Walking in the Himalayas is not just walking. It’s like a journey inside your soul. Some treks are full of people, cameras, crowds, and noise. But other treks are quiet. Silent. Deep. Those treks do not speak loudly, but they touch the heart. They take you into a place where mountains, sky, and humans live together in peace. This article is about these kinds of treks—Upper Mustang Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. These places are full of sacred silence. You not only go there with a bag but also with mind and spirit too.
Why is Sacred Silence Important?
In the world now, everything is fast. City full of horns and rush. But when you walk on a quiet trail, with no noise, only the sound of wind and a bell from a yak, something happens inside. You feel calm. You feel part of nature. These treks don’t give just mountain views; they give peace. That peace is rarer than a summit.
Let’s follow footsteps in these sacred trails.
1. Upper Mustang Trek—Land Where Silence Is Stronger Than Words
The upper Mustang trek is dry, wild, and old. When you walk there, you feel like time has stopped. The land is desert but not empty. It is full of ancient houses, prayer walls, monasteries, and a deep history. For a long time, no outsider was allowed. Now it is open but still feels untouched.
What Makes It Special?
You see mountains far away, but the valley is flat, brown, and gold. The village was built with mud and stone. People wear long dresses, keep yak, and spin wool. In every corner, prayer flags move slowly in the wind. It’s like a sacred place talking with the sky.
The main place is Lo Manthang, the old kingdom capital. It has walls around an old king’s palace and a holy monastery. In May, the Tiji Festival happens, where monk dances and music fill the air, but still a quiet feeling remains.
Route and Trek Days
Start at Jomsom and fly from Pokhara. Then walk to Kagbeni, where the checkpoint for permits is. After that, trails go to Chele, Geling, Ghami, Tsarang, and Lo Manthang. Then come back through Dhakmar or the same trail. It takes 12–14 days.
Culture and Local People
The people are Lobas. They follow Tibetan Buddhism. They are kind and simple and always smile. They give you tea, bless your journey, and tell the story of the land. Their life is slow, peaceful, and sacred. You don’t just walk through a village; you walk through their heart.
Permit and Rule
Need a special permit—$500for 10 days. I also need an ACAP permit. You must go with a guide. No solo allowed. But it was worth it. This is not just a trek; it is like walking in an ancient chapter.
2.Mardi Himal Trek—Close to Mountain, Closer to Soul
This trek is small, near Pokhara, but gives a big feeling. The Mardi Himal Trek goes to a place just under Machhapuchhre—the holy Fishtail mountain. It is not crowded like Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani. It’s quiet. You hear birds, leaves, and wind. Sometimes clouds come and go. You feel like floating.
What Do You Experience?
You begin in the forest. Trees are tall, flowers are red and pink, and monkeys jump. After a few days, you climb to the ridge. Then suddenly—a mountain is there, just in front of you. So big, so near, so silent. You sit, drink tea, and watch the sunset hit White Peak. Nothing moved. Only heart.
Trek Route
Start from Kande or Dhampus. Walk to Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp. From High Camp, go to Mardi Base Camp. Come down through Siding village. The trek takes 5 to 7 days. Good for short-time travelers who want a deep connection.
Stay and Eat
The teahouse along the trail is simple. The food is dal bhat, noodles, soup, and pancakes. Warm enough bed, but need sleeping bag in high camp. The view from High Camp is a dream. Stars at night look like lamps in the sky.
Permit and Price
Only TIMS and ACAP permits are needed. No guide needed, but help if you know. This trek did not cost much. Peace is free.
- Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek – Valley of Monk and Mountain
This trek is a mix of big mountains and deep culture. You walk through Tsum Valley, then go around Manaslu, the 8th tallest peak in the world. Tsum is a hidden valley. Very spiritual. People here follow the old path of Buddha. No meat, no violence. Only kindness and meditation.
Then the Manaslu side is wild. Waterfall, glacier, snow pass. Crossing Larke Pass is hard but pure.
What Happens on a Trail?
You begin in a forest and pass a river and a small village. Then reach Tsum. There you find Mu Gompa, on top of a hill, and Rachen Gompa, where nuns live. The monastery is full of mantra, light, and peace.
People greet each other with “Tashi Delek” and welcome strangers like family. They give you butter tea, a smile, and a story. Then you return to the main trail, go through Samagaon, see Birendra Lake, and then climb slowly to Larke Pass.
At the top, the prayer flag flies strongly. Snow shines bright. You feel like earth and heaven shake hands.
Trek Itinerary
Start from Soti Khola, go to Machha Khola and Jagat, and then enter Tsum Valley. After that, rejoin the Manaslu Circuit, reach Samagaon, Samdo, Dharmasala, and Larke La Pass, and end at Dharapani. The whole trek takes 18 to 21 days.
Rules and Permits
Need restricted permits for Manaslu and Tsum. Also MCAP and ACAP. A guide is compulsory, and groups must be a minimum of 2 trekkers. Solo is not allowed. But experience is sacred and worth every step.
Best Time for Sacred Journey
The best times are spring (March to May) and autumn (Sept to Nov). The sky is clear, the air fresh, and the mountain view sharp.
Upper Mustang is also good in monsoon because there is no rain there.
Winter is okay for Mardi, but cold. For Manaslu and Mustang, winter is too cold; snow makes passing dangerous.
Food and Sleep on These Treks
Don’t expect hotel luxury. Expect a warm heart.
Food is simple—dal bhat, soup, thukpa, and bread. You eat with your hands, talk with locals, and feel full of soul.
Sleep in a wooden room with a shared toilet. Sometimes no light, no internet. But you see the moon through the window, and that’s enough.
In Tsum, food is very local. Yak butter, tsampa, and salty tea. In Mardi, food is more familiar. In Mustang, a mix of Tibetan and Nepali dishes.
What Do You Need to Carry?
- Warm sleeping bag
- Windproof jacket
- Trekking shoes
- Water bottle with purifier
- Sunglasses and hat
- Medicine for cold and altitude
- Torch light
- Nepali rupee in cash
- Notebook to write feelings
- Respect for nature and culture
How to Prepare?
You don’t need to be an athlete. But I have walked before. Learn to walk slowly. No rush. Listen to the wind. Watch step. Let the mountain teach you.
Talk to a local agency. Take permits in advance. Hire a guide if new. But most important—open your heart. Let silence enter.
Sacred Moments from Each Trek
- In Upper Mustang, sit inside a cave where monks lived before, close your eyes, and feel the age of rock.
- In Mardi Himal, wake early and see the sunrise kiss the top of the fishtail.
- In Tsum Valley, listen to morning chants from Mu Gompa while snow falls softly outside.
- In Manaslu, breathe slowly at the top of Larke Pass and know you are stronger than you think.
Why Do These Treks Matter Now?
Because now, the world needs silence. My mind needs rest. The heart needs space. These treks do not shout but whisper. They do not entertain but heal.
In these trials, you meet yourself. Not the busy self. The real self.
No phone rings. No email. Only the bell from the yak, foot on stone, wind through pine, and river talking with stone.
Conclusion: Your Footstep, Your Prayer
Walking through sacred silence is like prayer. Every step says something. Every view teaches something. This trek—Upper Mustang, Mardi Himal, Manaslu Tsum Valley—is not only a mountain trek. It is a spirit journey.
You will return with legs tired but soul awake. You bring dust from old trails, stories of smiles, and peace in your pockets.
Not everyone goes on these treks. But maybe you should.
FAQ
- Can I do the Mardi Himal Trek solo?
Yes, Mardi is safe and can be done without a guide if careful. - Is Upper Mustang expensive?
Yes, the permit cost $500 for 10 days. But experience is rare and valuable. - Is Tsum Valley a religious place?
Yes, very. People follow Buddhism strictly. It feels holy and clean. - How hard is Larke La Pass?
Challenging, but if you go slow and acclimatize well, it’s possible. - Best month for these treks?
March–May and Sept–Nov are best. Clear sky, not too cold, good for walking.
Contact Details
Company address: Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd.
16 Khumbu, Nayabazaar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Mobile : +977-9843467921 (Rabin)
Email: [email protected]
