Guide to Spotting Rare Wildlife on Manaslu

Manaslu, a treasure trove of biodiversity, is one of the most pristine destinations for trekking. It is not just a paradise for trekking in rugged, scenic terrain like no other, but a heaven for spotting various rare wildlife on Manaslu. From the ghost of the Himalayas and snow leopards to the alluring jewel of the mountains, the Himalayan monal, trekkers can enjoy diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek traverses within the Manaslu Conservation Area, shelter to some of the rarest species. Whether you are an adventurer or a wildlife enthusiast, Manaslu has it all for you.

This guide is a detailed description of how and where you can spot some of the rare species of wildlife on Manaslu region.

Key Wildlife Species in Manaslu

The rugged landscapes of Manaslu provide some of the most unusual and rarest wildlife species of the Himalayas. The remote area of Manaslu houses various interesting wildlife species that range from difficult-to-spot predators to vibrant birds.

Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

Among all wildlife species in the Himalayas, the snow leopard is the most elusive and is one of the most difficult animals to spot in Manaslu. Its dense fur and muscular body help the animal survive during particularly harsh, windy conditions in snowy terrains. Although there are around 15 snow leopards in the Manaslu region, as stated by Annapurna Post, sightings are rare. Trekkers can look for tracks in the snow or listen for the alarm calls of blue sheep, which often indicate the presence of a predator.

• Where to Spot: High-altitude regions such as Samagaon, Lho, Larkya La Pass (5106 m/16,752 ft), and bordering areas near Tibet.
• Habitat: Rocky cliffs and snow-covered slopes above 3500 meters (11,480 ft).
• Best Time: Winter months (December–February) when they descend to lower elevations for food.
• How to Spot: Look for pugmarks (footprints) in the snow, scratch marks on trees, or listen for distress calls from blue sheep and Himalayan tahr.

Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus)

With its shaggy coat and curved horns, the Himalayan tahr is well adapted to the rocky slopes of Manaslu. Males are larger and have a thick mane, while females are smaller and move in groups. These animals are often spotted along ridges and near rocky outcrops, especially during the early hours of the day.

• Where to Spot: Dense forests and rocky cliffs near Deng, Ghap, and Samdo.
• Habitat: Forest edges and steep terrains between 2500–5000 meters (8200–16,400 ft).
• Best Time: Spring and autumn.
• How to Spot: Males have a distinctive dark mane and are often seen on rocky slopes.

Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

The red panda, known for its striking red fur and bushy tail, is one of the hardest animals to spot in Manaslu. It lives in dense bamboo forests at mid-altitudes, around Namrung and Bhimthang forests. They feed mainly on bamboo shoots, berries, and small insects. Due to its shy nature, spotting a red panda requires patience and a quiet approach.

• Where to Spot: Forested areas of Deng, Namrung, and Prok.
• Habitat: Dense bamboo and rhododendron forests at 2200–4800 meters (7200–15,750 ft).
• Best Time: Early morning and late afternoon.
• How to Spot: Quiet movements, red-furred body with a bushy tail in tree canopies.

Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus)

The Himalayan monal, Nepal’s national bird, is a vibrant pheasant that brightens up the forests with its multi-colored feathers. Males display vivid shades of blue, green, and red, while females have more subdued brown feathers to camouflage themselves in their surroundings. These birds live in the rhododendron forests, foraging for seeds and insects.

• Where to Spot: Forested slopes near Namrung, Shyala, and Pungyen Gompa.
• Habitat: Alpine and subalpine forests between 2500–4500 meters (8200–14,760 ft).
• Best Time: Spring and early summer during the breeding season.
• How to Spot: Look for its colorful feathers shining in the sunlight.

Other Rare Wildlife on Manaslu

Besides the well-known ones like the snow leopard and red panda, Manaslu is home to several other rare and fascinating animals and birds. These animals are not as well-known but no less vital to the country’s delicate ecosystem.

Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster) – The Elusive Forest Roamer

The Himalayan musk deer is a shy and lonely animal that inhabits the dense forest of Manaslu. Renowned for its strong musk scent, greatly prized in traditional medicine, the species is threatened by poaching. It is most active during dawn and dusk and can sometimes be spotted in the undergrowth near trails.

• Where to Spot: Forested areas of Namrung, Lihi, and Prok.
• Habitat: Rhododendron forests at 2500–4000 meters (8200–13,120 ft).
• Best Time: Early mornings and late evenings.
• How to Spot: Solitary animals, often hiding in dense undergrowth.

Himalayan Griffon Vulture (Gyps himalayensis) – The Sky’s Scavenger

One of the largest vultures in the world, the Himalayan griffon plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by feeding on carcasses and preventing the spread of disease. Large birds glide over the cliffs, using heat currents to coast over the rock-strewn terrain with great ease.

• Where to Spot: High-altitude cliffs near Larkya Pass and Pungyen Glacier.
• Habitat: Open skies and mountain ridges above 3000 meters (9840 ft).
• Best Time: Year-round, especially after snowfall when carcasses are more exposed.
• How to Spot: Large wingspan, soaring above valleys.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) – The Regal Hunter

Golden eagles are powerful hunting birds that occupy the highlands of Manaslu. Its broad wingspan, which is well over 2 meters (6.5 feet), makes it a powerful hunter that feeds on small mammals like marmots and hares. It mostly hovers in valleys, looking down for probable prey.

• Where to Spot: Open highlands of Samagaon, Samdo, and Bimthang.
• Habitat: Rocky outcrops and high-altitude meadows above 3500 meters (11,480 ft).
• Best Time: Spring and summer.
• How to Spot: A large, dark brown bird with golden feathers on its head.

Tibetan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco) – The Phantom Stalker

Although extremely uncommon, the Tibetan wolf can sometimes be seen roaming the remote valleys of Manaslu. As opposed to its forest-dwelling cousins, this wolf has adapted perfectly to the harsh Himalayan landscape and feeds on blue sheep, hares, and small mammals. As it is extremely elusive, an encounter with a Tibetan wolf is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Where to Spot: Remote valleys of Samdo and near the Tibetan border.
• Habitat: Alpine meadows and barren landscapes at 3500–5500 meters (11,480–18,045 ft).
• Best Time: Winter, when they follow prey to lower elevations.
• How to Spot: Extremely rare; occasionally seen hunting in pairs.

Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) – The Elusive Forest Bird

For its reddish markings on the feathers, the blood pheasant makes its habitat in Manaslu’s bamboo and rhododendron woodland. The bird prefers thick vegetation, so it is difficult to locate. However, its soft, whistling calls can often be heard in the early morning or late afternoon.

• Where to Spot: Dense forests and shrubby areas near Deng, Namrung, and Samdo.
• Habitat: Forested regions between 2500–4500 meters (8200–14,760 ft).
• Best Time: Early mornings and late afternoons.
• How to Spot: Small flocks move through the underbrush, striking red and grey plumage.

Himalayan Marmot (Marmota himalayana) – The Alpine Burrower

Found in high-altitude meadows, the Himalayan marmot is a large ground squirrel that hibernates for up to six months during the winter. These social animals live in burrows and can often be seen basking in the sun near their dens. Their loud, whistling calls serve as a warning against approaching predators.

• Where to Spot: High-altitude meadows around Samdo and Larkya La Pass.
• Habitat: Alpine grasslands at 3500–5200 meters (11,480–17,060 ft).
• Best Time: Spring and summer before hibernation begins.
• How to Spot: Burrow entrances and loud whistling calls.

Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) – The High-Altitude Acrobat

This striking black bird with a bright red beak and feet is a common sight in the skies above Manaslu. Known for its aerial acrobatics, the red-billed chough is highly social and can often be seen in flocks, playfully gliding over cliffs and ridges.

• Where to Spot: Cliffs and ridges near Samdo, Larkya Pass, and Bimthang.
• Habitat: Open alpine areas between 3000–5500 meters (9840–18,045 ft).
• Best Time: Year-round.
• How to Spot: Pairs or flocks performing aerial acrobatics; distinctive red bill and legs.

Best Time for Wildlife Spotting

The Manaslu Conservation Area is filled with various rare species. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most rewarding seasons for spotting this rare wildlife on Manaslu.

During these months, animals are more active. Animals hide in their burrows during winter and are sluggish during the monsoon (June to August). So, after a long hibernation, spring and autumn present the best time for trekking and wildlife spotting.

However, if spotting snow leopards is what you want, then winter (December to February) is better. They descend to the lower regions of Manaslu, around Samdo, in search of food.

Likewise, early mornings and late evenings offer the highest chances of spotting these animals, as they are most active during these times of the day.

Best Places for Wildlife Viewing

Manaslu offers some of the best places to enjoy wildlife views. Samagaon and Larkya Pass are the best places to see snow leopards and blue sheep, especially in winter when they descend to lower elevations.

Similarly, forest areas of Namrung and Deng are inhabited by red pandas and vibrant pheasants like the Himalayan monal (national bird of Nepal).

Further, birdwatchers can visit Pungyen Monastery and Birendra Lake, where golden eagles and Himalayan griffons can be seen soaring overhead.

Additionally, alpine meadows of Ribung Valley and Sama Valley are ideal spots to watch Himalayan tahrs and musk deer.

Trekkers, with the help of local guides provided by Himalayan Masters and a lot of patience, can watch the region’s rich wildlife in its natural habitat.

Tips for Ethical Wildlife Spotting

• Use binoculars or a zoom camera to spot wildlife and avoid disturbing animals in their natural habitat.
• Stay quiet and move slowly so that you do not scare wildlife away.
• Follow local guides’ guidance, they are well-known about the terrain and animal behaviors.
• Do not feed or disturb animals; feeding them could harm their health and might alter their natural behavior.
• Trek in small groups as it is less disruptive to the environment and wildlife.
• Respect and follow all the rules and regulations implemented by the Manaslu Conservation Area.
• Wild animals are mostly active during the morning and evening, so try spotting wildlife on Manaslu during these times.

Apart from the above-mentioned rare species of wildlife found in the Manaslu Circuit Route and the Tsum Valley route, trekkers can commonly see other animals like yak, mountain goat, mule, Himalayan blue sheep, mountain marten, etc. On rare occasions, trekkers can also get a glimpse of a beautiful bird species, the great rosefinch.