Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek

Trip Overview

Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek is an amazing off-the-beat Himalayan hiking trip in Nepal. The incredible landscapes, stunning Himalayan vista, pristine mountain villages, and adventurous mountain pass called Larke La Pass (5160 meters) to cross are major attractions of this journey. The region which passes by this trekking route is also culturally rich with the influence of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tsum Valley is one of the most beautiful hidden valleys nestled in the Himalayan zone. This valley boasts pristine nature and ancient cultural heritage. As mentioned in Tibetan Buddhist script this valley was described as the land of happiness by Guru Padmasambhava and is also the place Milarepa meditated for spiritual gain.

Here the people are of Tibetan origin and they speak the Tibetan dialect. The valley has some historic monasteries including Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa on a pretty plateau. These monasteries are also the center of teaching and learning of Buddhism where many monks and nuns are living. This valley also has many Buddhist chortens and mani walls.

In Tsum valley apart from the culture, you will also enjoy the spectacular mountain views of Ganesh Himal (7422m), Buddha Himal (6672m), and Sringi Himal (7187m); beautiful terraces; a forest of pine trees, and rhododendron trees; waterfalls and hot spring on the route.

After Tsum Valley, you will head towards the Manaslu region. Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world at 8,163m and seems very beautiful and equally gigantic. According to the local language, the world Manaslu means the mountain with Spirit. Local people believe that in this mountain the holy being who is strong and benevolent resides.

The route of Manaslu is amazing and fascinating in culture. It put forward outstanding mountain scenery and a diverse range of ecosystems in the area from 620 meters to 5160 meters above sea level. The trail of this trekking is challenging along Budhi Gandaki. It passes a number of waterfalls and lakes and interesting Buddhist Monasteries in medieval looks villages.

To sum up, Tsum Manaslu Trek seems fairly challenging as a need to cross Larkya La Mountain Pass at 5,106m, but it is not technically difficult. Everyone who is physically fit and can hike 7 hours on average in a day can join this epic trek.

In summary, the major highlights of the Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek are as below:

• Spectacular views of Ganesh Himal (7,422m) & Mt. Manaslu (8,163m).
• Trek on the beaten path, less–visited area of Nepal.
• Discover Tibetan culture, unique landscapes, and traditional villages.
• Enjoy trekking to the remote & isolated Tsum Valley.
• Visit local monasteries: Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and others.
• Trek over the Larkya La Mountain pass stands at 5135 meters.
• The route featuring with a diverse and impressive landscape.
• In the route wildlife like Blue Sheep, Mountain Goat, Himalayan Marmots, Snow Leopard, etc.
• Closely inspect the life of Nuri people typical denizens of the region.
• Explore Budhi Gandaki river valley and cross the suspension bridges.
• The trailhead is reached over land, avoiding the need for domestic flights.

OUTLINE ITINERARY OF TSUM VALLEY MANASLU TREK

DAY ITINERARY ALTITUDE AVG WALKING ACCOMMODATION
1 Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. 1400 m Hotel
2 Tsum Valley, Manaslu Permit processing & preparation for trek. Hotel
3 Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat to Machhi Khola. Driving around 9 hrs. 930 m Mountain Lodge
4 Trek from Machhi Khola to Jagat. 1410 m 6 hrs Mountain Lodge
5 Trek from Jagat to Lokpa. 2240 m 6/7 hrs Mountain Lodge
6 Trek from Lokpa to Chumling. 2386 m 4 hrs Mountain Lodge
7 Trek from Chumling to Chhokangparo. 3010 m 6 hrs Mountain Lodge
8 Trek from Chhokangparo to Nile via Milarepa Piren Phu Cave. 3361 m 4/5 hrs Mountain Lodge
9 Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa. 3700 m 3/4 hrs Monastery Lodge
10 Trek from Mu Gompa to Chhokangparo via Rachen Gompa. 3010 m 6/7 hrs Mountain Lodge
11 Trek from Chhokangparo to Chumling. 2386 m 5/6 hrs Mountain Lodge
12 Trek from Chumling to Deng. 1860 m 6 hrs Mountain Lodge
13 Trek from Deng to Namrung. 2660 m 6 hrs Mountain Lodge
14 Trek from Namrung to Lho. 3180 m 4 hrs Mountain Lodge
15 Trek from Lho to Sama Gaon. 3520 m 4 hrs Mountain Lodge
16 Rest day in Sama Gaon for acclimatization. 3520 m Mountain Lodge
17 Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo. 3690 m 4 hrs Mountain Lodge
18 Trek from Samdo to Dharmashala. 4470 m 4/5 hrs Mountain Lodge
19 Trek from Dharmashala to Larke La Pass (5160 m) to Bimtang. 3720 m 8 hrs Mountain Lodge
20 Trek from Bimtang to Tilche. 2560 m 5/6 hrs Mountain Lodge
21 Trek from Tilche to Jagat. 1300 m 6 hrs Mountain Lodge
22 Trek from Jagat to Bhulbhule. 840 m 6 hrs Mountain Lodge
23 Drive from Bhulbhule to Kathmandu. Hotel
24 Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal.

Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek Cost 2022, 2023

Silver Package Price Gold Package Price
USD 1350 Per Person USD 1495 Per Person
The Services included in the above Packages:
Services Name: Silver Price Gold Price
Airport pick up on arrival day By Car/ Van By Car/ Van
3-night Hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights before trek, 1 night after trek) Tourist Standard Hotel Tourist Standard Hotel
Meal in Kathmandu Breakfast Breakfast
21-night Accommodation during Trekking Mountain Lodge/ Tea House Mountain Lodge/ Tea House
Meal during Trekking Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Trekking Guide Yes Yes
Porter No Yes
Kathmandu to Arughat to Soti Khola Local Bus Local Bus
Bhulbhule to Kathmandu Local Bus Local Bus
Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit Fee Yes Yes
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Fee Yes Yes
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit Fee Yes Yes
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit Fee Yes Yes
Trip Certificate (If need) Yes Yes
First Aid Medicine Yes Yes
Trekking Map for Group Yes Yes
Meal, Salary, Accommodation, Insurance of Trekking Staff Yes Yes
Dinner with Cultural Show on last night of Trip in Kathmandu Yes Yes
Local Taxes Yes Yes
Aiport drop on departure day By Car/ Van By Car/ Van
The Services does not include in both Packages:

• Airfare for your international flight.
• Nepal Visa Fee
• Your travel insurance which includes Heli evacuation (As Manaslu trek is high altitude journey it is advised to do travel insurance which covers medical & helicopter evacuation from a high altitude, 5300 meters.)
• Alcoholic beverages, hot and cold drinks, hot water, bottled water, dessert.
• All kinds of personal expenses like phone calls, internet use, laundry, battery charge, hot shower during trekking, excess baggage charge, etc.
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu except for farewell dinner on the last night of the trip.
• In case of emergency helicopter rescue/ evacuation & its cost.
• Tips for Trekking Staff.
• Any expenses arising due to unforeseen situations like flight cancellation, personal sickness, natural calamities, political strikes, COVID-19, etc.
• Cost of any extra services if you use which not mentioned in the above package includes section.

Notes:

I. Porter will be provided only in Gold Price. As usual, a porter is provided based on 1 porter for 2 trekkers. 1 porter carries the baggage of two trekkers with a maximum total weight limit of 25 kg.
II. The above cost is on a Per Person basis for a minimum group size of two persons.
III. Costs are not refundable and transferable if you leave the trek voluntarily and want to return from the trek earlier than scheduled.

Why Excellent Himalaya Company for Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek?

Many companies promote the Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek package. Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition Pvt Ltd are different from them. We are a company based only in Nepal and managed by Nepalese tourism experts and local guides. Our team is engaged in the Nepalese tourism industry since 2002. We are the direct operator of Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek, not the agent and middle people. We are the trekking company authorized by Nepal Government Tourism Ministry. Our company’s government registration number is 175840/074/075 and our license number to operate trekking, tour, and mountain expedition in Nepal is 2432. We are associated with different tourism organizations like TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal), NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), etc.

Our further features are as below by which people around the world trust us as the authentic organizer of Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek:

Team of Local Experts and Guides: As this company is managed and run by well-trained, experienced & competent local experts, and guides, we know well about the mountain trail, ecology, culture, etc. of the trekking routes. We know the best way of trekking and also we get you the same way.

Trustworthy: Trust is something that comes from commitment. Hence, being a legally registered company, we commit to providing the best, satisfactory trekking, tour, and expedition. We are operating all trekking, and climbing tours in Nepal based on reality, integrity, and honesty.

Focus on your needs: We highly value all the clients. We always move according to your interest and requirements. Because your satisfaction is our goal. Thus, all our trekking, tour, and mountaineering packages are customizable.

Fair Price: As we are a direct operator, not an agent, our price is always competitive that does not have any middle and hidden fees. We provide the value of what you are buying of our services at least equal to your paying amount.

Safety: Your safety is our priority. The trekking to the Himalayas is both exciting and adventurous. So we provide you with all the safety materials needed, along with motivational counseling.

Friendly, and Professional Staff: We have highly friendly, helpful, and professional staff. Our staff looks after you right from the moment of your arrival to the time of your departure. They can cope with most emergencies including those requiring evacuation and hospitalization.

Real Cared Services: Our one travel consultant or our local trekking guide keeps in touch with our clients every time. We make sure their protection is guaranteed so that they will have peace of mind while trekking with us.

Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp/ Viber at +977 9851203181 for any further information about Everest Base Camp Trek, need any changes in the above itinerary, or if any questions. Once we receive your message, we get back to you within 24 hours.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu International Airport (1400 m).

Our tour officer will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu.  He/She will be displaying a card with your name written on it outside the airport terminal. He will meet, greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to your respective hotel by our private tourist vehicle. At the hotel, he will assist you to check in and do a pre-trip meeting with you. You will be briefed about your overall program, introduced to your guide, and clear your questions/queries if any. During the meeting please clear the due balance and hand over a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. Overnight at the hotel.

Today is a free day in Kathmandu. We will process and make Special permits from the Immigration office of Nepal showing your original passport as the Tsum Valley and Manaslu trek requires a special restricted area permit. Evening final briefing of your trek and preparations for trekking.

Our trekking guide will meet you at the hotel before 6 am and he takes you to the bus station for the journey to Arughat. You will be driving on a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi, the district headquarter of Dhading (1050m) but the drive from Dhanding Besi to Arughat will be on a rough road.  After reaching Arughat, a major town in that area you will drive further towards Machhi Khola. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

The trail makes some minor ups and downs often dropping onto a gravel bar alongside the river. It eventually crosses the Tharo Khola (stream) and then reaches Khorlabesi village. It climbs over a small ridge and then makes another steep climb and descent. After more ups and down there is a small trailside hot spring then the route reaches Tatopani village. From Tatopani, the trail climbs over another ridge and crosses the Budhi Gandaki River on a suspension bridge, and then arrives at another village Doban.  After that, it crosses a long suspension bridge and further climbs a ridge, and descends to Yaru Khola (stream). After that, it ascends to Tharo Bharyang. Thus after a few climbs up and down it reaches to beautiful village Jagat. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

Today, before heading to Lokpa, you will register your permits for Tsum Valley and Manaslu at the entry checkpoint. Then you will climb a ridge, then will walk along the river bank crossing the Budhi Gandaki river via a long wide suspension bridge. Continuing to trek, the valley opens up as we head towards Philim. The trek throughout is a very pleasant one. You will pass by Ekle Bhatti where the trail separates between Tsum and Manaslu following Lokpa. On the way, we will see a few villages and rivers. The rivers begin to narrow down as you meet the convergence of the Syar river from the Tsum valley. Taking a right turn, the trail takes us forward, eventually reaching the Lokpa village. This village is the first village in the Tsum valley that gives us the opportunity to view the beautiful Manaslu range. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

After breakfast, you move down to the other end of lovely woodland and cross the river via a bridge spanning over the river. You will ascend on the steep rock steps and then forge ahead to the north inside the hidden valley of Tsum. Traversing the pine woods and rhododendron forest, you will make your way up very steep slopes. Subsequently, we’ll descend to Ghumlong (2,130m). The trail now climbs steeply, straight ahead to Ripchet (2,470m). After passing over the Shiar Khola on a wooden bridge, we’ll push on to the Chumling (2,386m). Chumling village is a small Buddhist village and has less number of habitats. The village is well-known as there is a monastery and it presents a picturesque view of the majestic Ganesh Himal. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

From Chumling you trek to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum). As you cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank, you will see great views of Ganesh Himal, Buddha Himal, and Himalchuli peaks.  You continue trekking past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge and arriving at the Gho Village. After another two hours climb, you finally arrive at Chhokangparo. Chhokangparo is a tiny village positioned on a flat surface. It is a village that is situated on flat land and is made up of two settlements which are Chhokang and Paro. Upper Tsum valley opens from Chhokangparo. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

From Chhokangparo we will trek to the Nile which is located in the western facet of Shiar Khola and about twenty minutes’ walk from across Chhule. This is the last village at the top of Tsum valley. On the way, you will pass Piren Phu cave which is also known as the pigeon cave. This cave is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum Valley. It is located at the foot of a rugged cliff near the village of Burji. The famous Tibetan saint called Milarepa was believed to have meditated in that cave as his footprint is imprinted on the cave. After the cave, you will pass green meadows and the landscape become fertile and narrow. The farmers will be busy farming. There are two separate monasteries that are attached to the rocky cave. It is abundantly painted with Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on the stones, and long prayer flags and Buddhist paper scripts. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Shiar Khola, you will soon arrive at the Nile. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

Today you head out of Nile as the trail gradually ascends to Mu Gompa. It is the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gompa is located at the highest and the farthest point in the Tsum Valley. It was established in 1895 AD and includes many religious books including Kangyur, a life-size statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. The route takes you through yak pastures through typical dry and arid Trans Himalayan Terrain. The monastery has rows of Chortens and beautiful mountain views. Overnight at a monastery lodge.

After breakfast, you descend from Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa. Walking on the east bank of the Siyar Khola and crossing flat boulder-covered plains you arrive at Rachen Gompa. It is a nunnery situated at the foothills of the mountains that border Nepal and Tibet. It was established in the year 1905 AD and is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum valley. The interior of the Gompa is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history. Then you trek to Chhokangparo for a night halt. Overnight at mountain lodge.

From Chhokungparo you descend and continue the trek to Gho. You will be crossing a suspension bridge near Gho and hiking forward to reach Rainjam Village. From Rainjam village, you descend to Tsum Valley and finally reach Chumling. Overnight at mountain lodge.

From Chumling you continue descending. You will be moving along the bank of Shair Khola to reach Lokpa Village. On a nice day, you may pass through large flocks of sheep and goats along the path. The trail after Lokpa descends as you cross the Budi Gandaki on a solid bridge then enters a narrow gorge from where it starts to ascend and descend while gradually climbing through the valley. You cross a river on a suspension to Nupri and then pass through bamboo forests to reach the Deng. Overnight at Mountain Lodge.

A few minutes walking from Deng the trail recrosses the Budhi Gandaki River and climbs to Rana village. It again climbs a bit and heads west up the Budhi Gandaki Valley. It passes a waterfall and follows the stream. After passing some houses of Bhi it crosses the Budhi Gandaki River. Then it climbs steeply and traverses above the Budhi Gandaki. The trail makes more ups and downs in forests passing the mani wall and then turning to Ghap. The mani wall in Ghap has elegant carvings that depict the Buddha in various meditative poses. After Ghap it moves a head through a forest of big firs where you see colorful birds including the impeyan pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. In the middle of the forest walking on a wooden bridge makes you more exciting by the mist rising up from the valley. Then the trail makes a long climb through bamboo and rhododendron forests finally entering Namrung. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

After Namrung you trek to upper Nupri (Tibetan Buddhist influence region). The trail climbs passing the mani wall and the many fields and houses then up through a forest of firs, rhododendrons, and oaks. Then it reaches Lihi village which exhibits unusual architecture. Leaving this village it enters another village Sho. From here the spectacular view of Mt Manaslu and Naike Peak starts at the head of the valley. Passing Kani (Buddhist stupa), a prayer wheel the trail reaches Lho big village with a gompa and huge mani. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

After Lho the trail drops down to the stream and it follows the stream up for a long distance through damp forests and arrives plateau at Shyaula with a wide vista of Mt. Himalachuli, Ngadi Chuliand Manaslu. After that, the trail crosses the ridge and come to Samagaon, the village with extensive pastures and fields. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

Today you stay at Sama Gaon to acclimatize and adjust to the thin air as you would have reached a higher elevation. You will not stay idle but will explore Samagaun. Sure enough, you will be noticing the lifestyles of the locals and experiencing their culture. Moreover, there are other options such as a hike to Birendra Lake or visiting Pungyen Monastery or Manaslu Base Camp.

After breakfast, you descend to the Budhi Gandaki and follow it to a bridge over a sidestream. Today it’s an easy trail on a shelf above the river past juniper and birch forests and stone huts of Kermo Kharka. Then the trail drop off the shelf crosses the Budhi Gandaki, and climbs steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. Then you see a large Kani (Buddhist Stupa). The trail follows the Kani. After passing that it reaches Samdo village. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

After breakfast, you follow a gentle trail passing many fields to a large mani wall and stone archway. Then it descends to the river. After crossing the bridge it climbs through the tundra and juniper. You see a huge Larkya Glacier that drops from Manaslu North. Then the trail climb in and out of the gorge and arrives at Dharmashala, also known as Larkya Phedi. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

Today the trek starts climbing up the ridge in front of Dharmashala. It descends a bit to a lake and keeps climbing the ridge until the top of the moraine at 4690m. Then it crosses the moraine to the south of steep, grassy slopes. You see few cairns and prayer flags. After that, it descends to four frozen lakes. Eventually, it makes the steep climb to the Larkya La (5160m/16929ft). It takes three to five hours from Dharmashala to the Larkya La pass. It is best to make an early start in order to cross the pass safely. It can be extremely cold and windy during the climb. From Larkya La pass you see the tremendous view of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Garu Peak and Annapurna II. The descent begins along the top of the moraine to the west and drops steeply to Dingboche Kharka. Then the trail becomes easier descending along the grassy moraine to a small meadow and a spring at 4080m. Then the trail turns a corner, the valley becomes larger, and the trail heads down to a large meadow with a mani wall and rest house. This place is called Bimthang. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

From Bimthang the trail drops and crosses a glacial stream. It climbs over the side of the moraine and descends into a forest of pine and rhododendron to Hompuk. From here the trail follows Dudh Khola (stream) through forests. The trail crosses a landslide and then goes across fields before making a steep climb over a ridge decorated with prayer flags. The trail comes off the ridge and down to the river bank near a few houses. This is Gho village. The trek continues through fields, rhododendron, and oak forests then it enters Tilche village.  Overnight at a mountain lodge.

After breakfast, you climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone-paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village. You then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a mani wall and reach the Thonje village. At the village, we go through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. From Dharapani you entered the Annapurna Conservation area and continue the trek to Jagat for a night halt.

Today the walking is pleasant and easy again at this point, with the trail winding downstream of the village of Naadi. After that, you follow the bank of the Marshyangdi River to the village of Bhulbhule.

After breakfast drive from Bhulbhule to Besi and continue driving to Kathmandu by bus. The drive is often along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. You also drive by some beautiful villages with farming terraces on both sides of the road. Evening you will be offered a farewell dinner with Nepali cuisines and cultural dances at a typical Nepali Restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

The trip concludes today. Our tour officer will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

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