Treks aroundManaslu

The homeland of the Gurkhas, the Manaslu region sits east of Annapurna and harbours an extraordinary concentration of life: 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 3 species of reptiles, 11 species of butterflies, and over 2,000 species of plant. Opened to trekkers in 1992, this area offers a rare combination of rich cultural heritage, unsurpassed beauty, and biological diversity that few other regions in Nepal can match.

Manaslu (8,163m) is the eighth highest peak in the world, located near the border of Nepal and Tibet. The name means "The Spirit Mountain" in the local dialect, referring to the benevolent and strong deity believed to dwell within. Few trekkers make the journey here, which makes a visit all the more unique and unspoiled.

The Region

Bordered by the Budi Gandaki River to the east and the Marshyangdi River to the west, the area is marked by two cultural landmarks: Gorkha, the ancestral seat of the reigning Shah dynasty, and the revered temple of Manakamana. As the trail climbs deeper into the mountains, closely packed stone houses projecting around courtyards reveal the strong influence of Tibetan culture.

Trekking Routes

• Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14-day restricted-area journey through the Budi Gandaki gorge, over the 5,106m Larkya La Pass, and down into the Marsyangdi valley. One of Nepal's finest long-distance routes.
• Tsum Valley extension adds a detour into a sacred Tibetan Buddhist valley that was closed to outsiders until 2008. Ancient monasteries, prayer walls, and a way of life unchanged for centuries.
• Manaslu-Annapurna Combination links both circuits via the Marsyangdi for an epic three-week traverse across two of Nepal's greatest mountain ranges.

Mountain Scenery

The trek holds one of the finest mountain panoramas in Nepal. Rising on either side of the trail are:

• Mt. Manaslu (8,163m)
• Mt. Buddha Himal (7,663m)
• Himal Chuli (7,893m)
• Ngadi Chuli (7,871m)
• Ganesh Himal (7,422m)

After a small ravine the trail enters Lho village, home to a Buddhist monastery with commanding views of the Manaslu massif.

Permits & Logistics

• Manaslu requires a minimum group of two trekkers and a licensed guide.
• Restricted-area permits and all logistics handled by Mountain Hawk Trek from Kathmandu.
• Both basic teahouse and camping options are available along the circuit.
• Best trekking window: September through May.