Most Popular side trips around Manaslu
Mount Manaslu Trek has been gaining popularity in recent years because of its less crowds, scenery, cultural experience and available of lodges. Additionally, with increasing promotion and word-of-mouth recommendations, have contribute to the growing popularity of the Mount Manaslu Trek in recent years.
Comparing the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks, Manaslu offers a less crowds experience, which is appealing to trekkers looking for a quieter, more remote trekking experience.
A trip to Manaslu round provides the majestic and grand views of the snow-capped high mountain peaks including Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. As well as cultural diversity with a mix of Nepalese and Tibetan-influenced villages that allow trekkers to experience the local culture and traditions of the region.
Larkya la is the highest elevation pass stands at 5,106 meters of the entire journey and consider moderately challenging. Besides the high pass there are countless best side trips of Tsum Valley Manaslu trek along the journey.
However, this journey attracts trekkers looking for a bit more adventure and challenge than some of the easier treks in the Nepal Himalayas. Since a couple of years the infrastructure along the trek route has improve, with more tea houses and lodges offering comfortable accommodation and meals, making it more accessible to a wider range of trekkers.
Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek best side trips
To cover all best side trips of Tsum valley Manaslu circuit trekking route takes more days as are hidden on the main classical trek. Many trekkers capture the best shots of main spots and just follow the Larkya la but some of them want to explore the entire hidden side trips.
Journey at Tsum valley Manaslu territory takes you to the enchanting monasteries, the best mountain views, winsome lakes at high altitudes, and lonesome villages accommodating hospitable people. Thus, here are some key things to know before going to the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
1. Mu Gompa at Tsum valley Trekking
Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the Tsum Valley and is locate at an altitude of 3,700 meters. It is a sacred site for Buddhists and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Rachen Gompa:
Rachen Gompa is another important monastery in the Tsum Valley, stands at an altitude of 3,240 meters. It is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
3. Nile:
Nile is a small village located at the end of the Tsum Valley, near the border with Tibet. It offers stunning views of the Ganesh Himal range and is a great place to experience the local Tibetan culture.
4. Dhephyudonma Gompa:
Dhephyudonma Gompa is another top best side trips of Tsum valley located at the highest point at an altitude of 4,060 meters. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to experience the local culture.
5. Chhokang Paro:
Chhokang Paro is a picturesque village located in the upper Tsum Valley. It offers stunning views of the Ganesh Himal range and is a great place to experience the traditional Tibetan way of life.
6. Manaslu Base Camp Hike (4,850m/15,913 feet)
Hike the Manaslu base camp (MBC) is one of the most exciting and tough side trips. It takes almost seven hours hike to go up to the MBC (Manaslu Base Camp at 4,400 meter) viewpoint and return to the guest house at Sama Gaon. A hike to MBC trail encompasses forests, barren lands, and sharp climbs so brace yourself.
7. Serang Gompa (3,100m/10,171 feet)
Serang Gumba is a small paradise of Bhi village on the foot of Shringi Himal. One of the top things to see, as the valley surrounding Serang (Kyimolung trail) is considered to be one of the four bells hidden among the Himalayas of Asia as identified by Guru Padmasambhava. It’s a believed to be that the Guru Padmasambhava had meditated in this place in the ancient times.
8. Kalmachum / The Black Lake (3,800m/12,468 feet)
Kalmachum (Kal Tal) or the black lake is another top side trip a day’s hike from Prok village. Our hike to get to Kal Tal is completely under the Pine and fir trees with many langurs. En route, you arrive at Pari Gompa where monks work during the day in their fields and come to sleep here at night and offers the great landscape of the entire valley.
9. Hinang Gomba (3,100m) and Himalchuli Base Camp (4,020m/13,190 feet.)
Lihi village is a gateway to explore Hinang Khola and takes you to the large Hinang Gompa. Monks are welcoming the Tourist and for possible to sleep in the Gompa. Continue the journey to the place to get a better Himal Chuli range that offers the spectacular view of Hinang glacier.
10. Phunggen Gompa (4050m/13,288 feet.)
Punggen gompa stands at the end of a vast grassy plateau surrounding by dramatic mountain scenery. Another best place to get the top sights of Mount Manaslu and its surroundings, but again – the effort is worth it only on a clear day.
11. Riu La – Tibet border (4,998m/16,398 feet)
Rui La is a high pass situated on the boarder to Tibet. Your hike to Rui La pass is a super amazing “classic” “U” shaped mountain pass. Prayer flags mark the pass and a border stone marks the border between Nepal and “Dzong Who” – China. It’s a leading trade route to Tibet that goes over 4,998 meters north of Samdo village in eight hours roughly.