Manaslu Region Trek is the area around Mount Manaslu, one of the highest mountains in the world. Manaslu Region Trek is about the close view of Mt. Manaslu along with the cultural and natural sight of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Manaslu Region Trek is not famous and popular as the Everest Region Trek and Annapurna Region Trek of Nepal. This makes Manaslu Region Trek one of the unspoiled and less crowded trekking trail as well as Manaslu misses to be appreciated and explored by the travelers.
Uniquely, Manaslu Region Trek is still loved and chose by the travelers looking for quiet and restful trekking trails rather than the one which is already loved, popularized, and widely visited. In the same token, we, the Nepal Adventure team, have prepared a complete information portal about Manaslu Region Trek from Mt. Manaslu, Manaslu Conservation Area, Trekking routes, Transportation to Accommodation.
Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world at 8,163m/ 27,781 ft above the sea level. It lies in the west-central part of Nepal at Mansiri Himalayas. It is also the highest peak of the Gorkha district of Nepal and nearby Annapurna Range of Nepal. The literal meaning of Manaslu is “mountain of the spirit” and derived from the Sanskrit word “Manasa” meaning intellect or soul. Manaslu is also known as Kutang.
The major peaks of the Mansiri Himal range: Manaslu, Nagadi Chuli, Himalchuli. There are other major peaks in the region, namely Himalchuli (7,893 m or 25,896 ft), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m or 25,823 ft), Shringi (7,187 m or 23,579 ft), Langpo (6,668 m or 21,877 ft) and Saula (6,235 m or 20,456 ft).
Manaslu was first climbed on May 9, 1956, by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, members of a Japanese expedition. Mt. Manaslu expedition is thrilling as well as peaceful due to the speechless views and less crowd.
Latest expedition in 2020 to Mt. Manaslu: Royal Autumn Summit to Mt.Manaslu
Manaslu Conservation Area was declared in 1998 with the basic objective of achieving conservation and sustainable management of the natural resources and rich cultural heritage and to promote ecotourism to improve the livelihood of the local people in the MCA region.
Manaslu Region is a mountainous region in the northern part of the Gorkha District. It has a fragile but diverse natural resource base and a rich cultural environment. MCA encompasses an area 1,663 sq.km.
Manaslu Conservation Area has recorded 9,000 inhabitants living in MCA and over 2,000 species of plants, 39 mammals, 201 birds, 3 reptiles, and 11 butterflies in 11 types of forest. Ecologically, MCA has a diverse range of habitats that boast varieties of rare flora and fauna such as Snow leopard, Lynx, Musk deer, Red fox, Jackal, Brown bear, and their prey species such as Blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan serow, Wooly hare and Himalayan marmot. It is also home to a variety of birds like Snow partridge, Tibetan snowcock, Chukar partridge, Himalayan griffon, Golden eagle, among others, including diverse plant communities. (source: National Trust for Nature Conservation, NTNC)
In like manner, conservation of wildlife in the area has been achieved by monks of the monasteries in the area by putting a hunting ban in place which supported wildlife to prosper.
Local examples of the harmony between religion and environmental conservation can be seen throughout the region, as Lamas (religious leaders) from the monasteries prohibit any kind of violence against wildlife. This has been hugely consequential in the prosperity of wildlife in MCA.
Nepal is profoundly an example of a delicious blend of culture and nature. Manaslu Region Trek does carry the same elegant feature of Nepal, of being the artistically beautiful in both culture and natural ways.
While encountering the wild fauna and flora in Manaslu Trekking trails, travelers undoubtedly enjoy the authentic local culture much influenced by Tibetan culture. Especially, Tsum valley is an excellent presentation of Tibetan culture which was opened for foreigners just a decade ago. The influence can be seen vividly as the Tibetan border is not so far from the valley. Actually, it is an ancient salt-trading route along the Budhi Gandaki River.
The region is highly populated by two ethnicities: Nubri and Tsum and the central hills are resided by Gurung. People’s culture in the region is equally unique with most people of Tibetan origin following Buddhism. Economically, they rely on agriculture, animal husbandry system, trade, and tourism-related enterprises. Agricultural production is very limited due to limited agricultural land, lack of irrigation, low temperature for long periods, and low rainfall.
The rich cultural heritage is evident in the several large Buddhist monasteries like Shringi Gompa in Bihi, Mu, and Rachen Gompas in Chhekampar. Lokpa village is believed to be blessed by Padmashamva centuries ago. There are monasteries as Panago Gimpa, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gompa at Chumling village.
Mu Gompa, the largest monastery of Manaslu Trek, was established in 1895 AD and includes religious books including Kangyur, a life-size statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. Additionally, the historical Dephyudonma monastery connected with the dawn of Buddhism run by Lama, on the lap of the rugged mountains, is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum valley.
Rachen Gompa, established in the year 1905 AD, is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum valley. The interior of the Gompa is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history.
Piren Phu cave is another sacred cave located at foot of a rugged cliff nearby Burji village. The famous Tibetan saint named Milarepa was believed to have meditated in the cave as his footprint is imprinted on the cave. There are two separate monasteries that are attached to the rocky cave. They have abundantly painted with Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on the stones, long prayer flags and Buddhist paper scripts are in them. These make them the most importation socio-cultural asset of the Manaslu Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trails includes glaciers and moraine which is well decorated by Chortens and monasteries with an enormous prayer compass making traveler melts within the route. While passing luring Larkya La pass, the mani walls and the prayer flags hung on the route, signifying the closeness of the Larkya La Pass. If you travel, make sure to taste traditional Butter tea and local snacks.
Only in 1991, Nepal Government permitted to trek in the Manaslu Region where most of the areas are still restricted and demands permit. Manaslu has a range to offer to trekkers, from the beautiful scenery of the majestic Himalayan ranges and high altitude glacier lakes to rich biological and cultural diversity. The trekking trail follows an ancient salt-trading route along the Budhi Gandaki River.
En route, 10 peaks over 6,500 metres (21,300 ft) are visible, including a few over 7,000m/23,000 ft. Namely, Himalchuli (7,893 m or 25,896 ft), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m or 25,823 ft), Shringi (7,187 m/ 23,579 ft), Langpo (6,668 m /21,877 ft) and Saula (6,235 m/ 20,456 ft), Lamjung Himal (6,983m/22,910ft ), Annapurna (8,091/ 26,545ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26.795 ft) and Ganesh Himal range.
The popular Trekking trails of Manaslu Region:
Short Manaslu Circuit Trek powers the travelers to explore the Manaslu Region in a short span of time by showcasing a pleasant blend of nature, the fusion of Nepali, and Tibetan cultural elements around the world’s 8th highest mountain.
You will drive to Soti Khola and begin to walk towards Larkya La pass (5160m/ 16,752 ft), the highest elevation of Manaslu Circuit Trek by crossing a number of villages as Deng, Namrung, Sama Gaon, Samdo, Dharamsala, Bumthang. You will be staying at those villages and able to closely observe their lifestyle and culture along with their religious values and beliefs. Further details about itinerary, cost, services: Short Manaslu Circuit Trek-11 Days.
Manaslu Larkya La Pass Trekking is one of the challenging trekking routes in the Manaslu region. This is amazing trekking trips as travelers have an opportunity to explore around Manaslu (8,163 m/26,782ft). Travelers also get to land at Manaslu Base Camp(4848m/15,906 ft) as well as Larkya La pass (5,106 meters/16,752 ft). This provides the scenic mountain view of Manaslu and Annapurna region. You can check the detailed itinerary, route, services, cost at Manaslu Larkya Pass Trekking
Tsum Valley Trek is one of the exciting and hidden mountain valleys in the Manaslu region. It is also regarded to be a sacred valley practicing Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Tsum Valley Trek leads you closer to the ancient cultural artifacts and elements. Just a decade ago, Tsum valley is accessible to foreigners yet it is located in a restricted area of the Manaslu Region. You can follow the link Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek for detailed itinerary, elements, experiences, and cost related to TSum Valley.
When you are a trek lover and an adventurer seeking the challenges to explore nature and culture, you need to go for Manaslu Tsum Valley and Larkya Pass Trek. It has an itinerary of 20 days leading to close observation of monasteries and mountains through peaceful trails and innocent settlements. It is combined with the trip to high mountain pass, rocky and sloppy mountain range, along with the incredible valley, picturesque settlements of various ethnic communities residing alongside the trail. Check the itinerary at Manaslu Tsum Valley and Larkya Pass Trek and plan your long vacation in the wilderness.
Above mentioned trekking packages are managed by us, Nepal Adventure Team, as per the requirement of acclimatization. While trekking in higher altitude, one should of careful to cope with thin air and altitude sickness. You can also customize the itinerary as per your need. The packages facilitate travelers with experienced guides and porters.
If you have ever been the part of Trekking in Nepal, you are aware of the teahouse lodge widely operating in trekking trails of Nepal. These tea house lodges are not made of concrete and not well equipped like the lodges of the city area. Though Everest Region Trek and Annapurna Region Trek has much improved hotels, lodges, restaurants, cafes, and shops in comparison to Manaslu Region Trek.
Above all, Manaslu Region trek facilities to the basic accommodation despite high altitude, no transportation services, and no modern facilities as in city areas. While in Kathmandu, you can have varieties of options for your accommodation from 2 stars hotels, boutique hotels, 5 stars hotels to luxurious resorts. As you leave Kathmandu behind and move ahead towards the Manaslu Region, your first stop will be Soti Khola, a small town. From there the journey of varieties of tea house lodges begins.
Usually, there are wooden houses with common bathroom/ toilets. The room includes basic amenities as two single bed, a blanket, and a table. It is better to carry battery backup for your cameras and phone. There is no cellular service in higher areas of the region.
Since you are trekking in Manaslu Region, the only transportation is to trek through remote trails passing forests, villages, banks of rivers, ridges, and mountains. Firstly, you will have a drive to Arughat, Gorkha. In packages offered, transportation includes a local bus ride from Kathmandu - Arughat and local jeep to Soti Khola. You can also choose to reserve a jeep, van, or car to Arughat as per your group size and comfort. From Soti Khola there is no road so horses/ ponies are used to carry goods and people. While returning, you make land to different towns but the way to return to Kathmandu is by road. However, if you plan to combine Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit trek, you may fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Nepal Adventure Team is flexible at customizing trekking packages as per the traveler's request.
Manaslu Region trek entirely goes through Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area. This enables travelers to enjoy the crisp mountain view, crackling culture as well as to observe the diverse flora and fauna. Accordingly, each traveler has to take permits to trek in the Manaslu Region. Details:
Manaslu Conservation Area permit fee:
(Required for above 10 years age)
(Required for above 10 years age)
Manaslu Restricted Area permit fee:
For SAARC countries:
For other nationals:
Tsum Valley Permit fee:
Trekking in Nepal Permit fees’ Terms:
If you book trekking packages with trekking and Travel Company of Nepal like Nepal Adventure Team, it will all be included in the package. You can check our home page for details of different trekking, tour, hiking, peak climbing, jungle safari, helicopter sightseeing, festival tour packages of Nepal.
