THE FIRST PHASE OF THE ADVENTURE LEADS TO TSUM VALLEY
On leaving the main trail of Manaslu Circuit, entering Tsum Valley from the village of Lokpa. The route leads into a narrow gorge with a climb to Chumling village, the first overnight stop within Tsum Valley. The trail follows further northeast through Chokanparo and Nile, en route side trip to Saint Millerepa meditation cave. Then finally reached Mu Gompa, the highest point of the adventure before crossing the Larke-La pass, on the Manaslu circuit. Enjoy the amazing picturesque country similar to Tibetan plateau landscapes, where the route also leads to the Tibet border. Explore the wilderness of Tsum Valley with a tour of the old Mu Gompa, the oldest monastery in the region. The views are exceptional of Ganesh Himal North Face with an array of snow-capped peaks. After a wonderful mesmerizing time at the high Mu Gompa, the return journey takes you to Rachen Gompa. A pleasant walk with short ups and downhill to Rachen Gompa an impressive monastery. The adventure continues on an alternative trail for a few days to Lokpa, joining the main route of the Manaslu Circuit.
THE SECOND PART OF THE ADVENTURE ON THE MANASLU CIRCUIT ROUTE
After an enjoyable and glorious experience around the Tsum valley of Happiness and Tsumbas villages. The natives of the Tsum areas are known as the Tsumbas, the next adventure leads to its sister’s villages around Manaslu. Quite similar but with a great difference due to its flow of many trekkers, then around Tsum Valley. However the religion, and culture are the same as in Tsum but with prosperous villages, the Manaslu is known as Kutang. Means a flourishing country in the Tibetan origin language, the word Manaslu comes from old Sanskrit. Manaslu in Sanskrit for the soul and mind of the God or holy spirits, like the huge Lake Manasarover in Tibet. The Manaslu Valley is a scenic and spectacular region, located North of Mt. Manaslu the world’s 8th-highest peak. The walk takes a nice settlement at Lho-Gaon, one of the largest among three villages around Upper Manaslu Valley. Facing grand views of Mt. Manaslu North Face, an exciting place to explore the traditional villages. Interwoven with strong Tibetan Heritage and cultures with its old monasteries. From Lho-Gaon a day walks to Sama-Gaon, the main village of Upper Manaslu, located en route to Manaslu Base Camp. As well to Larke-La Pass and towards the Tibet border, trekkers can enjoy a rest day for acclimatization at Sama-Gaon. An interesting village for a hike to scenic Birendra Tal, a turquoise lake at the foot of the Manaslu glacier. As well as a visit to Phungen Gompa, a full-day hike, the trail diverts between Shyala and Sama-Gaon. The monastery includes a small prayer hall and some monk dormitories built amidst mountains. For energetic people can enjoy a long day hike of more than 8 hours from Sama-Gaon to Manaslu Base Camp. From Sama-Gaon an exciting walk to the last village and settlement of Gorkha and Manaslu valley to Samdo village. Located, on the mid-way of Larke-La Pass and Dharmasala / Phedi, as well as towards Tibet/ China border. Samdo is a medium-sized village with more than 20 houses for 600 or more inhabitants. From Samdo close views of Samdo Peak, Panpoche, and Punchen Himal of above 6,000 m with Thulagi Peak at 7,059 m. The Manaslu Circuit then leads to the far corners of Manaslu Valley and Gorkha district at Larke Phedi / Dharmasala. Located at the bottom of Larke-La Pass, a small place with few guest houses and lodges for travelers. Although Upper Manaslu Valley native looks almost the same as Tsum the Tsumbas with similar heritage custom and cultures. The only difference is being apart from one valley to another which also resembles the people of Manang. Where Larke-La Pass forms the boundary of Manaslu, Upper Gorkha, and Manang districts, the trekkers can witness this after crossing Larke-La. Leaving the last of the Gorkha district and the scenic Manaslu Valley, the climb leads to the top of Larke-La pass. On the highest point of the adventure at 5,106 m or 16, 752 feet, a tiring and strenuous climb. But the hard effort rewards you with a stupendous panorama of grand scenery encircled by towering peaks. Overlooking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru Peak, and Annapurna II. The descent leads to the top of a moraine and drops steeply to Dangboche Kharka. A walk gets easier descending along the grassy moraine to a small meadow with a Mani wall, reaching Bhimthang. Located amidst beautiful forest surroundings, a lovely settlement has nice lodges with a comprehensive food menu. Slowly the walk ends heading downhill through beautiful woods of rhododendrons, pines, and first trees. The walk leads past Gho a small settlement and then to a nice village at Tilje, situated above the Masrsyangdi River. From Tilje a short climb to Dharapani village, Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trekking completes. The next morning from Dharapani an interesting drive down to Besisar, a large town, and headquarters of Lamjung district. The drive continues on the main road to Kathmandu, after a wonderful adventure and experience on Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit Trek.
THE BEST TIME FOR TSUM VALLEY & MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK
For all treks around the high Himalayan region, especially the Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit Trek. The best time is the mid-spring and autumn seasons, the weather pattern around the Himalayas can be unfavorable sometimes. Even in the best time of the year, however, for trekking in Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek; spring and autumn are the best seasons. Late March and April to May for the stunning views of the Ganesh, Manaslu Himal, and Himal Chuli. The rhododendrons of various colors increase the beauty of the trekking trail. Early May and mid-June are also good times to visit before the wet monsoon times. Late September to early November months offer clear fine days for views and pleasant walks. But much cold morning and late afternoon till night time can expect snowfall sometimes. Most of the lodges will be closed from mid-November onwards, the villagers will migrate to lower warm areas. Escaping the winter bitter cold and returns in March during springtime. FOODS &
ACCOMMODATION OF ELECTRICITY FOR CHARGING ELECTRONICS
Food & Accommodation are available throughout the treks, depending upon the variations and standards of the lodges en route. Most large main villages like Chokanparo and Nile on Tsum Valley provide simple and basic lodges and a limited food menu. Mu-Gompa has a very simple guest house and basic meals available but on the Manaslu Circuit from Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, and Sama-Gaon to Samdo villages. The lodge accommodation is good serving a wide range of foods as per the menu. From Continental, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan, and Nepali foods of great variation. Some lodge restaurants also provide bakery products. At Dharmasala / Larke Phedi, depending on the season due to a limited number of lodge accommodations, where trekkers have to spend overnights in a tented camp. But the food will be served from the lodge restaurants. Most villages at present with facilities for hydroelectricity power and some smaller villages have solar power. Where trekkers can charge electronic items, paying a fee for charging per hour per item. Most lodges on this trek offer rooms with common toilets and bathrooms and charge extra for hot showers. The internet services available throughout the treks can be disturbing in some places around Tsum Valley. As well as Manaslu Circuit till Dharapani village, due to weather and location on deep valleys, and gorges, hidden by high hills and mountains. Where internet and cell phone services might not work for some days. At present nearly all villagers do have cell phones for communication.
CONCLUSION
The total distance covering the whole trek within 19 / 20 days approx. 200 km / 125 miles; excluding the overland journey both ways. The drive to Machha Khola via Arughat town from Kathmandu is 165 km / 103 miles. Similarly, at the end of the trek in Dharapani village around Manang district, the driving distance is 234 km / 146 miles to Kathmandu. Taking more than 7 hours journey.
