July 28, 2025

Remote, raw, and culturally rich — the Manaslu region offers some of the most striking and less-crowded mountain views in Nepal. Dominated by the eighth-highest mountain in the world, the circuit trail winds past glaciers, cliffs, and ancient Tibetan Buddhist settlements. The peaks you encounter here aren’t just scenic; many hold deep spiritual significance.

Here’s a detailed guide to the prominent mountains you’ll see while trekking the Manaslu Circuit, along with the best viewpoints and fascinating lore.

1. Manaslu (8,163 m) – The Mountain of the Spirit

  • World Rank: 8th highest mountain
  • Name Meaning: From Sanskrit manasa, meaning “spirit” or “soul”
  • Viewpoints: Best seen from Lho, Shyala, Samagaon, and the approach to Larkya La Pass
  • Climbing Trivia: First climbed by a Japanese team in 1956; still considered avalanche-prone

2. Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m) – The Hidden Giant

  • Alternative Name: Peak 29
  • Viewpoints: Seen from Shyala and Samdo regions
  • Climbing History: Rarely climbed and one of the highest unclimbed peaks until 1979

3. Himalchuli (7,893 m) – Towering Triangular Peak

  • Sub-Peaks: Himalchuli North, Central, and West
  • Best Seen From: Near Jagat, Philim, and Ghap
  • Visual Feature: Rises dramatically above the lower valley, making it one of the most visible early landmarks on the circuit

4. Shringi Himal (7,161 m) – The Northern Wall

  • Location: On the northern rim near the Tsum Valley entrance
  • Significance: Offers a dramatic barrier between Nepal and Tibet
  • Rarely Visited: Most trekkers only glimpse it from lower sections unless heading into Tsum

5. Baudha Himal (6,672 m) – Overlooking the Tsum Valley

  • Spiritual Role: Considered sacred by local Tibetan Buddhist communities
  • Seen From: The approach into the upper Tsum Valley
  • Associated With: Milarepa and Guru Rinpoche legends in the region

6. Pung Gyen Ri (6,000+ m) – Guardian of the Glacier

  • Side Trip: From Samagaon, you can trek to Pung Gyen Monastery beneath this peak
  • Visual Treat: Massive glaciers and avalanche-prone slopes add drama

7. Cheo Himal (6,820 m) – Larkya La Neighbor

  • Seen From: High on the Larkya La Pass trail
  • Trivia: Part of the final dramatic section before reaching the pass

8. Larkya Peak (6,249 m) – Border Sentinel

  • Location: Near Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)
  • Climbing Peak: Sometimes climbed by those crossing into the Nar–Phu or Annapurna side

9. Ribung Himal and Kutang Himal

  • Viewpoints: Seen from Samdo and the Tibetan border trails
  • Cultural Connection: These form the ridge lines that mark traditional trade routes into Tibet

Best Viewpoints in the Manaslu Region

ViewpointKey Peaks Visible
Lho VillageFirst full view of Manaslu and surrounding icefalls
Shyala VillageHimalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Manaslu – full panoramic arc
SamagaonBase camp access; close-up of Manaslu and Pung Gyen Glacier
Larkya La PassManaslu, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and access to Annapurna
Tsum ValleyShringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Baudha Himal


The mountains of the Manaslu region rise in silence and solitude, offering not just views, but a spiritual and cultural immersion unlike any other in the Himalayas.