Manaslu Region Trekking

Manaslu Region Trekking

The trip begins from Kathmandu with a Jeep drive to Jagat and starts with walking through several Gurung villages and entering the secret valley of Tsum, hidden from the outside world of modernization, a Shangri-la, opened to trekkers only in 2008. The people of Tsum, the Tsumbas, are about 4000 in number, and much of their trade is with the Kyirong region of Tibet, which lies across two passes at the head of the Shyar Khola (east river) Valley. The fabulous views in the valley are of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Hima, Baudha Himal and Himalchuli. Buddhist saints Milarepa and Guru Rinpoche have visited the Tsum; therefore, it is considered a Beyul or hidden land. An important month-long pilgrimage route, the Kyimalung Circuit, runs through the Tsum Valley. This secret and sacred valley has several holy sites, such as the Piren Phu (Pigeon Cave or the 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. The Tsum Valley trek ends by rejoining the Manaslu circuit trail at Lakuwa/Lokpa/Lokwa and continuing 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 Manaslu, 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.

Mount Manaslu, tall at 8,163 metres, is known as Kutang Kang in the local dialect. It is the eighth-highest peak in the world, a testament to the human Spirit of conquest. The region, once feared by the Khampa movement, the Tibetan separatists, was a forbidden land. Today, it stands open, inviting you to explore its ancient Trans Himalayan Salt Trade and Caravan Trail of Nepal/Tibet.

The Larke La, at 5,106 metres, is the main pass that separates the Manaslu and Manang Marshyangdi Valley. After the Larkye La, a long descent takes you back into the lush forests of rhododendrons, oaks, pines and fir and reaching the road head at Dharapani, where the Manaslu trail and Annapurna circuit trail meet or separate! After spending a night at Dharapani, extending the Annapurna circuit trek, Besisahar, or taking a direct drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara is possible.

If you extend the trek to Besisahar, the scenery of the lower valley, through the gorges of Marshayngdi 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.