The Manaslu region offers a variety of trekking options. The popular Manaslu trekking route of 177 kilometers, skirts the Manaslu massif over the pass down to Annapurna. The Nepalese Government only permitted trekking of this circuit in 1991. However mountaineering expeditions have had access to the area for a long time before 1991. The trekking trail follows an ancient salt-trading route along the Buri Gandaki River. En route, 10 peaks over 6,500 meters are visible, including a few over 7,000 meters. The highest point reached along the trek route is the Larkya Pass at an elevation of 5,100 meters. The views of Mt Manaslu, eighth highest mountain in the world, are marvelous and close. Besides Manaslu, the most prominent of the peaks are Buddha Himal and Himal Chuli, both of which can be seen from many vantage points between Kathmandu and Pokhara.