Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Trip Overview
Trip Facts
- Country: Nepal
- Trip grade: Strenuous
- Destination: Tsum Valley
- Activities: Trekking
- Accommodation: Hotel and Guesthouses
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Maximum altitude: 5219 meter
- Group size: 2+
- Best Season: Spring & Autumn
One of the most incredibly peaceful treks in Nepal, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek takes you to the Manaslu region of the mountains. It is a beautiful cultural trekking adventure that offers you the experience of exploring a timeless culture in the region.
It is an adventure that explores the remote mountains in the region of the Manaslu – the eighth highest mountain in the world (8163m). The Tsum Valley in the region gives an ideal picture of remote mountain villages. You will get to explore and experience a unique and timeless cultural wonder while trekking in the region.
What you see during Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
For a few days, this trek shares the common trail with Manaslu Circuit Trek. It starts from a lower river valley and advances towards the high mountain valley of Tsum in the region. After exploring the awesomeness of Tsum valley, you will again meet the Manaslu Circuit trail and continue the adventure towards Larkya La - 5160m.
In addition to magnificent mountains and peaceful nature, you will also get to explore beautiful local villages and lifestyles.
This trekking adventure is ideal for people who love a peaceful atmosphere and love to spend a longer time in the mountain wilderness. A mixture of Tusm Valley and Manaslu Circuit exploration, you will enjoy a wonderful trekking experience on this adventure.
The trek will show you monasteries, Buddhist lifestyle in the mountains, remote wilderness, and, of course, mountains and nature. Tsum Valley and Manaslu region come under the restricted region in the mountains. Thus, you need to obtain a special permit to trek in the region and will require at least two people to do the trek.
Highlights of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
- Explore the beauty of Budhi Gandaki Valley, Tsum Valley, and Manaslu
- Unique cultural and lifestyle of the local people in the mountains
- Trek over Larke Pass
- Enjoy surreal views of mountains including Mt. Manaslu (8,156m)
Reasons this trip becomes an Experience
Nepal Climbing Adventure always strives to offer an adventure traveling experience that you can cherish. While the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is beautiful in its all essence, your experience of trekking there becomes even more beautiful with us.
By the time we take you to the base camp and bring you back, we take one step ahead to offer you a beautiful experience. We keep your safety and happiness as our top priority and you will experience the same during the trip.
Trekking with us to Tsum valley and Manaslu is traveling in safe hands.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
As you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu you will be greeted by a designated individual. Then you will be transferred to your hotel where you will be briefed on the set itinerary to make necessary trip preparation.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02: Pre-trek briefing and sightseeing around Kathmandu
Today after the breakfast, you will meet your travel companions and get a briefing about you whole tour plan. You will complete all the official formalities before your trip to Annapurna region. In the afternoon, you will have a guided tour of the World Heritage sites around Kathmandu like Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath, Bauddhanath Mahachaitya and Kathmandu Durbar Square where you will get to know about the history and the situation after the Nepal earthquake of these heritages. Later the day, you will have your final preparation of the trek.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive to Arughat
We begin our journey by taking direct bus from Kathmandu to Arughat (Gongabu Bus Park). At Arughat, a pleasant market town straddling the Budhi Gandaki river a walk through the town, cross the suspension bridge, and stay at the Manaslu Hotel as its one of the highly recommended hotel to stay at this place.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04: Trek to Lapu Bensi
A jeep is taken to Soti Khola and the road has less traffics and passes through wonderful fields and villages. The climate is hot and humid, so wet rice, maize and millet are the dominant crops and we can see monkeys in the forests. The spotless Manaslu Lodge and the Market View Lodge at the busy bazaar town of Arkhet could probably be your first night if you arrive early enough from Kathmandu. Climb on stairs as the valley becomes wilder, prettier and narrower and descend to Soti Khola. Overnight at Lapubesi.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05: Trek to Tatopani
Today, we continue through the gravel riverbed and across the Machhakhola. We can encounter frequent ups and downs ahead. The place is inhabited by Gurungs as we can see lots of Gurung villages. There’s a botanical garden and nice lodge as well. We continue up and down over a couple of ridges to Tatopani which is at an altitude of 930m where there are hot water spouts that provide a delightful evening shower and it’s quite beneficial from dermatological point of view. The place is very peaceful and you can really have your time.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06: Trek to Philim
After breakfast, we start our journey for the day. We climb over the ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki on a new suspension bridge. After a landslip and Yaru Phant we cross the bridge across the Yaru Khola and emerge onto riverflats at Yaru for some meal at the hotel. We walk up the riverbed then climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri. The Himal is at the altitude of 7087m can be seen. We have to descend to Sirdibas and pass through Ghatte Khola finally reaching Philim Gaon. Overnight at Philim Gaon.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07: Trek to Chumling
We can see a wonderful trek route from now on. First of all, we traverse north out of Philim on the obvious track signposted to the Larkya La, through some pretty forest with views up the narrowing valley. This area is basically the area of pine trees where you can’t see any inhabitants. Across the Budhi Gandaki is Himalchuli above steep cliffs. We walk through a largely peaceful dense temperate forest into Lokpa which is surrounded by barely fields. Actually this place is known for camp fire. We walk along towards Chumling for overnight.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08: Trek to Chhokang-Paro
We commence our day by walking across the suspension bridge and traversing through rich farming land of maize and potatoes. The houses are classic Tibetan. We cross a slip where rocks and flood cleared the area even up onto the opposite bank which is covered with a forest of new trees. Up the valley to the east is the superb view of the Ganesh Himal. Overnight at Chhokang-Paro.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09: Trek to Nile
Today we head east through small villages and past a local school, climb over a ridge and visit Milarepa’s cave there which is related to Tibetian culture. Now we cross the Shiyar Khola and then pass through Phurbe and Pangdun and pass an unusual round stupa before reaching the larger village of Chhule (3347m) through a wonderful entrance gate. There is a facility of homestay in Chhule. The people there wear a dress called Chuba made up of yak’s skin. Overnight at Nile.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Trek Mu Gompa
Now we have two options. We can now visit Mu Gompa as a day trip, continuing on to Rachen Gompa or Chhokang-Paro or stay overnight in Mu Gompa and visit the isolated Dhephu Doma Nunnery and Gompa and even climb above it for great views. The final climb up to the large Mu Gompa (3700m) is through dry Tibetan country with widening mountain ranges.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Trek to Rachen Gompa
Continuing our trip ahead, we return down valley through Chhule and continue down as far as Phurbe. We should stay on the east bank of the Siyar Khola and then cross plains following to Rachen Gompa (3240m). From this place, we are able to inspect the gompa families. It’s a family which has at least one monk or nun.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Trek to Gumba Lungdang
It’s the 10th day and we have to make it to Gumba Lungdang. We continue south until a bridge crosses to the west bank and pass again through Chhokang Paro then drop below on the previous trail towards Chumling. After about 2 hrs, we can see a small white gompa on the left at Ghoa and then we descend on a narrow trail passing the gompa on our left and drop to a wooden bridge over the Sarpu Khola and walk to Gumba Lungdang for the night.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Day trip to Ganesh Himal Base Camp
This is going to be the outstanding trip now. We circle from the gompa through a white gateway and below the nuns’ house, and traverse through forest on a passable track with a lot of wind-thrown trees for about 30mins and then cross the Laudang Khola. Now we climb steeply for 30mins through pristine pines and rhododendrons on a ridge and finally emerging into grassy place behind the lateral moraine of the Toro gumba glacier. We explore around the Ganesh Himal basecamp and return back to Lungdang for overnight homestay.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Trek to Lokpa
Now ywe have to descend to Domje, where there are no lodges. We cross the Laudang Khola on a new swing bridge between the two lowest houses in Domje and stay on the south bank of the Siyar Khola. We descend on steep loose stairs to the deserted Bhatti Ghumlong (2130m) on the river, which we passed through some days ago. We climb again through the pristine temperate forest to Lokpa for overnight stay.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Trek to Ghap
Now you have to continue from Lokpa down the exposed track until the track from Philim comes in from the left. We turn right and cross the Budi Gandaki on a solid bridge after about an hour and traverse to a welcome Bhatti just around then enter a very narrow gorge with loose tracks where we get many ups and down. Overnight at Ghap.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16: Trek to Lho
We enter a dense amazing forest of fir and rhododendron with many birds, staying on the south bank, cross north on a wooden bridge. There’s a highly recommended narrow shortcut to the right just after the bridge and along the riverbank and through superb pine forest. After about an hour climb, a zigzag from the river to the neat village of Namrung (2660m) with shops and restaurants. We keep on forward as long as we stop for overnight at Lho.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17: Trek to Sama Gaon
Actually this is going to be a very short day and it takes us into the mountains with time to enjoy and acclimatize. The views of Manaslu are stupendous. There is an easy walk to Shyala (3520m, Syal, Syalagaon, Shyaula) up a pine and rhododendron gully with moss and a clear stream. Another easy hour to the large village of Sama Gaon losing the gigantic views of Manaslu but entering a world of yaks, pastures and houses which seem to have grown from the stones.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 18: Rest for acclimatisation and Explore Sama Gaon
Today, we will spend a day for acclimatization. So, we will explore around Sama Gaon by visiting the Birendra Tal, Monastery and the local town. We can go hiking upto the Manaslu Base camp or Pungen Gompa which takes about 5-6 hours.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 19: Trek to Samdo
Our course passes the juniper and birch woodlands and the stone cabin of Kermo Kharka today. Trekking further for a few hours, we eventully reach at Samdo where we remain overnight.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 20: Trek to Dharamshala
Today, we slide on a wide and delicate trail from Samdo. We go through a stone passage. We climb delicately over the colossal Larkya Glacier and get to the edge where there is a perspective to the edge of an enormous gorge. We achieve Dharmashala subsequent to trekking for a few hours. We remain overnight at a neighborhood guesthouse in Dharmashala.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 21: Trek to Bhimtang Crossing Larkya La Pass
Today, we leave Dharmasala crossing a few moraines. We drop past four frozen lakes and reach Larkya La from where we can witness the perspectives of Himlung Himal (7126m) and others including Annapurna II, Gyaji Kung, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru. We additionally plummet along the moraine to a grassy land called Bhimtang where we remain overnight.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 22: Trek to Tilje
Our trail today drops from Bhimtang and crosses an icy stream. We then drop into a wonderful forest of pine and rhododendron to Hompuk. Passing further, we come to the fenced field of Karache and to the town of Gho. Tilje is nearby, where we spend overnight.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 23: Trek to Chyamje
Today, our trail drops down and goes through a few fields, houses, and woodlands of rhododendron and oak. We descend down through a forest and achieve Dharapani. Trekking for quite a while, we in the end reach at Chyamje, where we remain overnight. Chyamje marks the finish of our trek.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 24: Drive to Kathmandu
Today, in the morning, we drive back to Kathmandu from Chyamje. It takes about 7 hours to reach Kathmandu. We will have dinner together in the evening at a sophisticated hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 25: Farewell
Our trip arrives at an end gathering some great experience together and memories to convey back to your nation. We will escort you to the airport to say goodbye and would like to meet again soon for the next adventure.
Meal: Breakfast
Cost Details
What is included?
- All airport and hotel transfers
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Accommodation and meals during the whole of the trek.
- 3 nights in a 3 star hotel in Kathmandu
- All necessary paper works and permits
- Government and local taxes
- An experienced English speaking trekking guide, assistant trek guide(4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide), porters(2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, food, lodging and all equipment.
- A comprehensive medical kit
What is not included?
- Nepal Visa fee(bring small denomination cash USD and two passport photographs)
- International airfare
- Excess baggage charges
- Extra night accommodation apart from the schedule due to any reasons
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and in case of early return than the scheduled itinerary
- Charge for private vehicle or flight
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for travel guides or porters
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions - Trekking in Nepal
Are you a licensed trekking agency?
Do the guides speak English and have first aid training?
How big are the groups?
Are permits included in the price of the trek?
Do you arrange private treks?
Do you provide any equipment while trekking?
How difficult are the treks?
How long do we walk each day?
What is exactly 'teahouse' trekking?
What do we mean by FOT trek?
What is security like during trekking?
Security for our clients is always a foremost priority for us. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. Our guides hold licenses issued by the Nepal Government. They are very honest and reliable. But we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on ‘camping treks’ please do not leave your bags unattended at any time for your own safety. Take your main bag inside the tent once you reach the campsite. At night, all bags and belongings are kept in the middle of the tent. Your guide assigns a Sherpa on a rotation basis to guard the campsite throughout the night. If you are on a ‘Tea house or GAP trek’ arrangement, you will be sleeping in local teahouses. You need to take sensible precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out.
What happens if I fall ill during the trek?
What type of food is served during a trek?
Do I need to carry my own gear?
How much could porters carry?
What is the overnight accommodation like?
Can we change the itinerary?
Depending on the prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your senior guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into some of the most remote regions in the world, where many unforeseen circumstances may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary.