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Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Duration: 21
  • Destination: Nepal
Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek
  • Destination Nepal
  • Activity Trekking
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Max. Elevation 5220m
  • Best Time Mar - May & Sep - Dec
  • Group Size 2-30

Overview

The Tsum valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek package is a perfect way of celebrating the natural lure of enchanting valleys hidden in between the wilderness of mountains. We take you through some remote and unspoiled sections of Nepal, letting you enjoy the natural essence that lies within.

Trekking to the Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions is inarguably a memorable journey that combines the raw appeal of the world’s eighth-highest peak—Mt. Manaslu—with the lushness of forests, verdant valleys, traditional villages, and the Buddhist religion’s spirit.

During the tour, you will walk around Mt. Manaslu, appreciating the region’s geographical splendor. In a proper sense, this trekking package is a super combo of two interesting tours, namely the Tsum Valley Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

For your information, the Nepal Tourism Board opened Manaslu Trek for trekkers in 1995, and Tsum Valley was unknown to the world till 2008.

Though open to travelers, the trail receives only a few enthusiastic travelers owing to its remote terrain. Thanks to its off-the-beaten-track location, the region can still preserve its natural and cultural heritage intact.

The Tales of the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Region

Tsum Valley is an ancient territory hidden in the shadows of mountains. Veiled in the impressive surroundings of the Ganesh Himal, Singri Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges, the valley lay near the Tibetan border and was a restricted area until 2008.

Inhabited by Tibetan-origin people, the valley is sparsely populated by Tsum people. These communities have their own unique culture, customs, lifestyle, and dialect.

As Buddhism is a dominant religion in the valley, you can find many caves, monasteries, and gompas in the valley that date back to the first century. Because of its remoteness, the valley still preserves all the ancient heritage that this place possesses.

Since the valley is less exposed to outsiders and differs from the rest of the world in having virgin land, off-beaten tracks, and Buddhism’s aura of religion, a trip to the valley is enlightening.

The prominent mountain passes, gorges, hamlets, gompas, and monasteries of the Tsum valley are all worth seeing on the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek.

An interesting fact—Did you know?

Polyandry is still in practice in the Tsum valley. They wed brothers from the same family to a single woman! It sounds weird, but it is a fact.

The thrill of crossing the Larkya La pass with the Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek Package

The Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit Trek package is an astonishing journey that takes you close to the highest mountains. One such peak is Mount Manalsu, which stands tall at an elevation of 8163 meters. It is the world’s eighth-highest mountain.

The adventure starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Macchakhola. From here, we slowly and gradually traverse upward to enter the Tsum valley.

Then we walk to Jagat. Jagat is a beautiful place nestled between the high mountains of Annapurna and Manaslu. It’s the starting point of some popular treks in Nepal, such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

We hike to villages like Chisapani and Chumling on our way to Chokhangparo. Similarly, in the Tsum valley, we explore the ancient villages, caves, and gompas such as Milarepa’s Cave, Mu Gompa, and Rachen Gompa.

After exploring the valley, we come out of the valley ahead and head towards the Larkya La Pass at an elevation of 5160 meters. We pass various villages, farmlands, forests, and hamlets on our way to the pass. As we reach the pass, we will see some incredible views of Mt. Manaslu and other peaks in the surrounding area.

Climbing up the pass can be a tough task, but proper acclimatization and the right walking techniques may help you accomplish the journey.

Trekking in the Region with Tidy Himalaya

 Tidy Himalaya helps you on each step of your journey. From proper itinerary planning to food, accommodation, transportation, permits, and other related services, we take care of all.

So, if you are planning on visiting Nepal and opting for the Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek, make sure you give us an opportunity. We assure you, you will not regret your choice.

Itinerary

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our airport representative will come to receive you at the airport, and he will transfer you to the hotel where you will be spending the night. Meanwhile, you can further inquire about any information regarding the program. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Today, we will start our sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. The tour includes excursing the heritage sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and the Pashupatinath Temple. These heritage sites present a sense of nostalgia because of their unique architectural integrity. Enjoy the artistically opulent palaces, cultural quintessence, old priceless paintings, sculptures, and a brief history of Nepal. Overnight stay at Hotel, Breakfast included.

Today, we drive to Macha Khola. The first four hours to Dhading Besi, the district headquarters of Dhading (1050m), are on paved roads, but we will be driving on a rougher surface for the section to Macha Khola. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

After crossing the Machha River and Khrolabesi, we will pass through the hot springs at Tatopani. The trail follows a forested area until we cross the Dovan Khola, from where we will make our way to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. With white sandy areas along the riverside, the scenery undergoes a drastic transformation as the elevation increases until we reach Jagat. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

In Jagat, we have to complete the ACAP procedure. In the early part of our trek, we ascend over a rocky ridge to Salleri and descend to Sirdibas through the flat-level path. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long simple hanging bridge and climb up to Philim. Philim is a big village mainly inhabited by the Gurungs. Philim valley is well known for its Japanese-made school and police station. Walk past Philim to the north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley. We reach Chisopani. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Leaving Chisopani, we cross the gorge and walk for about half an hour, which offers a big and beautiful waterfall view. This day is challenging as it is an ascending path that stretches almost the entire route. Entering through the pine and rhododendron tree forest, we descend to the trail which leads us to Tsum Valley. En route, you can see the panoramic views of the Mountains. Continuing our walk, we pass through a small beautiful village called Lokpa. It is along the old trail route. From Lokpa, we have to descend for half an hour up to Lungwa Khola and then climb on a zigzag trail for a further two hours north through pines and rhododendrons until we reach Gumlung. After crossing the Siyar Khola, we finally arrive at Chumling. It is the lower Tsum valley. Chumling is located on the south face of the Shingri Himal, from where we can see an eye-catching view of Shringi Himal. You can also visit the old Chumling Gompa and the stone streets of the village. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

After breakfast at Chumling, we carry out our walk towards Chokhangparo by crossing the suspension bridge on the river’s opposite bank. The scenic views of the valley and views of Ganesh Himal amply compensate for today’s walk. Then we traverse through the rich farming land of maize and potatoes. The houses are classic Tibetan with barricades of firewood on the roof but without flat roofs, as it rains and snows here. Cross a huge slip where rocks and flood cleared the area even up onto the opposite bank, killing five in 1999, but is now covered with a forest of new trees. Up the valley to the east are superb views of several of the 7000-7400m Ganesh Himal, of long suspension bridges on the opposite bank, and far above the perched village of Ripchet (2468m). Passing through Rainjam and crossing Serpu Khola, we climb for over two hours on well-graded but exposed track to upper Tsum and the join villages of Chokhangparo, stone houses with a few iron roofs nestled under cliffs. Chokhangparo is situated on flat land and consists of 2 settlements, Chokhang and Paro. If the weather permits, enjoy the views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Ganesh Himal (7140m). Some households practice polyandry down here. This area is prominent for its Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Ascending from Chokhangparo, you might get symptoms of Altitude sickness. So, we recommend you take precautions about it and drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. We head east through small villages and past a local school. The magnificent view here pauses our trekking and stops for the honor of the amazing nature. Gradually climbing over a ridge of chortens, we pass Lama Gaon (3202m) through the flat fields, looking across the extensive crops and river to the Rachen Gompa/ Nunnery Gompa (3240m) with excellent pilgrim accommodation. Thar is often sighted near here. The friendly people speak Tsumba, related to Tibetan, but often little Nepali and are quite unused to visitors. We can also make a small visit and then cross the Shiyar Khola, pass through hamlets of Phurbe (3251m) and Pangdun (3258m) and pass an unusual round stupa before reaching the larger village of Chhule (3347m) through an impressive entrance gate. Then we continue walking through the well-managed villages Lar (micro hydropower), Phurbe, and Pangdun. We leave the old historic Stupa of Buddha in a way crossing the village of Chhule. The children here all wear the Tibetan dressing gown called chubas, and there are many yaks. Heading upstream to cross the bridge and climb to Nile (pronounced Nee-lay). The Nile is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum valley. This area is massively deforested. This village is situated on the banks of the Shiar Khola, and it consists of a large number of households. Both villages are in traditional style, including livestock compounds into the houses and sheltered verandahs for drying crops. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

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. This Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region. The Gompa lies at the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

We retrace back to Chumling, 7-8 hours. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Today we trek to Deng in the Manaslu valley. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

We scramble steeply up onto a spectacular trail and descend to cross the river. We pass through some small settlements and then ascend to an impressive valley. There we encounter Mani stones (prayer stones) carved into wayside rocks, a sign that we are entering a Tibetan territory. In the afternoon, we make an excursion to the small settlement of Prok, a two-hour round trip. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

We pass the stone gate and the long Mani stone wall of the village after Lho, with a full view of Peak 29 ahead. You can make a side excursion to Pungen to get a very close-up view of Manaslu from here. The trial follows a lateral moraine of Pungen towards Sama. It takes another 20 minutes to reach Sama Gompa from there for a night halt. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

This day has been set aside for acclimatization. An option for full or half-day walks has been set aside. The full-day walk is towards Manaslu Base Camp (approximately 6-7 hour round trip). Alternatively, there are half-day walks either across the valley or to Birendra Tal. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

We cross pasture areas and gradually ascend to the valley. Fantastic views of the mountains, especially Manaslu, are ahead of us as we reach Samdo (3860m), a Tibetan refugee village. This remote village is only a day’s walk from the Tibetan border. In the afternoon, we will explore the village and the surrounding hills. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

After crossing a couple of streams, we’ll reach the Larkya Bazaar. This is a village that thrived from trade with Tibet years ago. After a steady climb, we will arrive at our lodge at 4450m. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

We climb Cho Chanda and then slowly head uphill towards the steep snowed-up pass. The panorama from the top is magnificent: Himlung Himal (7126meter), Cheo Himal (6820meters), Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru (6981meters), and the Annapurna II (7937meters). The descent is steep, through moraines to Bhimphedi. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

With a gentle climb through paddy fields, we head towards the small Karcha La pass. The trail descends through fig trees and rhododendron forests to Tilje. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Today, we shall trek down to Dharapani then we shall drive to Kathmandu by private vehicle. Overnight at Hotel, Breakfast, and Lunch included.

A representative from Tidy Himalaya will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Breakfast included.

Cost Includes

  • Airport transfers–pick up and drop off in a private vehicle.
  • All ground transportation is in a private vehicle.
  • Full-day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
  • Visit World UNSECO Heritages such as Pashupatinath, Patan, Swombhunath, and Boudhanath
  • Your accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu with a breakfast plan
  • Your accommodation in the best guesthouses available (on twin sharing basis) during the trek with breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the Manaslu and Tsum trekking journey
  • All paper works
  • National parks and heritage sites enter tickets
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) and trekking permits i.e MCAP and ACAP
  • Restricted Area permits for Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit
  • A licensed, English-speaking, professional guide along with a porter (1 for two clients)
  • All the costs of guide and porter including accidental insurance
  • Duffel bag, and sleeping bags (to be returned to us after the trek)
  • T-shirts, route map, and a travel completion certificate
  • All applicable government taxes and service charges.
  • First aid kit

Cost Excludes

  • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu
  • International airfare
  • Visa costs
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal refreshment items like cold drinks, snacks, etc.
  • Personal utility items like laundry, telephone expenses, electricity charges, etc.
  • Personal trekking gear for Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek
  • Tips for guides and porters.

Cost and Date

Start Dates are your arrival date in Nepal and End Dates are the returning date from Nepal.
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.

Currently we have No Fix Departure for this trip