If you've gotta go, go all the way. In March 2018, I set off for my first trek in Nepal.

Against the backdrop of towering mountains, we feel so small. Every human connection becomes all the more important—whether it’s the young girl whose mother will probably hate you because you gave her chocolate and it’s now all over her face and clothes or the old lady who paused in carrying a heavy basket uphill to give us directions to a swimming hole.

The Manaslu Circuit is a younger trekking route than the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp treks. It's a little more remote and rough around the edges, especially if you make time for the side trip into Tsum Valley, a hidden vale close to the Tibetan border where much of the original culture is preserved.

The main circuit takes about 13 days, starting in Sotikhola and ending in Tilche or Dharapani, where the trail meets up with the Annapurna Circuit. The side-trip through Tsum Valley adds about 6-7 days. The highest point of the trek is Larke La, a high elevation pass with a max altitude of 5106m.

Walk with me to 5106m through the posts below!

Ready to plan your own trip? Check out the planning resource section I'm currently building or get in touch! Coming soon: trail description of the Manaslu Circuit.