Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most scenic and adventurous trekking routes.

Rich in natural beauty and Tibetan Buddhist culture, the trek circles the majestic Mount Manaslu and offers a quieter, more authentic experience than many of Nepal's busier trails.

One of the first questions most trekkers have while planning this adventure is, "How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?"

Knowing the Manaslu Circuit Trek distance is an important part of planning your journey. The overall distance can vary depending on the itinerary you choose, where your trek begins, and where it ends.

Understanding the daily walking distances allows you to prepare for the physical demands of the trek, pace yourself properly, and make the most of your acclimatization days.

This guide provides everything you need to know about the Manaslu Circuit Trek distance, including the total length of the route, day-by-day walking distances, average trekking hours, and factors that can influence the distance.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance Quick Table

Day	Route	Approx. Distance	Duration
1	Kathmandu to Machha Khola	160 km / 99 miles	8–9 hrs
2	Machha Khola to Doban	9.5 km / 5.9 miles	4–5 hrs
3	Doban to Philim	13 km / 8 miles	5–6 hrs
4	Philim to Deng	11 km / 6.8 miles	5–6 hrs
5	Deng to Ghap	11.5 km / 7.14 miles	5–6 hrs
6	Ghap to Namrung	9 km / 5.5 miles	4–5 hrs
7	Namrung to Lho	11 km / 6.8 miles	5–6 hrs
8	Lho to Samagaun	7.2 km / 4.5 miles	4–5 hrs
9	Acclimatization day at Samagaun	Depends on the Hike	Depends on the Hike
10	Samagaun to Samdo	8.2 km / 5 miles	3–4 hrs
11	Samdo to Dharamshala	8 km / 5 miles	3–4 hrs
12	Dharamshala to Larkya La Pass to Bhimtang	16 km / 9.95 miles	8–9 hrs
13	Bimthang to Tilje to Besisahar	25 km / 15.5 miles (Trek) and 40 km / 24.8 miles (Drive)	5–6 hrs Trek + 3 hrs Drive
14	Besisahar to Kathmandu	175 km / 109 miles	8–9 hrs

How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The typical Manaslu Circuit Trek usually takes 14 days to complete.

The total trekking distance is generally around 175 to 190 kilometers, though it can vary slightly depending on your starting point, ending point, and the route you follow.

Most trekking days cover 3 to 18 kilometers, with hikers spending about 3 to 8 hours on the trail.

Below, you'll find a detailed day-by-day distance breakdown of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, giving you a clear idea of how far you'll walk each day and what you can expect throughout the journey.

Day 1 Distance: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

Day 1 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu (1,350 m / 4,430 ft.) to Machha Khola (930 m / 3,051 ft.), where your trekking adventure officially begins.

The journey covers approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles) and usually takes 8 to 10 hours, although the travel time can vary depending on road and traffic conditions.

Since this is a travel day, there is no trekking involved.

After leaving Kathmandu, the drive follows the Prithvi Highway before turning north at Arughat. The route then passes through Soti Khola and Lapubesi, gradually leading into the beautiful Budhi Gandaki Valley.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Kathmandu to Arughat	Drive	125 km / 78 miles	5–6 hrs
Arughat to Soti Khola	Drive	35 km / 22 miles	2–3 hrs
Soti Khola to Lapubesi	Drive	15 km / 9 miles	45 min–1 hr
Lapubesi to Machha Khola	Drive	20 km / 12 miles	1–1.5 hrs
Total distance	Drive	160 km / 99 miles	8–9 hrs

Day 2 Distance: Trek from Machha Khola to Doban

Day 2 is the first official trekking day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, taking you from Machha Khola (930 m / 3,051 ft.) to Doban (1,070 m / 3,510 ft.).

The day's trek covers approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) and typically takes 6 to 7 hours to complete, depending on your walking pace and the time you spend resting.

The first part of the trail leads from Machha Khola to Tharo Khola, a distance of around 5 kilometers, which usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours. You'll walk alongside the Budhi Gandaki River before reaching the small settlement of Tharo Khola.

From Tharo Khola, the trail continues for about 4 kilometers to Tatopani (990 m / 3,248 ft.), taking roughly 2 hours. You'll cross suspension bridges and ascend gently through the valley before arriving at Tatopani, a well-known stop famous for its natural hot springs.

The final stretch from Tatopani to Doban is around 5 kilometers and takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The trail continues to rise gradually to the quiet village of Doban, where you'll stay overnight.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Machha Khola to Tharo Khola	Trek	5 km	2–2.5 hrs
Tharo Khola to Tatopani	Trek	4 km	2 hrs
Tatopani to Doban	Trek	5 km	2–2.5 hrs
Total Distance	Trek	9.5 km / 5.9 miles	6–7 hrs

Day 3 Distance: Trek from Doban to Philim

Day 3 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you from Doban (1,070 m / 3,510 ft.) to Philim (1,570 m / 5,151 ft.).

The day's trek covers approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) and usually takes around 6 to 7 hours.

The first part of the trail takes you from Doban to Lauri, covering around 4 kilometers in about 1.5 to 2 hours. The route follows the Budhi Gandaki River and passes a few small settlements before reaching Lauri.

From Lauri, you'll continue for approximately 5 kilometers to Jagat (1,340 m / 4,396 ft.), a walk of around 2.5 to 3 hours. This section includes stone-paved paths, narrow valley trails, and a gradual ascend before arriving at Jagat.

The final stretch from Jagat to Philim is about 5 kilometers and takes roughly 2 hours. The trail rises gently through traditional Gurung villages before reaching the beautiful hillside village of Philim.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Doban to Lauri	Trek	4 km	1.5–2 hrs
Lauri to Jagat	Trek	5 km	2.5–3 hrs
Jagat to Philim	Trek	5 km	2 hrs
Total Distance	Trek	13 km / 8 miles	5–6 hrs

Day 4 Distance: Trek from Philim to Deng

Day 4 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you from Philim (1,570 m / 5,151 ft.) to Deng (1,860 m / 6,102 ft.), leading you farther into the heart of the Manaslu region.

The day's trek covers approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) and generally takes 6 to 7 hours.

The first part of the journey takes you from Philim to Ekle Bhatti, a distance of around 7 kilometers, which usually takes about 3 hours. The trail follows a mix of forest paths and cultivated farmland before descending toward the Budhi Gandaki River.

From Ekle Bhatti, you'll continue for another 9 kilometers to Deng, a walk of approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Philim to Ekle Bhatti	Trek	7 km	3 hrs
Ekle Bhatti to Deng	Trek	9 km	3–4 hrs
Total Distance	Trek	11 km / 6.8 miles	5–6 hrs

Day 5 Distance: Trek from Deng to Ghap

Day 5 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you from Deng (1,860 m / 6,102 ft.) to Ghap (2,160 m / 7,087 ft.), bringing you deeper into the remote Himalayan landscape.

The day's hike covers approximately 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) and usually takes around 5 to 6 hours.

The first part of the trek takes you from Deng to Rana, covering about 3 kilometers in roughly 1.5 hours. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through peaceful forest sections with a few gradual uphill climbs before reaching the small village of Rana.

From Rana, you'll continue for around 4 kilometers to Bihi Phedi, which typically takes about 2 hours.

The final stretch from Bihi Phedi to Ghap is approximately 4 kilometers and takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Deng to Rana	Trek	3 km	1.5 hrs
Rana to Bihi Phedi	Trek	4 km	2 hrs
Bihi Phedi to Ghap	Trek	4 km	1.5–2 hrs
Total Distance	Trek	11.5 km / 7.14 miles	5–6 hrs

Day 6 Distance: Trek from Ghap to Namrung

Day 6 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you from Ghap (2,160 m / 7,087 ft.) to Namrung (2,630 m / 8,629 ft.).

The day's walk covers approximately 11.5 kilometers (7.14 miles) and usually takes around 5 to 6 hours.

The first part of the trek leads from Ghap to Nam Lung, a distance of about 5 kilometers, which typically takes 2.5 hours. The trail follows quiet forest paths, crosses several suspension bridges, and gradually climbs through small villages rich in Tibetan culture.

From Nam Lung, you'll continue for around 6.5 kilometers to Namrung, a walk of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This section continues with a steady uphill climb through forests and traditional settlements before reaching the beautiful village of Namrung.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Ghap to Nam Lung	Trek	5 km	2.5 hrs
Nam Lung to Namrung	Trek	6.5 km	2.5–3 hrs
Total Distance	Trek	9 km / 5.5 miles	4–5 hrs

Day 7 Distance: Trek from Namrung to Lho

Day 7 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you from Namrung (2,630 m / 8,629 ft.) to Lho (3,180 m / 10,433 ft.), bringing you deeper into the high Himalayas.

The day's walk covers approximately 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) and typically takes 4 to 5 hours, making it one of the shorter and more enjoyable trekking days on the Manaslu Circuit.

The first part of the trail leads from Namrung to Lihi, covering around 3 kilometers in about 1.5 hours. The route climbs gradually through quiet forests and traditional mountain villages, with beautiful Himalayan views becoming more frequent as you gain altitude.

From Lihi, you'll continue for another 3 kilometers to Sho, which usually takes around 1.5 hours. Along this section, you'll enjoy excellent views of Mount Manaslu.

The final stretch from Sho to Lho is approximately 3 kilometers and takes about 1 to 2 hours. The trail follows a gentle uphill path through peaceful woodland before arriving at the beautiful village of Lho.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Namrung to Lihi	Trek	3 km	1.5 hrs
Lihi to Sho	Trek	3 km	1.5 hrs
Sho to Lho	Trek	3 km	1–2 hrs
Total Distance	Trek	9 km / 5.5 miles	4–5 hrs

Day 8 Distance: Trek from Lho to Samagaun

Day 8 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you from Lho (3,180 m / 10,433 ft.) to Samagaun (3,530 m / 11,581 ft.).

The day's walk covers approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) and usually takes around 4 to 5 hours. Since the distance is relatively short, it gives your body more time to adjust to the increasing altitude before continuing to higher elevations.

The first part of the trail leads from Lho to Shyala, covering about 4 kilometers in around 2 hours.

From Shyala, you'll continue for another 4 kilometers to Samagaun, a walk of approximately 2 to 3 hours. The trail passes through open yak grazing fields and gradually climbs to the picturesque village of Samagaun.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Lho to Shyala	Trek	4 km	2 hrs
Shyala to Samagaun	Trek	4 km	2–3 hrs
Total Distance	Trek	7.2 km / 4.5 miles	4–5 hrs

Day 9 Distance: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun

Day 9 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is set aside for acclimatization in Samagaun (3,530 m / 11,581 ft.). Rather than trekking to the next village, you'll spend the day helping your body adjust to the higher altitude before continuing toward Larke La Pass.

Taking this extra day to acclimatize is an important part of the trek, as it helps lower the risk of altitude sickness and prepares you for the more demanding days ahead.

Most trekkers take a short hike to help their bodies adapt to the thinner air. Popular options include a visit to Birendra Lake, a hike to Pungyen Gompa, or a more challenging climb to Manaslu Base Camp.

These side trips not only support acclimatization but also reward you with incredible views of glaciers, alpine valleys, and the majestic peaks surrounding Samagaun.

The round-trip hike to Birendra Lake is approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) and usually takes 2 to 3 hours.

If you're feeling strong and well acclimatized, you can choose the hike to Manaslu Base Camp, which covers around 12 to 14 kilometers (7.5–8.7 miles) and takes 6 to 8 hours.

Another excellent option is Pungyen Gompa, with a round-trip distance of about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) and a walking time of 3 to 4 hours.

After your hike, you'll return to Samagaun to rest, stay well hydrated, and prepare for the higher-altitude sections of the Manaslu Circuit in the days ahead.

Day 10 Distance: Trek from Samagaun to Samdo

Day 10 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you from Samagaun (3,530 m / 11,581 ft.) to Samdo (3,875 m / 12,713 ft.).

The day's walk covers approximately 7.2 kilometers (4.5 miles) and usually takes around 4 to 5 hours.

The first part of the trek takes you from Samagaun to White Kani, covering about 3 kilometers in around 1.5 to 2 hours.

From White Kani, you'll continue for approximately 4.2 kilometers to Samdo, which usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. The trail continues through a broad glacial valley before arriving at the peaceful village of Samdo, the last permanent settlement on the Manaslu Circuit before the ascent to Larke La Pass.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Samagaun to White Kani	Trek	3 km	1.5–2 hrs
White Kani to Samdo	Trek	4.2 km	2.5–3 hrs
Total Distance	Trek	8.2 km / 5 miles	3–4 hrs

Day 11 Distance: Trek from Samdo to Dharamshala

Day 11 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you from Samdo (3,875 m / 12,713 ft.) to Dharamshala (4,460 m / 14,633 ft.), also known as Larke Phedi. This is the final overnight stop before crossing the famous Larke La Pass.

The day's walk covers approximately 8.2 kilometers (5 miles) and usually takes around 3 to 4 hours.

The first part of the trek leads from Samdo to Fuka Kharka, covering about 3 kilometers in around 1.5 hours.

From Fuka Kharka, you'll continue for approximately 2.2 kilometers to Larke Bazar, which usually takes about 1 hour.

The final stretch from Larke Bazar to Dharmashala is around 3 kilometers and takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The route gradually climbs over rocky alpine terrain before reaching Dharmashala.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Samdo to Fuka Kharka	Trek	3 km	1.5 hrs
Fuka Kharka to Larke Bazar	Trek	2.2 km	1 hr
Larke Bazar to Dharmashala	Trek	3 km	1–1.5 hrs
Total Distance	Trek	8 km / 5 miles	3–4 hrs

Day 12 Distance: Trek from Dharamshala to Bimthang by Crossing Larkya La Pass

Day 12 is the biggest highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and also the most physically demanding day of the journey.

Today, you'll trek from Dharmashala (4,460 m / 14,633 ft.) to Bimthang (3,590 m / 11,778 ft.), crossing the magnificent Larkya La Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft.), the highest point of the trek.

The day's trek covers approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) and usually takes around 8 to 10 hours, making it the longest and most challenging day of the entire Manaslu Circuit.

The first part of the trek takes you from Dharmashala to Larkya La Pass, covering about 7 kilometers in 4 to 5 hours. The climb is steep and follows rocky trails and glacial terrain, so walking at a slow, steady pace is important as you gain altitude.

From Larkya La Pass, you'll descend around 8 kilometers to Dangboche Kharka, a walk of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

The final stretch from Dangboche Kharka to Bimthang is approximately 9 kilometers and usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours. The trail gradually descends through beautiful meadows before arriving at the scenic village of Bimthang, where you'll spend the night after completing one of the most memorable days of the trek.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Dharmashala → Larkya La Pass	Trek	7 km	4–5 hrs
Larkya La Pass → Dangboche Kharka	Trek	8 km	2.5–3 hrs
Dangboche Kharka → Bimthang	Trek	9 km	2–2.5 hrs
Total Distance	Trek	16 km / 9.95 miles	8–9 hrs

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

Day 13 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with a scenic descent from Bimthang (3,590 m / 11,778 ft.) to Tilje (2,300 m / 7,546 ft.), followed by a drive to Besisahar (760 m / 2,493 ft.).

The trekking distance from Bimthang to Tilje is approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) and usually takes around 5 to 6 hours. From Tilje, you'll continue with a 4 to 5-hour drive to Besisahar, marking the end of your trekking adventure.

The first section takes you from Bimthang to Karche, covering approximately 4 kilometers in about 1.5 hours.

From Karche, you'll continue for around 5 kilometers to Gurung Goa, which usually takes about 2 hours. This section follows forest trails and crosses several streams before reaching the small settlement of Gurung Goa.

The next stretch from Gurung Goa to Thonje is approximately 3 kilometers, taking around 1 hour. The trail continues downhill through traditional villages before reaching Thonje, where the Manaslu and Annapurna trekking routes meet.

From Thonje, it's a short walk of around 3 kilometers to Tilje, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. After reaching Tilje, you'll board a local jeep for the drive to Besisahar, which usually takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Bimthang → Karche	Trek	4 km	1.5 hrs
Karche → Gurung Goa	Trek	5 km	2 hrs
Gurung Goa → Thonje	Trek	3 km	1 hr
Thonje → Tilje	Trek	3 km	1–1.5 hrs
Tilje → Besisahar	Drive	35 km	4–5 hrs
Total Trekking Distance	Trek	25 km / 15.5 miles	3 hrs

Day 14 Distance: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu

Day 14 is the final day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, as you make the drive from Besisahar (760 m / 2,493 ft.) back to Kathmandu (1,350 m / 4,430 ft.).

The drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu covers approximately 175 kilometers (109 miles) and usually takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.

While there is no trekking involved today, the drive provides one final opportunity to enjoy Nepal's beautiful countryside before returning to the capital.

The journey starts in Besisahar and follows the Marsyangdi Valley before joining the Prithvi Highway.

From there, you'll travel alongside the Trishuli River for much of the route, passing through scenic landscapes and small towns before arriving in Kathmandu, where your unforgettable Manaslu Circuit Trek comes to a close.

Section	Mode	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Besisahar to Kathmandu	Drive	175 km / 109 miles	6–7 hrs

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance Comparison

If you're deciding which trek to choose in Nepal, comparing the Manaslu Circuit Trek with other well-known routes can make the decision much easier.

Trek Name	Itinerary Duration	Approx. Trek Distance	Daily Walking Time
Manaslu Circuit Trek	14 Days	175–190 km	5–8 hours per day
Annapurna Base Camp Trek	11 Days	85–95 km	4–7 hours per day
Everest Base Camp Trek	14 Days	130 km	5–8 hours per day
Annapurna Circuit Trek	14 Days	140–150 km	4–9 hours per day

Conclusion

Knowing the Manaslu Circuit Trek distance before you set off can make a big difference when planning your adventure. Although the trek covers approximately 175 to 190 kilometers, the route is spread over a well-planned itinerary that allows for gradual altitude gain and important acclimatization stops.

Understanding the daily walking distances and hiking hours helps you prepare physically, pace yourself, and enjoy the journey without unnecessary stress.