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Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

Trip Overview

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is a hidden treasure trekking destination of Nepal with untouched natural beauty, diversified landscape, lifestyle and culture of local people, diversified climate and vegetation and stunning views of Mt. Manaslu at an elevation of 8163m; the eighth highest mountain of the World. Tsum Valley, also known as the hidden valley; a land of monasteries and hamlets with totally Tibetan people living on the northern side of Manaslu in the Nepal-Tibet border. This area used to be a restricted area for travelers until 2008. But Tsum valley and Manaslu Trek had established itself as the unique and remarkable trekking site offering magnificent views of snow-capped mountains along with the Tibetan culture of northern Nepal.

The trekking trail is rough and rocky and requires a walk along the bank of Budhi Gandaki River several times. Many uphills and downhills through the lush green forests, bridges, narrow path, and experiencing alpine climate the trail leads to Larkya La Pass, the ultimate destination of Manaslu and Tsum valley trek at an elevation of 5215m. Exploring the cultural diversity and flora and fauna, the trek offers an unforgettable memory along with the picturesque scenery of the landscape.

Manaslu and Tsum valley trek start from sightseeing in four UNESCO World heritage sites of Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. Explore around the streets of Kathmandu. Then drive to Arughat by Jeep/ bus. The route till Dhading Besi is quite good with terraced farmlands dispersed local settlements and lush green forests. From Dhading Besi, the route to Arughat is rough and rocky but still offers the view of beautiful landscapes, local villages, Rivers, and waterfalls. Arughat is a village at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River and treks to Seti Khola. Passing several villages like Machha Khola, Phillim, Chumling, Chhokangparo, Chhule, Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, Dumje, Ghap, Lho, Sama Gaon, Samdo, Dharamshala and finally to Larkya La Pass. The trail comprises of walking along the bank of Budhi Gandaki River, crossing over several ridges, passing through dense forests of Pine, Rhododendron, Birch, Juniper, etc. Observing the stunning views of snow-capped mountains, including Mt. Manaslu. Crossing the Larkya La Pass, the trail descends towards Bhimthang and gradually descends to Tilje and then to Tal leading to Chamje village where the trek merges with the trekking route of famous Annapurna Circuit Trek. In the entire trek, you will be overwhelmed by the stunning views of snow-capped mountains, culture, and tradition of people, picturesque scenery of beautiful villages and the trail. The Manaslu and Tsum valley trek end after we drive back to Kathmandu.

Manaslu and Tsum valley trek is of 24 days and one must be physically fit and fine and have a passion for trekking and exploring. Come, join with Moonline Tours P. Ltd for your incredible experience for a lifetime.

Highlights:

  • Kathmandu sightseeing- UNESCO heritage sites
  • The scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat and Chamje to Kathmandu.
  • Beautiful villages and various species of flora and fauna.
  • Cross Larkya La Pass at an elevation of 5215m.
  • The majestic view of snow-capped mountains from Larkya La Pass.
  • Milarepa Piren Phu Cave.
  • Mu Gompa, Dhephyudonma Gompa, Rachen Gompa
  • Annapurna Circuit Trail
  • Manaslu Conservation Area
  • Tibetan- Buddhist culture
  • Prayer flags and Mani walls and monasteries.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport

Arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, meet and greet our representatives from Moonline Tours P. Ltd and transfer to the hotel. Short description of Manaslu and Tsum valley trek en-route to the Hotel. Check-in at the hotel. If you have free time, roam around the streets of Kathmandu in the evening.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at four UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Kathmandu Durbar Square; an ancient courtyard with temples and monuments from the 13th to 15th century, Pashupatinath; a holy temple of Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva at the bank of Bagmati River having more religious importance, Swayambhunath; an oldest Buddhist stupa in the hillock and an important pilgrimage site of both Buddhist and Hindus, also popularly known as “Monkey temple” and Boudhanath; a largest Buddhist stupa with more than 200 monks praying around with unique octagonal shape. After completion of the sightseeing, meet your trekking guide and a short discussion about the Manaslu and Tsum valley trek. Roam around the streets of Kathmandu in the evening.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi, the headquarter of Dhading. Driving along the countryside observing the terraced farmlands, landscapes and dispersed settlements the route to Dhading Besi is quite good. From Dhading Besi, the route to Arughat is rough, rocky and bumpy but still offers the best views of Mt. Manaslu, beautiful local villages and diversified landscapes. Arughat is a small village located at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. Explore the remaining day at Arughat and overnight at Arughat.

From Arughat, following the trail along the Budhi Gandaki River leads us to Seti Khola. Passing through beautiful villages of Morder and Simre leads us to Arkhat River and furthermore of ascending uphill leads us to Seti Village at an elevation of 775m; a village at the confluence of Seti River. Observe the terraced farmlands and culture and lifestyle of local people.

Overnight at Seti Khola.
Walking Time: 6 hours.

Leaving Seti Khola behind, the trail rises gradually through a beautiful forest of Sal, passing through several waterfalls, observing the change in landscape and crossing several suspension bridges and climbing the ridge over the wild rapids of Budhi Gandaki River. Following the rocky trail and gradually descend through the rice and paddy farmlands leads us to around the Gurung village of Labubesi. Then the trail ascends uphill to a rocky outcrop and descends towards the river and after crossing the suspension bridge the trail leads us to Machha Khola at an elevation of 900m. The trail offers picturesque scenery of nature.

Overnight at Machha Khola.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours.

Following the trail along the bank of the river with minor ups and downs and crossing the bridge of Thado Khola leads us to Khorla Besi; a village where coffee, buckwheat are grown. The trail then enters a narrow gorge and further walk ahead leads us to Tatopani; natural hot spring and climbs a ridge before crossing the suspension bridge of Budhi Gandaki River, a good staircase leads us to Dobhan. 

Leaving the beautiful Dobhan village behind, we further walk along the east bank of Budhi Gandaki River to the hamlet of Thulo Dhunga. Crossing the suspension bridge of Yaru Khola, observe the beautiful view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, then climb the stone staircase to reach Thado Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of Budhi Gandaki River and after a gradual ascend leads to the old village of Jagat; the entrance of the Manaslu Conservation Area where trekking permits are checked. Crossing a beautiful village of Salleri and Sirdibas observing the beautiful views of Shiring Himal in the north and exploring the first signs of Buddhist culture and after crossing one more suspension bridge and further climb uphill leads us to the beautiful village of Philim.

Overnight at Philim.
Walking Time: 6 hours.

From Philim, following the trail in the northern direction through the lush grasses leads us to the narrow valley of Chisopani and then leads us to Ekal Bhatti. Gradual descend down beneath the spectacular waterfall, into a gorge below a junction below New Bridge leading us to Larkya La. To the right leads us to Lokpa through zigzag and narrow route through the Rhododendron forest leads us to Lower Tsum valley. The trail descends through the forest, crossing several streams before climbing a steep climb to Siyar Khola Gorge that drains the Tsum valley. Observing the views of colorful flags and terraced farmlands and after crossing the suspension bridge and gradual ascend through the narrow trail leads us to Chumling.

Overnight at Chumling.
Walking Time: 7 hours.

Leaving the Chumling village behind, the trail continues as we cross the suspension bridge. Gradual walk through forest spotting white-faced langurs, continue to walk to Tanju and the small Damphe Gompa. Observe the beautiful views of Ganesh Himal, and farmlands. The trail ascends on the rocky route with magnificent views of Chortens facing Ganesh Himal leading us to Chhokangparo. Explore the culture and lifestyle of local people and the houses made up of stone.

Overnight at Chhokangparo.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours.

Today is the shorter and easier route as we have much more to explore. Crossing several villages of Ngakyu, Leru, low lands chortens of Lama Gaon and Burji village, we reach Milarepa Cave (Piren-Phu Cave also known as Pigeon Cave) on the slopes of Langju Himal. Milarepa cave is one of the famous places as it is believed that the famous Tibetan saint had meditated here and the gompa is dedicated to him. The trail then heads towards Siyar Khola and crossing the suspension bridge to the southeast bank leads us to Nile/ Chhule. Observe the Tibetan Buddhist culture, chortens, and several monasteries. Explore the Nile in the evening.

Overnight at the Nile.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours.

From Nile/ Chhule, the trail ascends uphill to Mu Gompa; the largest Buddhist monastery of the Manaslu region at an elevation of 3700m. Explore around Mu Gompa and a short hike to Dhephyudonma Gompa; the oldest Buddhist monastery of the Manaslu region at an elevation of 4060m; a place of birth of light. This monastery is run by Lama Serap. Explore around the monastery and observe the stunning views of Ganesh Himal. Return to Mu Gompa after exploring Dhephydonma Gompa.

Overnight at Mu Gompa.
Walking Time: 4 hours.

As today is an extra day at Mu Gompa, a short hike to Pika Himal and observe the mesmerizing views of Tibetan peaks along with the Ganesh Himal range. As we are close to the Tibet border, explore the monasteries and gompas en-route. Observe the glaciers and magnificent views of Ngula Dhojyang pass.  Return back to Mu Gompa and explore the culture and lifestyle of the people of Mu Gompa.

Overnight at Mu Gompa.

Leaving the beautiful Mu Gompa behind, the trail descends down to Rachen Gompa; a nunnery in Shiar Khola valley. The nunnery is one of the largest of the Manaslu region with great importance and painted with Buddhist mural paintings. Explore around Rachen Gompa and the surrounding in the evening.

Overnight at Rachen Gompa.
Walking Time: 5 hours.

The trail descends to Dumje from Rachen Gompa. Observing the beautiful views of mountain ranges and walking through the dense forest crossing several suspension bridges and observing stunning waterfalls, the trail leads us to Dumje village passing through the beautiful village of Ripchet and several chortens en-route.  Dumje is a small village with only eight houses and adjoining cattle shed.

Overnight at Dumje.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours.

Leaving Dumje behind, the trail ascends upstream of Deng River. Climb the steep stone staircase. Observe the beautiful and spectacular view of farmlands and waterfalls and beautiful Mani walls and chortens leading us to the attractive village of Ghap at an altitude of 2100m. Explore the culture, and lifestyle of local people.

Overnight at Ghap.
Walking Time: 6 hours.

From Ghap, the trail ascends through Bamboo, Rhododendron and Oak forest above the steeply descending river. Crossing the wooden bridge, climb steeply away from the river to Namrung village; checkpoint at the route. The trail continues to ascend through the forest and barley fields till we reach Lihi. Observe the stunning views of Himal chuli and beautiful chortens. The trail descends down entering a side valley to cross Hinang Khola. Cross the suspension bridge observing the stunning views of Ngadi chuli and following the trail leads us to Sho. Continue on the climb passing a large prayer wheel on the trail and observe the first view of Mt. Manaslu and Naike peak. Climb the steep ridge leading us to the large village of Lho at an elevation of 3200m. Explore the culture and lifestyle of the local people and overnight at Lho.

Walking Time: 6 hours.

Enjoy the mesmerizing view of Sunrise over Mt. Manaslu. Passing the long Mani wall of Lho, before the trail descends steeply down to cross the Damonan Khola tributary. Following a gentle stream upwards through mixed forest, a short climb to plateau; a badly deforested village of Shyala. Observe the majestic views of Himal chuli and Ngadi Chuli to the south and Mt. Manaslu and large glaciers to the west and north. Following the trail uphills and downhills passing through many Mani walls, chortens, rivers, waterfalls lead to the main part of Sama Gaon. Explore the Kargyu Chholing monastery standing above the far end of the village against a forested moraine.

Overnight at Sama Gaon.
Walking Time: 6 hours.

The trail descends towards the Budhi Gandaki River. Passing the trail that leads to the lake and Base Camp and several Mani walls as the valley begins to widen. Following the trail through Juniper and Birch forest leads us to Kermo Kharka and further, the trail descends down to cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a wooden bridge before climbing steeply above the confluence of the river Mayo Khola with Samdo Glacier. At the top is a stone arch followed by fields before a white Kani at the entrance to the village; an ancient grazing region with houses made up of stone slabs. The zigzag trail then leads us to Samdo village; the last village before Gho. Explore around Samdo village in the evening and overnight at Samdo.

Walking Time: 3 hours.

From Samdo, the trail passes through a seasonal Tibetan market called Larke Bazaar and descends down to Budhi Gandaki River. Following the trail on the western side grassy slopes with scrub juniper and Rhododendron above the Syacha Khola valley and observe the Syacha glacier from the Manaslu north ridge. The trail gradually ascends up the valley towards Larkya Glacier beyond Larkya La Phedi, also called Dharamshala at an elevation of 4450m. Observe the close-up view of Larke and Naike peaks.

Overnight at Dharamshala.
Walking Time: 4 hours.

We start the trek early in the morning as we have to go a long way today. The trail from Dharamshala is very challenging and rocky as the trail ascends all the way to Larkya La Pass, the ultimate destination of Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek at an elevation of 5215m. The trail is steep and passing through the snowy and icy route takes more time. Observe the rustic villages, clear glacier lakes and a wide range of flora and fauna. Upon reaching Larkya La pass, observe the panoramic views of Annapurna II, Cheo Himal and Larkya Peak in the west and the trail we have passed in the east. After spending some more time at the top of Larkya La pass, the trail descends steeply down offering majestic views of glaciers. Continue downhill with another steep section ahead leads us to the flatter valley. Furthermore of descend leads us to Bhimthang at an elevation of 3590m.

Overnight at Bhimthang.
Walking Time: 8 hours.

The trail descends down all the way to Tilje. As we descend through the Rhododendron and Fig trees, we feel the change in vegetation as the temperature becomes warmer. Observing the terraced farmlands, stunning views of waterfalls from Kharche, climb up to a ridge and again descend down till we reach the bank of Marsyangdi River that leads us to Tilje.

Overnight at Tilje.
Walking Time: 5 hours.

The trail is gentle as we ascend to Dharapani; a junction that divides the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek. The trail descends down all the way to Tal; a beautiful village located at the bank of Marsyangdi River at an elevation of 1725m. Tal is a beautiful Gurung village with rich culture and traditions. Explore the culture and lifestyle of the local people in the evening.

Overnight at Tal.
Walking Time: 5 hours.

Leaving the beautiful Tal village behind, the trail descends downward offering a scenic view of hilly landscape, terraced farmlands, stunning waterfalls, and crossing several suspension bridges on the way. Following the small ascend and descend leads you to the Chamje village.

Overnight at Chamje.
Walking Time: 3 to 4 hours.

From Chamje, drive to Kathmandu. Observe the scenic and picturesque landscape, stunning views of waterfalls, crossing many bridges and beautiful villages, the rough and dusty road leads us to Besisahar, the headquarter of Lamjung district. From Besisahar, drive along the countryside observing the diversified landscape, dispersed local settlements, along the bank of Trishuli River. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, check-in at the hotel. Roam around the streets of Kathmandu in the evening.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

The Manaslu and Tsum valley ends today. Free till departure. Our representative from Moonline Tours P. Ltd will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to your departure schedule/ time to board your onward journey.

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