Manaslu lies to the north-east Kathmandu in an area long closed to foreigners because of its proximity to the Chinese border, but recently opened. Because the area is newly opened the trails are relatively less trekked, and the culture and traditions are less affected. Added to that the scenery is among the best in Nepal. This is a fascinating route around Manaslu (8,163m) a mountain known as the Japanese Peak because of the expeditions that nation sent to it before finally succeeding in reaching the summit. We ascend beside the Buri Gandaki River and through the contrasting worlds of Lho and Sama Gaon (3,450m) before crossing the trek’s highest point, the Larkya La (5,213m), which is just 8km from the Tibetan border. From the pass there is a classic view to the west – Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru (6,981m) and Annapurna II (7,937m). From Larkya La, the descent is steep and usually snow-covered as far as Tanbuche.