Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), established in 1998, became Nepal's second conservation area and stands as one of the country's most important protected places for both ecology and culture. It sits in Gorkha district along the border with Tibet, rich in culture and tradition, home to the Gurung, Nubri, Tsumba, and Tamang communities.
Manaslu Conservation Area is a 1,663 sq. km. (642 sq. mi.) protected region in Nepal's Gorkha district. It was established in 1998 to safeguard Himalayan wildlife and Tibetan Buddhist culture. The area covers three trekking routes, the Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley, and the two combined, and all three require a restricted-area permit plus a licensed guide, since solo trekking isn't allowed here.
The Manaslu Conservation Area stretches from the snow-capped summits of the Himalayas to the subtropical Budhi Gandaki River valley. MCA encompasses an area of 1,663 sq. km. (642 sq. mi.) covering Tsumnubri Rural Municapality's seven wards, i.e., Sirdibas, Chumchet, Chhekampar, Bihi, Prok, Lho and Samagaun.
The area was established to protect the region's unique biodiversity, cultural heritage and fragile mountain ecosystem while promoting sustainable tourism. It runs under the management of Nature Trust for Nature Conservation.
Manaslu Conservation Area is also recognized for its community base conservation model, where local peoples actively participate in protecting forests, wildlife, and cultural heritage while benefiting from sustainable tourism.
Manaslu Conservation Area is home to over 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 2,000 flowering plant species, and countless butterflies and reptiles. The Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer, and Blue Sheep rank among the most iconic wildlife here.
To feel the true beauty of Manaslu Conservation Area, trekkers have three major options:
Manaslu Circuit Trek is the most classic route through Manaslu Conservation Area. It takes 14 to 18 days. Trekkers know it for dramatic scenery, rich biodiversity, and living Tibetan Buddhist culture.
You will walk past stunning views of Mount Manaslu, through lush forests, traditional villages, glacier landscapes, and alpine meadows. The trail ends with a crossing of the spectacular Larkya La Pass, which sits at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) above sea level.
This combined Manaslu Tsum Valley route takes 20 to 24 days. It opened to foreign trekkers in 2008. Locals call Tsum Valley the "Hidden Valley of Happiness" for its peaceful mountain landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
This combined route takes you into one of Nepal's most secluded Himalayan valleys, and it leans harder into local communities, culture and monastery visits than the standard Manaslu Circuit does.
Along the way, you will pass high mountain crossings and remote Tsum Valley villages. You will visit ancient monasteries and Birendra Lake. The landscape shifts from subtropical forest to alpine terrain, and you will experience rich Himalayan wildlife and biodiversity throughout.
Tsum Valley Trek has been open to hikers for less than 20 years. That makes it less crowded and less known than traditional treks elsewhere in Nepal. It takes 12 to 14 days.
Along the way, gompas and monasteries introduce you to Tibetan culture and daily life. The trail runs through some of the most stunning scenery near the Tibet-Nepal border. Most of the route sits above 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), which is normal for a trail this far north.
Trekking through Tsum Valley, you will be drawn in by the traditional Tsumba culture. You will also see ancient monasteries, Himalayan yak pastures, and views of Ganesh Himal. The trail passes sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites, running through peaceful, uncrowded ground past Mu Gompa, at 3,700 meters (12,139 feet), and Rachen Gompa.
Each trekking route ranges from classic circuits to more remote, cultural, and adventurous trails. Every route requires a permit. Depending on your itinerary, you will need:
| Permit | Who Needs It | Season | Cost (per person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | All Manaslu Circuit trekkers | Sep–Nov (peak) | USD 100 for first 7 days, + USD 15/day after | Issued only through a registered trekking agency. A licensed guide is mandatory. Solo trekkers can now apply alone since March 2026, but still must trek with a guide. |
| Dec–Aug (off-peak) | USD 75 for first 7 days, + USD 10/day after | |||
| Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit | Only if adding Tsum Valley | Sep–Nov (peak) | USD 40 for first 7–8 days, + USD 7/day after | Separate permit from Manaslu RAP. Days counted from entry at Sirdibas, not trek start. Held simultaneously with Manaslu RAP if combining both treks. |
| Dec–Aug (off-peak) | USD 30–35 for first week, + USD 5–7/day after | |||
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | All Manaslu-region trekkers | Year-round | NPR 3,000 (foreign) / NPR 1,000 (SAARC) / NPR 100 (Nepali) | Fixed fee, no seasonal variation. Funds trail maintenance and conservation. |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | Only if exiting via Dharapani/Besisahar | Year-round | NPR 3,000 (foreign) / NPR 1,000 (SAARC) | Needed since the circuit crosses into Annapurna Conservation Area after Larkya La. |
| Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit | All Manaslu-region trekkers | Year-round | NPR 1,000 (foreign) | Local development fee, collected at Jagat. |
| Children under 10: Free. | ||||
No. Solo trekking is not permitted in the Manaslu region. You must be accompanied by a licensed guide and obtain your permit through a registered trekking agency.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are your best bets for clear skies and manageable temperatures.
It's moderately difficult and can catch beginners off guard. The highest point, at roughly 5,106 meters (16,752 feet), puts altitude sickness firmly on the table, so build in proper acclimatization days and give your body time to catch up.
Yes. A licensed guide is required, the same as anywhere else in the Manaslu region, since it is a restricted area.
Larkya La Pass sits at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) above sea level, the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Unlike Everest or Annapurna, the Manaslu region stays relatively remote. Strict trekking regulations and permit access keep the area free of crowds. That makes it easy to enjoy a mix of adventure, culture, biodiversity, and natural beauty.
| Route | Duration | Highest Point | Difficulty | Permits Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Circuit Trek | 14 to 18 days | Larkya La Pass, 5,106 m (16,752 ft) | Moderate to challenging | RAP, MCAP, ACAP (if exiting via Annapurna) | Trekkers who want the classic Manaslu experience with dramatic mountain scenery |
| Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek | 20 to 24 days | Larkya La Pass, 5,106 m (16,752 ft) | Challenging (longer duration) | RAP, MCAP, ACAP (if exiting via Annapurna) | Trekkers who want deeper cultural and monastery exposure alongside the circuit |
| Tsum Valley Trek | 12 to 14 days | Mu Gompa area, 3,700 m (12,139 ft) | Moderate | RAP, MCAP | Trekkers who want a quieter, culture-focused trek without a high pass crossing |
Manaslu Conservation Area is an important part of Nepal's Himalayan legacy. It shows how geographic and climatic diversity can coexist with a rich habitat for wildlife.
The park holds everything from fish and other wildlife in its rivers and lakes to dense alpine forest, with Mount Manaslu's sparkling peak and rows of prayer flags at its heart.
The Himalayan Tahr, Red Panda and Snow Leopard, rare almost everywhere else, still turn up here. Hard to sit still when an old caravan route between Tibet and Nepal is right there waiting.
Along the way you'll pass through lively towns, wander past historic temples, and get a real look at how Gurung and Tamang communities carry their Tibetan traditions forward. Nobody's racing to the finish line on this trek, the point is the walk itself, taken at a steady, comfortable pace.
