Mansalu Walking Circuit

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Less well known than the Annapurna Circuit, the Mansalu Circuit follows remote trails around Mt. Manaslu, the world’s eighth highest mountain over the Larke Pass. The route begins in either Gorkha or Arughat Bazaar and follows the Buri Gandaki river past remote Gurung villages and onto precarious paths into the mountains, offering pristine mountain and glacial views, before reaching the high alpine plains and more traditional Tibetan settlements tucked into Mansalu’s folds.

The villages the trail passes through are remote and largely unspoiled and this is one of the best ways to experience Tibet’s culture.

The literal high point of the trek is crossing the Larke Pass at 5135 metres which links the largest settlement, Buri GandakI and the Marsayangdi valley.

The end of the trail joins the Annapurna Circuit and exits via Bessisahar.

This trek was only opened in 1991 and you need a special permit to walk it. It covers 177kms and some days you ascend or descend almost 1000m, with strenuous climbing along some of the route and guides recommend you allow for rest days.

Review by editor Worldreviewer