Tsum Valley – Manslu Circuit Trek is located in the northernmost part of Gorkha district. Since the trekking trail falls under ‘controlled’ region, trekkers will be required to obtain special trekking permit to enter the area.
Tsum Valley is popularly known as the ‘hidden valley’, owing to its remoteness and years of isolation from the outside world. In Tibetan dialect ‘Tsum’ literally means ‘lively’ and the inhabitants are called Tsumba people. The locals are devout Buddhists and follow the teachings of Guru Rinpoche. Tsum valley continues to preserve its ancient Buddhist culture and natural treasures of streams and rivers, towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and mountain hot springs. The unique and peculiar culture, custom and lifestyle of local Tsumba people, who closely resembles their neighbor Tibetans, are a major attraction. Tsum Valley is also considered a home to the legendary and elusive Yetis.
Manaslu trek on the other hand is one of the toughest and most rewarding trekking trails under the shadow of Mt. Manaslu (8156m), the eight highest mountain in the world. Trekking in Manaslu will involve crossing several high Himalayan passes including Larkya La pass (5213m). Along the trek, you will have crystal clear views of Manaslu Himal, Baudha Himal, Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal ranges.
Although Tsum Valley and Mansalu can be approached as independent trekking trails, we have combined the two beautiful routes to offer you the richest experience of the Himalayas, local culture and nature. Our first leg of the trek covers the Tsum Valley before finally joining the regular route of Manaslu Trek.
The trek will be a mix of camping and lodge, however home-stay facilities are also available at different points along the trail. The lodges are of very basic standards, but serve locally sourced hygienic dishes.
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition offers both regular packages and customized trekking itineraries depending upon your interest, time schedule and budget. Our experience and professional trekking guides and support assistants will ensure that you have a trekking experience worth a lifetime.
After early morning breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (730m.) via Arughat Bazaar (570m.) takes about 7 hours. You will drive along well paved road up to Tari Besi along the bank of Khani Khola, Trishuli River and Thopal Khola. It is a beautiful picturesque journey passing through green hill, flowing river, farming terraces, villages, small market and mountain views. Leaving Tari Besi you continue your drive along graveled road crossing Ankhu Khola all the way to Arughat Bazaar. Arughat is an old market situated at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. You will keep driving along Budi Gandaki River all the way to Soti Khola.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m.) takes about 4 and half hours. The zigzag trail passes through forest, villages, streams, pretty waterfalls and green valley until you reach Lapu Besi. This is a village mainly settled by Bhotia inhabitants. Continue trekking to Machha Khola, which is a small market with a few shops and lodges.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1350m.) takes about six hours. You cross the Machha Khola [Fish Stream] and head upstream to the tiny village of Khorla Bensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. After a challenging section, you will reach Doban and head towards Lauri. Here you will cross the river on a suspension bridge and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Jagat to Lokpa/Lukuwa (2240m.) takes about 6 hours. Leaving Jagat you will find an easy trail to negotiate decorated by a waterfall. In 1hr you will enter beautiful Salleri village followed by Sirdibas. The trail goes via Ghatte khola village to a point where there is a suspension bridge. 20 min uphill walk after the bridge will take you to Philim bazaar, which is the second district headquarters of Gorkha district. From here you will descend for almost 2 hrs to reach Gampul (new bridge) via Chisopnai, a good lunch spot. Leaving bridge you take right turn on an uphill trail to arrive at Lokpa. Lokpa village exists in the middle of a jungle.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2385m) takes about 5 hours. With a short time of leaving Lokpa you will reach Syar Khola. From this point onwards, the trail ascends all the way to Chumling and involves climbing a steep Cantilever bridge and stone steps through a jungle path. You will witness Ganesh and Boudha Himal ranges from Chumling.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3030m) takes about 5 hours. Early morning we begin our trek: the first 2 hours of trek is on a level path and makes it way around fields and houses until Gho. Then we take a steep path on a hill for almost 3 hrs to finally reach Chhokang Paro which offers great views of Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal and Rubinala peaks.
Stay overnight in lodge.
The trail makes gradual ascent to Lama Gaon in two hours. Here we will visit Milarepa Cave and his footprint. We then cross a river to Lar where will have our lunch and dinner. After lunch we visit Rachen Gumba, a big monastery where many monks reside. It is often visited by Rimpoche on various occasions.
Stay overnight at lodge.
It takes about 4 hrs to reach Mu Gompa from Lar. We will visit monastery and villages of Phurbe and Pangdung on the way. Within 3 hrs we reach Nile for lunch and then continue our trek uphill for another 3 hrs. Mu Gompa hosts a big hostel for monks where tourists are also allowed occasionally. We will explore Ani Gomba, a nunnery, in late afternoon and return to Mu Gompa.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Today we will follow the trail to Tibetan border side which was once a trade route between Tibet and Tsum valley inhaitants. We will be able to see Tibetan mountains today. If you want to stay in Chhekya, you can stay in Camp.
After breakfast the trail will explore near the Tibet border surrounded by mountains and cliffs. We will carry pack lunch for our journey ahead. Bhajio is the last village before entering Tibet. It contains approximately 22 houses and a few yak farms.
Stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Bhajio to Nile (3360m.) takes about 6 hrs. Today we will return the same route we came up.
Stay overnight in lodge.
We continue our downhill journey. Lunch will be at Chhoking Paro. After lunch one and a half hour climb down and cross Syar Khola and then climb up the forested path to Ripchet.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Ripchet to Deng (1860m.) which takes about 6-7 hours. Follow the downhill trail passing the cantilever bridge midway. You will cross Lokpa village before reaching Gampul. Next the trail turns uphill through forest to Deng.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630m.) takes about five hours. In the beginning, you will walk along a leveled path and then climb forested hill all the way to Namrung.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Namrung to Lho Gaon (3180m.) takes about four hours. Today the trail offers great views of Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, Lajing peak, and many other snow-capped peaks. As you climb higher, the vegetation grows thin. The trail is dotted with Mani walls, Chortens, prayer flags and monasteries. You will enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, Lajing peak and others from Lho Gaon.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Lho Gaon to Sama Goan (3520m.) takes about four hours. You will follow the right bank of the river, with constant view of Peak 29. Keep walking till you reach Sama Gaon. Sama Gaon is a small but very beautiful village inhabited by Bhotia community. This village is popular as the entry point for Mt. Manaslu expedition.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Today is a rest day at Sama Gaon for acclimatization. You can hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4400m) for excellent views of Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier and Manaslu ice fall. You may also visit Birendra Kunda, an icy lake nearby the Manaslu Base Camp.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Sama Goan to Samdo (3875m.) takes about four hours. The trail gently moves uphill all the way to Samdo through a deserted path and windy valley. The Tibetan border is just four kilometers away from Samdo. This is an excellent view point for capturing Mt. Manaslu, Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall and several other majestic peaks.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Samdo to Larkya La Phedi (4460m.) takes about three hours. The trail is rocky and challenging all the way to Larkya La Phedi. Larkya La Phedi is also called Dharmashala. Visit Larkya Bazaar (a local market) just before reaching Phedi, where seasonal markets are held. Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Larkya La Phedi (4460m) to Bimthang (3590 m.) via Larkya La Pass (5135m.) takes about 8 hrs. Today is a long and challenging day of your journey. The trail is rocky and full of ups and downs section until Bimthang.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (1960m.) takes about eight hours. Crossing a high pasture the trail descends into the valley of the Burdin Khola to the Base Camp of Manaslu on the west side. From a ridge at 4150 meters, you will enjoy excellent views of Manaslu to the South East and Annapurna II to the South West. You will further cross the bridge over Dudh Khola, and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach Karche (2785 meters) and then Tilje. Leaving Tilje, you will trek uphill for nearly 45 minutes and then cross a bridge over the Marshyangdi River to reach Dharapani.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Dharapani to Jagat (1350m) takes about six hours. The trail descends for some time and then follows a leveled path to the bank of Dudh Khola (river) and Marshyangdi River. On the way you will pass through pleasant villages such as Taal where you can enjoy an attractive waterfall. Eventually, you will reach Jagat, a stone village situated on a shelf overlooking Marshyangdi valley.
Stay overnight in lodge.
Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu takes about seven hours. It is a picturesque drive along the banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and colorful villages.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Jennifer Susan Parsons, Christopher James parsons
Our trek around Manaslu, the Tsum Valley and Nar-Phu Vally. Thanks to all of you for making our trek around Manaslu, the Tsum Valley and Nar - Phu Valley so memorable.
Nepal , Tsum Valley Trek 16 Days
Nepal , Tsum Valley Trek 20 Days