Day 1: Arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
Our airport representative will come to receive you at the airport upon your arrival in Kathmandu. He will escort you to the hotel. After check in, you can further inquire about any information regarding the program. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Embark on a journey of cultural discovery in Kathmandu Valley with our sightseeing tour. The tour features visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. These heritage sites showcase the rich architectural and cultural heritage of Nepal, with their unique designs, opulent palaces, and artistic paintings and sculptures. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the region as you explore these beautiful monuments. At the end of the day, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu – Machha Khola (900m) Duration: 8-9 Hours
Drive to Macha Khola for a unique experience. The first 4 hours of the journey to Dhading Besi, the headquarters of Dhading district (1050m), is on smooth roads. However, the road to Macha Khola is bumpier but still worth the drive. Stay overnight at the local Guesthouse.
Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m) Walking Distance: 22.2 Km. Duration: 5-6 Hours.
Trek through the Majestic Machha River and Khrolabesi and Relax at the Hot Springs of Tatopani. Explore the Forested Area and Admire the Scenery of the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Experience the Transformation of the Landscape as you climb in Elevation to Reach Jagat. Stay the Night at a Comfortable Guesthouse.
Day 5: Trek Jagat to Chisopani (1660m) – Approx. 4-5 Hours Walk.
Jagat is a beautiful trekking destination in the mountains and it requires the completion of the ACAP procedure before embarking on the journey. The trek starts with ascending a rocky ridge to Salleri and then descending to Sirdibas through a flat trail. The valley gradually widens as the path leads up to Ghatta Khola. Cross a long simple hanging bridge to reach Philim, a big village inhabited by the Gurungs. Philim is well-known for its Japanese-made school and police station. The trek continues past Philim and through a forest to reach Chisopani, offering stunning views of the narrowing valley. Overnight stay at a Guesthouse is recommended to rest and rejuvenate for the next day's adventure.
Day 6: Trek Chisopani to Chumling (2,386m) – Approx. 6-7 Hours Walk.
Leaving Chisopani, we embark on a scenic hike to the Tsum Valley. The first half of the journey offers a breathtaking view of a waterfall, but the path ahead is a challenging ascent through a forest of pine and rhododendron trees. Along the way, we pass through a small village called Lokpa and eventually reach Gumlung after a steep descent to Lungwa Khola and a two-hour climb.
Finally, we arrive at Chumling, the lower Tsum valley located on the south face of the Shingri Himal. From here, we are treated to an incredible view of the majestic mountain range. Chumling is also home to the Chumling Gompa and a traditional stone street village, both worth visiting. We stay overnight at a local guesthouse, providing a comfortable and memorable end to a challenging but rewarding day of trekking.
Day 7: Trek Chumling to Chokhangparo (3,010m) – Approx. 4-5 Hours Walk
Take a scenic walk from Chumling to Chokhangparo, a beautiful and historic village nestled in the Himalayan mountains. Cross the river on a suspension bridge for breathtaking views of the valley and the Ganesh Himal mountain range. As you traverse through the rich farming land of maize and potatoes, take in the classic Tibetan architecture of the houses with firewood barricades on the roof. Pass by the site of a 1999 landslide, now covered with a forest of new trees, and continue on to the upper Tsum and the join villages of Chokhangparo. This area is famous for its Tibetan Buddhist heritage and stunning views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal, weather permitting. Spend the night at a local guesthouse and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of this unique and special place.
Day 8: Trek Chokhangparo to Nile (3,361m) – Approx. 5-6 Hours Walk
The trek from Chokhangparo is a magnificent journey that takes you through small villages and past local schools. As you ascend, it's important to be aware of altitude sickness and take the necessary precautions such as drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of nature that are sure to leave you in awe.
As you continue on your journey, you will pass through Lama Gaon (3202m), a flat field with an expansive view of crops and rivers. You may even spot a Thar along the way. The people in this area speak Tsumba and are not used to many visitors, making your journey all the more unique.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the Rachen Gompa/Nunnery Gompa (3240m), which is a popular pilgrimage site with excellent accommodations. As you continue your trek, you will pass through the villages of Phurbe (3251m), Pangdun (3258m), and Chhule (3347m) with their well-managed villages and impressive entrance gates.
At Chhule, you will have the chance to see the historic Stupa of Buddha before heading upstream to Nile, the last village in the upper Tsum valley. The Nile village is situated on the banks of the Shiar Khola and is a traditional style village with a large number of households and livestock compounds integrated into the houses.
In conclusion, this trek is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and the traditional lifestyle of the local people. You will spend the night at a guesthouse and wake up refreshed, ready for another day of adventure.
Day 9: Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m) Day Hike, 6-7 Hours
Discover the beauty of the Tibetan landscape by visiting Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region. Located on the west bank of the valley and at the highest part of the Tsum Valley, a walk to Mu Gompa promises breathtaking views. Climb up to this remote and serene place for an unforgettable experience. End your day with a comfortable stay at a nearby guesthouse.
Day 10: Trek back to Chumling
We retrace back to Chumling, 7-8 hours. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 11: Trek to Deng (1,860m) Duration: 7 – 8 Hours
Today we trek to Deng in the Manaslu valley. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 12: Trek to Namrung (2900m) Duration: 5 Hours
Climbing a stunning trail, we cross a river after descending. We journey through villages before reaching a magnificent valley filled with Mani stones, indicating we're entering Tibetan territory. A short two-hour trip in the afternoon brings us to the settlement of Prok. We spend the night at a guesthouse.
Day 13: Namrung – Lho Gaun – Samagaon (3500m) Duration: 7-8 Hours
After passing the stone gate and Mani stone wall in Lho village, one has a clear view of Peak 29. A detour to Pungen offers a close-up view of Manaslu. The trail then leads to Sama via a lateral moraine of Pungen. A 20-minute walk brings you to Sama Gompa for an overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Day 14: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon.
Today is designated for acclimatization and there are options for full or half-day walks. Full-day walk is to Manaslu Base Camp (6-7 hours round trip) or half-day walks either in the valley or to Birendra Tal. Stay overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 15: Samagaon to Samdo (3690m) Duration: 3 Hours
We trek across pastures and climb to the valley, admiring stunning views of the mountains, especially Manaslu. We arrive at Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village near the Tibetan border, and spend the afternoon exploring the area. We stay overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 16: Samdo to Dharmashala (4450m) Duration: 4 Hours
We will cross a couple of streams to get to the Larkya Bazaar. Larkya Bazaar is a village that thrived from trade with Tibet years ago. After a steady climb, we will reach at our lodge at 4450m. Overnight at Guesthouse. Overnight at guesthouse.
Day 17: Trek to Bhimphedi (3590m) via cross Larkya La Pass (5220m) Duration: 8 Hours
Climb Cho Chanda and trek uphill to reach a snow-covered pass with stunning views of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru (6981m), and Annapurna II (7937m). Descend through moraines to Bhimphedi and stay overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 18: Bhimphedi to Tilje (2300m) Duration: 5 Hours
Gently hiking through rice fields leads to the small Karcha La pass, then down through fig trees and rhododendron forests to Tilje where an overnight stay is at a guesthouse.
Day 19: Trek to Dharapani then Drive to Kathmandu, 2 Hours Hike and 8-9 Hours’ Drive
Today, we shall trek down to Dharapani then we shall drive to Kathmandu by private vehicle. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 20: Departure / Adventure Ends
A representative from Visit View Nepal Treks will drop you off at the airport. You will be at airport approx. 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
What's included
- All ground transportation by private vehicle, including airport transfers
- Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
- Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
- Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Down jacket and sleeping bag use while trekking
- Duffle bag for trekking
- Visit View Nepal Treks T-shirt, trekking map, and trip achievement certificate.
- One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide, porter (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
- Manaslu and Tsum valley special trekking permits as well as Annapurna and Manaslu conservation fees.
- First aid medical kit
- Government taxes and office service charge.
What's not included
- Meals not specified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary.
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 50 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Hot shower during the trek
- Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers
The Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek is an off-the-beaten-path adventure that showcases the natural and cultural beauty of Nepal. Spanning over 20 days, this trek takes hikers through the remote villages of the Manaslu Conservation Area and offers breathtaking views of the world’s eighth highest mountain, Mount Manaslu (8163 meters).
The trek starts in the remote town of Macha Khola and takes trekkers through a series of notable villages such as Jagat, Mu Gompa, and Samagaun. Along the way, trekkers will navigate deep gorges, larch forests, and rugged landscapes as they follow medieval mule tracks that were once used as safe trading routes. The journey also offers a rich cultural and natural experience as trekkers walk along the Budhi Gandaki River, Machha Khola, and Soti Khola and are surrounded by the majestic mountains of Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Hiunchuli.
In addition to the thrilling hiking trails, the trek provides a glimpse into the religious and cultural lifestyle of the people living in the region. Buddhism is the dominant religion in this area, and the people have a strong Tibetan influence. During the journey, trekkers have the opportunity to visit holy sites such as Mu Gompa, the Rachen Gompa, and the Nunnery Gompa and observe the chortens, flags of worship, and Mani walls that are integral parts of the local culture.
Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek
One of the highlights of the trek is the ascent of Larkya La Pass (5220 meters), the highest mountain pass on the journey. This challenging climb is rewarded with stunning views of the Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Himlung Himal, and the rare Annapurna mountain range.
The Trek combines two unique trekking destinations and offers a chance to experience the beauty of both remote towns in one journey. From steep mountain slopes to waterfalls, crystal rock formations, aquamarine lakes, picturesque alps, and lonely hamlets, this trek offers a diverse range of natural wonders and is a truly beautiful experience.
In conclusion, this trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that provides a rare opportunity to explore the remote beauty of Nepal and immerse oneself in the unique culture of the region. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a first-time trekker, this journey promises to be an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Highlights of the Trek
- A distant, secluded Tsum valley with an unspoiled environment and culture
- Traverse the remote villages of many ethnic groups in Nepal.
- This lovely walk crosses the banks of the river, and pathways gradually cut through the rocks.
- Superb view of the Himal of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Budhha Himal, and many more
- Exploring the unique flora and animals in the conservation area of Manaslu
Best time for Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek in Nepal is a popular destination for trekkers and hikers from around the world. To fully enjoy this trek and make the most out of your experience, it’s important to choose the right time of year to go. The two best seasons to visit the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek are the spring and autumn.
Autumn, which falls between September and November, is a great time to trek in the region. The post-monsoon season means that there may be some risk of rainfall, but the skies are usually bright and the views of the snow-capped mountains are breathtaking. Although the weather can be unpredictable, the bright skies and stunning mountain views make autumn a great time to visit.
Spring, which runs from March to May, is also a great time to visit the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek. As a pre-monsoon season, there is very little rainfall, making it an ideal time for trekking. The lush green forests, blooming pink and red rhododendrons, and clear skies all make for a fantastic experience. The mountain views during the spring season are simply phenomenal.
However, the monsoon season, which takes place during the summer months, is not the best time to visit the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek. Severe rainfall and the risk of landslides make this season less favorable for trekking. Winter can also be a difficult time to trek in the region, as it requires experienced trekkers and proper gear such as waterproof clothing and crampons.
In conclusion, the best time to visit the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek is during the spring or autumn season. Both seasons offer clear skies, stunning mountain views, and ideal trekking conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just starting out, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Nepal.
Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek Difficulty
This trek is an amazing journey for trekkers looking for a moderate challenge. The trek begins at Machha Khola, situated 900 meters above sea level, and takes you on a journey of steady elevation gain. The trek reaches its climax at the Larkya La Pass, the highest point at 5220 meters, which is also the most challenging day of the trek, requiring around 9 hours of walking. It is essential to prepare properly for the Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek, with a minimum of 2-3 months of training to ensure a smooth and successful journey. So, gear up and take on the challenge of this amazing trek.
Alternative Treks
Discover the beauty of Manaslu through hiking with our 17-day Manaslu Circuit Trek or 18-day Tsum Valley trip. Explore the unique and fascinating trails in the region with our 21-day Tsum valley with Manaslu trek. Immerse yourself in the pristine and secluded Tsum Valley on our 18-day trip or circumnavigate the region on our 17-day Manaslu Circuit Trek. Choose your adventure in Manaslu and make memories to last a lifetime.
