The Manaslu region surrounds the world's 8th highest peak, Manaslu (8,163m), in the Gorkha district of western Nepal. It is one of the least visited major trekking regions in the country - not because it lacks quality, but because the restricted area permit requirement filters out casual trekkers and preserves the extraordinary cultural and natural integrity of the region. The result is a Himalayan circuit that offers mountain scenery on par with the Annapurna and Everest regions but with a fraction of the tourist traffic. Trek through remote Tibetan-influenced villages where ancient Buddhist culture continues unchanged, cross the dramatic Larke La Pass (5,106m), and round the massive bulk of Manaslu on trails that feel genuinely wild and remote.
The region encompasses the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), which records 110 bird species, 33 mammals (including snow leopard and red panda), 11 butterfly species and 19 types of forest across its altitudinal range from 1,400m to 8,163m. The conservation area also contains the hidden Tsum Valley - a sacred Himalayan valley of Tibetan-origin Tsum people who have preserved an ancient Buddhist monastic culture for centuries, with magnificent monasteries (Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa nunnery), ancient mani walls, and views of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. Tsum Valley requires a separate restricted area permit and is still rarely visited by foreign trekkers - one of Nepal's genuine hidden treasures.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek (14-18 days) connects directly to the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani via the Larke La crossing, creating one of Nepal's great combined circuits (22-25 days total). This Manaslu-Annapurna Grand Circuit is becoming increasingly popular with experienced trekkers. For the history of the mountain itself, Manaslu was first climbed by a Japanese expedition in 1956 and remains one of the technically challenging 8,000m peaks. See our Nepal tour ideas page for itineraries combining Manaslu trekking with Kathmandu and Chitwan.
Three permits are required: (1) Restricted Area Permit (RAP) - USD 100 per person per week for the first 4 weeks, obtained through a registered Nepal trekking agency. Minimum 2 trekkers required. (2) Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) - NPR 3,000. (3) TIMS Card - NPR 2,000. Tsum Valley requires an additional restricted area permit. We arrange all permits for clients as part of our Manaslu trek packages.
Rated challenging. The primary challenge is Larke La Pass (5,106m) - a glaciated high crossing requiring an early morning departure (typically 4am) and good cardiovascular fitness. Prior high-altitude trekking experience above 4,500m is recommended. Daily walking of 5-8 hours on remote trails. Teahouse accommodation is available throughout but simpler than in the Annapurna or Everest regions. The circuit takes 14-18 days.
The Tsum Valley is a hidden Himalayan valley of the Tsumba people (Tibetan origin) behind the Ganesh Himal range. The valley has preserved an ancient Buddhist monastic culture for centuries - Mu Gompa monastery (3,700m) and Rachen Gompa nunnery are among the most atmospheric religious sites in Nepal. The valley receives very few foreign visitors due to the additional restricted area permit requirement. Views of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal are exceptional. This is one of Nepal's genuine remaining remote cultural experiences.
Yes - this is the Grand Circuit of Nepal, one of the country's great trekking adventures. The Manaslu Circuit connects to the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani after the Larke La crossing. The combined route takes 22-25 days from Arughat (Manaslu start) to Besisahar (Annapurna end). Both the Manaslu restricted area permit and ACAP are required. Contact us for Grand Circuit itinerary options.
October to November is best for the Circuit - clearest skies, stable weather, optimal Larke La conditions. March to May is the spring season with rhododendron blooms below 3,500m. The Tsum Valley is more feasible in monsoon (July-August) due to its rain shadow location. Avoid the Circuit in monsoon and winter (December to February) when Larke La may have dangerous snow conditions.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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