Introduction
The viewpoints on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are among the most beautiful in Nepal's Himalayas. They offer unique vistas of snow-covered giants, remote villages, and alpine landscapes that only a few treks can match.
Once you begin walking on the lap of the world's eighth-highest peak, Mt. Manaslu, with your every step, there's a variety of panoramic sections ahead awaiting you. These lush river valleys, alluring villages, glacial lakes, and scenic high passes along the route will surely amaze you.
Currently, the trek is an off-the-beaten-path journey, as the region is less explored compared to the Everest and Annapurna Regions. It's a blend of raw natural beauty and rich Tibetan-Buddhist culture. The route also takes you to serene places such as Birendra Lake, where you can enjoy the stunning reflections of the peaks in the Mansiri Range, and the most remote section of the trek, Larkya La Pass.
If you're planning for the Manaslu Trek in 2026, this guide will help you find out the top 10 best viewpoints on the trail. By the end, your excitement for this journey will grow even more.
Why Manaslu Trek Has The Best Viewpoints
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers some of the best lookout points, boasting some of the most scenic mountain views in Nepal. As you hike on the trail, the towering Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781.5 ft) rules the skyline, and you'll also witness other nearby peaks, such as the following:
- Himalchuli (7,893 m/25,896 ft)
- Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m/25,832 ft)
- Cheo Himal (6,820 m/22,375 ft)
- Kang Guru (6,891 m/22,904 ft)
From the highest point, Larkya La Pass, with its 360-degree mountain views and picturesque riverside valleys, this trek offers several wide, high-altitude vistas that remain impressive throughout the trip.
Moreover, the flow of tourists on the route is comparatively less than that of other famous trekking trails, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Poon Hill Trek. This allows you to experience each panoramic spot in tranquillity, including sunrise vistas of the snow-white giants from the villages like Lho and Shyala, along with the amazing reflections of the mountain in Birendra Lake. The combination of rich culture, rugged terrains, and stunning panoramas of the Himalayas makes every viewpoint unforgettable.
Top 10 Best Viewpoints In The Manaslu Region
The best viewpoints on the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal have the real potential to astonish you, as they offer changing landscapes and jaw-dropping mountain vistas daily. The journey is moderate to challenging in difficulty; nonetheless, breathtaking views from these scenic overlooks make your effort worthwhile.
Manaslu Base Camp
The Manaslu Base Camp offers a magnificent view of Mount Manaslu and its glaciers from a very close vantage point. It's among the options for a hike during the acclimatisation day in Samagaun. The journey is challenging, but the view is well worth it.
Birendra Lake
It's a turquoise glacial lake situated at 3,650 m (11,975 ft) and is another option for hiking during the acclimatisation day in Samagaun. It can be reached just by walking for around 2 hours from the village. The reflection of the mountain in the lake creates a mesmerising view that has the potential to leave you speechless.
Namrung
From Namrung (2,630 m/8,629 ft), the Ganesh Himal and Manaslu begin to appear. It offers early glimpses of the Himalayan range, making it an ideal place to rest and enjoy the first big mountain scenery of the trek.
Lho Village & Ribun Monastery
Lho (3,180 m/10,433 ft) is the village where the first clear view of Manaslu is visible, making it one of the top scenic spots on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Another major attraction in this place is the Ribun Monastery.
Pungyen Gompa
Pungyen Gompa is a quiet and spiritual place located in Shyala, offering a closer view of Manaslu. Most trekkers visit the gompa while heading from Lho to Samagaun (3,530 m/11,581 ft).
Shyala Village
From Shyala, 360-degree views of the peaks, such as Himalchuli, Samdo Peak, and Manaslu, is incredible, as the village is surrounded by white giants. It's considered one of the most amazing villages for relaxation, as well as the best photo location throughout the Manaslu Trek.
Samdo Ri
By hiking from Samdo, one of the authentic Tibetan villages on the Manaslu Trek, to this beautiful ridge, standing at an elevation of 5,177 m (16,85 ft), early in the morning, you can get clear views of the Tibetan plateau and neighbouring peaks. With a short hike, you can reach here without great difficulty.
Rui La Pass (Rupina La Pass)
Rui La Pass is a side trip from Samdo, sitting on the Nepal-China border at an altitude of 4,998 m (16,397 ft). It's considered a hidden viewpoint in the Manaslu Region. From the top, if you look to the north in Tibet, you'll witness dry and rolling brown hills of the Tibetan Plateau, stretching endlessly to the horizon.
Larkya La Pass
Larkya La is also known as Larke Pass, rising to 5,106 m (16,752 ft), the highest point of the trek. From the top of the pass, the golden sunrise view of the snow-capped peaks, especially Larkya and Samdo, is mind-blowing. So, when you finally make it here, you feel like a triumph.
Bimthang Valley
Bimthang is a valley at 3,720 m (12,205 ft). It comes after crossing the pass, offering stunning views of the west face of Mt. Manaslu, other surrounding peaks, and glaciers. It's famous for the sunset view, as the setting sunlight paints the glacier in deep orange and pink.
Best Photography Spots On The Manaslu Trek
The Manaslu Trek offers several spots for photography from beginning to end. If you're a professional photographer, then that's great.
However, just to make a collection for memorisation, you don't need to be the one. The scenery along the way are such amazing that even without photography skills, the shot you take results in a beautiful image.
The landscape changes daily. You'll walk through green forests and rivers with snowy mountains in the background, providing you with peaceful and unparalleled scenes to shoot. Lho, Shyala, Birendra Lake, Samagaun, and Larke Pass are the best places for you to have a photo session.
During the trek, the full view of Mt. Manaslu appears from Lho Village. You can capture it using the Ribun Monastery as the foreground subject, following the rule of thirds, with Manaslu in the background. By doing so, you can take one of the most epic shots of this journey.
Shyala offers the best view of Mount Manaslu throughout the trail. At Birendra Lake, you can take several shots of Manaslu reflecting beautifully in the water. In Samagaun, the landscape is wide and open, like a valley, and the village is also culturally rich, creating the perfect setting for cultural and mountain shots, particularly during early morning and evening.
For picturesque mountain vistas, Larkya La is the perfect location for a photo shoot. Early morning light here creates a golden hour, making your images exceptional.
Best Time To Experience The Views
The best time for trekking the Manaslu Circuit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons allow you to enjoy the best views of Mount Manaslu and other landscapes in the region, as the skies remain clear and the weather is stable, resulting in great visibility of the mountains and making it perfect for trekking in remote locations in Nepal.
In spring, the trail shows off its colourful version, as rhododendrons and other wildflowers bloom. With mild temperatures and longer daylight hours, the season is ideal for hiking at a comfortable pace. You'll have enough time to enjoy both mountain vistas and natural beauty.
Autumn offers relatively crystal-clear views because it's the post-monsoon season. During this time, dust and haze are washed away by the early rainfall, making the air clean and giving the mountains a sharp and bright appearance. So, this is considered the most popular time for alpine trekking.
Tips For Enjoying Viewpoints Safely
The panoramic spots on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are outstanding, but all of them are at high elevation. To enjoy the views to the fullest, it's essential to stay safe by exercising caution during the journey.
Some of the basic safety tips for enjoying those viewpoints:
- Keep your pace in control by ascending gradually with frequent short breaks.
- Consider taking an acclimatisation day in either of the villages, Samagaun or Samdo. Most trekkers stay in Samagaun.
- Keep your body hydrated by drinking at least 3 litres of water a day to prevent altitude-related issues.
- Start hiking early in the morning for clearer views and safer weather conditions.
- Check the weather forecast for your travel dates when planning and daily during the trek.
- Bring enough warm layers, as temperatures are freezing in all seasons at high altitudes.
- Obey your guide and inform them if you feel early signs of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue.
- Don't rush for photos near steep edges or icy paths.
Be responsible when hiking into the wild by staying prepared to enjoy the best breathtaking spots on the Manaslu Trek safely and confidently.
Final Words
The viewpoints on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are amazing, offering unique panoramas of Nepal's Himalayas. From tranquil villages to alpine passes like the Larke Pass, each day offers new scenery, making your journey unforgettable with its blend of snow-capped peaks, remote valleys, and ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Choose the right season for this adventure to enjoy the mountain views. During the trek, follow the acclimatisation day and walk at a comfortable pace on the trail. Just know that for a greater reward, proper preparation is highly important.
