes about 7 to 8 hours. Upon reaching Shyala, the air feels thin and the mountain atmosphere becomes stronger!

And let us tell you about the panoramic views of the Mansiri Himal range, which is seriously breathtaking! Even Tibetan Buddhist culture becomes more visible from here onward.

You wake to a beautiful sunrise at Shyala, which will totally mesmerize you. Honestly speaking, that golden view of Mount Manaslu will be one of your favorite memories even after years of this Manaslu Circuit Trek.

After breakfast, you and your guide will pack your bags and begin the hike towards Pungen Gumba, as early as possible. Because the earlier you start, the better, as strong winds usually begin later in the afternoon. First, you pass Shyala Gompa, which is an architectural beauty in itself.

It’s one monastery we often hear praises from our guests. From there, the view of the peaceful settlement of Shyala reminds you how beautiful your stay here was.

Continuing along a slightly rugged path, you will reach the open grounds of Pungen Gumba (4,040 meters) after around 3 hours of hiking. The real highlight here is not just the centuries-old monastery itself, but the towering close-up view of Mount Manaslu surrounded by mountains on all four sides. You can enter the monastery and offer a small donation, which greatly helps the monks living in such a remote region.

After spending some quality time here, have some light snacks (if you’ve packed it form the Shyala teahouse). Nonetheless, that heavy breakfast you had should be enough for the day. Still, we suggest you carry light snacks, like protein bars, chips, and chocolates.

Within the next 3 to 4 hours, completing around 13 km in total for the day, you will reach Samagaun(3,530 m). As the biggest village in the Manaslu region, the local vibe truly kicks in here. You will see children playing, locals doing their daily work, and yaks grazing peacefully.

Your guide will assist you in showing the permits before checking into a local lodge. Be sure to try local delicacies and learn more about the Nubri culture while you are here.

You will wake up to another breathtaking sunrise, and even this time, the golden Mount Manaslu will greet you (just like it did in Shyala). Note that after trekking for several days, your body requires sufficient rest.

But if you are still feeling cheerful, we can arrange an optional hike to the Manaslu base campat 4,800 m for you. Whether to trek to the base camp is completely up to you! Considering this Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek covers just 13 days, it is preferable to spend the day resting in Samagaun rather than making the trek to the base camp. And this is especially the case if you are feeling exhausted or the weather becomes unsuitable.

What you can do instead is visit Pema Choling Monastery and also go for a short trek to Birendra Lake. Both of these landmarks provide a peaceful and refreshing environment, exactly what you need after six long days of travel.

In case you choose to hike to the base camp, know that you’ll get a magnificent aerial view of Birendra Lake from above. The route to base camp is rocky and filled with moraine sections. The total round trip takes around 9 to 10 hours, and thus, can be physically exhausting.

That is why some trekkers prefer adding an extra acclimatization day after the MBC visit. But for budget travelers, extra days mean more budget allocation, so resting in the village is a wise choice.

Also, proper rest is very important to prevent altitude sickness. Since physical exhaustion is one of the main reasons why the Manaslu Circuit is considered moderately challenging, some trekkers even return without crossing Larke Pass.

And the main reason is poor acclimatization! So, the best thing for today would be to eat well, rest well, explore the village, and experience the cultural richness of Samagaun (often called the “lotus feet of Manaslu heritage”).

Those who want a short morning exploration can hike to Birendra Lake via Pema Choling Monastery. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the lake’s viewpoint and then you can continue downhill towards the lake.

The calm water reflecting the surrounding mountains creates a very peaceful environment. You might even spot wildlife along the way, including the rare snow leopard, although sightings are not guaranteed. But yaks grazing along the trail are almost certain though.

After breakfast, you will begin your trek towards Samdo. The trail starts relatively flat and then gradually ascends. Suspension bridges and closer mountain views make the walk very scenic despite the more rugged terrain in the high-altitude region. You will also finally feel that you are truly circling Mount Manaslu as the perspective of the mountain keeps changing.

The hike from Samagaun to Samdo is about 8 km and can be completed in 3 to 4 hours at a comfortable pace. If you choose to include Birendra Lake, the total distance becomes around 11 km and takes about 5 to 6 hours.

Reaching Samdo (3,860 m) means you are gaining significant altitude. If you arrive early, you may hike to a nearby monastery or do a short acclimatization hike. There is also a high pass called Lajung Pass leading towards Tibet, but you won’t be able to get there, because that’s one reason the Manaslu region is made a ‘restricted area’.

No matter where you hike to, it helps greatly with acclimatization, making the next days easier. Most importantly, it helps you sleep peacefully tonight! Still, keep monitoring your health carefully, as the risk of altitude sickness increases at this elevation.

If you had a good night’s sleep and are feeling healthy (with no signs of AMS), today is another short but important trekking day.

The hike from Samdo to Dharmashala (4,460 m) is around 6 km and can be completed in 4 to 5 hours easily. On the way, you will pass Larke Bazaar, which has only one lodge but serves as the last place to buy snacks and essentials.

Locals from Samdo come here to sell items to support trekkers before the pass crossing (be sure to buy a few bars of chocolate to help them out). From here onward, you should walk slowly and steadily while enjoying the breathtaking mountain views.

The goal is to reach Dharmashala as early as noon, and allow your body to adjust before heading to cross the Larke Pass the next morning. But please avoid exhausting yourself. Keep drinking plenty of water and rest properly. If you can, eat dinner early and go to bed.

Also, inform your guide when you want to eat breakfast the next day, as the kitchen team starts cooking meals from midnight because there aren't many teahouses and the crowd level is high during peak seasons.

Today you need to wake up around 2 to 3 AM and get ready for the most challenging and rewarding day of your trek. Breakfast will be early, so it is recommended to carry extra snacks because there are no teahouses from here onwards.

The earlier you start, the better, as afternoon winds can make crossing Larke Pass difficult. Watch your steps carefully, as streams can be frozen in the early morning. If the trail is slippery, you may need to wear crampons. And in case of heavy snowfall or bad weather, the crossing may not be possible, which means you may have to return back.

Walk slowly and steadily. Take short breaks when needed and maintain your pace. After a gradual 7 km uphill climb, you will finally reach the vantage point of Larke Pass at 5,106 meters. There are two signboards at the top, perfect for pictures! However, do not stay too long if you feel a headache or symptoms of AMS. Begin descending immediately!

The 360-degree mountain views are breathtaking, but the downhill section is long and can be tough on your knees. After crossing rocky and moraine trails, you will reach High Camp (4,400 m), where you can stop for lunch and celebrate crossing one of the longest passes in the Himalayas.

Remember that now, you’re in the Annapurna region inside the Mustang district. You may visit Ponkar Lake if time allows, which is about 1.5-hour extra hike. After approximately 16 km of combined ascent and descent, you will finally reach Bhimthang (3,720 m), a true paradise. From here, the far Annapurna range sits in front while Mount Manaslu is still behind you (it looks quite different now).

You have done it! So, don’t forget to celebrate with another plate of Dal Bhat. Of course, there are other menu items available, but we’re sticking with the low budget yet again.

Morning at Bhimthang is equally spectacular (as it was with Shyala and Samagaun), with mountains surrounding you and open meadows filled with grazing horses and yaks.

Start your downhill hike early today. The Annapurna trail is a combination of straight paths and gradual descents. If time allows, you can take a short diversion to Milarepa Cave; otherwise, continue towards Surki Khola for lunch after passing Habu and Chauri Kharka.

The rhododendron forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area make this section very scenic. You will finally reach Gowa, where the road begins, and motorbikes may offer rides. However, since you are on a budget trek, it is better to continue walking towards Tilche (2,260 m) and then to Dharapani (1,860 m).

The total hike today is around 24 km and may take 9 to 10 hours. Although you can stay at Tilche, Dharapani offers more budget-friendly options, which is why our guides at HEN will escort you there.

You are no longer close to Mount Manaslu now, but the memories will stay with you forever for sure!

After breakfast, your guide will arrange a shared jeep to Besisahar. You will need to show your ACAP permits before you leave because you are now in the Annapurna region. The jeep ride from Dharapani to Besisahar is about 65 km long and takes about three hours.

When you get to Besisahar (760 m), you will have lunch before getting on the bus or van (whichever seems feasible) to go back to Kathmandu. It takes about 6 to 7 hours to reach Thamel, Kathmandu. We will get there by the evening, where our representative will meet you again.

We’ll help you check into your hotel, where you may take a warm/cold shower, and have dinner of your choice. We will let you rest peacefully after this long journey, because you deserve it. But don’t hesitate to explore Thamel’s nightlife!

But if you're willing to visit Pokhara, the tourism capital of Nepal, we can arrange a local bus/van service to get you there as well. The Lakeside vibe is spot on and much better to end the trip than in Kathmandu. It's up to you to decide!

Note: In case you decide to stay in Pokhara, we will end the trip there. You can then explore some of our other tour packages if you're willing to do side trips with HEN.

Our Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal team will meet you and arrange your airport transfer depending on your flight time. But if you plan to extend your stay in Nepal and are looking for further packages, our doors are always open for you!

On this last day, we will even drop you to the airport and say goodbye in a Nepali style. We are sure you will fall in love with Nepal, and we hope to see you again on your next adventure. Be sure to stay in touch and don’t forget to pen down a review!