Manaslu Himal
Manaslu Himal

Manaslu Region lies under the shadows of the Mansiri Himal and Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth highest mountain in the world. Home to some of Nepal’s spectacular off-the-beaten path treks. The region opened for commercial trekking as recent as 1991.

Manaslu Region is located in the historic Gorkha district in west central Nepal, between the Budhi Gandaki and Marshayngdi river valleys.

The soaring mountains and lush valleys provide a nurturing environment for several rare species of flora and fauna. Its rich bio-diversity is protected by the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP).

The region is famed for its unique and diverse culture. While the hilltop villages around the Budhi Gandaki river are predominantly Hindu, settlements to the north practice Tibetan Buddhism. The northern section of this region, the Tsum Valley, borders Tibet.

Named after Manaslu peak, known as the ‘Spirit Mountain’, Manaslu Region receives less number of trekkers than Annapurna and Everest regions. The region’s trekking routes pass through pristine scenery, epic views of Himalayan peaks and ancient settlements untouched by modern civilization.

As the trails are quite new, teahouse facilities en-route are mostly basic and utilitarian. While visiting remote places like the Tsum and Nubri valleys, which has remained untouched by outside influence for centuries. One may have to rely on camping or homestays lodges or teahouses may not be available.

Some of the most popular trekking trails in the Manaslu Region include the ones leading to Manaslu Circuit, Nubri Valley and Tsum Valley. Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular and challenging treks. The route covers a distance of 177km and goes around the Manaslu mountain. The circuit which starts from the Gurung villages, goes up to the Bhotia settlements of Nubri Valley and ends at the Marshyangdi River Valley in the Annapurna Region after a challenging crossing of Larkya La, a high mountain pass.

The route to Tsum Valley and Nubri Valley takes you to the ancient villages of Tsumbas and Bhotias whose lifestyle and culture are similar to the Tibetan highlanders. They are devout followers of Tibetan Buddhism. Some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Nepal are situated in Tsum Valley. Mu Monastery, established in 1895 and Rachen Gumba, a nunnery established in 1905, are two of the most important monasteries in the region.

Tsum Valley, also known as the ‘Hidden Valley’, was closed to outsiders till 2008. Milarepa, a Buddhist saint is said to have used the caves in this valley to meditate.

A rich storehouse of endangered flora and fauna, the area under Manaslu Region is protected by the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP). Covering an area of 1,669 sq. km., the conservation area provides a safe habitat for endangered animals like snow leopard, red panda, blue sheep and Himalayan musk deer.

The region is home to 110 species of birds including Tibetan snow cock, golden eagle, Himalayan griffon etc. The forest area is covered by rhododendron shrubs, Blue pine, fir, oak and juniper trees. The snow covered peaks of Manaslu, Baudha Himal, Singri Himal, Ngadi Chuli, Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal stretches across the region.

Trekking routes in the Manaslu Region offers you solitude and an immersive cultural experience. Far removed from modern civilization, the ancient trails and villages en-route take you to a forgotten era.

Hiking through this region is like taking a time travel to the past. Life in most of the villages seem medieval and untouched by modernity.

If you want to experience a slice of this unique region, you can choose any of the trek routes given below.

Trekking Routes

Tsum Valley Nepal
13 Days
$1,100.00
Tsum Valley Trek is an exhilarating journey to the sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley of Tsum. The trekking trail to Tsum valley was opened in 2008,...
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Manaslu Tsum Valley
18 Days
$1,480.00
Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek takes you across a wild trail that lies off-the-beaten path. Visit the remote and sacred Tsum Valley that was...
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Manaslu - Nar Phu
$2,100.00
Manaslu and Nar Phu Trek offers you a rare trekking experience in the hidden and less traveled areas of Nar Phu and Manaslu Region. The...
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Manaslu Circuit
12 Days
$1,050.00
Manaslu Circuit Short Trek is a popular trek in the Manaslu Region of Nepal which takes you through the less crowded trail to the 8th...
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Manaslu Trek Route
$2,100.00
Manaslu Nar Phu and Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you on an epic and remarkable journey to the remote villages of Nar and Phu, Manaslu region,...
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Manaslu Himal
21 Days
$1,700.00
Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek is a grand Himalayan trekking adventure that takes you across two mountainous regions in Nepal, Manaslu Region and Annapurna Region....
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