July 28, 2025

Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) covers 1,663 square kilometers in the west-central region of Nepal, centered around Mount Manaslu—the world’s eighth highest peak at 8,163 meters. This protected area offers a blend of rich biodiversity, rugged Himalayan landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage, making it an increasingly popular yet still off-the-beaten-path destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

Managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), MCA emphasizes conservation alongside sustainable tourism, benefiting both wildlife and local communities.

Location and Landscape

  • District: Gorkha
  • Province: Gandaki Province
  • Elevation: 1,000 to 8,163 meters (Mount Manaslu peak)

The area encompasses dense forests, alpine meadows, glacial rivers, and deep valleys. Traditional villages inhabited by Gurung, Tibetan, and other ethnic groups dot the landscape.

Wildlife Highlights

Mammals

  • Snow Leopard (rare)
  • Red Panda
  • Himalayan Black Bear
  • Musk Deer
  • Himalayan Tahr
  • Langur Monkeys

Birds (Over 300 species)

  • Himalayan Monal (Danphe)
  • Blood Pheasant
  • Satyr Tragopan
  • Golden Eagle
  • Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)

Flora

  • Rhododendron and oak forests
  • Bamboo groves
  • Alpine wildflowers and shrubs

What Makes Manaslu Conservation Area Special

  1. Majestic landscapes dominated by Mount Manaslu
  2. Rich cultural tapestry of indigenous communities and Tibetan influences
  3. Habitat for rare and endangered Himalayan wildlife
  4. Increasingly popular trekking destination with less crowd than Annapurna or Everest
  5. Strong conservation efforts led by local communities and NTNC

Things to Do in Manaslu Conservation Area

  • Trekking the Manaslu Circuit with spectacular mountain views
  • Wildlife and birdwatching in diverse habitats
  • Visiting traditional villages and monasteries
  • Cultural immersion with Gurung and Tibetan communities
  • Photography of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural sites

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (March to May) for rhododendron blooms and clear weather
  • Autumn (September to November) for stable conditions and visibility

Avoid monsoon season (June to August) due to rain and trail difficulties.

How to Get There

  • By road: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Arughat, gateways to the Manaslu region
  • Flights: Domestic flights to Nepalgunj or Pokhara with onward road travel

Where to Stay

  • Guesthouses and teahouses along trekking routes
  • Homestays offering local cuisine and cultural experiences

Manaslu Conservation Area: At a Glance

CategoryHighlights
Signature SpeciesSnow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Monal, Musk Deer
LandscapeAlpine meadows, dense forests, towering peaks
Wildlife ExperienceTrekking with diverse wildlife sightings
CultureGurung and Tibetan communities, monasteries
Adventure TypeTrekking, cultural exploration, wildlife viewing
Conservation FocusSustainable tourism and community conservation