Mountains and Peaks Along the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Mount Manaslu

Mount Manaslu, Nepal's eighth-highest peak, stands at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). Known as the "Mountain of the Spirit," the name comes from the Sanskrit word manasa, reflecting its natural beauty and religious significance. Due to its high avalanche risk, dangerous crevasses, and challenging climbing routes, it is also referred to as the "Killer Mountain." Despite the dangers, many elite climbers and trekkers are drawn to Manaslu for its rich Tibetan culture and stunning Himalayan views.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek follows ancient salt trade routes, offering deep cultural immersion, though the summit itself remains extremely challenging, with unstable snowpacks and unpredictable weather. Safety improvements, such as better gear, guided expeditions, weather forecasting, and drones, have helped, but risks remain substantial.

Located in the Mansiri Himal range of the Gorkha District, Nepal, Manaslu was first summited by Japanese climbers in 1956. The trek is famous for traditional villages in Nubri and Tsum, including Bihi, Samagaun, Samdo, Lho, Chokang, and Nile. Less crowded than Everest or Annapurna regions, the area offers a rich cultural experience, spiritual atmosphere, and spectacular scenery.

A major avalanche in September 2022 claimed 13 lives. The best time to climb is during September and October, with expeditions lasting around two months. Each year, hundreds of climbers attempt the summit; in 2026, approximately 400 climbers received permits from the Nepal government, including around 95 women. Winter ascents, though less common, are also possible.

The Manaslu region also offers trekking highlights such as the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek, which include crossing Larke La Pass (5,160 m) and stunning views of nearby peaks.

Annapurna II

Annapurna II stands at 7,937 meters, making it the second-highest peak in the Annapurna range and the 16th-highest in the world. It is considered one of the most challenging Himalayan expeditions, featuring steep ridges, icy glaciers, and rocky slopes.

The summit is relatively snow-free, while the North Face is complex, with steep ice walls, and the South Face features a pyramid-shaped wall with a single central ridge. Natural hazards like avalanches and rockfalls make Annapurna II one of the riskiest mountains to climb.

Part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, it offers rich biodiversity and stunning Himalayan views. The peak was first summited on May 17, 1960, by a British-Indian-Nepalese team led by J. O. M. Roberts. Subsequent expeditions, including Katsuyuki Kondo’s solo ascent and the first winter ascent in 2007 by Philipp Kunz’s team, cemented its climbing history. Spring is the most favorable season for expeditions.

Ganesh Himal

The Ganesh Himal range lies between the Budhi Gandaki River and Chilime Khola in Rasuwa district, north-central Nepal. Its highest peak, Yangra (Ganesh I), rises to 7,422 meters and was first ascended in 1955. Named after the Hindu god Ganesha, its south face resembles an elephant’s trunk.

Ganesh Himal spans the Gorkha, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Rasuwa districts and remains relatively unexplored. The region is rich in cultural diversity (Gurung, Tamang, Ghale, Brahmin, Chhetri, Dalit, Newar, and Chepang communities) and biological variety, featuring hot springs, twin waterfalls, and sacred sites like Tripurasundari Temple. It is a hidden gem for trekkers seeking remote landscapes.

Himlung Himal

Himlung Himal rises to 7,126 meters and is located northeast of the Annapurna range, at the eastern end of the Phu Valley bordering Tibet. Known for being technically easier and safer from avalanches, it is ideal for climbers seeking high-altitude experience with moderate risk.

Base camp sits at 4,900 meters, with higher camps at 5,450 m, 6,000 m, and 6,350 m. The peak was first climbed in 1992 by a Japanese team. Following a safer route opened by Swiss climber Kari Kobler in 2013, Himlung has become more accessible. The expedition typically takes 10–15 days and requires high fitness levels.

Cheo Himal

Cheo Himal (6,820 m) lies north-northwest of Manaslu and was first summited on October 13 by a Japanese-Nepalese police expedition. Camps were established progressively from 4,800 m to 6,400 m, navigating rockfall-prone areas and snowfields. Four of nine climbers reached the summit, marking the peak’s first successful ascent.

Himal Chuli

Himal Chuli, the second-highest peak in the Mansiri Himal, has three major peaks: North (7,371 m), East (7,893 m), and West (7,540 m), making it the 18th-highest mountain globally. The vertical relief is dramatic, rising 7,000 meters above the Marsyangdi River within 27 km.

First ascents: East Peak in 1960 (Japan), West Peak in 1978, and North Peak in 1985. Climbing requires guides and proper equipment, with lodges and facilities available at base camp.

Ngadi Chuli

Ngadi Chuli, part of the Mansiri Himal, lies between Manaslu (north) and Himal Chuli (south). Despite its height (top 20 globally), it has only been climbed a few times. The first probable ascent was in 1970 by Hiroshi Watanabe and Sherpa Lhakpa Tsering; the first confirmed ascent was in 1979 by Polish climbers Ryszard Gajewski and Maciej Pawlikowski.

Sringi Himal

Sringi Himal is located in north-central Nepal, Gandaki Province, south of the Tibetan border, between the Shyar River (east) and Tom River – Trisuli Gandaki Valley (west).

Its highest peak, Chamar Peak (7,187 m), was first summited on June 5, 1953, by Maurice Bishop and Nyagmel Sherpa. Approximately 90 km northwest of Kathmandu and 25 km east of Manaslu, the range offers rugged, snow-covered peaks visible during the Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley Trek. It is a remote and pristine area, providing breathtaking views and cultural exploration

Naike Peak (≈ 6,211 m)

• Elevation: ~6,211 meters (20,377 ft) above sea level.
  
  

• Location: It rises near Samagaon village in the Manaslu Trek region, just north of Lho and south of Larke La.
  
  

• Presence on Trek: Naike Peak is one of the first high peaks that trekkers sight as they approach Samagaon, towering sharply against the Himalayan skyline along with Manaslu and Himalchuli.
  
  

• Terrain: Its rugged ridges and glaciated slopes make it a prominent feature in panoramic views, especially from viewpoints near Shyala and on the ascent toward Larke La.
  
  

• Significance: Although not typically climbed as a main objective like Larke Peak, Naike enriches the visual experience of the trek and helps mark the approach into the high alpine zone.
  
  

Larke Peak (≈ 6,249 m)

• Elevation: The main summit is about 6,249 m (20,503 ft), although multiple nearby sub-peaks range from ~6,142 m to ~6,166 m.
  
  

• Location: Just north of Larke La Pass, near Dharamsala (Larke Phedi), which is reached toward the high point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek before crossing the pass.
  
  

• Climbing Info:
  
  

• The main Larke Peak (central) is the most commonly climbed.
  
  

• Larke Peak East (~6,142 m) and Larke Peak North/West (~6,166 m) exist as distinct summits, with the north/west one being more technical.
  
  

• Difficulty: The climb involves snow and rock sections; crampons, ice axe, and basic alpine skills are needed. Moderate technical competence is recommended.
  
  

• Trek Integration: Many trekkers who continue from the Manaslu Circuit into an expedition-style climb choose Larke because it leverages the existing trail and acclimatization schedule.
  
  

• Views: From the top, climbers can enjoy breathtaking views of Manaslu Himal, Annapurna peaks, Ganesh Himal, and distant Himalayan giants.
  
  

Samdo Peak (≈ 6,335 m)

• Elevation: About 6,335 m (20,785 ft) above sea level.
  
  

• Location: Visible prominently from Samdo village (≈ 3,875 m) — the last major settlement before the Larke La section of the Manaslu Circuit.
  
  

• Trek Presence: Samdo Peak is often one of the distinctive high points seen as the trail descends from the upper Manaslu valley toward Dharamsala and Larke Phedi.
  
  

• Terrain: Snow-covered and glacier-fed slopes define its appearance, with dramatic relief above the surrounding valleys.
  
  

• Cultural Context: Samdo itself is a key acclimatization and cultural stop, offering authentic Tibetan-style villages and opportunities for side hikes with spectacular peak views.