Manaslu trek was officially opened to tourists in 1991, which offers a unique opportunity to experience the relatively “untouched” region. This epic trip circumnavigates the entire massif with an insight into the cultures of ethnic Nepalese tribes and peoples of both Hinduism, Buddhism religion, but mountaineering expeditions have had long access to the area. In 1950 a party led by H.W. Tillman trekked from Thonje to Bimtang and col. Jimmy Roberts crossed the Larkya La (Pass) looking for an interesting mountain to climb. Manaslu (8,163m) was attempted by Japanese Expeditions each year from 1952 until 1956 when the first ascent was made. Having become known as "Japanese Mountain" much of the information about the area was available in Japanese. The Japanese continued to dominate the climbing scene of Manaslu until 1971.
The remote Tsum Valley is one of the hidden gems of Nepal. Tsum Valley is known as the Beyul Kyimolung, the holy hidden valley of happiness, first described by Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) in the eighth century. Milarepa meditated in the caves of Piren Phu and there are centuries old nunneries.
The Tibetan Buddhist culture is still very prevalent in Tsum and the scenery is just stunning, with beautiful forests and countryside, with Ganesh Himal towering above the valley. Tsum comes from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’, which means vivid and after visiting Tsum, you can only agree.
Manaslu Tsum valley is a restricted area and there are certain formalities required by the government of Nepal in obtaining a special permit. This trek is a mercifully light trek and even at the best time of the year, you will be meeting smattering of groups. Since 2010 this has become Nepal's newest 'tea-house' trek with the building of a lodge below the Larkya La pass (5,213m). Some lodges are currently still a little basic, so it remains for the adventurous. Though, without the need to camp, it's a fine trip for those seeking an unspoiled, tranquil Himal.
Manaslu Tsum valley trek is geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating circumnavigating Ngadi Chuli (7,871m) Himal-Chuli (7,893m) and Boudha (6,672m). Much of this trek is in a region of strong Tibetan influence. We cross the Larkya- La (5,213m) and descend to the Marshyangdi River and further trek down to Besisahar from where we will drive back to Kathmandu.
We combine the Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit; our trekking begins from the Arughat, Dhading. You start low, walking through green countryside, and passing through many villages inhabited by various ethnic groups along the Buri Gandaki River. You enter the Tsum Valley going right from the main trail and you soon enter a beautiful forest with pines and rhododendrons. Heading eastwards, the valley opens up to reveal a beautiful countryside and small Tibetan-style villages. The trail goes behind the Mt. Manaslu and Himculi to cross Larkya La pass (5,213 m) and Rupina La (14,450'). The landscape becomes more barren; topography resembling the Tibetan landscape. The trek is rewarded by descent into the Marshyandi valley with a delightful walk along the river and villages and concluding our trip at Nadi/Beshishar nearby Lake City of Nepal, Pokhara. The trek is the only type that physically puts you closer to Tibet and its remote people.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to hotel and trek briefing
Once you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the ManasluTsum Valley Trek itinerary. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
City sightseeing, Packing & Preparations
You will be transferred to our office for documentation work. You will also be introduced with your crew members and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. In the afternoon, half day sightseeing tour will be organized during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3
Drive to SotiKhola (700m), 12 hours
Leaving Kathmandu early in the morning, we will head west. It takes 8 hours of drive to reach Arughatfrom Kathmandu via Prithvi Highway. On our way, we will stop at Malekhu to taste the local fish. Heading north, we will cover 30km of bumpy and meandering road along Trishuli River to reach DhadingBesi, the headquarters of Dhading district. We will head northwest from Dhadingbesi and take another 35km of drive to reach Arughat Bazaar which is separated into two flanks by BudhiGandaki River. Driving along the western bank of River, we will make it to SotiKhola (River) where we will stay overnight.
Day 4
Trek to Doban (1310m), 5 hrs
The trail stretches uphill through Sal forest. Crossing the series of ridges, we will walk along waterfall to rice terraces from where we will follow the ascending trail to Lapubesi villagewhich is inhabited by Gurung ethnics. From Lapubesi, the trail leads us to the river. Crossing a suspension bridge over Nauli River, we will make it to Machha River. The trail continues further through Thado River to Khorlabesi village. This is the area around where the trail from Gorkha conjugates with Manaslu Circuit Trekking trail. We will walk through the narrow gorge to reach landslide area from where trail continues to Tatopani, a natural hot spring. Enjoy bathing in Tato Pani before crossing BudhiGandaki River which will take us to Doban. Stay overnight in Doban.
Day 5
Trek to Philim (1570m), 4 hrs
Early in the morning, we will cross Doban River and head east to arrive at ThuloDhunga village. Moving further, we will cross suspension bridge over Yaru River before following the escalating path to ThadoBharyang. The scenic path with views of Manaslu and other surrounding mountains at the backdrop will take us to Jagat. We need to show our trekking permit at the office in Jagat before we can enter Manaslu Conservation Area. Moving through the conservation area, we will reach Salleri from where we will descend to Sirdibas before climbing to Gurung village of Philim. Stay overnight in Philim.
Day 6
Trek to Chumling(2386m), 5 hrs
We need to head north of Philim. Walking through the lush green meadow, we will reach beautiful Chisopani village. The trail continues through Ekle Bhatti village to waterfall. We will cross the new bridge and follow the path that stretches to Larkya La. Heading east, we willcross rhododendron forest which leads us to Lokpa. From Lokpa, the trail drops down to Lower Tsum Valley. Walking alongthe southern edge of Siyar River, we will descend toGumlung from where the trail takes us to Chumling. Stay overnight in Chumling.
Day 7
Trek to Chhokang Paro (3031m), 4-5 hrs
After early morning tea, we will take an hour of walk to the suspension bridge. Crossing the river over bridge, we will enjoy the spectacular view of Ganesh Mountain before moving to Rainjam. We need to crossSerpu River in order to reach Gho Village. The trail escalates uphill from Gho for 2hrs to Chhokangparo village. The village is the collective form of Chhokang and Paro villages. Enjoy the view of Himalchuli Mountain and stay overnight on Chhokangparo.
Day 8
Trek to Chhule /Nile (3347m), 5 -6 hrs
An early walk will take us to Lama Gaon village before lunch. Following the moderately difficult path from Lama Gaon, we will head towards Chhule which is the final village to the north in the upper Tsum Valley. The scenic Nile village exists on the western edge of ShiarRiver. The trail continues alongPirenPhu cave which is also known as PirenPhu (pigeon cave). The cave is located at the base of a cliff near to Burji village. The cave is decorated with Buddhist murals and prayer flags. Enjoy the view of RachenGompa and views of surrounding mountains. Stay overnight in Nile.
Day 9
Trek to Mu Gompa (3700m), 3 – 4 hrs
Leaving behind Nile, we will choose the escalating path to Mu gomba which is the largest monastery in Manasluregion. Located at 3700m altitude, Mu Gompais the highest as well as most distant point in Tsum valley. This Gompawas founded in 1895 AD. Life size idol of Buddha is the attraction in Mu Gompa. Visit DephyudonmaGomba.
Day 10
Trek to Domje (2460m), 5 hrs
From Mu Gompa, we will continue our walk towards RachenGompa which is the nunnery located in Shiar River Valley. Established in 1905 AD, this nunnery provides shelter to nuns who are from Ngak-pa sect. Killing animals is prohibited in this region. The large prayer wheel and decorated thrones and pillar are attraction of RachenGompa. Following the descending path, we will reach Domje which is a small settlement consisting of about 8 houses. Stay overnight in Domje.
Day 11
Trek to Lokpa (2240m), 5 hrs
After an early morning breakfast, we will turn left and lower down to Langdang River. We will cross the river and walk along southern bank to Siyar River. The trail continues through the gorges to a new bridge. Moderate climb will take us to Ripchet village. Walking along chortens and Mani walls, we will descend through the stone steps to Gumlung. Brief walk from Gumlung takes us to Lokpa. We will stay overnight in Lokpa.
Day 12
Trek to Ghap (2397m), 5 hrs
Leaving Lokpa, we will lower down to the point where the path from Philimmeets with path from Lokpa. Turning right, we will cross the BudhiGandakiRiver over a bridge and walk through tea houses. We will enjoy the last view ofTsum Valley before walking through the narrow gorge and crossing river at few points. We will reach Nupri from where we will continue our trek to the Gurung village of Deng. Crossing the river, we will advance towards Rana. Walking along Bihi, we will cross Serang River to reach Ghap. Stay overnight in Ghap.
Day 13
Trek to Lho (3180m), 5 hrs
Crossing the river, we will follow the path through forest and gorge. The trail takes us through steep path to Namrug. Climbing steadily, we will reach Lihi. Enjoy the close-up view of Ganesh Mountain and SimnangMountain. Moving further, we will reach Sho village. This village allows soaring view of open valley. Climbing through the steepest section, we will reachLho. Stay overnight in Lho.
Day 14
Trek to Samdo (3,875m), having lunch at Samagoan, 6 hrs
We will leave Lho village and walk along right edge of river to SamaGaon. We will visit SamaGompa. After taking lunch at Samagaon, we will head towards Samdo. The gompa is located half an hour far from Samdo village which is located near to the Tibetan border. The trail continues through the dry and windy valley toSamdo. Samdo is located just 4km far from Tibetan border. Enjoy the views of Manaslu, NagdiChuli Peak and Manaslu glacier. Stay overnight in Samdo.
Day 15
Acclimatization day, hiking up to TIBET border
This is the rest day. We can take side trip to SamaGompa. Alternatively, we can also visit nearby Birendra Tal. The glacier valley is another place of attraction near Samdo. Stay overnight in Samdo.
Day 16
Trek to Larkya Rest House (Dharmasala) at (4460m), 3 – 4 hrs
After an early morning tea, we will walk alongmani wall to the river. Crossing the river over wooden bridge, we will follow the ascending path to another river. The area allows sweeping view of Larkya Glacier. Walking through the valley, we will reach SalkaRiver from where we will reach the stone rest house known as DharmShala. This region is also known as LarkyaPhedi. Stay overnight in Dharmasala.
Day 17
Trek over Larkya La Pass (5213m) and to Bimtang (3630m), 6 -7 hrs
We will take long and gentle climb through moraine. Enjoy the views of CheoMountain and Larke peak. Walking through the Larkya glacier, we will reach the northern edge of Larkya Glaciers. Moving further, we will make slow climb to the top of Larkya Pass. Enjoy the views of HimlungMountain (7120 m), CheoMountain (6820 m), Kangguru Peak (6680 m) and Annapurna II (7937 m) Mountain. After brief rest, we will lower down to Bimtang. Stay overnight in Bimtang.
Day 18
Trek to Dharapani (1965m), 6 hrs
From Bimtang, we will follow the path along glaciated river to the wooden bridge. Crossing the high pasture, we will lower down toBurdinRiver valley. Climbing the ridge, at 4150 m, we will be rewarded with soaring view of ManasluMountain, Annapurna II Mountain and other peaks and mountains. Lowering down through Dudh River, we will walk past rhododendron forest. Lowering down throughthe narrow valley, we will reach Karche valley. Walking along the river bank, we will advance through rhododendron forest to Tilje and continue to Dharapani. Stay overnight in Local Lodge.
Day 19
Drive to Beshisahar (5/6 hours), and continue drive to KTM (7hrs)
Leaving Jagat, we will drive along waterfall existing above southern edge of river. Crossing the bridge and via Bahundanda village. Located atop the hill, this is the village of Brahmin ethnics. We will enjoy the view of MarshyandiValley and descend to Ngadi Bazar. Our path continues along river bankto Bulbule. Crossing the bridge, we will proceed towards Besisahar and lunch there. After lunch continue drive to KTM for next 7 hrs. Check in hotel in KTM.
Day 20
Kathmandu, free and easy day, shopping and rest
This is rest day. Spend the day as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. Upon your interest, we can also arrange for guided sightseeing tour. Farewell dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 21
Int’l departure for onward flight to home
Since Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek has come to an end, you will be transferred to the Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.
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