Ultimate Manaslu Trek gives you the chance to explore hidden treasures in the Himalayas. Most of the trekkers are walking through the regular trekking trail, which observes common things everyone and you won’t escape from this. But on this trip, we will guide you to explore sacred places that have not been explored by everyone. Manaslu is recently open a tea house trekking route in the remote Himalayas, the culture; tradition and religious beliefs maintain Tibetan traditional values that no longer exist in this time.
Manaslu is located northern Himalayan range in the Gorkha District of Nepal; as a notched "wall of snow and ice hanging in the sky". Mt Manaslu (8,163m) is the eighth highest mountain in the World with its beautiful shape. Apart from climbing, Manaslu is very popular for trekking in the wilderness area, a part of the Manaslu Larkya La Pass, a notable path in Nepal. There is a main two-part combination for the Ultimate Manaslu Trekking; Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit. Due to its isolation behind the Himalayas and inaccessibility, this area and its people here are untouched by mainstream development for centuries. That’s why; people's live hood and the culture of this valley have remained unique.
The people here are following Buddhism, every village has a fluttering colorful praying flag, Mane wall, Chorten, and Gumba from the early century. They worship Lord Gautama Buddha, Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), and some Bodhisattvas (a person refers to a human being dedicated to the achievement of enlightenment for the sake of others.) Accordingly their custom the second son and daughter need to send to monasteries to become monks and nuns. Some household of Tsum valley practices polyandry (women has more than one husband at a time) marriage system. This system is much better than a monogamous system to prevent the fragmentation of land and family property among the brothers.
Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) has been established in 1998; spread over 1663 sq. km. and its altitude rises from 600m to top of the Mt. Manaslu at 8,163 meters. This is haven a mixture of habitats for 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 11 species of butterflies, and 3 species of reptiles. It conserves sustainable way approx 2000 species of plants, 11 types of forests, and over 50 species of useful plants.
Ultimate Manaslu Trekking offers a variety of trip options through the beaten trail at Manaslu Restricted Area, as part of the newly developed Great Himalayan Trail. The trek begins at Arughat Bazaar at Gorkha and ends two to three weeks afterward in Besisahar, the starting point of the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek. Nowadays this trip can do tea houses or Homestay basic, this is help locals to generate income and create job opportunities using local manpower and product.
Mostly, the trail follows an ancient salt trading route along the Budhi Gandaki river bank. Passing through the rural villages (Sotikhola, Khoralbesi, Machhakhola, Dobhan), rice terrace, jungle, waterfall, gorges, hill, amazing landscape, and Mountain View get in Jagat, from where enter restricted area. Then ascend to the Philim village after crossing the Bhudhigandaki River and heading to Tsum Valley through the Lokpa, Chumling, Chumchet, Chhekamparo, Chhule Nele then finally get in Mu Gompa (3,700 m). Tsum Valley was open to tourists since 2008; you need special permission to visit. Tsum is a sacred valley with ancient Monasteries, Chorten, and virgin natural beauty, not permitted hunting, fishing, and sacrifice. It is believed that the Buddhist saint Milarepa has meditated in the caves of Lamagaun in the 11th century; still, we can see his holy footprint. The valley also boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Rachen Gumba and Mu Gumba, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley, and Gumbalungdang (3,200m) and Ganesh Himal Base Camp situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal an elevation of 4,800 meters. The majestic scenery of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Baudha Himal ranges makes your journey a piece of heaven, this Himalayan serene is rich in ancient art, culture, tradition, and religion. The people here are of Tibetan origin and speak a unique dialect; they celebrate many festivals Fanning, Saka Dawa, Dhachyang, Losar, etc. The culture and people's lifestyle here remain ancient Tibetan.
After visiting Tsum Valley, the trail follows an ancient salt–trading route along Budhi Gandaki Riverbank and gorge at Pew. Now you are on Manaslu Circuit main trail, so there is more flow of trekkers, better accommodation, and more options for meals. You walk through the unique villages Deng, Ghap, Namrung, Lho Gaun, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmashala, and Bhimtang via Larkya La Pass an elevation of 5,160 meters. When getting higher the mountain scenery is more beautiful and charming. Ancient Monastery, Chorten, and Stupa at Sama Gaun are incredible; people here are following Buddhism. Yaks, Jharal, Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer, Pika, etc. encounter some part of the trail. During the acclimatization day at Samagaun, you may visit the Manaslu Base Camp (4,400m) and Birendra Lake to talk with the expedition group. Finally, you will get to Dharapani following Dudh Khola, which is Annapurna Circuit Trip's main trail. From where you can get a bus to Besisahar, then Kathmandu or Pokhara on the same day. Or if you like to finish the trek at Besisahar, can walk through the traditional trekking trail. Some people like to keep on a journey to Annapurna Round also.
This is an unforgettable trip beyond the Himalayas, collecting a bunch of experiences for your lifetime. The natural beauty makes you vow to come back again with your friends and family. We at Nepal Mother House are glad to organize your Ultimate Manaslu Trip whole in the year by local expert guides and porters according to your holiday schedule and requirements. But March, April, and May are perfect for spring, and September to November is best for this trip. Why not you join us, to explore the hidden treasure of the Himalayas.
Here is a Complete Guide to Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek.
