Why Tsum Valley and Manaslu region is a Restricted Areas?

Tsum Valley and Upper Manaslu, remains a Restricted Areas of Nepal, due to its raw and pristine environment. As well to preserve its fragile natural surroundings, and limiting the mass flow of trekkers. The other reason is the areas of northern Tsum Valley and Upper Manaslu falls close on route to the border of Nepal and Tibet / China.

What are the religion and cultures of Manaslu and Manang areas?

The main religion of Manaslu and Manang areas is Tibetan Buddhism, called Mahayana the Greater Wheels. Tibetan Buddhism is practiced all around the Himalayas, as well around Mustang district adored with prayer walls and monasteries.

Is the trekking trail well maintained or rough walk ?

In the beginning of the trek from Machha-Khola to Dyang and Lo-Gaon, the trails are well maintained. Having narrow path on some sections of the walk, with steep ups and downs. From the bottom of Larke-La Pass some of the section are broken due to movement of glaciers and snow-fall. But quite an exciting adventure walking on the tough areas. As well crossing over the two passes of Larke and Thorang-La. But on Manaslu Circuit and Around Annapurna, the trail is well maintained and good except for the rise in altitude. In snow condition climb to Larke-La and Thorang-La Pass will be quite difficult to find the right path, and downhill is equally tough. So far the trail has been used by many flow of trekkers, which is a great walk on the right seasons of the year.

How are the accommodation and foods on this route ?

In the beginning from past decades the accommodation and foods was very basic and simple. But due to flow of trekkers increased, at present there are many nice good lodge accommodation and variation of food menu. The rooms are simple and clean with large dining hall, the food is served in a lively homely environment. Attached toilets and bath are few, due to its location and cold weather wise, where plumbing systems gets frozen. Especially around the higher areas, the only basic and very simple accommodation is at Dharmasala before crossing Larke-La and at High Camp of Thorang-La. The food are served according to the menu options of La-Carte or set meals, for larger group from minimum 4 person onwards. It is better to have set meals like Nepali famous Dhal-Bhat, served with mild vegetable curry and pickles of choice. Ordering Set Menu saves time and fuel energy, it will be a perfect ways to follow the rules of Responsible Tourism or Eco-Trekking.

Is there facilities to charge our electronic items and wifi ?

Nearly all villages and lodge have the facilities of electricity run by local Hydro or Solar Power. Where trekkers can charge their electronic gadgets and items, but needs to pay as per hour per items. Please coordinate with the guide or landlord regarding the price for charging. As well for using hot-showers or bucket of Hot-Water on every overnight lodges. Internet and Wi-Fi, as well telephone communications are available, but in some areas it is quite disturbing due to weather and landscapes wise. Like in deep gorge and valleys the communication either for phone or internet have slow and poor connection. Better to buy local SIM and DATA for your cell-phone in Kathmandu, which will be much better to use while trekking around Nepal Himalayas.

Manaslu Circuit and Around Annapurna Trekking

‘an adventure around Far North Mid-West Himalayas of great combination’

Manaslu Circuit and Around Annapurna Trekking, an adventure that leads towards the world’s 8th Manaslu and 10th Annapurna massif Himalaya range.
An overloaded adventure steeped with glorious scenery of dramatic landscapes, and lovely woods, lined with tall rhododendron and pine trees. The walk follows around the high mountainous region, leaving the green lush vegetation for sheer mountain wilderness.

Manaslu Circuit and Around Annapurna Trekking begins taking an exciting drive to Gorkha district. Where the walk follows the raging glacial Budhi Gandaki River upstream to cooler hills beyond sub-tropical farm villages. The adventure continues heading first to explore the picturesque country of Manaslu Valley, encircled by arrays of towering snow peaks.

The Upper Manaslu was at one time a forbidden land, which was opened for trekkers in 1992. But remains a Restricted Area, to enter Manaslu higher valley requires a special permit as well as Conservation fees.

The trail leads above through the nice villages of Jagat, Dyang, and Namrung to Lo-Gaon enriched with impressive cultures. Spending overnights in these lovely villages and then walking in the heart of Manaslu Valley at Sama Gaon.

An amazing place and ancient village Sama-Gaon, situated en route to Manaslu base camp, and towards Manang via Larke-La Pass. As well it leads to Nepal and Tibet border towards the north past Samdo village. Having an extra day for acclimatization and a short hike to explore its scenic country and local culture.

Walk ahead to the end of Manaslu Valley, on leaving Gorkha district towards the base of Larke-La at Dharmasala. Getting ready to cross the first high pass of the adventure, a steep climb follows through rugged mountain terrains.

After a tough uphill climb reach on top Larke-La Pass, facing stupendous views of surrounding towering snow peaks. From here downhill enter another district of Manang at Bhimthang, a nice settlement with a good lodge for an overnight stop. The walk follows through the enchanting forest to Dharapani where the route of Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit joins.

Enjoy pleasant walks on the famous and popular Annapurna Circuit trail through the lovely villages of Timang and Chame. The headquarters town of Manang area, the trail follows further northwest, reaching scenic Manang Valley in Pisang village. A valley with the magnificent scenery of Pisang, Chulu’s, and Annapurna II-III and IV peaks with Gangapurna Himal. The walk leads right amid the valley at Manang village, in the close shadow of giant snow mountains.

Enjoying the necessary rest for another acclimatization day, then towards our last final destination of the journey. The walk leads to the far end of Manang Valley, where the climb starts towards the highest point of the adventure.

On reaching on top Thorang-La is festooned with Buddhist colorful prayer flags as well as enjoying stunning views of snow peaks. The scenery on top is worth the hard effort, overlooking grand views of all Chulu peaks, and the Annapurna range. Includes close views of Damodar Himal with Manaslu towards the east and Dhaulagiri in the southwest direction.

After a joyful moment head downhill towards Mustang district reaching the holy site of Muktinath. One of the holiest pilgrimage spots for all Hindu and some Buddhist followers, Muktinath is located on windswept dry land.

At Muktinath temporary break from walking for a day taking the option of an exciting drive to Tatopani village. A place with a natural hot spring to enjoy a warm dip and a bath, after a long walk from Manaslu, Manang. Reaching the end of Mustang areas, from Tatopani after a refreshing moment, the trail follows towards cooler hills at Ghorepani. One of the famous and popular moderate and short treks for beginners, of a few days, walks from scenic Pokhara city.

Ghorepani is a nice village amidst beautiful rhododendron forest and for an hour climb on top Poon Hill. Poon Hill offers striking sunrise over a chain of Himalayan peaks from the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges.

From Poon Hill and Ghorepani, after a glorious morning, with stunning views adventure slowly comes to an end on reaching Ulleri. A lovely hill village, where the walk concludes then taking an interesting drive to Pokhara for the last overnight around Nepal Mid-West. Next morning an overland journey or taking a short flight back to Kathmandu. After a wonderful adventure and great experience on Manaslu Circuit and Around Annapurna Trekking.

Clothing and footwear

Trekking boots (should be warm, waterproof, breathable, cover and fix the ankle)

Sports sandals with a closed toe or sneakers.

flip flops , Sun cap , Wool or fleece hat , 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin, 1 thick,}

Bandana or neckerchief , Fleece jackets (1 thin, 1 thick) .

Thermal underwear (merino wool!), preferably 2 sets (one for walking, the other for sleeping), buy at home.

Trekking socks - several pairs (there is a limited possibility of washing)

Quick-drying sports T-shirts (e.g. Polartec PowerDry) - 2 pcs. or more.

Down jacket , Windstopper , Windproof warm jacket with hood.

Trekking trousers , Warm synthetic pants like ski pants , Rain poncho.

Sun Screen Cream , Sunglasses , Trekking pole , Water bottle.

Equipment

*Duffel bags for trek will be perovided on Day 2 should be returned after the trek is over.

*Backpack 20-30 liters with rain cover (optionally with drinking system)

*Sleeping bag (comfort temperature around -5 C). On the upper lodges they usually provide woolen blankets. You can rent a sleeping bag in Kathmandu, $1-2 per day.

*A good quality headlight with new batteries and a spare set of batteries.

*Sunglasses (category 3-4) + hard case , Trekking poles , Thermos 0.5-1 liter.

*Sealed packaging for documents and money , Sitting mat (optionally), Power bank.

* A roll of dense garbage bags 50 liters. You will pack your items in it when you put them in a duffel bag to protect them from moisture and dust.