Creative Holidays Nepal

Manaslu-Tsum Valley Trek

$1,500

The Manaslu-Tsum Valley Trek is more remote and spectacular with rough steep tracks but less luxurious accommodation. It is culturally fascinating with strong ties to Tibet in the upper Buri Gandaki and the Tsum Valley, and even has the Larkya La (5160m) as a challenge. The close views of Mt Manaslu, eighth highest mountain in the world.The Tsum valley,also known as Hidden Valley lies to the northern part of Manaslu.The valley opened for trekking in 2008.It provides trekkers with the secret Tibetan Buddhist land lying at the edge of one of the most secluded Himalayan valleys. Tsum Valley is one of world's remotest Himalayan Valleys. The trek to Tsum Valley offers you the majestic surroundings of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges. The region once being part of Tibet looks completely different from what you will find elsewhere. The people of Tsum Valley or the Tsumbas belong to Tibetan origin with their own ancient form of dialect, art, culture and religion.It used to be an important trade link with Tibet. In the initial days, we trek the route of Around Manaslu Trek or the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The region is still less exposed in comparison to other touristy areas. The Tsum people have their own way of family life.People here practice Polyandry which the trekkers might find suprising.The trek start and end point is Arughat, a seven hours drive from Kathmandu. While on the trek we  pass through the alpine forests, glacial rivers, and enjoy the warm hospitality of ethnic people.

  • Group size: 1-12 people
  • Max-Altitude: 4.030m/13.218ft
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Fitness level: Difficult 
  • Arrival on: Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Departure from: Kathmandu, Nepal
  •  Meals: All meals during trek
  •  Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek

Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu

Arrive at the airport and transfer to a hotel.Stay overnight and prepare for the trek

Day 2
Drive to Barpak

A 6 hours drive from Kathmandu into the western mountains takes us to Gorkha, the Capital of Medieval Nepal. We drive Kathmandu to Baluwa, and then take a local jeep to Barpak village which is situated upon the hilltop.Stay overnight.

Day 3
Barpark to Laprak : 6-7 hrs

A few hours of climb takes us to the pass of Gupsi Dada (3000m). The Gupsi Dada pass Laprak from Barpak. From there, we descend down to Laprak, a beautiful Gurung village.Stay overnight.

Day 4
Laprak to Khorlabeshi :7-8 hrs

Trek further east to Manaslu main valley of the Budhi Gandaki river. We descend from Laprak and cross a suspension bridge. Then a steep climb around hillside. Pass the village of Singla, descend down to Kholrabeshi.Stay overnight.

Day 5
Khorlabeshi to Jagat :6 hrs

After a few more ups & downs, we reach to Tatopani. Climb on over a ridge to Dobhan. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Dobhan Khola, the trail climbs on a rugged trail to Duman. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola ,climb stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Trek along the Budhi Gandaki river then climb towards the village of Jagat.

Day 6
Jagat to Philim:3hrs

Climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Setibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long suspension bridge. Climb up to Philim, a large Gurung village.

Day 7
Philim to Chumling :6-7 hours

Walk past Philim to the north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley. After Ekle Bhatti cross the gorge, and enter the pine tree forests. Descend down to trail going to the Tsum Valley. Climb down to Ghumlong, and climbing up to Ripchet. Crossing the Shiar Khola, finally arrive at Chumling. Visit the old Chumling gompa, and the stone streets of the village.Stay overnight.

Day 8
Chumling to Chokhangparo : 5/6 hours

Cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. Walk past Rainjham to Serpu Khola. Now we enter the hidden valley of Tsum. Another steep climb takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. Stay overnight.

Day 9
Chokhangparo to Nile , via Milarepa cave: 6/7 hours

Walk past Lamagaon to the Rachen Gompa. Climb up to the Milarepa’s Cave. Then we cross the Shiar Khola. Continue walking through the villages of Phurbe and Pangdun. After crossing the village of Chhule, climb upstream and cross the bridge to finally arrive at Nile. Stay overnight.

Day 10
Nile to Bhajyo (Chhekya) : 4 hours

Walk to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. Climb up to the Mu Gompa. From Mu Gompa, climb further up to Bhajyo. Bhajyo is a remote area there is not any local houses. Stay overnight.

Day 11
Acclimatization at Bhajyo (Cheekya)

We take rest at Bhajyo both for acclimatization and sightseeing. Discover the highland around Bhajyo. Stay overnight

Day 12
Bhajyo to Rachen Gompa: 6 hrs

From Bhajyo, we descend down to Rachen Gumba. Established in 1905 AD, the Rachen Gumba is a nunnery in the Shiar Khola Valley. The interior of the Gumba is splendidly painted with Buddhist mural paintings. Stay overnight.

Day 13
Rachen Gompa to Chumje : 5/6hrs

Continue south until a bridge crosses to the west bank then descend again to Chhokangparo. Drop below Chhokangparo on the previous trail for about 2hrs, until a small gompa is reached at Gho (2485m). Then taking the northern route in the lower Tsum Valley, we finally arrive at Chumje via Yaju.

Day 14
Chumje for Bihi :4/5hrs

From Chumje, we continue on the northern route in the lower Tsum Valley. Pass the village of Dorjon Kharka just before reaching Rana. Crosss the large suspension bridge in the main valley of the Manaslu Budhi Gandaki River, Walk further up to the village of Bihi. Stay overnight.

Day 15
Bihi to Namrung : 6 hrs

The trail moves uphill through the forest path. Thus we arrive at Namrung while enjoying at the same time the magnifiscent views of Manaslu, among others. Stay overnight.

Day 16
Trek from Namrung to Lho : 4 hrs

From Namrung, we again enter the Buddhism influenced region. Climb through the forest to Lihi. Enjoy the spectacular rise of the Ganesh Himal. Descend to Sho. Another steep climb takes us to our today's campsite on a ridge. Stay overnight.

Day 17
Trek from Lho to Samagaon :5/6 hrs

A short climb to a plateau and the village Shyala. At the far end of the village, overlooking the valley stands the well-known monastery of Sama. Sama Gaon is a village inhabited mainly by the Tibetans and lies at the foot of Manaslu. Stay overnight.

Day 18
Trek from Sama to Samdo : 4/5 hrs

The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. Finally passing through the Kani we find Samdo. Stay overnight.

Day 19
Samdo - High Camp (Ekle Bhatti) : 5hrs

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 Dharmshala, also known as Larkya Phedi. Stay overnight.

Day 20
High Camp – Bimthang : 7/ 8 hours walking

Make a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section to the pass. It is a longer day then usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in and Manaslu; it's an experience not to be missed. Stay overnight.

Day 21
Rest day at Bimthang

A rest day would prove a blessing for the tired muscles. Also discover the area surrounding Bimthang as well the cultural life of the mountain people. Stay overnight.

Day 22
Trek Bimthang to Dharapani : 6-7 hrs

We will descend a great height today. Initially, from the valley of Burdin Khola, through rhododendron forests, to Karche, the highest cultivating place in the valley. Then we descend to the village of Gho. While staying on the north bank of the river, we trek into Tilje. Leave the Tilje Village, and cross the Dudh Khola. Cross a wooden bridge back to the northern side of the Dudh Khola. Continue to Dharapani. Stay overnight.

Day 23
Dharapani - Ghermu (1100m/3608ft): 7 hrs

We descend to the Marsyandi River and cross the suspension bridge. Climb up and away from the river and hike through a broad, flat valley to the village of Tal (1,675m), situated at the foot of a large waterfall.The trail continues on to Chyamje. From Chyamje, trekking up and down along the river, we reach Jagat.A steep trail descends from Jagat through the Marshyangdi valley. Cross Marshyangdi River at Syange and walk to Ghermu. Stay overnight.

Day 24
Ghermu - Besisahar : 4 hrs

We cross several interesting villages such as Bhulbhule, Khudi, etc. Then we walk on a flat part alongside the left bank of the Marsyandi. A last walk up for reaching Besi Sahar, a dusty and busy place which marks the end of our trek and the beginning of the civilization. Stay overnight.

Day 25
Drive Besi Sahar to Kathmandu by bus: 7/8 hrs

A 7 to 8 hours' drive on the way back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages on both sides of road. In Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day resting or catching up on some last minute shopping. Stay overnight.

Day 27
Final Departure.

Arrive at the airport and check in for final departure.