Manaslu Short Trek – 9 Days

You can extend your Manaslu Circuit Short Trek with optional acclimatization hikes to Ponkar Lake, Samdo Ri, and Rui La Pass. These side hikes require one extra day either at Bhimtang or Samdo and provide a deeper mountain experience beyond the standard trekking route.

Staying one more night in Bhimtang and hiking to Ponkar Lake changes the pace of your Manaslu Circuit Trek from a quick descent after Larkya La Pass into a slower and more rewarding alpine experience. Instead of heading straight toward Dharapani, you spend another day exploring glacial landscapes, alpine meadows, and quieter mountain terrain above Bhimtang. The trail begins gradually through yak pastures and open valleys before entering rougher moraine and glacial terrain. Compared to the busy main route, this side trail feels quieter and more remote. As you gain elevation, hanging glaciers, rocky cliffs, and snowy ridges begin to dominate the landscape.

Ponkar Lake sits below the glaciers connected to the Larkya region and collects icy meltwater flowing down from the mountains. Depending on the weather and sunlight, the lake changes shades from bright blue to darker tones. The peaceful surroundings, combined with dramatic mountain scenery, make it one of the hidden highlights of the Manaslu region. This optional day hike is especially rewarding for trekkers who want more time in the high Himalayas instead of descending immediately after crossing the pass.

Quick facts on this day hike:

• Extra day required: +1 day in Bhimtang
• Maximum elevation: Around 4,100 m at Ponkar Lake
• Walking time: 5 to 7 hours round trip, with time to rest near the lake
• Difficulty: Moderate (non-technical trail but includes rocky moraine sections and high-altitude walking)
• Trail: Gradual alpine trail from Bhimtang, followed by rocky glacial terrain near the lake
• Facilities: No teahouses or shops on the route
• Starting point: Bhimtang village
• Best for: Trekkers with an extra day in their itinerary, photographers, mountain landscape lovers, and anyone who prefers a quieter Himalayan experience away from the main trail

A glimpse of your Ponkar Lake day:

• Start after breakfast from Bhimtang
• Walk through alpine meadows and glacial valleys
• Climb gradually toward Ponkar Lake
• Enjoy peaceful mountain scenery and lake views
• Spend time exploring and taking photos near the lake
• Return to Bhimtang for overnight stay
• Continue trekking toward Dharapani the following day

Ponkar Lake View

The hike toward Rui La follows an old Himalayan trade route once used to move goods between Nepal and Tibet. Even today, you may still notice yak trails, stone shelters, and traces of the historic mountain trading path as you leave Samdo behind. As you gain elevation, the landscape gradually changes. The narrow valley begins opening into broader and drier high-altitude terrain, while Manaslu and nearby peaks appear behind you from different angles. Near the higher viewpoints close to Rui La, the scenery starts to resemble the Tibetan plateau.

On clear days, the route offers wide mountain views toward both Nepal and Tibet. Unlike the regular trekking trail, this side hike feels more remote and adventurous while also helping your body acclimatize before crossing Larkya La Pass. Since you return to sleep at Samdo after reaching higher elevation, the hike follows the recommended “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization method.

Quick facts on this day hike:

• Extra day required: +1 day in Samdo
• Maximum elevation: Around 4,900–5,000 m, depending on the final viewpoint reached
• Walking time: 5 to 7 hours round trip, including rest stops
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to high altitude, steady ascent, and exposed terrain
• Trail: Old Himalayan trade trail with dry and exposed high-altitude sections
• Facilities: No teahouses or shops on the route
• Starting point: Samdo village
• Best for: Trekkers preparing for Larkya La Pass, hikers interested in Tibetan-border landscapes, and anyone wanting a more adventurous acclimatization hike

A glimpse of your Rui La Pass day:

• Start after breakfast from Samdo with a light daypack
• Follow the old trade route toward the Tibetan border
• Gain elevation steadily with expanding mountain views
• Reach high viewpoints near Rui La
• Rest, take photos, and enjoy the scenery
• Return to Samdo for dinner and overnight stay

Trekker Group In Rui La Pass

Samdo Ri is the ridge that rises directly above Samdo village and offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The climb starts just behind the village and gradually gains elevation along rocky and dusty trails. As you continue upward, Samdo appears smaller below while the Budhi Gandaki Valley stretches far into the distance. Snowy ridges, Manaslu, Simnang Himal, and nearby Himalayan peaks slowly reveal themselves as you climb higher.

From the top viewpoint, you can look back toward Samagaun, ahead toward Larkya La Pass, and across toward the Tibetan side. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, and on clear days the views feel incredibly open and expansive. Although shorter than the Rui La hike, Samdo Ri still reaches impressive altitude and works very well for acclimatization. Since you return to the same lodge in Samdo, it helps your body adjust before crossing the high pass.

Quick facts on this day hike:

• Extra day required: +1 day in Samdo
• Maximum elevation: 4,800–5,000 m
• Walking time: 4 to 5 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate, but the steep uphill climb and altitude can make it feel more demanding
• Trail: Steep ridge trail with rocky and dusty sections
• Starting point: Samdo village
• Best for: Trekkers wanting a shorter acclimatization hike, photographers, and anyone interested in panoramic Himalayan views above the Manaslu region

A glimpse of your Samdo Ri day:

• Begin hiking after breakfast in Samdo
• Climb steadily above the village ridge
• Watch the valley and mountains open below you
• Reach the panoramic viewpoint near the prayer flags
• Spend time resting and enjoying the scenery
• Descend back to Samdo for overnight stay

Animal Grazing In Samdo Ri Route

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a short yet captivating journey through diverse landscapes. It offers a unique experience of two conservation areas: Manaslu and Annapurna. This off-the-beaten-path trek features breathtaking views of mountain peaks, including the majestic Manaslu mountain.

You can fully explore the Manaslu area, which is rich in cultural experiences, allowing trekkers to explore traditional Tibetan and Nepalese villages, monasteries, and local traditions. It is ideal for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural immersion in a less crowded setting.

Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and electricity are available in the Manaslu region. Although the Manaslu Circuit trekking route passes through varied and challenging terrain, you won’t be entirely cut off from communication during the trek. Many teahouses along the path have internet access, but you must pay a small fee to use it. As you ascend, the availability of a mobile network may become intermittent, and in some places, it may not be available at all. The network’s reliability is dependent on the prevailing weather conditions.

Electricity is accessible throughout the Manaslu Circuit Trek, with solar power being extensively utilized in higher altitudes. However, you’ll typically need to pay between USD 2 and USD 3 per hour to use electricity. Bringing a power bank is smart since charging larger batteries can be expensive. It’s more convenient and cost-effective.

You won’t find luxurious lodging on the Manaslu trekking route. Instead, you’ll stay in lodges or teahouses run by locals. These teahouses typically have a common area for eating and relaxing. During peak season, lodging at lower altitudes costs between $3 and $5 USD, while prices rise to about $7 to $10 USD at higher altitudes. In the off-season, accommodations at lower elevations cost $2 to USD 3, increasing to around $5 to USD 7 as you ascend.

The Manaslu region offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options. Typically, you’ll have breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Breakfast is usually provided in the lodge or teahouse, where you stay overnight, with options varying by altitude. Common breakfast dishes include Tibetan bread, cereals, paratha, pancakes, boiled eggs, and bread toast. Lunch is served at a tea shop along the trail, while dinner is provided in the overnight teahouse or lodge. The dishes for lunch and dinner are usually similar, featuring common foods such as dal bhaat, noodles, rice with curry, pasta, potato dishes, and Thenduk.

Manaslu is a restricted area where independent trekkers are not permitted. To enter this area, trekkers must obtain a special entry permit. Government regulations stipulate that trekkers must travel in groups of at least two people accompanied by a local guide. Additionally, three different permits are required for the trek, with an additional permit necessary for Tsum Valley.

The initial Manaslu restricted area trek permit is mandatory from Jagat until reaching Sama Gaun. Beyond Sama Gaun, another entry permit (ACAP) is required. The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) cost is determined by the duration spent between Jagat and Dharapani. The final RAP checkpoint is located in Sama Gaun.

From September to November, the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit costs $100 per person for the first seven days, with an additional $15 per person per day from the eighth day onwards, while from December to August, it is $75 per person for the first seven days, with an additional $10 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.

A Manaslu trek permit is necessary upon reaching Philim, marking the beginning of the Manaslu Conservation Area. The fee remains constant at USD 30 per person throughout the year, and there are no restrictions or price alterations based on the duration of stay within the MCAP.

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is the third permit necessary for trekkers entering the Manaslu region, as it also covers the Annapurna Circuit trails. It is priced at USD 30 per person and remains the same throughout the year. ACAP must be obtained from Dharapani and is valid until exiting at Besi Sahar. Accessing all these permits will allow you to explore the Manaslu region.

Certainly, the altitude presents one of the primary challenges when crossing the Larkya La Pass. Reaching an impressive elevation of 5,135 meters (16,847 feet), this pass necessitates acclimatization to mitigate the risk of altitude sickness. Adequate acclimatization, attained through a gentle ascent and allowing the body time to adjust to the diminished oxygen levels at higher altitudes, is imperative for a safe and successful journey.

Larkya La is one of the longest mountain passes in Nepal’s Himalayas, reaching an elevation of 5,106 meters above sea level. Larkya La is positioned between Dharmashala and Bimthang. It is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Crossing the Larkya La Pass is a challenging endeavor, primarily due to its high altitude. Acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness, making a slow ascent crucial for a safe and successful trek. The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable, with sudden temperature changes and the potential for snowfall even during the trekking season.