Manaslu Circuit With Tsum Valley Trek

Overview of Manaslu Circuit With Tsum Valley Trek

The Manaslu Circuit  with Tsum Valley Trek offers a wide range of experiences for travelers to enjoy. The trek showcases the stunning natural beauty of the area while also providing a challenging adventure. The route takes trekkers around Mt. Manaslu, the eighth tallest peak in the world, and through the famous Larkya La Pass, which stands at 5106 meters tall.

The trek begins in Barpak and follows the Budhigandaki River through several small villages, including Jagat, Lokpa, Chokhangparo, Nile, and Mu Gompa. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of the neighboring mountains, including Himalchuli, Ganesh, and Singri. Upon reaching Mu Gompa, trekkers will discover a mystical world of deserted valleys.

The Manaslu Circuit  with Tsum Valley Trek is considered a hidden gem in Nepal. The trek then takes your lush green forests of pine and rhododendron before crossing a steep ridge along the trail to reach Lokpa, your gateway to the beautiful Tsum Valley.

Upon reaching Lokpa, we ascend towards Chumling, a village known for its three sacred monasteries – Pango Gumba, Mani Dhungyr, and Gurwa Gumba – which boast of magnificent Buddhist artistry that is centuries old. Spending the night in Chumling, you may choose to witness the prayer procession of the monasteries early the next morning.

Our journey continues the following day as we depart for Chokkangparo, a village renowned for its stunning views of Mt. Ganesh and Mt. Himalchuli. As we trek upwards, you will notice variations in the lifestyles of the people, who have traditions and ways of life that are akin to those of the Tibetan people. Chokkangparo is the largest village in Tsum Valley and is known for its peaceful ambiance.

After the initial part of the trek, the next phase takes you through the inner valley of Himalayas towards Nile. The landscape undergoes a transformation as you progress, changing from lush forests to a rugged high mountain desert. The scenery is characterized by rocky mountains with semi-arid vegetation instead of the sub-tropical landscapes. En route to Nile is the Piren Phu Cave, which is a religiously significant cave in the valley. The trail then leads uphill through narrow gorges, culminating at the highest point of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek – Mu Gompa.

However, the Manaslu Circuit  with Tsum Valley Trek doesn’t end here, as there is still the second section of the journey – Manaslu Circuit – remaining. To reach this, we descend from Mu Gompa along the same trail we took earlier, until we reach Chumling, from where we continue northbound towards Sama Gaon. After spending a night in Deng, the following villages of Namrung will mesmerize you as you head towards Mt. Manaslu.

Upon reaching Sama Gaun, there are various options available for short hikes that offer stunning views of the Manaslu vista. These include visiting Birendra Glacier Lake, Samdo village, Nepal-Tibet Border, Winter shed of Yaks, Pungen monastery, and Manaslu base camp, all of which can be reached within a day. These hikes serve as an alternative to staying at the tea house for acclimatization at Sama Gaun.

This area is a protected zone and has been known to have frequent sightings of mammals such as leopards and musk deer in the higher section of the trail. Additionally, over a hundred species of birds and reptiles are found in this region alone. Golden eagles are commonly seen during Autumn and Spring. While filming equipment may be useful, it’s important to note that there are special charges for drone filming in this area, and drone permit requirements should be checked before filming.

Starting from Sama Gaon, the most challenging part of the trek begins. After crossing Larkya La Pass, which is one of the longest passes in the Himalayan region, you will make your way to Dharmashala. Along the way, you will be treated to stunning views of Cheo Himal, Kanguru, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna II. The descent will take you through several small Nepalese villages, including Bhimthang, Gho, and Taal, until you reach Besisahar, where you can catch a ride to Kathmandu the next day.