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 Jagat via Arughat (1340m) - 12 hours
Leaving Kathmandu early in the morning, we will head west. It takes 6 hours of drive to reach Arughat from Kathmandu via Prithvi Highway. We will head northwest from Dhadingbesi and take another 35km of drive to reach Arughat Bazaar which is separated into two flanks by Budhi Gandaki River. Now the dirt road starts from Aarughat along the western bank of River, we will make it to Soti Khola (River), continue driving beside the Budhi Gandaki River which will take us to Doban and to Jagat, the final destination of the Jeep drive, Stay overnight in a local teahouse.
Day 4
Trek to Lokpa (2240m) - 6 hours / 14.2km
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. 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 will cross rhododendron forest which leads us to Lokpa where we stay for the night in a teahouse.
Day 5
Trek to Chumling (2,386m) - 4 hours / 7.2km
From Lokpa, the trail drops down to Lower Tsum Valley. Walking a bit of down-hill following by strenuous uphill along the southern edge of Siyar River, we will descend to Gumlung from where 2nd part of strenuous uphill walk trail takes us to Chumling. The walk is not long on distance but more strenuous uphill walk twice is good enough for the day walk. Stay overnight in Chumling at Tashi Delek Lodge.
Day 6
Trek to Chhekampar (3,031m) - 5 hours / 10.5km
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 cross Serpu 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 7
Trek to Nile (3,347m) - 4 hours / 10.2km
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 Shiar River. The trail continues along Piren Phu cave which is also known as Piren Phu (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 Rachen Gompa and views of surrounding mountains. Stay overnight in Nile.
Day 8
Hike to Mu Gompa (3,700m) – return to Nile and trek to Lamagoan – 7 hours / 18km
Leaving behind Nile, we will choose the escalating path to Mu gomba which is the largest monastery in Manaslu region. Located at 3700m altitude, Mu Gompa is the highest as well as most distant point in Tsum valley. This Gompa was founded in 1895 AD. Life size idol of Buddha is the attraction in Mu Gompa. Visit Dephyudonma Gomba. After having Lunch at Nile, then we trek down to Lamagoan for the over-night stay. we will continue our walk towards Rachen Gompa 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 Rachen Gompa.
Day 9
Trek to Chhumling (2,386m) - 5 hours / 15.1km
Following the descending path, we will reach Domje which is a small settlement consisting of about 8 houses and we continue our journey towards the Chhumling, it’s the same path that we came up. Stay at Tashi Delek Lodge in Chhumling.
Day 10
Trek to Deng (1860m) - 7 hours / 19km
After an early morning breakfast, walking along chortens and Mani walls, we will descend through the stone steps to Gumlung. Brief walk from Gumlung takes us to Lokpa for Lunch break. After lunch we walk up to the intersection suspension bridge point from where Tsum valley and Manaslu circuit path separates each other, after crossing the suspension bridge we walk continue for about next 3 hours to reach Deng village following the Budhi Gandaki river. Stay in a teahouse in Deng.
Day 11
Trek to Namrung (2,630m) - 6 hours / 18km
Settlements afterwards Deng have strong Tibetan influence. Buckwheat is the staple crop grown in this region. Moving in and out of dispersed settlements, we will reach Bih. Another couple of hours of walk through this amazing valley will take us to Ghap village. After lunch at Ghap, we will walk past the colourful alpine forest and meadow full of lush green vegetation. Crossing the river with its origin at Lidana glacier, we will be greeted with views of Kutang Mountain range, Saula Mountain (6235m), Manaslu Mountain, Simang Mountain range and other peaks and mountains. The trail escalates uphill from here on to the farm village of Namrung. Stay overnight in Namrung.
Day 12
Trek to Shyala (3,500m) - 5 hours / 13km
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 Simnang Mountain. Moving further, we will reach Sho village. This village allows soaring view of open valley. Climbing through the steepest section, we will reach Lho where we can stop for lunch and continue for about 2.5hrs through the beautiful forest and slightly uphill takes you to the Shyala village where we stay in a teahouse.
Day 13
Hike to Pung Gyen Monastery and to Sama Goan (3,520m) - 5 hours / 12km
Early in the morning, first we hike up to Pung Gyen Monastery, the best view point to look over Mt. Manaslu and other peaks, the hike will be about 3 hours and we get down to the main trail to go Samagoan, we will follow the scenic path with picturesque view of valley to Sama Gaon. This is a large village with an ancient monastery, chortens and Mani walls. Building chortens is believed to keep the evil spirits out of the village. Close-up view of Manaslu can be seen from Samagaon village. Samagaon is one of the biggest village of this region where people grow crops like buckwheat and potatoes as staple food. Visit Sama Gompa Monastery to learn about the culture. Stay overnight in Sama Gaon.
Day 14
: Hiking to Birendra Kunda & towards Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) - 5 hours / 7km
Taking rest at Sama Gaon helps in acclimatization. We can walk towards Birendra Kunda/lake which is an ice lake located below to Manaslu Base Camp. Trekking to Manaslu Base Camp is not for everyone due to high altitude problem but we will try to go all most the halfway to the base camp to have better acclimatization. So, we will return to our camp in Samagaon for overnight stay and enjoy the afternoon to explore the sama village.
Day 15
Trek to Samdo (3,875m) - 3 hours / 7.8km
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 to Samdo. Samdo is located just 4km far from Tibetan border. Enjoy the views of Manaslu, Nagdi Chuli Peak and Manaslu glacier. Stay overnight in Samdo.
Day 16
Trek to Larkya Rest House (Dharmasala) at (4,460m) - 4 hours / 7.5km
After an early morning tea, we will walk along mani 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 Salka River from where we will reach the stone rest house known as DharmShala. This region is also known as Larkya Phedi. Stay overnight in Dharmasala.
Day 17
Trek over Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and to Bimtang (3,630m) – 8/10 hours / 14km
We will take long and gentle climb through moraine. Enjoy the views of Cheo Mountain 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 Himlung Mountain (7120 m), Cheo Mountain (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 Tilje (2,300m) - 4 hours / 18.5km
From Bimtang, we will follow the path along glaciated river to the wooden bridge. Crossing the high pasture, we will lower down to Burdin River valley. Climbing the ridge, at 4150 m, we will be rewarded with soaring view of Manaslu Mountain, Annapurna II Mountain and other peaks and mountains. Lowering down through Dudh River, we will walk past rhododendron forest. Lowering down through the narrow valley, we will reach Karche valley. Walking along the river bank, we will advance through rhododendron forest to Tilje. Stay overnight in Tilje.
Day 19
Drive to Kathmandu via Beshishar – 4+7 hours
We will leave Tilje early morning on a local jeep drive on a dirt road, its about 4 hours drive to Beshisahar and there to Kathmandu is another about 6/7 hours drive. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
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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