People Lifestyle and Culture in Manaslu Region

Trekkers of all ages have long been drawn to the Manaslu Region by its breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural legacy. Indeed, the most enticing features for adventurers seeking to experience the authentic flavor of the Himalayas are the lifestyle and culture that characterize the two traditional trekking routes—the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek. As a result, one of the region’s main draws is the Manaslu’s incredible and diverse ethnic makeup, of which Gurung is the most prominent.

They were originally from Tibet and brought Tibetan Buddhism and animistic ritualism to Nepal in the sixth century. Two other significant sub-ethnic groups, the Nubri and Tsum, who live in the Nubri Valley (where they migrated some 400 years ago) and Tsum Valley (where they practice Buddhism and Bon), respectively, contribute to the rich cultural medley.

Buddhism is prevalent in this area, as evidenced by the monasteries, Chortens, and Mani walls you will encounter while trekking. While the Inner Line allows treks, monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa also serve as spiritual hubs. If trekkers visit a monastery at the right time or just happen to witness a puja ceremony being performed, they can frequently participate in prayers. Traditional dances and acts that reflect their faith are performed in a grand manner during the Tibetan New Year, known as Losar in the local tongue.

This cultural element is further enhanced by the cuisine of the area, which includes dishes like momos, thukpa, and dal bhat. Trekkers have the opportunity to sample regional specialties like yak cheese and traditional Gurung foods like sukuti and mohi chop. The local way of life is deeply rooted in traditional handicrafts and weaving, such as the Dhaka fabric.

Similarities between Tibetan and Nepalese architectural styles can also be seen in this area; homes and monasteries frequently feature flat roofs, stone walls, and exquisitely carved wooden frames. You can experience friendly hospitality and gain insights into everyday life by booking a room at a local tea house or home stay. Manaslu finishes his circuit hikes. Before starting your journey to the Manaslu Circuit Trek or Tsum Valley Trek, we have compiled a list of basic information about the people, culture, food habits, and lifestyle of the Manaslu region.

People, Culture, and Lifestyle on the Tsum Valley Trek route and the Manaslu Circuit Trek

We encounter a variety of cultural and lifestyle experiences on the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek. Although these two treks are located in the same Manaslu region, they take completely different routes and offer quite different viewpoints on the region’s diversity.

As Nepal’s geography changes, so does its culture. In the north, around the Manaslu section, you are closer to Tibet (both geographically and culturally); in the south, you are closer to India; and in the middle hills, you have a blend of Indo-Aryan flavor and Newar civilization, which has been a part of this region for centuries. Similar to this, the Manaslu region, which runs along Nepal’s north-central to northern border, is made up of both hilly and Tibetan mountainous areas.

You will see how culture and way of life have adapted to the region’s geographical characteristics as you hike through these landscapes. Visit ancient monasteries built inside caves, observe how locals continue to observe ancient customs and ceremonies, and trek through the Tsum Valley, where Buddhism and Bon religion coexist. Meet the Gurung and Nubri people, who practice a combination of Tibetan Buddhism and their ancient animistic worship, while trekking to the Manaslu Circuit. Each trail offers a wealth of information about the cultural heritage and will undoubtedly astound you with the equally remarkable bond they have formed with nature over the years.

What is the Culture of the Manaslu Region?

Tibetan and Nepali cultures coexist in the Manaslu region; the majority of the local population is Buddhist, and Manangis are heavily influenced by Tibetan culture. You will be reflected in their architecture, way of life, and even the festivals they observe. On the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will pass hundreds of years-old homes, but you will likely see many people in ripped clothing. This is because the majority of them wear rather sporadic clothing, if not all of it, because their everyday attire is traditional and typically consists of very basic dresses.

As part of their identity, the Manaslu celebrate the New Year with Loshar, honor their deceased ancestors with Ghewa, and sing traditional songs like Tuna Geet. There hasn’t been much of a departure from its deep ties to Tibetan cultures, which are evident in all aspects, including hospitality and rituals, even after modernization.

What language is spoken in the Manaslu Region?

Because of its proximity to Tibet, the Manaslu region is also impacted by Tibetan culture. Here, the mother tongue is a Tibetan dialect. Nonetheless, this area is home to two distinctive and different languages: Tsum and Nubri. The Nubri language is classified as “definitely endangered” because it is “largely” undocumented; in fact, only its vocabulary has been described up to this point.

These languages are vulnerable, as evidenced by the listing of the Tsum language—a unique dialect of Nubri—as “endangered.” Nepali is spoken by some locals. The extreme persistence of these languages, however, highlights the diversity and richness of culture found in this isolated area of Manaslu. Therefore, in an attempt to preserve the cultural legacy of this geographically remote but culturally diverse region, it would seem imperative to support initiatives that document and preserve such languages.

Food Culture in the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Region

Dhindo 

One of the most popular traditional foods in Mustang is dhindo. At this elevation, buckwheat (Phaphar) grows well. Dhindo is ideal for people who live in cold climates in highland regions because of its exceptionally high thickness, which takes the form of a thick paste. Since dhindo supplies the energy needed for a full day of work, it boosts immune power. After taking it in the morning, a person might not experience hunger until lunchtime.

Mohi Chop

Skim milk (mohi) and spicy chilli combined with garlic and a little salt are used to make mohi chop. This demonstrates how much the Gurung people adore their indigenous dairy products, which are naturally sweetened.

Champa

The favorite dish of the Manaslu is champa, traditional buckwheat porridge. Champa is so nutrient-dense that it can be consumed as a staple without the need for refined carbohydrates. Because champa is delicious and nutrient-dense, it keeps the body active for many hours. The people who like eating it the most are locals and hikers. Champa shows cultural nutrition and a love for the healthy food of the region.

Sukuti

One of the most common methods of food preservation is sukuti, or dried buffalo meat, which is essential for survival in the highest mountains where fresh meat is impossible to obtain for months during periods of heavy snowfall.

Root Vegetables

A staple crop, potatoes thrive in high elevations and rugged terrain, as do other root crops like carrots, radishes, and others, because they prefer a slightly cooler climate.

Rice Consumption

Since rice grows at a much lower elevation than other crops, it has never been a staple food. However, some villages also serve and eat rice as a result of shifting dietary preferences and easier access to alternative food sources brought about by improved trade routes and transportation.

Western Food Options

The region now offers a variety of Western-style dining options, such as pizza and other well-known dishes, for visitors from abroad. These dishes offer some good standby options for people who would prefer to eat something familiar, even though they might not be exactly like what you remember from home. However, because they have been tailored to local flairs and cooking styles, the flavorings and taste may differ from what you are used to.

Transportation Options in the Manaslu Area

In the isolated and mountainous Manaslu region, where there are no motorable roads, traditional forms of transportation are essential. Along the difficult mountain trails that these animals can easily traverse, goods and supplies are transported by animals such as mules (Khacchad), horses, and even yaks. Human porters exhibit an incredible degree of strength and endurance as they carry seemingly insurmountable weights. Actually, the very reliance on labor and animals for transportation offers a window into this region’s distinctive traditional way of life, which is so closely entwined with its natural surroundings.

Which customs are still followed in the villages along the Tsum Valley Trek Route and the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Ghewa Parwa 

For many communities, this yearly feast honoring death is a religious event, much like the Hindu Śrāddha. Known as Ghewa Parwa, it is a time to honor and remember departed ancestors through cultural and religious celebrations. Music played on centuries-old folk instruments is used to accompany ritual dances. Special songs honoring deceased ancestors are sung, and mantras are recited. Since family members gather on this day, every activity actually aims to preserve culture and family ties in addition to honoring the deceased.

Polyandric Marriage

In Tsum Valley, polyandric marriage—a very unique kind of marriage in which multiple brothers live with a single wife—has long been practiced. This ancient institution was created as a practical means of maintaining family landholdings and a household’s financial stability. Even though this custom was very common in this area in the past, it has barely persisted in the contemporary era. In addition to preventing land fragmentation among heirs, this was a reflection of the demands of the harsh mountain environment.

Sky Burial Tradition

It is a very special kind of funeral custom that has its roots in religious ideas about death and life after death. That being said, it is a custom wherein the deceased’s body is ceremoniously prepared and presented to vultures, which are considered sacred birds in this context. In Tibet, it is widely practiced and regarded as a spiritual activity that is one way to give back to the world. The practice, which is much less common in modern times, is both ecologically sound and deeply spiritually significant. This specific method of disposal shows how cultural practices can be both deeply meaningful and unavoidably functional.

What Kind of Clothes do Manaslu Residents wear Every Day?

Like their way of life, traditional Manaslu clothing is simple. Due to the lack of dresses, people wear completely ripped and worn-out Bhangra clothing. The way people dress here gives visitors a glimpse of Nepalese traditional life from the past, which is still somewhat present in these districts. Women adorn their necks with large beaded rings.

Monasteries and Religion of Manaslu Region

Buddhism is practiced by the majority of people in Manaslu. For the pilgrims who live in these areas, the monasteries serve as social hubs. Being alive is an excellent representation of art and culture. Trekkers will often have the opportunity to visit sacred monasteries, interact with lamas, and take part in their chanting sessions, which use gongs, drums, and flutes to truly calm the body and spirit long after you leave this almost meditative setting. Another treasure in Nepal is the Tsum Valley. Since many people think that the great Buddhist saints Milarepa and Padmasambhava meditated in Manaslu’s holy caves, it holds religious significance for both Buddhists and spiritual hikers. Trekking the Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley Trek will introduce you to various monastery structures that serve as all cultural activity centers for the pious followers of Lord Buddha, reflecting a region’s religious inheritance itself.

In order to enter the restricted Manaslu region, what are the prerequisites?

The Manaslu Region is a sensitive area that is near Tibet. Samdo village, the final settlement before the Tibetan border, is about seven or eight hours away from Tsum Valley, which is located fairly close to the Tibetan plateau. One can travel up to Samdo until the Tibetan border opens.

Government Regulations

The Nepali government has designated Manaslu as a restricted area in order to preserve the region’s natural and cultural heritage; as a result, visitors must adhere to specific rules and obtain the necessary permits. Additionally, solo trekking is prohibited, so if you intend to visit this valley, you must have a travel companion.

Essential Permits Requirements 

Travelers must obtain key permits:

• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

Guide Requirements

To protect visitors and control access to the area’s isolated borderlands, Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley require the use of a government-licensed guide. But it is also a chance to visit monasteries and cultural sights en route, as well as tap into their encyclopedic knowledge of this region’s Tibetan Buddhist heritage.