Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu, we will receive you in a private vehicle and transfer you to the hotel. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you’re fully prepared for the trip. After lunch, we explore the medieval capital city of Kathmandu.

Today we visit the Boudhanath stupa, and the Hindu’s most holy Pashupatinath Nath temple where the cremation takes place by the holy river Bagmati. Later on, we visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and the oldest market of Nepal “Asan Tole”. Return to the hotel for a brief about your Tsum valley Manaslu trek information.

Your trekking team will arrive at your hotel early, at 6:15 am, to escort you to Macha Pokhari Bus station. Boarding a standard coach, embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, covering a distance of 141.3 kilometers (87.7 miles) over approximately 8-9 hours. Overland driving passes through several villages such as Arughat, Soti Khola, and Macha Khola, tracing the path of the Budhi Gandaki River to its origin.

For those seeking a more comfortable journey, we recommend securing a private jeep from Kathmandu to Machakhola at an additional cost, allowing you to expedite your trek further. A private jeep transportation fee for a group of up to 6 tourists is a maximum of US$ 145 extra.

Traversing Machha Khola and Khrola at their finest, you’ll encounter the inviting hot spring known as “Tatopani.” This natural wonder is nestled in a wooded area leading towards Dovan. Descending from Dovan, the Budi Gandaki River showcases a formidable rapid, and as the elevation rises, both the rapids and the surrounding scenery undergo a captivating transformation. It’s worth noting that Jagat is home to a police check post where trekking permits will be diligently verified.

Departing from Jagat, a descent down an extensive series of stone steps brings you back to the river. Ascend through marvelous stone steps, tracing a path along a terraced hillside leading to the quaint hamlets of Saguleri and Sirdibas, both offering stunning views of Sringi Himal (7,187m).

Continuing our journey upstream, another steep climb awaits to reach the village of Philim. Here, the trail diverges into two options: one crosses a bridge and heads towards Manaslu, while the alternative route leads to the Tsum Valley, ascending for a couple of hours to reach Lokpa (Lakuwa).

Embarking on today’s journey, a leisurely cultural trail leads downhill before gradually ascending. The initial 30 minutes involve a descent to the riverside, where you’ll cross a picturesque wooden bridge. Following this, brace yourself for the final ascent of up to an hour, ultimately reaching the central point of Chumling.

Chumling boasts essential facilities, including a primary-level school and a small clinic, all set against a backdrop of magnificent views of the Ganesh Himal range. This region immerses us in Tibetan culture, marked by the importation of goods from Tibet. Continuing our trek for approximately two more hours, we arrive at Dumje village, providing a welcoming overnight stop.

Embarking on an extensive day of trekking, the challenging trail is well-rewarded by the breathtaking scenic views of the valley. Nestled at an altitude of 3,030m above sea level, Chhokung Paro unfolds on flat terrain, encompassing two settlements, ChhokUng and Paro.

A splendid panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal range, adding to the allure of the journey. Moreover, the area is renowned for its rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage, and it’s noteworthy that certain households here practice polyandry. Cap off the day by staying overnight in the welcoming guest house of Rachen Gumpa.

Nile, standing at an elevation of 3,361 meters, serves as the northernmost village in the upper Tsum valley. Nestled along the banks of the Shiar Khola, Nile comprises a significant number of households. Mu Gompa, situated at the highest and remotest point in the Tsum valley, houses a venerable monastery, and notably, lacks traditional village establishments.

Its a tsum valley, holds historical significance, as the Mu Gompa hiking trail once facilitated the import and export of goods to and from Tibet. Along this trail, you might encounter yak caravans transporting goods to the local villages, providing a glimpse into the historical trade routes of the area.

Embarking on a wholly descending route, this day presents opportunities to revel in glimpses of the distinctive Punchen Himal, characterized by its unique shape. It also involves retracing the path taken during the ascent, culminating in an overnight stay at the lodge.

While on your journey, relish captivating vistas of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. Gomba Lungdang stands proudly as the residence of a splendid and expansive monastery, exclusively inhabited by monks, all of whom are female. Certain areas of this monastery are restricted to men. Experience the enchantment of the most spectacular sunrise, casting its magic over the Ganesh Himal range. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in the lodge.

Our path descends steadily, leading you through Chumling village and onward to Lokpa. Continue to descent from higher altitudes offers a refreshing change, and you’ll find a sense of well-being in this lower elevation. Lokpa, a quaint Lakuwa village, provides a cozy haven for an overnight stay.

We traverse a sturdy metal bridge spanning the Budi Gandaki and journey westward along the river. Begin a walk through a captivating tropical forest, where Bamboo dominates the landscape, offers a picturesque experience.

Crossing the Budi Gandaki once more, we reach Pewa (1730m) and proceed with the ascent into the enchanting Nubri Valley. This region is adorned with numerous symbols of Tibetan Buddhism, providing a rich cultural experience for hikers. Conclude the day with an overnight stay at a lodge in the charming village of Dyang.

Ghap stands as a traditional Buddhist settlement adorned with countless Mani stones and Chortens, reflecting the strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism. As we progress beyond Ghap, a wooden bridge spans the Budi Gandaki River, guiding our path alongside cultivated fields.

Our final stretch of today’s trek involves ascending through a stunning low alpine forest, leading us to the picturesque highland village of Namrung. This hamlet is replete with evident traces of Buddhism. For those keen on exploration, an enticing option is to plan a visit to Black Lake (KAL TAL), extending the journey by an additional day, as this excursion typically requires a full-day tour.

At a Namrung village, there is a police check post again to register our permit details. Continue to cross the Hinan river originating from Linda Glacier, and continue to visit Sho village. Naike peak, Manaslu north (7,774 m), and Manaslu (8,150 m) are visible from here.

Walk to Lho village where a Ribum/Ningoon monastery is located right at the Manaslu foothill.

Almost the top sunrise view can be seen from Salagaon during the entire hiking trip. Travelers continue to pass the stone gate and long Mani stone wall of the village with a full view of Peak 29 ahead. Tourists can make a side excursion to Punggen Glacier from here to get a very close-up view of Mount Manaslu.

In the morning time, a hike to Punggen gompa offers unbelievable views of the entire Himchuli Mountain, Ngadi chuli, and the Manaslu itself. Interested hikers can extend their trip by renting a tent from Shyala to Punggen Gompa to stay for a night’s halt.

A single day trip to Pungyen Gompa is pretty tranquil with a short ascending up on alpine terrain. And continue to follow a small branch route from near to suspension back to Syala Gaon for lunch. Pick your gears and continue your journey to Samagon to stay overnight.

It’s an amazing day for Samagaon exploration however we continue our journey to Samdo village to make a better hiking plan. On the day trip, we hike to Birendra lake in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thin air.

Option day hiking: If you have an extra day time then make a plan to visit the Manaslu base camp day tour only if the weather is clear. It takes about 7/8 hours roughly for going and returning (round trip).

However, we continue the journey further towards Samdo village, one of the easiest day tours after Samagaon as you have to walk over the sandy flatlands. Samdo village is located at 12,632 feet altitude above sea level and is still possible to explore Tibetan Buddhism.

We climb a terraced hill on the opposite bank of the Budhi Gandaki River from here towards a most remote permanent settlement to Samdo. Around two hundred families are living there. You might explore these typical inhabitants going into their local houses to see their daily lives.

Breakfast in Samdo and hike to Samdo Ridge about five hundred meters. Hike Samdo ridge with a Gokyo agency team is important to acclimatize better for yourself and as well as to get a better scenery of the entire Manaslu mountains range.

Lunch at Samdo Guest house, walk to Larke Phedi Guest house. The entire journey offers almost the best view of Mount Manaslu, Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall, and several other majestic peaks along the trail.

Hike a few meters above Dharmasala lodge in order to get better landscapes and altitude acclimatization. On your hikes, you will see blue sheep and marmots (mountain mice), eagles, and some birds. Return to Dharmasala for better sleep. Attention ! that on the next day, while crossing the pass, you should start very early morning around 4 am, so pack your all gear before you go to bed.

Commencing with a delicious breakfast around 3:30 am, our day begins with a prayer for Om Mani Padme Hum. This journey unfolds as we ascend towards Cho Chanda, gradually navigating the steep ascent towards the snow-covered pass. Renowned as the premier multi-day trek in the Himalayas, the Larke La Pass route presents a captivating adventure.

Crossing the Larke Pass proves to be challenging, yet the summit rewards us with an unparalleled vista of the majestic landscape and the pristine white peaks. Among the prominent peaks visible are Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru (6,981m), and the towering Annapurna II (7,937m), creating an awe-inspiring panorama.

Descending is no less exhilarating as we traverse over moraines towards Bhimphedi. Nevertheless this journey concludes with an overnight stay at a Bimthang guest house, marking the end of a day filled with breathtaking scenery and rewarding trekking experiences.

Trek today from Bimthang to Tilje Gurung village presents a diverse mix of pathways, winding through forests and meadows. These encompasses a combination of steep segments, rocky terrain, stream crossings, and traverses through picturesque landscapes adorned with scattered houses. You’ll have a dynamic and engaging experience, showcasing the varied terrain of the region.

Follow downstream of the Marshyangdi River passing through the scattered villages to Dharapani. Dharapani is a center point to get a trail to the Annapurna circuit. A top famous hike in the Annapurna mountains. Touching main trail, drive out to Besisahar with a sharing basis local jeep today takes around 4 hours.

Moreover, immediately we take a local microbus to Kathmandu again on a sharing basis. The drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu takes about another 6 hours. Transfer to hotel and trip ends.