Manaslu Trek & Tsum Valley is a fantastic adventure around Nepal’s North-West Himalayas. It offers fascinating views of the high valleys. You can have an exciting time in the traditional villages of the upper Manaslu and Tsum areas.
The Manaslu Trek, also known as the Manaslu Circuit Trek, is a beautiful trek around the 8th highest mountain in the world, Mt Manaslu (8,163m). From Soti Khola, the trek goes through subtropical forests, Gurung and Tibetan villages, terraced fields, and the alpine zone. One highlight is the crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,106m), which is a challenging but rewarding pass with stunning views of surrounding peaks. The trek then goes down through rhododendron forests and past Buddhist monasteries and ends in Dharapani, where it meets the Annapurna Circuit Trek. This trek is a perfect mix of culture and nature for experienced trekkers.
Tsum Valley Trek can be combined with Manaslu Trek or done separately from the same starting point. Tsum Valley is known as the “Hidden Valley” for its pristine Himalayan landscape and rich Tibetan culture. The trek diverges from the main Manaslu trail at Philim to the hidden valley, where trekkers can visit ancient Buddhist monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa. You’ll need to be less robotic sounding by changing sentence structure and using different word choices. The valley is home to the Tsumba people, who have preserved their unique culture and tradition for centuries.
Manaslu Circuit trekking offers grand views of the world’s highest mountains, such as:
- Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m)
- Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft)
- Annapurna South (7,219m-23,693ft)
- Gangapurna (7,455m-24,457ft)
- Annapurna III (7,555m-24,787ft)
Table of Contents
Highlights
- Stunning views of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
- Cross the Larkya La Pass, a challenging high mountain pass at over 5,100 meters.
- Discover the hidden gem of Tsum Valley, a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage site.
- Experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the local Tibetan-influenced communities.
- Visit traditional Buddhist monasteries and ancient villages along the route.
- Explore the remote and less crowded trails compared to other popular treks in Nepal.
Best Time To Trek Manaslu Trek & Tsum Valley
Spring and autumn are The best times to do Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley. Spring, from March to May, is an excellent time for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek. The weather is nice and stable, with clear skies. You will see beautiful rhododendrons blooming during the day. Temperatures are just suitable for trekking; they are not too hot or too cold, around ten °C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Additionally, you will have breathtaking views of snowy peaks. Since it’s not too crowded, you can enjoy the peacefulness of the Himalayas.
The weather is also perfect for trekking in autumn, from September to November. After the rainy season, the air feels fresh and clean. Temperatures are cool but comfortable, ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). This time of year is also special because there are local festivals you can join, giving you a chance to experience the culture of the Gurung, Tibetan, and Tsumba people. So, whether it’s spring or autumn, you’ll have a fantastic time exploring the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley.
How Hard Is Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley?
The Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley is a difficult journey for experienced trekkers who want a real Himalayan adventure. It’s not easy because you’ll walk a lot each day and deal with different terrain, like steep climbs and descents. The hardest part is reaching the Larkya La Pass, which is way up high at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet), where the air gets thin and the weather can be rough. So, you need to be fit and have experience trekking at high altitudes before you try this trek.
Planning for the Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley is important because it’s in a remote area with few facilities. You’ll walk through villages and wild places where there’s not much help around, so you have to bring everything you need, like food, water, and warm clothes. Also, the weather can change suddenly, with heavy snow or landslides making things even harder. But even with all these challenges, when you finish the trek, you’ll feel proud of what you’ve done and amazed by the beautiful views and the interesting culture you’ve experienced along the way.
Accommodation and Meals
Along the trail, along the Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley, accommodation and food are available in teahouses or guesthouses. These teahouses offer basic but comfortable rooms, shared with twin beds or in a dormitory-style. Bedding and blankets are available, but bringing a sleeping bag for extra warmth is always good. The facilities are basic, with a shared bathroom, squat toilet, and cold shower. The accommodation may vary in cleanliness and amenities, but it’s a cozy place to rest after a long walk.
Teahouses provide you with food on the trek and is mostly Nepali and Tibetan cuisine. It includes dal bhat (rice with lentil soup and vegetables), momos (dumplings), noodles, and various meat dishes. Most teahouses offer Western breakfast options like pancakes, eggs, and porridge. You can also buy snacks and drinks like tea, coffee, bottled water, and soft drinks in the teahouses. Overall, the accommodation and food on the trekking trail are simple but comfortable and authentic in the Himalayas.
Manaslu Trek & Tsum Valley Permits
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: This permit is required for all trekkers entering the Manaslu Conservation Area. It controls restricted areas and funds conservation.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): This permit is mandatory for all trekkers and allows them to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and conserve its natural and cultural heritage.
Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit: This permit controls the restricted area and supports conservation. Trekkers going to Tsum Valley are necessary to do so.
