What makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek a must-do trek in Nepal?
Stunning Mountain Views at every stride
Step after step along the Manaslu Circuit Trek shows off extraordinary mountain views. The enormous Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters) rises into the blue sky while it presents a unique appearance at every spot you explore on its circuit. Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli together with Ganesh Himal create an extraordinary mountain panorama which will leave you speechless during your journey.
You will experience the most breathtaking panorama at Larkya La Pass due to the 360-degree mountain views encircling your position. The unobstructed position lets you see Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal while they emerge in their colorful orange and pink dawn light. As night falls, the mountain slopes transition to show a beautiful purple color.
Occasionally, clouds move through mountains, creating enchanting views and the distant mountains seem close enough to reach but remain extremely distant and massive in scale. According to mountain enthusiasts, the Manaslu Circuit provides Nepal's most mesmerizing mountain vistas in every stride of the Manaslu region. Wanna know why? Well, you have to see it to believe!
Cultural Immersion throughout the journey
During your journey through the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will encounter many diverse people who show you their distinct local culture. You will pass through settlements inhabited by Gurung, Tibetan, Tsum and Nubri communities who have resided there for more than eight centuries. People within these communities greet you with warm smiles as they wave. You will discover the Gurung villages downslope where stone homes combine with window flower arrangements in vivid colors. The Gurung people sustain themselves through agricultural terracing and animal husbandry with goats and chickens.
When ascending higher altitudes, you will discover Tibetan-style settlements with prayer flags dancing in the air. The locals of Samagaon and Lho carry Tibetan features because they migrated there from Tibet during ancient times so they wear special hats along with thick woolen garments to protect themselves from the cold. The unspoiled beauty of slate-roofed houses with wood carving and painting will transport you back to the 90s era!
The people in these mountain regions follow Tibetan Buddhism and maintain numerous monk residences called gompas where they perform religious rituals through bell ringing. If you see big prayer wheels, spin them for good fortune!
You may witness local villagers performing festive celebrations through dancing and singing while dressed in bright traditional clothing. Women create stunning carpets and blankets that display narrative patterns. Maybe buy some as a souvenir?
Despite enduring harsh winter conditions and rugged mountain terrain, people living here maintain happiness and demonstrate compassionate behavior as they welcome you with warm smiles. Traveling the Manaslu Circuit Trek allows more than an ordinary hike because it provides the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with mountain locals, just like witnessing communities from centuries past.
Larkya La Pass: A challenge with amazing rewards
Larkya La Pass represents a challenge in the Manaslu Circuit Trekking but you will find it the most thrilling experience. At 5,160 meters (16,930 feet) above sea level, this high mountain pass stands as the highest point of your journey. Your climb begins at first light while the temperature remains freezing cold. But, the experience at the top is absolutely incredible!
From this vantage point, you can see spectacular mountain ranges including Mt. Manaslu, Samdo Peak, Larke Peak, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and more than 10 countable peaks stand in glory right before your eyes. People love to place colorful prayer flags at the summit area and take many joyful photographs. You will remember this day as your most remarkable experience of the entire journey. Capture this moment while it lasts!
A journey through varied landscapes
During the Trek to the Manaslu Circuit, you will experience various terrain types since the landscape changes continuously. Your journey begins within tropical green regions of banana forests near rivers and the environment here feels hot and humid. Thick forests contain tall trees of oak and rhododendron and the path is decorated with blossoming flowers. At higher altitudes, the trees become shorter and the temperature falls. You enter wide valleys that make it possible to see far valleys and mountains while cold streams flow through the alpine mountains. You will spot progressively fewer plants as small bushes start to appear among the rocky terrain. The rocky and dry trail leads to the Larkya La Pass with snow-covered sections before ascending back to the lower region with dense vegetation.
During a single trip, the Manaslu Circuit exposes you to diverse natural environments because of its variable landscape.
Manaslu Conservation Area: A living sanctuary of diverse flora and fauna
Mount Manaslu surrounds the particular protected location known as the Manaslu Conservation Area which provides a huge outdoor habitat for various plant and animal species. It is home to the Himalayan black bears, the red panda with its soft red fur and the Himalayan tahr that resembles a large mountain goat. Musk deer hide in forests while langur monkeys hop around the trees. Want to test your luck? Let’s see if you can spot the rare Snow Leopard.
Multiple bird species can be spotted throughout the area, starting with the Danphe (national bird of Nepal), followed by Himalayan monal, pheasants and high-flying eagles while small sunbirds dance between tree branches. Remember to take some time to watch them sing.
These lower elevations display dense woodlands containing sal, bamboo and ferns. As you climb in altitude, you encounter pine and oak trees which are surrounded by rhododendron bushes with red, pink, and white blooms and white orchids. Life at the highest elevations exists only through small groups of tough plants like juniper and blue poppies.
Manaslu Conservation Area is like walking through a living encyclopedia. Animal, birds and plant lovers, it's like your dream come true!
Birendra Lake: A Hidden Gem of Oasis
Hidden deep inside the mountain ranges of the Manaslu Circuit Trek stands Birendra Lake which reveals its blue waters to visitors but most people remain unaware of this hidden special spot.
Birendra Lake exists near Samagaon village at a height of 3,450 meters above sea level and the water in the lake maintains exceptional clarity which turns into a vibrant blue when sunlight hits it. Fun fact: The water changes color from blue to turquoise according to how the light hits it, interesting right? Local communities believe the lake has sacred significance and great importance. Large mountain peaks encircle Birendra Lake, letting you see their reflection in its water. The parallel view is surreal!
Mount Manaslu: Killer Mountain
Did you know that in this trek, you can get to be on the foothill of the world's eighth-tallest mountain, Mount Manaslu? The climbing community has named the mountain "Killer Mountain" because scaling its peaks creates dangerous situations for climbers. Sounds pretty intense!
The name "Manaslu" derives from a word meaning "spiritual mountain" in the local language. The local community holds faith in a spiritual presence on this holy peak while they have historically maintained religious reverence toward this sacred mountain for many generations.
After its first successful climb in 1956 by a Japanese team, many mountaineers have attempted to climb it yet not every climber has returned safely down.
As part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you experience Manaslu without attempting to scale its peak. Don’t worry! Walking through it creates numerous viewing perspectives where you can see the mountain from dramatic vantage points and each side of the mountain shows a different perspective. The snowy peak emerges from clouds as they clear to show its connection with the sky. A beauty that lives up to its name, Killer Mountain!
Rui La Pass: A detour to the Nepal-Tibet Border
The special high mountain pass Rui La Pass which is located at 4,998 meters (16,398 feet) and connects Nepal with Tibet which is part of China. For thousands of years, people have been utilizing this pathway for journeys and trading operations between Tibet and Nepal.
Rui La Pass enables you to witness distant Tibet from one direction while offering Nepal's landscapes in the other direction. You can see enormous mountain ranges together with broad river valleys although distant settlements appear as mere specks.
Distant traders previously transported salt, wool and grains through this pass using yaks as their mode of transportation. Although official trade no longer exists in this region, local inhabitants still maintain trading routes used by their ancestors.
To see Rui La Pass, you must apply for a special authorization because entry is restricted and the border access to Tibet is restricted so you can only observe Tibet from your position.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is nearby to Rui La Pass yet few trekkers actually visit it as they need to navigate away from the main trail from Samdo village to reach it. But trust me, it's worth a try! You can understand centuries of mountain communities' cross-border connections by standing at Rui La Pass which is close to even Upper Mustang.
Off beaten and Peaceful trails
Looking for a peaceful journey? No heavy crowd, just you, your silence and the company of nature? You will enjoy Trekking to Manaslu. Distinct from crowded mountain routes like Everest and the Annapurna Region, you will not encounter large groups during your adventure so you can have peaceful experiences with nature as bird and river sounds will give you a pleasant atmosphere. The trail leads you between small villages where you can see villagers living the way they did in past centuries. Everything is still the same, generation to generation!
The low number of visitors on the route helps nature remain pure and unaltered so the atmosphere feels crisp because all you hear are your foot movements and the natural wind. And the night sky? Oh, it's amazing! The night provides a clear view of countless brilliant stars which are not obscured by city lights. Mt Manaslu Trek is a peaceful journey through an off-beaten path and the untouched beauty of the Manaslu Region.
Reaching the Manaslu Base Camp
The Manaslu Circuit Trekking journey leads you to stand at the base of Mount Manaslu (8,163m) which ranks as the world's eighth-tallest peak. To stand next to this massive peak is something you will never forget!
As you follow the trail to reach Samagaon (3,530m) which functions as the base camp village, the friendly locals welcome you. A picturesque monastery sits in the village where prayer flags blow in the open air. The rest day at Samagaon village enables you to discover the community while immersing in local culture and appreciating serene mountain panoramas.
A walk from Samagaon enables trekkers to get closer to the Manaslu Base Camp. Walking towards the mountain reveals increasingly magnificent views and upon reaching the base camp, you will feel small like an ant.
Tsum Valley: Visit 2 iconic destination at once
Inside the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek lies the hidden paradise known as Tsum Valley. A peaceful valley hides its stunning beauty within this quiet location. Visiting Tsum Valley gives you the feeling of being in a different universe. Yes! It is a concealed treasure of the entire Manaslu trek. Those interested in cultural exploration should consider the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekwhich leads visitors to see ancient monasteries that hide in remote valleys (20 days) of Tsum.
Tall mountains surround the green farmlands which meet fast-flowing rivers throughout the valley. Traders from past generations used these trails as their path of movement. The air is fresh and clean. You can observe blue sheep leaping between rocks and bright birds performing songs from tree branches.
All people living in Tsum Valley practice Tibetan Buddhism and they show much kindness while constantly keeping their friendly expressions. Make sure to smile back and greet them! The houses are made of stone with wooden doors and windows while people wear thick woolen clothes. You will notice prayer wheels alongside colorful flags combined with multiple monasteries where the monks perform their devotions through prayer chanting while ringing the bells.
The ancient Milarepa Cave stands as a special highlight where a renowned Buddhist saint used this place for meditation during ancient times. The cave maintains a soothing silence so you can enjoy a moment in complete silence. What's more? Well, the Rachen Gompa stands as a major monastery with its huge collection of artistic wall paintings. The night sky displays millions of stars shining brightly and the atmosphere of the valley creates peace and inner joy while it makes your trek more special.
Manaslu Cicuit Trek Itinerary
You can choose any Manaslu Circuit Trek Package that meets your preferences. The Manaslu Circuit Trekking (16 days) provides complete mountain exposure with its journey across the high Larkya La Pass. Looking for a budget-friendly option? TheManaslu Budget Trek(13 days) provides great value for money because it visits all major attractions.
The Manaslu Round Trekspans 15 days and follows the same main path but modifies specific route segments. Short on time? The Short Manaslu Trekspans 10 days to show spectacular mountain valley views.
From snowy peaks to green valleys and friendly villages, all trekking routes showcase these beautiful features of the Manaslu Region. You have the flexibility to modify the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary according to your schedule and financial constraints. No matter which duration you select from a 10-day or 20-day option, you will have a remarkable Himalayan expedition. Your journey will become remarkable because it involves mountain landscapes, flowing streams and traditional local customs. Choose any trek that meets your particular interests and requirements.
Contact us at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition for a customized trek that fits your preference, budget and time! For mail query you can even mail us at info(a)destinationhimalayatreks.com or whats app, viber or call us at +977 9851016814.
Why is hiring a Manaslu Circuit Trek guide compulsory?
The government of Nepal established the Manaslu Region as a restricted tourist area for nature and cultural protection purposes. You must obtain permits to visit this area while a local guide stays with you from start to finish. Planning to do it solo? It is against the government's rules. You must have a partner and a local guide to enter this protected area.
These regulations exist for two essential purposes. First, security protection of the Nepal border with Tibet and second, protecting the villages together with their natural environment. The protective measures allow nature and culture to remain undisturbed and safe for future travelers to explore.
Here is a list of permits you need to acquire before your journey:
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Conclusion: Final Say
A trek around the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Route gives a magical Himalayan exploration in remote regions of Nepal. The trek presents an unmatched experience because it features mind-blowing mountain panoramas as well as quiet paths alongside vibrant Tibetan customs. Crossing at Larkya La Pass, reaching the foothill of Mount Manaslu, visiting remote villages and sacred monasteries delivers unique experiences that will be in our core memory.
Manaslu Circuit stands out from other trekking experiences by offering silent natural wonders including gleaming lakes, glaciers, rivers, mountain passes, and countless stars filling the night skies. The experience becomes remarkably memorable due to the welcoming expressions of local people and their timeless traditional practices.
Willing to sign up for this amazing trek in 2025 and 2026? Contact Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition to make your dream possible!
