Manaslu Region Trekking

Introduction
The Manaslu Region is known for its moderate to challenging difficulty level trekking, with many cultural villages and diverse nature, from lush green terraced fields to towering peaks, allowing trekkers to experience the majesty of the Himalayas and the warmth of its cultures within its shortest distances. The Manaslu or Manaslu and Tsum Valley combined trek begins from Kathmandu with a Jeep drive to Arughat, Machhakhola, and Jagat, making it accessible in all weathers without fear of flight cancellations. The trek starts with great cultural walking through several Gurung villages and entering the secret valley of Tsum (if you are doing both treks in a single trip, which is the best option), hidden from the outside world of modernization. This valley is a Shangri-la, opened to trekkers only in 2008.

Immerse Yourself in the Unique Culture of Tsum Valley
The people of Tsum, the Tsumbas, are about 4000 in number. Their major trade is with Tibet in the Kyirong region, which lies across two passes at the head of the Shyar Khola (east river) Valley. The Shyar Khola Valley offers fabulous views of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, Baudha Himal, and Himalchuli.

Spiritual Significance
The Buddhist saint Milarepa and Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism, have visited Tsum; therefore, it is considered a Beyul or sacred hidden land. An important month-long pilgrimage route, the Kyimalung Circuit, runs through the Tsum Valley, offering trekkers a unique spiritual experience. This secret and sacred valley has several holy sites, such as the Piren Phu (Pigeon Cave or Milarepa’s Cave) near Burj village and several ancient monasteries such as Rachen Nunnery, Mu Monastery, Gumba Lungdang Nunnery, and the villages of Chumling, Chhule, Chhekampar, and Nile.

Connecting to the Manaslu Circuit
The Tsum Valley Circuit trek ends by rejoining the classic Manaslu circuit trail at Lakuwa/Lokpa/Lokwa and continuing the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Experience the Grandeur of the Manaslu Circuit
The grand and lofty mountains of Manaslu, Bouddha Himal, Himal Chuli, and Ganesh Himal dominate the Manaslu circuit trekking trail. The main villages of the Manaslu circuit, such as Lo, Sama Gaon, and Samdu, lie above the tree lines on the trail to Manaslu base camp, Larke La Pass 5,135m, and the Tibet border.

The Majestic Mount Manaslu
Mount Manaslu, at 8,163 metres, is known in the local dialect as Kutang Kang. It is the eighth-highest Peak in the world, also known as the Japanese Peak.

Historical Context
The Manaslu region, once feared by the Khampa movement of Tibetan separatists, remained a forbidden land. Nowadays, however, it is one of the most preferred trekking destinations in Nepal, inviting you to explore its ancient Trans Himalayan Salt Trade and Caravan Trail of Nepal/Tibet.

Crossing the Larke La Pass
The Larke La, at 5,106 metres, is the main pass that separates the Manaslu and the equally stunning Manang Marshyangdi Valley. After the Larkye La, a long descent takes you back into the lush forests of rhododendrons, oaks, pines, and fir, reaching the road head at Dharapani, where the Manaslu trail and Annapurna circuit trail meet or separate!

Conclusion and Options for Extension
After spending a night at Dharapani, extending the Annapurna circuit trek via Manang, to Besisahar, or driving directly to Kathmandu or Pokhara is possible. If you extend the trek to Besisahar, the scenery of the lower valley, through the gorges of Marshangdi River Valley, will treat you to a visual feast. Accordingly, the cultural life and different ethnic groups living together in harmony will inspire you to keep going to see what lies beyond the next bend. Read more for Physical Fitness.