Tsum valley and Manaslu round Trek
21 Days
Strenous
4480m
Spring (March- May) and Autumn ( Sep-Oct)
Manaslu Region
5-7 hours per day
The Tsum valley and Manaslu round trek is taken one of the most adventurous trekking package in the remote area of Nepal. During the trekking, we can have splendid view of mountains – Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himlung, Naike Himal and experience the Budhism culture practiced on the high lands of northern Nepal. It will take us around one of the most famous mountain above 8000m i.e. Mt. Manaslu and will have life time opportunity to explore the hidden treasure of Nepal, which is called Tsum valley. It also offers us the excellent view of Ganesh Himal range, Manaslu rang, Tibetam and Buddha Himalayan ranges. Since the trekking package is one of the strenuous trekking, hence we need to be well prepared, physically fit and properly acclimatized.
Day 01 : Arrive Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
We will pick up you from the airport and lead you to the booked hotel. We will share information about the trip and after that, it is your own day and can enjoy your time followed by welcome dinner.
Day 02 : Preparation and sight seen program of Kathmandu
After breakfast, you will be taken for Kathmandu sight seen program, which includes the visit of Swayambhu temple, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Day 03 : Kathmandu – Arughat- Sotikhola on drive
Distance: 138km
Duration:8-9 hours
It will take about 8 hours to reach Arughat bazaar from Kathmandu. The famous river of this region called Budhi Gandaki flows from the middle of this bazaar. It is a major town of Gorkha district from where our trek starts. Trekkers used to spend their night at Arughat earlier, but nowadays because of construction of road to Sotikhola, we can reach there within two hours' drive from Arughat. We will spend our night at Sotikhola.
Day 04 : Sotikhola - Machi Khola ( 870m)
Distance:14 km
Duration: 5 hours
While on the way to Machi Khola from Sotikhola, we have to cross the bridge and trek through Sal forest. The trail is rocky and it goes up and down with the view of waterfalls. On the way, we will see rice terrace and then again, we have to move up to reach the village of Gurung community called Labubesi. Now, our trail starts to descend to river bed of sand and it follows a trail meandering below the steep, craggy valley side. We will stay at Machi Khola at night.
Day 05 : Maccha Khola – Jagat ( 1340m)
Distance: 22 km
Duration: 7 hours
Now, the trail from Machha Khola starts to move up and down and crossing the river- Tharo Khola, we will reach Khorlabesi. If we follow the trail of more ups and downs, then we will reach hot spring called Tatopani. Again, we have to climb over another ridge and then cross Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Then there comes staircase, across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. After we cross on a suspension bridge on Dobhan Khola and we climb up along the trail to Duman. Now another place will come called Yaru Khola and to reach there, we have to ascend to Budhi Gandaki. There is a suspention bridge over Yaru Khola and after crossing over it, we will have to climb more to reach Tharo Bharyang. Crossing to the west bank of Budi Gandaki and then trekking more lead us to the place called Jagat, office of Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and police check post.
Day 06 : Jagat- Lokpa ( 2240 m)
Distance: 18 km
Duration: 7 hours
We will be at Salleri within 30 minute we leave Jagat from where we can the range of Shringi Himal. We will be crossing long bridge and ascend Philim, which is a major village of Tsum valley located on a small plateau. It has a check post of Manaslu Conservation Area Project, a school funded by Japan, community health post and small hydro plant. We will find farmland, which looks beautiful and it is ahead of Philim and then we trek a village called Ekle Bhatti. Now, the valley becomes narrow and scene of waterfall is juts excellent. Then, we will follow the trail for about two and half hours to cross a bridge made of metal over Budhi Gandaki. If we take left turn of the trail, we will be doing Manaslu circuit, but we will take right to catch the trail, which will take us to Tsum valley towards narrow valley of Syar Khola. We will be surrounded by beautiful landscapes when we are at the top of Lokpa and we can also see nice view of beautiful mountain- Ganesh Himal.
Day 07 : Lokpa- Chumling ( 2386m)
Distance: 11 km
Duration: 5 hours
The trekking trail from Lokpa to Chumling is challenging and tough. It goes up and down through a dense forest. We will have to follow the path along Shia Khola before we climb up and down in a dense forest of pine trees. We will go down slowly to the rives, walking over the cantilevered metal bridge fixed at a cliff face. Tsum valley was remained completely isolated for few months in 2016 after the river sliced down this section. There is a suspension bridge fixed over Syar Khola, which we have to cross to reach Chumlin. It is one of the Buddhist village of this region with old monastery, traditional houses, stone paved streets and mani walls. It also has one school, a small clinic, prayer flag and this villages gives immense feelings of Buddhism culture and tradition.
Day 08 : Chumling – Chokangparo ( 3030m)
Distance: 10 km
Duration: Approximate 6 hours
Our next destination is Chokangparo and it is five hours trekking from Chumling. On the trekking, we will have the refreshing view of Lumbo peak, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal I, II and IV. Going through the dense forest of pine tree, the trek is quite difficult because of the long, unrelenting uphill to Chopangparo. Walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Village. Crossing over the bridge o Serpu Khola, we arrive at Gho village. We have walk another 2 hours to climb Tsum and we will be at the village named Chhokangparo. If the weather is good, then we can have fantastic view of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal. We will spend our night at Chhokangparo.
Day 09 : Chokhangparo – Nile ( 3360m)
Distance: 12 km
Duration: Approximate 5 hours
Today we will reach Ngaku Leru, which is a village of farm with wheat, buckwheat, mustard, potatoes etc. The trail is very easy with mild walk through gombas, chortens and mani walls, We will visit Rachhen Gumba later, therefore, we move towards Lamagaon. On the way to Lamagaon, we will find monastery and beautiful view of landscapes. Other options available with us to visit are Burji village, Milereppa ( Piren Phu) and Chi Phu Gompa. Then, there comes a suspension bridge, which we will cross and going the next side of Syar Khola, we will be at Phurwa and Pangdun Monastery. Now, we are entering another major village called Chule. We can visit Gonhgye Gomba at Chule and have lot of information about Buddhism. If we walk further, then we can see long mani walls with craving of Milereppa. If the weather supports us, then we can see the fabulous view of sunset over the mountain and village.
Day 10 : Nile - Mu Gompa ( 3700 m)
Distance: 8 km
Duration: Approximate 2 hours
After doing breakfast at Nile, we will move towards Mu Gompa. It will take two hours to get there from Nile and is the last village of Tsum valley located above Syar Khola. While exploring the monastery, we will have opportunity to learn about Buddhism through religious books. The statues of Avalokiteshwara, Guru Padmasambhava and Tara will refresh us and we will forget our tiredness. The scenery of Longnang glacier and pasture of yak cannot be described in words. Another historic monastery we can visit is Dhephu Doma Gompa, which is considered 600 years old. It has safely preserved ancient thankas. From Mu Gumpa, the view of Ganesh Himal is excellent. We will spend our night at Mu Gompa and if the weather is favorable, then we can walk up to Dupchet. Further trek will take us to Bhajyo and we can make a day trip to Nepal Tibet at Nueladajyen Bhanjyang at 5093 meters and return to Mu Gompa.
Day 11 : Mu Gompa /Nile to Ranchen Gompa (3240m/10630ft): 12km/3-4 hours
Distance: 12 km
Duration: Approximate 4 hours
We may face altitude problem while going up from Chhkamparo, therefore, we need to be careful. Then we will be Lamagaon and crossing suspension bridge, we will arrive at Rachen Gumba. This gumba also known as Nunnery Gumba was established in 1905 and it has 1000 terracotta images of Avalokiteshowra. It also has images of other gods, goddesses and gurus related with Mahayan Buddhism. The interior of Rachhen Gumba is very impressively painted with stories related with Buddhism.
If we are interested to vist the gumba and then we can visit there. Then crossing Shiar Khola and we continue our trekking through the villages – Lar, Phurbe and Pangdun. We can also see historic stupa of Buddha on the way to another village – Chhule and climbing up, crossing the bridge and then we will be at Nile. Today, we take more time to explore around Mu Gompa and then trek down to Ranchen Gompa. Wandering from Mu Gompa through the middle valley is gratifying to experience.
We trek down via Chule, Pangdun, Phurbe, and Lar villages. From Lar village, we reach the impressive Rachhen Gompa in about 4 hours. Ranchen Gompa, a nunnery of the Nagk-pa section established in 1905, houses 1000 terracotta images of Avalokiteshowra (Chenresing) and other idols narrating to Mahayana Buddhism. The rich interior painted with murals portrays Buddhism and its history. We can either spend the night at Ranchen Gompa or can go to Lamagaun for the night's rest.
Day 12 : Rachen Gompa - Lokpa (2240m) via to Ripchet (2470m)
Distance: 20 km
Duration: Approximate 8 hours
We have to be at Domje to have our lunch, therefore, we must start our trek early in the morning. After leaving Rachhen Gumba, we will trek through Chhokung, Paro and and Domje. There are two high bridges, which need to be crossed to reach Ripchet valley. It is situated above Siyar khola on a ridge and is comparatively poorer than other villages of Tsum valley.
The fields of Ripchet valley are grown with barley and buckwheat and chortens can be found near the border of pine forest. Now, our descending trek starts to Gumlung at the bank of Sarli river. We have to cross this river and walk on the trail to make final climb through the pleasant forest to get back to Lokpa It is a nice village from where we will be starting our trip to Manaslu trail. We can also see Nyak village from Lokpa, which is green village oppositely situated on the flat plateau above Budhi Gandaki.
Day 13 : Lokpa - Bihi Phedi (1990m)
Distance: 15km
Duration: 5-6 hours
We will have to trek at the north side of Lokpa and cross on a bridge to move towards Manaslu trail. Then we will leave the trail to Nyak at the left climbing slowly on wide trail into the pine forest. There are two suspension bridges, which we have to cross and walk through the dense forest of rhododendron, bamboo and other flowers.
During this walking, we will have the fantastic and beautiful look of Ganesh Himal IV at our back. About an hour of middle level trekking, we have to use suspension bridge to cross Deng Khola and arrive a village called Deng. From this village, we can find Ganesh Himal at our back side where as other mountains – Lapuchen and Dwijen Himal at our north side. Now, we start descending steeply towards another village called Rana village.
Our climbing through pine forest continues as we cross the bridge to reach Bihi Phedi from where excellent view of Kuntang Himal can be seen. The artistic manis on thi trail indicates about our entry to Manaslu region influenced by Buddhism.
Day 14 : Bihi Phedi - Namrung (2630m): 14.5 km/5-6 hours
Distance: Approximate 14.5 km
Duration- 5-6 hours
With the refreshing view of Kuntang Himal, we will leave Bihi village in the early morning after breakfast to reach Bihi village. We will see many manis built by the local people of Bihi village indicating their great passion towards Buddhism. There is also a monastery popularly called Serang Gompa at the foothills of Sringi Himal. It is considered as one of the major meditation site of Guru Ronpochhe. We will cross Serang Khola following a trail, which continues high above Budi Gandaki river.
After walking for two and half hour with the spectacular scenery, we will walk on the bridge to cross Budi Gandaki and we will be in Ghap. After we leave Ghap, we have to climb and walk through another dense forest of rhododendron, bamboo and oaks. Then, there comes a suspension bridge, which we have to cross built over Budhi Gandaki river. On the trail, we can see the national bird of Nepal- Lophophorus in the forest. Finally, we will arrive our destination for today- Namrung. This is the first village of Nubri and most of the people speak Tibetan language and follow Buddhism. Locally, Nubri means western ridge or western mountains.
Day 15 : Namrung - Shyala (3500m)
Distance: Approximate 14 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
From Namrung, we have to trek through barley field and pasture to get another human settlement i.e. Banjam. Now our climbing starts steep and we will get to Lihi ( 2920m). During the trekking, we can have the splendid view of mountains- Ngadi Himal and Manaslu.north. Then, we will enter another beautiful village, which is locally called Sho.
Our walking through the field of buckwheat, wheat and barley continues with the beautiful view of Ngadi Chuli. After descending from Sho and crossing a small river, we will reach Shrip, where we can find the local women busy in weaving. We will now take a short but steep ascent to reach Lho village. In this village also, we can see local women working on the looms. This village has Nyingma Rimjug Gompa, where more than 100 monks stay and study. We can just wander and explore around this village to have look on chorten, prayer flag and mani representing the practice of Buddhism culture and religion. At out backdrop, the spectacular view of Manaslu can be seen.
Our trekking continues on the barley fields, descending and crossing a small river on wooden bridges. Then, we start ascending through forest crossing a small hydroelectric project and our hiking will keep on until we reach Hong Sangbu Gompa. It is at the seasonal herding spot called Musitang Kharka and is surrounded by mountains. Our next destination is Shyala, where we will spend our night. To reach this place, we have to climb down and experience the local women working in an old mill roasting barley to convert into tsampa. It is the place of summer settlement with new lodges and old houses from where excellent view of mountain panoramas can be seen.
Day 16 : Shyala - Sama Gaon (3520m)
Distance: Approximate 12 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
While going from Shyala to Sama Gaon, we see a stream made from Pung Ghyen glacier and it has to be crossed to ascend next to the small river. Now, we can visit Pung Gyen Monastery and its backdrop becomes fascinating because of Mt. Manaslu. Carefulness is needed from our side while walking on icy and slippery path through Numla Khola and debris f Pung Ghyen glacier. While we look down the village from this place, we can see excellent view of glacial lake and Mt. Manaslu. One important fact we should know about Pung Gyen Monastery that it was destroyed by avalanche in 1953. The current state of the monastery was restored one. In the area of this monastery, we can find a cave gompa from where we can more better panorama of the valley. After spending some time at this place, our return journey to Mansalu starts and trek to Sama gaon to spend our night. It is a bigger village of Manaslu circuit located at the base of Mt. Manaslu.
Most of the people living in this place are of Tibet origin and their religion is Buddhism. While wandering around the village, we can see manis, prayers. and chhortens. These establishments are the indications of the local people of this village showing great passion towards Biddhism. The people living in this village grow barley and potatoes for just three months. In the remaining months, they become engaged in trading with lower villages and Tibet. The houses of this village is made of stone, wood and shingles with animal pen underneath their homes.
Day 17 : Acclimatization day at Sama Gauon (Hike to Manaslu Base Camp-14km/8hours)
Distance: Approximate 14 km
Duration: 7-8 hours
On this day, we can take rest, but it is better for us to acclimatize to make our further trip easier. Therefore, we can trek to higher altitude and go towards Glaciel Birendra lake. If we have more capacity and interested to explore more, then we can trek up to the base camp of Mt. Manaslu. It can be reached with the walking time of 7-8 hours. It would be better if we start our journey in the early morning so that we can avoid sun burn and have best views of Mt. Manaslu, Birendra Glacier lake and the village. During the expedition season, the base camp of Mt. Manaslu is crowded with mountaineers, sherpas, porters and tents.
As we continue our trip to the base camp of Mt. Manaslu, the mountain landscape becomes more beautiful with the view of Mt. Manaslu, Naike peak and surrounding hills. The highest altitude that we reach on this package is 4800 m, where we feel we are in mountains.
Day 18 : Samagaun - Samdo (3875m)
Distance: Approximate 8km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Today's trekking is very short so we can do comfortably starting from Samagaon. We will cross a bridge and walk west towards Mt. Manaslu base camp and Birendra lake. Going through the forest of past juniper, rhododendron, birch, we will find a lake below us and will move near to the majestic icefall of Manaslu glacier. During our trekking to Samdo, we need to cross a stream moving towards north and will pass by the left side of lengthy mani walls at Kyongma Kharka. Finally, we will be able to locate chortens of Samdo.
We will trek back to Budhi Gandaki and do short climb that will lead us to Samdo after crossing a bridge. This village has a small monastery and it is also the village of people, whose ancestors from Tibet following Buddhism culture and they are found in the farm looking after sheep, yaks, goats, horses.
Day 19 : Samdo - Larkya Phedi/ Dharamsala (4480 m)
Distance: Approximate 6 km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Today is also short day trekking of 3-4 hours walking from Samdo to Larkya Phedi. Crossing a small bridge and heading towards west above the Larkya Bazaar, then we will go through field and walk on grassy plateaus of short juniper bushes and rhododendron. The scene of landscape become more beautiful as we move ahead. On the side of the valley, we can have magnificent view of glacier, which comes from Manaslu and Manslu north peaks. Then finally, we will be at the high camp of Larkya La pass called Dharamsala.
We can see blue sheep in the barren slopes and the temperature of this place is very cold, therefore, we need to keep ourselves warm in the afternoon. If we are strong and want to wander more, then we can climb more on the ridges of Samdo valley to enjoy the birds flying and blue sheep. At the south side of us, the view of Naike Peak is just fantastic and in front of us, we can see the summit point of Mt. Manaslu.
Day 20 : Cross Larkya La (5160m) - Bimthang (3590m) 16km/8-9 hours
Approximate distance: 16 km
Duration: 8-9 hours
We have to trek longer today, hence, we need to get ready early in the morning for the breakfast. Initial trek of about 30 minutes is little bit easy. Then, we will trek along the right side of debris of Larkya glacier and then through the narrow bottom of the valley. We will arrive the valley, which is at the north side of Larkya glacier. From this place, the view of Ganesh Hima I (at the east side) and Larkya peak (at the west side) can be beautifully seen. We will continue our trek on glacial debris and most of the time, it is snowy. After two hours of walking, we will be at the small hut located at an altitude of 4920m.
If we walk two and hours from here, then we will be at the top of Larkye pass. It has small ridges, frozen lake and last portion of the summit is steeper. From the top, we can see Samdo peak and other border peak of Tibet and Nepal. On the west side of Larkye pass, other mountains like Annapurna II, Kang Guru, Himlung and Cheo Himal can be seen very clearly. It is also very windy place and then climbing high through razor edge ridge followed by a sharp drop. Carefulness is needed very much on this trail since it is slippery and icy. We will walk on the trail that takes us to the left side of Salpu Danda glacier debris. We will locate a comfortable place to have our packed lunch and then descend steeply.
During this walking down, we can see pastures with short rhododendron, primulas and azalea. It will be our about three hour difficult descending walk to reach Bimthang. If luck is in our favour, then we can get opportunity to encounter with blue sheep, pika, marmot and Tibetan snow-cock track with the high chance to see snow leopard.
Day 21 : Bimthang – Dharapani ( 1965m)
Approximate distance: 24 km
Duration: 6-7 hours
Today is the day of descending, which starts from Burdin Khola to the highest cultivating area in the village called Karche. Then we again move downward to Gho followed by the trek to Tilje. We will then Dudh Khola on a wooden bridge and arrive at Dharapani.
Day 22 : Dharapani – Ghermu
Distance:
Duration : 6- 7 hours
We will go south direction from Dharapani and will be at the mail trail leading to Annapurna circuit. Now, crossing Marshyangdi river on a suspension bridge, then we reach Karte village. Again, we will cross Marshyangdi river and trek on high cliff and will find many tea houses on the route. We switch back and walk the steep trail and again cross the Marsyangdi River again. Now, we will be Tal village located at the banks of river. Continuing our trek on the bank of river, we will ascend to mani walls and again descend steeply through the tea houses at Sattale village. Our ascending and descending continues through the forest and cross another bridge to reach Chamje village. It is very beautiful village with so many tea houses.
Then, we will descend on the rough road with beautiful view of river and waterfalls to reach Jagat. Our walking contuse through the forest of rhododendron and pine forest and then reach another small village called Syange. We can find many teahouses and have look on waterfall at this village. Then we continue our trek to Ghermu for the night stay.
Day 23 : Ghermu – Besisahar
Approximate distance:
Duration: 4- hours
From Ghermu, we will go through several villages known as Bulbule, Khudi etc. On the trekking, we will see local people heavily involved in the farming work in terrace field and village. Our walking continues alongside the left bank of Marshyangdi river until we reach Besisahar. Our arrival to this place indicates the end of this long trip and we will drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 24 : Drive Besi Sahar to Kathmandu by bus
Distance:
Duration: 7-8 hours
It will take maximum 8 hours to reach Kathmandu from Besi Sahar. Our driving will move along the banks of Marsyangdi and Trishuli river with the excellent view of green hills, mountains and villages and finally we reach Kathmandu.
Day 25 : Departure
Have a safe journey
Inclusion
- All airport/hotel transfers
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel (Hotel Moonlight) in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Guesthouse accommodation during trekking in the mountains
- Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during trek
- All ground transportation as per the itinerary by private vehicles
- All necessary staff with experienced leader (guide), assistant guide (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
- All necessary paper works; trekking permits (ACAP, special permit for Manaslu)
- Welcome dinner
- Exclusive Medical Kit Bag
- All government and local taxes
Exclusion
- Nepalese visa fee
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance(Should be covered helicopter evacuation incase of problem on the trek and medical also)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
Note
We shall not be responsible for any changes and alterations in the itineraries due to avoidable circumstances i.e. landslide, road blockage, floods, snowfall, political unrest, cancellation of flights, delay arrivals, sickness or accidents and any extra cost incurring there of shall be borne by the clients themselves at the spot. It is mostadvisable for clients to have full INSURANCE against medical and personal accidents.