The Manaslu Circuit

A remote trek around Manaslu to the foot of the huge north face and over the Larkya La

The complete circuit of Manaslu (8163m) over the the Larke Pass is one of Nepal’s best kept secrets, following remote trails which see hardly any other trekkers. We begin in the town of Arughat Bazaar and follow the meandering Buri Gandaki river northwards to the village of Deng. Although initially quite broad, the river valley soon narrows and we find ourselves clambering high above the river on spectacular paths which cling precipitously to the hillsides. As we progress further northwards the valley opens up to reveal the delightful alpine meadows and small Tibetan-style villages which cluster beneath Manaslu’s sweeping North Face. We pass through Jagat, Ghap, Pu and Sho, typical Tibetan villages with rows of prayer wheels and mani stones. Eventually we reach Samagaon, the largest and most important village in the region. From here we head west and cross the Larke Pass (5135m), a classic and tough route linking the Buri Gandaki with the Marsyangdi valley. Our descent passes through the beautiful alpine meadows at Bimtang before we join the main Annapurna Circuit route which takes us out to the trailhead at Besisahar.