Key Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal

The 12 to 16-day trek bypasses Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, and takes one through an interesting sequence of landscapes from subtropical forest into alpine grasslands, glacial valleys, and high passes.

Unlike treks to Annapurna or Everest, the Manaslu Circuit trek is lesser-known, and for travelers, it is feasible to be totally engulfed in the pristine natural environment and experience the local life of the Gurung, Tamang, and Tibetan-based residents. The trek passes through picture villages, monasteries, and unspoiled terrain that make each step worthwhile.

1. Pungyen Monastery

Pungyen Monastery, also referred to as Pung Gyen Gompa, stands at around 4,100 meters in height and is among the higher monasteries on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The Buddhist monastery is a sacred spot for local people and for global trekkers, with centuries of Tibetan Buddhism practices. The monastery is marked by multicolored prayer flags, hand-painted murals, and a peaceful inner courtyard that is a reminder of the spirituality of the region. 

The trek to Pungyen Monastery is as much a cultural adventure as it is an easy acclimatization stop before climbing on the difficult Larke Pass at 5,106 meters. The serene environment, together with the viewpoints of the surrounding valleys and distant peaks, makes Pungyen Monastery the highlight of the trek.

2. Birendra Tal 

Birendra Tal is a high-altitude lake close to Samagaon at an elevation of about 3,650 meters, offering a serene area where trekkers can acclimatize before continuing to the demanding sections to come.

The lake, ringed by alpine meadows and glacial streams, mirrors the surrounding high mountains like Mount Manaslu to reveal a scenic natural beauty.

The Birendra Tal trek and back is ideal for acclimatization. The trekkers acclimate to the high altitude before proceeding further and ascending to the Larke Pass. The peace and scenery of the surrounding mountains make Birendra Tal a perfect resting, photography, and viewing spot, and the perfect gateway for trekkers to the grandeur of the upper Himalayas.

3. Larke Pass

The Larke Pass, or Larkya La, is the highest and most challenging part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) in elevation. The climb is steep, and the path is generally snowy or icy, requiring wise strategy and muscular stamina.

The trekkers usually acclimatize for a couple of days in villages like Samdo and Dharmasala to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

The Larke Pass crossing provides excellent views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and other beautiful peaks. The pass is truly a reward of the physical effort of the trek, joined with the spectacular views of the landscape, and the sense of achievement you feel at the top is like never before.

4. Samdo Ri 

Samdo Ri, a ridge that looks over Samdo Village at about 5,200 meters, is an outing for anyone who wishes to have good scenery. The climb down and back up of 7 to 8 hours to the summit offers stunning 360-degree views of surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys. Samdo Ri is not only lovely but also a handy acclimatization climb for people attempting to attempt the Larke Pass.

The trek is even tougher because of the high altitude, but the climb is worth it, and the trouble is due to the incredible views of Manaslu and other surrounding neighborhood peaks.

The climb to the top of Samdo Ri is so rewarding, leaving the trekkers with a sense of accomplishment at what they have done and a still more intimate relationship with the world of the Himalayas.

5. Dharmasala 

Dharmasala, or Larke Phedi, is 4,460 meters and is the last camp before descending over the Larke Pass. It is open, cold, and usually windy with below-freezing temperatures, even during spring and autumn. Acclimatization is simple here with tea houses and camps, according to Manaslu Conservation Area regulations.

Dharmasala, despite basic infrastructure, presents stunning scenery of surrounding glaciers and demanding peaks.

Trekkers usually start the Larke Pass crossing at 4–5 AM to avoid howling winds and a safer ascent. The overnight stop at Dharmasala gives trekkers well-deserved rest and acclimatization, leading to one of the most beautiful parts of the trek.

6. Manaslu Base Camp 

Manaslu Base Camp at 4,600m is a pretty camp that takes trekkers closer to magnificent Mount Manaslu. The ascent to base camp and back from Sama Gaun will be 5–6 hours and give panoramic views of the white mountains and glaciers.

Acclimatization days in Sama Gaun reduce the chances of altitude sickness and enhance the safety and convenience of the expedition. Manaslu Base Camp also makes for good photography, meditation, and observing the majesty of the Himalayas, and it adds a new level of affinity to the mountains.

Conclusion

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trip to the core of the Himalayas, nature and culture to be relished.

From the serene spiritual ambience of Pungyen Monastery to the scenic Birendra Tal, the exhausting physical toil at Larke Pass, the bird's eye view at Samdo Ri, and the final acclimatization at Dharmasala, each step of the trek has its moments of trial and renewal.

The combination of less-used routes, traditional highland villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery makes this trek an ideal option for adventure tourists in search of the true Himalayan experience.