Manaslu
Manaslu
The world's eighth highest summit at 8163 m, Manaslu lends its name to a national park and one of Nepal's most demanding treks, spanning 177 km via the Larke Pass.
Manaslu, the world's eighth highest peak
At 8163 metres above sea level, Manaslu is the globe's eighth tallest mountain. Located in central-western Nepal, east of the Annapurna range, it gives its name to Manaslu National Park, established in 1998 to protect a vast Himalayan territory still unspoiled by mass tourism. The Manaslu Circuit Trek, open to trekkers since 1991, attracts thousands of hikers each year seeking a wilder alternative to the classic Annapurna or Everest routes.
Why visit Manaslu?
The region offers one of Nepal's most complete trekking experiences: a 177 km hiking trail that takes approximately 14 days to complete, combining subtropical valleys, high-altitude forests, Tibetan villages and high glacial valleys. During the trek, ten peaks over 6500 metres remain visible, and crossing the Larke Pass (5200 m) stands as the highlight of the itinerary.
Compared to neighbouring treks, the Manaslu Circuit remains relatively untouched by crowds. The special permit required to enter the park naturally limits visitor numbers and preserves the authenticity of the villages along the route, where Tibetan Buddhist culture remains deeply rooted.
One of the Himalayas' most challenging ascents
Manaslu was first summited in 1956 by a Japanese expedition. Today there are nine established routes to reach the summit, but the climb remains highly technical. Expedition statistics from 2008 recorded 297 successful summits against 53 mountaineers who lost their lives on the mountain, making it, according to several rankings, one of the most dangerous peaks above 8000 metres, mentioned alongside Annapurna, K2 (Pakistan) and Nanga Parbat (Pakistan).
What to see and do in the region?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek
The classic route typically starts from Soti Khola or Machha Khola, follows the Budhi Gandaki valley, passes through the villages of Jagat, Namrung, Lho, Samagaon and Samdo, before crossing the Larke Pass into the Bimthang valley and reaching Dharapani. Allow 12 to 16 days of trekking depending on your pace and acclimatisation rest days.
Day trip to base camp
From Samagaon (3500 m), a day excursion allows you to reach Manaslu base camp and approach the glaciers without technical climbing.
Flora and fauna
The national park is home to remarkable biodiversity: snow leopards (small population), blue sheep, bears, golden eagles and Himalayan vultures. Vegetation changes with altitude: mixed forest up to 2000 m, then dry scrubland and wildflower meadows, before the eternal snows found above 5000 m.
Practical information
- Permits: a specific restricted permit for Manaslu is mandatory, in addition to the MCAP permit (conservation zone) and ACAP for the Annapurna side exit. Prices vary by season and should be factored into your budget.
- Guidance: the trek must be completed with an accredited guide and in a group of at least two trekkers.
- Level: challenging. Good physical fitness required, prior high-altitude trekking experience recommended.
- Accommodation: mountain lodges (teahouses) throughout the route, simple yet comfortable.
When to go?
The best periods are March to May (spring, rhododendrons in bloom) and September to November (autumn, clear skies). From June onwards, the monsoon brings near-constant fog that obscures the landscape and makes trails slippery. In winter, from December to February, the Larke Pass is frequently closed by snow.
How to get there?
From Kathmandu, access is by 4x4: expect about 7 hours of driving, with 4 hours on rough tracks, to reach Barpak (1915 m), Laphubesi or Dharapani depending on your trek direction. A faster but more expensive option is to reach the region by helicopter, with possible landing at Namrung (2650 m).
Worth combining with
Before or after the trek, several stops merit a detour. Kathmandu Durbar Square is an unmissable stop on arrival or departure. To extend your hike, the Annapurna region connected to the Manaslu Circuit on the Dharapani side allows you to link multiple itineraries. For shorter escapes in the Kathmandu Valley, Kirtipur, Bungamati and Changu Narayan offer a glimpse into Newar heritage.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is classified as challenging. Crossing the Larke Pass at 5200 m requires good acclimatisation, and daily stages alternate between extended ascents and descents. Prior experience with high-altitude trekking is recommended.
Yes. The Manaslu region is classified as a restricted zone: an official guide and a group of at least two trekkers are mandatory, along with specific permits.
Plan for approximately 14 days of trekking for the 177 km circuit, to which you should add travel days to and from Kathmandu, making a total trip of 17 to 20 days.
Summiting Manaslu at 8163 m ranks among the Himalayas' highest-risk climbs, with a high fatality rate according to expedition statistics. The Circuit Trek, by contrast, presents no such technical dangers when properly guided.
March to May and September to November. The monsoon (June-August) brings very poor visibility, and winter often closes the Larke Pass.
Prepare your journey
Manaslu remains one of Nepal's great Himalayan crossings still largely unspoiled. To incorporate this trek into a broader itinerary or discuss organisation options, explore our Nepal trips.
Interested in this visit?
We can include it in your personalised itinerary.
