Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude

The Manaslu Circuit Trek altitude ranges from about 570 m at its lowest roadside point near Arughat to 5,160 m / 16,929 ft at Larkya La Pass, the trek's highest point.

Understanding how this altitude gain unfolds day by day is one of the most important parts of planning trekking pace. The pace of ascent and descent determines how well your body copes with thinner air.

This guide breaks down the altitude profile of every stage of the Manaslu Circuit, explains where the biggest gains and drops happen, and covers how to prevent altitude sickness along the way.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Elevation Quick Table

Day	Route	Sleeping Altitude	Highest Altitude	Altitude Change
Day 1	Kathmandu to Machha Khola	890 m / 2,965 ft	1,350 m / 4,450 ft	-460 m / -1,509 ft descent from Kathmandu
Day 2	Machha Khola to Doban	1,070 m / 3,510 ft	1,070 m / 3,510 ft	+180 m / +591 ft ascent from Machha Khola
Day 3	Doban to Philim	1,570 m / 5,150 ft	1,570 m / 5,150 ft	+500 m / +1,640 ft ascent from Doban
Day 4	Philim to Deng	1,860 m / 6,102 ft	1,860 m / 6,102 ft	+290 m / +951 ft ascent from Philim
Day 5	Deng to Ghap	2,250 m / 7,382 ft	2,250 m / 7,382 ft	+390 m / +1,280 ft ascent from Deng
Day 6	Ghap to Namrung	2,660 m / 8,727 ft	2,660 m / 8,727 ft	+410 m / +1,345 ft ascent from Ghap
Day 7	Namrung to Lho	3,180 m / 10,433 ft	3,180 m / 10,433 ft	+520 m / +1,706 ft ascent from Namrung
Day 8	Lho to Samagaun	3,530 m / 11,581 ft	3,530 m / 11,581 ft	+350 m / +1,148 ft ascent from Lho
Day 9	Acclimatization day at Samagaun	3,530 m / 11,581 ft	Depends on the side hikes	Depends on the side hikes
Day 10	Samagaun to Samdo	3,875 m / 12,713 ft	3,875 m / 12,713 ft	+345 m / +1,132 ft ascent from Samagaun
Day 11	Samdo to Dharamshala	4,480 m / 14,698 ft	4,480 m / 14,698 ft	+605 m / +1,985 ft ascent from Samdo
Day 12	Dharamshala to Larkya La Pass to Bimthang	3,720 m / 12,205 ft	5,160 m / 16,929 ft	+680 m / +2231 ft ascent from Dharmasala, then -1,440 m/ -4724 ft descent from Larkya La Pass
Day 13	Bimthang to Tilje to Besisahar	760 m / 2,493 ft	3,720 m / 12,205 ft	-2,960 m / -9,712 ft descent from Bimtang
Day 14	Besisahar to Kathmandu	1,350 m / 4,450 ft	1,350 m / 4,450 ft	+590 m / +1,935 ft ascent from Besisahar

Day by Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude

The elevation profile of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is gentle for the first week and steep for the second.

Day 1 Altitude: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

Day 1 begins in Kathmandu at around 1,350 m. After an early breakfast, you drive out of the city toward the Manaslu region through Arughat, Soti Khola, and Lapubesi.

From Kathmandu, the road first descends toward Arughat at around 570 m. This section loses about 780 m as the highway drops out of the mid-hills into the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki valleys.

The drive continues from Arughat toward Soti Khola at approximately 730 m, creating a small ascent of around 160 m.

From Soti Khola, the road follows the Budhi Gandaki River toward Lapubesi at about 880 m. This section gains around 150 m as the terraced hillsides give way to narrower gorge sections.

From Lapubesi, a short final stretch brings you to Machha Khola at around 890 m. This last section gains only about 10 m and marks the end of today's drive.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Kathmandu	1,350 m / 4,450 ft	Starting Point
Arughat	570 m / 1,870 ft	-780 m / -2,559 ft descent from Kathmandu
Soti Khola	730 m / 2,395 ft	+160 m / +525 ft ascent from Arughat
Lapubesi	880 m / 2,887 ft	+150 m / +492 ft ascent from Soti Khola
Machha Khola	890 m / 2,965 ft	+10 m / +33 ft ascent from Lapubesi

Total change: Kathmandu (1,350 m) to Machha Khola (890 m) is a net descent of about 460 m / 1,509 ft, even though the road dips and climbs repeatedly along the way.

Day 2 Altitude: Trek from Machha Khola to Doban

Day 2 begins in Machha Khola at around 890 m. After breakfast, the trek proper starts, following the Budhi Gandaki River toward Tharo Khola, Tatopani, and Doban.

From Machha Khola, the trail first crosses toward Tharo Khola at around 930 m. This section gains about 40 m over rocky riverside paths and suspension bridges.

The trail continues from Tharo Khola toward Tatopani at approximately 990 m, creating a gentle ascent of around 60 m as you pass the village's natural hot springs.

From Tatopani, the trail climbs through bamboo groves toward Doban at about 1,070 m. This section gains around 80 m and ends today's walk in a quiet riverside village.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Machha Khola	890 m / 2,965 ft	Starting Point
Tharo Khola	930 m / 3,051 ft	+40 m / +131 ft ascent from Machha Khola
Tatopani	990 m / 3,248 ft	+60 m / +197 ft ascent from Tharo Khola
Doban	1,070 m / 3,510 ft	+80 m / +262 ft ascent from Tatopani

Total change: Machha Khola (890 m) to Doban (1,070 m) is a net ascent of about 180 m / 591 ft.

Day 3 Altitude: Trek from Doban to Philim

Day 3 begins in Doban at around 1,070 m. After breakfast, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River upstream through Lauri, Jagat, and Philim.

From Doban, the trail first climbs toward Lauri at around 1,210 m. This section gains about 140 m along forested paths and suspension bridges.

The trail continues from Lauri toward Jagat at approximately 1,340 m, creating an ascent of around 130 m as you reach the official entry checkpoint to the Manaslu Conservation Area.

From Jagat, the trail climbs through terraced fields toward Philim at about 1,570 m. This final section gains around 230 m and ends today's walk in a traditional Gurung village.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Doban	1,070 m / 3,510 ft	Starting Point
Lauri	1,210 m / 3,970 ft	+140 m / +459 ft ascent from Doban
Jagat	1,340 m / 4,396 ft	+130 m / +427 ft ascent from Lauri
Philim	1,570 m / 5,150 ft	+230 m / +755 ft ascent from Jagat

Total change: Doban (1,070 m) to Philim (1,570 m) is a net ascent of about 500 m / 1,640 ft, the biggest single-day gain so far.

Day 4 Altitude: Trek from Philim to Deng

Day 4 begins in Philim at around 1,570 m. After breakfast, the trail leaves the riverbank and climbs north through forested hillsides toward Ekle Bhatti and Deng.

From Philim, the trail first climbs toward Ekle Bhatti at around 1,780 m. This section gains about 210 m through rhododendron and pine forest and past terraced millet fields.

From Ekle Bhatti, the trail drops into a steep gorge with cascading waterfalls before crossing suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki and Deng Khola toward Deng at about 1,860 m. This last section gains around 80 m overall.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Philim	1,570 m / 5,150 ft	Starting Point
Ekle Bhatti	1,780 m / 5,840 ft	+210 m / +689 ft ascent from Philim
Deng	1,860 m / 6,102 ft	+80 m / +262 ft ascent from Ekle Bhatti

Total change: Philim (1,570 m) to Deng (1,860 m) is a net ascent of about 290 m / 951 ft.

Day 5 Altitude: Trek from Deng to Ghap

Day 5 begins in Deng at around 1,860 m. After breakfast, the trail continues up the Budhi Gandaki Valley through Rana, Bihi Phedi, and Ghap.

From Deng, the trail first crosses the river toward Rana at around 1,940 m. This section gains about 80 m as you reach this traditional mountain community with deep-valley views.

The trail continues from Rana through pine woods toward Bihi Phedi at approximately 2,080 m, creating an ascent of around 140 m alongside the roaring Budhi Gandaki, where langurs and monkeys are sometimes spotted in the surrounding forest.

From Bihi Phedi, the trail gradually shifts from bamboo and oak forest toward alpine terrain toward Ghap at about 2,250 m. This final section gains around 170 m.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Deng	1,860 m / 6,102 ft	Starting Point
Rana	1,940 m / 6,365 ft	+80 m / +262 ft ascent from Deng
Bihi Phedi	2,080 m / 6,824 ft	+140 m / +459 ft ascent from Rana
Ghap	2,250 m / 7,382 ft	+170 m / +558 ft ascent from Bihi Phedi

Total change: Deng (1,860 m) to Ghap (2,250 m) is a net ascent of about 390 m / 1,280 ft.

Day 6 Altitude: Trek from Ghap to Namrung

Day 6 begins in Ghap at around 2,250 m. After breakfast, the trail winds through bamboo forests toward Nam Lung and Namrung.

From Ghap, the trail first climbs toward Nam Lung at around 2,500 m. This section gains about 250 m through dense fir, rhododendron, and oak forest, crossing several wooden and suspension bridges along mountain streams.

From Nam Lung, the trail continues its ascent toward Namrung at approximately 2,660 m.

This final section gains around 160 m, passing a landslide-prone stretch before reaching this stone-built Tibetan-Buddhist village, a notable milestone where the valley's cultural character shifts fully into Tibetan-influenced terrain.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Ghap	2,250 m / 7,382 ft	Starting Point
Nam Lung	2,500 m / 8,202 ft	+250 m / +820 ft ascent from Ghap
Namrung	2,660 m / 8,727 ft	+160 m / +525 ft ascent from Nam Lung

Total change: Ghap (2,250 m) to Namrung (2,660 m) is a net ascent of about 410 m / 1,345 ft.

Day 7 Altitude: Trek from Namrung to Lho

Day 7 begins in Namrung at around 2,660 m. After breakfast, the trail continues into the upper Nupri region through Lihi, Sho, and Lho.

From Namrung, the trail first climbs toward Lihi at around 2,900 m. This section gains about 240 m past the mani walls and stone houses, into forests filled with fir and blossoming rhododendron.

The trail continues from Lihi across the Hinan River toward Sho at approximately 3,000 m, creating an ascent of around 100 m, with views of Simnang Himal opening up along the way, the first time the trail pushes past the 3,000 m mark.

From Sho, the trail climbs past a large Kani archway and long mani walls toward Lho at about 3,180 m. This final section gains around 180 m and rewards you with the first close views of Mt. Manaslu itself.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Namrung	2,660 m / 8,727 ft	Starting Point
Lihi	2,900 m / 9,514 ft	+240 m / +787 ft ascent from Namrung
Sho	3,000 m / 9,842 ft	+100 m / +328 ft ascent from Lihi
Lho	3,180 m / 10,433 ft	+180 m / +591 ft ascent from Sho

Total change: Namrung (2,660 m) to Lho (3,180 m) is a net ascent of about 520 m / 1,706 ft.

Day 8 Altitude: Trek from Lho to Samagaun

Day 8 begins in Lho at around 3,180 m. After a sunrise view of Mt. Manaslu, the trail continues toward Shyala and Samagaun.

From Lho, the trail first climbs alongside a stream through damp forest toward Shyala at around 3,520 m. This section gains about 340 m and opens into an alpine valley with views of Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu.

From Shyala, the trail levels out across open grazing terrain toward Samagaun at approximately 3,530 m. This final section gains only around 10 m.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Lho	3,180 m / 10,433 ft	Starting Point
Shyala	3,520 m / 11,549 ft	+340 m / +1,115 ft ascent from Lho
Samagaun	3,530 m / 11,581 ft	+10 m / +33 ft ascent from Shyala

Total change: Lho (3,180 m) to Samagaun (3,530 m) is a net ascent of about 350 m / 1,148 ft.

Day 9 Altitude: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun

Day 9 begins in Samagaun at around 3,530 m, where you spend a dedicated acclimatization day following the "hike high, sleep low" principle rather than a true rest day.

From Samagaun, the shortest option climbs toward Birendra Lake at around 3,600 m. This section gains about 70 m over a gentle 2–3 hour round trip to this sacred turquoise glacial lake.

For a longer, more demanding excursion, the trail continues beyond Birendra Lake toward Manaslu Base Camp at approximately 4,800 m.

This section gains around 1,200 m further over steep, rocky moraine, a serious effort best attempted only if you're feeling strong and well-acclimatized.

Alternatively, a quieter route leads from Samagaun toward Pungyen Gompa at about 3,900 m. This section gains around 370 m over a roughly 2.5-hour walk to this centuries-old monastery, offering a more spiritual pace.

Whichever route you choose, the day ends with a return descent back to Samagaun at 3,530 m, keeping your sleeping altitude unchanged for the second night in a row, the entire point of the day, which lets your body produce more red blood cells at a higher altitude while resting at a lower, safer altitude at night.

Optional Acclimatization Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Samagaun	3,530 m / 11,581 ft	Starting Point
Birendra Lake	3,600 m / 11,811 ft	+70 m / +230 ft ascent from Samagaun
Manaslu Base Camp	4,800 m / 15,748 ft	+1,270 m / +4,166 ft ascent from Samagaun
Pungyen Gompa	3,900 m / 12,795 ft	+370 m / +1,214 ft ascent from Samagaun
Return to Samagaun	3,530 m / 11,581 ft	-70 m to -1,270 m descent, depending on the route chosen

Day 10 Altitude: Trek from Samagaun to Samdo

Day 10 begins in Samagaun at around 3,530 m. After breakfast, the trail gradually ascends through higher alpine terrain toward White Kani and Samdo.

From Samagaun, the trail first follows a broad valley toward White Kani at around 3,700 m. This section gains about 170 m, passing glaciers and yak pastures along the way to this traditional Buddhist gateway.

From White Kani, the trail continues past mani walls and glacial streams toward Samdo at approximately 3,875 m.

This final section gains around 175 m and ends the day close to the Nepal–Tibet border, the last real settlement before the high pass.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Samagaun	3,530 m / 11,581 ft	Starting Point
White Kani	3,700 m / 12,139 ft	+170 m / +558 ft ascent from Samagaun
Samdo	3,875 m / 12,713 ft	+175 m / +574 ft ascent from White Kani

Total change: Samagaun (3,530 m) to Samdo (3,875 m) is a net ascent of about 345 m / 1,132 ft.

Day 11 Altitude: Trek from Samdo to Dharmashala

Day 11 begins in Samdo at around 3,875 m. After breakfast, the trail climbs steadily above the Budhi Gandaki River toward Fuka Kharka, Larke Bazar, and Dharamshala.

From Samdo, the trail first climbs through juniper and tundra vegetation toward Fuka Kharka at around 4,080 m. This section gains about 205 m as the terrain becomes noticeably more exposed.

The trail continues from Fuka Kharka across the Larke Khola toward Larke Bazar at approximately 4,300 m, creating an ascent of around 220 m to this seasonal Tibetan market, with views of the Larkya Glacier opening up along the way.

From Larke Bazar, the trail passes yak pastures and Tibetan mani walls toward Dharmashala at about 4,480 m. This final section gains around 180 m and ends today's session at this high-altitude staging point, also known as Larkya Phedi, with only basic dormitory or tent accommodation.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Samdo	3,875 m / 12,713 ft	Starting Point
Fuka Kharka	4,080 m / 13,386 ft	+205 m / +673 ft ascent from Samdo
Larke Bazar	4,300 m / 14,107 ft	+220 m / +722 ft ascent from Fuka Kharka
Dharmashala	4,480 m / 14,698 ft	+180 m / +591 ft ascent from Larke Bazar

Total change: Samdo (3,875 m) to Dharamshala (4,480 m) is a net ascent of about 605 m / 1,985 ft.

Day 12 Altitude: Trek from Dharamshala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass

Day 12 begins in Dharamshala at around 4,480 m. Before sunrise, the trail sets out across glacial moraine toward Larkya La Pass, then descends through Dangboche Kharka toward Bimthang, the trek's defining day.

From Dharamshala, the trail first climbs past a series of frozen lakes toward Larkya La Pass at around 5,160 m. This section gains about 680 m and marks the highest point of the entire Manaslu Circuit Trek, with views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.

From Larkya La Pass, the trail descends steeply along winding, inclined moraine paths toward Dangboche Kharka at approximately 4,000 m. This section loses around 1,160 m as the terrain gradually softens into gentler grassy slopes.

From Dangboche Kharka, the trail continues through alpine meadows and past mani walls toward Bimthang at about 3,720 m. This final section loses around 280 m and ends today's demanding walk.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Dharamshala	4,480 m / 14,698 ft	Starting Point
Larkya La Pass	5,160 m / 16,929 ft	+680 m / +2,231 ft ascent from Dharamshala
Dangboche Kharka	4,000 m / 13,123 ft	-1,160 m / -3,806 ft descent from Larkya La Pass
Bimthang	3,720 m / 12,205 ft	-280 m / -919 ft descent from Dangboche Kharka

Total change: Dharamshala (4,480 m) to Bimthang (3,720 m) is a net descent of about 760 m / 2,493 ft, but the day includes an 680 m climb to the pass followed by a 1,440 m descent to Bimthang, making it the most physically demanding single day on the entire Manaslu Circuit Trek altitude profile.

Day 13 Altitude: Trek from Bimthang to Tilje and Drive to Besisahar

Day 13 begins in Bimthang at around 3,720 m. After breakfast, the trail descends through alpine meadows and forests toward Karche, Gurung Goa, Thonje, and Tilje, before a drive to Besisahar.

From Bimthang, the trail first descends through oak and rhododendron forest toward Karche at around 2,785 m. This section loses about 935 m alongside the Dudh Khola River.

The trail continues from Karche toward Gurung Goa at approximately 2,515 m, creating a descent of around 270 m into the first permanent village since Samdo, known for its cultivated fields and tiered-roof houses.

From Gurung Goa, the trail descends further through warmer, denser vegetation toward Thonje and Tilje at about 2,300 m. This section loses around 215 m and marks the end of the trekking portion of the Manaslu Circuit in this stone-paved Gurung village.

From Tilje, a scenic drive along the rugged, unpaved road beside the Marsyangdi River brings you to Besisahar at around 760 m. This final stretch loses around 1,540 m and ends today's journey in this bustling trailhead town.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Bimthang	3,720 m / 12,205 ft	Starting Point
Karche	2,785 m / 9,137 ft	-935 m / -3,068 ft descent from Bimthang
Gurung Goa	2,515 m / 8,251 ft	-270 m / -886 ft descent from Karche
Thonje	2,300 m / 7,546 ft	-215 m / -705 ft descent from Gurung Goa
Tilje	2,300 m / 7,546 ft	Roughly level with Thonje
Besisahar (by road)	760 m / 2,493 ft	-1,540 m / -5,052 ft descent from Tilje

Total change: Bimthang (3,720 m) to Besisahar (760 m) is a net descent of about 2,960 m / 9,712 ft, the largest overall elevation drop of the trip.

Day 14 Altitude: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu

Day 14 begins in Besisahar at around 760 m. After breakfast, the drive retraces the route back toward Kathmandu through familiar river valleys and terraced hillsides.

From Besisahar, the road climbs gradually back toward Kathmandu at around 1,350 m. This final stretch gains about 590 m over 8–9 hours and brings the Manaslu Circuit Trek to a close.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Besisahar	760 m / 2,493 ft	Starting Point
Kathmandu	1,350 m / 4,450 ft	+590 m / +1,935 ft ascent from Besisahar

Total change: Besisahar (760 m) to Kathmandu (1,350 m) is a net ascent of about 590 m / 1,935 ft.

Manaslu Circuit Altitude Gain And Loss

The key altitude changes on the Manaslu Circuit Trek:

• Total altitude gain

  Roughly 4,270 m / 14,009 ft of net ascent from the trek's lowest walking point at Machha Khola (890 m) to the summit of Larkya La Pass (5,160 m).

• Total altitude loss

  Roughly 4,400 m / 14,436 ft of net descent from Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) down to Besisahar (760 m).

• Largest single-day altitude gain

  Day 11, from Samdo to Dharamshala, with about 605 m of ascent.

• Largest single-day altitude loss

  Day 12, descending roughly 1,440 m from Larkya La Pass to Bimthang in a single afternoon.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), can affect trekkers at elevations above roughly 2,500–3,000 m, regardless of age or fitness level.

Since the Manaslu Circuit spends some time above 3,000 m and crosses a 5,160 m pass, understanding the symptoms is essential.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

• Headache, often the first and most common symptom
• Nausea, loss of appetite, or vomiting
• Dizziness or a feeling of light-headedness
• Fatigue and unusual weakness beyond normal trekking tiredness
• Difficulty sleeping, even when exhausted
• Shortness of breath during light activity

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness?

• Use the acclimatization day at Samagaun properly by hiking higher during the day (to Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, or Pungyen Gompa) and returning to sleep at the lower village altitude.
• Stay well hydrated, aiming for 3–4 liters of water a day, since dehydration can mimic and worsen AMS symptoms.
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives at altitude, as both can suppress breathing and mask early symptoms.
• Walk at a slow, steady pace ("pole pole") rather than rushing between villages, especially above Samagaun.
• Consider a doctor-approved altitude medication, such as acetazolamide, discussed with a physician before the trip, as a preventive measure for those prone to AMS.
• Communicate symptoms early to your guide rather than pushing through them; early mild AMS is far easier to manage than symptoms that have progressed overnight.
• Know the rule of descent: if symptoms worsen or don't improve with rest, the only reliable treatment is to descend to a lower altitude.