Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek has been created geographically because of the drainage of Shear Khola, which rises from western Ganesh Himal's glaciers and from east south glaciers of Sringi Himal, converging at Nyak along Budhi Gandaki. Renamed "Tsum," it is a valley that consists of wild natural beauty with abundant amounts of wild animals, such as the Himalayan Thar and blue sheep that have been thriving in strict protection from hunting and fishing. This valley houses a number of historic and quite unique monasteries, with the Rachen Gumba and Mu Gumba set on scenic plateaus, while Lungdang Gumba stands atop a conical hill. The place has very rich history related to Buddhism, starting with the meditation of the Buddhist saint Milarepa in the local caves.
Traditionally, Tsum Valley was known as "Tsum Tso Chuksum," which translates into "thirteen provinces ruled as one territory," and some vestiges of the ancient Tsum Kingdom can be seen even today. Because it has been isolated and inaccessible, this sacred valley and its people have been protecting the culture from mainstream development for centuries. Thus, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal. It lies between Budhi Gandaki in the east and Marshandi Khola in the west. Major attractions here are Baudha Himal, Gorkha Himal, and Himal Chuli along with gigantic Manaslu and Annapurna ranges together with varied forests and wildlife over the ridges.
It starts from Gorkha and traces the Budhi Gandaki River, which cuts a wild gorge besides native Gurung communities and important Buddhist monasteries whose spires can be noticed sticking out from the top valleys. The Marshyangdi River flows mostly in Gurung communities during the first days of trekking, and a big population of Brahmins in the lower parts. This part is just stunning, with lots of beautiful waterfalls dropping into the main river, with very gentle altitude gain and minimal risk of AMS. On the fourth day, the river swings to come in from the south, through some steep, rocky gorges lined with extensive pine forests and ancient temples representing the pre-Buddhist Bon religion.
The geographical and climatic variation is so immense that this region houses a wide array of flora and fauna. The landscape cultivated is one of terrace paddy fields and rolling hills, particularly noted for winter crops of oranges. North of the mountains in the rain shadow area, the landscape becomes barren - an extension of the great Tibetan plateau. Other vegetation also changes with the gain in altitude from tropical species to temperate forests of oak, beech, and rhododendron that in turn give way to coniferous forests of pine and juniper just below the tree line. Other common wildlife sightings are barking deer, Himalayan marmots, exclusive pheasants, and various alpine birds like ravens and crows. In general, trekking is far more demanding compared to most treks; only well-prepared and adequately equipped people for various conditions can attempt this adventure, allowing extra days for possible side trips that will pretty much enrich the experience.
Experience the 18 day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, winding through majestic mountains, remote villages, and a culturally vibrant Himalayan region.
- Enjoy a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, exploration of Mu and Lungdang Gompas in the Tsum Valley.
- Visit the sacred sites like Milarepa's Piren Phu Cave and historic Dephyudonma and Rachen Monasteries.
- Trek around Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) is the eighth highest mountain of the world and possible sidetrip to Birendra Lake, Punhyen Glacier, or Manaslu Base Camp. Enjoy the spectacular views of glaciers, lakes, peaks such as Manaslu, Himchuli, and Ganesh on the Nepal-Tibet border.
- Cross the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m, the development of a unique Tibetan-Nupri and Gurung culture, with ancient stupas and monasteries lying along a route that few people travel on, once an ancient trade route to Tibet.
What to Expect from Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a unique mixture of spectacular natural beauty and rich cultural variety found in Nepal. This beautiful area greets you with spectacular mountain scenery, steep terraced hills, and deep canyons while exploring it. A large part of the route follows the valleys of Budhi Gandaki and Marsyangdi rivers, so one keeps on getting breathtaking views.
Along the way, different peaks such as Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world at 8,163 m, Ganesh Himal, and Singri will appear. The area is still predominantly Tibetan, reflecting in its architecture and customs dotted with several monasteries and gompas, most especially Mu Gompa at 3,700 m above sea level.
The trek also offers views of the magnificent coexistence of ancient Bon, Vajrayana Buddhism and Hinduism through various Chortens and Mani walls adorning the landscape. Varied flora and fauna, including some endangered species, densely fill the forests of this trek, hence allowing glimpses into lush vegetation and local wildlife to come forth.
While the trek can be quite challenging and at times includes high-altitude crossing like that of Larkya La Pass, the rewards are in the form of spectacular views and lifetime experiences. You also get the opportunity to interact with the locals, enjoying their hospitality and learning how to live a life so traditionally connected with the Himalayas. In a nutshell, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek is an exciting odyssey that combines some striking natural beauty with an overwhelming cultural experience. Therefore, this is something which no trekker or lover of nature would like to miss.
Immerse yourself in the culture, people, and Buddhist practices of the Manaslu Tsum Valley.
Recently opened Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is an unexploited and mysterious Himalayan region rich in unique culture and traditions. The locals, also known as Tsumbas, refer to themselves as the people from "Beyul Kyimolung," meaning the hidden valley of happiness or the Valley of Happiness in their local language. They live in traditional stone houses, hand-carved and designed in Tibetan style. While their architecture, culture, traditions, social norms, values, and religion show strong Tibetan influences, the Tsumbas have retained their own dialects, costumes, and unique lifestyles against the pressures of modernization. They celebrate the Tibetan New Year, Lhosar, which normally falls in February or March. During this time, ancient monasteries come alive with new prayer flags, and the Mani walls, chortens, and gompas complement the beauty of the valley. While trekking to Manaslu, you will go through the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the historical Tsum Valley, which once used to be an important trade route between Nepal and Tibet.
Situated in the Manaslu region of the Gorkha District, this sacred valley remains almost untouched by modernization and is host to a number of cultural, historical, and natural sights: old monasteries, gompas, chortens, mani walls dedicated to Lord Siddhartha Gautam Buddha-a true reflection of attachment of locals to Buddhism. Most Tsumbas are practising Bon as well as Vajrayana Buddhism in active ways, with daily rituals taking place at various monasteries in the valley, like Ranchen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Gumpa Lungdang Nunnery. These monasteries are artistically fabricated and considered to be of great religious and historic significance, dating back to a time when the saint Milarepa is said to have attained liberation while meditating in a cave there. The rich heritage of this place has resulted in the people of the Manaslu region being hospitable, welcoming, and cheerful while dwelling amidst the challenges of rural life in the Himalayas.
Situated in the Manaslu region of the Gorkha District, this sacred valley remains almost untouched by modernization and is host to a number of cultural, historical, and natural sights: old monasteries, gompas, chortens, mani walls dedicated to Lord Siddhartha Gautam Buddha-a true reflection of attachment of locals to Buddhism. Most Tsumbas are practising Bon as well as Vajrayana Buddhism in active ways, with daily rituals taking place at various monasteries in the valley, like Ranchen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Gumpa Lungdang Nunnery. These monasteries are artistically fabricated and considered to be of great religious and historic significance, dating back to a time when the saint Milarepa is said to have attained liberation while meditating in a cave there. The rich heritage of this place has resulted in the people of the Manaslu region being hospitable, welcoming, and cheerful while dwelling amidst the challenges of rural life in the Himalayas.
Larkya La Pass of 5,106m is the safest and least traveled trail in Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
The highest altitude that you will reach during the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is the Larkya La Pass, which lies at an elevation of 5,106 m (16,748 ft) above sea level. Being the longest high mountain pass in Nepal, it has been acting as a barrier in shielding the Manaslu Trekking Region and its valleys from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The Larke La Pass separates the valleys of the Manaslu area with its great views of Mt. Manaslu-8,416 m, the eighth highest mountain in the world; it connects major mountain villages, Dharamshala and Bimthang, offering striking views of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, and more.
The trend of such a Landscape is difficult to traverse, containing cold Himalayan winds and steep inclines and descents that reveal breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime scenery. That's why Larkya La is called the ultimate challenge and most mythical viewpoint in the Manaslu trek via Tsum Valley due to its diversified landscapes, rare flora and fauna of the Himalayas, and an untouched culture and tradition of the locals.
Although the route to the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is less crowded and involves the demanding Larkya La Pass, it is considered one of the safest trekking trails in Nepal, with a reduced risk of altitude sickness. Contrary to other high mountain passes in Nepal, the overall Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek is a teahouse trek without climbing gears. Thus, you are able to make your journey amazingly without camping gear or climbing equipment. Thus, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek is one of the less traveled yet safe trekking routes within Nepal's Manaslu area.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary and Cost Details.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek itinerary is highly flexible and can be customized to suit one's preference and time availability; it usually ranges from 13 to 22 days. Nepal Nomad offers the standard version, which is within the span of 22 days, and this ensures that good acclimatization is achieved and the probabilities of bad weather in the mountains are low. It starts from Soti Khola and covers all beautiful sites such as Maccha Khola, Jagat, Lok Pa, Nile, and Mu Gompa. The route to Manaslu Base Camp is via Nyak Phedi, Bi Phedi, Namrung, and Sama Gaun. The trek returns via Sando, Larke Pass, Bhimthang, Tilije, Dharapani, and Besisahar toward finally arriving in Kathmandu.
Full costs will depend on factors such as the kind of itinerary chosen, duration, season, mode of transports involved, and used extra services. Nepal Nomad Trekking does an excellent trekking experience with budget plans in line with the best interest of the client, their prices are relatively competitive, and special discounts can be considered for group bookings. For example, the quote for two participants is approximately USD 2190 per participant. This, therefore, places guided Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek as an affordable option, which can be further tailor-made to provide excellent value for the trekkers in both adventure and cultural immersion.
