Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

Duration: 21 Days | Trip Map

Destination: Nepal
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicle / Bus
Food: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge to lodge
Max Elevation: 5210m
Group Size: Min 2 pax

If you are looking forward to a marvellous trek in the less crowded region far from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek could be exactly what you are asking for. This long and adventurous trek takes you to the peaceful and unspoiled Manaslu region to the north-west of Kathmandu valley. Along with the amazing landscapes, stunning mountains and deep gorges, the highly enriched cultural attraction of this region makes this trek extra special.

Manaslu region was opened for trekking in 1991 and used to be the restricted region before the early 90s. The serene beauty and awe-inspiring majesty of this region was then well enough to grow its stature into a famous trekking destination. As this region is maintained and preserved by Manaslu Conservation Area, you can see various endangered animals including snow leopard, pandas, musk deer and Himalayan tahr. During the trek, 10 peaks above 6500m can be seen along with some peaks of more than 7000m and not to mention Mt. Manaslu, the 8th tallest mountain of the world.

Similarly, the Tsum valley lying on the northern part of Manaslu on the Nepal-Tibet border is popular among the trekking enthusiasts after being officially opened for trekking in 2008. Also known as the hidden valley, this region is comparatively less explored meaning the natural magnificence is still preserved along with the rich culture and traditions. This mysterious valley is highly influenced by Buddhism practices and it is clearly reflected in the culture of Tsum people, monasteries, maniwalls and chortens. Tsum Valley trek takes you into the splendid backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges.

A brief visit to Kargyu Chholing Monastery and Pungyen Nunnery at Samagaon are the other notable highlights of this trek. Exploring Milarepa's Cave, the ancient cave where Tibetan yogi named Milrepa meditated to achieve enlightenment, is also the exciting prospect of the trek. A trek into the region of natural beauty, cultural splendour, rich biodiversity, breathtaking mountains, gorges and ancient monasteries, what more could you ask for.

Other treks in Manaslu region you may like: Manaslu Circuit Trek

Marvel Adventure organises Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek with the carefully designed itinerary and professional guides. So, come and explore with us to make sure that you have one of the most memorable trek in the nation of Himalayas. Feel free to contact us if you have any queries regarding this trek.

Highlights

Sightseeing of heritage sites in Kathmandu
Stunning views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges
Highly enriched culture and traditions
Exploring the mysterious Tsum valley
Natural hotspring at Tatopani
Crossing Larkyla La Pass

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Drive to Soti Khola (710m)
After breakfast, we'll get a head start on the day. On a good, paved route between Kathmandu and Dhadingbesi, we enjoy the sights of the steep landscapes, terraces, fields, and rivers. On rocky terrain, the journey from Dhading Besi to Arughat is a little tough. Another two-hour journey from Arughat will take you to Soti Khola, where you will spend your first night at a local lodge.
Day 2 Trek To Machha Khola (870m)
After breakfast, today’s trail rises gradually through beautiful Sal forests. It later drops to pass rice paddies before climbing to the attractive Gurung village of Labubesi (885m). After crossing a suspension bridge at the Nauli Khola falls, the trail drops onto gravel banks along the river before rising slightly to the village of Machha Khola.
Day 3 Trek to Jagat (1340m)
The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River as it climbs and descends mountains. We pass via Khorlabesi and Tatopani villages. We stroll through the forest to Dobhan after crossing the bridge to the east side of the Budhi Gandaki. Cross the Yaru khola river bridge further down the trek. We arrive at Jagat village after crossing another bridge over the Budhi Gandaki.
Day 4 Trek to Lokpa (2240m)
After passing through Jagat, we will cross a bridge over the Dudh Pokhari khola. We walk via Salleri and Sirdibas settlements. The trail then descends to the bigger settlement of Philim, where it crosses the Buri Gandaki via a bridge. There is a checkpoint at Philim where the authorities examine our permits before we enter Tsum Valley. We then contubue on our way to Lokpa.
Day 5 Trek to Dumje (2460m)
From Lokpa, we'll follow the trail uphill and over a ridge to Ganesh Himal Base Camp, and then on to Chumling. Chumling, also known as lower Tsum, is located on the south side of Shingri Himal. Then keep going for a few more hours till you reach Dumje. We will stay overnight at lodge in Dumje.
Day 6 Trek to Nile Chule (3360m)
We will trek to Chule after breakfast, which will take us around 7 hours. This is the last settlement before entering the Upper Tsum Valley from the north. The Nile is located on the west bank of the Shiar Khola, about a 20-minute walk from Chule. On our way to Tsum, we can stop by the Piren Phu cave, which is located near Burji Village at the foot of a rocky cliff. The nearby Shiar Khola, Rachen Gompa, mountains, and farming plains provide us with a breathtaking panorama.
Day 7 Trek to Mu Gompa (3710m)
We hike up to Mu Gompa and visit to the monastery. Mu Gompa is located around 3,700 meters above sea level, surrounded by towering mountains. It is also the biggest monastery of the region. The trek will be of round 4 hours, quite short yet remarkable.
Day 8 Explore around Mu Gompa
We will spend the whole day visiting Mu Gompa and surroundings. Climbing minor peaks, reaching base of Pika Himal and enjoying sensational views of Tibet and Tibetan peaks are the major highlights of the day.
Day 9 Trek to Rachen Gompa (3240m)
Day 10 Trek down to Chumling (2385m)
Day 11 Trek to Deng (1860m)
Day 12 Trek to Namrung (2630m)
Day 13 Trek to Lho (3180m)
From Namrung, we again enter the Buddhism influenced region and probably to higher altitude.We will climb through the forest to Lihi and then descend to the village Sho. Another steep climb takes us to Lho , where we will be staying overnight at campsite on a ridge.
Day 14 Trek to Samagaun (3500m)
The trail once again drops to a river and yet again, is followed by a climb. The climb ends at the village of Shyala and the valley starts to open up with the trail turning into an easy walk through the pasture lands. At the far end of the village, overlooking the valley stands the well-known monastery of Sama. Samagaun, where we are going to stay is a village inhabited mainly by the Tibetans and lies at the foot of Manaslu.
Day 15 Acclimatization Day at Samagaun
This day is set aside to rest and acclimatize to the increasing altitudes. We stay in Samagaon and explore the surrounding areas. The main attraction of the day is the Pungyen Gompa with a spectacular view of the glaciers. It is situated on a hill near Samagaon. We hike up to the gompa named after the two peaks of Manaslu which means bracelet. It was destroyed when the Japanese first tried to summit the peaks. It was believed that the expedition to reach the summit might have angered the Gods. After the detour, we come back to Samagaon and spend the night there.
Day 16 Trek to Samdo (3860m)
We follow the Budhi Gandaki River up to a stream which we cross on a suspension bridge.The trail gradually climbs through the valley and continue to follow the river. The path then gets steeper at the end of the day and reaches the village of Samdo, with a view of Samdo Peak (6335 meters) towering on the east direction.
Day 17 Trek to Dharamasala (4480m)
The trail gradually descends briefly and then starts to ascend afterwards towards the Larkya Glacier. The path becomes easier and ends at the Dharmasala,also known as Larkya la Base camp. This short walk to Larke Phedi provides us enough time and rest to acclimatize for the further trek.
Day 18 Cross the Larke La pass (5213m) and Trek down to Bimtang (3720m)
An early start and a gradual ascend to the Larkya Glacier only ends at the top of the pass. The top rewards with the views of Himlung (7126 meters), Annapurna II (7937 meters), Kang guru (6981 meters) and several other pinnacles standing above 6000 meters. A steep drop starts on the snow and later on, the glacial moraine continues for the rest of the day as the descending trail passes through the area of low pastures to connect you with Bimthang.
Day 19 Trek down to Tilije (2300m)
Day 20 Trek to Dharapani
Day 21 Drive back to Kathmandu from Dharapani

What to Expect

What's included

Standard meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
Government license holder guide
Strong and helpful porter with proper equipments (1 porter for 2 people)
Salary,food,accommodation and insurance for guide and porters
Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek
All land transportation as per itinerary
TIMS (Trekking information Management System) card
ACAP and MCAP entry permits
Special permits for Manaslu region and Tsum valley
Comprehensive first aid kit
All government and local taxes

What's not included

International Airfare and taxes
Nepal entry visa fee
Your Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu
Entrance fee in the heritage sites during city tour.
All the expenses of personal nature
Any kind of drinks and desserts during the trek
Tips to guide and porter (Tipping is expected)

Request a Private Date

Useful Information

1. Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all clients undertaking any trip. It should provide adequate security for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue and loss of luggage. Make sure that your insurance policy covers up to 2500-5000 meters of altitude.

2. Packing List

Sunglasses
Sun-Cream and Lip Balm with high SPF
Hat/Cap
T-shirt, Vests and Shirt
Fleece/Sweater
Fleece Jacket
Down Jacket
Waterproof Jacket and Trousers
Warm Gloves
Hiking Boots
3-4 pairs of socks
Day pack (30-40 liters)
Torch light
Water bottle (Minimum 2 liters)
Small Hand Towel
Sleeping Bag for up to -15 Degree Celsius

3. Guide and Porter

We provide experienced, knowledgeable and honest guide with good communication skills in English language to make your trip wonderful. The guide will provide all the information about the mountains, different histories, cultures, traditions and many more. We will provide 1 porter for 2 people. The porters are helpful as well as strong and will carry a maximum of 25 kgs combined. After giving the best services along with the hard works up in the mountains, guides and porters expect some tips from your side. Tipping culture is very common in tourism sector.

4. Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude. It commonly occurs above 3000 meters. It presents as a collection of nonspecific symptoms, acquired at high altitude or in low air pressure, resembling a case of "flu, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a hangover". However, most people can ascend to 3000 meters without difficulty.

Primary Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

Lack of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
Fatigue or weakness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Swelling of hands, feet, and face
Insomnia
Shortness of breath upon exertion
Nosebleed
Persistent rapid pulse
Drowsiness
General malaise

Prevention:

Ascending slowly is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. Avoiding strenuous activity such as skiing, hiking, etc. in the first 24 hours at high altitude reduces the symptoms of AMS. Alcohol and sleeping pills are respiratory depressants, and thus slow down the acclimatization process and should be avoided. Alcohol also tends to cause dehydration and exacerbates AMS. Thus, Marvel Adventure strictly suggests avoiding alcohol consumption in the first 24–48 hours at a higher altitude.

Guides and porters from Marvel Adventure are very much familiar with this problem due to their experience. All of them are trained with basic medical trainings and hence they definitely can help you.