Manaslu and Ganesh Himal

 Overview

The Manaslu and Ganesh Himal section of Nepal's Great Himalayan Trail offers breathtaking views of towering peaks, pristine valleys, and diverse landscapes. As they journey through this region, trekkers pass remote villages, lush forests, and high-altitude passes, all while admiring the grandeur of the Manaslu (8,163 meters) and Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters) mountain ranges. The journey immerses into both breathtaking scenery and the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is renowned for its pristine beauty, cultural richness, and challenging routes. Circling the majestic Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth highest peak in the world, this trek offers an authentic and less crowded experience in Nepal. The journey takes trekkers through diverse landscapes, from lush subtropical forests and terraced fields to high alpine meadows and barren, rocky terrain. Along the way, trekkers encounter traditional villages inhabited by Tibetan and Gurung communities, providing deep insight into their ancient cultures and lifestyles.

The trek's highlight is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), which rewards the trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks including Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Himlung Himal (7,126 m), and the Annapurna range.

Manaslu trek offers an unparalleled blend of natural splendor, cultural encounters, and physical challenge, making it one of Nepal's most rewarding trekking experiences.

Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA)

The Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), declared in 1998, spans an area of 1,663 square kilometers in the northern region of Gorkha district. The area encompasses diverse ecological zones, ranging from subtropical regions at 1,400 meters to alpine zones that include Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters), the world's eighth-highest peak. The MCA is rich in biodiversity, featuring 11 types of forests including 756 plant species, 39 mammal species, 201 bird species, 11 butterfly species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Iconic species such as the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan black bear. There are at least 50 species of useful plants (MCAP, 2024).

The entire region falls under beyul Kyimolung, the sacred valley concealed by Padmasambhava, and is considered to be the sacred mandala filled with sacred mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, caves and cliffs. Guarded by two sacred peaks Mt. Manaslu (Gangri Pungyen) in Nubri Valley and Mt. Ganesh in Tsum valley, Mt. Shringi (Tashi Palsang) located in the center is considered to be the most sacred of all. Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Kailash (Ghang Tise) are regarded locally as "brothers" and both are called the palace of bDe.mchog (Samvara).

There are three sacred valleys, i.e., Kutan, Tsum (Chum) and Nubri which are home to the culturally rich Tsungba, Kutan (Gurung and others) and Nubri people, mainly the followers of Buddhism and Bon religions. Many historical and ancient monasteries, stupas, Mani walls, and chortens, prayer flags and sacred carvings can be seen along the major trekking trails and Ne-Kor path. Key monasteries include Shringi Gumba in Bihi, Mu and Rachen Gumbas in Chhekampar and Pungen Gomba in Nubri valley. Many festivals are celebrated in the region marked by prayer ceremonies, ritual dances, and blessings, guided by lamas who uphold values of non-violence and environmental respect.

Ruby Valley/Ganesh Himal

The northern part of Dhading district is popularly known as Ruby valley and has emerged as a promising tourism destination in recent year. Crowned with the majestic Ganesh Himal range and decorated with the still unexplored natural lakes, pristine forests, colorful alpine pastures and inhibited by the culturally rich Tamang people, the Ruby valley is also famous for its abundance of ruby minerals. Pangsang pass, Sing La pass and other many high passes offer visitors the breathtaking view of the mountain panorama that includes Langtang Liruung range, Ganesh Himal range, and Manaslu range.

Lower Manaslu Region

The Lower Manaslu Region is crowned with the series of mountain range and peaks such as Buddha Himal, Himalchuli, Ngadichuli (Dr. Harka Peak) and is home to the Gurung and Ghale communities. The newly explored area is also the home to at least seven natural lakes, including Dudhpokhari, Meme Pokhari etc. and fiver glacier rivers, including Chepe, Daraudi etc. Laprak, Barpak, Bhachek, Gauda, Simitande, Taxar, Chitre, Sanjapu are some of the famous and culturally rich ethnic villages in the area.

  Highlights

• Spectacular landscape: Manaslu region features an extraordinary natural landscape, with sweeping views of iconic peaks, scenic passes, green valleys, rivers and serene lakes. An adventurer’s paradise, the region boasts 14 peaks soaring above 7,000 meters, including Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain, and Ngadi Chuli (7,871m). The MCA also boasts high-altitude lakes, including Chhonak Tal, Kal Tal, Tigala Tal, Birendra Tal and so on.

• Manaslu Circuit Trek: Offers stunning views of the eighth highest peak in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters), and crosses the challenging Larke Pass at 5,106 meters. Manaslu is claimed to be the most beautiful trekking destination in the Nepalese Himalayas.

• Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek: Takes you through remote villages and terraced fields, offering breathtaking views of the Ganesh Himal range, including peaks like Ganesh I (7,422 meters) and Ganesh II (7,118 meters).

• Cultural Immersion: Encounter diverse ethnic communities like the Gurungs, Tamangs, and Bhot people (Tsungba Nubri), experiencing their unique cultures, traditions, and lifestyles.

• Remote Wilderness: Explore pristine alpine forests, rugged landscapes, and serene high-altitude lakes, immersing yourself in the untouched beauty of the Himalayas.

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Treks: Compared to Annapurna, the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal regions offer relatively the least exposed trails to the trekkers.

• Beyul Kyimolung: Circumambulating the Shringi Himal following the sacred Ne-kor (pilgrimage) path of the beyul Kyimolung is the another most rewarding and lifetime experience in the region.