Trek Manaslu and Tsum valley

Trekking Manaslu region| Trek Manaslu circuit

Manaslu Trekking is less frequnted region which is located in the mid-Northern part of Nepal within the Gorkha District. Mt. Manaslu (8163m) is the eighth highest peak in the world, which was opened for trekking purpose only in 1992. The special permits are compulsory for all the foreigners to enter the mythical universe of living Tibetan tradition.

Manaslu region is one of the 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 with 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 wolf, musk deer, blue sheep and the Himalayan Thar, butterflies and reptiles. Medicinal herbs and aromatic plants have also been recorded in the Manaslu region.

The journey of the circuit brings you to outlook the breathtaking mountain range of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, Mt Manaslu as well and the challenging terrain and mix 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 North-east of the Manaslu region, is stretched along the border with Tibet. The Tsum valley circuit brings you to outlook 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 Himalaya or high land requires normal level of physical fitness or 5 - 6 hours of walk per day. Unlike in ascending peaks, trekkers do not have to go through any technical difficulties. 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 day. The schedules are given for information only but are subject to change the journey slightly from a year to another, especially depending of the finding of fresh water on spots for the camp trek and any circumstances.  

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

Climate: The monsoon that is almost everywhere in Nepal from mid-June to end of September,  the most popular season is autumn (October-November) when the rains washed 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 elevation 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 are the ancestral Gurung village following with the lush Daroundi valley and ascent to the Mamche danda (2800m), offering a wide range of Himalaya view such as Ganesh Himala range, Buddha Himal, Shringi Himal, and Lamjung Himal range. Before descending your journey towards Laprak, you could have chance to take some snap of the beautiful surrounding from Mamche Danda to Pusu Danda.  In fact the trek from Barpak, Laprak has enough ups and down to join the Budigandaki valley. The journey will help the acclimatization process and get the legs and lungs in shape by the aid of the fresh breeze right from the mountains. Trekkers passes through the eco diversity trail, terraced fields, ancient villages, rhododendrons and pine thickets, a natural hot spring, lakes and glacier.
 
Requirement:
Manaslu and Tsum valley region are restricted area, as per the current rules of Nepal government for the foreign tourist is mandatory to obtain the special trekking permit from immigration office of Kathmandu or Pokhara. It is compulsory to have two 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 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 les sunlight and therefore are generally cooler, 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 (day time).

Spring season, during the March/April at 1200m to 2500m, 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 (day time).
Winter, December to February the temperature dry with occasional showers, cold, freezing in high altitude and snow risk at high passes.