--- title: "Lho to Samagaun: Distance, Elevation and Acclimatisation…" description: "Plan the 8–10 km Lho to Samagaun stage with Shyala, the 3,180→3,530 m sleeping gain, open-valley exposure and a sensible arrival plan." canonical: "https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/lho-to-samagaun" last-updated: "2026-08-21T00:00:00+05:45" --- Daily stage # Lho to Samagaun: Distance, Elevation and Acclimatisation Guide Lho to Samagaun is usually a 4–5 hour, 8–10 km stage from about 3,180 m to 3,530 m. The net gain is modest on paper, but it is the first short high-valley move where sleep, appetite, headache and pace deserve more attention than an early arrival. Walk steadily through Shyala, carry treated water, and use Samagaun for food, gear recovery and a health check—not for a hard Manaslu Base Camp outing on arrival. **8–10 km**Planning distance **4–5 h**Typical walking time **3,180→3,530 m**Sleeping elevation **Shyala**Main stop DB **By [Dinesh Bhusal](/author-dinesh-bhusal)**4 min read **✓ Reviewed 21 Aug 2026** Information checked against current official and local sources. Fees, access, permits and transport can change. [Sources & methodology →](/data-methodology) Current information ✓ Last checked: 21 Aug 2026 Permits, fees, flights, border rules and operating conditions can change. We use official and current sources whenever possible and recommend reconfirming time-sensitive details before travel. [Official sources ↗](https://ntb.gov.np/mount-manaslu)[What to recheck →](/data-methodology) Details and source context Status Planning guidance reviewed Applies to Manaslu Circuit Trek Last checked 21 Aug 2026 On this page ## Stage at a glance This is a planning range, not a fixed timetable. Lodge location, side paths, weather, group pace and the exact route into Samagaun change the recorded distance and finish time. Swipe to view table → | Point | Approx. elevation | What it is for | | --- | --- | --- | | Lho | 3,180 m | Breakfast, water, symptom check and an early start. | | Shyala | about 3,500 m | Tea, possible lunch or refill; exposed to wind and weather. | | Samagaun | 3,530 m | Main upper-route base for lodging, supplies and acclimatisation. | | Manaslu Base Camp | about 4,800 m | Separate demanding side trip; not an arrival-day default. | ## Route sequence and terrain Leave Lho through forest and cultivated slopes before the path opens toward Shyala. The landscape becomes wider and more exposed, with mountain views, wind, cloud and direct sun changing quickly. From Shyala the route continues across the Sama valley before a gentler approach into Samagaun; the final kilometres can feel slower than the map suggests because altitude reduces walking speed. - Expect stone steps, uneven trail, short climbs and open high-valley ground. - Keep a layer, sun protection and rain shell accessible rather than buried in the main bag. - Allow the group to spread naturally without losing visual contact in exposed sections. ## Pace for the sleeping gain The stage gains roughly 350 m in sleeping elevation and follows the Namrung-to-Lho day that already brought the group above 3,000 m. A conversational pace, regular food and a calm arrival are more useful than reaching Samagaun before lunch. Report headache, nausea, unusual fatigue, dizziness, poor sleep or loss of coordination before moving higher; fitness and a short distance do not guarantee acclimatisation. - Start after breakfast with water and a snack in the daypack. - Use Shyala as a real pause, not only a photograph stop. - Do not add a strenuous side trip if someone is not recovering well. - Acclimatisation options for the following day include Birendra Lake, Pung Gyen Gompa, or a shorter valley walk based on individual energy. ## Water, meals and facilities Shyala is the main practical stop, but its tea, food and refill service depends on season, lodge operation and group timing. Leave Lho with enough treated water for the stage and confirm how the guide wants the group to refill. Samagaun has the broadest upper-route choice of teahouses, small shops and meals, but busy dates can still fill rooms and slow kitchens. - Treat tap or stream water by the method appropriate for your trip. - Carry a snack in case Shyala is closed or service is slow. - Use lodge toilets before leaving Lho and at Shyala or Samagaun; the open section has no dependable public facilities. - Expect paid charging and intermittent Wi-Fi; keep maps, permits, insurance and contacts offline. ## What to do after arrival Reach Samagaun, eat and hydrate before deciding what to do next. Dry damp layers, charge only essential devices, confirm the next night and review team health status. A short local walk may be appropriate for some trekkers, but arriving early is not a reason to force Manaslu Base Camp or another long climb. - Protect the same-day recovery window. - Confirm the acclimatisation plan and weather for the following day. - Keep the next sleeping elevation flexible if symptoms appear. - Do not continue upward with worsening altitude symptoms; follow the guide’s descent process. Continue planning ## Related planning guides [Related guide ### Samagaun Acclimatisation Day Samagaun Acclimatisation Day covers 4–14 km by option in about 3–8 hr. The route changes from Sleep 3,530 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.](/manaslu-circuit/samagaun-acclimatisation)[Related guide ### Trek Distance The complete circuit is commonly described as roughly 170–180 km, but totals vary with road endpoints, GPS method and side trips. Plan effort by daily stage, elevation change and time rather than one headline number.](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-distance)[Related guide ### Namrung to Lho Namrung to Lho covers 10–12 km in about 4–5 hr. The route changes from 2,630→3,180 m; accumulated climbing and descending make the stage more demanding than the net altitude difference suggests.](/manaslu-circuit/namrung-to-lho) Useful answers ## Frequently asked questions How long does Lho to Samagaun take?+ Allow about 4–5 hours for 8–10 km, but weather, pace, side paths, rest stops and altitude can extend the day. Is Lho to Samagaun difficult?+ It is shorter than several lower stages, but the route is above 3,000 m and open to wind and sun. The sleeping gain and recent altitude exposure matter more than the distance alone. Is Shyala a reliable lunch stop?+ Shyala is the main tea, food and refill point, but seasonal operation and service are not guaranteed. Carry water and a snack from Lho. Can I hike to Manaslu Base Camp after reaching Samagaun?+ It is better treated as a separate acclimatisation-day option. A hard Base Camp outing on arrival can reduce recovery before the next high stage. What if I develop a headache on this stage?+ Tell the guide, stop gaining elevation and describe the full symptom pattern. Do not continue higher while symptoms are worsening; use the route’s altitude-safety and descent plan. ## Sources & methodology Use the dated sources below for the claims they support. Recheck time-sensitive permits, fees, transport and border procedures before booking. [**Nepal Tourism Board — Mount Manaslu** ↗](https://ntb.gov.np/mount-manaslu) Continue planning ## Related Manaslu Circuit guides [Daily stage ### Samagaun Acclimatisation Day Read the Samagaun Acclimatisation Day guide →](/manaslu-circuit/samagaun-acclimatisation)[Daily stage ### Samagaun to Samdo Read the Samagaun to Samdo guide →](/manaslu-circuit/samagaun-to-samdo)[Daily stage ### Samdo Acclimatisation Day Read the Samdo Acclimatisation Day guide →](/manaslu-circuit/samdo-acclimatisation)[Daily stage ### Machha Khola to Jagat Read the Machha Khola to Jagat guide →](/manaslu-circuit/machha-khola-to-jagat) Personalised planning ## Plan Your Manaslu Circuit Journey Tell our Kathmandu-based planning team your travel dates, group size and preferred pace. We will help you shape a realistic Manaslu Circuit itinerary with clear inclusions and proper acclimatization buffers. [Plan with Amigo Treks →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[Ask on WhatsApp ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20a%20Manaslu%20Circuit%20journey.)[Back to Manaslu Circuit](/manaslu-circuit) Plan with context ## Custom Himalayan Route Planning Our Kathmandu operations team arranges itemised itineraries, verified permits, and private transport matched to your travel dates and pacing. [Request custom itinerary →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[WhatsApp a trip planner ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20Lho%20to%20Samagaun.)[← All Manaslu Circuit guides](/manaslu-circuit) Talk through the next decision ## Ask a trip planner about Lho to Samagaun. Share your name, contact details and one short question. The planning team will use the page context to start in the right place. 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