Getting its name from the eighth highest mountain in the world- Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the Manaslu region is one of the best off-beat travel destinations in Nepal. Located to the east of the famous Annapurna massifs, this region also boasts an array of incredible natural and cultural features. The Tsumba and Nubri communities offer an authentic depiction of the ancient culture as the trails weave through mesmerizing Manaslu Conservation Area.
Manaslu region in Nepal resides along the northern border of Nepal; connecting Nepal with Tibet. The highlight of this region is Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), also known as the Spirit Mountain, along with other ranges like Himlung, Himalchuli, Cheo, Shringi, and the glorious Mansiri ranges. Dense forests of Rhododendron and bamboo trees fill the lands of this region. As such, the Manaslu Conservation Area offers a home to a diverse mix of flora, fauna, and ethnic communities. The conservation area is home to rare and endangered animals and birds like Snow leopard, Red Pandas, Himalayan Thar, black-lipped Pika, Grey wolf, Horseshoe Bat, Hare, Asian Black Bear, and so on. Similarly, the Pung Gyen Glacier, Birendra Lake, and Larkya Pass (5160 m) are some of the major highlights in the region. However, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Base Camp stand out as two of the biggest attractions.
Peoples and Culture
Tsum and Nubri people inhabit the lands of this region along with Chhetri, Brahmin, Tamang, Gurung, which is why there is the dominance of traditional Buddhist culture which is influenced by Tibetan Buddhism as well. This is why you will find most of the trails in this region filled with traditional Mani walls and Chortens. Trails of Buddhist prayer flags hung up along the trekking paths and houses offer a sense of peace and serenity. Villages like Samdo, Sama Gaon, Lho, Sho, Namrung, Chhokang Paro, and the Nile are some of the most culturally adorned villages in this region. Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa are the esteemed monasteries in the Tsum Valley whereas Ribung Gompa, Pung Gyen Gompa, and Tong Gompa are famous monasteries scattered across the rest of the Manaslu region.
While the region is ideal for off-beat treks, there are a considerable amount of teahouses along the trekking trails as well. Some of the famous treks in this region are Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, and Larkya La Pass Trek. Other treks which connect with the Ruby Valley to the east and Annapurna Circuit to the west are also possible when traveling in the Manaslu region.
The weather in this region differs according to the season with lands above 5000m having permanent snow throughout the year. Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best seasons for trekking and involving in mountaineering in this region as the weather is dry and somewhat warmer. Monsoon and winter are mostly avoided by travelers due to the danger of adverse climatic conditions.
