The Manaslu Region has long attracted trekkers, both old and new, with its magnificent scenery and unusual cultural heritage. Indeed, lifestyle and culture, which define the two classic trekking routes-the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek- provide the most alluring aspects for adventurists wanting to take in a true flavor of the Himalayas. Because of this, one leg of attraction in this region is the amazing, rich ethnic composition of Manaslu, of which Gurung is the principal one.
Originally from Tibet, they settled in Nepal in the 6th century, merging Tibetan Buddhism with animistic ritualism. Adding to the rich cultural medley are two other important sub-ethnicities, namely Nubri and Tsum people, who reside respectively at Nubri Valley (who migrated there around 400 years ago) and Tsum Valley (practising Buddhism as well as Bon).
Buddhism is everywhere here, and you will see that in the monasteries, Chortens and Mani walls that you pass by during the trek. Monasteries such as Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa double up as centers of spirituality while the Inner Line permits treks, too. Trekkers can often be part of prayers if they time their visit to a monastery well or simply see a puja ceremony being performed. During the Tibetan New Year, called Losar in the local tongue – it’s celebrated grandly with traditional dances and acts depicting their faith.
The region's cuisine, from dal bhat to thukpa to momos, is another added dimension of this cultural aspect. Trekkers get to taste specific local delicacies such as yak cheese, traditional Gurung dishes like mohi chop, and sukuti. Traditional weaving and handicrafts, including the Dhaka fabric, are an integral part of the local way of life.
The architecture here also showcases similarities between Tibetan and Nepalese styles; houses and monasteries often have flat roofs, stone walls and beautifully carved wooden frames. By staying in local tea houses or homestays, you will be able to enjoy warm hospitality and insights into daily life. Manaslu completes circuit treks. These are just some introductory hints on the people, culture, food habits & lifestyle, etc, of the Manaslu region that we put together for your reference before beginning your journey to Manaslu Circuit Trek / Tsum Valley Trek.
Facts on Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek
Category
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Tsum Valley Trek
Region
Manaslu Conservation Area
Tsum Valley, near the Tibetan border
Starting Point
Soti Khola or Machha Khola
Soti Khola or Machha Khola
Highest Point
Larkya La Pass (5,106m/16,752ft)
Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200m/13,780 ft)
Duration
14–18 days
12–16 days
Permits Required
Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, and ACAP
Restricted Area Permit, MCAP
Culture
Blend of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan influences
Predominantly Tibetan culture
Key Monasteries
Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and Gumba Lungdang
Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and ancient Bon monasteries
Wildlife
Himalayan tahr, snow leopards, red pandas
Himalayan vultures, yaks, and blue sheep
Local Communities
Gurung, Nubri, and Bhutia
Tsumba (Tsum people)
Special Features
Crossing the Larkya La Pass, stunning views of Mt. Manaslu
Remote traditions, polyandry, and ancient Tibetan practices
Accessibility
Moderate to high difficulty, with diverse landscapes
Moderate difficulty, more secluded and less commercialized
Festivals
Lhosar, Ghewa, and other Buddhist festivals
Traditional Lhosar and rare Tibetan-influenced festivals
People, Lifestyle, and Culture On Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek Route
Local Manaslu Region Women and Children
On the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek, we come across varied kinds of cultural and lifestyle experiences. These two treks lie in the same Manaslu region but follow different trails with totally dissimilar perspectives on the diversity of this region.
Nepal’s culture also shifts with its geography. Further north you go, around the Manaslu section, the closer you are to Tibet (both physically as well culturally); further south you are towards India; and towards the middle hills, you have a fusion between Indo-Aryan flavor with Newar civilization who have lived here for centuries. Similarly, the Manaslu region consists of both hilly areas and Tibetan mountainous areas along Nepal’s north-central to northern border.
As you trek through these landscapes, you’ll witness how culture and way of life have molded itself according to the geographical features of this region. In Tsum Valley Trekking, where Buddhism and Bon religion sync together, visit age-old monasteries made within caves and witness ancient practices and ceremonies still being followed by locals. While on the Trek to Manaslu Circuit, be acquainted with the people of Nubri & and Gurung people, who practice a mix of Tibetan Buddhism along with their oldest forms of animistic worship. Every trail opens up a rich repository into the cultural heritage and will surely overwhelm you with an equally amazing attachment they have developed with nature over the years.
What Ethnic Groups Are Found in Manaslu Region?
Major Ethnic Groups
The lower Manaslu region is inhabited mostly by ethnic groups of the Gurungs and Bhotias, who are Tibeto-Burmans, as well as the Magars, Chettri and Brahmin.
Nubri and Tsum Communities
Besides, two dominant ethnic groups, Nubri and Tsum, also dwell here, separated by the Chikkur River. You can also notice the presence of Nubri Tsum municipality at this point. Nubri has been open for tourists since 1950, but the Tsum was isolated till the 1990s. The population of Tsum has a very real culture, art, and tradition.
Southern Trail Demographics
The Manaslu trails start from the hills. They are the southern part of the trail. So, you will mostly find the Indo-Aryan population there. They are Chhetri, Brahmins and Thakalis people. You can also find people from Magar and Newa living in the region.
Central and Northern Communities
You can find Gurungs as the main ethnic group in the central hills of the region. Most of them join the Indian or British Gurkha regiments army in considerable numbers. Closer to Tibet, you find the Bhutias (also spelled Bhotias), a Tibetan ethnic group not unlike Sherpas. You will see they live in flat-roofed houses and are devoutly Buddhist. The region is dotted with stark monasteries, Mani walls, chortens and other Buddhist religious monuments.
What is the Culture of the Manaslu Region?
The culture of the Manaslu region is a mix of Tibetan and Nepali culture; Manangis are highly influenced by Tibetan culture, and the majority of local people practice Buddhism. Their lifestyle and architecture, even the festivals that they celebrate, will reflect you. You will find hundreds of years old houses on your way doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek, but you will probably notice a lot of locals wearing torn clothes. That’s because whatever they wear daily, their clothes for everyday use or for normal days are traditional and those clothes are usually very simple dresses hence most of them wear quite patchy clothes if not all.
Manaslu practices Loshar (New Year celebration), Ghewa (a ritual for paying respect to dead ancestors), and traditional songs like Tuna Geet, among others, as part of their identity. Even after being in touch with modernization, there hasn’t been much deviation from its strong roots to the Tibetan cultures visible in every form- be it rituals or hospitality.
Occupation of Locals in Manalsu Area
Agriculture and Farming
The people are farmers. If you are trekking in the Manaslu circuit trek route, you will see people farming wheat and buckwheat farming because the terrain is mixed with flats and surfaces, so in flat areas, they do farming. They take their animals for grazing in the pretty open fields and lush meadows. They grow different crops like barley and maize. They even grow fruits and other nutritious things like oats and nuts as their staple food due to hard weather conditions.
Animal Husbandry
They also follow animal husbandry concerning yaks and cows to make transportation easier, and likewise for agricultural work. All these ancient practices are followed by older generations of families.
Tourism-Based Activities
The expanding tourism industry has created an additional source of income for the locals. Many locals have opened up lodges and tea houses along the trekking routes. During peak seasons, these are fully occupied by tourists, who provide an addition to their normal source of income.
How Do People in the Manaslu Region Farm?
Farming is the main occupation of the people in the Manaslu region. The terrain is flat and rugged, so subsistence farming is practiced here. The farmers grow crops like wheat, buckwheat and potatoes. Vegetables like radishes, carrots, and cabbage are also grown organically for travelers' own consumption.
The agriculture methods are traditional, depending on manual labor; yaks and mules are used for transportation, which makes it a self-supporting economy reflecting the resources and resilience of the region to live in tough situations.
What Language Do People Speak in the Manaslu Region?
The Manaslu region, being in close proximity to Tibet, is also influenced by Tibetan culture. A Tibetan dialect is spoken as the mother tongue here. However, two unique and distinct languages are found in this region: Nubri and Tsum. The Nubri language is ‘largely’ undocumented; in fact, all that has been described thus far is its lexicon, and as such, this language is categorized as ‘definitely endangered’.
The Tsum language (a distinct dialect of Nubri) is also listed as being ‘endangered’, suggesting the vulnerability of these languages. Some local people do speak Nepali. However, the sheer level at which these languages persist underlines the cultural wealth and diversity that exists within this remote region of Manaslu. It, therefore, seems essential to encourage efforts that document and preserve such languages in a bid to conserve the cultural heritage of this geographically isolated but culturally diverse region.
Food Culture in the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Region
Dhindo
Dhindo is one of the most-eaten traditional foods in Mustang. Buckwheat (Phaphar) grows well at this altitude. Dhindo has an extremely high thickness, being in the form of a thick paste, which is perfect for people living in highland areas under cold weather. It increases immune power as dhindo provides the energy required for a whole day-long work. While one takes it in the morning, they may not feel hungry until lunchtime.
Mohi Chop
Mohi Chop Is prepared with skimmed Milk ( Mohi ) and spicy chilli mixed with garlic and a bit of salt. This proves that Gurung people love their local dairy products, which are sweetened by Mother Nature.
Champa
Champa is a traditional buckwheat porridge and Manaslu's favorite food. It’s so nutritious that without refined carbs, Champa can be eaten like a staple. Champa is tasty and full of nutrition, thus keeping the body active for many hours. Locals and trekkers also enjoy eating it most. Champa shows cultural nutrition and a love for the healthy food of the region.
Sukuti
Sukuti is dried buffalo meat and one of the prevalent ways to preserve food, which is necessary to live in the highest mountains where you cannot expect fresh meat for months when snow falls heavily.
Root Vegetables
Potatoes are a staple food crop; they grow really well at high altitudes and rough terrains, along with other root crops like radishes, carrots, etc., since they grow better if the temperature is a little cooler.
Leafy Vegetables
Cabbage, one of the main leafy vegetables grown in Manang, makes it certain that high-altitude sustainable agriculture is not impossible to provide vegetables for local consumption and fresh produce to tourists who visit this region.
Rice Consumption
Rice has never been a staple food in the diet because rice grows at much lower elevations than other crops do. However, with the change in food preferences and easier accessibility to another source of food due to better transportation and trade routes, some villages serve and consume rice, too.
Western Food Options
For international travellers, the area now has a number of Western-style options, including pizza and other recognizable foods. While these dishes may not be exactly like you remember from home, they provide some nice standby options for those who would rather eat something familiar. However, flavorings and taste may be different than what you are used to as they have been adapted to local flairs and cooking styles.
Mode of Transport in the Manaslu Region
Traditional modes of transport are a necessity in the remote and mountainous Manaslu region, where motorable roads are non-existent. Animal transport, including mules (Khacchad), horses and even yaks, are used to transport goods and supplies along the arduous mountain trails that these animals negotiate with ease. Human porters can be seen carrying heavy loads that seem unimaginable, displaying an unbelievable level of strength and endurance. In fact, it is this very dependence on animals and manpower as a mode of transport that provides a glimpse into the unique traditional way of life here – one so intricately interwoven with its geographic environment.
Unique Festivals Celebrations in Manaslu Region
Manaslu Cultural Festival
When: September (Annual)
Duration: 3 days
Location: Manaslu region
Key Activities: Horse racing, archery, traditional dance
Special Feature: Khatas (ceremonial scarves) ritual
Best seen during: Manaslu Circuit Trek (September-November)
This lively three-day festival in September pays tribute to the glorious Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak. Celebrations offer a fantastic glimpse of the area’s cultural traditions as locals unite for traditional performances and competitions.
How It Is Celebrated?
Horse racing, archery contests and traditional dances put on display the cultural wealth here and showcase their talent. There is music everywhere as locals join travelers to be part of this great festivity. Stalls at the venue sell various local handicrafts along with delicious local cuisine. A famous ritual at this place is also about offering Khatas or ceremonial scarves to the statue of Manaslu, which are then distributed among participants.
Where Is It Celebrated?
The festival happens throughout villages in the Manaslu region, and you will have Himalayan mountains as a backdrop. Visit from September to November when the Manaslu Circuit Trek happens, encountering this quarter part of Asia at its cultural best.
The Tsum Shagya Centennial Festival celebrates 100 years of unbroken tradition in the Tsum Valley. Inaugurated in 1920 by Drukpa Rinpoche Lama Serab Dorje, the festival is an embodiment of the valley’s philosophy of “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma”, meaning non-violence is the highest form of dharma.
How It Is Celebrated?
The festival is an incarnation of this Buddhist community’s millennia-old commitment to protecting all forms of life. But it’s not just animals that are protected under the auspices of Tibetan Buddhism; no form of wildlife, even insects or plants, may be harmed anywhere near a Gompa (monastery). It’s for this same reason that animal slaughter, hunting, and tree felling, as well as honey collection, are also banned around Chhekampar.
Alongside being a site for festivities, the Rachen gompa in Chhekampar is also a place for atonement where those who have violated any one of these codes must light 1,000 lamps to make amends.
Where Is It Celebrated?
The festival is celebrated in the Tsum Valley with its spiritual center at Rachen Gompa in Chhekampar.
Losar Festival
Cham dancers Performing Cham (Tsam) dance During Losar
Tamu Lhosar (Gurung) - January
Sonam Lhosar (Tamang) - January/February
Gyalpo Lhosar (Sherpa) - February/March
Activities: Traditional dances, feasts, monastery visits
Best seen during: Winter treks in Manaslu region
Tamu Lhosar (Gurung)
Celebrated in the month of January, Tamu Lhosar is the Gurung New Year, when religious adherence is blended with merriment and cultural charm. Devotees admirably dressed in their attire gather at Buddhist shrines to offer prayers amidst cultural programs and performing art forms. It strengthens family ties and unity as kith and kin come from far-flung areas to have a get-together on this auspicious occasion.
Sonam Lhosar (Tamang)
Sonam Lhosar, which falls either in January or February, signifies the New Year of the Tamang community. The houses are tidily swept and decorated, and celebration becomes meaningful by paying visits to monasteries as well as performing ceremonial offerings of respect to colored prayer flags. It symbolizes getting over tough times and the expectation of a positive period in the future by chanting hymns for welfare, wishing happiness in the year which begins on that day.
Gyalpo Lhosar (Sherpa)
Observed in February or March Gyalpo Lhosar makes the Sherpa people go merry making. From cleaning and decorating houses especially kitchens to feasting together it is a time of family bonding and culture.
How is it celebrated?
Tamu Lhosar comprises family reunions, cultural shows on its own, and informal meetings. People wearing their traditional dresses visit Buddhist monasteries. People clean and decorate homes with colourful items by discarding unused/old clutter, hoping for a good start in the New Year. Gyalpo Lhosar makes people cook delicious food with new harvests on its day, particularly Guthuk -one kind of dumplings in the soup that is special on Lho Day-drink, dance, and play music.
Where is it celebrated?
These festivals can be experienced while trekking in the Manaslu area and Langtang Valley during the winter season. Tamu Lhosar can be seen celebrated in the Gurung community of Manaslu Area. Families come together from different places to celebrate it in their homeland.
Yartung Festival
When: August
Main Feature: Horse racing competition
Location: Manaslu region
Activities: Local handicraft displays, traditional music
Best seen during: Manaslu Circuit Trek (August)
The Yartung Festival, which takes place in August, is an exhilarating celebration of horsemanship in the Manaslu region. An age-old tradition, horse races pitting riders from the area against each other take centre stage during this festival. Now transformed into a International atrrcations with visitors coming from around the world to see the spectacle of horses and riders performing all kinds of stunts, experts along with viewing stalls for handicrafts and mouth-watering local cuisine.
Buddha Jayanti
When: May (Full moon of fourth lunar month)
Significance: Celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death
Location: Throughout Buddhist areas in Manaslu region
Best seen during: Spring treks in Manaslu (April-May)
Buddha Jayanti is a holy Buddhist festival. Observed to celebrate the three most important parts of Buddha’s life—his birth, enlightenment (nirvana) and death (parinirvana). According to the Chinese lunar calendar, this festival takes place on the first full moon in April.
How is it celebrated?
Many other activities, such as group prayers, lighting lamps, and giving offerings in the form of flowers and incense, also take place. People usually gather at monasteries or sacred sites for this event. Essentially, Buddha Jayanti is based on the importance of Buddhist places, with full moons being seen as a particularly holy time and overall festival for all those serious Buddhists out there.
Where is it celebrated?
We will have quite a few chances to participate in some way, shape, or form encountering these celebrations throughout Buddhist areas, specifically in Manaslu, with the spring season from April till May are prime trekking months. During these months, monasteries/sacred locations within any given valley we pass through become centralized with activity festivity, so you’re sure not to miss any spiritual aspects of your visit while walking through what feels like a real-life Paradise.
What Traditions are Still Practiced in Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek Route Villages?
Ghewa Parwa
Like the Hindu Śrāddha, this annual death commemoration feast is a religious occasion for many communities. Known as Ghewa Parwa, it’s an occasion to pay homage to and remember deceased ancestors through religious as well as cultural activities. Ritual dances are performed with music from centuries-old folk instruments. Mantras are recited, and special songs eulogizing dead ancestors are sung. In fact, every activity is aimed at not only remembering the dead but also keeping family bondings and culture intact since relatives come together on this day.
Polyandric Marriage
Polyandric Marriage practiced historically in Tsum Valley is a very special form of marriage, where more than one brother lives with a single wife. This traditional institution was devised as a pragmatic way of retaining family landholdings and keeping the economy of a household intact. Though this tradition was quite widespread in earlier times in this region, it has hardly survived the modern world. This was a reflection of the demands of the rigorous mountain environment and also the way to prevent land fragmentation among heirs.
Sky Burial Tradition
It is a very unique type of burial practice that is deeply rooted in religious beliefs concerning death and the continuation of life. With that said, it is a practice in which the body of the dead is ritually prepared and offered to vultures regarded as sacred birds within this context. It is common in Tibet, where it's considered a spiritual practice that is one way of giving back to the world. The practice is at once both ecologically sound and of great spiritual significance; it is done far less frequently in modern times. This particular form of disposal demonstrates how cultural practices can be inescapably functional and steeped with meaning.
How do the Locals of Manaslu Dress For Their Daily Lives?
Traditional Manaslu dress is as simple as the life they lead. People wear clothes like Bhangra, which are wholly torn and worn out because of the scarcity of dresses. Dressing in this region lends the traveler a peep into past times of Nepalese traditional life that still remotely has its echo in these districts. Women put on big-sized bead rings around their necks.
Monasteries and Religion of Manaslu Region
Most of the population in Manaslu follows Buddhism. The monasteries are like social centers for the pilgrims inhabiting these areas. It's a very good representation of culture and art to be alive. Trek members will frequently get to visit holy monasteries, meet with lamas, and experience their chanting sessions that are indeed calming your body and spirit with gongs, drums, and flutes really long after you are out of this almost meditative atmosphere. Tsum Valley is yet another gem in Nepal. Many believe that great Buddhist saints Milarepa and Padmasambhava gave their meditation in Manaslu’s sacred caves; hence, it is religiously important to Buddhists or spiritual trekkers as well. Trekking the Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley Trek will introduce you to various monastery structures that serves as all cultural activity centers for the pious followers of Lord Buddha, reflecting a region’s religious inheritance itself.
Sacred Longdan Gompa
Location: Lower Tsum Valley
Type: Nunnery
Special Features: School for young nuns
Notable Event: September festival
Access: During Manaslu-Tsum Valley Trek
Altitude: Lower elevation in forested area
This Gompa is a nunnery where nuns only stay. It is situated in lower Tsum Valley, in the lap of serene mid-hills and forest. Visitors are provided food by the nun locals as one of their gompa hospitality norms. In September, there is a festival directly organized by the nun locals, and people from several neighboring locales come to join it. The Gompa functions as a school where small girls come for knowledge with religious help, too. They learn modern education, such as various cultural subjects taught in other schools as well. Remote, secluded, tranquil ambience with spiritual surroundings built Longdan Gompa an unmatched niche for peace lovers, researchers and philosophers.
The Serang Monastery, also called Nubri Monastery, is located in the tranquil Kyimolung Valley, which is popularly known as the “Valley of Peace and Happiness”. This grand structure houses more than a hundred monks and nuns and nestles below the Shringi Himal, which has derived its name from the monastery and reflects its cultural influence. You can opt for an overnight stay at this monastery at a price of Rs 2000 for Nepalis and Rs 3500 for non-Nepali visitors if you wish to tap your spiritual self. The peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the warmth offered by these monks, creates an ideal setting for meditation or some soul-searching time. Thus, the Serang monastery proves to be a place where tranquillity meets divinity.
Pungyen Gompa (Shyala Monastery)
Location: Shyala Village
Features: Teahouse facilities
Access Route: Via Seti Khola, Machha Khola, Namrung, Lho
Trek Type: Part of Manaslu Circuit
Cultural Significance: Major Buddhist center
Nestled in the quaint village of Shyala, Pungyen Gompa is a jewel of the Manaslu region. Arguably one of the most beautiful monasteries among the three (the other two being Nubri and Rachen Gompa), this monastery offers trekkers an opportunity to be part of Tibetan Buddhism. Equipped with tea houses where you can spend the night, this monastery allows you to stay more spiritual with each passing day. Trek through Seti Khola, Machha Khola, Namrung and Lho Village before entering Shyala, for reaching here is as rewarding as arriving at Shyala. The monastery is perfect for finding that elusive inner peace and strength amidst daunting heights – spiritually and metaphysically. Apart from it being all about views, culture also plays its part, so book your tickets soon.
Rachen Gompa
Founded: 1905 AD
Founder: Guru Rimpoche
Altitude: 3,240m
Population: ~80 nuns
View: Mt. Langju
Special Feature: Modern education + Buddhist studies
Rachen Gompa, a nunnery, is one of the oldest monasteries in the area, and it was established back in 1905 AD. The great Guru Rinpoche built it. The nunnery is located at an elevation of 3,240 meters from sea level and offers some of the best views of Mt.Langju from here. Rachen Gompa is only for nuns, not all monks, and you will find approximately 80 nuns inmates who are dedicated to divine serenity with their souls and bodies. The young females or unmarried girls who reside here learn all life skills along with formal education at Rachen Gompa, which includes subjects like English, Nepali and Science, as well as other traditional Buddhist teachings. Thus, embracing cultural and educational pinnacles serves as an important source of spiritual blessing and knowledge for those who seek world-less happiness and tranquility.
Mu Gompa
Altitude: 4,000m
Population: ~20 monks/nuns
Location: Isolated setting (7 hours from nearest settlement)
Transport Method: Yak/horse transport
Type: Retreat center
Located on a high ridge at an altitude of 4,000 meters, Mu Gompa is one of the most secluded monasteries in the Manaslu area. It’s a journey of more than seven hours just to reach the closest village from this Gompa and that tells you how cut off it is. The monastery houses some 20 monks and nuns with the senior most monks living in meditation away from monastery life while teaching spiritual lessons to younger monks. Younger monks meanwhile go to school. Since everything has to be brought up by yak or horse train, including food supplie. Meditation and peace seekers would do well to aim for here.
Ribung Monastery
Location: Lho Village, Nubri Valley
Famous For: Iconic gateway with mountain backdrop
Cultural Events: Lhosar, Saga Dawa, Dumje
Notable: Featured in "The Creator" movie
Surroundings: Alpine forests and mountains
Lho Village has become the iconic destination of Manaslu these days because Ribung Monastery is situated here, and the view of Ribung Monastery Gate, along with stunning mountains, has been featured for the promotion of Manaslu Trek in various advertisements too. The fame of the monastery drew international attention when Lho village was pictured in the movie The Creator. Lhosar (Tibetan New Year), Saga Dawa, Dumje etc. festivals are especially vibrant times at this gumba. Culture, Nature, & Spirituality- everything blends beautifully in Ribung Monastery's environs.
Best Manaslu Trek Itinerary To Experience The Traditions, Culture of Manaslu Region
Day 11: Day Trip to Ganesh Himal Base Camp and Return to Gumba Lungdang
Trek Time: 7–8 hours (round trip)
Max Altitude: 4,200m / 13,780ft
Day 12: Trek Gumba Lungdang to Lokpa
Trek Time: 6–7 hours
Max Altitude: 2,040m / 6,692ft
Day 13: Trek Lokpa to Jagat
Trek Time: 6–7 hours
Max Altitude: 1,400m / 4,593ft
Day 14: Trek Jagat to Maccha Khola
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Max Altitude: 890m / 2,965ft
Day 15: Trek Maccha Khola to Soti Khola
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Max Altitude: 730m / 2,395ft
Day 16: Drive Soti Khola to Kathmandu
Trek/Drive Time: 7–8 hours
Max Altitude: 1,350m / 4,429ft (Kathmandu)
Day 17: Departure from Nepal
Activity: Transfer to airport for international flight.
What Are The Requirements to Enter the Restricted Manaslu Region?
The Manaslu Region is close to Tibet and is a sensitive area. Tsum Valley lies pretty close to the Tibetan plateau, Samdo village being the last village before the Tibetan border, some 7-8 hours from there. Till the time Tibetan Border doesn't open, one can go up to Samdo.
Government Regulations
To protect the natural and cultural heritage of this region, the Nepal Government has declared Manaslu a restricted area; hence, certain permits and regulations are required for any travelers entering that region. Also, Solo Trekking isn't allowed, so you must have at least one travel partner with you if u plan to visit this valley.
Essential Permits Requirements
Travelers must obtain key permits:
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)
Guide Requirements
A government-licensed guide is mandatory for visiting these Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley, which both safeguards travelers and helps keep a lid on access to the region’s remote borderlands. But it is also a chance to visit monasteries and cultural sights en route, as well as tap into their encyclopedic knowledge of this region’s Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
