Destination: Manaslu Region

Manaslu region lies inside the Manaslu Conservation Area in Gorkha District. This 1,663 square kilometers protected area is managed by National Trust For Nature Conservation (NTNC). 

While trekking in this region, you will walk beside Budhi Gandaki river. On the way you will find many villages like Lho, Samagaun, and Samdo that are influenced by Tibetan culture. 

Besides that, you will also be able to see the world’s eighth-highest mountain ; Mount Manaslu(8,163 meters). 

Along with that, you will be able to see beautiful Himalayan architecture in monasteries like Pungyen Gompa. 

Furthermore, just below Manaslu Glacier you will be able to see sacred Birendra Lake. 

What Makes The Manaslu Region So Special? 

The trek usually begins from Soti Khola or Machha Khola. While exploring the natural floras and faunas, you will reach Jagat – the first restricted area checkpoint. 

From then on you will see the real village life while passing Nubri and Tsum village. 

The fantastic part about this trek is the route naturally gives acclimatization days in Samagaun and Samdo.

Besides that, while trekking in this region you will be able to see blue sheep near Larkya slopes and lammergeiers above Bimthang. 

Furthermore, due its status as a restricted zone, this trail offers much less crowd compared to Annapurna or Everest Region. 

However, you do need Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, licensed guide, MCAP and ACAP to visit this region. 

Different Routes of Manaslu Region Trek

Classic Manaslu Circuit from Soti Khola or Machha Khola to Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharamsala, over Larkya La to Bimthang and Dharapani.

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley add-on from Philim to Lokpa, Chumling, Chhokang Paro, Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa, then back to join the circuit toward Deng and Namrung.

Short-start variation by driving farther to Jagat when roads are open, then following the classic circuit to Larkya La and out via Dharapani.

Remote approach via Rupina La / Boudha Himal to meet the main circuit near Nyak/Jagat, for experienced trekkers with camping support.

List of mountains you can see in the Manaslu Region

People trek here to circle the Mansiri Himal and see big peaks close-up. From Lho, Shyala, Samagaun, Samdo, Larkya La, and Bimthang you can see these clearly:

8000m Peaks in the Manaslu Region

• Manaslu (8,163 m). 

7000m Peaks in the Manaslu Region

• Himalchuli (7,893 m)
• Ngadi Chuli / Peak 29 (7,871 m)
• Shringi Himal (7,187 m)

6000m Peaks in the Manaslu Region

• Langpo (6,668 m)
• Saula Himal (6,235 m)
• Cheo Himal (6,820 m)

How to Experience the Culture of Manaslu Region

The main local communities are Nubri (Tibetan-speaking) in the upper Budhi Gandaki and Tsumbas in the Tsum side valley. Spend time in Lho (visit Ribang/Lho Gompa above the village), Samagaun (Sama Gompa and Pungyen Gompa day hike), and Samdo (trader village near the border). 

To fully immerse into the culture of Manaslu, plan your dates around Buddhist festivals. 

Gyalpo Losar (Tibetan New Year) falls in February–March and is marked in villages like Samagaun and Lho with prayers, dances, and new prayer flags. 

Saka Dawa in May–June brings butter lamps and merit-making at monasteries. Ask locally for the lunar dates each year.

Furthermore, when you are at Samdo. Ask locals about salt and wool stories and trust us you will be amazed. This historically trader village has always been close to Tibet. 

In fact, even on the streets you will hear Tibetan dialects. 

Simple etiquette to show your respect for culture:

• Walk clockwise around mani walls and chortens
• Remove hats inside gompas
• Keep drones and loud music away from monasteries
• Ask before taking photos of ceremonies.

How to do eco-conscious trekking in the Manaslu Region

• Carry your RAP, MCAP, and ACAP and trek with a licensed guide—this keeps the route safer and supports local oversight in the restricted section. 
• Refill water at lodges in Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Shyala, Samagaun, Samdo, and Dharamsala/Bimthang; treat your own bottle and avoid buying plastic. Many villages do not have formal waste collection. 
• Use the lodge wash areas and keep Birendra Lake and streams clean; do not rinse gear in the lake below the glacier. 
• Start before dawn for Larkya La to avoid afternoon wind and rockfall; carry warm layers and microspikes in spring. 
• In monsoon and just after, ask about landslide detours between Machha Khola–Jagat–Deng and around Kambachen–Lhonak if you include side trips; follow temporary flags and do not reopen old slips

At Eco Nepal Trekkers, we build itineraries that leave time for gompa visits, village tea stops, and Birendra Lake or Pungyen side hikes. We help you travel light on the land and connect with people in a respectful way.