Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek
Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek Highlights
- Explore the less explored and hidden valleys of the Manaslu region
- Walk to the Tibetan border on the northern side of the Manaslu region
- Visit the antique monasteries, chortens, and gompas in the region.
- Witness the wide-angle display of Mt. Manaslu, Hiunchuli, Ganesh Himal, & Larkye Peak
- Navigate the novel trek routes to the typical Tsum Valley
This 20-day trek takes you through the Manaslu Conservation Area and into the hidden Tsum Valley, a different world close to the Tibetan border. This area was occupied centuries ago when travelers came from Tibet and settled there. Today, you will find a strange blend of Nepali and Tibetan languages, religion, and culture.
The conservation area has grown around Mt Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 m (26,781 ft). It is a restricted area where few outsiders are allowed to go because it is so close to the Tibetan border and has flora and fauna unique to this area.
The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek are reached by air and road. It takes a whole day to get to the starting point of the trek, and the same is true on the return journey.
The other 18 days are taken up by hiking through some of the prettiest countryside in Nepal. Pine forests and rhododendrons bring a peaceful feeling, whereas the gorges, rocky trails, and high mountains bring a feeling of awe and wonder.
There is a high pass to cross, with views of ice falls and these mountains. A high-altitude lake, unique wildlife, and visits to Buddhist monasteries add to the excitement of this trek.
This is a strenuous trek with altitudes over 3,000 m / 9,842 ft and twice over 5,000 m / 16,404 ft. With long days of up to 7 hours of trekking, it is for serious trekkers who are interested in the lifestyle of the local people and in seeing the mountains in a remote setting. As you enter the Tsum Valley area, the landscape, villages, and people become even more Tibet-like, which is, we believe, an added bonus.
The trek itself takes in thundering waterfalls and rivers; challenging rocky trails clinging to cliff faces; Gurung villages with rice and millet terraces; long and mentally challenging suspension bridges; mani walls, chortens, and other Buddhist shrines, particularly on the Tsum Valley section.
Known as a hidden valley, the people, culture, and landscape of the Tsum Valley are closely related to that of Tibet.
The trek goes very close to the Tibetan border. On this part of the trek, you can meet Buddhist monks and nuns and visit Milarepa’s Cave.
Look for beautiful mountain birds like the Lophophorus, Nepal’s national bird.
As far as mountain views go, there are stunning views of Mount Manaslu and the Himalayan ranges of Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Ganesh Himal and Larkye Peak.
From Larkya La there are spectacular views of icefalls and frozen lakes, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the massive Annapurna II.
This is a trek for those who would love to experience changing landscapes and cultures throughout one trip. Stamina is required, but stunning views of snow-capped mountains and a unique experience reward this.
Fixed Departure Dates
| Trip Date | Seats Remaining | |
|---|---|---|
| September 23 - January 1 | 20 Seats Left | Book Now |
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Everest View Land-only package services begin with the evening meal. The hospitality continues as you are whisked away to your accommodation in Kathmandu and meet your fellow travelers at our welcoming dinner. Airport transfers are provided.
Drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola
It’s a long road journey to Maccha Khola, the starting point of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. The scenery may be captivating, but the road is bumpy and uncomfortable.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel. He has two options: he will bring your private jeep to meet you after your leisurely breakfast or he will come by taxi at around 5:30 a.m. to take you to the bus station, where you both will board a local bus.
The jeep is definitely more comfortable and flexible, but the bus is cheaper (included in the price of the trek), if not very restful. Depending on your vehicle, it takes around 7 to 9 hours to reach the first overnight stop. The final few hours are over a bumpy road.
Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat
The beauty of this trek is that you go up to a higher elevation but there is plenty of acclimatization time on the way. Today, we start trekking at a low altitude where the weather will be warm and likely sunny.
Highlights of this first day are suspension bridges, forests, and perhaps a monkey or two since this is the Manaslu Conservation Area. The Budhi Gandaki River is crossed several times, and there are many trails to ascend, only to descend again sometime later. And repeat! This is trekking in the Himalayas!
The overnight stay today is in Jagat village, which mainly consists of Gurung and Tamang people.
Trek from Jagat to Lokpa
Today, we follow the trail on the Manaslu Circuit Trek until we branch off to the Tsum Valley after lunch, and it goes something like this:
Hike through more cooling forests and along streams until we climb up to Salleri village and down again to Siribass village.
The valley then begins to widen until we reach Philm village. We trek to a small settlement known as Ekle Bhatti, through a gorge, across the Budhi Gandaki River again, and into a bamboo forest within a valley.
After lunch, we head off this main trail towards the hidden Tsum Valley, where we continue until we reach Lokpa village.
Trek from Lokpa to Chumling
There is some hard climbing up today and great sights such as a deep gorge, the Lungwa River valley, and the now familiar rhododendron, pine, and juniper forests. Ganesh Himal is perhaps the most prominent mountain today.
When we reach Chumling village, we can visit the nearby Panago Gompa and Gurwa Gompa, both Buddhist monasteries, which are just two of the many you will see on this trek.
Chumling only consists of a few simple houses, and as we reach here by lunchtime, it is a great idea to explore these gompas before settling down for the evening.
Trek from Chumling to Chekampar (also called Chokhangparo)
Shringri Himal is nearby, with a stunning sunrise. Then, we are off to Upper Tsum Valley, where Ganesh Himal is in full view from a high ridge that we pass along.
The settlements we pass today are more and more Tibetan-like. Chekampar is situated in flat meadows and is not just one but two small settlements. Before reaching the village, we must carefully pass over a landslide area.
Trek from Chekampar to Nile
Leaving Chekampar, the trails head towards the last settlement in the Tsum Valley. With the rising altitude, we must be aware of what is happening with our bodies.
Highlights of the day include a Milerapa Cave – a meditation spot by an ancient (11th century) Tibetan guru. This is not the only cave he stayed in Nepal, as he traveled extensively. We are now very close to the Tibetan border; in fact, the Nile is the last settlement in the Tsum Valley.
Before settling down in the teahouse that will be our home tonight, we can visit Rachen Gompa and interact with some Buddhist monks, if possible.
Day Trip to Mu Gompa. Overnight, if possible, or return to the Nile.
Today, we have another opportunity to meet monks at Mu Gompa, the most famous monastery in the region. With its painted murals of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara and its Buddhist artifacts, this is a very interesting place to visit. Once we have visited, we will return to the Nile for the second night.
Trek back from Nile to Chekampar
Today we must retrace our steps back to Chekampar as there is no other trail to hike!
Trek from Chekampar to Chumling
As we descend in altitude, it feels a bit easier to walk as the air is less thin. We really enjoyed the hike today, passing through forests, villages, and along rivers.
Trek from Chumling to Deng
Despite being at low altitude today, the trail has the usual ups and downs to take our breath away! The views of Sringi Himal intrigue us, however, as do the areas of cultivated land—what crops are they growing? We meet the Budhi Gandaki River again, with another suspension bridge to cross and the, by now quite usual, rhododendron forest to wander through.
Trek from Deng to Namrung
Today, we are back on the Manaslu Trek trail. Our day starts with a steep ascent and then a descent to the Budhi Gandaki river. We must pay attention to our feet and our guide as we cross a landslide area.
Finally, we reach Namrung, where some of the best tea shops and lodges are located. The village is situated in a beautiful location, perhaps.
Trek from Namrung to Lho
Today, we meet the Nubri people, who also came from Tibet hundreds of years ago. They are recognizable for their Tibetan-style clothes and lifestyle.
Again, the altitude rises as we walk through the forests, and the wonderful Mount Manaslu keeps us company.
Mani walls and painted gateways greet us as we reach Lho where we will spend the night.
Trek from Lho to Sama Gaun
Today, once we reach Sama Gaun, we have plenty of time to explore this interesting settlement. But first, we hike through more forests and a moss-filled gully.
Sama Gaun is inhabited mainly by Nubri people, who are yak herders. The village is surrounded by yak pastures, and there is a monastery to visit if we wish.
Interestingly, there is a heliport and a health port in this village, which is a huge bonus to the local and surrounding communities. It is likely that we will also be able to connect to WiFi here!
Rest Day or Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa)
This is the perfect location for an acclimatization day before we ascend in altitude. The best way to acclimatize is to keep moving!
There are several choices: you can walk to Birendra Tal, a high-altitude lake, in only a couple of hours or be a bit more energetic.
Hike to Pungyan Gompa, which takes 5 to 6 hours all in. The Nubri people believe Lord Pungyen is the guardian of Mt Manaslu and have dedicated this monastery to him.
There are murals to study and peace and quiet to be found. You can also hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,880m / 15,748 feet), which is around 7 hours.
Manaslu Base Camp may be the more taxing option for the day, but the mountain views are fabulous and definitely make up for all the effort.
Some of the mountains you will see there are Himalchuli (7,893 meters / 25,895 feet), Shringi Himal (7,187 meters / 23,579 feet), and Ganesh Himal (7,319 meters / 24,012 feet).
Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo
From Sama Gaun, it’s a short hike to Samdo. Samdo is an interesting village home to a mainly Bhotia community that follows Buddhism.
From Samdo, you can visit Samdo Peak or neighboring villages. If you choose to visit the peak, you will follow the valley through the herds of grazing yaks and cross the Budhi Gandaki River to White Kani village.
Rest Day or Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border)
Explore the Tibetan border again while acclimatizing for tomorrow’s climb over the Larkya Pass. From the Tibet border, Samdo Glacier and the huge serac at the top of the glacier can be seen, along with many peaks such as Manaslu, Kang Gurung, Larkay Peak, and Hiunchuli.
Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala
Larke Bazaar is a main trading post, long used for trade between Tibet and Nepal. If there is trade going on, we can spend a little time watching the transactions. After passing Larke Bazaar, we cross the Budhi Gandaki River to Dharmasala, where we can see the Larkya Glacier.
Trek from Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass
It’s 3 a.m., and it’s time to move out! Why so early? High winds rise in the late morning/ early afternoon, and it is important to cross any high passes before that happens. It’s those Himalayas again!
We take the pass slowly at 5,160m / 16,929 ft, particularly as the trail is made of rocky moraine.
The views at the top of the pass make that early morning start very worthwhile! From the top of the pass, we can see Himlung (7,126m/ 23,379 ft) and Annapurna II (7,937m / 26,040 ft). On the way down, we can see Pongkar Tal (lake), Salpu Danda Glaciers, and huge icefalls. Stunning!
Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani
This is the final day of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek—and what a trek it has been! As we descend, our breathing normalizes, and we feel the sun’s warmth as we pass through lush landscapes and agricultural lands. We register birdsong and are alert for wildlife as we make our final trek towards home.
Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we head to Tilije to pick up a Private jeep for Beshi Sahar and to Kathmandu.
Includes/Excludes
- Airport Pick up -Drop by Private Tourist Vehichle.
- Two night 3 Star Category hotel in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast.
- During the trek three times full board meals (Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner) & 3X(Tea or Coffee)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project and Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit.
- All land Transportation by Private Vehichle.
- Fresh fruits After dinner everyday.
- Twin sharing private room throughout the trek.
- 1 pcs snicker or Mars Chocolate each person every day
- A trekking guide - Fluent English speaking, experienced, knowledgeable. Mountain porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) together with their payments, gears, foods and accommodations.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- Trekking Map
- Trek Completion Certificate
- First Aid Kit
- Nepal Visa fees on your airport arrival (You should bring US/Euro cash and two passport size picture)
- Personal expenses (Shopping, Laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, mineral water or boiled water, Phone calls, hot shower etc.)
- Tips for guides and porters.
- Your personal insurance
- Rescue in case emergency