Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek (GHT)

Trek Overview

Manaslu Tsum valley Trek is one of the Nepal’s Himalayan charms to observe a dazzling collection of panoramas, peak and serene valleys. The trekkers who trek to the Manaslu and Tsum region will take pleasure in a marvelous array of geographical landscapes and cultural diversity.

Manaslu Tsum valley trek can explore wilderness and get opportunity to explore the local culture of the traditional villages of Samagaon and Samdo and observe the lifestyle of Tibetan people.

Tsum valley was only opened for trekkers few years ago and the trail traverses through pristine areas where you will witness the beauty of nature than any other places. This trek suits best to those who are looking for the challenging trekking in Nepal and it is also a part of the Great Himalayan trail.

Manaslu Tsum valley trek is a magical enchantment of the trekking which presents the awe-inspiring views of Manaslu and hidden Tsum valley. Along the way you can see varied range of the flora, and fauna, passing through incredibly sheer-sided gorges, the deep river of the Budhi Gandaki and Marsyangdi rivers which offers central access to the highlands beyond the major Himalayan chain. 

Note: below trekking hours, altitudes and distances are approximate, and absolutely for general idea only.                                                                            

 

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,302m/4,270ft)

   You will be received and escorted to the hotel by our staff, refresh yourself and take some rest or explore the area around your hotel. Stay overnight in Hotel.

    

2. Day 2: Kathmandu valley sightseeing and Trek preparation

   Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal and has been a famous destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to visitors. Today after breakfast we will explore Kathmandu valley, a guided tour will be conducted to major world heritage sites inside the valley. As Kathmandu valley is a beautiful combination of Hinduism and Buddhism we will visit historical sites like; Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath (monkey temple) and Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath which is one of the largest stupa in the world. After the tour you will prepare yourself for the trek, will be briefed about the trek; buy all the trekking equipments required and overnight at hotel.

   Highlights:

   • Visit UNESCO Heritage sites
3. Day 3: Kathmandu to Soti khola (730m/2,395ft) 8hrs drive

   It is a long ride day today so we will have to start early. We will have an early breakfast at our hotel and get on the vehicle that will drive us to our destination. Driving along the proper road we then drive through many villages and terraces to Soti. We will accommodate overnight in teahouse.

   Highlights:

   • View of Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu on the way
   • Beautiful terraced fields of potato, wheat and rice
4. Day 4: Soti Khola to Macha Khola (930m/3,051ft) 6-7hrs trek

   After an early breakfast, we cross the suspension bridge and trek through the Sal forest. Then we ascend to the ridge of rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. From here we reach Khursane from where we trek through the rocky trail with ups and downs and eventually the trail will make its way to the Gurung village of Lapu Besi. Further, we pass a zigzag path to reach Macha Khola. Stay overnight in Macha Khola.

   Highlights:

   • Scenic backdrops of Ganesh Himal, Shringil Himal
   • Crossing Buri Gandaki River
   • Walk through shaded forest of Sal trees
   • Gurung settlement
   • Across Budhi Gandaki are the vistas of Annapurna Circuit between Bahundanda and Syange that looks breath taking
   • Walking down rice terraces
5. Day 5: Macha Khola to Jagat (1,440m/4,724ft) 6-7hrs trek

   After breakfast we walk through few ups and downs andfinally cross the Tharo Khola. Eventually we will reach Khorlabesi. After a few more ascend and descend there is a small trailside hot spring, from where we reach to Tatopani. We pass through a natural hot spring at Tatopani and continue to trek through the valley as it gets narrower. We ascend over a ridge and then traverse the Budhi Gandaki River through a suspension bridge. Further we take ascent on a broad well crafted staircase and across a landslide then over a ridge that takes us to Doban.

   After we climb up to the Budhi Gandaki river, we reach Yaru Khola that lead us further to a stone staircase and climb more stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Along the way, we pass through paved stones along with mani walls and finally reach the picturesque village of Jagat. We stay overnight in Jagat.

   Highlights:

   • Pass through picturesque typical village and hot spring.
   • Towering mountains, deep river gorge and climb up stone stairways.
   • You are likely to see monkeys, donkeys and varied range of birds.
   • If you are lucky we might encounter with langur monkeys
6. Day 6: Jagat to Lokpa (2,240m/7,349ft) 6hrs trek

   Today we enter Tsum Valley, after having an early breakfast. Before heading to Lokpa we will check our permits of Manaslu and Tsum valley at checkpoint. Further, we climb ridge over Salleri and trek along the river bank traversing the Budi Gandaki through suspension bridge. We reach wide valley as we trek towards Philim. After that we walk flat trail passing Ekle batti where the trail separate between Tsum and Manaslu and further take ascend that takes you to Lokpa, the first village as we enter the Tsum valley. We stay the night in teahouse.

   Highlights:

   • View of Manaslu range from Lokpa
   • If you are lucky then we might encounter with musk deer
7. Day 7: Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m/7,828ft) 4-5hrs trek

   We start to trek after having our breakfast in the lodge. As we start the trail gradual descends to the banks of the Shiar Khola and then it goes through forests. The trail is a challenging one as it is an ascending path that stretches on almost the entire trail. We climb a steep ridge until we descend to a bridge over Shiar Khola. Once crossing the bridge we trek steeply to the village of Chumling. Chamling village offer us magnificent views of Ganesh Himal. Stay overnight in Chumling.

   Highlights:

   • You can see chorten, monasteries, mani wall in Chumling village
   • Incredible view of the Boudha Himal (6,672m) and Ganesh Himal.
   • Climb through the dense forests of rhododendron, juniper and pine trees
   • Visit the monasteries of Chumling; The Panago Gompa, Mani Dhungyur and Gurwa Gompa.
8. Day 8: Chumling to Chhokang paro (3,031m/9,944ft) 5-6hrs trek

   We start our trek early in the morning after breakfast. We take a gentle descend trail and traverse the river. From here we trek straight up for a few hours through shaded forest of pine and deciduous trees, followed by opening up to parched landscape of the high plateau with wide pasture land and trek further will takes you to the village of Chhokanparo which is situated on a flat land. Chhokanparo name comes from its two settlements, Chhokang and Paro. From this village we will witness amazing views of Ganesh Himal range.

   Highlights:

   • Walk through juniper, pine and deciduous forest
   • Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture of the indigenous “Tsumbos
   • If you are lucky you might encounter with musk deer, goral
   • Spectacular views of Ganesh Himal from the south, Boudha Himal and Himalchuli peaks to the south west along the way
   • Enjoy the views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal from Chhokanparo
   • You can see beautiful chorten, maniwall and gompas
   • Some households practice polyandry in Chhokanparo.
9. Day 9: Chhokang Paro to Nile (3,360m/11,023ft) 4-5hrs trek

   With an early breakfast we rejoin our trail. The trail is flatter as the valley opens up. Through the trail we will come across many gazing land, Mani walls, chortens and stupas. Nile is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum valley. The village is situated on the bank of the Shiar Khola and has numerous households. Once we reach our destination we will find a suitable camping site, on the grassy bank of Shiar Khola and camp the night here.

   Highlights:

   • Pass through picturesque village, Mani walls, chorten and stupas.
   • Tibetan settlement
   • View of Ganesh Himal and other unmanned peaks
   • You are likely to see herds of yaks along the way.
   • Pass the Piren Phu cave (pigeon cave) splendidly painted Buddhist wall painting, scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags is one of the most holy caves in the Tsum valley.
10. Day 10: Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,139ft) 3hrs trek

     

    After breakfast we start to trek to Mu Gompa. The trail gradually ascends through alpine meadows along with Juniper and Larch trees. Soon we reach Mu Gompa, home to a very ancient and the largest monastery in the area. Once we arrive at Mu Gompa we have enough time to explore around. About 30 minutes hike from there will take us to Dhephu Doma Gompa where several Buddhist nuns live here doing meditation. We return back and camp on a grassy area just below Mu Gompa.

     

    Highlights:

    • Walk through alpine pasture
    • Visit Mu Gompa and Dhephu Doma Gompa.
    • Views of Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal
    • Walk along forest of Juniper and Larch trees
    • You can see yak grazing in the pasture land
    • Tibetan settlement
    • Close to the Tibetan border where we can see spectacular views of the Tibetan peaks
11. Day 11: Mu Gompa to Rachen (3,240m/10,629ft) 4hrs trek

     

    After breakfast, we leave Mu Gompa behind and descend to lower altitude. After several days of trekking in high Tibetan landscapes we finally trek back down along Shiar Khola crossing the valley to Rachen Gompa, red roofed Buddhist nunnery. It is a very old monastery established in 1936 where the most of the nuns join the monastery at the age of 7. We find a suitable camping site nearby and camp the night there.

    Highlights:

    • Visit Rachen Gompa, the old monastery
    • Views of Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and Lamjung Himal and enjoy glimpses of the Punchen Himal that is unique in shape.

     

12. Day 12: Rachen to Dumje (2,405m/7,890ft) 6hrs trek

     After having decent breakfast, we steeply trek downhill. As we trek further down the climate gets warmer, we trek passing Shiar Khola, Laudang and Ghaughung Khola until we finally cross a wooden bridge to our camp site in Dumje.

    Highlights:

    • Pass through picturesque village
    • Walk through pine and juniper trees
    • If you are lucky you might encounter with musk deer and goral
    • You can see cultivated field of barely and potato in Dumje.
    • Observe dozens of yaks grazing in pastureland
    • Observe rustic stone houses along the trail,
    • Long hand-carved mani stones , stack mani walls and chorten
13. Day 13: Dumje to Lokpa (2,240m/7,349ft) 6hrs trek

     

    We have an early breakfast and leave Dumje behind. Today we trek towards several ups and downs trails. We climb over some very deep gorges, pass some cantilever bridges. Then we descend on steep stairs to Ghumlong on the river. From here it’s a final gradual climb up through pristine temperature forest to Lokpa.

    Highlights:

    • Pass through picturesque village
    • Walk through pine and juniper trees
    • View of Manaslu range
    • Pass through stone made houses, mani walls and chortens
14. Day 14: Lokpa to Ghap (2,160m/7,086ft) 7-8hrs trek

     

    Today is another long trek day, we will start trekking early. The trail from Lokpa will descend down to the point until we meet another track that comes from Philim.

    We trek further crossing the Buri Gandaki on a solid bridge and enter a loose track at a narrow gorge. The trail goes up and down till we cross to the east bank and soon back to west bank.

    Further we traverse Nupri, Deng and a dense bamboo forest, as we continue trekking we also cross Rana and Bhi as well. We trek all the way down to Serang Khola and after crossing we trek a final climb to Ghap.

    Highlights:

    • View of Manaslu range
    • If you are lucky you might encounter with troops of langur monkeys
    • Walk through bamboo forest
    • Cross many rivers
    • Explore Tibetan village
15. Day 15: Ghap to Lho (3,020m/9,908ft) 4hrs trek

    After having breakfast we start to trek to Lho. We will pass through villages like Namrung and Banjam, after crossing Banjam the trail steeps as we trek to Lihi.

    Lihi offers fine views of Ganesh Himal and trekking further from here we reach Sho then soon to the next village Lho. From here we will be able to view Manaslu and Kutang Himal. We will reach Lho early and will have time to explore the area. We can hike to Ribang Gompa as well as explore the stupas, mani walls and Kani. We will return back to our camp and spend the night here.

    Highlights:

    • Climb through bamboo and rhododendron forest
    • Tibetan migrant settlement
    • Passing the Mani walls, Buddhist Gompas to the villages.
    • You can see yaks along the way
    • Views Manaslu, Kutang Himal, Manaslu and Manaslu North
    • Hike to Ribang Gompa as well as explore the stupas, mani walls and Kani.
    • On the way to Lho, the spectacular views of Ngadi Chuli and Manaslu can be seen
16. Day 16: Lho to Samagaon (3,450m/11,318ft) 4hrs trek

    We will have our breakfast along with an amazing morning view. After breakfast we rejoin the trail and descend across Damonan Khola. From here we ascend again to a plateau at Shyala and cross a ridge descending onto a rock.

    Trekking further, we pass through extensive pastures and fields of Samagaon. There is lot of place of interest to explore around such as gompas, traditional Tibetan Village and Phung Gyen Monastery which is situated on a ridge above the village. The village nestled perfectly against a wooded moraine at the end of the valley.

    If you trek during second week of April then you get opportunity to see horse riding festival with many food stalls. We will rest overnight in Samagaon.

    Highlights

    • Traditional Tibetan Village and Phung Gyen Monastery
    • Wide glacier moraine valley.
    • Sama village and primary school.
    • Manaslu Peaks and glacier.
    • Birendra Lake
    • Horse riding festival during mid of April
    • Views of Phungi, Manaslu and Himal Chuli from Shyala
    • The villagers rely on yaks, potatoes and barley for their crops in this distinctly alpine region
    • Further you can see the views  of Ganesh Himal towards the east and the huge peaks of Himalchuli and Manaslu in the south
    • Tibetan border nearby Samagaon
17. Day 17: Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m/12,664ft) 3hrs trek

     

    After having breakfast we start to trek to Samdo. The trail descends to Budhi Gandaki and then to Manaslu Base Camp. We then trek through Larkya La trail passing several Mani walls. The valley broadens along an easy trail passing all the way through juniper and birch jungle to the stone huts at Kemo Kharka.

    We trek gently uphill all the way to Samdo through arid path and windy valley. This village is an excellent view spot for Manaslu, Samdo, Naike, Nagdi chuli, Simnang and several other awesome peaks. We stay overnight in Samdo.

    Highlights:

    • You can see incredible backdrops of Manaslu, Naike Samdo, Nagdi chuli, Simnang and several other awesome peaks.
    • Explore Samdo village and you can see yaks and blue sheep on the way
18. Day 18: Acclimatization and rest day at Samdo

    Today is an acclimatization day; an optional day hike to Gya La will be organized. Gya La is a trading pass with Tibet; we can explore the village or take rest. We will return to the village for overnight.

    Highlights:

    • You can see incredible backdrops of Manaslu, Naike Samdo, Nagdi chuli, Simnang and several other awesome peaks.
    • Gya la trading pass
    • Explore Samdo village and observe Tibetan lifestyle
    • Magnificent mountains scenery
    • Encounter with blue sheep grazing nearby on the barren hill-sides.
19. Day 19: Samdo to Larkya Phedi (4,460m/14,632ft) 3-4hrs trek

    After having breakfast we rejoin our trail, the trail is rocky and zigzags leading to Larkya La. We begin by climbing up the pass and walk downhill through fields, huge Mani walls and Kaan (gateway) before descending to the river and traversing on a wooden bridge at 3850m/12,631 ft.

    This place shows up on maps as the legendary Larka Bazaar, which used to be a prosperous market. On the way you can see Nikey peak and mani walls marks the beginning of climb to the pass where the trail starts climbing through tundra and juniper trees. You can see the huge Larkya Glacier coming from Manaslu.

    Continue on the ridge to the right to find a trail that traverse over the top of two gorges. As you climb up the side of a gorge to a viewpoint at the edge of a huge gorge at 4,000 m/13,123 ft; the trail grows steeper. The trail further climbs in and out of the gorge from where we reach Larkya Phedi and rest for the night.

    Highlights:

    • Larke Bazar, used to be flourished market in the past.
    • Encounter with Marmots and Blue sheep.
    • View of Larke Glacier coming from Manaslu
    • Mani walls and kaan stone arch (gateway)
    • Walking through Juniper and Tundra forest
    • Walk through narrow gorge
20. Day 20: Larkya Phedi to Bimtang (3,590m/11,778ft) via [Larkya La (5,135m/16,847ft)] 8-9hrs trek

     

    On this day, we make a long gentle ascend across moraine and climb down to lake. The trails become rough as it traverses to the south of steep lush slopes. You can enjoy the view of Cheo Himal and many other snow capped mountains and peaks.  

    The trail head towards the moraine to a ridge marked by two cairns, from here the prayer flags marking the pass are able to be seen. We then descend to the four frozen lakes then take a final steep climb to the pass. When you go down from the pass the trail continues the top of the moraine to the west and passes through many sharp ascents and descents.

    As we cross the moraine then descends more lightly on wobbly gravel to another grassy moraine at 4,450m/14,599 ft. The trail now becomes easier to continue and reaches a small pasture at 4,080m.

    As the trails heads down to a large meadow, the valley becomes broader where we pass Mani wall and a small rest house that marks Bimthang at 3,590m/11,778 ft. We stay overnight at Bimthang, a huge valley surrounded by high peak

    Highlights:

    • Backdrops of Cheo Himal and several snow capped mountains
    • Larke Glacier moraine
21. Day 21: Bimtang to Dharapani (1,860m/6,102ft) 7-8hrs trek

    Today is also a long trek day so we have to start trekking early morning. We descend to a glacial stream of the Dudh Khola; traverse a bridge and drop into blanketed pine and rhododendron forests.

    We trek to Hampuk at 3,430 meter from where the path descends to Karche following the course of the Dudh Khola and crossing the stream flowing down from the Kichke Himal.

    Trekking further to the village of Gho, from here we trek along the bank of the river and the gradually descend to the Gurung village of Tilije. After trekking through Tilije we cross to the eastern side of the Dudh Khola and follow along its embankment walking down through forest.

    Dharapani will appear after the walls of Marsyangdi Valley emerge larger. We then pass Thonje through a wooden bridge and a chorten shaped arch. We reach Dharapani by traversing long suspension bridge over Marsyangdi River. We stay overnight in Dharapani..

    Highlights

    • Magnificent views of Manaslu Peaks
    • Walk through Pine and rhododendron forest.
    • Explore traditional village of Dudh Khola.
    • Pass Gurung village, Tilche
    • Cross long suspension bridge to reach Dharapani
22. Day 22: Dharapani to Jagat (1,440m/4,724ft) 6hrs trek

    Today is the last day of our trek where we leave Dharapani behind after having decent breakfast. We rejoin the trail as it now follows popular Annapurna Circuit route backwards as we will trek on the descended path along Marshyangdi River.

    We pass through the steepest part of the Marshyangdi gorge from where we trek down all the way to Jagat and stay overnight here.

    Highlights:

    • Walk along Marsyangdi River
23. Day 23: Jagat to Kathmandu via [Besisahar]

     

    Today we will drive to Besisahar where there will be a private vehicle that will then drive us to Kathmandu. Once we reach Kathmandu, you then will be transferred to your hotel for overnight.

    Highlights:

    • Pass all the way through the banks of Marsyangdi and Trishuli River
    • Enjoy the scenery and refreshing views of the hilly areas and mountains on the way back to Kathmandu.
24. Day 24: Back home

    Leisure time and explore Kathmandu until the departure time when you will be transferred to airport and fly back home.

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