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The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek is a classic trek in Nepal. The trek includes a visit to Tsum valley, a restricted area until Nepal Government opened for trekking in 2008. Combined with Tsum valley, the trek will be 6 days longer than the normal Manaslu Circuit trekking. It’s also good to note that Mount Manaslu is the world’s eighth-highest mountain at 8,156m above sea level. In 1996, a Japanese and Nepalese team climbed to the summit for the first time.
About Tsum Valley
Geographically, the Tsum Valley lies in the northern Gorkha district of Nepal, a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley.
The Tsum valley owns its ancient culture, art and religion. In other words, the people here are culturally and religiously rich. On the trails, you will see artistic chortens and mani walls made of stone slabs with fine carving and art drawings of deities inscribed with prayers.
The local community, who have been living here for centuries, are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak a unique local dialect closer to the Tibetan language.
The Tsum Valley has a long history and influence of Buddhism. The people believe that the Buddhist saint Milarepa took meditations in the caves of nearby mountains. That’s why there are some unique and historical old monasteries in the valley, such as Rachen Gumba and Mu Gumba, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley, and Gumba Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal.
Geography of the Tsum Valley
In addition, the valley offers impressive views of Himalayan ranges such as the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges.
The Tsum valley was remote and inaccessible, so mainstream development activities have isolated this sacred valley and the local community. However, it is the main reason the unique cultures and traditions of the local community have remained intact. In other words, the Tsum valley is so far safe from western cultural influence.
Flora and Fauna
Equally and uniquely, the Tsum valley is rich in flora and fauna. If you go in during spring between March – April, you will see different colourful kinds of flowers bloom in the valley. On the other hand, the valley is rich in wildlife as you will see different kinds of wild animals such as Himalayan Thar, Blue sheep, and red pandas. Importantly, hunting and fishing are strictly prohibited in the Tsum valley.
While planning for the Manaslu Circuit trek, and if you have a time of 6 days more than for a normal Manaslu trek, it will be well worth adding the Tsum valley to your trekking holiday in the Manaslu region. However, if you have no time for a longer trek option for Tsum valley, you will do a normal Manaslu Circuit Trek.
After you visit Tsum valley, you follow the main track to the Manaslu Circuit. While trekking around Manaslu, you will see the spectacular landscape of the Nepal Himalayas. The view from the Larkya la pass is impressive. In addition, from the pass, you will see superb views of Himlung, Himal Culi, Cheo Himal, and other mountain ranges.
