The Tsum Valley - Manaslu Trek offers a delightful trekking journey through Manaslu region to the beautiful Tsum Valley. Lying under the under the majestic Ganesh and Sringi Himal, Tsum Valley is home to Tsumba group of people, one of the minority ethnic groups of Nepal.
The Shyakjya Festival is one of the highlights of Tsum Valley - Manaslu trek. Another feature of this trek is to observe the Amchi tradition of local people. Amchi, which means ‘science of healing’ is a group of medical practitioners in the Himalayan region who promote healthy living through the balance of nature and humanity.
The inhabitants of this region are the direct descendants of Tibetan immigrants and this fact is evident in their attire, speech and customs. The mountain views of Manaslu (8156m), Himlung (7,126 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m) is breathtaking.
Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (730m.) via Arughat (570m.) takes about 9 hours. You drive along well paved road up to Dhading Besi along the bank of Khani Khola, Trishuli River and Thopal Khola. It is a beautiful picturesque journey passing through green hill, flowing stream, farming terraces, villages, small market and most of all mountains at far distance. Leaving Dhading Besi you continue your drive along gravel and bumpy path all the way to Arughat Bazaar. Arughat is an old market situated at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. Stay overnight at lodge.
The zigzag path passes through forest, villages, streams, pretty waterfalls and green valley until you reach Lapu Besi. This is a village mainly covered by Mongolian inhabitants. Now you again traverse the zigzag path to reach Machha Khola. There is a small market with a few shops and lodges. Stay overnight at lodge.
You cross the Machha Khola [Fish Stream] and head upstream to the tiny village of Khola Bensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path you reach the single teahouse at Doban. At Lauri, you cross the river on a suspension bridge, and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat, where you camp. Stay overnight at lodge.
The early part of trek moves gently uphill and then follows a flat leveled path. You cross a suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki before you enter Philim. Philim is a big village mainly inhabited by the Gurungs. Form Philim you climb a gradual up hill stopping for lunch at Ekle Bhatti. Lokpa is the first village as you enter the Tsum valley. Stay overnight at lodge.
En route, we cross Sarti Gorge and Rock Fall. Stay overnight at lodge.
We begin the journey by crossing the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. Enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Village. Another continuous 2 and half hours climb to Tsum takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. From here, we can enjoy the panoramic views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Ganesh Himal (7140m.). Stay overnight at lodge.
We begin our journey heading towards Nile from Chokhangparo. We will pass Lamagaon crossing rope suspension bridge to the Rachen Gompa, which is also famous as Nunnery Gompa. We will make a small visit there and then we cross the Shiar Khola. Continue walking through the well managed villages with unique settlements and Lar (micro hydro power), Phurbe and Pangdun. Leaving old historic Stupa of Bhudda in a way crossing the village of Chhule, climb upstream and cross the bridge to finally reach Nile. Stay overnight in lodge.
Today, we are very close to the Tibetan border. We will walk to the Mu Gompa and explore the valley. We also visit the monastery and Dhephu Doma Gompa. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Mu Gumba to Tumje (Domje 2440m.) via Rachen Gumba (3240m.), takes about 7 and half hours. Stay overnight at lodge.
En route, we will cross villages called Lokpa (2240 m.) and Deng (1860 m.). Deng is particularly famous for Gurung culture and tradition as well as Mani Wall. From here, we can observe magnificent view of Mt. Siringi. Stay overnight at lodge.
In the beginning, you trek almost a flat leveled path and then the trail moves uphill all the way to Namrung through forest. From here, you can enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu, rock hills, a green valley and ridges. Namrung is a Buddhist village where there are monasteries; a water turbine, hydro electricity power house, Mani walls, Chortens and prayer flags can be seen fluttering in the sky. The typical houses remind you of Tibetan architecture. Stay overnight at lodge.
You trek over a winding path moves through the inner Himalayan range. On the way, you can enjoy mountain views of Rupinala pass, Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, Lajing peak, and many other snow capped mountains and peaks. As you go up the vegetation decreases. You come across Mani walls, Chortens, prayer flags and monasteries. You can catch panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, Lajing peak and others from Lho Gaon. Stay overnight at lodge.
You follow the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. As you continue on the main trail you soon reach the fields of Sama Gaon, 3500m. Stay overnight at lodge.
Today, you will visit Pung Gyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp and return to Sama Goan. Stay overnight in lodge.
You trek gently uphill all the way to Samdo through a desert path and windy valley. The Tibetan border is just four kilometers away from Samdo. This is an excellent view point for Mt. Manaslu, Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall and several other majestic peaks. Stay overnight at lodge.
The trail is rocky and zigzags all the way to your destination. Before you reach Larkya La Phedi, there is a market called Larkya Bazaar (market) where seasonal fairs are held for the local folks. You will also find a Dharamshala at Larkya La Phedi. Stay overnight at lodge.
Early in the morning you begin to trek a steep ascent until Larkya La through a rocky and windy path. From here, you can enjoy the views of Larkya peak, Mt. Manaslu, Ratna Chuli, Cheo Himal and many other snow capped mountains and peaks. Crossing this pass, you follow a steep downhill path through rock and ice. On the way, you will encounter many icy lakes. Bimthang is a broad and level ablation valley with a number of Mani walls and deserted houses. Stay overnight at lodge.
Crossing this high pasture you descend the valley of the Burdin Khola to the area of the Base Camp for the West side of Manaslu. From a ridge at 4150 meters, you have excellent views of Manaslu to the South East and Annapurna II to the South West. Beyond a bridge over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, you descend into a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche, 2785 meters. Walking down you cross a stream to reach Tilje. Leaving Tilje, you trek uphill for nearly 45 minutes and reach Dharapani crossing a bridge over the Marshyangdi River. Stay overnight at lodge.
You trek all the way over a descended path along the bank of Dudh Khola (river) and Marshyangdi River. On the way, you walk through pleasant villages such as Taal is an attractive village with a pretty waterfall and you can enjoy the sight of lush green hills. Eventually, you come across Jagat is a stone village situated on a shelf, that juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley. Stay overnight at lodge.
It is a picturesque drive on the way back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and colorful villages on both sides of road.
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.
Nepal , Tsum Valley Trek 16 Days
