A sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley in the Gorkha district of Nepal, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek is a hidden gem of Nepal that is a less-frequented trekking destination. Snugly situated against the backdrop of the Ganesh Himal (7422m), the Shringi Peak (7161m), and the Buddha Himal, the valley is home to ethnic Tibetan Buddhist people who have a distinct dialect, customs, and unique traditions that differ from the rest of the populace in the country. As such, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek are some of the best long-distance off-the-beaten-paths treks that encapsulate the very best facets of both the hidden valley and the Manaslu circuit.
Likewise, the Tsum Valley with Manaslu trek presents a gorgeous landscape to enjoy. The valley is drained by the Shiar Khola, which originates from the western glacier of Ganesh Himal. The east and southern glaciers of the Shringi Peak also drain the Nyak Khola, which later forms a confluence with the Budi Gandaki River upstream. The trek involves a steep ascent of over 1,500 meters from the valley floor.
Likewise, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu trek also present an idiosyncratic cultural opulence to experience. It harbors many historical monasteries, including the Rachen Gumba and the Mu Gompa, nestled on a plateau within the valley’s lap. The valley also harbors the Gumba Lungden, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of the Ganesh Himal.
You will be trekking through the valley’s dense Blue Pine woodlands that cover the terrain like a chartreuse carpet. It is a marvelously beautiful and naturally endearing journey that is simply uplifting. Passing by many ethnic settlements, like Samagaon, Ghap, and Dharamsala among many, you will be in the company of the rich local cultural community and the mountain peaks that shadow the landscape in the most important spectacular of fashion.
Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek is a completely beautiful journey that presents awe-inspiring landscapes and magnificent mountain views at each step of the way. Paired with the distinct cultural diaspora of the valley’s Tibetan Buddhist communities, the trip is an unforgettable adventure that presents the best attributes for you to experience.
You will also be in the company of our professional guide at High Route Adventure who will make sure that you are comfortable and satisfied at all times with the services. With us, you are guaranteed the best in each aspect, from transportation and meals to the best available lodges and accommodation to professional guidance. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a unique part of Nepal that is very different from the more popular treks the country offers.
You may arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by one of our airport representatives. He will help you get transferred to your Hotel. There are no planned activities for the day, thus you may check into your Hotel and relax. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
The Tsum Valley requires a trekking permit to visit which we arrange on this day. This day is also reserved for a sightseeing tour of the city's major UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath, the Swayambhunath Stupa and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
You will have a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola today, passing by Arughat along the way. It takes about 7 hours to reach, and while the road is bumpy, the natural scenery makes up for the rather long ride. You will be driving along the Prithvi Highway for the first part of the journey. Turning off to Dhading, the landscape becomes quite rural and remote and the road also becomes quite bumpy and dirt-laden. Finally, you will reach the Soti Khola. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Soti Khola.
From Soti Khola, you will trek to Machha Khola today, trekking through the valley and crossing several streams as you do. The path leads you to the small settlement of Khorlabensi. A little further from here lays Tatopani, a natural hot spring where you can have a short respite and dip yourself in the spring that is believed to have natural healing properties. From Tatopani, the trail then goes towards Machha Khola. Overnight say at the guesthouse at Machha Khola.
From Machha Khola, you will then cross a stream after trekking uphill for some time. Along the way, you will reach Dobhan, a settlement of the ethnic Gurung people. Further from Dobhan, the Budhi Gandaki River flows across the valley. The path follows the riverside until you reach the hillocks. Trekking uphill, you will then finally reach Jagat, which is where the permits are required. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Jagat.
From Jagat, the path follows the Budhi Gandaki Gorge. You will be following the trail as it winds along many Shankri stones by the riverside. So far, the trail was a prominent part of the Manaslu Circuit, but after leaving Jagat, the trail enters the Tsum valley. The Budhi Gandaki River rages past tall green cliffs and you can enjoy the emerald terrain as you finally reach Lopka. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Lopka.
From Lopka, the terrain becomes exceedingly dense with foliage as rhododendron woods cover the trail. On your way to Chumling, you will be in the company of the Ganesh Himal (7422m), the Shringi Peak (7161m), and the Buddha Himal as they tower over the landscape quite magnificently. After about 4 hours of trekking through the pastures and the forest, you will reach Chumling. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Chumling.
The trekking trail is leveled today, going through the green pastures and beneath tall cliffs. The view of the Hiunchuli Himal and the Ganesh Peak shadow over the ravines as you cross the river over suspension bridges. Finally, you will reach Chhokang Paro, a small settlement whose locals mainly rely on animal husbandry and farming for a living. Along the way, you can also see many mules and yaks grazing in the fields, with goats being herded by sheppards. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Chhokang Paro.
From Chhokang Paro, you will be climbing up steep hills of the valley, going above 3,000 meters. It is a rather difficult trek, but with a slow and steady walk, you can overcome the altitude gain. Along the way, you will come across many stone cairns lined with prayer flags and decorated with red colors. Finally, you will reach the Nile where you can enjoy the local culture and lifestyle. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at the Nile.
The settlement of the Nile and its surrounding environment resembles the Tibetan plateau a lot. Even the traditional rustic houses at Nile are reminiscent of the customary Buddhist colors of red and white, much like the monasteries. After a short trek, you will reach the Mu Gompa. Situated at an altitude of 3,510 meters, the Mu Gompa houses religious books, including the Kyangyur, a life-size statue of Avalokiteshwara. Some of the most striking objects in the monastery are the statues of Buddha Amitabha. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
From Mu Gompa, you will follow the same trekking trail past Nile towards Chhokang Paro, going through the woods and the pastures once again. It is a leveled trek for the most part, and along the way, you can snap glorious pictures of the Ganesh Himal and the Shringi Peaks. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Chhokang Paro.
From Chhokang Paro, you will make your way towards the Gompa Lungdung today, passing through the rhododendron groves and several pasturelands. A serene nunnery of the Kangin sect, set in the middle of a dense coniferous forest on the northern slopes of Ganesh Himal, the Gompa Lungdung is quite an impressive site. The Gompa is also the site of various special occasions, including the Ngyungne, celebrated in June/July and November/December, the Chhechu in July/August, the DupaChhesie in August/September and the Dashain Tupchen in October/November. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
The sunrise view amidst the Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and the Lumbo Himal ranges from Lungdung Gompa is quite spectacular. After breakfast, you will trek down the hill side until you reach Lungdung Khola. Further from here, the trail takes you through the woods towards the Tsum Chu where the Ripchet village is located. Along the way, you will pass through a gorgeous ravine and woodlands filled with bright yellow birds and monkeys. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Ripchet.
From Ripchet, you will trek down the valley towards the Gadhi Khola, cross it via a wooden bridge and then finally rejoin the Manaslu Circuit. As you converge to the Manaslu Circuit Trail, you will find a lot more mules and perhaps other trekkers as well. You will cross the Budhi Gandaki River towards Deng. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Deng.
Deng is a Gurung village that presents good views of Mt. Manaslu (8163m). From Deng, you will move ahead towards Bihi Phedi to reach Ghap. En route, you will also pass by the small settlement of Prok. Through the pine woods, you will reach Bihi Phedi that has many Mani stone walls. Further from here, the trail crosses the Sereng River that forms a deep gorge. Crossing the river via a suspension bridge, you will reach Ghap. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Ghap.
Ghap is surrounded by Fir, Rhododendron, Bamboo, and Oak forests. With occasional steep pathways and streams along the way, you will reach Namrung. Ahead from the village lays an extensive barley field that rolls dramatically with the wind. Passing through the field, the path picks up again and leads you towards Lihi. Finally, after trekking through the grasslands, you will reach Lho, a cultural village adorned with Buddhist monasteries and chortens. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Lho.
From Lho, the trail picks up the steep ascent uphill towards Shyala. The village of Shyala is deeply rooted in agriculture and wood works. The houses at Shyala are marked with distinct wooden art. Trekking on ahead, you will reach the draining slope of the PungGyen Glacier. Further from here lays Samagaon, a prominent village that is a famous overnight stop for many trekkers who do the Manaslu Circuit. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Samagaon.
This day is reserved for acclimatization. You can choose to either visit the PungGyen Gompa or have a visit to the Manaslu Base Camp. Either of the options can be carried out according to your choice. Either way, you will get amazing views of the Manaslu ranges and get to enjoy the beautiful landscape. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Samagaon.
The trail to Samdo turns north on the upper regions of the Budhi Gandaki River. With a gradual ascent, you will pass through the confluence of the Larkya River and the River originating from the Samdo Glacier. Thick juniper woods and Birch forests of Kermo Kharka decorate the landscape. Along the way, you will also see a beautifully ornamented Kaani (a gate arch). Finally, you will reach Samdo. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Samdo.
The trekking trail from Samdo to Dharamsala is relatively short and easy. You will move along the trail through the AthahraSaya River and alongside the Larkya River. Trekking through the Taka Choeling Gumba, you can get good views of the Naike range as you gradually climb uphill. Finally, you will reach the Larkya Bazaar. Just a few miles from here is Dharamsala. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Dharamsala.
From Dharamsala, you will be trekking to the base of the mountain pass. The Larkya La Mountain Pass is one of the tallest mountain passes in the region. With a steady ascent, you will make your way up the pass. You will have to wake up quite early for this, preferably at 2 in the morning. From the top, you can get breath-taking views of the entire valley, as well as mesmerizing vies of the Manaslu Peaks. From the top of the pass, you will begin your gradual and slow descent towards Bimthang. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Bimthang.
Bimthang is a yak herder settlement that is used by the local herders to store their yak cattle during the winter months. You will follow the trail south of Bimthang to Kharche, passing through the woodlands and pastures. Along the rock-strewn terrain, you will trek towards Tilije, a Ghale Gurung village where the ethnic Manangi and Chhetri people reside. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Tilije.
From Tilije, you will follow the path towards Chyamje, going through the terrace farms and fields of agriculture. The views of the mountain peaks make the journey quite lovely. The trek follows the Marsyangdi River and continues along thickly scattered villages en route to Chyamje. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Chyamje.
From Chyamje, you will bid the Manaslu Peaks goodbye. From here, you will have a drive back to Kathmandu. The drive offers the beauty of the diverse landscape in central Nepal. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your Hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be dropped off at the airport for your departure.
Accommodations in Kathmandu, and on the path area unit are enclosed within the package price. You will be staying at 4-star or similar deluxe hotels in Kathmandu and twenty-one nights at the best available teahouse during the trek.
Since the high Mt. Manaslu Trekking region was open for visitors, explorers, and adventurers in 1991, where very few trekkers were aware of this beautiful region. It is a raw and pristine country, where trekkers had to have their own camping equipment and food to carry. As there were no lodges or inns for travelers, at present the area getting more attention and popularity. Slowly villagers built lodges to cater to the requirement of trekkers' comfort. Most lodges en route to Dharapani villages are simple with basic facilities, but the rooms are clean with a large dining hall. As well as a warm and friendly environment serving meals as per the menu and season-wise.
Most rooms are on twin sharing basis with common bathrooms and toilets or washrooms, with a large dormitory where 5 to 10 people could share. A few places like Jagat, Namrung, Lo, and Sama-Gaon do have attached baths but on very limited. At the base of Larke-La Pass called Phedi as well as Dharmasala the lodge and guest-house of minimum facilities, serving simple beds and foods as well warm refreshments. Sometimes during peak times of trekking, the place can get crowded, and spend nights in the tents of a lodge.
In every lodge on the route, Manaslu trekking with nice cozy restaurants with simple food menu or La Carte served. Where trekkers can choose the main meals, snacks, and drinks as well as some homemade bakery products in a few lodges.
Especially around main villages like Jagat, Lo, and Sama Gaon including at the end of the trek at Dharapani village. Most meals are served as per the menu from breakfast with muesli-oats for porridge, fresh oven-made bread served with jam, honey, or butter with eggs as per one choice, from boiled, omelet, scramble to poach, or sunny-side-up. Lunch served from Nepalese famous Dal / Bhat sets (boiled/steamed fine rice with lentil soup of variation, includes veg or meats if available with some hot/spicy sauce). Includes Fried / Boiled Noodle Soups veg or meats, as well as eggs, in a few lodges serves Continental, Mexican, Italian, Indian, Chinese to local Nepalese set meals. The menu includes snacks, like French Fries (fresh Potato chips), local Tibetan or normal bread, as well instant noodles. Dinner is always lavish one can order from the menu or set meals best for large groups, to save time and fuel energy.
After dinner, a choice of desserts from fresh fruits was available, with some bakery products like cakes, pies, or hot custards. Followed by hot drinks of choice from tea-coffee-hot chocolate to hot lemon with honey.
Nepal for all seasons, however for trekking around Mt. Manaslu high region best time is in spring from March to May months. Lively with wildflowers in bloom around mid-hills forested area, especially the rhododendron flowers from tall trees to bush. Most days are clear for pleasant walks as well for views of snow-capped peaks, late afternoon can get cloudy with cold morning and night times. Another great time is in the autumn/fall season, from September to November months, most days are crystal clear. For excellent views of the high snow mountain range as well for nice day walks, with much colder morning and night time.
But with a clear bright starry night sky, could snow around high areas on route trek and crossing high Larke-La Pass.
The Manaslu region and Tsum Valley, which was officially opened to foreign visitors from the year 1991. The area falls in a restricted zone and travelers must obtain Trekking Permit from the Department of Immigration in addition to the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management Systems) card to enter the region.
Whether you join in for Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley, the region of Manaslu to Tsum Valley falls within Manaslu Conservation Area, which was established in 1998 with an area that covers about 1,663 sq. km. Where trekkers need MCA (Manaslu Conservation Area) permits, and as well after crossing Larke-La Pass to reach the other side at Dharapani in Manang, where ACAP fee is applied (Annapurna Conservation Area Project). But for Tsum Valley ACAP permit is not required unless you merge your adventure with the Manaslu Circuit trek. The Manaslu Conservation Area with the fee collected helps to maintain walking trails, and conserve its fertile and pristine environment from destruction, as most villagers higher up and lodge use kerosene oil or LPG gas to cook food for trekkers, where burning of wood is not allowed to save from deforestation.
Where trekkers should follow Eco-Tourism or Responsible Tourism rules and respect local culture, as well as not disturb its exotic flora and fauna. Enjoy the adventure, taking photographs for memories and leaving your footprint only.
Altitude Sickness and acclimatization are the main major topics that all trekkers and adventurers have to encounter on high-altitude treks and adventures. Where all trekking involves high passes like on Manaslu with Larke-La at 5,106 m / 16,752 feet high. Very important to know when traveling to high Himalayan destinations.
Altitude Sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), the symptoms can get to some trekkers from above 2,000 m to 3,000 m high, people with well acclimatized sometimes can catch AMS above 3,000 m to 5,000 m high.
To avoid AMS, a rest day is very necessary at a certain height like around 2,800 m or above 3,000 m spending a few days to support acclimatization. Enough rest and taking a short hike around, as well as drinking much fluid like water, a cup of black or green tea, or lemonade can overcome high altitude sickness or AMS.
Where some can take protective measures using Diamox or Acetazolamide tablets which prevent and reduce symptoms of AMS and can lower headache in high altitude walks and climb. The common symptoms are mild headache, lack of appetite, feeling nausea, dehydration as well as lack of sound sleep. Critical and severe cases are when one gets the symptoms of HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) which is water in the brain and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), a symptom with some water in the lungs.
Where the victim should be brought down to safe and secure places with a medical team or doctors to attend, the fastest means is emergency evacuation by any means of immediate and fast transportation where available. In Nepal Himalaya, the quickest emergency evacuation by Helicopter services is to bring the victims back to Kathmandu for further treatment.
Safe drinking water is the most important part of daily life as well for trekking, safe drinking water is available at every lodge and restaurant on a trek to the Manaslu region. Three main types of safe drinking water available on the trek, which are fresh from the creek or spring, but one needs to have a good water filter, as Himalayan water contains heavy minerals like iron, magnesium, and bicarbonate.
Mineral or bottled water is available in every store, shop, and restaurant of the lodge, but can be very expensive as you reach higher areas the price will be almost double what you pay in lower villages. To be in good shape and healthy and keep fit as per medical advice on high altitude, one needs to consume a minimum of 2 liters per day. The best to buy a liter or more from the lodge on a route around local lodges and restaurants, where you will be served boiled and filtered water which is very safe.
All trekkers and adventurers must purchase Travel as well as Medical Insurance for travel around Nepal Himalaya, including Mt. Manaslu higher region. It is very important and necessary to obtain travel and medical insurance for your own safety purposes and benefits. As you never know what circumstance lies ahead, can get very sick from diarrhea, altitude sickness /AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), as well as sudden accidents in unavoidable situations. Where patients need to be evacuated immediately by any means of quick transport like Helicopter service is the fastest way to reach medical help.
Where all your medical bills including the service of the Helicopter, will be reimbursed by your insurance company, depending upon the nature of the insurance policy. Another reason for travel insurance is just in case the trip can be obstructed by bad weather if the pass gets heavy snow. Where the trek needs to be re-routed to another destination or might get canceled, your travel insurance comes in handy in these types of situations.
Our first topmost priority is maintaining safeness and security to create an enjoyable holiday for all visitors, booked with High Route Adventure Adventure as well for our field staff, guides, and porters. From the moment of the first arrival where you feel safe and get pleased with our dedicated staff and guides. In taking off your needs and requirements while in Kathmandu and throughout your adventure around high Himalayan destinations, including the Manaslu trek.
Guided by an honest and reliable guide and staff, and can communicate easily to gather information about the trekking region. Our guide is well versed in various knowledge of the area, offering much information from flora/fauna, and culture. Including religion and villager’s history and background.
Whether in Kathmandu on tours or up in the mountains, where all clients on every trip of ours feel very secure to enjoy memorable Himalayan holidays with us.
