Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrive at Kathmandu, Upon arrival at international airport, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport assist and transfer to the Hotel (star category, very nice and centrally located at Thamel, take rest and free at afternoon.

Day 03 Kathmandu to Machha Khola– 7,8 hoursOn this day, we will drive to Machha Khola. The bus ride will be a special one as we will leave the city and cross through several towns and rural areas. We will see terraced farm fields, forests, and blue rivers. The even road will come to an end, and we will take the off-road until we reach Machha Khola via Arughat.Overnight at Lodge. Included Meals: (B, L, D

Day 04 Trek to Jagat(1400m)-6 to 7 hoursWe cross the river and head up stream to Khola Beni. The route soon have to walk on a dramatic gorge with sculptured rocks of spectacular waterfalls and some landslides. After crossing bridge and heading upstream to the tiny village of Kholabesi, and a natural hot springs at Tatopani (Tatopani means ‘hot water’ in Nepali). From hot spring, we hike up to another trial, then, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Climb on a wide, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. From here, we cross a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, and climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Thado Bharyang before ascending to the charming village of Jagat, and the Manaslu Conservation area and police check post where we will need to present our trekking permits. Overnight at lodge. Included Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 05 Trek to Lokpa (2040 m)- 6 to 7 hoursWe make an entry into restricted region of Manaslu and Tsum Valley by registering the Permit in checkpoint at Jagat. We climb over a ridge to Salleri. We walk a bit along the riverbank, cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a long suspension bridge. As we continue to walk , the valley widens heading towards Philim. As we pass by Ekle Bhatti, trail get separated toward Tsum and Manaslu. Pass through the welcome board and hike up toward Lokpa. We meet few villages. Rivers become narrow as we meet to the confluence of the Syar Rivers from Tum vallley. We turn right from Tsum valley to reach Lokpa village, first village in Tsum valley that provides a chance to see Manaslu range. From Lokpa, slaughtering of animal is strictly prohibited, it’s complete isolation hidden valley of happiness blessed by Padmashamva centuries ago. Stunning view of Himalchuli and Boudha Himal can be observed from Lokpa village. We spend overnight at Lokpa. Included meals :( B, L, D).

Day 06 Trek to Chumling (2386 m)- 4 to 5 hoursAfter having had breakfast, we start walking from Lokpa village- entrance to wild route to Tsum valley. In the route from Lokpa to Chumling on the clear day, the view of Baudha Himal(6672m) and Ganesh Himal VI is seen very clearly. Trial descends to Lungwa river valley, then climb up through silence tropical forest of dense rhododendron and pine to Gumling. No villages are passed on the way between Lokpa to Gumling. Trial separates at Gumling. We cross again Syar Khola and arrive at the village of Chumling. Late afternoon, side trip to upper part of Chumling to visit monastery is the best for view of Ganesh Himal. Chumling has three monasteries of Panago Gumba, Mani Dhungyur and Gurwa Gumba. There is a telephone service and health post too. Overnight at Chumling. Included Meals (B, L, D).

Day 08 Trek to Chhokangparo (3,010m)- 5 to 6 hoursToday, we enter to upper valley, part of the Inner Himalaya. The trial continues along the Syar River down to Domje and then rises over 500 metres to the largest city in Tsum valley. A pretty village of Gho has unusual Gomba. From there we will continue our uphill climbing and then trek to arrive at Chhokangparo. On a clear day we can have magnificent views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal from Chhokangparo. From Chhokangparo, where we will have the opportunity to have hospitality of local people (Tibetan group “Tsombo”) welcoming with traditional Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local meal. We spend overnight at Chhokang Paro. Included meals: (B, L, D).

Day 09 Trek to Nile (3361 m) via visiting Visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way 5 hoursWe walk relatively shorter than previous days. Nile, on the western, sun-side of the Shikhar Khola, about 20 minutes walk across from Chhule, is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. As we go up, the valley becomes fertile, narrow, and we see people busy in farming. After passing Lamagaon, there is Piren Phu cave of St. Milarepa where his footprint is still preserved and noticeable in the rock. Piren Phu(pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum valley on the side of a rugged cliff mountain, with great views of the valley from the cave monastery, near the village of Burji. There are two separate Gumbas attached to the rocky cave. Richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags and significant Buddhists paper scripts make this cave one of the most important socio-cultural asset in the valley. Then, we head towards the crossing of the suspension bridge over Shiar River and continue our trek through several villages to finally cross a bridge and arrive at Nile. We spend overnight at Nile. Included meals: (B, L, D).

Day 10 Trek to Mu Gompa (3700 m), visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4060 m) 4 hoursA short walk from Nile along the west bank of the valley close to Tibetan border reaches easily to Mu Gompa, the highest point of Tsum valley trek. We hike up through yak pastures through typical dry and arid Trans Himalayan Terrain. The monastery has rows of Chortens and beautiful mountain views and houses. The historical Dephyudonma monastery connected with the dawn of Buddhism run by Lama, on the lap of the rugged mountains, is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum. There are few drinking facilities.We spend overnight at Mu Gompa. Included meals: (B, L, D).

Day 11 Trek to Rachen Gompa (3240 m): 3 to 4 hoursWe return down valley through Chhule, and continue down as far as Phurbe. Walking on the east bank of the Siyar Khola and crossing flat boulder-covered plains following the power lines to Rachen Gompa (3240m), where we inspect the ancient Gompa, talk to very friendly nuns or monks. Overnight at Rachen Gompa. Included Meals (B, L, D).

Day 12 Trek to Gumba Lungdang(3,200m) 5 to 6 hoursWe trek to south until a bridge crosses to the west bank and pass again through Chhokang Paro then drop below on the previous trail towards Chumling. After about 2hrs, see a small white gompa on the left at Gho (2485m). Descend on a narrow trail passing the gompa on your left and drop to a wooden bridge over the Siyar Khola. Cross the bridge to Domje (2460- has Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and school Then we climb very steeply through pines and rhododendrons until the track starts traversing at a mani wall with prayer flags. Finally, in the pine forest, take a prayer flag marked uphill trail and make a zigzag climb through huge silver pines to reach Gumba Lungdang (3200m), perched on a ridge with small cells for the nuns scattered through the beautiful rhododendrons above. This small gompa with 40 nuns has an intense and engrossing puja from 6.00-7.30pm each night unless the nuns are on holidays or elsewhere, which is for some months each year – enquire in Chhokang-Paro. The mountain views in all directions are amazing and being here was the absolute highlight of our many trips to Nepal. Overnight at Gumba Lungdang. Included Meals (B, L, D).

Day 13 Trek to Ganesh Himal Base Camp(4,800m) 8 hoursThe intact forest wilderness and views make it an outstanding trek even though; altitude gain may cause difficulty in hiking. We traverse down and up through two small valleys, then drop right on dusty or muddy zigzags on a shortcut to regain the lower track and continue up valley through the forest. After passing through a small clear pasture then taking the right-hand descending track and drop to the river, the bridge takes to a steep bank – look for cairns upstream and climb the bank. Traverse through forest on a passable track with many wind-thrown trees , and cross the Laudang Khola to the west bank on a rickety wooden bridge. Climb steeply through pristine pines and rhododendrons on a ridge, stone huts beside a large boulder in a kharka. The track continues between the huts and up. Eventually we emerge into grassy flats behind the lateral moraine of the Torogumba glacier. Continue climbing past seasonal yak huts and several tracks on the moraine wall that give superb views of the mountains. It takes about 4hrs to reach the Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4200m). The return to Gumba Lugdang is very short. Overnight at Gumba Lugdang . Included Meal (B, L, D).

Day 14Trek to Lokpa (2,240m)- Approximately 7 hoursWe go down Chhokangparo to the monastery at Gho(2,485m). Continuing on a narrow trial through the village to cross the Shiar Khola and head to nearby Dhumje(2,440m). Then trial climbs up steeply through pine and rhododendron to reach a Mani wall with prayer flags. Leaving Gomba Lungdang , we pass through Domje and get back to Lokpa. The trial will drop back through the George that forms the entrance into Tsum valley along the Syar River. We spend overnight atb Lokpa. Included meals: (B, L, D).

Day 15 Trek to Ghap(2,380m)- Approximately 7 hoursThe descent trial through the exposed route, we cross the Buri Ghandaki on a solid bridge then enter a narrow gorge ascending and descending while gradually climbing through the valley. Crossing the river again on a suspension to Nupri and then through bamboo forests to Deng (1860m), inhabited by Gurung villagers. Crossing the river and climbing to Rana (19100m) and then reach Bhiphedi (2,130m). We meander in and out of the valley canyons to cross the Serang Khola before finally arriving at into Ghap (2160m). Overnight lodge at Ghap. Included meals (B, L, D).

Day 16 Trek to Lho (3,180m)- Approximately 6 hoursLeaving Ghap, the valley becomes steeper and long climb through bamboo and rhododendron crossing the wild river a couple of times to reach the village of Namrung, entry into Nupri region. The people here are descendants of Tibetan migrants many centuries ago. We continue on passing the entrance gate of Mani walls, Buddhist Gompas to the villages. Beyond here the valley opens out and soon passes through the Tibetan village of Sho. The village has many yaks and there are excellent views of Manaslu (8163m) and Manaslu North (7157m) at the end of the village. Overnight lodge at Lho. Included Meals (B, L, D).

Day 17Trek to Sama Gaon (3,530m)- Approximately 5 hoursThis is an easy day and we enable to savor the great mountain views. Trek to Sama (3530m), we follow the right bank of the river with views of Peak 29 ahead. A couple of hours climbing through the forest brings us to the village of Shyala, offering views of Phungi, Manaslu and Himal Chuli. The villagers rely on yaks, potatoes and barley for their crops in this distinctly alpine region. As we hike up, the peaks of Ganesh Himal towards the east and the huge peaks of Himalchuli and Manaslu in the the south can be seen. We look down into a little dip where two rows of houses form the main part of Sama. At the far end of the village, overlooking the valley stands the well-known monastery of Sama Gaon, Tibetan border is very near from here. We stop at Samagaon for the next two nights which will further help with acclimatization. Overnight lodge at Sama Gaon. Included Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 18 Rest day in Samagaon (3,530m)To ensure proper acclimatization to the altitude, we have schedule a rest day at Sama Gaon. The beautiful village of Sama Gaon is one of the highlights of the trek with excellent mountains views, the close to Manaslu base camp. Ponder at the thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures. We see women wearing a nice silver spoon as jewelry at Sama Gaon. Today is rest day but our guide take an optional excursion side trip to explore glacial moraine surrounding attractions with sightseeing to Birendra Lake or Pungyen Gompa. Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. Return side trip to Manaslu base camp takes eight hours. Those wishing though side trip but well worth the effort with the Manaslu Glacier and the turquoise lake beneath with mountains as far as the eye can see. If you want to just explore surrounding viewpoints and relaxed day, this Tibetan village gives the opportunity to visit the Pung-Gyen monastery which sits beneath the east face of Manaslu. Higher up again is a cave Gompa and hot springs. Overnight lodge at Sama Gaon. Included Meals (B, L, D).

Day 19 Trek Sama Gaun to Samdo (3850m) - 4 to 5 hoursAnother day of incredible mountain views, past the long mani wallsand Chorten at Kermo Kharka then descend to the Bhudi Gandaki and old herding settlement of Samdo inhabitants are Tibetan, and were ceded the land by the king of Jumla over 500 years ago. This is trading point of China and India in long time ago. Get out and take a walk around the village, where the inhabitants live an essentially Tibetan lifestyle, herding their yaks, sheep and goats, training their horses and planting barley. Camp tonight here.

Day 20 Trek to Larkya La Phedi (darma shala) (4,460m) - 5 to 6 hrsWe start an early in the morning walk from Sama Gaon to head towards Samdo. We continue our walk down the edge through some fields to some old mani walls and cross the wooden bridge over the Budi Gandaki and climb gradually up the valley. Another mani wall marks the beginning of ascent to the pass and cross two streams and witness the Larkya Glacier. Go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again and come to the stone guest house (4450 m) which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmasala, also known as Larkya La Phedi. Today we will be rewarded with the views of Larkya Glacier with the fantastic views of Manaslu looking particularly impressive. We came here today and have a rest to prepare for tomorrows crossing of the famous and most awaited Larkya Pass. Overnight lodge at Larkya La Phedi/Dharmasala. Included Meals (B, L, D).

Day 21 Trek Larkey Phadi to via Larkya La (4930m) to Bimphedi (3590m) - 7 to 8 HoursTrek Larkey Phadi to via Larkya La (4930m) to Bimphedi (3590m) - 7 to 8 Hours
After very morning breakfast, the trail goes to North side of the Larkya Glaciers where we have views of Cho Danda and then of Larkya Peak. Then walking about four hours we will get on the top of the Larkya La (4930m), view of wonderful panoramic mountains; Himlung Himal (7126meter), Cheo Himal (6820meters), Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru (6981meters) and the Annapurna II (7937meters) equally stunning from both sides. The descent is steep, through moraines, towards Bhimphedi. After praing the God and yelling 'Ki ki so so lha gyalo' (may the Gods be victorious), get ready drop often slippery trail following the glacial moraine finally to the Bimphedi, where 'Three Sisters Hotel' , is the evening clouds gather and turn pink behind the surrounding peaks. It's all worthwhile now.

Day 22Trek Bimphadi to Tilje (2300m) - 4 to 5 HoursThe trail descents along the fig tree and rhododendron fortes,through the rocky river-bed and sliding hill-sides to several small green villages. Eventually, after long but very scenic day, we reach the large village of Tilje, inhabitants of mix of Manangis (of Tibetan descent) and Chettris (Hindus), so have a unique architecture and culture, and eat mix foods - dal bhat, buckwheat dhido, tsampa and Tibetan salt-tea. We see ahead marks of Annapurna Circuit Trekking board.

Day 23Trek Tilje to Dharapani (1680m) - 4 to 5 HoursIt's an easy trekking day following the Dudh Khola through bamboo forests down to Dharapani, an atmospheric Tibetan village with prayer flags fluttering at the gompa in Thongje on the old Annapurna trail. Trekking south on the main Annapurna Circuit trail, and following down the Marsyangdi River crossing bridge twice to reach the small village of Karte. And continue decent along the cliff rocky trail before crossing the Marsyangdi river and the village of the Lower Manang region. Over night stay in Dharapani at Guest House.

Day 24 Drive Dharapani to Kathmandu 7 HoursIn the morning we will back to Kathmandu with our scenic drive, so we'll try to head off early and stop for lunch en route back. It is a different world back in the Nepali hills, and the gentle light sends us on our way back to the bustle of Nepal's capital city Kathmandu. A celebration is definitely in order tonight!

Day 25 Final Departure to your DestinationToday is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until departure flight/drive. Our assist will be transfer to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination, taking with you the memory of a life time.