Manaslu

Manaslu, reaching an elevation of 8,163 meters, is the eighth highest mountain in the world and the highest point in Nepal's Gorkha District. Its name originates from the Sanskrit word "Manasa," meaning "Mountain of the Spirit." The first successful ascent was achieved on May 9, 1956, by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, leading to its reputation in Japan as the "Japanese Mountain." The surrounding Manaslu Conservation Area was established in 1998 to protect the region's unique biodiversity, including rare species like the snow leopard. The Manaslu Circuit is a renowned trekking route that circumnavigates the peak, crossing the high Larkya La pass at 5,106 meters. While historically known for its high avalanche risk and technical challenges, Manaslu has recently become the most climbed 8,000-meter peak after Mount Everest. The local population in the Manaslu valleys maintains a culture deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, viewing the mountain as a sacred entity.

History & landmarks

Manakamana Temple

A Hindu temple in the Gorkha District dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati.

Bindhyabasini Temple

The oldest temple in Pokhara stands on a small hill in the city center and is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati in her form as Durga.

International Mountain Museum

A museum in Pokhara dedicated to the history of mountaineering, the peoples of the Himalayas, and the flora and fauna of the region.

Tal Barahi Temple

A two-story pagoda temple on a small island in Phewa Lake in Pokhara, dedicated to the protector goddess Ajima.

Davis Falls

A waterfall in Pokhara where the water plunges into an underground tunnel that is 500 meters long and reaches 30 meters deep into the earth.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

A deep, damp limestone cave in Pokhara, located right across from Davis Falls, containing a large stalagmite in the shape of a Shiva Lingam.

Sarangkot Viewpoint

A famous ridge west of Pokhara, known for its breathtaking sunrises over the Annapurna Massif and Machapuchare.

World Peace Pagoda

This Buddhist monument on Anadu Hill above Phewa Lake was built by Japanese monks from the Nipponzan-Myōhōji community.

More places

Himalchuli

Himalchuli is a massive mountain in the Mansiri Himal, rising prominently above the Marsyangdi River valley.

Tsum Valley

The Tsum Valley is a remote Himalayan valley known for its deeply rooted Tibetan Buddhist heritage.

Manang Valley

The Manang Valley lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna, offering a dry, desert-like landscape.

Pokhara Valley

The Pokhara Valley is a picturesque region in central Nepal, famous for its serene lakes and caves.

Machapuchare

Machapuchare is a sacred mountain in the Annapurna massif, famous for its fishtail shape.

Mustang Plateau

The Mustang Plateau is an arid, high-altitude region known for its ancient Tibetan culture and mysterious caves.

Annapurna I

Annapurna I is the third highest mountain in Nepal and the tenth highest in the world, notorious for its danger.

Kali Gandaki Valley

The Kali Gandaki Valley forms one of the deepest gorges in the world, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.