How Kumje Made My Manaslu Trek Unforgettable

I suppose my trip to the Manaslu Circuit in autumn 2022 was meant to be more than just trekking through cultural and natural gems. It turned out to be a doorway into the hidden customs and centuries-old traditions of the Tibetan communities, who have preserved their way of life high in these Himalayan valleys.

That year, I was beyond thrilled to be joining a group trek with my friends—an adventure we’d been planning for months. We landed in Kathmandu in September, greeted by Nepal’s vibrant energy and our friendly local guide, who met us with a warm smile and helped us settle into our hotel in the buzzing heart of Thamel.

Two days later, our journey began. I had expected solitude, steep ascents, high passes, and that crisp sense of clarity that only altitude can give you. I expected the aching calves, starlit skies, and the slow burn of yak butter tea in chilly mountain air.

But what truly shaped my experience was stumbling into Kumje—a festival bursting with celebration, music, laughter, and ancient rituals. Kumje wasn’t on my itinerary, but it cracked something open—something soft and curious. That was the moment I began to really see the Manaslu region—not just as a dramatic landscape of glaciers and ridgelines, but as a living, breathing celebration of heritage and resilience.

So let me take you through my journey—a journey not just over mountain trails, but through the heart of the Manaslu region’s vibrant festival season.