Manaslu Region ( Tsum Nubri Valley)

Manaslu (also known as Kutang) is the 8th highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres (26,781 ft) . Manaslu means "mountain of the spirit" and the word is derived from sanskrit word manasa, meaning "intellect" or "soul". Manaslu was first climbed on May 9, 1956, by Japanese expedition. It is highest peak in the Gorkha District and is about 64 km (40 mi) east of Annapurna Ranges. Manaslu's long ridges and glacier valley offer feasible approaches from all directions and culminate in a peak that towers steeply above its surrounding landscape and is a dominant feature when viewed from afar.  

The valley east of Manaslu along the side of Bhudi Gandaki is also known as Nubri Valley. It is a remote high altitude region bordering Tibet where people are primarily Tibetan Buddhists with strong animistic beliefs, living in the region. They are known for preserving their ancient culture, traditions, and customs, which includes elements of both Buddhist and Bon Tradition. Many Nubri people speak the dialect of Tibet and their lifestyle, architecture, and festivals closely resemble those of Tibetan communities. The region is characterized by its rugged terrain, traditional villages, and strong Buddhist practices. 

In 2008 Tsum valley trekking opened, before this, it was restricted for trekking in for outbound traveller. The valley is a sacred himalayan pilgrimage.Tsum Valley is known as the Beyul Kyimolung, the holy hidden valley of happiness, first described by Guru Rimpoche in the eighth century.  This hidden valley is circled by the Baudha Himal and Himal Chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the South and Sringi Himal to the north which hide the Valley as if a spiritual gem. Milarepa meditated in the caves of Piren Phu, there are centuries old nunneries as Mu Gompa and Gompa Longdang. The Tibetan Buddhist culture is still very prevalent in Tsum and the scenery is just stunning, with beautiful forests and countryside, with Ganesh Himal towering above the valley. Tsum comes from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’, which means vivid and after visiting Tsum, you can only agree. It is believed that there used to be a kingdom of Tsum, the remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible today. 

The Manaslu region offers a variety of trekking options. Generally Manaslu Circuit trekking route of 177 kilometres (110 mi) skirts the Manaslu massif over the pass down to Annapurna but due to on going road construction, it is being reduced a lot. The Nepalese Government only permitted trekking on this circuit in 1991. The trekking trail follows an ancient salt trading route along the Budhi Gandaki River. En route, 10 peaks over 6,500 metres (21,325 ft) are visible, including a few over 7,000 metres (22,966 ft). The highest point reached along the trek route is Larkey La Pass at an elevation of 5,106 metres (16,752 ft). As of May 2008, the mountain has been climbed 297 times with 53 fatalities.