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The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a gem for anyone who has fitness, stamina and a desire to experience something a little bit more enlightening than just a hard trek. This journey is certainly more remote and spectacular than many other treks in Nepal, You will need to get used to rough steep tracks at times and less than luxurious accommodation. It is culturally fascinating with very strong links to Tibet who inhabit the upper Buri Gandaki (called Nupri ‘the western mountains’) and the Tsum Valley, Two wonderful destinations to savour and soak up. Then go climb over the Larkya La (5160m) a true challenge. The views of Mt Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world, are out of this world and very close from here.
The trek around Manaslu can be done as a lodge trek nowadays even Tsum now has several lodges, good homestays, and toilets in most places.
The remote Tsum Valley is an absolute highlight, with strong, friendly hardened and weathered hospitable people, living Buddhist culture with untouched wildlife due to Buddhist prohibitions on hunting. Tsum comes from the Tibetan work ‘Tsombo’, which means vivid so true as the place conjures up so many feelings. The people are financially poor having been bypassed by development for centuries, but their unique culture is so rich and a testament to the human spirit which still has remained relatively untouched.
- Wonderful Manaslu 8163m the 8th highest peak in the world
- Highly diverse region
- The region is home to the endangered snow leopard and red panda
- The hidden Tsum Valley heaped with Buddhist heritage.
- Fascinating ancient settlements
- Tremendous Mountain views
- A climb over the demanding Larkya La.
A Himalaya Heart representative will welcome you at the airport and take you to the hotel where we will talk about the trip in more detail. This is an opportunity for you to ask any question you may have. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore
We explore three culturally diverse and visually stunning temples around Kathmandu We begin. High on a hilltop above Kathmandu at the magnificent Swayambutinath (“Monkey Temple”), used by both Hindus and Buddhists, and known for its many holy monkeys! Along the banks of the Bagmati River lies Pashupatinath, a temple devoted to Lord Shiva. It is the most important Hindu site in Nepal and pilgrims from all over the world come to show their faith.Away from the city centre is the peaceful and impressive Bodhnath Stupa. Every day thousands of people descend daily to show their devotion and respect.
Today we process the Manasalu and Tsum Valley Restricted area trekking permit preparation you will be introduced with the trek leader at the hotel. There follows a pre-trip briefing on the trek and other necessary details. The rest of the day is free to rest up or explore the markets for some last minute shopping. A visit to the world heritage sites in Kathmandu including Swayambhu, Boudha, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square can be arranged on request.
Soon after breakfast our car is waiting for the scenic drive to Dhading Bensi, the district headquarters of Dhading. We then follow on to Aarughat along via a rough track. At Aarughat we take a public jeep for the drive to Soti Khola which is a good place to freshen up with a freshwater bath in the river. Overnight Lodge
After crossing the bridge over the river, the trail leads up through green Sal forests. Ascending to a ridge that overlooks the rapids of Budhi Gandaki then onwards to Khursane. The last part we need to hike a rocky trail up to the Gurung village of Lapubesi. We drop down from here and continue along the riverbank treading on sand and rounded stones and again crossing a suspension bridge to arrive at Machhi Khola village. Overnight Lodge.
The trail today passes through small settlements along Khorlabeshi all the way to Tatopani. There are larger Gurung settlements higher along the trail and we may well come across herders moving up and down the hills. Passing through Tatopani, we need to climb a ridge, cross the Budhi Gandaki again and further trek through to Yaruphant and then across the Yaru River. We cross cantilever bridge in Yaru Bagar which was built in 2016 after the earthquake of 2015 using Swiss Technology, the trail eases after that on to Jagat a large Gurung village in a flat area. Overnight Guesthouse.
On leaving Jagat we climb a rocky ridge to reach Salleri where we are rewarded with splendid views of Mount Sringi.Before a descent Descent to Sirdibas, a traditional Buddhist village, we move on further to cross the longest suspension bridge in Nepal and climb up to Lokpa North of Philim. The trail leads through some forest areas for about an hour to reach Ekle Bhatti. Moving higher in pine forests, we reach a scenic gorge with dramtic views and from here drop to a junction. We take the right trail that leads to Tsum Valley for our stay at Lokpa. Overnight Lodge
It is here you begin to feel really remote as we enter and trek the Tsum Valley. The first exoeriences of Tsum along with the mountain views make for a surreal experience.Views of the hidden valley start appearing as we descend further to Ghumlong and climb again to Ripchet. A short walk from here takes us to Chumling, a traditional Buddhist village built in a beautiful setting beautiful with an ancient monastery, traditional houses, prayer flags, stone paved streets, mani walls and the like a great place to take in. Overnight lodge.
After crossing the suspension bridge, the trail passes through maize and potato fields. Crossing the valley and across a scenic ridge, we climb for more than two hours to reach the small settlement under the cliffs of Chhokang Paro. Overnight Lodge
After breakfast we hike a scenic trail to Nile where we take lunch and settle into our lodge. For those up to it there is a great hike Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region, and the highest farthest point in Tsum Valley. The five hour round trip walk to Mu Gompa (3710m) shows a very different world set in a flat bowl like valley surrounded by magnificent mountains. Overnight Nile Gueshouse.
It is a short walk today first taking us downhill to Chhule and on further to Phurbe, where Sherpa homestays are available. We continue on along the banks of Siyar River, to Rachen Gompa (3240m), a nunnery. Overnight Guesthouse.
After crossing the river to pass through Chhokang Paro, we drop towards Chumling. Walking for about two hours, we reach a white monastery and then drop to Siyar Khola. The abundance of water here makes it suitable to wash clothes. We stop at Chumling for the night. Overnight Guesthouse.
We start with a steep descent from chumling to lokpa an along to cross a suspension bridge .The trail begins along a rocky ridge with some splendid emerging views of Sringi Himal. We pass through Ghatta Khola and onwards passing through farms growing maize, millet, potatoes and vegetables. We eventually enter an uninhabited gorge, and follow the bank of Budhi Gandaki, we cross bamboo forests to the Deng river for our stop toady at Deng village beside the Deng river. Overnight Lodge.
Shortly beyond Deng we ascend as the trail climbs to Rena. After passing some stone houses, the trail traverses high above the river and then drops into the Sringi Valley wevcross the Budi Gandaki river several times Today is a good day we pass numerous Tibetan Mani lined walls and colourful forests before reaching the settlement of Namrung. There beautiful views of Sringi Himal along the Overnight Lodge.
With stunning views of Sringi, Ganesh Himal to enjoy on the way, the trek starts from Namrung and climbs steadily into the alpine landscape that provides marvelous mountain views as we go. The village of Namrung marks the beginning of the region of pure Tibetan inhabitants. Passing through lovely forests, fascinating villages and barley terraces, the first stunning glimpses of Manaslu become visible which really comes alive at Lho village. We stay overnight at Lho village a fanastic viewpoint to enjoy the sunrise and sunset view from the lodge or a gompa.Overnight Lodge.
We pass through gompas, Tibetan settlements and alpine scenery. After a while we reach Sama Gaon where we stay today. This day is both for resting up a bit as well as acclimatization. Its also a day to get acquainted with Sherpa culture and tradition. Set at the foot of green pastures, the village has a distinctive Tibetan architecture that dates back over 500 years. Entrance gates to villages are common here, and you can also notice Chinese goods on sale here and watch the village women weaving wool into gowns. Take a Hike up to a gompa above town or just wander the streets of this fascinating place Sama Gaon. Overnight mountain lodge.
We take this day to further acclimatize we can Trek to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Tal.Trek to Manaslu Base Camp Pungyen Gompa is a 3-4 hours hiking and Birendra Tal is a 1 hour hike, so both can be combined. Overnight Lodge.
The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls in the valley and leads us through some beautiful juniper and birch forests. Descending back to Budhi Gandaki and crossing a small bridge, we climb to a ‘kane’, the entrance to Samdo. A village where three valleys converge. Samdo is known for traditional yak herding and it truly depicts the traditional Tibetan lifestyle – rearing sheep and goats, training horses and planting barley. Overnight Lodge.
Our trek today takes us along ridges, we need to cross wooden bridges several times over the Budi Gandaki River. After crossing two streams, we arrive at the Larkya glacier where we enter into a dramatic gorge. The air is thin as we are climbing to 4450 metres to reach Larke Phedi where we take shelter in a Dharmashala. The walk today is slow and short providing plenty of time for acclimatisation. Overnight Lodge.
A short climb leads us to the north side of Larkya Glacier. From here there are great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. The climb to the Larkya La (5100m) pass is gradual in the beginning but steepens towards the end. It is a tough push up but we are rewarded with a stunning panorama opening up of different ranges from the pass. A tough and challenging day over the high Larkya La. The steep decent from here is also strenuous, but it’s an equally rewarding experience. Bimthang awaits with blistering vistas at the end of a tough day. Overnight tented camp.
We enjoy the magnificent views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal along with the lush forests and valley below. Our descent from Bimthang crosses over high pasture land,the Dudh Khola river and through rhododendron forest to Karche, 2785 metres. Karche is the highest cultivated land in the area.From here we have a steep climb over a ridge and down to the village of Gho. We could stay here but the best option hike on as there are better lodges available at Tilje. Overnight Lodge
We start by crossing a ridge and along a stone paved trail, we pass through a beautiful Tibetan settlements along the way. We descend into the Marsygandi Valley and from Dharapani, meet up with the classic Annapurna trail. Walking past Karte village and crossing the Marshyangdi Khola, mani lined walls welcome us to the village of Tal and then further on to Chamche. Overnight Lodge.
Drive back by jeep. The drive from here to Kathmandu is mostly along the banks of Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers it passes through Beshishahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung.On reaching Kathmandu we transfer to the hotel. In the evening, a celebration for the successful completion of the trip is had over dinner. Overnight Hotel.
Today its time to move on we hope you have had a great time with us and we would like to meet again in the future. If you are flying today.we will drop you at the airport as per your flight schedule or assist you with any other move.
Includes
- Airport pickup & drop by private Vehicle.
- 4 nights 3 star accommodation in Kathmandu on BB base.
- All permits ACAP, MCAP, Manaslu & Tsum Valley special permit.
- English Speaking professional guide trained in first aid and porters to include their accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine, transportation.
- 3 times meals a day plus lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Overland transport as described in the itinerary
- Farewell dinner
Excludes
- International airfare, and Nepal visa
- Personal travel insurance, please read our terms and conditions of booking.
- Lunch and Dinner in KTM
- Personal expenses to include bottled drinks, beverages, hot showers wi-fi battery recharge on trek.
- Tips for staff (not mandatory)
When’s the best time to visit Nepal?
The main seasons for trekking are the spring (Mar to May) and autumn (Sep to Nov) when you’ll have clear skies and superb mountain views. The winter (Dec to Feb) is also a great time to visit— these months offer a unique experience and fewer crowds but lower altitude treks are better at this time of year as its cold at night.
What is it like during the monsoon season?
(Jun to Aug), Most of Nepal experiences heavy rain for a few hours each day. It’s humid, wet, and the trails in the lower regions (Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Langtang, etc) can be quite muddy. If you don’t mind the rain you’ll have the trails to yourself, the skies often clear up in the morning, and certain treks offer stone-paved trails that drain the rain and make for easy trekking. Also, certain regions, like Mustang and the upper reaches of Everest, lie in the rainshadow of the Himalaya and receive little rain but views however are still likely to be restricted.
showers.
Is Wi Fi available on treks:
The main trekking regions of Everest / Annapurna / Langtang have Wi Fi facilities on the major trekking routes. There will be times when trekking in remote areas when it is not available.
What is Altitude Sickness?
Many sites on Google speak about 2.500 meters as when problems may arise. In our experience this is misleading you may feel a slight headache but rarely anything more that a painkiller won’t relieve. If we are talking about the possibility of contracting a more severe form of altitude sickness it is likely to occur over 4.000 meters and once again rare and easily resolved by descending to a lower altitude. Altitude sickness describes several symptoms that happen to your body when you’re exposed to a higher elevation within a short period of time. When people are traveling or either climbing to a higher elevation quickly. The higher you climb, the lower the air pressure and oxygen levels get. Our bodies can handle the shift, but they need time to gradually adjust. Himalaya Heart carefully designs treks to minimise any risk.Having said that genrally people will experience the following to a lesser or higher degree.
Lack of appetite/ nausea /Fatigue/ Shortness of breath
Money and payment in Nepal.
Payment:
In hotels trekking/travel agencies, and airlines are made in foreign exchange. Most of the International Cards including Visa Card, Master Card, JCB, Maestro, Americal Express etc. are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants and leading travel/trekking agents. The receipts may be needed to change left-over Nepalese Rupees into hard currency before leaving the country. However, only 10 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATM and Debit cards are widely in use in major cities of Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini and others.
Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. One rupee equals 100 paisa. The rate regularly fluctuates and is fixed and published by Nepal Rastra Bank every other day.
What’s the difference between private and group tours?
Private tours are tailor-made itineraries built by us around your travel dates and personal interests, whereas group trips are pre-packaged and depart on specific dates. Group trips are also open for others to join, whereas private trips are just for you. You will find a list of fixed departure dates on our website.
How do I get my visa for Nepal?
For most nationalities visa can be obtained on arrival in Kathmandu. It takes around 45 minutes and is the most convenient way to get your visa you will need passport size photos.. You can also apply for a visa in advance from a local Nepali consulate in your country if you’d like to have everything arranged in advance. Cost15 Days – 25 USD / 30 Days – 40 USD / 90 Days – 100 USD
How much luggage can I take on domestic flights?
For mountain flights, you’re allowed 5 kg. carry-on to the plane and 10 kg. for checked-in luggage. For non-mountain sector flights, the check-in allowance increases to 20-25 kg.
Are hotels included in the tour price?
Himalaya Heart organise complete tours, meaning everything is taken care of from the moment you arrive in Nepal to the moment you leave, including all of your accommodation in a three star Hotel. If you require better accommodation please let us know and we can arrange this and adjust the tour cost accordingly. Each of our tour pages shows clearly what is and what is not included in the tour price
Are there any extra expenses not included in my tour price?
Personal expenses (tips, soft drinks, bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, donations, and extra snacks, etc) are not included in your tour price. When checking a particular trek page on our website we have clearly stated what is and what is not included. If you’re going trekking, the only things you’ll need to pay for out of pocket are wifi and battery charging (when available), extra meals outside of what’s included, alcohol, and soft drinks and hot showers on trek.
