In the heart of Nepal’s northern Himalayas lies a humble village called Lokpa. Often ignored by the tourists, Lokpa is more than just a small village in the Manaslu region of Nepal. Lokpa is a gateway to some of the most untouched and culturally rich villages in the region.
If you are looking for authentic adventure and long-preserved cultural exploration, then Lokpa could be the one you are looking for. The village serves as a diversion point of two of Nepal’s most alluring trekking routes: the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek. Or you could also choose to venture on both routes and go for a more exciting Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek altogether.
Away from modernization and mass commercialization, it is the perfect place that not only offers you great mountain views but also a glimpse into the raw, remote Himalayan communities’ tradition.
Table of Contents
Where is Lokpa and Why Does It Matter?
Lokpa is a small, traditional village in the Gorkha district of Nepal. Situated at an elevation of 2240 meters (7349 ft), in the midst of lush forests, is a beautiful overnight stay location in our Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek route. Situated inside the restricted Manaslu region, it is the first settlement on the trek route.
Though Lokpa is not a big, bustling village, with just basic infrastructure and simple, traditional houses, it is a geographically and culturally significant village. The trail to the village winds through steep ridges, pine forests, and suspension bridges over wild Himalayan rivers.
A Cultural Buffer Zone
Lokpa is a transitional village between lower, Hindu-dominated areas and the upper Tibetan Buddhist valleys. Trekkers can see Buddhist prayer flags fluttering gently and the scent of pine blending with incense from small, hidden monasteries on the way.
The Gurung and Tibetan people live here in harmony, supporting each other, practising centuries-old customs and maintaining a deep connection between humans and the mountain. Besides Instagrammable landscapes, Lokpa offers a connection to the Himalayas.
You might even be invited to the local’s house for butter tea or Tsampa, and enjoy stories from the locals, maybe some yeti encounters, and chat about their farming style and usual life.
The Trekking Routes
Precisely speaking, Lokpa is the 3rd day of overnight stay on the Tsum Valley Trek route. However, if you are planning to traverse around both the Manaslu Circuit route and the Tsum Valley Route, there is a third option: the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek itself is a world-class trekking route in Nepal, which circuits around the world’s 8th highest peak, Mount Manaslu (8163 m/26,782 ft). Meanwhile, Tsum Valley is a restricted area, requiring Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
Both these trekking routes offer rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural immersion and stunning landscapes. Why choose one when you can get everything both these regions have to offer? So, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek traverses through the ancient “Hidden Valley of Happiness”, Tsum Valley, via Lokpa, and traces back to Lokpa. And again, it continues towards the circuit route.
Life in Lokpa
Though Lokpa is a simple rest point for a night, the village deserves more recognition. With just a couple of teahouses and some basic houses, it offers simple yet warm hospitality. The people here are friendly, helpful, and keen to listen and share stories with you.
As the village lies in the middle of the forest, you might even be able to spot some rare wildlife, such as Himalayan monal, langurs, and, though rare, red pandas too.
Don’t just rush to the final destination of the trek. Take some time, make an extra day, and enjoy sunrise views, help locals, or simply soak yourself in bucolic life in Lokpa. Rhyme with rhythm of Himalayan community.
Final Thoughts
While places like Namche Bazaar, Manang, and Chhomrong have the most popular villages in the Himalayan trekking, it’s small villages like Lokpa that make the journey worthwhile. It’s where spiritual and natural beauty blend perfectly, and the soul of Himalayas itself reveals before you.
Whether you’re on the dramatic Manaslu Circuit Trek, the spiritual Tsum Valley Trek, or the exciting Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, Lokpa is more than just a checkpoint.
Let it be a memory—a peaceful, profound, and personal connection to the mighty mountains of Nepal.
