Top Ten Active Spring Vacations

Manaslu Massif (Peregrine Adventures, Himalayan Travel)

Annapurna without the swarms? Really? Yes! The Manaslu trek is a circuit trail around Manaslu (the eighth tallest mountain in the world) and its satellite peaks. Located in the Manaslu Himal just to the east of Annapurna, this area was long closed to foreigners and can now be visited only through organized outfitters. From Gorkha, the path ascends with the Buri Gandaki River valley through lush sub-tropical terrain into alpine forest and then up to the barren lands north of Manaslu. The Tibetan villages here see few westerners. The highlight of the trek is the crossing of the Lakya Pass (16,700 feet). Like Annapurna's Thorung La, the pass isn't technical, but it is still tough. And glorious. The views out to the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges are superb. The return trail descends toward and into the Marsyangdi River valley.