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Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

19 Days

Trip Highlights

  • Trek around Mt Manaslu (8,163 m) – the worlds eighth tallest mountain
  • Milarepa Piren Phu Cave (pigeon cave), the most sacred cave in the Tsum Valley
  • Majestic views of glaciers, lakes, rocks, and mountains – Manasalu, Himchuli, Ganesh, and many more on Nepal- Tibet border
  • Cross Larkya La Pass ( 5,106m) – one of the longest passes in the Himalayas
  • Ancient Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and Tibetan lifestyle

Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek starts from Sotikhola, climbs up the Budhi Gandaki Valley through pine and rhododendron forest, and heads up over a ridge that leads to Lokpa, the entrance to Tsum Valley. However, it will take us three days to reach Lokpa. From Soti Khola, we begin ascending – the first day, we will stop at Machha Khola, followed by Jagat, and finally at Lokpa. From Lokpa, you hike to Chumling, known for its three monasteries – Pango Gumba, Mani Dhungyr, and Gurwa Gumba. After a night at Chumling, you will head to Chhokangparo via Domje (the largest village in Tsum Valley). Chhokangparo is famous for its magnificent views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal. As you hike from Chhokangparo into the upper inner Himalayan valley through refreshing bamboo and exotic rhododendron forests in lower regions. Higher trials pass through silent alpine glades and rugged high mountain deserts. You will also be visiting Piren Phu cave- the most sacred cave in the region on your way to Nile from Chhokangparo. From Nile, you will ascend further to Mu Gompa – the highest point of the Tsum Valley Trek. Then we descend back from Mu Gompa back to Lokpa and then continue in Manaslu Circuit Trek.

From Lokpa, you will trek west and reach Deng for the night. On the way, you will pass through Ghap, Rana, and Bhiphedi villages. The next destination in this trek is Namrung village – the locals at Namrung are Tibetan descendants. The next day, we leave Namrung and head to Sama Gaun. On the way lies Lho – which is full of mani wall entrance gates and several Buddhist Gompas. After Lho, we trek via Shyala Village to Sama Gaon, known for Sama Gaon Monastery. We will stop for a day at Sama Gaon for acclimatization. During this day, you can choose to visit Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, or Pungyen Gompa.

Larkya La Pass is not far from Sama Gaon. You just need to trek for a day to Dharmasala. The following day early in the morning, you will hike from Dharmasala to Bhimtang – on the way lies Larkya La Pass (5,160m). The pass is famous for stunning views of Cheo Himal, Kanguru, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna II. It is one of the longest passes in the Himalayas. By reaching Bhimtang, you are near the end of this trek. From Bhimtang one can walk to Gho then Dharapani. You will catch a jeep to Besisahar at the end of the trek.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Soti Khola (730m) from Kathmandu via Arughat
Day 2: Trek to Machha Khola (890m) from Soti Khola
Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1400m) from Machha Khola
Day 4: Trek to Lokpa (2,040m) from Jagat
Day 5: Lokpa (2,040m) to Chumling (2,386m)
Day 6: Trek to Chhokangparo (3,010m) from Chumling
Day 7: Trek to Nile (3,361m) from Chhokangparo via Milarepa Piren Phu Cave
Day 8: Trek to Mu Gompa (3,700m) from Nile
Day 9: Mu Gompa (3,240m) to Chhokangparo (3,010m)
Day 10: Trek to Chumling (2,386m) from Chhokangparo
day 11: Trek to Deng (1860m) from Chumling
Day 12: Trek to Namrung (2,900m) from Deng
Day 13: Trek to Sama Gaon (3,530m) from Namrung
Day 14: Rest day in Sama Gaon (3,530m)
Day 15: Trek to Dharamsala (4,460m) from Sama Gaon
Day 16: Trek to Bhimtang (3,720m) by crossing Larkya la Pass (5,160m), 7-8 hours
Day 17: Trek to Gho (2,550m) from Bhimtang
Day 18: Trek to Dharapani (1,860m) and drive to Bensisahar
Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,350m) from Bensisahar.

Join with Us on a Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

Customize your trip: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste. For more information please Send Us A Message

Trekking Seasons in Nepal!

There are 4 distinct seasons in Nepal and trekking in each season has its own advantages and disadvantages. So check our page for trekking seasons. And please contact us for the month, date and duration to match your trip.

Trip Info

We would like to provide some information that will help you with each of your considerations. Please read below for the more information.

  • The cost of the trip always depends on the size of the group, (category of the hotel) and the client’s desire budget.
  • The included itinerary is a guideline that AlpineTrav Treks provides you with advice and tips. This trekking itineraries can be modified according to your time and requirements.
  • Additional activities may be added or subtracted as per the customer's request prior to confirmation of the trip after mutual understanding between both AlpineTrav Treks and the customer.
  • The price will be adjusted on our mutual agreement, ie, if the customer wants to add some services, we will charge for those additional services and if he wants to reduce some services, we will reduce the charges accordingly.
  • The itinerary is published in full board operation services for the clear understanding of the client. But, among many options such as hotel facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara, the client can make his/her own choice.
  • The cost - depends on the number of guides, porters and also on the mode of transport too (private car, tourist bus or 4WD jeep).
  • Please feel free to contact AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions for any information about in your selected package.

Details Itinerary

After breakfast, we will begin our journey with a drive west of Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway. The scenic ride lets you enjoy views of terraced farms, raging rivers, beautiful villages and dense forests. You will cross the Trishuli River and continue to Dhading Bensi and Arughat, continuing along the Dorandi River to the north of Gorkha with picturesque villages. From the road, you can see a beautiful view of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. But our destination is two hours away from Arughat to reach Sotikhola.

We continue to follow the low valley to the north, observing the majestic Himalayan peaks from time to time as we hike up the picturesque densely forested Buddhi Gandaki Valley. The route passes through several small villages until the valley widens. From the opposite side of the valley, you will see a large stream flowing into the Budhi Gandaki River. As we continue our journey, we reach the beautiful village of Lapubesi (880m). From Lapubesi, we descend to a meandering path to reach Macha Khola.

We cross the Tharo Khola river and head upstream to Khola Beni. The route takes your forward alongside dramatic gorges with waterfall sculptured rocks and some landslides. After crossing a bridge, we reach a tiny village of Kholabesi and then natural hot springs at Tatopani. From the hot springs, we catch another trial and cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a suspension bridge. We will then walk past a landslide and reach Dobhan village. From Doban, we cross a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola and climb stone stairs to Thado Bharyang before ascending to the charming village of Jagat. Jagat is the entry point of Manaslu Conservation Area.

We make an entry into the restricted region of Manaslu by climbing over a ridge to Salleri. We walk along the riverbanks then cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a long suspension bridge. As we continue to walk, the valley widens towards Philim. As we pass Ekle Bhatti, the trail separates one takes you to Tsum and the other Manaslu. We hike up towards Lokpa across several villages. Rivers become narrower, and we can see the confluence of Syar Rivers from Tsum valley. We trek on the right side of Tsum valley to reach Lokpa village, the first village in Tsum valley that provides clear views of the Manaslu range.

After breakfast, we start walking from Lokpa Village- a wild route entrance to Tsum valley. On a clear day, you can get stunning views of Baudha Himal (6672m) and Ganesh Himal VI from the routes joining Lokpa to Chumling. Our trail first descends to Lungwa river valley, then climbs up through a subtropical forest of dense rhododendron and pine. There are no villages between Lokpa to Chumling. We will be crossing Syar Khola to arrive at the village of Chumling. A side trip to the upper parts of Chumling takes you to a monastery from where you can catch great views of Ganesh Himal. Chumling has a health post and three monasteries - Panago Gumba, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gumba.

Today, we will enter the upper valley, a part of the inner Himalayas. The trail continues along the Syar River down to Domje - the largest city in Tsum valley. From Domje, we continue climbing uphill to arrive at Chhokangparo. On a clear day, we can get magnificent views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal from Chhokangparo. At Chhokangparo, you will also have the opportunity to experience the hospitality of local (Tibetan group “Tsombo”) people along with Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local meals.

We walk a relatively shorter distance today. The Nile, on the western side of the Shikhar Khola, is about a 20-minute walk across from Chhule, which is the last village in the north upper Tsum Valley. When you reach Ngakyu Leru, you will notice people farming as the land is fertile. Likewise; After passing Lamagaon, you will reach St. Milarepa Piren Phu Cave, where his footprint is said to be preserved in rock. Piren Phu (pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum valley. There are two separate Gumbas attached to the rocky cave. Richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags, and significant Buddhist paper scripts make Piren Phu Cave one of the most important socio-cultural assets in the valley. Then, we cross a suspension bridge over the Shiar River and continue our trek through several villages to arrive at Nile.

A short walk from the Nile along the west bank of the valley close to the Tibetan border leads to Mu Gompa - the highest point of the Tsum Valley Trek. We hike up through yak pastures through typical dry and arid trans Himalayan terrain. The Mu Gompa monastery has rows of Chortens and provides beautiful mountain views. Moreover, you get an opportunity to visit Dhephu Doma Gompa - one of the oldest monasteries at the Tsum.

From Gompa, the descent begins. We descend to Rachen Gompa, then Chhule and reach Phurbe. Rachen Gompa lies in the border area of Nepal and Tibet, and it sits surrounded by humongous mountains. But the destination for this day takes you through a forested area and finally at Chhokangparo. Overnight at here.

Our descent from Chhokung Paro continues as we reach Gho. You will be crossing a suspension bridge near Gho and hiking forward to reach Rainjam Village. We leave Rainjam village, descend to Tsum Valley and finally reach Chumling.

Today, we will leave Chumling and continue descending, so today's journey should be an easier one. You will be moving along the bank of Shair Khola to reach Lokpa Village. On a nice day, you may pass through large flocks of sheep and goats along the path. The trail after Lokpa descends as we cross the Budi Gandaki on a solid bridge then enters a narrow gorge from where it starts to ascend and descend while gradually climbing through the valley. We cross a river on a suspension to Nupri and then pass through bamboo forests to reach the Gurung village of Deng (1860m). Stay night at here.

From Deng, we climb to Rana (1,910m) Village and hike forward to Bhiphedi (2,130m). The path starts meandering in and out of the valley canyons crossing the Serang Khola before leading us to Ghap (2160m). As we leave Ghap, the valley becomes steeper as we continue a long climb through bamboo and rhododendron forests. After crossing the wild rivers a couple of times, you will reach the Namrung Village - the entry point to the Nupri region. The locals of Namrung Village are Tibetan descendants. Stay night at here.

Today, we leave Namrung and pass through many Mani wall entrance gates, several Buddhist Gompas, and a few villages. Then the valley opens out, and our route passes through Sho Village. This village has many Yaks and is known for excellent views of Manaslu (8163m) and Manaslu North (7,157m). It is a great day to savor the great mountain views. To trek to Sama Gaon (3530m), we follow the right riverbank enjoying the views of Peak 29. A couple of hours of climbing through the forest brings us to Shyala village, from where we can see Phungi, Manaslu, and Himal Chuli mountains. Similarly, As we hike up, you will see Ganesh Himal towards the east and the Himalchuli and Manaslu in the south. Soon enough, as you look down, you will be able to see two rows of houses that form the central part of Sama Gaon. At the far end of Sama Gaon stands the well-known Sama Gaon Monastery. The Tibetan border is very near from here. We stop at Samagaon for a day to acclimatize.

To ensure proper acclimatization, we spend a day at Sama Gaon for rest. Sama Gaon lies close to Manaslu Base Camp, and in this village, you can see thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and sculptures. The women here wear a nice silver spoon as jewelry. Likeswise, today is a our rest day, but you can take optional excursions to explore the surrounding glacial moraine or visit Birendra Lake or Pungyen Gompa. The return side trip to Manaslu Base Camp takes eight hours but is well worth the effort as it provides fantastic views of the Manaslu Glacier and the turquoise Birendra Lake. If you just want to explore Sama Gaon and relax, you can visit the Pung-Gyen monastery, which sits beneath the east face of Manaslu.

We start early in the morning from Sama Gaon and head to Samdo. Our hike takes us through the terraced fields alongside old mani walls, across the Budhi Gandaki wooden bridge, and gradually up to the Samdo valley. Another mani wall marks the beginning of the ascent to the Larkya La Pass. We cross two streams and witness the Larkya Glacier. Then, we go around the Salka Khola Valley, climb up once again and come to a stone guest house (4,450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of resting place called Dharmasala, also known as Larkya La Phedi.

We leave Dharmasala very early in the morning because we will be hiking along the longest and the toughest section of this trek. We need to cross the Larkya La Pass (5,160m) before the wind starts blowing strongly at the pass. The trail starts as a gentle climb across the moraine. It descends slightly to a lake and then becomes rough and indistinct as it crosses steep grassy slopes. We continue on the moraine to a ridge marked by two cairns. From here, the prayer flags marking the pass are visible. After thats; we descend to the four frozen lakes and make the final steep climb to the pass. The pass opens outstanding panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kanguru, Minjung, and the huge Annapurna II. We savor the spectacular views from the top of the pass. Then the descent begins. The trail follows the top of the moraine to the west and makes a set of steep, rough switchbacks as it crosses the moraine, then descends more gently on loose gravel to another grassy moraine at 4,450m. The trail now becomes easier to follow and reaches a small meadow. The valley becomes broader as the trails head down to a large meadow, past a mani wall and a small rest house that marks Bhimtang at 3,590m.

From Bhimtang, the trail crosses the moraine, descends to the Dudh Khola headwaters, crosses a wooden bridge, then into pine and rhododendron forest to Hompuk (3,430m). The rhododendrons are multi-colored, and the forest is home to sheep, horses, and monkeys. You will also be able to enjoy the panoramic views of Phungi, Manaslu, Manaslu North Peak, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal. A 30-minute descent through the forest takes you to Sangore Kharka meadow. You will then cross a landslide before making a steep climb to a ridge decorated with prayer flags. The route ultimately descends to the river bank at Gho (2,575m). Overnight at here.

We climb over a small rim and take pleasure in the stone paved trail as it passes through a charming colorful village. We then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a mani wall and reach Thonje village. At the village, we pass through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. We have just entered the Annapurna Circuit route from Dharapani. Lunch stop at Dharapani and afterwards we catch our jeeps and drive to Besisahar for our last night.

After our breakfast, we bid farewell to the mountain and drive to Kathmandu. The total journey from Besisahar to Kathmandu will be 6-7 hours drive and we expect to reach Kathmandu by late afternoon. Lunch stop will be along the way and after reaching Kathmandu, it’s a free time.

Services we offer in a package:

Cost Inclusion

  • AlpineTrav Treks provides pick-up and drop services from international airport on your arrivals and departures.
  • Representative of AlpineTrav Treks will be waiting for you on arrived in international airport with a your name's placard so that you can easily find our person. And you will be transfers to your demanded Hotel in Kathmandu.
  • According to the trekking package schedule, AlpineTrav Treks will arrange 2 nights demanded category (from tourist star to five-star) of hotel accommodations in Kathmandu.
  • Transportation will be provided from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Dharapani to Kathmandu for members and associated staff as per itinerary above.
  • AlpineTrav Treks will provide Experienced and government authorized (licensed holder) high altitude trekking guide during the trekking period.
  • AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions will provided 1 porter for every 2 trekkers with 1:4 assistant guide to client ratio.
  • AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions will provide you with a clean and cozy teahouse/lodge to stay in and eat during the trekking.
  • Most of the trekking trail, lunch is done on the way between the starting and ending the day of hiking while dinner and breakfast at the teahouse/lodge where you have overnight stay.
  • AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions provides a clean, Nutritious, and fresh food (B, L, D) at the lovely teahouse/lodge throughout the trekking.
  • As Manaslu and Tsum valley is at the Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation territory, we provide you a permit for Manaslu Conservation and Annapurna Conservation.
  • The Trekkers' Information Management Systems permit issued by the trekking agency association of Nepal is required to enter the area of Manaslu and Annapurna conservation, so AlpineTrav Treks provide you a TIMS permit too.
  • AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions provides all wages, equipment, and insurance for elaborate trekking staff.
  • AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions provide first aid medical kits for the group and the staff, taking care of your trekking and health safety.
  • AlpineTrav Treks for members convenience always provide maps of related trekking.
  • AlpineTrav Treks will provide clean and warm down jacket and sleeping bag during the trekking, taking care of your comfort and health. (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek)
  • The above offer package price includes our service charges, government charges, and all taxes and vat.
  • We want to offer you to have dinner with us before you departed from Kathmandu. It will be an opportunity for you to see and learn about Nepali culture and tradition.
  • AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions offer you farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant or AlpineTrav Treks with families Kathmandu before departure.

Cost Exclusion

  • Kathmandu is capital city of Nepal, and since this place offers high quality and delicious food from different countries and groups, we were hoping you could taste the meals you like. For that reason, during your stay in Kathmandu, you will have to arrange lunch and dinner for yourself.
  • Suppose you want to take any packed food, snacks, drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, and carbonated soft drinks, any types of alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, and nutria-bars during the trek. In that case, you have to buy it yourself.
  • Expenses incurred towards usage of Items of personal trekking equipment, laundry expenses, tips, Landlines, mobiles, satellite phones, and the internet service exclude in the package.
  • Trekking is an adventurous activity that always takes place in remote areas. So, safety is the primary factor for us. Therefore, you have to have your travel insurance covering the cost of emergency rescue, medical treatment, medical tests, and hospitalization before you arrive for the trip to Nepal.
  • The package cost offered above does not include your international flight ticket and Nepal's tourist visa, so that you have to pay for your international flight ticket and tourist visa yourself.
  • Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural disasters, landslides, political disturbances, changes in government regulations exclude.
  • The short sentence, "The services we provide in the above package cost inclusive," will cost extra if you want more than additional services you have to pay extra.
  • Those Employees who are involved in your trekking are hoping for tips, gifts, or something at the end of the trip, which is an opportunity to say how happy you are with our staff and what kind of service you have rendered.
  • Your guide and porters will expect the tips according to the international system in the trekking package for your information.

Additional Info For The Trip:

AlpineTrav could not include the cost of each package in the company website. Most of our clients have the same query that i.e. why AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions had not include the price in the package. To provide your service in reasonable cost and attempt to address your each requirement, we desired to provide you with some information which directly affects the cost and also helps us to breakdown the cost. That’s why, we have clarified our customers that because of following reasons we have not included the cost in our website and package:

Please read below for the more information.

  • Cost depends upon group size.
  • Costs may affect guide and numbers of porter.
  • The cost depends upon the category of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.
  • The cost depends upon the mode of transport (private car, flight or tourist bus).
  • The itinerary can be changed according to your choice.
  • Above mentioned itinerary is airport to airport service.
  • The itinerary can be designed according to your time and budget.
  • Please contact us for dates, cost and duration – days.

Trip Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

Trip Facts

  • 18 Nights, 19 Days
  • Challenging
  • 5,160m/16,929ft
  • Spring & Autumn
  • Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Private Vehicle
  • Teahouse/Lodges
  • Min 2 - Max 12

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