Trekking is everywhere in Nepal, and the most glorifying treks are in the Everest and Annapurna areas. However, there are some hidden treasures that tourists do not widely explore.
The trek to Manaslu Tsum Valley, Manaslu Circuit Trek, or Upper Mustang Trek is a trek with beautiful scenery, unusual cultures, and shadow experiences.
All of these are paths from the crowds into the remote valleys, on high mountain paths and back to the very respected old monasteries and, ultimately, deliver a truly original, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek: A Sacred Hidden Land
Tsum Valley is an attractive, sacred site in the Manaslu region. The region is internationally recognized for its ancient stone-built Buddhist stupas, prayer flags and mani walls, which are destroyed by bull-dozing into stone.
You will walk in beautiful villages where the Tibetan people are a singularity in the world of culture and life.
Mu Gompa is the site of an iconic Buddhist Monastery with a panoramic view over the High Mountains. It represents the most challenging link in the full sightseeing route, and it once housed a historic temple.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is surrounded by the beauty of the magnificent peaks of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal and Buddha Himal; the valley provides nature enthusiasts with a sense of paradise.
As a less hiked route, hikers can have a quiet, meditative experience on their own, as opposed to a hitched-up team, such as a more popular route.
Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Thrilling Himalayan Adventure
Manaslu Circuit Trek, as an adventure for adventure seekers, is appropriate. It is indeed possible to see Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the 8th highest peak on earth.
The moment you travel for tourism, you experience or see gorges, rugged rocks and vast, remote scenery of high vantage points.
Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) is one of the best points of the trek, and it is one of the most challenging climbs from where the magnificent Himalayan panorama can be enjoyed.
Manaslu route is less crowded and attractive to those who do not want to be in groups and for those who want a wilder experience as compared to Everest and Annapurna.
This is furthered by the experience of Tibetan Buddhist villages, where one can trace the passage of deserted monastic remains, prayer wheels, and benevolent villagers.
Upper Mustang Trek: The Forbidden Kingdom
Upper Mustang is one of the most secluded treks in Nepal. It was in this part of the country, the “Last Forbidden” Kingdom, available only for foreigners from 1992, and remains a time capsule of the history of Tibetan culture and medieval life.
The trek takes you to an amazing part of red cliffs, barren hillocks, and mystery caves, each one of which has its own character and uniqueness, as with the rest of the walks in Nepal.
The heart of Upper Mustang is Lo Manthang, an ancient, fortified city with historical palaces and Buddhist temples.
Tiji Festival is the best time to visit Mustang. Tiji festival is a festival with a 3-day festival life, including the presence of masked dance and religious rites, and has a long historical tradition of spiritual cult worshipping tradition in the region.
Another unique feature of Upper Mustang Trek is that it is part of the rain shadow of the Himalayas (there, only very little precipitation occurs, and it is possible to go trekking even during the rainy season, for example, from June to August).
Why Should You Choose These Treks?
Unlike Everest and Annapurna, the crowd of trekking groups crossing their footprints is minimal, and the majestic, pristine, virgin, and wild character of the expeditions is preserved.
The panorama stretches from slopes to ice-bound summits and up to fertile, even rocky, desert-like landscapes, and there will be a few full days of this walk as full days of scenery.
Indeed, the cultural diversity of those areas is unparalleled. You will have the opportunity to look at historical monasteries, prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, and communities of mountain villages where life has not been changed for decades.
A trip to one of these religious settlements, the challenging Manaslu Circuit, or the historic upper Mustang from the sacred Tsum Valley offers a remarkable experience.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for an authentic Himalayan trekking experience, the Manaslu Tsum Valley, Manaslu Circuit, and Upper Mustang Treks should be at the top of your list. These hidden valuables of Nepal offer, amongst all the rest, stunning sights, magnificent history and thrilling experiences.
Unlike the huge visitors trekking on the slopes of Everest or Annapurna, these treks send hikers into the real wilderness areas completely free from human pressure, and the scenery is even more spectacular.
