7 Best Alternative Treks to the Manaslu Circuit | Less Crowded

So, you’ve heard the whispers about the Manaslu Circuit Trek. You know it as the "tea-house alternative" to the now-crowded Annapurna Circuit. But here is the reality from those of us on the ground: the secret is out. While Manaslu remains a breathtaking journey, the trails are busier than they were five years ago, and the authentic "wild" feeling is slowly being replaced by the hum of peak-season tourism.

At Best Heritage Tour, we believe the heart of trekking lies in the silence between footsteps and the unscripted moments with local communities. If you are looking for that raw, untouched Himalayan magic - where the only tracks in the snow are yours and perhaps a elusive blue sheep - it’s time to look toward the alternatives.

From the "Hidden Valley" of the gods to the desert-like canyons of the west, here are the best alternative treks to the Manaslu Circuit that offer even deeper solitude and richer heritage.

1. The Tsum Valley Trek: The Sacred Valley of Happiness

If the cultural aspect of Manaslu was your primary draw, then the Tsum Valley is its soul. Located in the northern part of the Gorkha district, this "Beyul" (sacred hidden valley) was only opened to trekkers in 2008.

• Why it’s a great alternative: Most Manaslu trekkers pass the turn-off to Tsum without a second glance. By taking this detour (or doing it as a standalone), you enter a region where the ancient Tibetan way of life is preserved in its purest form.

• Heritage Highlights: You’ll visit Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region, and Piren Phu (Pigeon Cave), where the great saint Milarepa is said to have meditated.

• The Vibe: Deeply spiritual. You won't find loud trekking groups here; instead, you'll find mani walls carved with thousands of prayers and locals who practice "non-violence" toward all living beings.

2. Nar Phu Valley Trek: Nepal's Little Tibet

Tucked between the giants of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges lies the Nar Phu Valley. This trek is a masterclass in ruggedness. It combines high-altitude passes with medieval villages that look like they’ve been frozen in stone for centuries.

• Why it’s a great alternative: It offers the same high-altitude drama as the Larkya La pass but with significantly fewer footprints. To reach these villages, you must navigate a narrow, forested canyon that opens up into a vast, arid landscape reminiscent of Tibet.

• The Challenge: Crossing the Kang La Pass (5,320m). The view from the top - a 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna Massif - is arguably superior to anything on the standard Manaslu route.

• Best Heritage Experience: Staying in the walled village of Phu, where the "blue sheep" often wander right into the outskirts of the settlement.

3. Upper Dolpo: The Last Frontier

For the trekker who thinks they’ve seen it all, there is Upper Dolpo. This is not just a trek; it’s an expedition into a landscape of myth. Immortalized in Peter Matthiessen's The Snow Leopard, Dolpo is remote, demanding, and utterly transformative.

• Why it’s a great alternative: While Manaslu is now a well-supported tea-house trek, Upper Dolpo remains a wild camping experience. There are no crowds here because the logistics require expert planning (something we pride ourselves on at Best Heritage Tour).

• Natural Wonder: Shey Phoksundo Lake. The water is a turquoise so deep it looks painted against the barren, ochre cliffs.

• Heritage Highlights: The ancient Bon-Po culture. Unlike the more common Tibetan Buddhism, Bon-Po is one of the world's oldest spiritual traditions, and its practitioners are found in the remote corners of this region.

4. The Ruby Valley Trek (Ganesh Himal)

If you want to stay relatively close to Kathmandu but feel a thousand miles away from the "tourist bubble," the Ruby Valley Trek is a hidden treasure - literally named after the precious stones found in the local mines.

• Why it’s a great alternative: It’s a lower-altitude trek (peaking at Pangsang La, 3,842m) compared to Manaslu, making it perfect for those who want stunning views without the extreme oxygen-deprivation of 5,000-meter passes.

• The Experience: This is a "Homestay Trek." Instead of commercial lodges, you sleep in the homes of Tamang and Gurung families.

• The View: You get a front-row seat to the Ganesh Himal range, which looks so close you could almost reach out and touch it.

5. Kanchenjunga Base Camp: The Giant of the East

If the 8,000-meter stature of Mt. Manaslu was your hook, why not go for the third highest peak in the world? Kanchenjunga sits on the far eastern border of Nepal and offers a scale of scenery that is simply gargantuan.

• Why it’s a great alternative: It is long, strenuous, and incredibly rewarding. Because it’s further from Kathmandu and requires more time, it sees a fraction of the visitors that Manaslu does.

• The Flora & Fauna: This region is a biodiversity hotspot. You’ll trek through rhododendron forests that feel like prehistoric jungles before reaching the glacial moraines of the high north.

• The Heritage: The Rai and Limbu cultures of the lowlands transition into Tibetan-influenced communities in the high altitudes, offering a diverse cultural tapestry in a single journey.

6. Makalu Base Camp: The Quiet Giant

Mt. Makalu (8,485m) is the fifth highest mountain in the world, yet its base camp remains one of the most under-visited spots in the Himalayas.

• Why it’s a great alternative: It offers a "Base Camp" experience that is far more solitary than Everest or Manaslu. The trail takes you through the Makalu Barun National Park, home to some of the last remaining pristine forest and alpine meadows in Nepal.

• The Challenge: The route is famous for its steep ascents and descents. You’ll cross the Shipton La and the Keke La, passes that test your legs but reward your soul.

7. Khopra Danda: The Annapurna’s Best Kept Secret

While technically in the Annapurna region, the Khopra Danda (Ridge) trek is the antithesis of the crowded Annapurna Circuit. It stays high on the ridges rather than deep in the valleys.

• Why it’s a great alternative: If you have less time but still want the "high-altitude solitude" of Manaslu, this is it. It offers a stunning "eye-level" view of Dhaulagiri (8,167m).

• The Highlight: A day hike to Khayer Lake (4,600m), a sacred high-altitude lake where you are unlikely to see more than a handful of other people, even in peak season.

Comparing the Routes at a Glance

Why Choose an "Alternative" Trek?

Choosing a less-traveled route isn't just about avoiding the crowds; it's about Responsible Tourism. When we spread out across the map, we bring economic benefits to remote villages that aren't on the "Golden Triangle" of trekking. These are the places where your visit actually makes a difference.

At Best Heritage Tour, we don't just guide you; we introduce you to the families we’ve known for decades. We ensure that your trek is sustainable, respectful, and - above all - unforgettable.

The Himalayas are vast, and while the "Big Three" (Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu) get the most fame, the true spirit of Nepal lives in the valleys where the trails are still narrow and the welcomes are still wide.

Ready to find your own path?

Whether you're drawn to the sacred silence of Tsum Valley or the rugged heights of Nar Phu, we are here to help you plan the perfect off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Phone / WhatsApp / Viber: +977-9851149197 / +977-9810043046

Email: info@bestheritagetour.com / bestheritagetour@gmail.com

Website: www.bestheritagetour.com

Office: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal

Author: Best Heritage Tour

Date: 2nd February, 2026