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Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is the off-the-beaten-path trek that is geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating. Manaslu Tsum Valley trek itinerary offers magnificent mountain vistas, dramatic landscapes, terraced hillsides, mysterious canyons, Tibetan culture, and crossing over Larkya La High Pass.
This one-of-a-kind trek in Nepal will take you to the Budhi Gandaki River upstream areas, reaching as far as Mu Gompa (3,700m) and witness splendid views of Ganesh Himal, Singri Himal, and Boudha Himal. The highest point during the trek is Larkya La Pass (5,106m/16,751ft). As you reach the Marsyangdi River, you will have made a semi-circular trip around three Manaslu peaks.
Manaslu region is Nepal’s Himalayan hidden treasure where very less trekkers choose to go but nowadays the trek is getting popular. Another attraction of Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is Tsum Valley, with its rich cultural heritage and secretive hilltop monasteries, traditional villages, colorful people, mysterious yaks, mani walls, chhortens, lively festivals, and historical treasures. It’s also considered the Shangri-La of the Himalayas.
Manaslu circuit and Tsum Valley trek begin with a drive to Soti Khola (710m) via Arughat (695m) 8-9 hrs drive. The trek starts the next day to Macha Khola from Soti Khola which takes a 5-6 hour walk. The trail then leads to the remotest areas of Nepal passing along small villages like Jagat, Chisopani, Chumling, Chokhangparo, Nile, Mu Gompa, Deng, Namrung, and finally Samagaon.
An acclimatization day is planned at (3500m) and the hike continues following Samdo, Dharmashala, and Bhimphedi ) via Cross Larkya La Pass (5220m). Following the trek, days follow more remote locations and finally arrive in the town of Besisahar. Later on, Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu, check in hotel, and rest at your hotel completing the Manaslu circuit and Tsum Valley
Arrive Kathmandu
Upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu, our representatives will meet you and take you to your allotted hotel in Kathmandu. For early arrivals, you can use the remaining time of the day to either freshen up or just relax/rest at your hotel. For others interested they are free to explore around the city.
Overnight at Hotel.
Today after breakfast, start the day with sightseeing at some of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. We first visit, the Monkey Temple anointed by a tourist known as Swayambunath, atop a hillock, made in the early centuries in honor of Lord Buddha. Then we head to Patan Durbar Square to observe past king’s palaces, courtyards, temples, and shrines. Later in the afternoon, it is onto Pashupatinath Temple, a temple built to honor Lord Shiva located at the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Finally to Boudhanath, the biggest Buddhist stupa in Kathmandu Valley.
After lunch in Boudha, head back to the hotel. In the evening trek briefing at the hotel with office staff and your trek guide who shall pass you all the necessary information for your trek starting the very next day.
Overnight at Hotel.
Early in the morning, drive from Kathmandu to Arughat which is about 8 hours drive, and further drive onto Soti Khola which is another hour and a half drive. The drive is en route to Dhading Besi which is a smooth ride and the remaining to Arughat off-road. Upon arrival check in the lodge for rest.
Overnight at lodge.
After having breakfast, head out to the trail that goes up and then down. You will have to pass through a forest and begin your ascent up the path along the Budi Gandiki River. Finally, the trail begins to descend till you reach a sandy bed and walk to Macha Khola.
Overnight at lodge.
The trek today is across Machha Khola and Korla Besi and then onto Tattopani where you can bathe in the hot sprouting springs. Dovan Khola is reached after having passed through a forest and then onto Budi Gandiki Valley. The landscape begins to change as the elevation increases and the sight of sandy beaches along the river.
Overnight at lodge.
Complete the ACAP formalities at Jagat. The trek starts ascending over a rocky ridge to Salleri and descends to Sirdibas through the flat-level path. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. You will then continue upstream to a long simple hanging bridge and climb up to Philim. Philim is a big village of the Gurung community. Philim Valley is popular for its Japanese-made school and police station. Walking past Philim to the north across a forest with views of the narrowing valley will reach Chisopani. Overnight at lodge.
Today cross the gorge and walk for about half an hour passing along a big and beautiful waterfall view. It’s challenging today as it is an ascending path that stretches almost the entire route. You will enter through the pine and rhododendron tree forest and descend to the trail that leads us to Tsum Valley. En route, spot the panoramic views of the Himalayas. Continuing our walk pass through a small beautiful village called Lokpa which is along the old trail route.
From Lokpa, you have to descend for half an hour up to Lungwa Khola and then climb on a zigzag trail for a further two hours north through pines and rhododendrons until you reach Gumlung. Crossing over the Siyar Khola will finally arrive at Chumling. It is the lower Tsum Valley. Chumling is located on the south face of the Shingri Himal offering an eye-catching view of Shringi Himal. You can also visit the old Chumling Gompa and the stone streets of the village.
Overnight at Lodge.
Carry out your walk towards Chokhangparo by crossing the suspension bridge on the river’s opposite bank. En route, enjoy the scenic views of the valley and Ganesh Himal. The trail then traverses through the rich farming land of maize and potatoes. The houses are classic Tibetan with barricades of firewood on the roof.
You can spot superb views of several of the 7000-7400m Ganesh Himal up the valley to the east and far above the perched village of Ripchet (2468m). You then pass through Rainjam cross Serpu Khola and climb for over two hours on a well-graded but exposed trial to upper Tsum and the join villages of Chokhangparo, stone houses with a few iron roofs nestled under cliffs. Chokhangparo is on flat land and consists of 2 settlements, Chokhang and Paro. If the weather is clear the views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Ganesh Himal (7140m) can be seen.
Overnight at Lodge.
The trail ascends from Chokhangparo and you might get symptoms of Altitude sickness. So, we recommend you take precautions and drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. The trail heads east through small villages and past a local school. Gradually climbing over a ridge of chhortens, you pass Lama Gaon (3202m) through the flat fields, looking across the extensive crops and river to the Rachen Gompa/ Nunnery Gompa (3240m) with excellent pilgrim accommodation. Thar is often sighted near here. The friendly people speak Tsumba, related to Tibetan, but often little Nepali.
Then cross the Shiyar Khola passing through the hamlets of Phurbe (3251m) and Pangdun (3258m) and pass an unusual round stupa before reaching the larger Chhule village (3347m) through an impressive entrance gate. Then you continue walking through the well-managed villages of Lar (micro hydropower), Phurbe, and Pangdun.
Cross Chhule village where the children here all wear the Tibetan dressing gown called chubas, and there are many yaks. Heading upstream to cross the bridge and climb to Nile (pronounced Nee-lay). The Nile village is the last settlement heading north in the upper Tsum valley. This area is massively deforested.
Nile village is situated on the banks of the Shiar Khola and consists of a large number of households. Both villages are in traditional style, including livestock compounds in the houses and sheltered verandahs for drying crops.
Overnight at Lodge.
You are now almost closer to the Tibetan border. The trail heads to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes then climbs up to the Mu Gompa. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region and lies at the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley.
Overnight at Lodge.
After breakfast, you retrace back to Chumling and check-in lodge.
Overnight at Lodge.
This day is a hike to Deng in the Manaslu valley.
Overnight at Lodge
The trial scrambles steeply up onto a spectacular trail and descends to cross the river. You pass through some small settlements and then ascend to an impressive valley. There you encounter Mani stones (prayer stones) carved into wayside rocks which shows you are entering a Tibetan territory. In the afternoon, take a side excursion to the small settlement of Prok, a two-hour round trip.
Overnight at Lodge.
The trail passes the stone gate and the long Mani stone wall of the village after Lho, with a full view of Peak 29 ahead. Option: Side excursion to Pungen to get a very close-up view of Manaslu. You will then follow a lateral moraine of Pungen towards Sama and after another 20 minutes will reach Samagaon for a night halt.
Overnight at Lodge.
Today is reserved for acclimatization. You can go for an optional excursion of full or half-day walks. The full-day walk is towards Manaslu Base Camp (approximately 6-7 hour round trip). Alternatively, there are half-day walks either across the valley or to Birendra Tal. Overnight at Lodge.
The trail crosses pasture areas and gradually ascends to the valley. Spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks, especially Manaslu, are ahead of us as you reach Samdo. Samdo is a Tibetan refugee village. This remote village is only a day’s walk from the Tibetan border. In the afternoon, you will explore the village and the surrounding hills.
Overnight at Lodge.
Cross a couple of streams, you’ll reach the Larkya Bazaar. This is a village that thrived from trade with Tibet years ago. After a steady climb, you will arrive at Dharmashala.
Overnight at Lodge.
Today’s hike is exciting but strenuous at the same time. Get spectacular views of peaks like Himlung (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Guru (6981m), and the Annapurna II (7937m). This day is the most difficult one on the trek. The path is snowbound in the winter and closed, usually. Later on, arrive at Dharmashala for the overnight stay.
Overnight at lodge.
The day’s hike consists of a precarious trail. The trek today involves crossing over Larke La Pass (5213). Careful treading is a must. After a slow and arduous descent, you reach Bimthang.
Overnight at lodge.
Today is a gentle climb through paddy fields heading towards the small Karcha La pass. The trail descends through fig trees and rhododendron forests to reach Tilje.
Overnight at lodge.
Today, we shall trek down to Dharapani where the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek ends. Check-in lodge and it’s a short hike of 2 hours today so you will reach Tilje soon. During the rest take a rest after an incredible Himalayan hike. Alternatively, you can also explore around Tilje.
Overnight at lodge
After breakfast, drive from Dharapani to Besisashar. It’s a long drive today on off road. Upon reaching Besisahar, check in the lodge and rest.
Overnight at lodge.
It’s again a long drive today from Besisahar to Kathmandu driving along both off-road and getting to Kathmandu Pitched Road. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check in hotel and rest.
Overnight at Hotel.
Since your Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is over, you will be dropped off at the International Airport three hours before your flight schedule by our representative for check-in formalities. Breakfree Adventures hopes you had a great holiday in the Himalayas and had a lovely time with us. Have a safe flight back home!
-Airport pick up/drop by a private vehicle.
-Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast as per the itinerary.
-Guided Kathmandu city tour at 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with private vehicle and guide.
-Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat, Dharapani to Besisahar & Besisahar to Kathmandu transfers by a local jeep & private vehicle.
-All accommodations during the trek at lodges/Teahouse.
-All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
-Experienced Government licensed English speaking trekking guide and necessary porters (1 Porter for 2 trekkers) on the trek.
-Trekking staff costs like their transportation, food, accommodation, wages, and insurance.
-Manaslu special permit fee.
-Annapurna & Manaslu conservation area entrance permit fee.
-Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card fees. (Please bring 3 passport size photos for TIMS & Permit)
-First Aid medical kit (carried by your trek guide).
-Trek gears like duffle bag, down jacket, sleeping bag and walking pole. (To be returned after the trek)
-Farewell dinner in Authentic Nepali Restaurant after the trek completion.
-All government and local taxes, VAT.
-Lunch or Dinner in Kathmandu.
-Monuments entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu.
-Nepal visa fee (bring accurate USD cash, US$30 per person for 15 days, and two passport photos)
-International airfare and travel insurance.
-Any kinds of drinks or personal expenses (tea/coffee, hot chocolate, boiled water, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, hot shower etc.)
-Tips for guide and porters.
We also operated private trips.
The region of Manaslu is a restricted area. One will require a special restricted area permit to trek in this region besides the other two entrance permits for ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and MACP (Manaslu Area Conservation Project). The Manaslu special permit can’t be issued individually and needs to be done through a government-registered travel company. The cost of the permit is as below:
– September to November: USD 100 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 15 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.
– December to August: USD 75 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 10 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.
Accommodation for the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is a basic accommodation which are lodges run by the locals often called tea houses. Rooms will have two beds and the toilet facilities will usually be mostly shared and can be outside of the lodges. Heating will only be in the dinner area/hall. Lodges will provide blankets in the rooms and taking a sleeping bag along with you is also a good idea.
Is Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek not your cup of tea? Don’t worry Breakfree Adventures offers myriads of trekking options. If you want to do trekking in the Manaslu region then the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be the best alternative, it is shorter than the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek packages. Breakfree Adventures operates popular treks like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek to name a few. Follow this link to browse trekking packages to find the one that pleases you the most.
Call or email us to learn more about the trek itinerary and all the essential information.
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Note: The above list is only a suggested item and also depends upon the season you are hiking. Please bring only the essentials since your luggage weight limit is 9 kg per person.