The mountains are always calling people. And when people hear that call, they go to a far, deep place where silence speaks and wind tells a story. In Nepal, two treks make this magic happen so strongly: the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek. Both treks stay in remote regions, very untouched, very peaceful, and very cultural. The trails look wild but my heart becomes calm. In this long article, we talk about everything, but we talk in a very simple style. Sometimes grammar goes wrong, but flow stays nice and smooth. You feel like walking in mountains with words.
Introduction: Where Nature and the Spiritual World Hold Hands
Nepal is always full of big mountains, holy places, old villages, and people with warm smiles. But the Manaslu region gives a different taste. It feels more raw, more real, like everything is still living in old times. When you go trekking here, you not only see mountains. You also see a cultural mix of Tibetan and Nepalese. You see monasteries, prayer wheels, and small stone houses. You see forests, rivers, and fields. You see snow peaks so near, like you touch your hand.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek connect by heart even if they go in different directions. Many trekkers do both together for a stronger experience. One trek shows a mountain circle, and one trek shows a hidden valley. Both make the soul feel fresh and alive.
Manaslu Circuit Trek—A Trail Full of Power and Beauty
The Route Feels Like an Adventure Story
The Manaslu Circuit Trek mostly goes around the big Mount Manaslu, which is the eighth highest mountain in the world. It looks tall and huge, like a giant watching the valley. The circuit route takes around 14 to 18 days depending on how fast you go and how many days you take for rest and acclimatization. But no matter how long you take, every day feels new.
You usually start from Arughat or Soti Khola. The beginning feels warm and green. You walk along the Budhi Gandaki river; that river is always guiding you like a friend. But slowly, slowly, valleys become narrow, forests become thick, waterfalls fall with a big noise, and trails become more wild.
Then you reach small villages like Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, and Namrung. These villages are not big but very pretty. People live simple lives. You see women carrying heavy loads, men working in fields, and children playing with stones. Houses made from wood and stone. It feels like time stops here.
Nature Becomes Raw But Beautiful
As you go higher, nature changes very fast. Pine trees get taller and then suddenly they finish. You see open valleys, you see snowy cliffs, and you see yaks eating grass like kings of mountains. The air feels thinner, and the wind feels cold. But your heart feels warm because the view becomes bigger and more powerful.
One of the best places is Samagaon. This village stays under the big Manaslu like a baby under a mother. You can see monasteries, prayer flags, and mani walls. Many trekkers stay here an extra day for acclimatization. Some go to Pungyen Gompa, and some go to Manaslu Base Camp. Everywhere looks beautiful.
Crossing Larkya La Pass—The Big Challenge
The most exciting and scary part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Larkya La Pass. It stays around 5,160 meters. When you wake early in the morning for the pass day, the sky is still dark, the temperature is very cold, but your mind feels excited. You walk slowly, snow crunching under your boots, wind blowing, and mountains shining like silver.
Reaching the top of Larkya Pass makes my heart explode with happiness. You see the Himalayas from many directions. Peaks like Himlung, Cheo, and Kang Guru stand proud. You feel small but also very strong. After a long descent, we went to Bimthang, which looks like heaven valley.
Culture That Touches the Heart
The Manaslu region mostly follows Tibetan Buddhist culture. Everywhere you see prayer wheels turning slowly, monks chanting, and old people walking with rosaries in hand. It gives a spiritual feeling. Many trekkers say the Manaslu trek is not only a physical journey but also a mind journey.
Tsum Valley Trek – The Hidden Valley of Happiness
A Land Separated From the Modern World
While the Manaslu Circuit is famous but still not crowded, the Tsum Valley Trek is even more remote. It is called “Hidden Valley of Happiness.” Many years ago, this valley was closed off from the outside world. Only in the last few years have trekkers started to enter here. So everything is still very pure and untouched.
Tsum Valley is on the east side of the Manaslu region. To reach there, you follow the same route as the Manaslu Circuit until Philim. From there, you go inside the Tsum Valley side trail. Immediately you feel different. The valleys become wide, rivers run clean, mountains open more, and old Tibetan-style villages appear.
Villages That Look Like Storybooks
Villages like Chumling, Chhokangparo, and Nile look so old and peaceful. Houses made from stone, roofs with wooden planks, and walls decorated with prayer symbols. People wear traditional clothes; women wear striped aprons, and men carry walking sticks. Children smile with a shy face.
In Tsum Valley, people speak their own language and follow a strong Buddhist lifestyle. They believe this valley is blessed by the great saint Milarepa. Many holy caves and monasteries are still active here. When you walk, you hear prayer flags fluttering, bells ringing lightly, and wind making soft sounds.
Monasteries Full of Spiritual Energy
One must-visit place is Mu Gompa. It sits high on a slope like an eagle nest. Monks live here in a very quiet way. When you enter a monastery, you smell butter lamps, you see ancient scriptures, and you see statues with gold and red colors. It feels very peaceful, like time freezes.
Another holy site is Dhephu Doma Gompa. It is located on a small hill and gives a wide view of the valley. Many trekkers say they feel strong spiritual energy here.
Landscape Like a Painting in Real Life
The Tsum Valley landscape is very different from other treks. You see wide fields where people grow barley and buckwheat. You see rocky cliffs, caves, frozen waterfalls, and grazing yaks and mules. You see snow peaks everywhere but valleys feel soft and gentle.
On a clear day, mountains look so clean and sharp. During cloudy days, the valley looks dreamy. Every moment feels like a painting coming alive.
A Trek For Peace-Loving People
Tsum Valley Trek is not busy, so mostly you walk alone or with few trekkers. The trail is not difficult like Larkya Pass, but still long and sometimes steep. Best for trekkers who love peaceful journeys and cultural experiences. It also combines nicely with the Manaslu Circuit if you want a long adventure.
Best Time to Trek Manaslu and Tsum Valley
Both treks are best during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, rhododendrons bloom and make the forest colorful. The weather is warm, and the sky is mostly clear. In autumn, the view becomes very sharp, the air dry, and the temperature nice.
Winter is also possible but very cold and snow can block trails, especially Larkya Pass. Monsoon is rainy and trails are slippery, but Tsum Valley is still beautiful because clouds make the valley mysterious. But for safe trekking, choose autumn or spring.
Permits and Rules for Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek
Because both treks lie in restricted region, you need special permits:
- Manaslu Restricted Permit
- Tsum Valley Restricted Permit (if going to Tsum)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) (for exit part)
- You must trek with a guide because solo trekking is not allowed in these regions.
Permits cost extra but are worth it because trails are protected and controlled.
Accommodation and Food During the Trek
Tea houses in the Manaslu Circuit are improving every year. Rooms are basic but clean. Food is mostly dal bhat, noodle soup, fried rice, potato dishes, chapati, and omelet. In higher areas food is a little expensive because everything is carried by mules.
In Tsum Valley, teahouses are even more basic. But the hospitality is so warm that you feel like you’re at home. People serve simple but tasty food. They talk with trekkers with a smile even if their English is a little broken.
Why Combine the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek?
Many trekkers choose to combine both treks because:
- More cultural experience—Tsum Valley’s deep Buddhist culture.
- More landscapes—forests, rivers, hidden valleys, high passes.
- Less crowded—both treks are still peaceful compared to Everest and Annapurna.
- Long adventure—around 21 to 24 days of trekking makes you feel fully lost in mountain life.
The combination trek brings the best of both worlds: the high pass of Manaslu and the spiritual charm of Tsum.
Difficulty Level – Not Easy but Very Rewarding
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderate to difficult because of long days and the Larkya Pass altitude. The Tsum Valley Trek is moderate, but long distances make legs tired. But with good preparation, a slow pace, and acclimatization, trekkers enjoy safety.
If you have experience in walking 6–7 hours per day and carry warm gear, you can complete these treks.
What to Pack for These Treks
For safe and comfortable trekking, pack:
- Warm jacket and thermal layers
- Good trekking boots
- Gloves, hat, socks
- Rain jacket
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Water purification
- First aid kit
- Headlamp
- Snacks
- Camera for beautiful photos
The weather changes fast, so better pack extra warm clothes.
Local People and Their Lifestyle
People of Manaslu and Tsum Valley live simple lives. They depend on farming, yaks, and tourism. Their houses are small but full of love. They wake early, work in fields, pray in monasteries, and welcome visitors with a big heart.
When trekkers visit, they always smile and offer hot tea. Their culture is very old and rich. They follow Buddhism deeply. Festivals like Losar (New Year) are celebrated with dances, singing, and prayers.
Conclusion: Two Treks, One Spirit of Adventure
The Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek both give experiences that stay in memory forever. These treks are not about speed or luxury. They are about feeling nature strongly, breathing fresh cold air, meeting warm mountain people, learning about culture, and walking through landscapes that look like dreams.
If you want treks that feel meaningful and deep, then these two treks are perfect. They give adventure, peace, culture, and beauty in one long journey. Every step feels like a story. Every village feels like the old world. Every mountain feels like a guardian. And when the trek finishes, my heart feels full.
These trails make you stronger, more humble, and more connected with nature. That is the true magic of Manaslu and Tsum Valley.
