Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek 19 Days

An early morning wake up and we will set forth to begin our incredible Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. We will leave the bustling capital of Kathmandu in a private jeep and drive through Kalanki, Thankot, and follow the expansive Prithvi Highway to Malekhu. The west-turned Highway will journey us down to Trishuli and for a while follow the course towards Pokhara. Later, our driver will turn us north to Dhading. The tarmac road of the Highway will now conclude thereby taking us along the narrow dirt track to Dhading Besi. Slowly, the white heads of Ganesh, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Langtang can be seen emerging above the hills as we proceed to the Arughat Bazaar of the Gorkha district. We will travel further north and traverse the attractive small villages of Maltar, Shante, Arkhet, and Kyoropani before reaching Soti Khola. Before the motor road, it used to be the resting spot of travelers heading to Manaslu. But the road has advanced further so we will drive for around 2 hours further through Khursane and Labu Bensi to finally rest at Machha Khola. Here, we will enjoy the hospitality of Sarki, Damai, Chhetri, Tamang, Brahmin and Gurung community. Activity: 8-9 Hrs Drive Max. Altitude: 930m/3,051ft. Machhakhola Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Guest House

Today, we will set off on the first hike of our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek itinerary towards the town of Jagat. After Machha Khola, we will climb our way up through Thado Khola to cross our first hanging metal bridge over the enormous Budhi Gandaki River. The remarkable Ganesh Himal will be watching over us as we progress to Khorla Besi. The path forward will then direct us to the warm natural spring of Tatopani (1040 m). From here on, Shringi Himal will begin to guide us from the distance. We will continue to walk up steadily through Dobhan Khola Valley towards the Yaru Khola Valley where we will have to walk over a 92 km long steel bridge. Now, the path will meander through Thulo Dhunga and lead us to the Gurung hamlet of Jagat which grants us entry into the new environment of the Manaslu Restricted Conservation Area. Activity: 5-6 Hrs Trek Max. Altitude: 1,340m/4,396ft. Jagat town Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

From Jagat, we will progress to its border where we will stop at the checkpoint of Manaslu Restricted Conservation Area for the review of our papers. Once finishing the formalities, we will continue on the open road of the shore of Budhi Gandaki. Soon, we will find ourselves at Salleri from where we will hike past numerous beautifully flowing waterfalls to arrive at Sridibas Village. Now, the typically hung bridge will usher us forward to the Philim settlement (1600 m). here a refreshing waterfall will cool our tired feet and prepare us for the steady ascent to Ekle Bhatti. The winding forest path will now take us to the Lokpa Hamlet of the lower Tsum Valley. It rests calmly at the joining point of the Siyar Khola and Budhi Gandaki River. Gajung Kang and Shringi Peaks are the two astounding attractions of this locality. Activity: 5-6 Hrs Trek Max. Altitude: 2,240m/7,349ft. Lokpa Village Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

From Lokpa, we will go down through the dense jungle of the Sardi Khola ridge, up and down again to Gadhkhola. The secret Tsum Valley will now stretch temptingly before us. After a moment of rest, we will now descend for around 30 minutes to the shore of the Lungwa Khola which will take us along the narrow gorge to Gumlung (2130 m). The path just ahead will now steepen taking us up to Ripchet Village (2470 m) in about an hour. We will then be directed along the path to Chumling (2386 m) which crosses the Siyar Khola by a wooden bridge. Ganesh and Baudha Peaks shimmer in the horizon, if we like, we can take a moment to discover the Mani Dhungyur, Gurwa, and Panago Gompas of the village. From here the paths will be lined with artistic chortens and Mani walls made of thousands of stones decorated with deities and prayers. We will crossover one more hung bridge and start to walk straight through the rich agricultural land of corn and potatoes of Dumje. Activity: 5-6 Hrs Trek Max. Altitude: 2,460m/8,071ft. Dumje Village Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

After leaving Dumje, we will come across the two trail: one that goes up to the base camp of the Ganesh Peak and the other that leads up to Lar. We will take the one to Lar and follow the course of Serpu Khola. We will soon arrive at Gho village from where we will direct our path to green Yak pasture. We will walk across the Serpu Khola and climb for about 2.5 hours to the large settlement of Chhokang Paro (3035 m). We are now in the land of Upper Tsum Valley part of the inner Himalayan range. We will now hike to the east and climb over a ridge passing Lamagaon (3202 m). A little further up, we can find the Rachen Gompa (3240 m)- an all female nunnery equivalent of the Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu. Ascending trail will lead us up toward Piren Phu, a small cave at the base of the rugged ridge near Burji Village. We will now walk over the Siyar Khola and traverse Phurbe (3250 m) and Pangdun (3258 m) hamlets before we reach the Chule Village. We will continue upstream and then start to climb towards Nile which is just an hour afar. The locals in these two settlements are the Tsumbas who understand little Nepali and not much used to the western tourists. Activity: 6 Hrs trek Max. Altitude: 3,361m/11,027ft. Nile- Chule Village Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

We can quietly observe the desolated surroundings of the Mu Gompa. Later in the day, we can then walk a little bit higher to the west toward the Dhephyu Doma Gompa, located in the rugged mountains. Or, we can also walk up toward the base camp of Pikey Peak (4865 m). After returning to Mu Gompa, we can then engage in the daily ritual of the monks. Activity: Rest Max. Altitude: 3,710m/12,172ft. Mu Gompa Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

From Mu Gompa, we will hike back down towards the Rachen Gompa, a nunnery. We will descend through the wide valley again to Chule. Then, taking the eastern bank of the river as our guide, we will walk through Pangdun, Phurbe, and Burji Village towards the nunnery. Nestled alongside the Siyar Khola on the foothills of high mountains, the Gompa is among the largest one in the Tsum Valley. It was founded in 1905 AD and belongs to the Ngak-pa sect, so animal slaughtering is not allowed here. We can find thousands of statues of Avalokiteshwara made from clay, a throne, and a huge prayer wheel. Activity: 5-6 Hrs Trek Max. Altitude: 3,240m/10,630ft. Rachen Gompa Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

Today, we will descend further back towards Chumling. Continuing towards the south, we will meet a small bridge that will lead us back to the western shore of the river. We will then again pass back through Chhokang Paro, Gho, and Dumje to reach Chumling Village. Activity: 7-8 Hrs Trek Max. Altitude: 2,385m/7,825ft. Chumling Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

A little further from Chumling, we will make our way through Tsum Valley gate and then undertake the trail that will advance us around Manaslu. We will walk past Lokpa Village and then further we will connect with the trail coming from Philim. Here, we will head right, walk across one of the stunning bridges spanning above Budhi Gandaki, and reach Ekle Bhatti. Now, a path running through the thick bamboo jungle will direct us to Nupri, where we will traverse several wooden bridges before finally arriving at Deng. Activity: 4-5 Hrs Trek Max. Altitude: 1,860m/6,102ft. Deng Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

From Deng, we will traverse the long hung bridge after which we will take on the short sharp ascent. We will then gently walk along the inclined slope and reach Rana Bridge. The left bank of the river will be our guiding path leading us to Bihi Phedi. The valley now widens marked by the several tiny monasteries. Again, a considerable climb will be followed through the deep bamboo and rhododendron thickets directing us to Ghap and then to Prok Villages. Namrung is on the horizon consisting of a Buddhist monastery, a checkpoint, and a shop. We can also see the clear features of Saula Peak (6235 m), Pang Phuchin (6335 m), and Manaslu. Activity: 6-7 Hrs Trek Max. Altitude: 2,360m/7,743ft. Namrung Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

From Namrung, we will go down to a river which we need to cross. Now, a beautiful forest trail will lead us to the entry gate of Lihi Village (2900 m). From this village, we will further climb for around 45 minutes till we are at lovely Sho Village (2950 m). A relatively gentle track will now take us to Lho which is the largest settlement in the valley. The entrance to the village has two enchanting gates where we can find a very huge prayer wall. We will also see the high Himalayas of Naike, Manaslu North (7157 m) and Manaslu itself (8163 m). Activity: 6-7 Hrs Trek Max. Altitude: 3,180m/10,433ft. Lho Village Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

We will begin our today’s journey with a long descent towards the Thusan Khola. We will then ascend along its narrow gorge till we are at Shyaula Village. This relatively new village is home to Tibetan refugees who continue to travel to Samdo. Now an additional an hour and a half walk will take us to Samagaun. The path traverses a vast plain, and the village itself is situated in a natural bowl. Himalchuli and Peak 29 look specially impressive from here. Activity: 5-6 Hrs Trek Max. Altitude: 3,500m/11,483ft. Samagaun Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

Wake up next to the remarkable visuals of Saula Himal, Ganesh Himal (7422 m), Shringi Himal (7155 m), Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli (7879 m), Himalchuli, Simnang Himal (6158 m), and Naike Peak (6211 m). After a delicious morning breakfast, we will look at the numerous possibilities to spend this day. We can walk to the 3460 m high Birendra Lake named after much- beloved late king Birendra. We can also further climb towards the 4800 m high base camp under Manaslu where we will be immersed in the glacial world of the mountain. Or, we can also take somewhat a longer walk to 3900 m high Pung Gyen Gompa situated on the slope of the Numla Khola. Activity: Rest Max. Altitude: 3,500m/11,483ft. Samagaun Village Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

From Samagaun, the forest trail will take us on a gentle climb. Now our route will pass by the Budhi Gandaki River and head northwest. We will then meander the yak pasture of Kermo Kharka where we will also encounter long Mani Walls. We will face around 150 m of steep ascent till we are at Samdo. After lunch, we can also make a short excursion to 51700 m high Samdo Ri Peak. Activity: 4-5 Hrs trek Max. Altitude: 3,860m/12,664ft. Samdo Village Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

Today we will be heading to our last overnight stop before we take on the Larke Pass. We will have to take a relaxed pace as we will have to climb around 600 m today. The lush green highlands will at first direct us next to the Larke Glacier from where we will make our way to Salke Khola. Now, the track will move up the river and soon we will find ourselves at Dharmasala. This bare rugged land used to be the protective refuge for the ancient Tibetan exiles. Thus, the site is also called the Refugee Camp but the locals know it as Duwang and the tourists know it as Larke Phedi, the base camp for the enormous Pass. A new lodge has been built here for the comfort of the trekkers beside the amazing views of Manaslu, Samdo (6335 m), Naike, and Larke Peaks along with the cold Syacha Glacier. Activity: 4-5 Hrs Trek Max. Altitude: 4,480m/14,698ft. Dharamsala Village Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

The time of a big trek over the Larke or Larkya La Pass of our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek has arrived. We will rise early and head out while it’s still dark as a good part of the pass may still be under snow and so the descent can be tricky and slow. Our pass trail begins gently along the eastern side of the Larke Glacier. Soon, the trail will be steep and rocky. The final stretch of about 100 meters will be a bit challenging, but reaching the top will be totally worth it. The Kanguru, Himlung Himal, Gyaji Kang, Nimjung Peak, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna I and II will offer their impressively attractive views atop the pass. Now, we will have a bit of one more uphill climb to the second pass. Next, a long steep descent of around 600 m awaits us after which the trail will level out. Walking along the moraine wall, we will pass through the expansive grasslands of Larke Kharka and then make our way to Tanbuche Village (3900 m) by the Salpudanda glacier. We will eventually be at Bhimtang, our overnight stop for tonight where the northwestern side of Manaslu seem very beautiful to see. Activity: 7-8 Hrs Trek Max. Altitude: 5,160m/16,929ft. Larke pass Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

From Bhimtang, we will walk down across a bridge and reach Hampuk Village. Now meandering through Jangli Kharka, Sangure Kharka, and Puktu Kharka, we will be at 2700 m high Karche Village. We will have to move up to the Karche Pass (2715 m) and then descend towards Yak Kharka. The familiar jungle trail will take us to Tilje (2300 m) where we will walk across Dudh Khola and reach the Marshyangdi valley. Following the northern bank, we will make our way to Thongje village. We will cross a bridge twice that will end us up on the right bank of the Marshyangdi Khola. After passing the check post, we will continue on to the Annapurna region and reach Dharapani. Activity: 7-8 Hrs Trek Max. Altitude: 2,300m/7,546ft. Dharapani Village Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House

Ending our 19 days Manaslu Tsum Valley trek itinerary, we will now board the private jeep ad travel back to Kathmandu. We will transport through Bhulbhule, Khudi, and Besisahar where we will eat lunch and resume our drive along the Prithvi Highway towards Kathmandu. Activity: 8-10 Hrs Drive Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft. Kathmandu Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel