Round Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

Trip Overview

A trek around Manaslu mountain along with the trip extension to the Tsum valley is the most complete trip in this area which covers all the major sites of the attraction of this region. Although the Manaslu area was opened for trekking since 1991, this area is still unspoiled and less crowded in comparison to other trekking destinations. Moreover, Tsum valley is even new to most of the trekkers as this area was opened since 2008 only and the tea houses have recently been established in Tsum area which is pretty basic.

Travelers visiting in these areas will need to obtain special permits for both Manaslu and Tsum areas and should travel with a licensed guide. The trail ascends and descends through a variety of landscapes including terraced fields, deep gorges, glacial rivers, and dense green forests along with views of Ganesh Himal, Singiri Himal, and Bouddha Himal en-route. Visit to ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and Pungyen Gompa adds spirituality in the trek.

Highlights

Experience the culture and lifestyles of the restricted valleys of Manaslu and Tsum areas.
Visit the ancient monasteries and enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Singri and Bouddha Himal.
Cross one of the high passes of Nepal, Larkya la (5160m).
Chance to extend towards the Annapurna Circuit trail just upon finishing the Manaslu Circuit trail.

Itinerary

Welcome to Kathmandu. You will be received by one of our office representatives at the TIA exit section and escort you to your hotel afterward. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the chance to stroll around the places nearby your hotel on your own.

Hotel

Today you will have a free day in Kathmandu while your specialist will take time to arrange permits for your trek. You will have time to explore around the Kathmandu valley on your own or enjoy the Cultural Day Tour with an experienced tour guide arranged by Trek Guiders.

In the evening, you will be met by your specialist in your hotel lobby. S/he will introduce you to your guide for the trek and brief you shortly about your trek, things to do/ not to do, and any optional activities you may enjoy during the trip. You can ask any queries or share feelings with your specialist during the briefing.

Hotel

Breakfast

After breakfast in Kathmandu hotel, get prepared for a long way drive to Sotikhola. The drive follows the route of Prithvi Highway (road to Pokhara from Kathmandu) at first giving wonderful views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang. After reaching Dhading, the drive leaves the highway to move ahead to Gorkha Bazaar. From here the road starts getting rough. Driving slowly and safely will take you to Sotikhola after around 8 - 10 hours from Kathmandu.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, the trek begins with crossing a bridge and continues with walking a trail of beautiful Sal forest climbing onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. Few hours of walking will take you to Khursane where the rocky trail has way up and down eventually making its way down passing few rice paddies, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. From here walking few more hours will cross a suspension bridge before reaching Machhakhola.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's trail is a bit narrow at first making some minor ups and downs, eventually crossing the Tharo Khola which leads to Khorlabesi. After a few more ascends and descends, you will arrive at a small hot spring where you can take a short break.

From here you will be climbing yet another ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki river and climb on a wide and well-crafted staircase before you reach Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, you will climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, you climb over a ridge and trek along the river finally climbing towards the village of Jagat.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Jagat, start walking along the left bank of the Budi Gandaki River. You will climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri enjoying the view of Singri Himal and then descend to Sirdibas. You will see the valley starting to widen up as the trail continues to Ghatta Khola.

From here, continue walking upstream to a long simple suspension bridge and cross the river heading forward towards Philim, which is a large Gurung settlement village. Philim valley is well known for Japanese made school and police station.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Philim, start walking north across a forest with the views valley getting narrower ahead. Passing through the beautiful pines and rhododendron forest you will walk zigzag steps crossing the small Ekle Bhatti village towards Lokpa, where you will be resting for the lunch.

From Lokpa, you will descend towards the Lungwa Khola and climb up the difficult zigzag trail towards Gumlung. You will then cross the Shiar Khola on a small wooden bridge and finally reach Chumling, lower Tsum area from where a spectacular view of Shingri Himal can be seen.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

For your next destination, start your trip crossing the suspension bridge and continue walking through the farmland enjoying the great views of Ganesh Himal. Upon reaching Rainjam, stop for lunch.

From Rainjam, cross the Serpu Khola bridge to reach the Gho village. The valley opens up into the spacious fields leading you to your destination of the day, Chhokongparo, which is also named "Chhekampar" due to its location on a flat land made up of two different settlements - Chhekam and Paro.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you can visit a cave to pay homage to a saint Milarepa who is believed to have meditated here in the cave for several years. This cave is also popular with the name of 'Piren Phu' which means Pigeon cave and you will need to pay an entrance fee to explore this cave if you want. Watch out for the signs of Altitude sickness while climbing above Chhokangparo and take rest if needed.

Continue trip passing through several villages like Ngakyu and Lama Gaun, you can place a visit to Rachen Gompa by crossing a suspension bridge. Afterward, cross Shiar Khola and move ahead towards the village of Chhule passing through Burji, Phurbe and Pangdun villages.

Chhule is a large village located at an altitude of 3347m where you will see the people in Tibetan costumes. Continue climbing upstream and cross the bridge above Shiyar Khola to reach Nile where you will be staying overnight.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early morning breakfast, start the trip for a visit to Mu Gompa which is considered to be Tsum valley's highest and the last permanent settlement. Walking through an obvious trail with rows of chortens, you will reach Mu Gompa after walking approximately 5 kms. If you have more time, you can also make a visit to Dhephyu Dongma Gompa located west at an altitude of 4060m.

Return back to Nile to grab your stuffs from the lodge and walk back to Chhokangparo via Rachen Gompa. If you did not get chance to make a visit in this Gompa, you can do it now.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at Chhokangparo, retrace back the same path towards the village of Lokpa passing several suspension bridges and through lush green forests via Chumling.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

For your next destination continuing towards the Manaslu circuit trail, you will need to return back up to Philim passing through Ekla Bhatti village area. After crossing the Budhi Gandaki river from Philim, you will continue the Manaslu circuit trail again.

The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. At this point, you will descend to the grassy land slopes and cross the Budhi Gandaki river. You will then trek along the west bank for a while, cross the east bank and then return back again to the west bank. Continuing through the trail the valley widens and you'll pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. Upon crossing this river, you will reach the tiny village of Deng, inhabited by Gurung people.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After you are done with your breakfast at Deng, start the trek with crossing the Budhi Gandaki river first and climb towards Rana located at 1910m. Climb a bit further from here to join a trail from Bhi, heading west to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. This trail passes through the lush forest and Mani Stones where you will turn towards the trail to Ghap.

If you are an avid hiker willing to walk a slightly difficult trail then you can take the route through the Prok Village instead of walking the traditional route followed by most trekkers and guides. The reason for this option is having the chance of getting a viewpoint for a beautiful sight of Siringi Himal. From here you will get to cross the Budhi Gandaki river several times crossing several Gompas en-route. The trail will follow the river upstream through a dense forest leading to a narrow gorge. You will see the forest becoming less dense with fine trails again. After a last steep climb, you will reach your destination of the day, Namrung Village.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Namrung village offers good views of Siring Himal, Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli from the village. You can spend some time here for pictures before you start your trek of the day.

You will first climb steadily and then pass through the forest which leads to a fine village, Lihi, with many Chortens and barley terraces. The trail from here drops and crosses the side valley of Simnamg Himal and Ganesh Himal always close by. You will be passing through many villages like Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages before reaching Samagaon. Extraordinary views of Mt. Manaslu from Lho village and exploring the famous Ribung Gompa is always rewarding.

In Shyala village, you will be surrounded by snowcapped smiling mountains like Himal Chuli and Ngadi Chuli to the left, Manaslu Himal straight ahead and other snowcapped peaks to the right. Ganesh Himal also can be seen at a far sight. Today’s journey ends in Samagaon where you will spend the night.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the first rest day of the trip at Samagaon which is vital to get properly acclimatized with he altitude. You can choose to rest and relax at your lodge at Samagaon or choose to have some activities done on this day.

For those who are interested in exploring more, there is an old Gompa (Monastery) located on a small hill near to the Sama village. The top of this hill offers a great view of Pungyen Glacier. While on the way to this Monastery, you will get to see the rich Sherpa culture of this area and Sherpa women clad in the traditional clothes and ornaments which is quite fascinating. After a short stay there, return back to Samagaon for overnight.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Samagaon, you will descend to the Budhi Gandaki river and follow the trail to a bridge over a side stream. The left side trail here leads to Manaslu Base Camp, which is also worth a day visit for travelers having an extra day during the trip. The valley begins to widen while you pass through several Mani Stone walls on the way. Walking an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing through Juniper and Birch forests of Kermo Kharka is mesmerizing. You will drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki river on a wooden bridge and then steeply climb onto a promontory between two forks of the river. Passing through the large white Kani seen from the stone arch after crossing the river, you will find Samdo, a beautiful small village.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today would be your second rest day of the trip. After breakfast you can either decide to have a full day rest or choose one of the two options you can do on this day.

The first option (recommended one) can be the hike to the valley which is located directly at the back of the Samdo village. This hike takes you to one of the trade passes to Tibet which offers excellent views of Mt. Manaslu along with other Himalayan giants like Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo and Kang Guru behind the pass if you are lucky with the weather.

While walking to this valley, you can have a sight of some beautiful mountain birds like Lophophorus (the national bird of Nepal), Lammergeyer and Himalayan Griffin soaring high above.

Another option can be a trip to the Gya La (large pass) to the north of Samdo which is frequently used as a trading route to Tibet. This option is a longer hiking option and can be tiring for another big day. Hence, not recommended if you are not prepared to face the challenge.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After your breakfast at Dharmashala, you will continue to walk down crossing the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki river and begin walking upward. Before reaching the valley of the Salka Khola you will get to cross two streams and see the Larkya Glacier. From here you will be climbing up again to the stone guest house located at an altitude of 4450m, which is not a lodge actually but a kind of shelter called Dharmashala. The name of the place here is also called or referred to as Larke Phedi.

The short walk today leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon to get prepared for next big day.

Local tent

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will be setting out for a long day hike today crossing a high pass of Larkya La. Starting from Dharmasala, after a short climb, you will reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where you can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak.

Starting up for the pass, you will walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent at first which becomes gradually steeper in the last section of the pass. You will get to see the outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and the majestic Annapurna II from the pass. Today's long trip will end with walking in misty low pastures in the early evening with Mt. Manaslu looming in the distance.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, head out to a ridge at Bhimthang for great views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. Descending to the high pasture of Sangure Kharka, you will cross a bridge over Dudh Khola. Walking through Rhododendron Forest and through a narrow valley, you will reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche (2785m). You will be passing through the lush fields before starting a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank at 2580m before you reach the village of Gho. You can opt to stay at Gho village too if you like but Tilije have better lodges in comparison to lodges at Gho. Walk a little more to have a good night sleep at Tilije.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Tilije, you will climb over a small ridge enjoying the stone paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village. Crossing the bridge over the Dudh Khola, climb up through a Chorten shaped arch and pass a Mani wall reaching the Thonje village. Here you will go through a police checkpoint and continue trek to Dharapani from where the Annapurna Circuit section begins.

Walking further down, you will cross Karte Village and after quite a bit of walking more you will cross Marshyangdi River. You will come across some Mani Walls before reaching Tal village, situated at the foot of a large waterfall.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's trail continues to a steep way to the village of Chyamje crossing the beautiful Marsyangdi River via a suspension bridge once again.

The trail then descends further through picturesque rhododendron and pine forests to get to the village of Syange where you'll stay the night. This is your last night on the trail! Before dinner, make sure to check out the magnificent waterfall in this village.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up with breakfast in Syange and perhaps take one last walk around the village before you hit the road. The drive from Syange to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar offers an opportunity to enjoy both hill and mountain landscapes often coming into direct view with the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. You'll also drive by some beautiful villages with farming terraces on both sides of the road.

In Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your hotel by your trek guide where you'll have the rest of the day to spend on your own.

Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch

You will be picked up from your hotel 3.5 hours prior to your international flight time by one of our office representatives to escort you to the TIA. Trip concludes !!

Breakfast

Commencing this trip

In the 24 days trip, you will start your trek by visiting the Tsum Valley first and then continue to Manaslu Circuit trail afterward. The trip from Kathmandu starts with a drive to Sotikhola from where you will start trek following the Manaslu Circuit Trail initially. After crossing a long suspension bridge at Philim, you will start with your trip towards the hidden valley of Tsum where you will reach up to the highest point of 3700m at Mu Gompa. Exploring the most of the places of attraction in this area, you will retrace the same way back up to Philim where again after crossing the bridge, you will continue the trail of Manaslu Circuit.

If you are an avid hiker and have flexible days for your trip, you can take a slightly different trail via Prok village (2380m) towards Ghap and Namrung from Bihi. Depending on your time and walking capacity, you may consult with your guide to make a day trip up to Kalchhuman Lake located at an altitude of 3685m above the Prok village.

Enjoying the views of great Mountains including Mt. Manaslu, visiting some ancient monasteries and crossing a great Larkya La pass (5160m), you will return back towards the trail which merges with the route to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. You will be driven back to Kathmandu in a private vehicle which will be waiting for you either at Syange or at higher spot depending on your trip itinerary or road condition during the time of trip.

Best time to do this trip

Unlike most of the other treks, this trip is also highly recommended to undertake during Spring and Autumn. March to Mid-June and October till Mid-December will be the best time for the visit which will offer clear skies and visibility of the mountains. Trekking in this region during Summer (monsoon time) and winter is not recommended due to the risk of landslides in summer and heavy snow on the high passes in winter.

What is included?

3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast on twin sharing basis.
21 nights accommodation in standard tea houses during the trek on a full board twin sharing basis (Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee).
Experienced English speaking trek guide and porter/s for the trek (1 porter assigned for 2 travelers).
Kathmandu to Sotikhola & Syange to Kathmandu transfers in private vehicle.
2 International Airport transfers in private vehicle.
All required trek permit fees include Restricted area permit for Manaslu and Tsum areas.
Equipment allowances, salary, and insurance for the trek staffs.
Kit bags/duffle bags for the trek (size 55L).
A first aid kit with basic supplies.
All government taxes.

What is not included?

Single room supplement charges during Hotel stay in Kathmandu.
Lunches and Dinners in Kathmandu.
Soft Drinks and Alcoholic beverages like Coke, Beer, etc. and cigarettes.
Any sort of guided/ unguided city tours and transfers for the same.
Entrance fees for monasteries and museum (if any).
Nepal entry visa fee
Hot shower and hot drinking water during the trek.
Your personal trekking gears and equipment like the sleeping bag, trekking poles, down jackets, etc.
Personal nature expenses related to the phone, wifi, gadget charging, laundry, gratitude/ Tips, snacks expenses, extra meals, tea, and coffees etc.
Your travel insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if any.
Any activities or services not mentioned in "Service included section"

What does our clients say about this trip?

Manaslu circuit & Tsum Valley Private tour (2 persons)

Martin K, Nederlands

30th November, 2022

After knowing Lhakpa already for 8 years we were finally able to make use of his expertise and services to guide us during our 23-25 day trek. We drafted up our itinerary but being with only 4 persons (including our guide & porter) we could & would be flexible during the trek.

We've done other treks in Nepal before but always individually. This was a first to be guided. Lhakpa (Guide) as well as Pasang (Porter and ass. cook) proved to be valuable team mates with their expertise, knowhow and experience. They often knew what we would like (before we even knew it ourselves). Proving their flexibility in offering suggestions to change the daily itinerary whenever they thought best was quite usefull and highly appreciated! Further more, both men are very pleasant travel companions that I more consider as friends than a guide & porter. We had fun together. I would highly recommend them any time to anyone! They will go out of their way to make you feel at home and comfortable on the trek!

Source : Trip Advisor