--- title: "Manaslu Circuit Trek Map: Route, Distance and Elevation" description: "The Manaslu Circuit map runs from the Machha Khola road corridor through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaun and Samdo, over Larkya La, then down through Bimthang,…" canonical: "https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-map" last-updated: "2026-08-21T00:00:00+05:45" --- Map & navigation # Manaslu Circuit Trek Map: Route, Distance and Elevation The Manaslu Circuit follows the Budhi Gandaki north from Machha Khola through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaun and Samdo, crosses Larkya La and descends through Bimthang and Tilije to Dharapani. A map helps you understand the altitude and route sequence, but roads, landslides, snow and side trips change the practical line, so carry an offline map and follow the licensed guide. **~177 km**Common full-route estimate **5,106 m**Highest mapped point **11 stages**Core walking route **2 stops**Acclimatisation 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) On this page ## How to read the route map The map is a planning diagram rather than a survey or navigation replacement. It distinguishes road approaches from walking stages, highlights the restricted corridor, and shows the large altitude change between Dharamsala, Larkya La and Bimthang. ## Budhi Gandaki and restricted corridor From Machha Khola the route repeatedly crosses the Budhi Gandaki while gaining height through Jagat, Philim, Deng and Namrung. The restricted-area section begins around Jagat and continues through the upper Nubri valley toward Samdo and the pass. ## Acclimatisation and side trips - Samagaun: Birendra Lake, Pung Gyen Gompa and a carefully paced Manaslu Base Camp approach. - Samdo: short ridge or valley hike while returning to sleep at Samdo. - Do not use a side trip to compensate for an itinerary that already ascends too quickly. ## Larkya La crossing and western descent The pass-day route climbs from Dharamsala toward Larkya La, then descends steeply and often unevenly to Bimthang. The route continues through forest to Tilije and Dharapani, where vehicles connect toward Besisahar and Kathmandu. ## Distance and elevation uncertainty Published circuit distances commonly cluster around 170–180 km when road transfers and route variants are counted differently. Likewise, maps may label Larkya La around 5,106–5,160 m. This guide uses 5,106 m consistently while acknowledging mapping variation. ## Read the map as a route sequence Separate the road approach from the walking stages. The lower route follows the Budhi Gandaki through bridges, villages and changing road conditions, while the upper Nubri section becomes more remote and altitude-sensitive. Mark the actual sleeping village, not only a named attraction, because the sleeping profile drives acclimatization. The high section builds through Samagaun and Samdo toward Dharamsala and Larkya La. The crossing then descends steeply toward Bimthang before the route returns through forest and villages to Tilije and Dharapani. The map cannot promise a pass opening, room or vehicle on a specific date. - Mark road, walking and vehicle-pickup sections separately. - Keep the highest sleeping nights visible beside the route. - Download an offline map before leaving Kathmandu. ## Use side trips without breaking the plan Samagaun and Samdo offer acclimatization walks such as Birendra Lake, Pungyen Gompa or a short ridge, depending on health and local conditions. Side trips should be gentle and return to the planned sleeping altitude. They should not compensate for an itinerary that already climbs too quickly. Published circuit distances vary because of road endpoints, GPS recording, side trips and route diversions. Likewise, maps label Larkya La slightly differently. Ask the operator for the actual walking hours, elevation profile, guide ratio, pass alternatives and the decision process when snow or road damage changes the line. - Keep a turnaround time for high side trips. - Carry spare battery power and a paper contact list. - Let current local conditions override an old map track. ## Choose the route that fits the day you have Before you book or set out for route map, keep these details visible in the plan: Common full-route estimate: ~177 km; Highest mapped point: 5,106 m; Core walking route: 11 stages; Acclimatisation: 2 stops For this route map guide, the right choice depends on the hardest stage, the highest sleeping point, transport exposure and the time left after a delay. Read the route as a sequence of decisions rather than as a list of attractions. - Write down the start, finish, overnight stops and fallback for the key day. - Protect recovery and departure time before adding another stop. - Ask the operator to explain what changes when weather, health or access disrupts the plan. ## Check the day-to-day fit For this route map guide, compare the actual start, finish, overnight stops, longest day, highest sleeping point and transport exposure. For Route map, two routes with similar names can feel completely different once stairs, road delays, weather and recovery time are included. Ask what the group does when the main viewpoint, pass, road or lodge is unavailable on this route map plan. For Route map, a good itinerary shows a lower or slower alternative and protects time before the next flight or international connection. - Choose the route that matches the group's real pace. - Protect a buffer before a critical departure. - Ask how an early finish or changed route affects cost and transport. Continue planning ## Related planning guides [Related guide ### Altitude Profile 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.](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-altitude-profile)[Related guide ### Kathmandu to Machha Khola Allow a full day for Kathmandu to Machha Khola. The journey combines highway, hill road and rough river-corridor sections; 7–10 hours is a planning range, not a promise.](/manaslu-circuit/kathmandu-to-machha-khola)[Related guide ### Machha Khola vs Jagat start Machha Khola preserves two meaningful lower-valley stages and more gradual entry into trekking; Jagat reduces walking but adds rough-road exposure and can alter the restricted-permit entry date. The better start depends on current road access, available days and whether the lower trail matters to you.](/manaslu-circuit/machha-khola-start-vs-jagat-start) Useful answers ## Frequently asked questions Can I navigate with this map alone?+ No. Carry an offline topographic map and follow the licensed guide; snow, landslides and road changes can alter the practical route. Is the map downloadable?+ Yes. Use the download link beneath the route diagram for an accessible SVG planning map. Why do published distances differ?+ GPS recording, road endpoints, side trips and route variants produce different totals. Can I navigate the Manaslu Circuit with a map alone?+ No. Carry an offline topographic map as a backup, but follow a licensed local guide because snow, landslides, road changes and restricted checkpoints can alter the practical route. Why do Manaslu distances differ online?+ Road endpoints, side trips, GPS settings, trail diversions and whether the route counts vehicle sections create different totals. Compare the day-by-day walking stages instead. Where are the main acclimatization stops on the map?+ Samagaun is the usual key acclimatization stop, with a gentler daytime walk before Samdo and Dharamsala. The guide should adjust the plan if symptoms or conditions change. ## 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) [**Nepal Department of Immigration — Trekking Route and Permit Fee** ↗](https://immigration.gov.np/trekking-route-and-permit-fee) Continue planning ## Related Manaslu Circuit guides [Route data ### Trek Distance Read the Trek Distance guide →](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-distance)[Route planning ### Detailed itinerary Read the Detailed itinerary guide →](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-itinerary)[Budget planning ### Detailed trek cost Read the Detailed trek cost guide →](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-cost)[Official documents ### Permits and current fees Read the Permits and current fees guide →](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-permits) 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%20Route%20map.)[← All Manaslu Circuit guides](/manaslu-circuit) Talk through the next decision ## Ask a trip planner about Route map. 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 Usually replied to within 1 business day. This is not an emergency channel or medical assessment. **Send a short planning request**Name and a short message are required. Add an email or phone number so we know where to reply. Your name * Email (or phone; one required) Phone (or email; one required) Short message *At least 10 characters. Do not send passport, payment or medical documents. I agree that Amigo Treks & Expedition may use my message and related technical attribution to reply to my request. [Read the Privacy Policy.](/privacy-policy) * The submission includes technical attribution such as IP-derived location, device type and pages visited before sending. 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-trek-map#discussion)[Sign in](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/login?redirect=%2Fmanaslu-circuit%2Fmanaslu-circuit-trek-map%23discussion)[Create an account](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/register?redirect=%2Fmanaslu-circuit%2Fmanaslu-circuit-trek-map%23discussion) Verified accounts share firsthand field notes; new submissions are moderated for accuracy. ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/#organization","name":"Himalayan Travel Guide","description":"A practical, source-aware travel planning library for Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Mount Kailash and the wider Himalaya, published at nepaltibetbhutan.com.","url":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/#logo","url":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/_next/static/images/himalayan-travel-guide-logo.webp"},"founder":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/author-dinesh-bhusal#person"},"parentOrganization":{"@id":"https://www.amigotrekking.com/#organization"},"sameAs":["https://www.amigotrekking.com/"],"address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Kathmandu","addressCountry":"NP"},"contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"editorial corrections","email":"info@amigotrekking.com"}},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.amigotrekking.com/#organization","name":"Amigo Treks \u0026 Expedition","url":"https://www.amigotrekking.com/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/#website","name":"Himalayan Travel Guide","url":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-map#webpage","url":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-map","name":"Manaslu Circuit Trek Map: Route, Distance and Elevation","description":"The Manaslu Circuit map runs from the Machha Khola road corridor through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaun and Samdo, over Larkya La, then down through Bimthang, Tilije and Dharapani. Use it for planning, not as a replacement for current local navigation.","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/#website"},"dateModified":"2026-08-21T00:00:00+05:45","mainEntity":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-map#article"}},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-map#article","headline":"Manaslu Circuit Trek Map: Route, Distance and Elevation","description":"The Manaslu Circuit map runs from the Machha Khola road corridor through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaun and Samdo, over Larkya La, then down through Bimthang, Tilije and Dharapani. Use it for planning, not as a replacement for current local navigation.","url":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-map","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-map#webpage"},"inLanguage":"en","dateModified":"2026-08-21T00:00:00+05:45","author":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/author-dinesh-bhusal#person"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/author-dinesh-bhusal#person","name":"Dinesh Bhusal","jobTitle":"Director \u0026 Co-Founder, Amigo Treks \u0026 Expedition; Editorial Lead, Himalayan Travel Guide","description":"Himalayan travel professional and licensed trekking operator with over 15 years of field operations experience leading and managing routes across Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Mount Kailash.","url":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/author-dinesh-bhusal","worksFor":{"@id":"https://www.amigotrekking.com/#organization"},"knowsAbout":["Himalayan trekking logistics","High-altitude acclimatization planning","Nepal trekking permits and regulations","Everest Base Camp route management","Annapurna Sanctuary \u0026 Circuit operations","Manaslu restricted-area access","Langtang Valley trekking","Mount Kailash \u0026 Lake Mansarovar pilgrimage logistics","Tibet overland travel permits","Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) planning","Mountain safety \u0026 emergency response"],"sameAs":["https://www.amigotrekking.com/blog/author/admin/","https://www.amigotrekking.com/about-us"]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-map#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Himalayan home","item":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Manaslu Circuit guides","item":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/guides"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Route map","item":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-map"}]},{"@type":"FAQPage","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-map#faq","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I navigate with this map alone?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. Carry an offline topographic map and follow the licensed guide; snow, landslides and road changes can alter the practical route."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is the map downloadable?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Use the download link beneath the route diagram for an accessible SVG planning map."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Why do published distances differ?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"GPS recording, road endpoints, side trips and route variants produce different totals."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I navigate the Manaslu Circuit with a map alone?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. Carry an offline topographic map as a backup, but follow a licensed local guide because snow, landslides, road changes and restricted checkpoints can alter the practical route."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Why do Manaslu distances differ online?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Road endpoints, side trips, GPS settings, trail diversions and whether the route counts vehicle sections create different totals. Compare the day-by-day walking stages instead."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Where are the main acclimatization stops on the map?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Samagaun is the usual key acclimatization stop, with a gentler daytime walk before Samdo and Dharamsala. The guide should adjust the plan if symptoms or conditions change."}}]}]} ```