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Bus, Airlines
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3 Stars Hotels
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5,416 metres
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Kathmandu
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Feb, Mar, Apr & May
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Eco-Tour, Hiking
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All meals during the trek
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English, Spanish, French, Chinese
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Easy to Moderate
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2-15
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12
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65
Overview
Manaslu Round Trek journey sweeps you around Mount Manaslu, a towering 8,163 meter giant in Nepal’s Gorkha district, proudly wearing its crown as the world’s eighth highest peak. This isn’t just a hike; it’s a call to dive headfirst into landscapes so pure they take your breath away, cultures so alive they wrap around you like a warm blanket, and a quiet so deep it feels like the world’s paused just for you. Whether you’re after the rush of rugged trails or a chance to feel the heartbeat of nature and its people, the Manaslu Round Trek grabs you when your boots hit the dirt and don’t let go. Picture yourself starting in valleys so green they glow, where farmers carve terraces into the hills like steps for giants, and the breeze carries the earthy smell of pine mingled with the faint perfume of rhododendron flowers especially in spring, when the paths explode with blossoms like a painter’s palette gone wild. Then, as you push higher, the softness fades, replaced by a raw, rocky expanse where peaks like Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the colossal Manaslu rise, daring you to keep going. The climb to Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters is no picnic your legs will argue with every step but when you hit the top, it’s like the Himalayas throw open their arms: the Annapurna and Ganesh Himal ranges roll out in a view so vast it feels like you’re standing on the edge of forever. If you’ve got a soft spot for nature, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is your canvas forests with life give way to high meadows where delicate Himalayan herbs peek through the soil, their secrets known to local healers for generations. You might lock eyes with a Himalayan tahr perched on a ledge or spot blue sheep scampering where no one should dare, and if luck’s on your side, the Danphe Nepal’s national bird will flash its brilliant colors like a living jewel against the stone. But the real magic is the people who turn this trek into something you’ll carry in your soul. In hamlets like Samagaun and Lho, the Gurung and Tibetan folks greet you with quiet grins and cups of tea that steam in the cold, their lives stitched together with Buddhist threads prayer flags whip in the wind, old monasteries like Pungyen Gompa murmur with devotion, and stone walls etched with prayers beg you to stop and touch. Run your hand over a mani stone, listen to the distant chants of a Losar celebration, or just soak in the stillness you’ll feel the mountains breathing with you. Forget the packed paths of Everest or Annapurna; the Manaslu Round Trek is a rare find, a slice of untamed Nepal just right for those with a spark of courage and a craving for the real stuff. Think of cozy nights in teahouses, the glow of a fire lighting up weathered faces, or staring up at stars so bright they seem to whisper back these snapshots that stick long after you’re home.Ease into the altitude with breaks in Samdo or Samagaun, and keep a water bottle ready those mountain streams are crisp and begging to be sipped. The Manaslu Circuit Trek isn’t just about testing your stamina; it’s a love song to Nepal’s wild spirit and the people who shine in its shadow, linking you to peaks that have watched centuries pass and smiles that defy the cold.
Highlights
- Stunning Vistas of the Manaslu Massif Picture yourself trekking beneath the awe-inspiring bulk of Mount Manaslu, soaring to 8,163 meters as the world’s eighth-highest peak. The Manaslu Circuit Trek treats you to jaw-dropping views of this snow-clad giant alongside neighbors like Himlung Himal (7,126 m.), Cheo Himal (6,820 m.), and Kang Guru (6,981 m.). On clear days, glimpses of the distant Annapurna and Ganesh Himal ranges sneak into sight, their icy summits glowing under the sun. The sheer majesty of these mountains will stop you in your tracks, camera or not.
- Samagaun: A Himalayan Haven Nestled in a high-altitude valley, Samagaun is more than a pit stop—it’s a window into the soul of the Manaslu Round Trek. Towering peaks surround this remote village and offer a serene spot to acclimate while soaking up Tibetan-influenced culture. Wander to the nearby Birendra Lake, its turquoise waters mirroring the mountains, or visit the ancient Samagaun Gompa, where the quiet chants of monks mingle with the wind. It’s a place to pause, breathe, and feel the Himalayas wrap around you.
- Mastering the Larkya La Pass At 5,160 meters, the Larkya La Pass is the beating heart of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This steep, exhilarating climb isn’t for the faint of heart, but the reward is pure triumph. Standing at the top, you’re greeted by a 360-degree sweep of snow-draped peaks—Manaslu to one side, the Annapurna range to another. The thin air and endless views make every ounce of effort feel like a badge of honor, etched into your memory forever.
- The Sacred Serenity of Pungyen Gompa Tucked into the slopes near Samagaun, Pungyen Gompa is a spiritual gem of the Manaslu Round Trek. This ancient monastery, perched against rugged cliffs, radiates peace and history. Locals say it’s tied to Manaslu’s legends, and as you sit there, watching prayer flags flutter against the vast sky, you’ll feel a quiet connection to the mountain’s mystique. It’s a moment of calm amid the wild that lingers long after you’ve moved on.
- Lho Village: A Cultural Crossroads As you trek through the Manaslu Circuit, Lho Village offers a charming break with its blend of beauty and tradition. Stone houses cluster beneath the shadow of Manaslu, and the Ribung Monastery hums with the soft glow of butter lamps. The Tibetan-Buddhist locals here welcome you with warm smiles, and the view of the mountain from the village’s prayer-flag-draped hill is postcard-perfect. It’s a sweet slice of life on the trail, rich with heart.
- A Kaleidoscope of Landscapes Few treks rival the Manaslu Round Trek for sheer variety. One day, you’re dodging roots in rhododendron forests alive with crimson blooms; the next, you’re crunching across barren plateaus where the wind howls like a living thing. From the green embrace of the Budhi Gandaki Valley to the icy, windswept heights near Larkya La, the scenery shifts with every mile. It’s a daily dose of wonder that keeps your senses sharp and your spirit soaring.
- Wildlife Wonders of the Manaslu Region The Manaslu Round Trek winds through a biodiversity hotspot, and the wildlife adds a thrill to every step. Scan the cliffs for Himalayan tahr, their nimble hooves defying the steep drops, or watch blue sheep graze in high pastures. The Danphe pheasant, with its dazzling rainbow feathers, might dart across your path, while the rare snow leopard lurks in legend spotting one is a trekker’s holy grail. In this untamed corner of Nepal, nature feels close enough to touch.
