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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 Besisahar
Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,350m) from Besisahar

All Inclusive cost
Join our trek Contact us to set up an itinerary as per your preference.

Group Size  Price per person
 Min 2 – Max 12  US$ 1880

Customization Option

If this itinerary does not suit your need or you want to customize it, tell us about your travel needs, there is no fixed departure date, itinerary. Being a local trekking agency in Nepal we can arrange your trip according to any date and time, please Send Us A Message and we will customize it according to your itinerary.

Essential Information
Difficulty

The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is considered a moderate level trek in Nepal, but it is important to note that this does not mean it is an easy trek. Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking is considered challenging due to its longer duration of trekking days and a maximum elevation of (5,160m) at Larkya La Pass. A daily average walking hour is 6-7 on this trek. Unlike other famous trekking regions of Nepal, Manaslu is still considered off the beaten so a basic sense of adventure is required on this trek. Previous experience of trekking is not required but you need to be fit and comfortable walking.

Previous Experience

No previous experience of trekking is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and adaptable to high altitude conditions. Having a previous experience is definitely beneficial but it is not mandatory to participate in this trip. All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. We strongly advise you to prepare yourself for the trip at least 3 months prior to your trip date by doing regular exercises, going on hiking, running, or gym. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the experience of trekking.

Best Season

The best time to do the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking is during the spring: (March to May) and Autumn: (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather conditions, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, providing excellent trekking conditions and stunning mountain views.

Accommodation
Teahouse/Lodges: 18 Nights

Teahouse/Lodges:
Your accommodation on the trek will be on a simple mountain lodges run by the local people with basic and shared facilities. Trekking, does not need tremendous logistics in accommodation as there are many clean and friendly Lodges along the trail. Blankets are generally provided by the teahouse but we would request you to bring a sleeping bag too. Bathrooms are mostly shared and toilets are squat type in most places. We will arrange for you and your group to stay in local lodges daily. Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.

Meals On Trek

All meals are included during the trek. We will provide three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat, Momo (Dumpling) to pizza and apple pie. During the trek, Breakfast and Dinner will be served at the teahouse/lodge where you stay and Lunch will be along the way.

Drinking Water:

We provide boiled water for drinking on all our treks. During meals, you can let the staff fill your bottle with hot water. We strongly discourage the use of single-use plastic bottles such as mineral water on all our trips. Carrying a hot water bottle is highly recommended.

Typical Day On Trek:

Daily wake up calls will be between 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. The wake-up time and breakfast time will be decided the night before during the briefing time. The time table for each day will entirely depend on your walking duration for that particular day. Tea will be served at your bed as a wake-up call. After a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. Before breakfast, you are required to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porter while you are having your breakfast. After walk, we stop for lunch mid-day. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea.

Baggage/Daypack for The Trek

You will only carry your day pack carrying the essential items (Water, Cameras, Extra Fleece, Rain jacket, Sunscreen, Snacks, Valuable Items etc.) that you may need during the walk. The porter will carry the rest of your gear. We provide 1 porter for every 2 participants. Similarly, during the trek, there will be 1 support guide for every 4 trekkers, who will be happy to assist you during the hiking if needed.

Group Size:

Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. The size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 2 and the maximum is 15 people.

Can I Do The Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek Alone?

Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek falls under a controlled area as per the Government of Nepal. The region is categorised as a restricted area. To trek in this region, you need to be in a group of at least 2 accompanied by a licensed guide. So solo trekking for individual trekkers is prohibited in Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek.

Safety On The Trek

Safety is always a priority when traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions. Our trek itineraries are designed with every aspect in mind, allowing proper adaptability, rest days and walking hours. On all our high altitude treks, we send a comprehensive medical kit. Furthermore, we also have a high staff to customer ratio on all our treks. Read more, Safety & Security

Our Approach to Treks

Our route to trek follows a careful approach with ample time for acclimatization, less trodden route, and breathtaking sceneries along the way. With of experience in trekking in the Himalayas, we have carefully tailored each of our itineraries. We put a lot of care into all the details when it comes to executing any of your ventures. Safety is always a priority while traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions and we have applied this strictly on our approach.

Travel Insurance

It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. More information: Travel Insurance

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Passport: All foreign visitors to Nepal must possess a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity beyond their planned departure date. Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) or you can obtain Nepal visa prior to your arrival through the Nepalese embassies, diplomatic missions and consulates near your location. Nepal Visa is also issued at the entry points if you are entering Nepal by land.

Airport Pickup & Drop:

We will provide airport pickup and drop-off according to your flight schedule. Your airport transfers are organized based on the flight information you provide to us. If there is a change in your flight schedule, please inform us promptly, and we will adjust the transfers accordingly.

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.

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van
  • All ground transportation by private vehicle
  • All meals (B,L,D) on open/choice menu on during the trek with tea & coffee.
  • Twin-sharing accommodation at teahouse/lodges on the trek
  • All required permits for trek (Special permit, MCAP & ACAP)
  • Experienced local trek leader with 1:4 assistant guide to client ratio
  • Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
  • Staff equipment, insurances and allowances
  • All government, local taxes, and official expenses.
  • Comprehensive first aid kit with high-altitude medicine
  • Arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)

Cost Exclusion

  • International Airfare and Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses (shopping, snacks and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
  • Personal clothing and trekking gear.
  • Travel insurance has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation along with medical coverage.
  • Tips, gifts, souvenirs for involved trekking staff.
  • Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances outside company control like landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc.
  • All the costs and expenses, which are not listed in "What is included" above will be counted as excludes.

Equipment checklist for the trek

The gears listed below is recommended for the trek. We encourage you to get all the equipment listed below for the trip and please make sure you check out and try each equipment. You can also buy or rent in Kathmandu as there are many trekking shops that have gear ranging from branded to local.

Clothing and footwear:
— Long-sleeved shirts
— Trekking Shirts
— Trekking Trousers
— Warm Jackets/Sweater/Pullover
— Waterproof jackets and trousers
— Thermal
— Inner wears
— Undergarments
— Warm socks
— Cap/Hat to protect from the sun during the trek
— Woollen Hat, Warm gloves, Balaclava sand Bandana/Scarf
— Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu when you come back from the trek.
— Trekking shoes (Preferably Goretex and full to support your ankle)
— Slippers/Flip flops to wear at camp
— Daypack 30-35 litres (To carry your sunblock, water, camera, waterproof jacket and others that you may require while trekking)

Documents:
— Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
— 4 copies of passport size photos for permits and Visa
— Travel Insurance covering medication evacuation
— Flight tickets
— Credit cards for emergencies
— Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport.
(Please carry the photocopy of all the documents along with you and leave a copy to next of kin)

Others:
— Headlamps with extra batteries
— Sunglasses with UV protection
— Camera with charger or spare batteries
— A pair of trekking poles
— Water bottles (1) litre
— Laundry bag to keep the dirty clothes
— Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
— Padlock
— Binoculars
— Reading materials, notebooks and pens

Toiletries and hygiene:
— Quick-drying towel
— Small face towel
— Toothbrush &Toothpaste
— Deodorants, Soap and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
— Face and body moisturizer, Sunscreen and lip balm
— Hand sanitizer/Antiseptic wipes
— Hygiene products
— Basic first aid kit

Accessories:
— Down Jacket
— Sleeping bag with liner
— Duffel/Kit Bag

Trip Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek
From $1,880.00
/ per person

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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