Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley trek is one of the popular and off-the-beaten restricted and well-preserved areas of Nepal that required a special permit to trek. The entire trek is widely popular for its unique culture, lifestyle, numerous mysterious monasteries, caves, Hindu and Buddhist mixed culture, astonishing landscape, scenic, mountain views, valleys, rich and exotic flora, and fauns along with the beautiful Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), the 8th highest mountain on earth. The complete Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trail is covered by the Annapurna mountain range on the western side, Manaslu range on the center, and Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himal range on the eastern side.
Manaslu region is getting popular among the least explored trekking trails in Nepal that take you from the steamy lowlands which are filled with rivers, dense forest, and rice terraces. The entire trail passes along the Budi Gandaki river with turquoise waters, and amazing waterfalls. Trekking in the Manaslu region offers enchanting mountain sceneries and surprising landscapes. Mt. Manaslu located in the Manaslu Conservation Area is the 8th highest mountain in the world. Manaslu region treks give you the lifetime experience to explore the hidden beauties and the local ethnic people along with their superb hospitality.
The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek began from the scenic and beautiful drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola crossing the numerous villages, cities, dense forests, and rivers and following the Budi Gandaki, tracking back and forth across the river in a magical fashion via spidery suspension bridges through the threshold of Tsum valley. From here, you can explore the extraordinary views of the Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal range that leads your trail towards the Lokpa village, while from Chekamparo onwards the lush landscape gives way to the alpine region of the Tsum valley. Alongside the trail to Mu-Gompa, you’ll experience the essence of Tibetan Buddhism culture that resembles Buddhist monasteries, monuments, prayer flags, stupas, chortens, gompas, and many more which add even more sense of wonder and mystique. Returning back from the Tsum valley, the trail goes up and onwards through the mighty Manaslu through dense jungle and through ancient mani walls. The atmosphere changes and enters the cooler climate of the mid-valley where you’ll spend some time acclimatizing at Sama Gaun and Samdo village. You can explore the popular Pungen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, and Birendra lake during your acclimatization day. Whereas, acclimatization in Samdo offers a day hike along an ancient trail to the border of Tibet where people used to go for the trending in ancient times. After a night at Dharamsala, the trek climaxes with the rewarding achievement of cresting at Larkey la pass before descending down to the Bimthang. After a day's walk on the western side of Manaslu takes you to another district Manang where you’ll meet the trail of the most popular Annapurna Circuit trek before driving down to the Besisahar.
Highlights of Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley Trek
- Explore the ancient art, architecture, craft, culture, and religion of Kathmandu valley
- Scenic and beautiful drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
- Explore the ancient culture of Tibetan Buddhism, religion, and practices
- Explore the beautiful traditional villages of Namrung, Chekamparo, Sama gaun and Samdo
- Explore the mythical Mu-Gompa in the Tsum valley area
- Explore the culture, religion, delicious cuisine, and festivals of the Numbri people in Tsum valley
- Discover your spiritual self in the region's most well-known monastery in Lho Gaun - Ribung Gompa and collect the colorful collection of religious artwork
- Explore one of the least explored trekking trails where you can experience the Tibetan culture, lifestyle, and habits
- Explore the diverse exotic flora and fauna in the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area
- Crossing numerous suspension bridges, walking alongside the Budi Gandaki river and dense forest of Rhododendron and biodiversity
- Stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, Himlung, Annapurna Himalayan range, and many more snowy peaks
- Larkey pass (5,106m), the highest point on the trek
- One of Nepal's most complete treks yet one that is serene and peaceful by comparison to some of the busier trails elsewhere