Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028 – Best Elevation Guide

Altitude is the single biggest factor that determines whether you succeed or fail on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

I have guided this route more times than I can count, and I have seen strong, fit trekkers turn back because they did not respect the altitude. I have also seen older, less fit trekkers cross Larkya La with a smile because they understood how to manage their ascent.

The Manaslu Circuit takes you from 710 meters at Soti Khola to 5,160 meters at Larkya La Pass. That is a gain of over 4,400 meters in just over a week. Your body needs time to adapt, and you need to understand exactly what you are getting into at every stage.

This Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028 guide breaks down the altitude profile of the trek. I will tell you exactly what to expect at each elevation, how to acclimatize properly, and what the risks are at every stage.

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Quick Answer

What is the altitude profile of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2027 and 2028?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028 shows the route starts at 710m and reaches a maximum altitude of 5,160m at Larkya La Pass. The route has a gradual ascent profile with two built-in acclimatization days.

Key altitude milestones on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028:

Location	Altitude	Day (12-Day)
Soti Khola	710m	Day 1
Machha Khola	870m	Day 2
Jagat	1,340m	Day 2
Deng	1,860m	Day 3
Namrung	2,630m	Day 4
Lho	3,180m	Day 5
Sama Gaon	3,520m	Day 6
Samdo	3,860m	Day 8
Dharamsala	4,460m	Day 9
Larkya La Pass	5,160m	Day 10
Bimthang	3,720m	Day 10

Total elevation gain: Approximately 4,450 meters
Total elevation loss: Approximately 3,300 meters

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Key Takeaways from the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028

• ✅ The highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028 is Larkya La Pass at 5,160m
• ✅ The lowest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028 is Soti Khola at 710m
• ✅ Total elevation gain on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028 is approximately 4,450m
• ✅ The golden rule: never sleep more than 500m higher than the previous night
• ✅ Two acclimatization days are built into the standard itinerary on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028
• ✅ Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) risk increases significantly above 3,000m
• ✅ The body produces more red blood cells over 3-5 days at altitude
• ✅ Proper acclimatization increases success rate from 50% to 95%
• ✅ The Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028 shows 6 distinct altitude zones
• ✅ The longest day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028 is Larkya La crossing (8-10 hours)

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Why Altitude Matters on the Manaslu Circuit

Altitude is not just a number on a map. It affects everything about your trek.

What Happens to Your Body at Altitude

Elevation	Oxygen Level	Effect on Your Body
Sea Level	100%	Normal breathing, full energy
2,000m	80%	Slight breathlessness during exertion
3,000m	70%	Noticeable fatigue, possible headache
4,000m	60%	Significant fatigue, appetite loss
5,000m	50%	Your body works twice as hard for every step
5,160m (Larkya La)	49%	Extreme effort, limited endurance

Why Altitude is the #1 Challenge

Factor	Explanation
Oxygen is scarce	At 5,160m, there is half the oxygen available compared to sea level
Your body needs time	It takes 3-5 days for your body to produce more red blood cells
You cannot rush	Ascending too fast is the leading cause of AMS
Fitness is not protection	Even elite athletes get altitude sickness if they ascend too quickly
Descending is the only cure	There is no medication that replaces going down

The Golden Rule

Never sleep more than 500 meters higher than the previous night.

This rule is the foundation of all safe altitude trekking. The standard 12-day Manaslu itinerary follows this rule religiously.

For more on how altitude affects your body, read our AMS on Manaslu Circuit Trek guide.

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Complete Altitude Chart on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028

Here is the complete altitude profile of the Manaslu Circuit, organized by day and location.

Full Waypoint Table on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028

Day	Route	Altitude (m)	Cumulative Gain (m)	Cumulative Loss (m)
1	Kathmandu → Soti Khola	1,350 → 710	0	-640
2	Soti Khola → Machha Khola	710 → 870	+160	0
2	Machha Khola → Jagat	870 → 1,340	+470	0
3	Jagat → Deng	1,340 → 1,860	+520	0
4	Deng → Ghap	1,860 → 2,160	+300	0
4	Ghap → Namrung	2,160 → 2,630	+470	0
5	Namrung → Lho	2,630 → 3,180	+550	0
5	Lho → Sama Gaon	3,180 → 3,520	+340	0
6	Acclimatization (Sama Gaon)	3,520	0	0
7	Sama Gaon → Samdo	3,520 → 3,860	+340	0
8	Acclimatization (Samdo)	3,860	0	0
9	Samdo → Dharamsala	3,860 → 4,460	+600	0
10	Dharamsala → Larkya La	4,460 → 5,160	+700	0
10	Larkya La → Bimthang	5,160 → 3,720	0	-1,440
11	Bimthang → Tilije	3,720 → 2,300	0	-1,420
12	Tilije → Dharapani	2,300 → 1,860	0	-440
12	Dharapani → Kathmandu	1,860 → 1,350	0	-510

Altitude by Elevation Zone on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028

Zone	Elevation Range	Key Waypoints	What to Expect
Low Zone	710m – 1,340m	Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat	Warm, humid, tropical feel
Mid-Low Zone	1,340m – 2,160m	Deng, Ghap	Temperate forests, moderate temperatures
Transition Zone	2,160m – 2,630m	Namrung	First noticeable altitude effects
Alpine Zone	2,630m – 3,520m	Lho, Sama Gaon	Cold nights, spectacular views
High Alpine	3,520m – 3,860m	Samdo	Barren landscape, Tibetan influence
Extreme Zone	3,860m – 5,160m	Dharamsala, Larkya La	Very cold, low oxygen, maximum effort

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Day-by-Day Elevation Profile on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028

Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive)

Aspect	Detail
Elevation	1,350m → 710m
Change	-640m
Notes	You descend during the drive

No trekking today. The drive takes 7-8 hours.

Day 2: Soti Khola to Jagat

Aspect	Detail
Elevation	710m → 870m → 1,340m
Change	+160m then +470m
Total Gain	+630m
Notes	Moderate day, good start

This is your first day on the trail. The elevation gain is manageable, and you have a full day of walking. Your body begins the acclimatization process today.

Day 3: Jagat to Deng

Aspect	Detail
Elevation	1,340m → 1,860m
Change	+520m
Notes	Entering the gorge section

Another moderate day. The trail follows the river through a deep gorge. Your body is still well within safe altitude limits.

Day 4: Deng to Namrung

Aspect	Detail
Elevation	1,860m → 2,160m → 2,630m
Change	+300m then +470m
Total Gain	+770m
Notes	Biggest gain so far

You cross 2,500m today. Some trekkers start feeling the altitude at this stage. Headaches may appear, but they usually resolve with hydration.

Day 5: Namrung to Sama Gaon

Aspect	Detail
Elevation	2,630m → 3,180m → 3,520m
Change	+550m then +340m
Total Gain	+890m
Notes	Day with the most altitude gain

This is the most critical day before your first acclimatization stop. You gain 890 meters and sleep at 3,520m. This is above 3,000m, where the risk of AMS increases significantly.

Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon

Aspect	Detail
Elevation	3,520m
Change	0m (rest day)
Notes	Your body catches up

This is not a rest day – it is an acclimatization day. Your body needs time to produce more red blood cells. The optional hike to Pungyen Gompa (4,000m) helps you “sleep low, hike high.”

Day 7: Sama Gaon to Samdo

Aspect	Detail
Elevation	3,520m → 3,860m
Change	+340m
Notes	Short day, gentle gain

A short day gives your body more time to adapt. You gain only 340 meters, well within the safe 500m rule.

Day 8: Acclimatization Day at Samdo

Aspect	Detail
Elevation	3,860m
Change	0m (rest day)
Notes	Final adaptation before the pass

This is your second and final acclimatization day. The optional hike toward the Tibet border gives you altitude exposure above 4,000m without sleeping higher.

Day 9: Samdo to Dharamsala

Aspect	Detail
Elevation	3,860m → 4,460m
Change	+600m
Notes	Above 4,000m for the first time

You gain 600 meters today, which is slightly above the 500m rule. However, you have had two acclimatization days, so your body is ready. This is the highest you will sleep before the pass.

Day 10: Cross Larkya La to Bimthang

Aspect	Detail
Elevation	4,460m → 5,160m → 3,720m
Change	+700m then -1,440m
Notes	The hardest day

You climb 700 meters to the pass, then descend 1,440 meters. The ascent takes 4-5 hours. The descent takes 3-4 hours. This is the longest and most challenging day of the trek.

For a detailed guide on the pass crossing, read our Larkya La Pass Best Guide.

Day 11: Bimthang to Tilije

Aspect	Detail
Elevation	3,720m → 2,300m
Change	-1,420m
Notes	Steep descent, hard on the knees

You are now below 3,000m. Altitude is no longer a concern, but the steep descent can be tough on your knees.

Day 12: Tilije to Dharapani to Kathmandu

Aspect	Detail
Elevation	2,300m → 1,860m → 1,350m
Change	-440m then -510m
Notes	End of the trek

You are back to safe altitudes. The trek ends at Dharapani, and you drive back to Kathmandu.

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Acclimatization Strategy on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028

The Science of Acclimatization

Acclimatization is the process by which your body adapts to lower oxygen levels at high altitude.

Process	How It Works	Time Required
Increased breathing	You breathe faster and deeper	Immediate
Increased red blood cells	Your body produces more oxygen-carrying cells	3-5 days
Increased capillaries	Your body grows more blood vessels in muscles	Weeks to months
Increased mitochondria	Your cells become more efficient at using oxygen	Weeks to months

The first two processes are what matter on a 12-day trek. Your body starts producing more red blood cells within hours of arriving at altitude, but it takes 3-5 days to see the full effect.

The “Sleep Low, Hike High” Rule

This is the most effective acclimatization strategy.

Rule	How to Apply It
Sleep low	Always sleep at a lower altitude than the highest altitude you reached during the day
Hike high	Climb higher during the day (to 4,000m), then descend to sleep (at 3,520m)

This is why the acclimatization days are so important. You hike to a higher altitude during the day (Pungyen Gompa at 4,000m, Tibet border viewpoint at 4,200m) and then descend to sleep at a lower altitude (Sama Gaon at 3,520m, Samdo at 3,860m).

The Manaslu Acclimatization Schedule

Day	Action	Elevation	Why
Day 1-4	Gradual ascent	Below 2,630m	Builds base for altitude adaptation
Day 5	Ascend to Sama Gaon	3,520m	First night above 3,000m
Day 6	Acclimatization day	3,520m (sleep)	Sleep low, hike high to 4,000m
Day 7	Ascend to Samdo	3,860m	Gentle gain of only 340m
Day 8	Acclimatization day	3,860m (sleep)	Sleep low, hike high to 4,200m
Day 9	Ascend to Dharamsala	4,460m	Body is ready for 600m gain
Day 10	Cross Larkya La	5,160m	Summit day

Why This Schedule Works

Factor	Why It Works
Slow ascent	You never sleep more than 500m higher than the previous night (except Day 9, which is 600m after two acclimatization days)
Two rest days	Your body has two full days to produce red blood cells
Active acclimatization	You hike high during rest days, then sleep low
Gradual exposure	You are above 3,000m for 5 days before attempting the pass

For a complete day-by-day itinerary, read our Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary guide.

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Understanding AMS and Altitude Sickness

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?

AMS is the body’s reaction to lower oxygen levels at altitude. It can affect anyone, regardless of fitness or age.

AMS Risk by Elevation

Elevation	Risk of AMS	Notes
Below 2,000m	None	Safe altitude
2,000-3,000m	Low	Mild symptoms possible
3,000-4,000m	Moderate	Symptoms common in fast ascents
4,000-5,000m	High	Most AMS cases occur here
Above 5,000m	Very High	Extreme caution required

Symptoms of AMS

Mild AMS (Continue but monitor)	Moderate AMS (Consider descending)	Severe AMS (Descend immediately)
Mild headache	Severe headache	Severe headache not relieved by rest
Fatigue	Extreme fatigue	Confusion
Nausea	Vomiting	Vomiting
Dizziness	Disorientation	Blue lips or fingernails
Loss of appetite	Loss of coordination	Unable to walk straight

The Lake Louise Score

The Lake Louise Score is a medical tool used to diagnose AMS. Your guide will use this or a similar system.

Symptom	Score
Headache	0-3
Nausea/Vomiting	0-3
Fatigue	0-3
Dizziness	0-3
Sleep disturbance	0-3

Score interpretation:

• 0-3: No AMS
• 4-7: Mild AMS – monitor
• 8-11: Moderate AMS – consider descending
• 12-15: Severe AMS – descend immediately

For more on AMS prevention and treatment, read our AMS on Manaslu Circuit Trek guide.

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Altitude Zones and Their Effects

Zone 1: Low Zone (710m – 1,340m)

Aspect	Detail
Waypoints	Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat
Oxygen Level	92-95% of sea level
Effects	None
What to Do	Enjoy the walk, stay hydrated

Zone 2: Mid-Low Zone (1,340m – 2,160m)

Aspect	Detail
Waypoints	Deng, Ghap
Oxygen Level	85-90% of sea level
Effects	Mild breathlessness on steep sections
What to Do	Maintain steady pace, drink water

Zone 3: Transition Zone (2,160m – 2,630m)

Aspect	Detail
Waypoints	Namrung
Oxygen Level	80-85% of sea level
Effects	Noticeable fatigue, possible mild headache
What to Do	Start taking it slow, hydrate more

Zone 4: Alpine Zone (2,630m – 3,520m)

Aspect	Detail
Waypoints	Lho, Sama Gaon
Oxygen Level	70-78% of sea level
Effects	Headaches common, sleep disruption, appetite loss
What to Do	First acclimatization day, sleep low hike high

Zone 5: High Alpine (3,520m – 3,860m)

Aspect	Detail
Waypoints	Samdo
Oxygen Level	65-70% of sea level
Effects	Significant fatigue, lack of appetite, sleep issues
What to Do	Second acclimatization day, monitor symptoms

Zone 6: Extreme Zone (3,860m – 5,160m)

Aspect	Detail
Waypoints	Dharamsala, Larkya La
Oxygen Level	49-60% of sea level
Effects	Extreme effort, limited endurance, AMS risk high
What to Do	Sum day, descend immediately after pass

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Comparing Altitudes: Manaslu vs Other Treks

Trek	Highest Point	Elevation	Difficulty Ranking
Manaslu Circuit	Larkya La	5,160m	High
Annapurna Circuit	Thorong La	5,416m	High
Everest Base Camp	EBC	5,364m	High
Langtang Valley	Kyanjin Ri	4,773m	Moderate
Ghorepani Poon Hill	Poon Hill	3,210m	Low
Tsum Valley	Mu Gompa	3,700m	Moderate

Key comparison: Manaslu is higher than Tsum Valley and Langtang, but lower than EBC and Thorong La. However, the remote nature and limited escape options make the altitude risk on Manaslu comparable to higher treks.

For a detailed comparison, read our Manaslu Circuit vs Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit guides.

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The Importance of the Two Acclimatization Days

Why You Cannot Skip Acclimatization Days

Reason	Explanation
Red blood cell production	Your body needs 3-5 days to produce more red blood cells
Fluid balance	Your body needs time to adjust fluid levels at altitude
Sleep quality	Sleep is disrupted at altitude – rest days help you recover
Mental adaptation	The psychological effects of altitude are real and need time

What Happens If You Skip Acclimatization Days

Scenario	Success Rate	AMS Risk
With 2 acclimatization days	90-95%	Low
With 1 acclimatization day	70-80%	Moderate
With 0 acclimatization days	50-60%	High

The Two Acclimatization Days

Acclimatization Day	Location	What to Do
Day 1	Sama Gaon (3,520m)	Hike to Pungyen Gompa (4,000m)
Day 2	Samdo (3,860m)	Hike toward Tibet border (4,200m)

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Symptoms of AMS and When to Descend

The Descending Rule

Condition	Action
Mild AMS with no progression	Continue, monitor, hydrate
Mild AMS that worsens	Descend 300-500m
Moderate AMS	Descend immediately
Severe AMS	Emergency evacuation

How to Descend

Step	Action
1	Stop all ascent
2	Descend at least 300-500 meters
3	Stay at the lower altitude until symptoms improve
4	Do not ascend again until symptoms have been gone for 24 hours
5	If symptoms persist or worsen, continue descending

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Oxygen Levels at Each Elevation

Elevation	Oxygen Level (% of sea level)	Equivalent
Sea Level	100%	Normal
1,000m	90%	Normal breathlessness
2,000m	80%	Mild effort
3,000m	70%	Significant effort
4,000m	60%	High effort
5,000m	50%	Extreme effort
5,160m (Larkya La)	49%	Maximum effort

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028

Summary & Conclusion

Altitude is the defining factor of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Understanding your route’s elevation profile is essential for a successful trek.

Key Altitude Facts from the Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart 2027 & 2028:

• Highest point: Larkya La (5,160m)
• Lowest point: Soti Khola (710m)
• Total elevation gain: 4,450m
• Total elevation loss: 3,300m
• Acclimatization days: 2 (Sama Gaon and Samdo)
• Rule: Never sleep more than 500m higher than the previous night

The altitude chart tells a clear story:

Day	Elevation	Strategy
1-4	Below 2,630m	Build base fitness
5-6	3,520m	First acclimatization
7-8	3,860m	Second acclimatization
9	4,460m	Prepare for pass
10	5,160m	Summit and descend

Respect the altitude. Follow the acclimatization schedule. Listen to your body. And when you stand at 5,160 meters on Larkya La, you will know that every cautious step was worth it.

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Ready to conquer the Manaslu Circuit in 2027 or 2028?

Langtang Treks Pvt. Ltd. provides expert guidance to help you manage altitude safely.

Our services include:

• 🩺 Daily oxygen saturation checks
• 📋 Expert acclimatization guidance
• 🏔️ Experienced guides trained in altitude medicine
• 🚁 Emergency evacuation coordination (if needed)
• 💊 Advice on altitude medications

Our most popular packages:

• Manaslu Circuit Trek via Larkya Pass 12 Days – Perfect balance of challenge and acclimatization
• Round Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek 23 Days – Extended adventure

What our trekkers say: Read real reviews from trekkers who have completed the Manaslu Circuit with us on our TripAdvisor page.

Book your Manaslu Circuit Trek today.

📧 Email: [email protected]
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🌐 Website: www.langtangtreks.com

2027 and 2028 departures now filling fast. Secure your spot today.

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This guide was written by the trekking experts at Langtang Treks Pvt. Ltd. All information is accurate for 2027 and 2028 as of the publication date. Altitude regulations and medical recommendations are subject to change.