Manaslu Circuit
The place
long-distance trail in Nepal
Why go
Gorkha town (birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, Nepal's founder). Tsum Valley side trip (hidden Buddhist valley). Lho village with views of Manaslu's north face. Samagaon monastery above the glacier. Larkya La pass at dawn. Descent through Bimthang to Tibetan-style architecture.
A bit of history
Manaslu was first climbed by a Japanese expedition in 1956. The circuit was opened to foreign trekkers in 1991 after decades as a restricted area. The Manaslu Conservation Area Project has since balanced conservation with community development, making the route one of Nepal's most responsible trekking destinations.
Getting there
Arughat Bazar: bus/jeep from Kathmandu (6–8h via Gorkha). Besisahar: bus to Kathmandu or Pokhara. Restricted area permit required (only with registered agency). Tea houses available; some camping required.
Recommended gear
Similar to Annapurna Circuit. Down sleeping bag rated to -20°C for Larkya La. Crampons advisable early/late season. Restricted area permit (mandatory). Trekking agency required.
Best season
October–November and March–May. Larkya La potentially closed December–February and during/after heavy snowfall.