Manaslu,Nepal

• Mount Manaslu (8,163 m)
• Manaslu Circuit Trek (classic multi-day trek circling the massif)
• Larkya La Pass (5,160 m)
• Manaslu Base Camp and surrounding glaciers
• Sama Gaun (traditional mountain village and cultural hub)
• Pungyen (Pungyen Gompa) and other Buddhist monasteries
• Birendra Tal (Alpine lake near Sama Gaun)
• Manaslu Conservation Area

• High alpine scenery with glaciers, moraine valleys and steep ridgelines
• Remote, less-crowded trails compared with Everest and Annapurna regions
• Rich biodiversity: rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and species such as snow leopard, red panda and Himalayan thar (seasonal sightings)
• Traditional Tamang/Gurung villages with Tibetan-Buddhist culture and gompas
• Challenging high pass crossing (Larkya La) with panoramic views of eight-thousanders

• Multi-day trekking (Manaslu Circuit, Sama Gaun to Budi Gandaki routes)
• High-altitude mountaineering and expeditions to Manaslu (permit-restricted and technical)
• Cultural homestays and village visits (Sama Gaun, Jagat, Deng, Lho)
• Birdwatching and wildlife spotting in the Manaslu Conservation Area
• Photographic tours of mountain panoramas, local life and festivals
• Camping and tea-house trekking
• Acclimatization walks and short day hikes to nearby vantage points

Autumn (September–November) for stable weather and clear views, and Spring (March–May) for rhododendron blooms and milder conditions. Avoid the monsoon (June–August) for trekking due to heavy rainfall, landslides and poor visibility.

Alpine and highly variable: warm to mild at lower elevations in daytime during trekking seasons, cold nights at altitude, freezing conditions above ~4,000 m. Expect snow and strong winds on high passes (Larkya La) outside peak months. Monsoon brings heavy rain and cloud cover to lower and mid-elevations.

Start from Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport). Typical trek approach: drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola / Arughat / Machha Khola (road conditions vary; 6–10+ hours depending on road status; some routes longer). The trekhead is commonly at Soti Khola or Machha Khola and follows the Budhi Gandaki valley. Road improvements have shortened approach times but sections can be rough; 4x4 or jeep transfers are common for parts of the route. There is no nearby commercial airport serving the Manaslu Circuit—most access is by road and foot. Ensure arrangements with licensed guides/operators especially because the area is restricted.

For the full Manaslu Circuit including acclimatization and buffer days: 14–20 days. Shorter treks or basecamp visits can be done in 7–10 days depending on start/end points and fitness.

Layered clothing (base layers, insulating mid-layers, waterproof shell), warm down jacket, sturdy waterproof trekking boots, gaiters, thermal socks, hat and gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen, trekking poles, headlamp, lightweight crampons or microspikes and an ice axe when crossing Larkya La in snowy conditions, personal first-aid and altitude medication (consult a doctor).

Local cuisine: dal bhat (lentil rice with sides), momo (dumplings), Tibetan-style noodle and noodle soups, yak cheese and butter tea at higher elevations. Souvenirs: prayer flags, thangka paintings, handwoven woolen hats, scarves and blankets, local handicrafts from Tamang/Gurung communities.