Manaslu Trekking: Journey to the Eighth Highest Peak
Manaslu Trekking is a well-loved and exhilarating route, offering a genuine adventure into pure Himalayan wilderness, pristine mountain views, and rich culture. Opened to trekkers in 1992 and protected by the Manaslu Conservation Area (established in 1998), this trek takes you to the base of the world’s eighth-highest peak, Mount Manaslu (8,163m / 26,775 ft).
Cultural and Environmental Diversity
Manaslu Circuit trekking is celebrated for its unparalleled beauty, biological diversity, and deep immersion into the unique cultural tapestry of the Nepalese Himalayas. The journey begins in the steamy lowlands with rice and millet terraces, ascending through the mighty gorges of the Budi Gandaki River, featuring turquoise waters and spectacular waterfalls. As the trail gains altitude, it transitions into lovely cool forests of rhododendrons, pines, oaks, and fir trees before reaching villages of strong Tibetan-Buddhist heritage.

The Trekking Route and High Pass
The trek is a complete circuit that connects a series of remote villages, offering opportunities to explore ancient monasteries and colorful chortens. Key cultural settlements include Namrung (2,630m), Lho (3,180m), and Samagaun (3,500m). Sama-Gaon is a traditional acclimatization point, allowing trekkers to rest and explore the village’s customs and monastery while enjoying scenic views of the Manaslu range.

The climax of the journey is the challenging ascent over the high mountain pass: the Larkya La Pass (approximately 5,167m / 16,952 ft). This pass offers an outstanding panorama of peaks, including Manaslu, Annapurna II (7,937m), Kang Garu, Cheo Himal, and Himalchuli, all festooned with Buddhist prayer flags.

After crossing the pass and descending, the route follows the Marshyangdi River downstream through the Manang area, eventually reaching a roadhead like Dharapani. From there, a scenic drive returns trekkers to Kathmandu, concluding a mesmerizing adventure on the Manaslu Circuit trekking.