Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a tranquil valley of the Manaslu region of Nepal located at the lap of serene mountains. As the word “Tsum” refers to vivid; the place is bright and spiritual. The positive vibes around the place are incomparable. Therefore, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is highly regarded among trekking lovers across the globe. It endows the pristine feeling of mountain wilderness and spiritual relief. Nepal High Trek has knitted a beautiful itinerary of Tsum Valley Trek for the trekkers to enjoy this majestic place of Nepal. Don’t miss out to accumulate the momentous and spiritual memory of Nepal’s virgin Himalayan valley.
There are two distinct and popular trekking routes in the Manaslu region of Nepal. They are Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek. However, some trekkers prefer to mix both places in one itinerary. The Manaslu Trek takes trekkers to the high-altitude pass that is Larke La Pass (5160 m). Please check our Manaslu Circuit Trekking package for more information. The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a relatively new trekking destination in Nepal that has gained popularity in recent years.
Where is Tsum Valley Located? Landscape and Vegetation
The Tsum Valley Trek is located in the remote northern part of the Gorkha district in Nepal, near the border with Tibet. The starting point of the trek is usually the village of Arughat, which is about a 7-8 hours drive from Kathmandu. The place is the heartland of Lama and Tibetan origin of people. The place is equally habituated by upper-hilly people. The landscape is of mountain valleys and alpine Himalayan belts.
During the early phase of trekking, trekkers can experience deciduous forests. At high-altitude places, there is alpine vegetation. Budigandaki River is the main river in the area. Moreover, there are numerous streams, waterfalls, and lakes on the way. Overall, the landscape and vegetation of the place are diverse.
Trekking Difficulty and Travel Insurance
The Tsum Valley Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. The trek involves long hours of walking on steep and rugged terrain and requires a good level of fitness and stamina. Altitude sickness can also be a concern as the trek reaches a maximum altitude of 4,020 meters. Get travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter rescue, medical expenses, trip cancellations, and miscellaneous. In fact, insurance is the basic requirement to get a special permit for Tsum Valley.
Culture and Religion
The Tsum Valley is home to the Tsumba people, who have their own unique culture and traditions. The valley is also known for its many Buddhist monasteries and Chortens (stupas), including the famous Mu Gompa. There are monasteries that showcase the unique blend of both Hinduism and Buddhism. The majority of the people of the area are Buddhists. However, the lower region people follow Hinduism. Even if there are two distinct religious communities, they celebrate Nepal’s common festivals with equal vibrancy. Regardless of the religion, both sets of people celebrate Hindu and Buddhist festivals. The languages people speak in the region are Nepalese and Tibetan. Besides, these two languages some communities speak their own dialect also.
Permits Required for Tsum Valley Trek
A special restricted area permit is required to trek in the Tsum Valley. The permit can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency, and you must be accompanied by a licensed guide. As for the Manaslu Circuit trek, trekkers need to get the ACAP permit too. Likewise, Tsum Valley Trek requires three permits to complete the trip such as a special restricted area permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), and a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit.
Best time to do Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The best time to trek in the Tsum Valley is from September to November and from March to May when the weather is dry and the skies are clear. The most appropriate time to do the trek is in the months of September, October, November, December, March, April, and May. During these months, the view is clear and the people of the region are also in a festive mood. The monsoon and winter seasons are not recommended for the trek. Lower Manaslu Scenic Trek is an acceptable and easiest trekking route in the Manaslu region. It’s a local culture and authentic trip to Nepal.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary and Cost
The itinerary of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek usually consists of 16 – 20 Days. It depends upon the condition of your body. If you are okay with the shorter itinerary, the travel planners can adjust the number of days as per your requirement. However, it is highly advised to follow the regular itinerary of the trekking. It enables a greater trip success rate and ensures safety.
The cost of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek ranges from 900 $ to 2000 $. The price varies according to the style of trekking and the kind of services included in the trekking package. Therefore, consult with the trekking planners before finalizing the trip.
Accommodation and Meals on the Route
Accommodation along the Tsum Valley Trek is basic and limited. Teahouses and lodges are available in some villages, but in more remote areas, camping is the only option. Nowadays, almost every overnight destination has lodged. Trekkers can get a good sleep in the basic teahouses. In some cases during peak season, trekkers might have to sleep in the dining area.
As for the meals, you can get a diverse range of food items ranging from Western cuisine to local dishes. The choice of meal items is limited in high-altitude places.
Monasteries of Tsum Valley
The Tsum Valley is known for its many Buddhist monasteries and Chortens (stupas), which hold great significance in the local culture and religion. Here are some of the notable monasteries in the Tsum Valley:
Mu Gompa: Mu Gompa is the largest and most famous monastery in the Tsum Valley. It is located at an altitude of 3,700 meters and takes about four days of trekking to reach the village of Chhokangparo. Mu Gompa is home to about 80 monks and features a large prayer hall, a school, and a library with ancient Buddhist scriptures.
Rachen Gompa: Rachen Gompa is a Nyingma-pa monastery located in the village of Chhule-Nile. It was founded in the early 20th century and is home to about 70 nuns. The monastery features a large prayer hall, a school, and a retreat center.
Gumba Lungdang: Gumba Lungdang is a small monastery located at an altitude of 3,200 meters. It is perched on a hill overlooking the Shiar Khola and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The monastery is home to about 30 monks and features a prayer hall and a small library.
Dephyudonma Gompa:
Dephyudonma Gompa is a small monastery located in the village of Chhokangparo. It is home to about 12 monks and features a prayer hall and a small library. The monastery is known for its beautiful frescoes and thangkas (Buddhist paintings on silk).
Milarepa’s Cave: Milarepa’s Cave is a meditation cave located in the village of Chhokangparo. Besides It is said to be the cave where the famous Tibetan Buddhist yogi and poet, Milarepa, meditated during his stay in the Tsum Valley. The cave can be visited on a day hike from Chhokangparo.
Serang Gompa: The monastery is one of the ancient monasteries nearby one of the caves of the valley. According to the myth, the monastery is the place where there is a trace of ancient religious tolerance between Hinduism and Buddhism. The place has paintings of Buddhist origin and is also famous due to its sacredness to Hindus. The Hindu sage Shringi once meditated there. Therefore, the monastery is the symbol of perfect harmony between two of the biggest religions of the Nepalese people.
Can I do Larke La Pass Trek after Tsum Valley Trek?
Yes, you can do Larke La Pass Trek after Tsum Valley Trek. Interestingly, the itinerary of both of these trekking is similar for the initial few days. Therefore, our travel planners can knit the itinerary of the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek for you. You need to get an additional permit of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Remember that the Larke La Pass trekking takes trekkers to an altitude of up to 5100 m. Therefore, it is more challenging than the regular Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal.
Is it possible to do Solo Trekking in Manaslu Tsum Valley?
No, it is not possible to do solo trekking in the region. In fact, you are not allowed to do solo trekking in any of the restricted trekking regions of Nepal. The Manaslu region is also not an exception. You must do the trekking in a group (at least 2 trekkers) and a licensed trekking guide.
Overall, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal is the perfect trekking trip to do in Nepal. If you are in search of a tranquil, untainted, and spiritual place to hike; try walking on this trail. Nepal High Trek operates the trekking trip in the area with a team of locals. In the restricted and relatively new trekking trail; it is of utmost necessity to include the help of locals. Moreover, these locals are regulars and have more than a decade of experience in the field of Nepal Trekking. Relish the chance to visit the Tsum Valley of Nepal with the highly experienced team of Nepal High Trek.
