Expedition Overview
Manaslu — "Mountain of the Spirit" — is the eighth-highest peak on earth at 8163m, and until 1991 the circuit around it was closed to foreign trekkers. As a result, it remains far less visited than the Annapurna Circuit or EBC route, and the communities along the valley — Gurung, Nubri, and Tsum — have maintained a cultural integrity and authenticity that is increasingly rare in the Himalaya.
The Larke Pass at 5160m rivals the Thorung La for drama, and the approach — through a deep river gorge with waterfalls feeding the rushing Budi Gandaki, through rhododendron forests, and finally into the high-altitude stone villages of the Nubri — is among the most varied and beautiful in Nepal. This is the expedition for photographers who have done EBC and want the Himalaya without the crowds.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Arughat to Jagat — The Gorge Begins
Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (6 hours). The Budi Gandaki carves a deep gorge immediately. Waterfalls, suspension bridges, and the first Gurung villages above terraced fields.
The Goal of the Day: Gorge photography and river-valley dynamics.
Day 2: Deng to Namrung — Culture Shifts
Above 2500m, the culture changes from Gurung to Nubri — Tibetan-influenced people with flat-roofed stone houses, painted courtyard walls, and monasteries with butter lamps burning inside.
The Goal of the Day: Documentary photography of a cultural transition zone.
Day 3: Samagaon & Manaslu Base Camp
Samagaon at 3500m is a high Nubri village below the Manaslu glacier. A half-day walk leads to Manaslu Base Camp with the north face of Manaslu (8163m) as a wall above. The Birendra Tal glacial lake reflects the peak on still mornings.
The Goal of the Day: Glacial lake reflection photography; the north face at maximum proximity.
Day 4: Samdo & Larke Pass Crossing (5160m)
3am departure for the Larke Pass. Dawn breaks as we approach the summit — the Manaslu group, Annapurna II, and the entire central Himalaya unfolds. Descent through moraines to Bimthang, a seasonal yak-herding settlement in a wide valley.
The Goal of the Day: Extreme-altitude dawn photography; the circuit's defining moment.
Day 5: Return through Dharapani
Descent to Dharapani and the Annapurna circuit road. Final portrait sessions in Gho and Tilije villages — Gurung communities rarely photographed by trekking groups using the Manaslu route.
The Goal of the Day: Final circuit portraits; less-photographed Gurung communities.
Book Your Expedition
Note: Final price may vary based on specific expedition details and customizations.
Expedition Leaders
Professor Nasrul Eam is a seasoned explorer and visual storyteller who has spent over two decades traversing Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures. As Dean of the Department of Art and Photography at Light & Composition University, he leads immersive photography expeditions to regions like the Himalayas, Sundarbans, and Bali. These journeys blend cultural exploration with hands-on learning, culminating in a complete photography diploma. With a portfolio of over 50 publications—including The Quintessence of Photography and Illuminating Nature—his work captures the profound beauty of everyday life. His background in advertising, linguistics, and visual arts enriches his mentorship, guiding participants to uncover compelling narratives through their lenses. Professor Eam’s expeditions are transformative experiences, inspiring photographers to engage deeply with the world around them.
Travel Information
Special permit (Manaslu Conservation Area, Rs.3000 + restricted area permit US$100 for first week, US$15/day thereafter) required — expedition arranges. Minimum group of 2 trekkers + licensed guide required by regulation. Best season: October–November and March–May.
What to Bring
• Full mountaineering layer system
• Crampons and ice axe for Larke Pass in heavy snow conditions
• Telephoto for the Manaslu north face
• Wide-angle for gorge work
• Trekking poles (mandatory for Larke descent)
• Altitude medication