People, Lifestyle and Culture of Manaslu Region

Nepal is known for its rich culture and friendly and hospitable people all around the world. It has 142 different ethnic communities, carrying their own unique and beautiful culture and lifestyle. One such region rich in culture is the Manaslu region of Nepal. The people of Manaslu welcome its visitors with their friendly, hospitable nature and serene scenery.

Situated in the north-central part of the Gorkha District of Nepal, the Manaslu region is a trekking paradise for adventure trekkers. The region offers an awe-inspiring view of mountain peaks, lush forests, and culture.

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, the Manaslu region is a treasure trove of diverse cultures rich in biodiversity, culture, and a unique lifestyle. This region is home to several towering peaks, including the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Manaslu (8163 m/26,781 ft).

The culture of the Manaslu region is mostly influenced by Tibetan culture. This influence is apparent from their appearance, culture, festivals, costumes, etc.

The people, lifestyle and culture of the Manaslu are highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, their ancient customs, and the rugged terrain, shaping their diurnal lives.

People of Manaslu Region

The people of Manaslu region are mostly populated by Magar and Gurung people. Settlements can be seen in the central part of Manaslu, Chhetri, Brahmin, Newar, etc.

People living here have preserved their centuries-old customs. This has made Manaslu a popular trekking destination for trekkers. The Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek are among the best ways of experiencing these ancient cultures.

Among all kinds of people in the Manaslu, one of the most prominent Indigenous communities is the Nubri and Tsum communities. These communities are originally from Tibet, and their unique culture, languages, and traditions reflect Tibetan influence.

Further, this region is inhibited by over 7,000 people following Buddhism. Monasteries and gompas built in Tibetan style are the representation of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Pungyen Gompa and Serang Gompa are some of the major gompa in the Manaslu region.

Prayer flags fluttering along the way, mani walls, chortens, and Bhotias (people indigenous to the Himalayan region) in their traditional dress offer a different sense of excitement to its visitors.

The region is dominated by Bhotias, similar to the Sherpa community, residing as far as Tsum Valley and beyond Larkya La Pass (5106 m/16,751 ft).

Ethnic Groups in the Manaslu Region

The Manaslu region is inhabited by several ethnic communities. The largest ethnic communities are Gurung, Magar, Rai, Sherpa, Limbu, Thakali, Chhetri, Tamang, Newar, etc. However, separated by the Chikkur River, Nubri and Tsum are the two major sub-ethnic groups in Manaslu.

Nubri People

Primarily living in the Nubri Valley, the Nubri people are one of the aboriginal people of the Manaslu region. They migrated here around 400 years ago. These people follow Buddhism and Bon.

Nubri people have been passing down their culture for several generations, preserving their archaic culture, tradition, and customs. These people generally live in the Upper Manaslu region, around villages like Samagaon, Samdo, Lho, and Prok.

Tsum People

Residing in the Tsum Valley, the Tsum people, also called the Tsumba people, are known for their unique identity. They normally live in the Tsum Valley area, around Chumling, Chhekampar, and Mu Gompa.

They are known for their non-violent ethos and authentic culture, art and tradition. Tsum community follows a unique tradition called ‘Shagya’, which prohibits them from killing animals.

Although Nubri Valley has been open to tourists since 1950, Tsum Valley has only been accessible to tourists since around the 1990s.

Gurung People

This ethnic group of people are known for their warm hospitality. They are one of the friendliest people in Manaslu and Nepal.

Manaslu region is dominated by Gurung people. The key feature of Gurungs is their traditional Gurung musical performances, ‘Ghatu dance and ‘Sorathi’.

Other ethnic groups, such as Magar, Newa, Lobas, etc., are known for their hospitality, traditional music, and dance. These music and dances are generally performed during major festivals and celebrations like Lhosar, Dumje festival, Janai Purnima, etc.

A Unique Lifestyle of Manaslu Region’s People

The life of the Manaslu region’s people is shaped by extreme terrain, high altitudes, and limited modern infrastructures. Season migration and trade, barter trading, livestock rearing, agriculture, and tourism are their daily life.

People living in the Manaslu region have developed a lifestyle that is sustainable and harmonious with nature.

Agriculture

Farming is the major source of income for the people of Manaslu region. Due to harsh climatic conditions, locals primarily cultivate barley, buckwheat, potatoes, and millet.

Green leafy vegetables are still being grown in lower altitude villages. However, above Deng, people depend on stored food during winter.

Animal Husbandry

Since there are no motorable roads, especially in the Upper Manaslu region, yak and mule are the primary means of transportation. These animals are used to transport day-to-day items from the lower region of Manaslu to higher, rugged terrains.

Apart from transportation, yaks, dzos (a yak and cow’s hybrid) sheep are also reared for milk, wool, and meat. Livestock rearing is also vital for trade, as butter, cheese, wool, etc., are exchanged for other items.

Trade

Due to its close proximity to the Tibetan border, the northern part of the Manaslu region used to be an ancient trans-Himalayan route. This route was used mainly for trading salt, wool, and herbs. Nonetheless, some of the villages still are engaged in traditional trade.

Due to extreme cold in winter, especially at higher altitudes, the people of Manaslu region practice seasonal migration. They migrate from higher regions to lower regions. Eventually, this brings variables in trading and tourism, as the teahouses in the Manaslu region, at higher altitudes, remain closed during the winter season. So, there is less trading and transport of supplies during winter.

Tourism

With the increasing popularity of trekking in the Manaslu region, tourism has been a significant source of income for the locals. For that reason, many locals work as guides and porters and run teahouses, providing essential services, accommodation, and food in the Manaslu region.

Likewise, many local vendors are profiting by selling their locally made products. Tourists tend to love unique and beautiful art and artifacts of the Himalayas, so they buy these items as souvenirs.

Language

Vivid ethnic communities living in the Manaslu region speak vivid languages. People living here speak Nepali (their native language), Nepal Bhasa (mainly by the Newar community), the Nubri and Tsum languages, and other Sino-Tibetan languages.

Tsum and Nubri languages are some of the endangered languages spoken in Nepal. However, there have been continuous efforts to preserve these historic and important languages, particularly spoken in these isolated regions of Manaslu.

Furthermore, people here are also familiar with a few English language phrases. However, it would be better for you if you could learn some Nepali phrases for greeting and some phrases asking for things like rice, hot water, and other items.

Cultural Highlights of Manaslu Locals

Religious and cultural festivals are an integral part of the people of Manaslu region. Originating from the Tibetan Buddhist culture, their beliefs, festivals, monasteries, and chortens are examples of their long-preserved centuries-old culture.

Dumje Festival

One of the most significant festivals among the Nubri is the Dumje festival, which celebrates the birth of Guru Rinpoche, who was born on a lotus flower. This festival generally falls in late April, early May, or June, exactly 2 months after Lhosar.

People from all around the region gather and perform traditional dance wearing masks. Additionally, monks perform rituals and prayers for the good fortune or prosperity of the community.

Lhosar (Tibetan New Year)

Lhosar marks the Tibetan New Year and is celebrated by the Gurung, Sherpa, and Tamang people in Nepal. This festival generally falls in late February or early March. It is one of the major attractions that falls in the winter season.

During Lhosar, people from all around the region gather and celebrate by dancing, wearing marks in their traditional dress, performing traditional dances in their folk music, and feasting with friends and families.

Lhosar is a symbol of the beginning of the new agricultural and trading cycle. On this day, Buddhists clean and decorate their houses and monasteries.

It is celebrated by eating Guthuk (Tibetan-style stew made with vegetables, meat, beans and leftover grains) and drinking Chhyang (Tibetan beer), which is also a traditional Nepali food.

Sonam Lhosar (celebrated by Tamang people), Gyalpo Lhosar (Sherpa name for Lhosar), and Tamu Lhosar (celebrated by Gurung people) are different variations of Lhosar.

Mani Rimdu

One of the major festivals celebrated mainly by the Limbu people of Manaslu region usually falls in the 9th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, usually between October and November.

Manu Rimdu is a 19-day Buddhist festival that celebrates the founding of Buddhism. It is one of the oldest festivals celebrated by the Sherpa people.

During this festival, monks from all around the region gather and recite prayers for the prosperity and safety of the region.

Mani Rimdu festival is one of the most significant festivals that tourists must not miss out on if they are trekking Manaslu during the autumn season.

Buddha Purnima

Honouring the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Gautam Buddha, Buddha Purnima is one of the most significant festivals in the Manaslu region.

Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti and Saka Dawa, is celebrated on the full moon day of Baisakh, usually in May or April.

On this sacred day, monasteries are decorated with lamps and prayer flags, and devotees from all around the region gather to offer prayers, chant sutras, devotion, and meditate.

Dhachyang Festival

The Dhachyang festival is one of the major festivals in Tsum Valley. Taking place usually in November and December, the Dhachyang festival celebrates horses while the rest rejoice in the festive atmosphere.

During this festival, locals (normally men) race on beautifully decorated horses. This festival is organized for the welfare of the society.

Nara Festival

It is a traditional and historic festival celebrated in the Tsum region of Manaslu, where people wear masks and perform traditional dance.

Nara festival is celebrated in different seasons and monasteries, showcasing the rich culture of Tsum Valley. This festival is celebrated in Gumba Thosing Labrang Nara in January, Khansar Labrang Gumba Chipu Nara in June, Nile Labrang Ghonghe Gumba Nara in October, and Ngag Labrang Nara in December.

Some Other Unique Facts about Manaslu Region’s People

Monastic Life: Many young boys in the Manasalu region join the monastery at a tender age for service to the Lord for the rest of their lives, as stated by Buddhist dictations. The monasteries here stand as important centres for preserving the spiritual and historical cultural heritage of the region.

Prayer Flags and Mani Walls: Colorful prayer flags fly across the mountain passes and monasteries, carrying prayers with the wind. Long Mani walls bearing inscriptions of Buddhist mantras stand to symbolize faith and are considered sacred.

No-violence Practice: Tsum Valley is purely a no-violence area due to the influences of Buddhist conceptions. Due to this reason, hunting and animal slaughter are not allowed, adding to the peculiarity and serenity of this region.

Community Cooperation: The hard weather conditions in this region account for a united community in itself. People assist each other during farming, business, and other religious activities.

Traditional Outfit: Locals wear thick, woollen attire suitable for the cold region. Women usually wear long aprons with colourful patterns, while men wear long robes tied with a sash.

Manaslu Region Tour With Himalayan Masters

The Manaslu region is an example of Nepal’s historic, long-preserved tradition and adaptability to modern changes. The diverse culture, closely linked with the natural beauty, offers a one-of-a-kind experience and glimpse of the Tibetan people, lifestyle, and culture of the Manaslu region.

This centuries-old, unchanged, untouched region of Nepal is a Shangri-la for adventure lovers seeking authentic Nepali cultural immersion, a destination like no other.

At Himalayan Masters, responsible tourism means respect for the people, their way of life, and their culture, adding magic to this already wonderful region. Come with us on a voyage of discovery to some of Manaslu’s best-kept secrets, where every step speaks to tradition, spirituality, and being in harmony with nature.

We offer one of the most affordable and well-managed tours in the Manaslu region and different regions of Nepal. With Himalayan Masters, you can customize the trip as per your choice. You can either add an alternative side trip to your standard itinerary or set out on the most exciting journey in the Manaslu region on any date you pick.

For a trip of your life that you are going to cherish for life, you can contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp at +977-9823636377.