TSUM VALLEY TREKKING

Mount Manaslu (8152m) is the eighth highest peak in the world. Unsurprisingly, its Circuit and surrounding area have high altitudes that offer challenging trekking and amazing views of mountains and glacier lakes. A visit to Manaslu is a chance to escape crowded trails and feel the raw wilderness of ‘old Nepal’. It receives a small but increasing amount of visitors each year and remains largely untouched by commercialism and modern developments.

Manaslu and Tibet share a common history, culture and border crossings that open twice a year for trade purposes. The country’s rich Buddhist traditions are found within the 56 villages in the region and on the trails you will encounter many stupas, Mani walls and prayer flags.

The Tibetan influenced Bhotiya people live in Manaslu and retain strong links with nature and their cultural heritage. However, they also live in relative poverty with little educational and healthcare facilities. By contributing to Manaslu tourism, you will assist in the development of local communities.

Both teahouse and camping accommodation is available on a Manaslu trek. We also provide female trekking guides.

Treks in this area include:

Manaslu Circuit

Tsum (Chum) Valley

Larke Pass

15 to 20 days tea house trek

• Great valley
• Tibetan Culture
• Over night in monastery
• Hidden part of Nepal
• Primitive
• Lots of monasteries
• Close to tibet

NORPHU TERILA PASS

A journey to the villages of Nar and Phu is suited to trekking enthusiasts in search of a new adventure away from well-trodden areas. Located north of the Annapurna Range in Manang, L.N. Treks will take you through a wild valley and snow leopard territory.

Declared an official tourist destination in 2002 by the Nepalese government, this newly opened up area has received few western visitors. On this new trek, both you and the residents of the villages will have a genuine feeling of discovery.

Nar and Phu are the most remote villages in Manang. To reach them, you leave the village of Koto and cross the high altitude, Kang-la Pass (5306m). Nar is two days walk from Koto, Phu takes three days and the trek finishes in the village of Ngawal.

The route’s unique position near Annapurna will give amazing views of many peaks above 7000m, many of which have never been climbed. Views of Mount Kanggaru Himal and Chulu East are also wonderful.

The scenery is rich with pine forests, lakes, waterfall and rushing rivers. In the summer, these are decorated with blooms of wild flowers. The trail also passes through the habitat of blue sheep, yaks, snow leopards, the Himalayan Snow Cock and many species of birds.

You will see the deep gorge of the Lepche River known as Mahendra Pool and the stunning Dona Waterfall. You can also take relaxing bath in the hot springs near Hulaki Odar (Postman Cave) where the water is supposed to heal skin complaints.

People in Nar and Phu are friendly, hardworking and rely on farming. In the winter, many migrate to the mid-hills and urban areas, returning when the weather warms. Their free time is usually spent making handicrafts and food consists of the polenta- like dhindo and dal bhat.

Manang lies close to the Tibetan border and this neighbouring country strongly influences the area is culture. Remnants of Tibetan refugee camps scatter the trails and life here revolves around Buddhism. In Nar and Phu, there are several monasteries (gompas) in which villagers worship (puja) when there is a new and full moon. Tashi Lakang in Phu is supposed to be the last gompa constructed by the Karmapa Rimpochhe spiritual leaders.

Many festivals are celebrated throughout the year in the villages; some are religious and others celebrate seasonal changes. At these times, Nar and Phu come alive and party with music, dance, costumes, horse riding and feasts.

L.N. Treks knows the area well and has many local connections that will ensure your trek and stay in the villages is enjoyable.
14-25 days tea house & Camping trek

• Newly Explored
• Hidden Path
• Primitive, less crowded
• Tibetan Culture
• Different to other treks
• Black Rock Pass
• Great Scenery , glacier views
• Challenging
• Seasonal Trek

UPPER MUSTANG TREKKING

Voted number three in the Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2013 – Top 10 Regions”, Mustang has an elusive reputation for those familiar with trekking in Nepal. Before 1992, tourists were forbidden entry into the region.

Since then, people can enter if they can afford the permit and avoid the harsh winters that drive much of its population further south. Although technically in Nepal, Mustang’s culture, geography and language have more in common with neighbouring Tibet.

Set against a Himalayan backdrop, the desert is a starkly coloured, barren, lunar landscape. This seemingly unforgiving environment is also interspersed with green farmland, rushing rivers and a vibrant Buddhist culture.

Compared to the bustling city of Kathmandu, Mustang’s capital of Lo-Manthang is remote and rich in Tibetan tradition. The tiny city is protected by a 5000 visitors  year restriction policy and 26ft high wall built in 1380 AD by the first King of Lo, Ame Pal.

Due to lack of rain, most residents live in whitewashed mud houses; the most striking is a four storey palace which has housed Mustang’s royal family for centuries. This distinctive architecture is decorated with chortens, Mani walls and delicate prayer flags.

There are three monasteries (gompas) in the city, the oldest being over 600 years old. They are decorated with wood engraved with mantras and elaborate gold and silver frescos depicting the Buddha and mandalas. The gompas represent the best in Tibetan art.

Lo-Manthang is shaped by a caste system that is distinct from typical Nepalese society and the King of Mustang is top of this hierarchy. Despite the government’s abolition of the monarchy in 2008, the King still lives in the palace and retains an unofficial royal role.

The residents of Mustang love to celebrate many festivals throughout the year. The most famous is Tenchi (Tiji) in the spring, which celebrates the killing of a mythical demon. Expect to see the city come alive with singing, dancing, horse riding, costumes and feasts.

As part our trek of the year, L.N. Treks can organise day trips during your stay in Lo-Manthang. From the city, you can ride on horseback to visit the red cave monastery in Chooser, or  hike to the beautiful scenic village of Thingar. We can also drive you to Kerala Gate to see the Tibetan Plateau.

L.N. Treks have many local connections in the Upper Mustang area so we can ensure your trekking experience will be enjoyable and run smoothly.
12 to 15 days tea house trek

• Forbidden Kingdom
• Range of Nature
• Apple Garden
• Desert of Nepal
• Ethnic Villages
• Beautiful, Windy oasis
• Mountain Flight
• Spiritual, Tibetan Culture
• Historical

ANNAPURNA

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