Manaslu/Tsum
Manaslu-Tsum, Hidden Valleys
Like the Annapurna, this region will offer you a wide variety of landscapes, the difference being that there are a lot less trekkers in the Manaslu and Tsum areas, giving you better opportunities to meet the inhabitants of these valleys.
From the fields of the lowlands to the narrow gorges of the Burhi Gandaki till the Tibetan villages in East, the Nubri and to the West the Tsum valley.
We begin hiking through lush vegetation, banana, mango trees and bougainvilleas, up towards conifer forests. At the higher altitudes we will only come across juniper groves, with rock and minerals above 4400m.
The first villages we come across are populated by Chettris, Brahmans, Gurungs and Tamangs. Higher up, is where the Bhotias , people of Tibetan origin, most being Nepal by 1 generation only. The Bhotias’ villages are noticeable because of the prayer flags, chortens, prayer wheels and monasteries. Here, it is still common for one of the child of the family to be sent away to become nun or monk.
The fauna is protected by dense forests. You will often come across, blue sheeps, marmots, chamois and if you are very lucky, snow leopards in the high altitudes. The moutnains are rich of medicinal plants sold in Tibet and Kathmandu by the villagers.
The sacred Tsum valley is a little bit of Tibet in the Nepalese lands. To access it you will go through the Shiar Khola on a well maintained, wide ,vertiginous trail overlooking the river. The peopl of the valley have managed to keep their culture intact unlike on the tibetan side which is now heavily influenced by the chinese way of life.
This trail will take you from the green valleys to dry, arid landscapes in the northern part of the valley.
In only a few days hike you will be at the foothill of the Ganesh Himal.
Budhists consider Tsum to be a sacred valley. Several reincarnations of important monks ( Rimpoches) were born here.
A 15 days itinerary will give you enough time to discover the Tibetan lifetstyle, get close to the Himalayan summits without going to high altitudes nor pushing your body to extremes.
GST was one fo the first organizations to send trekkers in the valley, because of this we have created strong and genuine links with the people of the valley .
Don’t forget to meet the Amchi ( tibetan medicine doctor) and learn about her secret plants and recipes.