‘A wonderful adventure of great combination beyond Manaslu Himalayas’
Overviews:
Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek for 2023 / 2024 /2025 will be a perfect adventure
destination. For all interested adventures, trekkers to explore the hidden
treasures around the Shangri-La of Nepal’s Far North Mid-West Himalayas.
Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek, a great combination of adventure, takes
you far beyond the Himalayan Mountain range. In the country where ancient
cultures of bygone days exist amidst the harmony of the beautiful scenic location.
Tsum area is also known as the ‘Valley of Happiness’ as it was named by the old
Gurus of Tibet. A quite different country from the rest of the Himalayas also called
“Tsum Tsho Chuksums”. It means 13 provinces located in one territory, which was
also the abode of many Tibetan saints and Gurus. Like the famous Tantric and
Poet Saint Millerepa of the 11th Century, who mediated in a cave near the Nile
and Mu Gompa.
The hidden Shangri-La which is also known as Tsomba means the land of vivid
settings. Travelers to Tsum Valley can explore and discover the hidden treasures
almost forgotten by the rest of the world.
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek start with an exciting overland journey
heading towards Nepal Mid-West, around the district of Gorkha. The low country
of sub-tropical climate, and then reaching Machha-Khola a farm village to begin
the classic trek to Tsum Valley. The walk leads to several spread-out smaller farm
villages following the raging Kaligandaki River upstream, leaving the low farm
country.
Heading towards mid-hills to Jagat village, where the air gets much cooler nice
places with many shops and lodges. Jagat is the entrance towards Restricted
Areas around Upper Manaslu and Tsum Valley, where all trekkers require a
special permit. Including MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) and ACAP
(Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entry fees.
The adventure continues heading uphill towards cooler alpine hills covered in lush
green rhododendron, pine, and fir tree forest. The walk leads on the main trail of
Manaslu Circuit trail for some days past Deng and Namrung to Lokpa.
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE ADVENTURE LEADS TO TSUM VALLEY:
On leaving the main trail of Manaslu Circuit, entering Tsum Valley from the village
of Lokpa. The route leads into a narrow gorge with a climb to Chumling village,
the first overnight stop within Tsum Valley. The trail follows further North-East
through Chokanparo and Nile, en route side trip to saint Millerepa meditation
cave. Then finally reaching Mu Gompa, the highest point of the adventure before
crossing the Larke-La pass, on the Manaslu circuit.
Enjoy the amazing picturesque country similar to Tibetan plateau landscapes,
where the route also leads to the Tibet border. Explore the wilderness of Tsum
Valley with a tour of the old Mu Gompa, the oldest monastery in the region.
The views exceptional of Ganesh Himal North Face with an array of snow-capped
peaks. After a wonderful mesmerizing time at the high Mu Gompa, the return
journey takes you to Rachen Gompa. A pleasant walk with short ups and downhill
to Rachen Gompa an impressive monastery. The adventure continues on an
alternative trail for a few days to Lokpa, joining the main route of the Manaslu
Circuit.
THE SECOND PART OF THE ADVENTURE ON THE MANASLU CIRCUIT ROUTE:
After an enjoyable and glorious experience around the Tsum valley of happiness
and Tsumbas villages. The native of the Tsum areas are known as the Tsumbas,
the next adventure leads to its sister’s villages around Manaslu. Quite similar but
with a great difference due to its flow of many trekkers, then around Tsum Valley.
However the religion, and culture are the same as in Tsum but with prosperous
villages, the Manaslu is known as Kutang. Means a flourishing country in the
Tibetan origin language, the word Manaslu comes from old Sanskrit.
Manaslu in Sanskrit for the soul and mind of the God or holy spirits, like the huge
Lake Manasarover in Tibet. The Manaslu valley is a scenic and spectacular region,
located North of Mt. Manaslu the world’s 8th-highest peak.
The walk takes a nice settlement at Lho-Gaon, one of the largest among three
villages around Upper Manaslu Valley. Facing grand views of Mt. Manaslu North
Face, an exciting place to explore the traditional villages. Interwoven with strong
Tibetan Heritage and cultures with its old monasteries.
From Lho-Gaon a day walks to Sama-Gaon, the main village of Upper Manaslu,
located en route to Manaslu Base Camp. As well to Larke-La Pass and towards the
Tibet border, trekkers can enjoy a rest day for acclimatization at Sama-Gaon.
An interesting village for a hike to scenic Birendra Tal, a turquoise lake at the foot
of the Manaslu glacier. As well as a visit to Phungen Gompa, a full-day hike, the
trail diverts between Shyala and Sama-Gaon. The monastery includes a small
prayer hall and some monk dormitories built amidst mountains.
For energetic people can enjoy a long day hike of more than 8 hours from Sama-
Gaon to Manaslu Base Camp. From Sama-Gaon an exciting walk to the last village
and settlement of Gorkha and Manaslu valley to Samdo village.
Located, on the mid-way of Larke-La Pass and Dharmasala / Phedi, as well
towards Tibet/ China border. Samdo is a moderate size village with more than 20
houses for 600 or more inhabitants. From Samdo close views of Samdo Peak,
Panpoche, and Punchen Himal of above 6,000 m with Thulagi Peak at 7,059 m.
The Manaslu Circuit then leads to the far corners of Manaslu Valley and Gorkha
district at Larke Phedi / Dharmasala. Located at the bottom of Larke-La Pass, a
small place with few guest houses and lodges for travelers.
Although Upper Manaslu valley native looks almost the same as Tsum the
Tsumbas with similar heritage custom and cultures. The only difference is being
apart from one valley to another which also resembles the people of Manang.
Where Larke-La Pass forms the boundary of Manaslu, Upper Gorkha, and Manang
districts, the trekkers can witness this after crossing Larke-La.
Leaving the last of the Gorkha district and the scenic Manaslu Valley, the climb
leads to the top of Larke-La pass. On the highest point of the adventure at
5,106 m or 16, 752 feet, a tiring and strenuous climb.
But the hard effort rewards you with a stupendous panorama of grand scenery
encircled by towering peaks.
Overlooking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru Peak, and
Annapurna II. The descent leads to the top of a moraine and drops steeply to
Dangboche Kharka. A walk gets easier descending along the grassy moraine to a
small meadow with a Mani wall, reaching Bhimthang. Located amidst beautiful
forest surroundings, a lovely settlement has nice lodges with a comprehensive
food menu.
Slowly the walk ends heading downhill through beautiful woods of rhododendron,
pines, and first trees. The walk leads past Gho a small settlement and then to a
nice village at Tilje, situated above the Masrsyangdi River.
From Tilje a short climb to Dharapani village, Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit
Trekking completes. Next morning from Dharapani an interesting drive down to
Besisar, a large town, and headquarters of Lamjung district.
The drive continues on the main road to Kathmandu, after a wonderful adventure
and experience on Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit Trek.
THE BEST TIME FOR TSUM VALLEY & MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK:
For all treks around the high Himalayan region, especially the Tsum Valley &
Manaslu Circuit Trek. The best time is the mid-spring and autumn seasons, the
weather pattern around the Himalayas, can be unfavorable sometimes.
Even in the best time of the year, however, for trekking in Tsum valley and
Manaslu Circuit trek; spring and autumn are the best seasons.
Late March and April to May for the stunning views of the Ganesh, Manaslu
Himal, and Himal Chuli. The rhododendrons of various colors increase the beauty
of the trekking trail. Early May and mid-June are also good times to visit before
the wet monsoon times. Late September to early November months offers clear
fine days for views and pleasant walks. But much cold morning and late afternoon
till night time can expect snowfall sometimes.
Most of the lodges will be closed from mid-November onwards, the villagers
migrates to lower warm areas. Escaping the winter bitter cold and returns in
March during springtime.
FOODS & ACCOMMODATION ELECTRICITY FOR CHARGING ELECTRONICS:
Foods & Accommodation are available throughout the treks, depending upon the
variations and standards of the lodges en route. Most large main villages like
Chokanparo and Nile on Tsum Valley provide simple and basic lodges and a
limited food menu. Mu-Gompa has a very simple guest house and basic meals
available, but on Manaslu Circuit from Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, and Sama-
Gaon to Samdo villages. The lodge accommodation is good serving a wide range
of foods as per the menu wise. From Continental, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan, and
Nepali foods of great variation. Some lodge restaurants also provide bakery
products.
At Dharmasala / Larke Phedi, depending on the season due to a limited number of
lodge accommodations, where trekkers have to spend overnights in a tented
camp. But the food will be served from the lodge restaurants.
Most villages at present with facilities for hydroelectricity power and some
smaller villages have solar power. Where trekkers can charge electronic items,
paying a fee for charging per hour per item. Most lodges on this trek offer rooms
with common toilets and bathrooms and charge extra for hot showers. The
internet services available throughout the treks, can be disturbing in some places
around Tsum valley. As well on Manaslu Circuit till Dharapani village, due to
weather and location on deep valleys, gorges, hidden by high hills and mountains.
Where internet and cell phone services might not work for some days. At present
nearly all villagers do have cell phones for communication.
CONCLUSION:
The total distance covering the whole trek within 19 / 20 days approx. 200 km /
125 miles; excluding the overland journey both ways.
The drive to Machha Khola via Arughat town from Kathmandu is 165 km / 103
miles. Similarly, at the end of the trek in Dharapani village around Manang
district, the driving distance is 234 km / 146 miles to Kathmandu. Taking more
than 7 hours journey.
