Tourism License: 1793/072
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View of Mount Manaslu from Lho Village
Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley
2 Reviews
Manaslu Trek via Tsum Valley, around mighty 8163 meter high Mount Manaslu and hidden valley of Tsum is unexpectedly popular among wilderness trekking keens. Manaslu region was opened for the trekkers only in 1995 and Tsum was also just released in 2008. Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek in this geographically extra spectacular and culturally most mesmerizing area, that rewards the trekkers to discover ultimate nature and cultural heritage and experience the mountain life style in Tsum Valley and Manaslu. The residents of upper Bhudi Gandaki, a region known as ‘Nup Ri’ meaning Western Mountain are direct descendants of Tibetan immigrants and they settled here during early 16th century consequently their speech, dress and customs are absolutely similar to Tibetans in the North of Nepal. The Mountain Views in Nup Ri are sensational and iconic that you can find nowhere in the world. The dramatic Larke Pass after visiting Tsum Valley is thrilling life that experience.
Tsum Valley, also called "beyul" literally meaning "Hidden valley in which people can take refuge at times of political disturbance and where Buddhism can be practiced safely" is yet being explored and right place to trek for the travelling passionate. The valley is a blessed with Himalayan Buddhist pilgrimage site located in northern part of Gorkha district, Nepal. In another sense ‘Tsum’ meaning vivid against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Boudha Himal Ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion. It is said that the Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to be meditated in the caves of these mountains. The valley is home of some of the unique and historic monasteries, including Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, mani and prayer walls which lie on a pretty highland nestled in the lap of the valley and Gompa Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal. The tribes here celebrate many Buddhist festivals, perform ritual burning of juniper sense to purify the air and Mother Nature, place the prayer flags and install Mani Walls for happiness of the entire sentient living beings. The area is left behind from modernity so their culture remained as it is as it was centuries ago. The palace is really tempting for the trekkers. Here we have customized two itineraries for the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek and we Wilderness Excursion operate perfect and ideal mountain holiday in budget cost.
Itinerary
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1 Day 01: Drive to Machha Khola (869m). 7 to hours by bus.
Our first day of the journey starts by a day drive to Machha Khola our trekking starting point which leads to Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. To reach to Machha Khola from Kathmandu, you will have to go past Arughat bazaar 570 elevations. Kathmandu to Arughat normally takes around 5 to 6 hours bus ride. From Arughat it takes another 3 hours to reach Machha Khola; again the time depends on the road condition, the type of transportation, driving speed etc. Our guide will pick you from your hotel at selected time. Drive to Machha Khola which lies at an elevation 869 meters above sea level. We stop for overnight in a trekking lodge.
2 Day 02:Trek to Jagat (1340m), 6-7 hours walk.
The third-day your Manaslu and Tsum valley trek today has some ups and downs which will make our trail challenging to some extent. From Machha Khola, we will cross the Tharo Khola and reach Khorlabesi. Khorlabesi is another small yet beautiful Gurung village. After another short steep climb, we will reach Tatopani, a hot-spring site where we will be spending some time to enjoy the natural sauna. Then we will climb over a ridge, crossing the Budhi Gandaki River through the suspension bridge and climb up the staircase and a ridge to finally reach Doban. After crossing another suspension bridge, we climb another stone staircase, go down to the river and climb the stairs again to reach Thado Bharyang. We will walk here in Nepal’s first cantilever bridge. Then we will cross the west bank of Budhi Gandaki River, climb over the ridge and walk along the river to reach Jagat village. We will here in Nepal’s first cantilever bridge. It is the entry checkpoint of the Manaslu Conservation Area. We will stay here for a night.
3 Day 03:Trek to Lokpa (2240m), 5-6 hours walk.
Today we will enter into restricted region of Tsum Valley. Guide will register your permit in checkpoint at Jagat. On the very first part you will trek a little bit through riverbank. After some up and down through Shridibas settlement of Philim come into your sight. Pass through suspension bridge and stop in Philim for lunch. Explore village of Philim and Japanese made school there. As you pass by Ekle Bhatti trail get separated toward Tsum and Manaslu. Pass through the welcome board and hike up toward Lokpa. You might feel like it is early to stop in Lokpa (2240m) but next settlement Chumling is far to go further. Overnight in lodge at Lokpa.
4 Day 04: Trek to Chhumling (2386m), 5 hours walk.
Today our plan is to make Chumling from Lokpa and it is only 4-5 hours of hike but it is demanding and there no any lodges in between so don’t forget to carry energy bar or snickers. Trail completely passes through silence of tropical forest. You will encounter numerous up and down until you arrive small suspension bridge. Trail gets diverted from this bridge toward Ripchet and Chumling. You will cross the bridge and walk pass by small stone wall made by the side of trail. Chumling is not that far from this point. There are few teahouses by main trail. Late afternoon you can make small side trip to upper part of Chumling, there are few teahouses too. There is monastery at the upper end of village you can go for view of Ganesh Himal. Personal hygiene is not that good so use hand sanitizer every thirty minutes or whenever possible. Depending on season fields might be covered by barely or buckwheat. Big Chorten on middle of field helps to enrich the view of small valley. Stay there for overnight.
5 Day 05:Trek to Chhekampar (3011m), 5-6 hours walk.
From Chumling; the day begins with a cross over a suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. We rejoice the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Villag having local teashop. Another continues 2 hours climb to Tsum takes us to the stunning traditional village of Chhokangpar. Weather permitting; enjoy the views of Himalchuli at 7893 meters and Ganesh Himal at7140m. Stay overnight at Chokhangpar in Tashi Delek lodge.
6 Day 06:Trek to Nile (3310m), 6 hours walk.
Today it is easy walk of 5-6 hours to Nile from Chhekampar. We may visit Milarepa Cave (locals called it Piren Phu). The entrance fee was NPR 300 as of 2015. Though it is an easy walk to Nile; we may feel altitude as we go higher so it is recommended to walk gently above Chokhangparo, better to be careful of altitude problems. We hike through Phurbe and Pangdun. Leaving old historic Stupa of Buddha in a way crossing the village of Chhule, climb upstream and cross the bridge to finally arrive at Nile. If you consider we can make your visit to a famous monastery of Chhule which is located in the top of area.
7 Day 07: Hike to Mu Gompa (3700) and trek to Chhekampar via Rachen Goma, 6-7 hours walk.
After a nice breakfasts; we go hiking to make a exploration day to famous and religious Mu Gompa without taking our luggage. We are now almost close to the Tibetan border. Walk to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. Climb up to the Mu Gompa. We also visit the monastery. Then after, we make a visit to the Dhephu Doma Gompa. We descend down to hotel for lunch and get our baggage and trek down to Chhekamparo via Rachen Gompa a Buddhist nunnery and retrace back to Chhekamparo
8 Day 08:Trek to Lokpa (2240m), 7-8 hours walk.
It is same way back to Lokpa via Chumling again though there is an alternative trail via Ripchet that detour at the bridge. Here, we will be following the trail into forest again that takes 6 to 7 hours. Spending a night at Lokpa we will arrange to shift towards Deng. Stay overnight at guesthouse.
9 Day 09: Trek to Ghap (2300m), 6-7 hours walk.
The trail goes down to Gumpul where we reconnect with main Manaslu trail. Crossing on the top of stunning gorge and entering the mainly unoccupied area of pine trees previous to drop to a trail junction at New Bridge, we will be following the trail towards the left to Ghap, the Budhi Gandaki and then entering into its narrow gorge on an up-and-down trail with river crossings. After a suspension bridge the trail enters bamboo forest and rises to the village of Deng, hike further towards Rana and Bhi Phedi then to Ghap that takes approximately 7-8 hours depending on your pace and stamina to walk. Overnight in guest house at Ghap.
10 Day 10:Trek to Lho (3180), 5-7 hours walk.
Today; it is an easy starts in the beginning, then we will rise up through the bamboo tree and the woodland of Rhododendron along the Budhi Gandaki River. The hydro electric plant will take us to Namrung. We might have lunch break here. Then resume trekking to Lhogaon from Namrung. We are ascending quietly by passing from the outsized stream gracefully downward from the Lidanda Glaciers. At Sho (3,000m), we will take some time for lunch. Arriving at Lho at the elevation of 3180 meter, we are taking pleasure from that breath taking scenery of Manaslu. We will put our camp in Lho (3,180m), viewing amazing small Gompa. Stay overnight in a tented camp.
11 Day 11: Trek to Sama Gaun (3520m), 4-5 hours walk.
On this day; it is short walk to Sama Gaun (3520) via Shyo. Walk through the blue pine and juniper pine woodland and soon we walk through very wide and flat fiend and can see the beautiful Sama gaun (3520m) in distance. Sama gaun is one of the attraction in this trek having monasteries, religious monuments and locals. Overnight stay in lodge at Sama gaun
12 Day 12:Rest day, Hike to Birendra Taal/Pungyen Gompa/ Manaslu Base camp (4400m).
Today, it is rest and acclimatization day as it is very important to get acclimatized considering AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness). The elevation goes higher and air becomes thinner now. It is always suggested to hike in higher and sleep in lower that makes you properly acclimatized, to drink more water is recommended. Hike slow and gentle walk is always wise. If you feel fine and strong; Sama Gaun offers several day long hike. Day hike to Pungyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp and Excursion to Birendra Lake is very popular to do day excursion. Overnight at Sama Gaun
13 Day 13: Trek to Samdo (3780m), 3 -4 hours walk.
Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo ((3780m). Overnight in Samdo.
14 Day 14: Trek to Larke Phedi (4460m) 4 hours walk.
Even today, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larke Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4460 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. This is the highest altitude we sleep. he short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight in Dharmashala.
15 Day 15:Trek to Bimtang (3750m), via Larkey Pass (5100m), 8-9 hours.
After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larke Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larke Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience. Overnight in Bimthang.
16 Day 16:Trek to Gowa (2515m), 6-7 hours walk.
From a ridge at Bimthang, we can enjoy great views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. We descend further and cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola. We walk through rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche, 2785 meters. We pass across fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank at 2580m. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho. Due to yesterday's tiredness we might take an overnight rest at Gho (2500m) having some nice lodges.
17 Day 17:Trek to Chyamje (1430m), 6-7 hours walk.
Cross a suspension bridge at the end of Gowa and follow easy trail to Tilche then climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village and walk down to Dharapani now we walk on unsealed road and cross another suspension bridge over Dudh Khola We then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a mani wall and reach the Thonje village. At the village, we go through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. We have entered the Annapurna circuit section from Dharapani. Further down, we come across Karte village and after quite a bit of walking we cross a bridge over Marshyangdi Khola. We also come across some mani walls before reaching the village of Tal then trek to Chyamje.
18 Day 18:Drive to Besisahar (760m), drive to Kathmandu
Today is last day of our trip. We ride a 4WD sharing local jeep to Besisahar then take a connecting local micro hiace van to Kathmandu which could be a very long ride. If you can allow a extra day we can stay at Besi Sahar and take a deluxe local bus next day. Overnight in Kathmandu. Your guide will take you to your hotel.Trip ends with Wilderness Excursion.
Cost Includes:
- A registered local experienced trekking guide.
- 1 Sharing Sherpa porter between 2 trekkers (weight limit 25kg)
- Meals: 17 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches, and 17 Dinners during the trek.
- Hot water during the trek (1 liter per person/day).
- Mountain lodge accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- Kathmandu to Machha Khola by private 4WD jeep transportation.
- Chyamje - Besisahar - Kathmandu by local sharing jeep/hiace van
- All shuttles from your hotel in Kathmandu for the trekking.
- Guide and porters wages with all their expenses.
- Manaslu Trekking Tsum Valley Permits.
- All taxes and documentation fees.
- Insurance and trekking gear of your crew.
Cost Excludes:
- International airport transfers, hotel and meals in Kathmandu.
- Bar and beverage bills such as coke, fanta, mineral water, beer etc.
- Guided sightseeing and monuments entrance fees in Kathmandu.
- Laundry service, toiletries and other personal nature expenses.
- Hot shower, internet and phone calls
- Personal travel insurance and trekking gear.
- Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
- Tips for your guide and porter.
Dates & Prices
We are local tour and trekking operator based in Kathmandu so we guaranty small private group departures any dates that suits your date and time. Please kindly contact us for your customized departure date, itinerary and the price. Thank you and Namaste!
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Benj Wadsworth
United StatesPublished: Saturday, April 12, 2014Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek (and Langtang too) March – April 2014
Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek (and Langtang too) March – April 2014 My brother and I completed the Manaslu / Tsum Valley Trek with Pradip in April. We found Wilderness Excursion; a Kathmandu based Adventure Travel Agency in the internet and took a gamble as we knew nothing about this trekking company. Pradip, Founder Manager and also a trekking guide answered all our questions for the trek we required. It was a great gamble! Pradip was very well organized, knowledgeable about the area and a lot of fun to trek with. I can’t recommend him highly enough. The trek itself is phenomenal. The scenery is beautiful and the area is still relatively less crowded, particularly in the Tsum Valley. I am generally not a big fan of being guided (I like to figure things out on my own) but Pradip added a great deal to the trip by serving as a translator and introducing us to people and cultural experiences that would not have been available otherwise. We liked Pradip so much that we hired him to guide us for two weeks in the Langtang region as well!
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Friedrich Koethe
GermanyPublished: Wednesday, April 24, 2013Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trekking March – April 2013
In April 2013 we trekked to Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trekking with Pradip Tamang and two porters all the way round in 18 days (including the side-trip to Mu Ghompa in Tsum Valley and two rest days). It was a great and amazing experience. We had booked through the internet not knowing Pradip, but our first questions were answered so sympathetically and professionally that we booked through his company. It was a good decision. Pradip knows the directions very well, the organization was well-done and the guesthouses he had chosen were optimal (one of our main concerns was not to get any gastrointestinal diseases and with the basic infrastructure in this area - not at all comparable to Annapurna region - this is not as easy). Pradip is speaking English and French so we had no communication problems and he shares his knowledge of culture and history in an enjoyable and entertaining manner. As a travel book writer I am very conservative with recommendations but Pradip did a really perfect job. So all the best for him and we will return and trek with Pradip again.
Trip Map
Useful Info
Note: This trip can be personalized as per your requirements that meet your time frame. The trip price will be according to Deluxe, Standard, Budget and group size so please kindly provide us your details for tailor made program.
Trip Price: US$ 1299
- Trip Duration 18 Days
- DestinationNepal
- Trip Difficulty Medium Hard
- Trip StyleTrekking
- AccomodationLodge and Home Stay
- Transportation: Local Bus, Jeep
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Max Person: 12 People
- Min Person: 2 People
- Best Season: Spring and autumn
- Max Elevation: 5135m
Need Help?
Please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you with 1-2 business days. Or just call us now
+977 9851042153 info@guideinhimalaya.comTrip Info
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