Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek Distance

Manaslu Annapurna Circuit trek distance is One of the most commonly asked questions before trekking on this challenging trek. The answer isn’t simple, as the total distance depends on the specific itinerary, chosen side trips, and starting/ending points. In this guide, we’ll break down the total distance, daily trekking lengths, and route variations to give you a complete picture of what to expect on this epic adventure.

On average, the combined Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit trek covers around 300–350 kilometers (186–217 miles). The exact distance depends on your entry/exit points and optional side hikes.

Here’s a breakdown:

Section	Approximate Distance
Arughat/Soti Khola to Larkya La (Manaslu)	180 km (112 miles)
Dharapani (Junction Point) to Thorong La Pass (Annapurna)	100 km (62 miles)
Thorong La to Jomsom/Tatopani	40–70 km (25–43 miles)
Total Estimated Distance	300–350 km (186–217 miles)

Note: Some itineraries also include Manaslu with Tilicho Lake or Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho lake and end at Pokhara, which can add more distance.

Daily Distance Breakdown

Here’s a typical 24-day itinerary combining both circuits with estimated distances per day:

Day	Route	Distance (km)	Notes
1	Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola	141	Long jeep ride
2	Soti Khola to Machha Khola	14	Moderate start
3	Machha Khola to Jagat	22	Enter restricted area
4	Jagat to Deng	20	Scenic riverside trail
5	Deng to Namrung	19	Starts gaining altitude
6	Namrung to Lho	11	Views of Manaslu begin
7	Lho to Samagaon	14	Acclimatization required
8	Acclimatization Day in Samagaon	5–7	Hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa
9	Samagaon to Samdo	17	Close to Tibet border
10	Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi)	13	Final stop before pass
11	Cross Larkya La (5,106m) to Bimthang	24	Long and challenging day
12	Bimthang to Dharapani	22	Join Annapurna Circuit here
13	Dharapani to Chame	16	Walk through pine forests
14	Chame to Pisang	15	Views of Annapurna II
15	Pisang to Manang	19	Beautiful Tibetan villages
16	Acclimatization Day in Manang	5–6	Hike to Ice Lake or Gangapurna
17	Manang to Yak Kharka	10	Steady altitude gain
18	Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi	7	Short but steep
19	Cross Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath	16	The highest point of the trek
20	Muktinath to Kagbeni	10	Enter Mustang
21	Kagbeni to Jomsom	11	Windy flat trail
22	Jomsom to Tatopani (by Jeep)	34	Optional hike adds ~25 km
23	Tatopani to Pokhara (via Beni)	94	End of trek
24	Rest Day in Pokhara	—	Celebrate the journey!

Depending on side treks, the itinerary might vary by a few days, and so will the distance.

Variations in Route and Distance

Several variations and options can add or reduce your trekking distance:

Side Trips that Add Distance

• Manaslu Base Camp from Samagaun (~8–10 km round trip)
• Pungyen Gompa (~5 km round trip)
• Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake from Manang (~10–12 km round trip)
• Tilicho Lake (adds 2 days and ~30–35 km)

Shortcuts That Reduce Distance

• Taking a jeep to Dharapani instead of trekking from Soti Khola (saves ~60 km)
• Ending the trek at Jomsom or Tatopani instead of continuing to Ghorepani or Pokhara on foot
• Skipping Tilicho Lake and other side trails

Tips to Tackle the Long Distance

• Train ahead – Start building endurance 1–2 months before the trek.
• Use trekking poles – Helps with knees on long descents.
• Stay hydrated and eat well – Fuel your body for the kilometers ahead.
• Acclimatize properly – Don’t skip rest days.
• Hire a guide/porter – They help manage pace and carry weight.
• Wear quality boots and gear – Comfort matters over long distances.

Ending Point and Return Options

The trek usually ends in Jomsom, Tatopani, or even Ghorepani Poon Hill for a scenic conclusion. From any of these, you can:

• Take a jeep or bus to Pokhara
• Catch a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (weather permitting)

Transport Choices and Their Impact on Distance

Some trekkers may choose to skip the first few days of walking by driving directly to Jagat or Dharapani on a local jeep, cutting down the total distance by 20 to 30 kilometers. On the other end of the trek, taking a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara or a jeep from Tatopani can also reduce the number of walking days.

However, many adventurers prefer to walk the full trail to absorb the dramatic shift in landscape from high alpine passes down to hot springs and rhododendron forests and to enjoy every moment of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Is the Long Distance Worth It?

Absolutely. While covering over 300 kilometers on foot might sound daunting at first, every step reveals a new layer of beauty—towering glaciers, chanting monks, blooming wildflowers, or a glimpse into centuries-old lifestyles untouched by modern civilization. The long-distance isn’t just a number; it’s a pathway to one of the most rewarding experiences Nepal has to offer.

What is the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you around Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) the eighth-highest peak in the world  offering a pristine trail rich in Tibetan culture, remote Himalayan villages, and dramatic mountain scenery. It reaches at Larkya La Pass (5,106m).

From there, the trek transitions into the Annapurna Circuit, one of the most famous trekking routes in the world. It circles the Annapurna massif and includes crossing the famed Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and connecting diverse landscapes from alpine meadows to subtropical forests.

Together, these treks form one of the longest, most scenic, and spiritually enriching long-distance trails in Nepal.

Is the Distance Manageable?

Yes with good acclimatization, a steady pace, and rest days, the total distance of 300–350 km is achievable for most trekkers with moderate fitness. However, due to the high altitude and steep terrain, it can feel harder than the distance suggests.

Daily hikes range from 10 to 22 kilometers, with only a few exceptionally long days like the Larkya La and Thorong La crossings.

Tags: annapurna, annapurna circuit, circuit trekking, larkya la pass, manaslu, nepal