---
title: "Manaslu Circuit Altitude Profile: Village Heights and…"
description: "The route rises from about 930 m at Machha Khola to 5,106 m at Larkya La, with key sleeping stops at Samagaun 3,530 m, Samdo 3,860 m and Dharamsala about…"
canonical: "https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-altitude-profile"
last-updated: "2026-08-21T00:00:00+05:45"
---

Elevation

# Manaslu Circuit Altitude Profile: Village Heights and Acclimatisation

The route rises from about 930 m at Machha Khola to 5,106 m at Larkya La, with key sleeping stops at Samagaun 3,530 m, Samdo 3,860 m and Dharamsala about 4,460 m before descending to Bimthang.

**930 m**Machha Khola

**3,530 m**Samagaun

**5,106 m**Larkya La

**3,590 m**Bimthang

DB
**By [Dinesh Bhusal](/author-dinesh-bhusal)**3 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

## Critical sleeping elevations

- Namrung 2,630 m; Lho 3,180 m; Samagaun 3,530 m.

- Samdo 3,860 m; Dharamsala about 4,460 m.

- Bimthang about 3,590 m after the pass.

## Published height variation

Map editions and GPS records vary. This site uses 5,106 m for Larkya La consistently and labels alternative figures as mapping variation rather than changing the number page by page.

## Read the profile by sleeping altitude

The route rises from the lower Budhi Gandaki corridor to Samagaun, Samdo and Dharamsala before Larkya La, then descends toward Bimthang. A daytime pass height and a sleeping height create different stresses, so both belong in the plan.

- Check every overnight, not only the highest point.

- Keep Samagaun and Samdo decisions tied to symptoms and recovery.

- Verify whether the route has a realistic lower fallback.

- Do not treat a chart as permission to ascend when unwell.

## Acclimatization is an active decision

A rest day is useful only when the itinerary uses it sensibly: sleep at the planned elevation, take an appropriate short walk and return to the same night stop. More exertion is not automatically better acclimatization.

- Report headache, nausea, unusual fatigue, dizziness or poor coordination early.

- Avoid alcohol and unnecessary exertion at higher stops.

- Use the guide's health and descent process rather than a fixed calendar.

## Why published heights differ

Map editions and GPS records vary, so figures should be used as planning references rather than survey precision. Keep one consistent set of numbers in the itinerary and explain any meaningful uncertainty to travelers.

Local Planning Note · Amigo Treks Team
**Field advice**

Altitude illness can be serious. This guide is general planning information and does not replace a clinician's advice.

Continue planning

## Related planning guides

[Related guide
### Manaslu altitude sickness

Know symptoms and descent decisions.](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-altitude-sickness)[Related guide
### Larkya La guide

Plan the high-pass stage separately.](/manaslu-circuit/larkya-la-pass-guide)[Related guide
### Manaslu itinerary

Match sleeping elevations with acclimatization days.](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-itinerary)

Useful answers

## Frequently asked questions

What should I know before starting this section of the Manaslu Circuit?+
The route rises from about 930 m at Machha Khola to 5,106 m at Larkya La, with key sleeping stops at Samagaun 3,530 m, Samdo 3,860 m and Dharamsala about 4,460 m before descending to Bimthang.
Are licensed guides mandatory on the Manaslu Circuit?+
Yes. For Altitude Profile, manaslu is a restricted area: the Nepal Department of Immigration requires foreign trekkers to travel with a licensed guide through a registered agency, in a group of at least two. One guide may lead a maximum of 7 trekkers, so larger groups add another guide. The same guide rule applies across Nepal's restricted areas, including Upper Mustang and the Tsum Valley.
How do teahouse accommodations and meal ordering work here?+
Teahouses offer twin-share rooms and home-cooked meals (dal bhat, soups, porridge, noodles). In peak season, dinner orders are placed in the late afternoon for timely service.
What altitude precautions should be followed on this route?+
For Altitude Profile, ascend gradually, maintain good hydration, and immediately report symptoms such as persistent headache, nausea, or dizziness to the guide.
What is the highest point on Manaslu Circuit?+
Larkya La is commonly listed around 5,106 m, but map references vary slightly. Treat the pass and the surrounding sleeping altitudes as separate decisions.
Where should I acclimatize?+
The route commonly uses Samagaun and a lighter higher-stage plan before Dharamsala, but the exact arrangement should follow the operator and the traveler's response.
Can fit trekkers still get altitude sickness?+
Yes. Fitness does not prevent altitude illness; ascent rate, sleeping elevation, health and individual response matter.

## 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)

[**NTNC online conservation-area permit portal** ↗](https://epermit.ntnc.org.np/)

[**NTNC permit support: fees, documents, children and payment** ↗](https://epermit.ntnc.org.np/support)

Continue planning

## Related Manaslu Circuit guides

[Safety
### Altitude safety

Read the Altitude safety guide →](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-altitude-sickness)[Village guide
### Machha Khola on the Manaslu Circuit

Read the Machha Khola on the Manaslu Circuit guide →](/manaslu-circuit/machha-khola)[Village guide
### Jagat on the Manaslu Circuit

Read the Jagat on the Manaslu Circuit guide →](/manaslu-circuit/jagat-manaslu)[Village guide
### Philim on the Manaslu Circuit

Read the Philim on the Manaslu Circuit guide →](/manaslu-circuit/philim-manaslu)

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%20Altitude%20Profile.)[← All Manaslu Circuit guides](/manaslu-circuit)

Talk through the next decision

## Ask a trip planner about Altitude Profile.

Share your name, contact details and one short question. The planning team will use the page context to start in the right place.

Your request goes directly to [Amigo Treks & Expedition](https://www.amigotrekking.com/), our Kathmandu-based trekking and tour team.

The submission includes technical attribution such as IP-derived location, device type and pages visited before sending. See the Privacy Policy. [Read the Privacy Policy.](/privacy-policy)

- Route and pace fit for your dates

- Practical trade-offs and fallback options

- A reply from the local planning team

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Community Insights

## Route Experiences & Field Updates

Recent field reports, route conditions, and practical observations shared by travellers and local leaders.

[Explore Community Discussions](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-altitude-profile#discussion)[Sign in](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/login?redirect=%2Fmanaslu-circuit%2Fmanaslu-circuit-altitude-profile%23discussion)[Create an account](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/register?redirect=%2Fmanaslu-circuit%2Fmanaslu-circuit-altitude-profile%23discussion)

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