Manaslu Circuit Trek Map: Complete Guide to Hidden Himalayan Gem

Tucked away in the remote corners of Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking adventure around the world’s eighth highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft). If you're planning this off-the-beaten-path journey, the Manaslu Circuit Trek map is your ultimate companion for understanding the trail, planning your itinerary, and staying safe.

With fewer crowds, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural encounters, this trek is a perfect alternative to the crowded Everest or Annapurna regions. Let’s dive into the full route, key villages, altitude profile, and how to best use the map for your journey.

Why the Manaslu Circuit Trek Map Matters

A detailed map of the Manaslu Circuit Trek helps you:

Navigate daily distances and elevations
Identify major villages and overnight stops
Track rivers, valleys, and mountain passes
Plan rest days and acclimatization points
Estimate food and water stops

Whether you're trekking solo or with a guide, a map gives you confidence and awareness throughout the trek.

Overview of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route

Total Distance: ~177 km (110 miles)
Duration: 14–18 days
Highest Point: Larke La Pass (5,106 m / 16,752 ft)
Start Point: Soti Khola or Machha Khola
End Point: Dharapani (connects to the Annapurna Circuit)

Key Stops on the Map (Classic Itinerary)

Soti Khola (710 m) – Lush forests and waterfalls
Machha Khola (900 m) – Entry to Manaslu Conservation Area
Jagat (1,410 m) – Checkpoint for permits
Philim / Deng – Remote Tamang villages
Namrung (2,660 m) – First clear views of Manaslu
Lho (3,180 m) – Traditional Tibetan village
Samagaon (3,530 m) – Acclimatization stop, side trip to Manaslu Base Camp
Samdo (3,875 m) – Last village before the pass
Dharamsala (4,460 m) – Base camp for Larke La Pass
Larke La Pass (5,106 m) – High point of the trek
Bimthang (3,590 m) – Scenic alpine valley after the pass
Dharapani (1,963 m) – Connects to the Annapurna Circuit

? Trekking maps often include altitude profiles and estimated trekking hours per section to help manage pace and rest.

Altitude Profile and Acclimatization

The Manaslu trek includes a gradual ascent but still reaches above 5,000 meters. Proper acclimatization is key to avoid AMS (acute mountain sickness). Most maps will highlight rest days in Samagaon and Samdo, which are crucial for a safe climb over Larke La.

How to Use the Manaslu Circuit Map Effectively

✔ Track your elevation daily with an altitude chart
✔ Check distances between villages to plan overnight stops
✔ Note natural features like rivers, bridges, and landslide-prone areas
✔ Offline Navigation: Download maps using apps like Maps.me or Gaia GPS
✔ Paper Backup: Always carry a physical trekking map as backup

Highlights Along the Trek

Epic views of Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal
Crossing the dramatic Larke La Pass
Glacial lakes and river gorges
Remote Tibetan-influenced villages
Buddhist monasteries and prayer walls

Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit

Spring (March–May): Blooming rhododendrons, stable weather
Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and best mountain views
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold and snow at the pass, only for experienced trekkers
Monsoon (June–Aug): Risky due to landslides and poor visibility

Permit Requirements

To trek Manaslu, you need:

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Registered guide – Mandatory (individual trekking is not allowed)

Maps often mark checkpoints where permits are checked, such as Jagat and Sama Gaon.

Manaslu Circuit vs Other Treks

Feature	Manaslu Circuit	Everest Base Camp	Annapurna Circuit
Crowds	Low	High	Medium
Altitude	5,106 m	5,364 m	5,416 m
Duration	14–18 days	12–14 days	15–20 days
Culture	Tibetan-influenced	Sherpa	Mixed
Difficulty	Challenging	Moderate	Moderate-Challenging

Final Thoughts

The Manaslu Circuit Trek map is an essential tool for exploring one of Nepal’s most stunning and less-traveled regions. With dramatic landscapes, remote villages, and cultural richness, the trek offers a raw and authentic Himalayan experience. Understanding the map helps you trek smarter, stay safer, and truly enjoy every step of this incredible adventure.