Location & Heart:
Situated in north-central Nepal, bordering Tibet (China) to the north.
Centered around Mount Manaslu (8,163m / 26,781 ft), the 8th highest mountain in the world. Its name means “Mountain of the Spirit” or “Soul Mountain” (Sanskrit: Manasa).
Landscape & Environment:
Features a dramatic transition of ecosystems: Starts with lush, subtropical lowlands and terraced farms, climbs through dense rhododendron and pine forests, ascends into high alpine meadows, and culminates in stark, glaciated high Himalayan terrain.
Dominated by the deep, powerful Budhi Gandaki River gorge, which carves its way through the mountains.
Offers stunning views of Manaslu itself, as well as peaks like Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and more.
Generally wilder, more rugged, and less developed than the popular Annapurna and Everest regions.
Culture & People:
Predominantly inhabited by ethnic groups of Tibetan origin (Nubri and Tsum peoples).
Tibetan Buddhism is deeply ingrained in daily life. You’ll encounter ancient monasteries (gompas), intricately carved mani walls (stones inscribed with prayers), chortens (stupas), and prayer flags fluttering everywhere.
Traditional lifestyles are well-preserved due to historical remoteness and controlled tourism. Villages feature stone houses and terraced fields.
The Tsum Valley sub-region is particularly renowned for its unique, ancient culture and spiritual significance (“Tsum” means vivid).
Access & Status:
Restricted Area: To protect its culture, environment, and manage tourism, the Manaslu region requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This means:
Guides are Mandatory: You must trek with a registered Nepali guide.
Group Size Minimum: Usually requires a minimum group size (often 2 trekkers, including the guide counts as one).
Controlled Access: Limits numbers, preserving its pristine nature and cultural authenticity.
Less Crowded: Significantly fewer trekkers than Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, offering a more peaceful and immersive experience.
Overall Feel:
Offers a powerful combination of spectacular mountain scenery, a challenging trekking experience, and profound cultural immersion in a relatively untouched Himalayan environment.
Here are the key routes, building from the core circuit to extensions:
The Classic Manaslu Circuit Trek:
The Journey: Circles the entire Manaslu massif, following the Budhi Gandaki River upstream to its source near the Larkya Glacier, then crosses a high pass to descend into the Marsyangdi Valley (Annapurna region).
Start: Typically Soti Khola (reached by jeep from Kathmandu, ~8-10 hrs).
End: Dharapani or Besisahar (connecting to the Annapurna Circuit trail). Can also loop back without connecting to Annapurna.
Duration: 14-16 days is standard.
High Point: Crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,106m / 16,752 ft). This is a challenging but rewarding day with breathtaking panoramic views.
Experience: The definitive Manaslu experience. Traverses incredible diversity: steamy lowlands, deep gorges, Tibetan-style villages (like Samagaon & Samdo), high alpine terrain, and the dramatic pass crossing. Rich culture throughout.
Permits Required: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP – if ending in Dharapani/Besisahar), TIMS card.
The Tsum Valley Trek:
The Journey: Explores the sacred, hidden Tsum Valley, a northern branch off the main Manaslu Circuit trail. Accessed near Lokpa/Jagat.
Access Point: Branches off the Manaslu Circuit trail at Lokpa (around day 3-4 from Soti Khola).
Key Villages: Chumling, Chhekampar (Nile), Mu Gompa (ancient monastery).
Duration: Adding Tsum Valley as a side trip to the Manaslu Circuit typically adds 6-8 days. A standalone Tsum Valley out-and-back trek takes 10-12 days.
High Point: Reaching Mu Gompa (~3,700m) or Nile (~3,361m), the upper villages, immersed in spirituality.
Experience: Focuses intensely on ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, remoteness, and spirituality. Less about extreme altitude, more about cultural depth, stunning valley scenery, and unique traditions. Feels like stepping back centuries.
Permits Required: Separate Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in addition to the standard Manaslu RAP and MCAP.
Manaslu Circuit + Tsum Valley Combination:
The Journey: Integrates the Tsum Valley side trip into the full Manaslu Circuit loop.
Duration: 18-22 days.
Experience: The most comprehensive way to experience the entire region. Combines the scenic challenge and diversity of the Circuit with the unparalleled cultural depth of Tsum Valley. Requires significant time but is immensely rewarding.
Permits: Requires both the Manaslu RAP and the Tsum Valley RAP, plus MCAP and ACAP (if exiting to Annapurna).
Manaslu to Annapurna Circuit Extension:
The Journey: After completing the Manaslu Circuit (ending at Dharapani), you continue westwards onto the classic Annapurna Circuit trail.
Route: Dharapani -> Chame -> Manang -> Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) -> Muktinath -> Jomsom (or further).
Duration: Highly variable, but typically adds 10-14+ days to the standard Manaslu Circuit.
Experience: An epic Himalayan traverse combining two of Nepal’s greatest circuits. Offers immense variety but demands excellent fitness, time, and acclimatization.
Permits: Requires all Manaslu permits (RAP, MCAP) plus Annapurna permits (ACAP, TIMS).
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging. The Circuit involves long days, significant altitude gain (especially Larkya La), and remote sections. Tsum Valley is culturally intense but slightly less physically demanding altitude-wise. Good fitness and proper acclimatization are essential.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouses/Lodges are available along the main Circuit and Tsum Valley routes. Standards are simpler than Annapurna/Everest, but comfortable enough. Booking ahead is recommended in peak seasons (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr).
Best Seasons:
Autumn (October – November): Stable weather, clear skies, best mountain views. Peak season.
Spring (March – May): Warmer, rhododendrons in bloom, but potentially hazier and chance of pre-monsoon showers. Also very popular.
Winter (Dec – Feb): Very cold, especially at higher elevations, teahouses may close, snow on passes. Challenging.
Monsoon (June – September): Heavy rain, landslides, leeches, obscured views. Not recommended.
Why Choose Manaslu? For stunning, less crowded Himalayan scenery, authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture, a sense of adventure, and a challenging but achievable high pass crossing. It’s a fantastic alternative to the busier classics.
English 
Deutsch 
Français 
Português 
Español