Circumnavigate Mount Manaslu (8,163m) — the world's eighth-highest peak — through uncrowded gorge trails, Tibetan-Nubri villages, ancient gompas, and across the glaciated Larkya La Pass (5,106m). Explore Geography →
Established in 1998, the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) encompasses 1,663 km² in Gorkha District. Named after Mt. Manaslu (from Sanskrit Manasa, meaning "Mountain of the Spirit"), this protected region was only opened to foreign trekkers in 1991 under strict restricted-area regulations designed to preserve indigenous Buddhist culture.
The region divides into two legendary trekking valleys:
Following the dramatic Budhi Gandaki River gorge northward past Samagaon and Samdo before making the high alpine traverse across Larkya La Pass (5,106m) into Dharapani.
A hidden sacred valley branching east at Lokpa. Revered as a sacred Buddhist sanctuary of complete non-violence where animal slaughter is forbidden by centuries-old decree.
From the classic 15-day circuit to combined 22-day Tsum Valley expeditions.
MOST POPULAR
Circumnavigate Mt. Manaslu along the roaring Budhi Gandaki river through pine and rhododendron forests, stone-paved Nubri villages, Manaslu Base Camp day hike, and across Larkya La Pass (5,106m).
SACRED VALLEY
Venture into the hidden "Valley of Happiness" — a pristine sanctuary where ancient nunneries like Rachen Gompa and isolated high-altitude monasteries like Mu Gompa stand beneath Ganesh Himal.
FULL EXPEDITION
The ultimate Himalayan exploration combining the sacred spiritual seclusion of the Tsum Valley with the complete circumnavigation of Mount Manaslu across Larkya La Pass.
TWO PASSES
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m) into Dharapani and continue directly into the Annapurna Circuit to conquer Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — two legendary 5,000m+ Himalayan passes in one epic expedition.
Manaslu is a strictly regulated restricted area requiring a minimum group size of 2 trekkers and a certified licensed guide.
Autumn peak rate: USD $100 for first 7 days, then $15 per additional day. Mandatory restricted area permit.
Spring/Winter rate: USD $75 for first 7 days, then $10 per additional day.
Approx. USD $23 each. Both MCAP and ACAP (for exit via Dharapani/Besishahar) are legally required.
Larkya La Pass (5,106m) requires careful staged acclimatization with mandatory rest days in Samagaon (3,530m) and Samdo (3,860m).
Autumn is the prime trekking season with clear skies. Spring offers rhododendron blossoms along the lower gorge.
| Season | Months | Larkya Temp | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mar – May | -8°C to +8°C | Rhododendrons blooming in lower gorges; snow on Larkya La melting. | Excellent |
| Autumn | Sep – Nov | -10°C to +6°C | Peak clarity, stable pass weather, golden autumn larch foliage. | Best Window |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | -25°C to -5°C | Larkya La Pass closed due to heavy snow; teahouses in Dharmasala shut. | Closed |
| Monsoon | Jun – Aug | +5°C to +15°C | Landslides in Budhi Gandaki gorge; high river levels. Not recommended. | Avoid |
The upper Manaslu region comprises the Nubri and Tsum cultural areas. Tsum Valley was designated as a Shyagya (non-violence area) in 1920 by Buddhist masters, making hunting, slaughter, and fires strictly forbidden. The people maintain pure Tibetan dialect, traditional chuba attire, and polyandric family structures in remote villages.
Once a pure camping trek, Manaslu now offers comfortable teahouse accommodation throughout the entire circuit.
Twin-share rooms with wooden partitions. Comfortable foam mattresses. High camp at Dharmasala features simple stone dormitories with warm shared dining.
Freshly cooked dal bhat, tsampa porridge, Tibetan bread, vegetable noodle soups (thukpa), garlic soup (great for altitude), and seasonal potato curries.
Solar charging is available in all lower and mid villages for a small fee (~$2-3). Mobile connectivity is intermittent; our lead guides carry satellite communication devices.
Crossing 5,106m Larkya La Pass requires full alpine mountaineering clothing and dependable thermal layers.
Everything you need to know about restricted area permits, minimum group requirements, Larkya La Pass safety, and booking.
No. Under Nepal Department of Immigration regulations, Manaslu is a restricted area requiring a minimum of two foreign trekkers and an authorized, licensed Nepal trekking guide registered through a certified agency like Best Treks Nepal. If you are traveling solo, we match you with guaranteed departure groups.
Manaslu is widely considered what the Annapurna Circuit was 30 years ago — a raw, unpaved wilderness circuit with authentic Tibetan culture and far fewer trekkers (approx. 8,000 visitors/year compared to 150,000+ in Annapurna). The pass crossing (Larkya La, 5,106m) is slightly lower than Thorong La (5,416m), but the overall route is wilder and more remote.
Pass day starts at 3:30 AM from Dharmasala (4,460m). The climb follows a gradual glacial moraine path over 3 to 4 hours to the summit of Larkya La (5,106m), marked by thousands of prayer flags and dramatic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. The descent is steep (1,400m drop) down to Bimthang. Microspikes and trekking poles are mandatory.
The prime seasons are Autumn (September to November) with stable weather and crystal blue skies, and Spring (March to May) when forests are in full bloom with rhododendrons and wild orchids. Winter crossings of Larkya La are often closed due to heavy snow accumulation.
No. The entire Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley are now fully teahouse-serviced. While accommodation is more rustic than Everest or Annapurna, every village has operating lodges providing beds, blankets, and hot cooked meals. We reserve teahouse rooms in advance for all our groups.
We require: (1) Scanned color copy of your passport with minimum 6 months validity, (2) Nepal entry tourist visa copy (or arranged on arrival), (3) Passport-size digital photo, and (4) Proof of comprehensive travel insurance with emergency helicopter rescue coverage. We handle the physical permit issuance at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
Our Kathmandu operations team and licensed Manaslu mountain guides are available 24/7.
Connect with our Kathmandu operations team to arrange your restricted area permits, secure your licensed guide, and lock in your departure date.
