Manaslu Trekking Packages
Mountain of the Spirit
The eighth-highest mountain on Earth gives its name to one of the Himalaya's finest restricted-area treks. The Manaslu Circuit crosses the dramatic Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m, traversing Tibetan-influenced villages, glaciated valleys and high alpine wilderness.
Trips Starting from Manaslu Trekking Packages
Hand-crafted itineraries that start in Manaslu Trekking Packages — from a single sunrise day-trip to multi-week Himalayan expeditions.
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Japan's Mountain, Nepal's Treasure
Manaslu rises to 8,163 metres in the Gorkha district of central Nepal — the eighth-highest mountain on Earth. The name comes from the Sanskrit Manasa, meaning "intellect" or "spirit". A Japanese expedition led by Toshio Imanishi made the first ascent on 9 May 1956, and Manaslu has been informally called "Japan's mountain" ever since.
The Manaslu Conservation Area protects 1,663 km² of glaciated valleys, monsoonal forests and high pasture. The region opened to trekkers only in 1992 and remains a restricted area requiring a special permit and a registered guide. This combination of remoteness and rules keeps the trails far quieter than Annapurna or Everest.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek (12–16 days) is widely regarded as Nepal's finest classical trek. From the sub-tropical Budhi Gandaki river it climbs to Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m, descends through the Manang valley and connects to the upper Annapurna Circuit. Villages above Lho — Sama Gaon, Samdo, Bimthang — are ethnically Tibetan, with monasteries dating to the 16th century.
Things to do in Manaslu Trekking Packages
Standout experiences hand-picked by our local guides.
- 01Larkya La Pass CrossingA 5,160 m pass under Manaslu's north face — Nepal's most beautiful trekking pass with views of Annapurna II and Himlung Himal.
- 02Pungyen GompaA 16th-century monastery above Sama Gaon, the highest in the Manaslu region — featured in the film Himalaya.
- 03Tsum Valley Side-TripRestricted Tibetan-Buddhist sanctuary near the Tibet border, opened to trekkers only in 2008. Mu Gompa is its spiritual centre.
- 04Birendra LakeA milky turquoise glacial lake below Manaslu Base Camp — a side-trip from Sama Gaon at 3,520 m.
- 05Sama Gaon & SamdoTwo ethnic Tibetan villages above 3,500 m — homes of yak herders, salt traders and Buddhist monastics.
- 06Manaslu Base Camp Side-TripAn acclimatisation hike from Sama Gaon to 4,800 m — the springboard for every Manaslu summit attempt.
- 07Hot Springs at TatopaniNatural sulphur hot springs at the start of the trek — a soak before the steep climb up the Budhi Gandaki.
- 08Suspension BridgesSome of the highest and longest suspension bridges in Nepal cross the Budhi Gandaki river gorges.
Best time to visit Manaslu Trekking Packages
The Larkya La Pass is the key constraint. Spring and autumn give safe crossings; winter brings snow closure.
- ★ BEST SEASONSpringMarch – MayRhododendrons in the lower forests, stable pass conditions from mid-April, and warm afternoons. Wildflowers above Sama Gaon.-5°C – 15°C
- MONSOONSummerJune – AugustHeavy monsoon. The lower valleys are leech-prone and landslide-affected. Only the highest sections in the rain shadow are clear.10°C – 22°C
- ★ BEST SEASONAutumnSeptember – NovemberPeak season. October especially: stable weather, clear views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, harvest festivals in the Tibetan villages.-10°C – 12°C
- MONSOONWinterDecember – FebruaryLarkya La becomes too snow-bound to cross safely. Trails up to Sama Gaon remain accessible for committed winter trekkers.-20°C – 5°C