Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

Manaslu and Tsum Valley used to be a restricted trekking area until December 2007. Now, people can trek in these regions upon obtaining special permits from the immigration office in Kathmandu. The region borders with Tibet, the people are themselves descendants of Tibetans and have active trading with the Tibetans. Their language, clothing and cultures are similar to the Tibetans. This widespread and strenuous trek is predictably rewarded with brilliant mountain views, combination of unique culture heritage, vivid biological diversity and prestine natural beauty as it rotates the entire Manaslu range with a side trip to Tsum Valley. 

The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha district of Nepal. The trail that climbs through Philim village and heads up over a ridge leads to Ganesh Himal Base Camp and the Tsum Valley. Starting from the old town of Arughat the trail heads up the valley of the Budhi Gandaki River through wild and unexplored country inhabited mainly by the Gurung ethnic group and entering Trans-Himalayan terrain and to the hidden valley of Tsum and crossing the Larkya La Pass (5106m) and then entering the Marsyandi Valley along the main trail of Annapurna circuit. The trail passes through the age old monasteries, chortens and mani walls, traditional villages and natural diversity. This trek offers a glimpse of preserved authentic villages, rich natural heritage and traditional local culture and their hospitality that are fast disappearing from other major trekking regions of Nepal.

This trek is far less crowdy than Annapurna and Everest Treks and gives you a major diversity in landscape, people and culture. Manaslu Conversation Area covers an area of 1663 sq. km and is a home for almost 33 different species of mammals including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan thar, blue sheep, musk deer, barking dear, pike, Himalayan marmots etc. with over 110 species of birds including pheasant, raven, chough etc. Visit the age old monasteries and chortens and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local ethnic people. This trip is both a Himalayan trek and a cultural journey to medieval world.
 

Trip Highlights

• Sightseeing Tour of UNESCO World Heritages Sites in Kathmandu valley
• Trekking through beautiful landscape and traditional villages
• Exploring the local culture, tradition and lifestyle of the Tibetan descendants Tsumbas
• Day hike to Manaslu Base Camp and towards Tibetan boarder
• Trekking over the Larke La at an altitude of 5210m/17089ft and enjoying the pristine mountain views
• Learning  the Buddhist religion and exploring many interesting age old monasteries and nunneries