Trek Manaslu and Tsum valley

Trekking Manaslu region| Trek Manaslu circuit

Manaslu Trekking is a less frequented region located in the mid-northern part of Nepal within the Gorkha District. Mt. Manaslu (8163m) is the eighth-highest peak in the world, and it was only opened for trekking in 1992. Special permits are compulsory for all foreigners to enter the mythical universe of living Tibetan tradition.

Manaslu region is one of the most delightful adventures in Nepal, as it provides spectacular beauty along the border of Nepal and Tibet. The trekking to this area has been considered to be one of the finest tourist destinations in Nepal, as one can enjoy the panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas stretched across the area. This valley is a sanctuary to many highly endangered animals, including Snow Leopards and Pandas, different species of birds, mammals, grey wolves, musk deer, blue sheep, and the Himalayan Thar, butterflies,s and reptiles. Medicinal herbs and aromatic plants have also been recorded in the Manaslu region.

The journey of the circuit brings you to the breathtaking mountain range of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, Mt Manaslu as well as the challenging terrain and mix of heritage Gurung village of Laprak and Tibetan villages along with its biodiversity. The ethnically Tibetan inhabitants speak their own dialect “Tibetan” and  Gurung speak their own Gurung language and lifestyle as well.

TrekkingTsum Valley:

The hidden Tsum Valley trek, which is topographically located in the northeast of the Manaslu region, is stretched along the border with Tibet. The Tsum Valley circuit brings you to the outlook of the breathtaking mountain range of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. It is followed by the challenging terrain and mix of Gurung and Tibetan villages along with its biodiversity. The ethnically Tibetan inhabitants speak their own dialect “Tibetan” whereas Gurungs speak their own language and have their own lifestyle.

Physical Condition & practical Requirements:

Walking in the Himalayas or highlands requires a normal level of physical fitness or 5 - 6 hours of walking per day. Unlike in ascending peaks, trekkers do not have to go through any technical difficulties. The walking duration is planned in such a way that the trekkers have enough time to explore the region and its people without any physical exertion.

Our itineraries are categorized according to the level of difficulty and the duration of the day. The schedules are given for information only but are subject to change the journey slightly from one year to another, especially depending on the finding of fresh water on spots for the camp trek and any circumstances.  

Ethnicity: The region is culturally diverse and offers a mix of Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, and Chhetris in the lower section of Manaslu and the upper section of Manaslu has mostly Tibetan Lama which practices Buddhist culture and highland pasture,

Climate: The monsoon is almost everywhere in Nepal from mid-June to the end of September,  the most popular season is autumn (October-November) when the rains wash the skies and weather views are superior, the spring (March-May) season is another popular season for trekkers, the hillsides are covered with blooming rhododendrons from 1500m to 3000m altitude with different varieties of rhododendrons. Similarly, most people are not keen to trek in the winter when the temperature is too cold for comfort at high elevations and snow can block high passes. During summer/monsoon season the trail is impracticable and dangerous.

Access:
The trek starts with a scenic drive up to Barpak or Laprak directly, which is the ancestral Gurung village followed by the lush Daroundi valley and ascent to the Mamche danda (2800m), offering a wide range of Himalaya views such as the Ganesh Himala range, Buddha Himal, Shringi Himal, and Lamjung Himal range. Before descending your journey towards Laprak, you could have a chance to take some snaps of the beautiful surroundings from Mamche Danda to Pusu Danda.  The trek from Barpak, Laprak has enough ups and downs to join the Budigandaki Valley. The journey will help the acclimatization process and get the legs and lungs in shape with the aid of the fresh breeze right from the mountains. Trekkers pass through the eco-diversity trail, terraced fields, ancient villages, rhododendrons, pine thickets, a natural hot spring, lakes, and glaciers.
 
Requirement:
Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions are restricted areas, as per the current rules of the Nepal government foreign tourists are mandatory to obtain a special trekking permit from the immigration office of Kathmandu or Pokhara. It is compulsory to have a person minimum to obtain the permit. If you are alone, we will put you on the roster as part of another group (but you will not have to trek with the group, although you will need to trek with our guide), or pay for an extra permit for a "ghost" trekker that exists on paper only.

Temperature:
The temperature range depends primarily on the season. Under the normal condition the rate of temperature drop as altitude is added is generally 6.4ºC per 1000 feet (3.5ºF/1000fit). The landscape will affect temperature including the direction of the slope face (north-facing slopes receive less sunlight and therefore are generally cooler, the amount of cover by plants that provide shade, and the presence of rivers and bodies of water also have a cooling effect. However, in terms of temperatures at 1200m to 2500m during month of October / November is generally beautiful and sunny. It is mild to cool in the valleys during the night (minimum 12 / 15ºC) and during the day (maximum 25 / 26º). Above 3000m, the temperatures will be decreased. At 5000m, they range between -10º (night) and 12 / 13º (daytime).

Spring season, during March/April at 1200m to 2500m, is mostly dry, mild to hot, and dusty, the hillsides are covered with blooming rhododendrons in Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and Langtang trekking regions. The sky is clear in the morning and generally windy with occasional thundershowers in the afternoons. The temperature is about (minimum 15/20ºC) during the night and (maximum 28 / 32º) during the day time.  Above 3000m, the temperatures will be decreased. At 5000m, they range between -5º (night) and 15/ 16º (daytime).
Winter, December to February the temperature is dry with occasional showers, cold, freezing in high altitude, and snow risk at high passes.