Manaslu

Manaslu (8,163m), meaning 'Mountain of the Soul' from the Sanskrit 'Manasa' (mind or soul), is the eighth highest mountain in the world. Located in the Mansiri Himal in Gorkha District, it is one of the most beautiful and symmetrical of the Himalayan giants.

First climbed on May 9, 1956 by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu of a Japanese Alpine Club expedition led by Yuko Maki, Manaslu was called 'the Japanese mountain' for decades due to their persistent expeditions (three attempts in 1952, 1953, and 1956 before success). The normal route follows the northeast face. While technically moderate (AD grade), Manaslu has a notable fatality rate of around 3.8%, largely due to severe avalanche risk — the 2012 avalanche disaster killed 11 climbers.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek has emerged as one of Nepal's finest treks, often called the 'new Annapurna Circuit' — offering similar diversity of landscape and culture but with far fewer trekkers. The 14-18 day circuit passes through Tibetan-influenced villages, dense forests, and crosses the Larkya La pass at 5,160m with stunning views of Manaslu's north face. A restricted area permit is required, and the best seasons are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November).