Guide to Spotting Rare Wildlife & Birds on Manaslu Trek

The Manaslu region’s wildlife is diverse because of its wide range of forests, valleys, and high-mountain habitats. The Manaslu Conservation Area is a protected region covering 1,663 square kilometers (642 square miles).

It extends from around 600 meters to Mount Manaslu at 8,163 meters (26,782 ft). This vast elevation range supports diverse wildlife across the region.

The Manaslu Conservation Area is home to 39 mammal species and 201 bird species, along with reptiles, butterflies, and more than 2,000 plant species. Wildlife includes snow leopards, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan serow, marmots, musk deer, red foxes, and several birds found at high altitudes.

However, wildlife sightings are unpredictable. Just because these species inhabit this region does not mean trekkers will encounter them along the trail.

Wildlife by Altitude and Habitat

Wildlife in the Manaslu region changes as the trail moves from lower river valleys to high Himalayan terrain. Forests, rocky slopes, alpine meadows, and high valleys provide different habitats for different species.

Lower Manaslu Forests

The lower part of the Manaslu circuit trek passes through warmer forests and narrow river valleys. These areas provide habitat for species such as Himalayan serow, red fox, jackal, and several forest birds.

Dense forests can make these animals difficult to see. Trekkers are more likely to observe birds or commonly seen animals along the trail. Whereas rare and elusive wildlife is harder to see, as it usually stays deeper in the forests.

Temperate Forest Wildlife

The mid-section of the Manaslu Circuit trek passes through mixed forests. These forests provide a suitable environment for musk deer and several birds.

Red pandas live mainly in temperate broad leaved forests, usually between 2,400 and 3,900 meters. However, this does not mean trekkers are likely to see them along the main trekking trail.

Sub-alpine Wildlife

As the elevation increases, the landscape becomes broader and gives way to subalpine vegetation and rocky slopes. Here, you get to witness animals such as Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, marmots, as well as several Himalayan birds.

The Manaslu Conservation Area records blue sheep and Himalayan tahr as among the primary prey of the snow leopard. Blue sheep have been recorded in the northern parts of Chhekampar and Samagaun, and the Himalayan tahr across several habitats in the conservation area.

Alpine and High Himalayan Wildlife

The upper Manaslu valleys contain rocky slopes, alpine meadows, ridges, and areas with very less vegetation.

These habitats also support species such as blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, marmot, and high-altitude birds such as Blood Pheasant, Tibetan Snowcock, Himalayan Monal, and Alpine Accentor.

Snow leopards have also been recorded at this altitude; however, seeing one during a trek is extremely rare.

Iconic Animals of the Manaslu Region

Snow Leopard

The snow leopard is one of the rarest and most elusive wildlife species in the Manaslu region. They mainly live in the high-altitude region above 3,200 meters.

Snow leopards are found in places such as Chekkampar, Pungyen, and Manaslu Base Camp. They are solitary and stay in remote mountain areas, which makes them very rare to spot.

A study conducted by the Global Change Research Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences reported 13 adult snow leopards and two cubs in the Manaslu Conservation Area. An article posted by The Kathmandu Post reported that conservationists had installed 60 camera traps from Chumling to Nile to study snow leopards across around 300 square kilometers of the Chum-Nubri area.

Snow leopards also have excellent camouflage, which helps them to blend into the rocky landscape, which is also why they are famously called the “ghost of the mountains”.

They primarily feed on Himalayan tahr and Blue sheep. They also feed on smaller mammals and birds. Trekkers are highly unlikely to spot one during the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

However, their footprints, scat, and other signs might show their presence in that area.

Himalayan Blue Sheep

Himalayan blue sheep, also called Bharal, live on high-altitude rocky alpine cliffs above 3,500 meters (11,500 ft). They are found in areas such as Chekkampar, Samagaun, and Samdo.

On the adjacent Tsum Valley side, they are found especially in the high terrain beyond Mu Gompa. Here, they are protected by local Buddhist laws that strictly prohibit hunting.

Trekkers usually spot them feeding on grass along steep, rugged rock walls. These sheep rely on the cliffs to quickly escape from their main predators, snow leopards.

Himalayan Tahr

The Himalayan Tahr is a wild goat-like animal found at a lower elevation than the blue sheep. They are heavily congregated at altitudes between 2,500 and 4,500 meters (8,200 to 14,800 ft) in the temperate and subalpine forests.

They can be found in areas such as Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, Shyala, and Chekkampar. Himalayan tahr usually feed on grasses and herbs found in that area. They have strong legs and hooves that help them move across steep, rugged mountain slopes. Trekkers usually spot Himalayan tahr in the open and rocky terrain.

Musk Deer

Musk Deer are small and shy animals found in the high-altitude forests of the Himalayas. In the Manaslu region, they are found mainly in dense forests with rocky slopes in areas such as Jagat, Deng, and Namrung.

They are renowned for their strong musk scent and are highly prized in traditional medicine, which puts them at risk of poaching. Musk deer are shy in nature and hide in dense forests, which makes them difficult to spot.

They usually feed on grasses, leaves, herbs, and other plants. They are mostly active in the early morning and evenings, which might be a good time to spot them along the quieter trails.

Red Panda

Red Pandas are small mammals found in the temperate forests of the Himalayas. In the Manaslu region, they are found mostly in bamboo forests between 2,400 and 3,900 meters (7,874-12,795 ft).

They mainly feed on bamboo leaves, but also eat fruits, berries, and other plants. Red pandas are shy in nature and spend much of their time in trees, away from the busy trekking trails.

This makes them very difficult to spot during the trek. They are recorded in the Deng-Namrung forest sections in the lower Manaslu region and the Lho-Samagaun sections in the upper Manaslu region.

Birds You May See in Manaslu

The Manaslu region is home to many bird species found across its forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain areas. Trekkers may spot different birds along the trail, especially in the forested areas and quieter sections of the route. Some birds are easier to spot, while others usually stay hidden in the deep forested areas.

Himalayan Monal

The Himalayan Monal is Nepal’s national bird, also known as the Danphe in the local language. It is the most colorful bird found in the Himalayan region. It has bright features in shades of blue, green, and red, making it easier to spot.

In the Manaslu region, it is mostly found in forested areas at high altitudes such as Lho, Samagaun, and Shyala. Trekkers may spot them feeding on seeds, berries, and insects.

The male bird is easier to spot due to its colorful feathers, whereas the female has duller feathers that help it blend into the forest.

Himalayan Griffon

The Himalayan griffon is a large vulture found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. It is one of the larger birds you may see during manaslu trek. They are mainly found around open mountain slopes, cliffs, and alpine areas of Samdo, Dharmasala, and Larkya la.

They can live across a wide range of elevations, including areas above 5,000 meters, where they search for food. Himalayan griffons feed mainly on animal carcasses, including livestock and wild mammals.

Trekkers can spot them gliding around the higher parts of the trail, where the landscape becomes steep and the skies open. They have a large wingspan, a pale head and neck, brown body feathers, and darker flight feathers.

Golden Eagle

The golden eagle is a large predatory bird that inhabits the highlands between 3,000 and 5,500 meters (9,840 -18,045 ft) of the Manaslu region.

It can be found on open mountain slopes of the Samagaun-Samdo section, in rocky areas and in alpine valleys at higher elevations, such as the Dharmasala to Larkya La section.

Golden eagles usually feed on small animals and birds; however, they may also hunt larger animals when the opportunity arises.

Trekkers can spot them soaring high above the valleys. They can usually be identified by their broad wings and long tail, while they glide across the mountain terrain. The golden eagle got its name from the golden-brown feathers around the back of the head and neck.

Red-billed Chough

The red-billed chough is a mountain bird found at high altitudes between 3,000 and 5,000 meters (9,840-16,400 ft).

In the Manaslu region, it is usually found in open mountain areas with rocky slopes and cliffs around the Samdo-Dharamasala section. It mainly feeds on insects, seeds, and other small food found on the ground.

Trekkers may spot red-billed choughs flying in groups around valleys or feeding on the ground along the higher sections of the trail. They have glossy black feathers, a long red bill, and red legs, which make them easier to identify.

Tibetan Snowcock

The Tibetan snowcock is a large ground-dwelling bird found at high altitudes in the Himalayas. In the Manaslu region, it is found mainly in open mountain areas around the Samdo-Dharmasala between 3,500 and 5,500 meters (11,480 ft).

It feeds on grasses, leaves, seeds, and other plants, as well as small insects. Trekkers can spot this bird walking or feeding on the ground around the upper Manaslu Circuit trek, especially in quieter rocky areas.

Domestic Animals in the Manaslu Region

Domestic animals are most commonly found in the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Local household keep them for farming, transport, meat, diary, and other daily needs. You may see the grazing in village, carrying supplies, or moving along the trail with herders.

Yak

Yaks are among the most common domestic animals in the higher parts of the Manaslu Circuit. They are mainly seen around Samagaon, Samdo, and nearby high-altitude pastures. Local families keep yaks for meat, wool, transportation, milk and milk products such as Yak cheese. You may see them grazing near villages or carrying supplies along the trail.

Horse

Horses are used for transporting goods along parts of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. They are more commonly seen in the lower and middle sections of the route, where villages and trading routes are more accessible. Horses may carry food, luggage, construction materials, and other supplies between settlements.

Mule

Mules are commonly used as pack animals along the trekking route. They carry supplies between villages and may be seen moving in groups with a local herder. Their use is more common in the lower and middle sections, where regular transportation between settlements is possible.

Donkey

Donkeys are kept by some local families for carrying goods along the lower sections of the Manaslu region. They may be seen near villages and on trails connecting settlements. Their role is mainly transportation, especially where vehicles cannot reach.

Cow

Cows are mainly found around the lower and middle-altitude villages, where the climate and available pasture suit them better. Local households keep them for milk and other agricultural needs. They may be seen grazing around villages and farmland.

Ox

Oxen are kept mainly in farming communities in the lower parts of the Manaslu region. They are used for agricultural work, particularly ploughing fields. Compared with yaks, they become less common as the trail climbs into the higher mountain settlements.

Goat

Goats are commonly raised around villages and grazing areas along the Manaslu Circuit Trekking trail. They are kept mainly for meat and may be seen grazing on slopes, open fields, and areas around settlements. Herds are more noticeable in the lower and middle sections of the trek.

Sheep

Sheep are raised for meat and wool and may be seen grazing around villages and higher pastures. Their presence varies by season and location. In the upper Manaslu region, livestock may be moved between settlements and seasonal grazing areas.

Buffalo

Water buffalo are mainly found in the lower sections of the Manaslu region, where warmer conditions and farmland provide suitable surroundings. Local households keep them for milk, meat, and agricultural work. They become uncommon as the trail gains altitude.

Dog

Dogs are common around villages throughout the Manaslu Circuit. Local households keep them around homes and livestock areas, and some accompany herders while moving animals between grazing areas. They are particularly noticeable around villages and teahouses along the route.

Rare Wildlife vs Wildlife You’re More Likely to Notice

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Even animals that use open habitats may stay far from the trail or remain hidden. Your chances depend on the route, season, weather, habitat, and luck.

Where to Spot Wildlife Along the Manaslu Circuit

The habitats for wildlife changes as the Manaslu Circuit moves from lower forests to high alpine valleys. Therefore, the animals and birds you may notice also change with elevation.

However, wildlife can move between different habitats depending on food, weather, and season. So, these sections guide where you can pay more attention, however it won’t guarantee the sightings of some rare animals.

Jagat to Deng

The trail from Jagat to Deng passes through forests, river valleys, and rocky sections. These areas provide habitat for different mammals and birds. You can spot birds moving between the trees and listen for their calls.

Himalayan serow, red foxes, jackals, and other forest animals also live in the lower parts of the Manaslu region.

However, you might not always spot them on the way. Due to dense vegetation spotting wild animals can be difficult. Therefore, walking quietly and looking carefully along forest edges can improve your chances of noticing wildlife.

Deng to Namrung

The Deng to Namrung section continues through forested areas with open patches along the trail. These forest edges provide different places for birds and mammals to move and feed.

Instead of looking only into the deep forest, scan the open areas between trees. You may also notice movement in the branches or hear birds before you see them.

Red pandas live in suitable temperate forest habitats in this part of the Manaslu region. However, they are shy and difficult to spot.

Therefore, do not expect to see a red panda simply because you are walking through its habitat.

Namrung to Shyala

As the trail climbs from Namrung toward Shyala, the landscape gradually changes. The forest becomes different, and the valley starts to open up.

This change also creates different wildlife habitats. You move from dense forest sections toward more open slopes and mountain landscapes.

Therefore, this section is a good place to start changing how you look for wildlife. Instead of only checking the forest, scan open slopes, rocky areas, and distant ridges.

You may also notice more mountain birds and animals that prefer higher and more open habitats.

Shyala to Samagaon

The landscape becomes more open between Shyala and Samagaon. Large mountain slopes and rocky areas become easier to see from the trail.

Therefore, binoculars can become more useful in this section. Instead of looking only beside the trail, scan distant slopes and ridgelines.

Himalayan tahr and blue sheep use high-altitude mountain habitats in the region. Marmots can also occur in suitable open areas.

Wildlife may stay far from the trail, so patience is important. Stop only at safe places and take time to scan the surrounding landscape.

Samagaon to Samdo

The landscape around Samagaon and Samdo becomes increasingly open and alpine. You can see rocky slopes, open valleys, and areas with less vegetation.

These habitats support high-altitude wildlife such as blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, marmots, and different mountain birds.

You can scan the rocky slopes with binoculars and look for movement along cliffs and open grass-covered areas. You may also notice birds flying above the valley or feeding on the ground.

However, wildlife can remain far from the trekking trail. Therefore, a good pair of binoculars can help you observe animals without getting closer to them.

Samdo to Dharmasala

The trail from Samdo to Dharmasala passes through increasingly rocky and open terrain. Vegetation becomes sparse, and distant slopes become an important part of the landscape.

Therefore, look beyond the trail and scan the rocky slopes and cliffs. Blue sheep, marmots, and high-altitude birds use this type of terrain.

You may also see red-billed choughs, Himalayan griffons, or other birds flying across the valley.

Keep your eyes open for tracks and other wildlife signs as well. However, never leave the trail or approach an animal just to get a closer look.

Dharmasala to Larkya La

The Dharmasala to Larkya La section takes you into some of the highest terrain of the trek. The landscape has rocky slopes, open ridges, and very little vegetation.

Trekkers naturally spend much of the Larkya La crossing watching their footing. However, you can safely stop and scan the surrounding ridgelines, cliffs, and open slopes for wildlife signs.

You may notice birds flying across the open sky or tracks and other signs left by animals.

Snow leopards also use high-altitude habitats in the Manaslu region. However, seeing one during the trek remains extremely unlikely.

Therefore, wildlife observation in this section should focus on distant animals, birds, tracks, and other signs rather than expecting a close encounter.

Best Time for Wildlife Spotting

The chances of spotting wildlife in the Manaslu region change with the seasons. In spring, new leaves, flowers, and fruits begin to grow, attracting more birds and grass-feeding animals to these areas in search of food.

Livestock can also be seen grazing along the trekking trails during this time. Autumn usually brings clear weather and better visibility,making it easier to scan the alpine areas and spot birds and other wildlife.

During the monsoon, animals stay hidden in forests or other sheltered areas. Even when they go out for food, they are more active in the early morning or evening. Birds can also be harder to spot during rainy weather.

Winter brings snow and colder weather to the higher areas, which can reduce visibility and make wildlife spotting more difficult. Some birds migrate to warmer and lower areas, while mammals such as Himalayan blue sheep and Snow leopards migrate to lower elevations in search of warmer conditions.

How to Spot Wildlife Responsibly?

Trekkers should observe wild animals patiently and avoid disturbing animals in their natural habitat.

• Carry binoculars or a camera with a super tele-photo zoom lens.
• Walk quietly through forest sections.
• Maintain a safe distance and avoid chasing wild animals for photographs.
• Do not feed wild animals.
• Follow your guide’s advice. They have knowledge of the terrain and local wildlife.
• Stay on the designated trail and follow conservation area rules.
• Do not make loud noises to attract birds or mammals.

Note:
Wild animals may hide away or attack humans if they feel threatened. Give them enough space to continue their natural behavior.

What to Do If You Encounter Wildlife?

Wildlife encounters can happen unexpectedly, especially in remote areas of the Manaslu region. The safest approach is to remain calm and give the animal enough space.

• Stop and observe from a safe distance.
• Do not approach, chase, or surround the animal.
• Stay with your guide and follow their instructions.
• Do not feed or attempt to touch wildlife.
• Avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
• Allow the animal to move away before continuing,
• Do not run when you encounter wildlife.

Wildlife And Domestic Animals in the Manaslu Region

Trekkers may also see yaks, horses, mules, and other livestock along the trail. These animals are part of local livelihoods and should not be counted as wildlife.

The Manaslu region also supports wild species such as Himalayan serow, woolly hare, red fox, jackal, brown bear, Himalayan marmot, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and snow leopard. These species are part of the wildlife of the Manaslu Conservation Area.

The Manaslu region’s wildlife is closely connected with its forests, Himalayan terrain and landscape, as well as local communities. Respecting these habitats helps protect the animals that live there.

Author

Swostika Khanal

Swostika is a content writer at Himalayan Masters as well as a travel enthusiast. She loves to travel and learn about different cultures and people. With a love for writing, traveling, and embracing diverse cultures, she is on a journey to explore and inspire through words.