Manaslu Circuit and Tsum valley trekking are geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating, ready to get explored for their magnificent mountain vistas, dramatic landscapes, mysterious canyons, terraced hillsides, Tibetan culture, and a high pass crossing. The remote upstream of the Budhi Gandaki, reaching Mu Gompa (3,700m) for a stunning surrounding range of Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal, and Singri Himal, crossing over Larkya La (5106m), the highest point of the trek and going down to the Marsyangdi, makes a semi-circular trip around the three peaks of Manaslu. Larke La Pass provides beautiful high mountain views of the mighty Manaslu Range and Annapurna Range.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Highlights:
Panoramic views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Lamjung, and Ganesh Himal
Tsum the Valley is the hidden valley also called the valley of happiness.
Mu and Lungdang Gompas in Tsum valley
Milarepa Piren Phu Cave (pigeon cave) is the most sacred cave in the Tsum valley
The historical Dephyudonma and Rachen monastery are the earliest monasteries in the Tsum valley
Trekking around Mt. Manaslu (8163m), the world’s eighth tallest mountain
Side the trip around the Biren Lake which is one of the popular lakes, and monasteries, Punhyen Glacier, or hike to Mount Manaslu Base Camp during the rest day at Samagaon
Majestic views of glaciers, lakes, rock, and Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Ganesh, Mt. Himchuli, and many more on Nepal- Tibet border from high crossing Larkya La Pass
The unique cultural fusion of Tibetan Nupri and Gurung inhabitants
Ancient Buddhists stupas, monasteries, and Tibetan lifestyle
The side trip to Birendra Lake or incredible scenery with diverse flora and fauna.
Tsum valley is an uncrowded and peaceful spot, and perfect for adventurous souls who are keen to discover natural beauty in its largely unspoiled natural environment. The glorious view of Himlung Himal (7125m), Kang Guru (6,980m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Ganesh Himal (7,319m), Himchuli (7,893m), Shringeri Himal (7,187m), and Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), from the Larkya La Pass, is one of the key features to Manaslu Tsum Valley and Larkya La Pass Trek.
Both these trekking routes have the refreshing natural beauty waiting to be explored. Offering the secretive hilltop monasteries, panoramic Himalayan scenic beauty, hurdles of Mani walls, Chhortens, colorful people wearing Tibetan traditional dress, cultural variety, and most sacred caves are sure to make this combined trek one of the adventurous and beautiful treks in Nepal. During the trek, we will also visit sacred Buddhist Gompas such as the impressive Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and Milarepa’s cave.
Manaslu Circuit Trek honors us with captivating mountain scenery, high mountain pass, glacial landscapes, rhododendron forests, and ancient monasteries. Manaslu Conservation Area (stated in 1998) which consists of various endangered species of wildlife and vegetation is an enchantment of Manaslu Circuit Trek. The conservation area has about 33 types of mammals, 110 species of birds, 11 kinds of butterflies, and 3 species of reptiles.
During Manaslu Circuit Trek, we can see Himalayan Thar, blue sheep, snow leopard, and musk deer in the conservation area. Our confrontation with the golden eagle, crimson horned pheasant, Kalij, Himalayan, and Tibetan snow cocks makes our Manaslu Circuit Trek truly remarkable. We can also see 19 different forest types among which pine and rhododendron are dominant. Around 1500 - 2000 plant species from medicinal herbs and aromatic plants to pine add up to the beauty of Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Tsum valley is known for its peace and solitude. This region has been opened for visitors only a few years ago, due to which we have a wonderful chance of having an experience of the unspoiled Manaslu region. While trekking, we will reach very close to the Tibetan border, with the resemblance to landscapes of Tibet itself. One might even misunderstand for being in Tibet but there’s a huge mountain range to the north that marks the Nepalese border. We will be trekking close to these very foothills of the giant Himalayan peaks.
“Tsum” means vividness, and the taste of it can be felt through the trek, especially the feeling of air. It is also called the “Hidden Valley of Happiness” as once we get there, we will feel the aura too- especially trekking through the remote and quiet landscapes. The time spent here will inspire us for months ahead, especially regarding our raw experience with nature and after seeing the simplistic ways of people who call this region home. The beautiful views we will have from Larkya La Pass, and the pristine valley itself will be memorable for a lifetime.
The Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek is one of Nepal’s jewels to witnessing a sparkling range of panoramic peaks, a wide range of scenery, cultural variety, and peaceful valleys awaiting the adventurous explorer. Trekkers visiting Manaslu and Tsum are sure to have an especially unforgettable experience.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Route
The trek, through Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit is truly an adventure that kicks off with a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola Village via Arughat. Each day of the trek brings forth scenery, challenges and cultural experiences.
At the start of the trek travelers pass through villages like Machha Khola and Jagat where terraced fields, verdant forests and traditional Nepalese architecture paint a backdrop. As the path winds up into the Tsum Valley hikers are immersed in customs and secluded communities. Venturing through Lokpa, Chumling and Chhokangparo offers a welcome from locals and opportunities to explore age monasteries, prayer flags and chortens scattered across the landscape.
The exploration of Tsum Valley culminates with visits to Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, two monasteries in the area that provide insights into traditions and spirituality. Moving beyond Rachen Gompa leads to Lungdang Gumba before reaching Ganesh Himal Base Camp. This base camp acts as a gateway for admiring the awe mesmerizing peaks of Ganesh I, II, III and IV. Stalwart guardians of the Himalayan expanse.
Subsequently retracing your steps back, to Lokpa concludes this trekking experience. The path ahead leads to the Manaslu Circuit, where majestic mountains and challenging landscapes lie ahead.
Hiking through Ghap, Namrung and Samagaon the adventure peaks, with the ascent, over the imposing Larkya La Pass towering at 5,160 meters above sea level. From here continue trekking to Dharapani from where you will be hop on a drive on your return way to Kathmandu via Beshisahar.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Distance
Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek covers about 230 kilometers in total. This includes the trekking distance from Machha Khola to Ganesh Himal Base Camp and taking a different return path from Lokpa which leads to Larkya La Pass.
For Those who would want to travel these distinct treks individually then click the below links to check their details.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Tsum Vallery Trek