Nepal isn’t just about Everest and Annapurna. Somewhere in between lies the Manaslu Conservation Area, where trekking is less crowded and offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding region.

Manaslu is home to numerous endangered species, like snow leopards, musk deer, red pandas, and Himalayan tahr, along with a rich variety of plants such as rhododendron, oak, pine, and spruce.

The major highlight of the region is the Larkya La Pass, which takes you to an elevation of 5,106m. So, whether you’re planning a trek to the Manaslu Base Camp or including the remote Tsum Valley in your journey, this is one destination you shouldn’t miss out on.

If you’re excited to catch glimpses of Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Larkya Peak, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the nearby mountain ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, think no more. Travel to Nepal right away!

Our team at Altitude Himalaya awaits you and is ready to offer a range of trekking packages in the Manaslu region, which we’ll discuss in detail here.

Facts About Manaslu Conservation Area

Main Attractions in the Manaslu Region

There are three main treks that you can do in the Manaslu region. These are the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, and the combo of Manaslu and Tsum Valley.

Do note that we also offer customization options in the Manaslu Circuit Trek by adding additional treks too (like the Annapurna–Manaslu Three Passes Trek). We value your input more than anything, and we are ready to serve you at all times.

Let’s walk you through the major landmarks that you’ll visit on the Manaslu region treks:

• Larkya La Pass: The highest point of the Manaslu trek at 5,106m poses quite the challenge. But once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with glacial valleys and towering snow-capped mountains.
• Manaslu Base Camp: Reaching the base camp of the eighth-highest mountain in the world (at 4,800m) via a less-crowded trail is one to keep in your travel books. You’ll get that feeling of accomplishment, along with views of the mountains, glaciers, and towering icefalls.
• Birendra Lake: Named after the Late King Birendra Shah, this stunning glacial lake is formed by the melting Manaslu Glacier. With a clear view of the reflecting mountains in its blue-green waters, it’s truly relaxing to the eyes!
• Pungyen Gompa: A sacred Buddhist site located along the Manaslu trail that holds both spiritual and historical significance.
• Tsum Valley: It’s yet another pilgrimage site nestled in the heart of the Himalayas that takes you to ancient monasteries and traditional villages and offers breathtaking views of the Manaslu region.

Permits and Entry Costs

Manaslu Conservation Area is one of the restricted regions of the country due to its unique flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. This remote section can be a little dangerous, and hence trekking in the region should only be done in groups with professional government-licensed guides.

If you’re even thinking of organizing everything by yourself, the permits in the region can be a bit tricky. But if you choose a travel agency like Altitude Himalaya, you don’t have to worry about this part at all.

Still, you should have a clear understanding of the types of permits you need to carry, which include the conservation area entry permit, trekking information card, and restricted area permits. In case you miss any of these, you’ll unfortunately have to return and redo the process.

To help you learn more about them, we have tabulated the details below:

People and Culture of Manaslu Region

Manaslu is home mostly to the Gurung and Magar people, while some Brahmins, Chhetris, and Newars also reside in the region. With that, it’s clear to say that the main religion here is Buddhism.

The highlights, however, are the indigenous communities of Nubri and Tsumbas, mostly found in the Tsum Valley of the Manaslu Restricted Area. They are deeply rooted in Tibetan culture.

It’s the Chikkur River that separates the settlements of these ethnic groups. So, it’s fascinating to see how different their cultures and traditions are despite living so close to one another.

If you wish to immerse yourself in the culture even more, we suggest choosing a time near the Tibetan festival dates. This way, you’ll get to witness rare local festive celebrations like Lhosar, Dumje, Mani Rimdu, Tiji, Buddha Poornima, Dhachyang, Nara, and more!

Despite being in such a remote place, the people of Manaslu are always welcoming. And even though the housing might not be in the greatest condition, you’ll find their warmth and love truly make it feel like home.

Expect to stay in teahouses during any part of the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. And besides just Dal Bhat, make sure to taste other local Nepalese and Tibetan foods available here. Don’t worry! Everything will be possible if you book your trip with Altitude Himalaya.

Difficulty Level & Choosing the Best Season for Manaslu Trekking

The ideal time to do any trek in the Manaslu Conservation Area is either in the Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November) season. These periods not only offer clear mountain views but also feature stable weather and ideal temperatures.

However, trekking during the monsoon or winter seasons can be challenging, primarily due to extreme rainfall or snowfall. Along with highly unpredictable weather! In fact, the difficulty level increases due to the extreme cold, especially since the highest point, Larkya La Pass, lies in a high-altitude region.

Moreover, the trek itself is of strenuous difficulty. To ensure that you have a smoother and safer experience, Altitude Himalaya is right here for you, offering some of the best guides in the country.

With that said, it’s essential that you choose the appropriate season and follow professional advice before attempting this restricted region trek in Nepal.

Now that you’ve learned everything about the Manaslu restricted region and why to choose Altitude Himalaya as your trekking partner, you can proceed to scroll through the different packages we offer. Carefully check the descriptions to find which trek suits your preferences. And even if you wish to customize your treks, know that we’re just a call or text away!