Get a Glimpse of the Poshyop Glacier on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Poshyop Glacier in Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

25 Oct 2024 Chandra Gurung

If you’re planning a Langtang trek add Poshyop Glacier to your bucket list right now. A lot of trekkers can’t stop talking about the experience of a unique glimpse of the Himalayan wilderness they get to see there.

While trekking through Langtang is not an easy one, you will know it was all worth the effort after you experience the dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. Located near the Kyanjin Gompa, a spiritual monastery of the region, Poshyop has a touch of deep sacred atmosphere. 

Often trekkers who have visited this pristine lake have shared how deep a spiritual connection they get from the place and it is nothing less than magical. While this glacier is in Langtang, you can also get its glimpse from near Milarepa Cave during Manaslu Trek.

Where is Poshyop Glacier located?

For many years, Poshyop Glacier (4,491m) remained unknown to many people. But with people’s craze for trekking, it slowly started gaining national and international attention which it so rightfully deserves. 

If you have added this place to your bucket list, our information will be helpful. This glacier lies in the Langtang National Park, an area in Gandaki Pradesh that has been protected by the Government of Nepal. If you’re trying to find a landmark nearest to the glacier, then it certainly is the Kyanjin Gompa, one of the most historically significant monasteries of the valley.

How to travel to Poshyop Glacier?

The easiest way to get to Poshyop Glacier is to first get to Kyanjin Gompa because that is the only landmark near it.

  • A jeep ride from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi which is about 7 hours and 30 minutes. (The roads are bumpy and bad in many places)
  • From there, your Langtang trek starts
  • About three days of walking will take you to Kyanjin Gompa
  • Just a small hike of 1-2 hours, you will reach the pristine Poshyop Glacier. 

Once you reach the tiny village, you can simply follow the trail towards the Langtang Lirung Glacier which you can see clearly from the village. Walk along the trail and you will finally find yourself near the Poshyop Glacier. 

If you’re confused, you can ask a local and they will certainly guide you towards the way. Just know that once you reach the Langtang Lirung Glacier, your destination is just a short walk away.

The hike to Poshyop Lake is short from the village but do you know what makes it so challenging? Yes. The high altitude. That’s why we encourage our readers to take their time, acclimatize well, and not rush. Enjoy the beauty along the way as you head towards your destination. 

The best time to visit Poshyop Glacier

If the clear view is your top priority, October and November are the best time to visit Poshyop Glacier or Kyanjin Gompa. If you’re a fan of blooms and want to experience that in the area and you like a slightly warmer climate, March and April should be your trekking time.

Winters are super harsh and views of glaciers, lakes or mountains are impossible. So, autumn and spring are considered to be the best times.

What to expect from Poshyop Glacier?

The journey to this glacier is full of lush forests, meadows, Sherpa villages, waterfalls, you name it. But the moment you cross Kyanjin Gompa towards the Poshyop Glacier, you will get some spiritual connection in the air.

The challenges you faced while hiking to this place will be gone once you witness the beauty of the glacier. The first thing we recommend you do there is get rid of your bags and breathe in the fresh air. Just sit and meditate for a few minutes and you will definitely feel a positive change within. 

The views of giants like Langtang Lirung, Tserko Ri, and Yala Peak are cherry on top. The surreal landscape of these towering peaks looks like God himself has painted the skies above.

 Enjoy the vision but make sure you do not get too close to the glacier because they often hide crevasses (deep cracks or fissures in the ice). Always take advice from a guide or park rangers and maintain a distance.

Other than your safety reasons, staying away from the glacier also means that you are showing respect for the environment. For those who don’t know, glaciers are super delicate parts of the ecosystem and must be treated kindly. You can adore them from a distance and by doing so you’re preserving them for our future generation.

What to consider before going to Poshyop Glacier?

A trek to Poshyop Glacier is an exciting one but there are a few things you should keep in your mind before and during the trek.

1. Permits: A trek to Poshyop Glacier means that you need the necessary entry permits from the Nepalese Government. This is because the glacier is in the Langtang National Park and the government is determined to protect this region.

2. Acclimatization: Remember that trekking to Langtang can be extremely difficult for some people mainly because it lies at such a great height. With great height comes a greater risk of altitude sickness. To avoid that, make sure you acclimatize your body well.

3. Physical Fitness: If you have some type of physical problem, we do not suggest you take on this trek without consulting your doctor. If they approve, congrats.

4. Choosing a trekking company or guide: Langtang is a restricted area and most of the time you won’t know what place is safe to visit and what is not. Wouldn’t it be nice if you dealt with the problem before by booking your trek via a trekking company or having a guide there? Doing just that will solve so many problems during the journey.

Can we see Poshyop Glacier from the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?

Yes, many people claim that it is possible to see the Poshyop Glacier during the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek but only if you’re lucky enough. Although The distance between Manalsu and Langtang does not make it possible to view the glacier from Manaslu, some high viewpoints in the Tsum Valley Trek might give you a glimpse of the Poshyop Glacier if the weather is clear.

But keep in mind that you can only get glimpses of the Poshyop Glacier From the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek & nothing more related to the Poshyop Glacier as it lies in the Langtang Region.

These are the glaciers you might find during the Manaslu Trek instead:

1. Tsum Glacier: This is the main glacier in the Tsum valley which looks incredible as it flows down from the Tsum Himal. This glacier being relatively large has a huge role in the region’s water resources. 

2. Muche Glacier: Just above the village of Muche in the Tsum Valley, you can see the Muche Glacier. It acts as a source of water for the local villages nearby. It is larger than other glaciers in the region and locals rely heavily on it for various water needs.

3. Himalchuli Glacier: This glacier descends from the Himalchuli mountain, one of the largest in the region.

4. Ganesh Himal Glacier: If you move to the western side of the Manaslu region, you will see the massive Ganesh Himal Glacier flowing down the Ganesh Himal. Being one of the largest glaciers in Nepal its role in Manaslu’s ecology and water resources is massive.

What Importance do glaciers have in the Manaslu region

Glaciers are super important in the Manaslu region as they serve as a vital water body. They also contribute a lot to the region’s unique ecosystem. Some of their key importance are:

1. Water sources: Water is the source of life. These glaciers act as huge sources of water reservoirs by storing vast amounts of water. They only release the water through melting or runoff. The water is thus used as drinking water, for agriculture, and for hydropower.

2. Biodiversity: The surrounding areas and glaciers themselves provide a habitat for lots of plants and animals. They maintain the ecosystem of the region including alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and even forests.

3. Climate Regulation: What most people don’t know is that glaciers don’t just store water but also regulate the regional climate. How they do that you may ask. They reflect sunlight into space which ultimately helps to cool the Earth’s surface. They further influence temperature variations and precipitation patterns.

4. Tourism and Economy: Manaslu trekking is gaining wide attention and glaciers play a huge role in that. The glaciers in this region and their landscapes attract tourists which helps in the region’s economic development through trekking and mountaineering.

Conclusion

It is believed to be a myth that Poshyop Glacier can be viewed from the Manaslu Trek. But you might get a glimpse from the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek if you’re lucky enough. If you are sad about not seeing Poshyop Glacier during trekking in Manaslu, don’t worry as there are plenty of other glaciers in the region. Staying afar and relishing their beauty is the most respectful thing you can do to glaciers. Glaciers are beautiful but equally dangerous. The more you understand this, the better. 

Also, If you want further information regarding the trekking routes, paths & experienced guides for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, you can always contact the Manaslu Guide.

FAQs

1. Is climate change affecting glaciers in Manaslu?

Ans: Absolutely. Glaciers in Manaslu are also greatly affected by climate change. They are melting at an unusual rate because the Earth is getting hotter every day.  All these are leading to serious issues like water scarcity and ecological imbalance.

2. What are the safety measures while visiting glaciers in Manaslu?

Ans: Crevasses, melting avalanches, and glaciers are what make these glaciers so unpredictable and scary. Follow the suggestions and guidance of experienced guides and do not go near them. The best safety guidance I can give is to appreciate the beauty of the glaciers from a distance.