Step Beyond the Crowds
If you’ve trekked with us before – maybe to Everest Base Camp, or through the Annapurna region – you’ll already know what makes the Himalaya so special. The Manaslu Circuit Nepal takes that same sense of adventure to a whole new level. You’ve felt the rhythm of the trails, the camaraderie that grows between trekkers, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from reaching each new milestone – and this trek captures all of that spirit in one breathtaking, less-travelled corner of Nepal.
Circling the world’s eighth-highest mountain, this spectacular journey offers a rare blend of challenge, culture, and tranquillity. It’s remote, raw, and breathtakingly beautiful – a place where ancient monasteries cling to hillsides, glaciers tumble from towering peaks, and the spirit of old Nepal still thrives.
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Why the Manaslu Circuit Nepal is the Next Great Trek
The Manaslu region only opened to trekkers in the early 1990s, and because of its restricted permit system, it has remained one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets. Where the Everest and Annapurna routes can be lively and busy, the Manaslu Circuit feels like stepping back in time.
You’ll walk beneath the shadow of Mount Manaslu (8,163 metres) – the “Mountain of the Spirit” – and follow the ancient trade routes once used by salt and wool merchants heading to Tibet. Along the way, you’ll cross dramatic suspension bridges, climb through lush forests and alpine valleys, and traverse one of Nepal’s most magnificent high mountain passes: the Larke La Pass.
For returning guests, this is the ideal next step – a chance to rediscover Nepal through new landscapes and experiences, with the same trusted team that has guided you before.
The Trail and the Villages
Your journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to the starting point at Machha Khola, a riverside settlement that marks the edge of the Manaslu Conservation Area. From there, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through a dramatic, narrow gorge.
- Machha Khola (1,400 m): The trek begins amid terraced hillsides and warm, subtropical air. The sound of the river stays with you as you head gradually north.
- Jagat (1,340 m): A picturesque stone village that serves as the official entry checkpoint to the Manaslu region. Here, the scenery starts to change – forests thicken, prayer flags appear, and the first mani walls line the path.
- Deng: The trail begins to feel more remote as you enter areas rich in Tibetan influence. The people here still farm barley and potatoes, and the architecture shifts to classic high-Himalayan style.
- Namrung and Lho: Higher up the valley, the views open up to reveal the snowy summits of Himal Chuli and Manaslu itself. The climb is steady, the air thinner, and the mountains seem to rise straight out of the forest.
- Samagaun (3,530 m): A highlight of the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal and one of the most beautiful villages you’ll encounter on this adventure. You’ll likely spend an acclimatisation day here – exploring monasteries, visiting the Manaslu Base Camp viewpoint, or simply soaking up the stillness.
- Samdo (3,860 m): Just below the Tibetan border, this village captures the rugged spirit of the region. Yak caravans still pass through, and the smiles of the local people reflect the warmth of mountain life.
- Dharamsala (4,460 m): The final outpost before your push to the pass. The nights here are cold, but the anticipation is palpable.
Each of these stops reveals another layer of the Himalaya – the shifting climate, the evolving culture, and the growing sense of isolation that comes with elevation.
The Larke La Pass – The Pinnacle of the Manaslu Circuit Nepal
Crossing the Larke La Pass (5,106 m) is one of the most thrilling moments on the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal. The day begins long before dawn, with headlamps cutting through the darkness as you ascend the final slopes.
As the sun begins to rise, the first light hits the surrounding peaks – Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal – and the views are nothing short of spectacular. The climb is challenging, but every step is rewarded with a panorama that will stay with you forever.
Standing on the pass, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, there’s a deep sense of accomplishment. It’s quieter here than on the more famous crossings in the Annapurna region, and that solitude makes it even more powerful.
The descent towards Bimthang is long but beautiful, winding through glacial moraines and alpine meadows before dropping into lush forest once again.
A Perfect Finish in Pokhara
After your trek concludes, you’ll return to the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara – a place every traveller to Nepal should experience at least once. Set beside the calm waters of Phewa Lake and framed by the snowy Annapurna range, Pokhara is the ideal place to relax and reflect on your journey.
You can take a boat out on the lake, visit the Peace Pagoda, or simply sit in one of the lakeside cafés watching the world go by. After the intensity of high-altitude trekking, Pokhara feels like the perfect balance – serene, vibrant, and full of life.
Why Trek with Us
At Trek Climb Ski Nepal, we’ve spent decades leading safe, successful, and unforgettable expeditions throughout the Himalaya. The Manaslu Circuit Nepal continues that tradition – expert Sherpa leadership, carefully planned itineraries, and our renowned all you can eat food policy ensuring every trekker is properly fuelled and cared for.
This journey is about more than just reaching a destination. It’s about discovery – of new landscapes, new cultures, and perhaps even new parts of yourself. For our returning guests, it’s a chance to see Nepal in a completely different light.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
If you’ve been dreaming about a new Himalayan challenge, the Manaslu Circuit Nepal is it. Remote, culturally rich, and jaw-droppingly beautiful – this is Nepal at its most authentic.
Join us for the next chapter of your trekking story. Let’s explore the wild side of the Himalaya together.
