Manaslu & Tsum Valley

Manaslu & Tsum Valley

Trip Overview

Manaslu, the world’s 8th highest mountain, marks the geographical mid-point of Nepal’s Great Himalayan Trail. There are only a few 8000-meter peaks that allow trekkers to get up so close. Its Sanskrit name means “Mountain of the Spirit” and this spirit seems to reflect in the peaceful villages and valleys that encircle it.
 
Since 2010 it has been possible to complete the trek without the need to camp. Because you can find some traditional teahouses on the trail. That’s why many people now compare it favorably to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Along the cliffs of the lower Budi Gandaki river valley, the trails are narrow and challenging. Higher-up valleys widen and the mountain views are breathtaking. The highest point of the trek, the Larkya La (5,135 m) gives a spectacular view of four converging glaciers. It also allows you to observe the steep walls of the Lamjung and Annapurna ranges.
 
The remote Tsum Valley, which branches off from the Manaslu Circuit route near Philim, has only been open to trekkers since 2008. In the past few years, several teahouses and pleasant homestays have opened along this route. The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley near Tibet. Its unspoiled natural beauty and its pristine culture make this trekking area unique.
 
Tsum comes from the Tibetan work ‘Tsombo’, which means “vivid”. The significance of this is clear as you gaze upon the sparkling mountain vistas. It is settled against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Baudha Himal ranges. This Himalayan valley is also rich in ancient art, culture, and religion. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and mani walls carved with deities and prayers.
 
The Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated in the mountain caves of this valley. With that, the ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible over there. Due to its remoteness, this sacred valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for centuries. But the same cause preserved the unique culture of this valley intact. The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley together are the perfect trek for adventurous trekkers. It simply gives an authentic, off-the-beaten-track experience.

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 01

    Arrival in Kathmandu(1400)

    We will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transport you to your hotel. You will have time to rest or enjoy strolling around on your own to see some of the local sights while we complete your trek permits and preparations.

  • Day 02

    Sightseeing / Cultural Day in Kathmandu Valley

    A half-day sightseeing tour of UNESCO Bhaktapur and Kathmandu includes Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest on your own or take a rest while trekking permits are finalized. In the evening, sample a delicious traditional Nepali dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu

  • Day 03

    Kathmandu to Arughat (570m)

    We will depart early in the morning from Kathmandu and travel by road via the Prithvi Highway. After a few hours, before Malekhu, we will turn north, taking the single-track road for Dhading Besi and beyond to Arughat—the last hour or so on a dusty section.

  • Day 04

    To Soti Khola (730m)

    Most of this stage is easy walking along a flat road while scenery of rice fields, waterfalls, and greenery unfolds as you pass through nice villages along the way. Arkhet Bazar (620 m) is interesting for its old main bazaar road and the gushing Arkhet Khola, where the local children bathe. (3 – 4 hrs)

  • Day 05

    To Machhekhola (930m)

    Soon after leaving Soti Khola, the trail goes into a rougher part of the Budhi Gandaki and goes up and down with numerous rocky parts. In rainy periods, there are several waterfall crossings, and we’ll see larger waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley.

  • Day 06

    To Jagat(1340m)

    We will continue to trek up and down the valley walls along the western side of the Budhi Gandaki until reaching Tatopani, a tiny village of a few houses on the narrow trail between the gushing Budhi Gandaki and a tremendous cliff. Another hour or so of hiking takes us to Dobhan (1,070 m), a small village with a good teahouse where we can stop for lunch. As we pass Doban and approach Jagat, the valley opens up into a broad expanse with plenty of room to walk along the river bed in most seasons. Jagat is a very picturesque and tidy Gurung village with slate-paved streets. We’ll stop at the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Office here to register our trekking permits and learn about MCAP activities in the region. (5 hrs)

  • Day 07

    To Deng (1860m)

    The trail from Jagat descends to the pleasant village of Salleri. It also has a slate-paved main street and friendly villagers. Immediately after Salleri, you reach Paimo. About two and a half hours from Jagat, you reach Sirdibas (1,430 m), a compact village with nice stone houses and slate roofs. We then pass the small village of Ghote Khola before crossing the Budhi Gandaki on one of the longest suspension bridges of this trek, followed by a steep climb to Philim. Above Philim, the sheer scale is evident at every turn, and the feeling of being truly amongst the mighty Himalaya is evident at every turn. We will cross the Budhi Gandaki yet again. The trail followed the cliff face, up and over a ridge, and then down to the river, where the Shar Khola flows into the Budhi. The trail flattens out, winds through a bamboo forest to Deng Khola, then into the Deng settlement itself. (5 – 6 hrs)

  • Day 08

    To Namrung (2540)

    After leaving Deng, we will again use the course of the Budhi Gandaki. We will be crossing the river and following an uphill trail to Rana before zigzagging past the little monastery (gompa) of Shringi and the religious motifs carved on Mani walls by the Shringi Khola suspension bridge to Ghap. Ghap will be a pleasant lunch stop. We begin to head west, cutting through fields, and enter a dense mixed forest of conifers and junipers, teeming with birdlife and monkeys. The trail stays high above the river and includes another waterfall and a serious climb through the woods. We will finally reach Namrung. (6- 7 hrs)

  • Day 09

    To Lho (3020m)

    There is a marked sense of Tibetan influence in this area. The tightly packed stone houses connected by a common flat roof and courtyard give off such a vibe. We then climb to Sho village, another cluster of stone houses. With altitude, the mountain views become more dramatic—Manaslu, Manaslu North, Himalchuli, Saula Himal, and Dwijen Himal rise either side of the trail. After a small ravine, we enter Lho, with a fabulous view of Manaslu. (4-5 hrs)

  • Day 10

    Samagaon/ Sama Gompa (3390m)

    The trek will resume with a steep descent. We will be crossing another rock-strewn torrent, the Thusang Khola. Manaslu and Himalchuli dominate the entire landscape. Further on, across the glacier-fed Numla Khola, the valley drops away to a moraine while we follow the ancient trans-Himalayan trail, now just a very few kilometers from Tibet. We then arrive in Samagaon, one of the region’s classic lama settlements with monasteries, Mani walls, and all things totally Tibetan. (4-5 hrs)

  • Day 11

    In Samagaon/ Sama Gompa (3390m)

    We will take an acclimatization day here with an optional hike to Pung-gyen Gompa, or the day can be spent immersing oneself in the daily life of Sama Gompa.

  • Day 12

    To Samdo (3690m)

    Passing by the foot of the great, white slide that is the Manaslu Glacier, we pass the trail that branches off to Manaslu Base Camp. Our path will then enter a woodland, where we might see marmots in the birch and juniper bushes, before a final steep ascent brings us to the charming village of Samdo. The village also has a well-established Tibetan refugee community. From there, Tibet is only a morning’s walk away. (3-5 hrs)

  • Day 13

    To Dharamsala (4460m)

    Today, we will cross the Budhi Gandaki for one last time before it gradually rises through juniper and tundra with a viewpoint overlooking the Larkya La glacier. Climbing further, we arrive at the Spartan Larkya Rest House. (3-5 hrs)

  • Day 14

    To Bimtang via (3590m)via Larkya La (5100m)

    This is going to be a particularly tough and extended day. We will start our trek before dawn to avoid gale-force winds at the pass, which usually pick up strength after midday. After a long, gradual climb alongside a moraine, we make a short descent to a glacial lake and reach the head of the moraine (4,700 m), which we cross to climb to the ridge top. Four frozen lakes lie below, and then it is up to the crest of the Larkya La (5,100 m). On the steep descent, we drop around 600 m in less than an hour. Our trail then levels off onto yak pastures before finally reaching Bimtang. (8-9 hrs)

  • Day 15

    To Tilije (2,300m) or Dharapani (Annapurna Circuit trail here)

    Today, we'll descend through meadows and pine and rhododendron forests until we reach Hampuk. Then the path drops further, following the course of the Dudh Khola, crossing the stream fed by the snows of the Kichke Himal, and arriving at Karche, then onto the village of Gho, where rice is back on the menu and Nepalese "dhal bhat" is revisited. Keep going through the west bank of the river; the afternoon is one of gradual descent to the Gurung settlement of Tilije, which is famous for its apple brandy. (4 – 6 hrs)

  • Day 16

    To Jagat 1,300m

    Leaving Tilije, we cross to the eastern side of the Dudh Khola and match the gradient of the river down to Dharapani. Here is Dudh Khola’s confluence with the Marsyangdi and also our meeting with the Annapurna Circuit trail, which is ascending towards Manang. From this point down, an all-weather road is under construction, and this itinerary presumes needing to trek down to Jagat and transport from there. (6 hrs)

  • Day 17

    To Besisahar (760M)

    We have the option of taking a Jeep from Jagat to the end of the trek or walking for a long but easy day. (6-7 hrs)

  • Day 18

    To Kathmandu (or Pokhara)

    We return to Kathmandu or Pokhara by bus or private vehicle and arrive at our hotel before evening.

  • Day 19

    Departure

    After breakfast and depending on the time of your departure flight, you can enjoy shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu before transferring to the international airport. The trek itinerary is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Whats Includes

  • International and domestic airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Three nights hotel accommodations with breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Licensed and trained trekking guides
  • Porters for carrying luggage and supplies
  • All accommodations (teahouse lodges) during trek
  • All meals with hot beverages whilst trekking
  • All necessary documents and permits for trekking
  • Trek equipment including sleeping bag and down jacket
  • First aid supplies
  • Insurance equipment for staff
  • Coordination of Rescue service (costs covered by your insurance plan)
  • Guided tour of World Heritage sites in Kathmandu area
  • Traditional Nepali welcome dinner

Not Included

  • International airfares
  • Travel/trekking insurance
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Rescue charges
  • Bottled drinks (cold and alcoholic)
  • Lunches and dinners whilst not trekking
Total Cost in (USD) USD 1,850
Total Price: USD 1,850

Trek Details

Trek dates

Daily

Season

Late September to early December and late February to early June

Duration

24 days

Trekking days

21 days

Trekking grade

Difficult

Maximum altitude

5100m

Starting point of trek

Arughat

Finishing point of trek

Besisahar

Trek code

M4

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