Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek - 22 Days
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek is an incredible journey around Manaslu (8163 meters), the 8th highest mountain in the world, and through Tsum Valley, a secluded majestic area also known as the Hidden Valley. Because the Manaslu region was just opened to foreigners in 1995, it is thought of as an untouched territory, still vastly unknown by trekkers visiting Nepal. On top of that, the Tsum Valley was opened to foreigners in 2008! For those wanting an off-the-beaten-path trek with a true wilderness feel, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek is a perfect choice.
After a pleasant drive to Arughat, we embark on our journey. Walking through the Budhi Gandaki Valley, we are closed in by rugged cliffs, with vegetation clinging onto their sides. We then trek through the quintessential hilly region landscape – dense, mixed forests, terraced agricultural fields, and charming villages. We soon notice a drastic change in scenery and feel. We’ve entered the Hidden Valley.
The people here, known as Tsumbas, have a different way of life than any other group in Nepal. They are heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, so there are plenty of Gompas to visit throughout the trek, including Rachen Gompa, a nunnery nestled in the mountains. Another sacred spot on the trek is Milarepa’s Cave.It is said that the Buddhist saint Milarepa used to meditate in the caves of these mountains. In the final days of the trek, we ascend the Larke Pass (5135 meters), where you’ll drop your jaws at the flawless, rugged peaks before your eyes. After descending to Jagat, we end the trek and drive back to Kathmandu. Take a chance on the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek if you’re looking for isolated high-alpine trails, and have an appreciation or interest in the unique mountain culture of Nepal.
. The residents of the area are direct descendants of Tibetan immigrants who settled here during early 16th century. Consequently, their dialect, dress and customs resemble those of Tibetans north of Nepal. The mountain views in the area are sensational and iconic, and you will find them nowhere else in the world.
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek can be done throughout the year, but the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the best weather. During the spring, the flowers are blooming, adding color to the trail. In the fall, the skies are usually clearer. The trek requires moderate fitness. Junket Nepal arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
- Day 02: Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
- Day 03: Drive to Arughat (600m), 6-8 hours by bus or jeep.
- Day 04: Trek to Lapubesi (882m). 5-6 hours.
- Day 05: Trek to Tatopani (990m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 06: Trek to Philim (1570m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 07: Trek to Chhumling (2386m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 08: Trek to Chokang Paro (3011m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 09: Trek to Mu Gompa (3700m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 10: Trek to Chokang Paro via Rachen Gompa, 6-7 hours.
- Day 11: Trek to Lokpa (2240m), 7-8 hours.
- Day 12: Trek to Ghap (2300m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 13: Trek to Lho (3180m), 5-7 hours.
- Day 14: Trek to Samagaun (3520m) – 6 Hours
- Day 15: Rest and acclimatization day.
- Day 16: Trek to Samdo (3860m). – 4 Hours.
- Day 17: Trek to Larke BaseCamp/Dharmasala (4460m). – 4 Hours
- Day 18: Trek to Bimtang (3750m) via Larke Pass (5135m) – 8 Hours
- Day 19: Trek to Dharapani (1963m). (Long day downhill walk).
- Day 20: Trek to Jagat (1300m) – 6-7 Hours.
- Day 21: Drive to Besi Sahar – Kathmandu.
- Day 22: Final Departure.
Cost Includes:
- Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
- Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Arughat and from Besi Sahar to Kathmandu.
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
- Local guest house accommodation in mountain.
- Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters.
- Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters.
- Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
- First Aid Kit.
- Maps
- Service charge and government taxes.
- Langtang National Park entry fee.
- Annapurna Conservation Area permit & Manaslu Conservation Area Permit.
- Tsum Valley Permit.
- Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu.
Cost Excludes:
- International airfare.
- Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast).
- Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
- Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek.
- Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee.
- Tips for guide and porter.
- Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary .
- Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
Outline Itinerary
01 Days Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
You will be picked up from Tribhuvan Airport by a member of Junket Nepal and taken to your hotel. We give you all the necessary information about your trek and clear up any questions you might have. Overnight at hotel.
02 Days Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
After breakfast, we’ll brief you on our upcoming adventure and then give you a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, which includes several UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can spend the rest of the day freely. Overnight at hotel.
03 Days Drive to Arughat (600m), 6-8 hours by bus or jeep.
A 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu into the western mountains takes us to Arughat through Dhading Besi, headquarter of the Dhading district. Through the dirt road from Dhadingbesi viewing the greenery hills we reach Arughat, our trek start point. Arughat is a major town in the region and is divided in two parts with the Budhi Gandaki river flowing between them. Overnight at Arughat. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
04 Days Trek to Lapubesi (882m). 5-6 hours.
We trek through Gurung and Magar villages, hugging the bank of the Budhi Gandaki, which wefollow to its source. It can be hot and humid so rice, maize and millet are the main crops.Keep your eyes out for monkeys swinging through the forests. The valley becomes wilder, prettier and narrower and descend to Soti Khola (710m). There’s a swimming hole in the Soti Khola, popular with locals. We hike on through shady forests then ascend and descend for some with views way below of wild rapids.Soon, we reach Lapubesi. Overnight in guest house.
05 Days Trek to Tatopani (990m), 6-7 hours.
Continue up-river, climbing sometimes and other times going down on the gravel riverbed, passing through Machhakhola (930m). Goat herders passing through this area wear the distinctive smoke-browned capes called bokkhu made famous in the book Honey Hunters of Nepal. Continue up and down over a couple of ridges to Tatopani (‘hot water’) where there are hot water spouts under the cliffs that provide a delightful evening shower and nice muscle relaxation. Fall asleep to the sleep to the peaceful sound of flowing water. Overnight in guest house.
06 Days Trek to Philim (1570m), 5-6 hours.
After we start the day, we climb over a ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridgeand climb up to Doban.Just past Yaru, cross again enjoy easy up and down to Jagat (1410m). You will need to show your MCAP permit at an office on the left. The fields of potato, maize and beans are quite beautiful. Walk up the riverbed then climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri (1440m) with views of Sringi Himal (7187m), then descend to Sirdibas. Continue up-river on the left bank, up and down before crossing Nepal’s longest suspension bridge to the east bank and a tiring climb up to prosperous Philim, surrounded by fields of maize, potato and millet. Overnight here in Philim.
07 Days Trek to Chhumling (2386m), 6-7 hours.
North of Philim, the trail then gradually descends beneath a spectacular waterfall, into the gorge below. To the right (east) we hike through switchbacks torise through a forest of pines and rhododendrons. We reach Lokpa and the narrow Lower Tsum Valley. Descend through forest before tackling a long and steep climb up the south side of the Siyar Khola gorge that drains the Tsum Valley. We hike down to Gumlung and the Siyar Khola. We cross the suspension bridge and have one final gentle ascent to Chhumling. Overnight at guest house.
08 Days Trek to Chokang Paro (3011m), 5-6 hours.
Cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. Enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walk past Rainjham to Serpu Khola. Now we enter the hidden valley of Tsum. Another steep climb takes us to the village of Chokang Paro. Enjoy the views of Hiunchuli at 7893 meters. Overnight in guest house.
09 Days Trek to Mu Gompa (3700m), 6-7 hours.
Head east through some villages, past a local school, and climb over a ridge. Then we pass Lamagaon (3202m) through the flat fields. At a lodge along the way, we can make a visit to Milarepa’s Cave, where the great Tibetan Buddhist philosopher is said to have meditated. Cross the Shiyar Khola, and pass a stupa before reaching the village of Chhule. Head upstream to cross the bridge and climb to Nile. The final climb up to Mu Gompa is through dry Tibetan country withextensive mountain vistas. Overnight in guest house.
10 Days Trek to Chokang Paro via Rachen Gompa, 6-7 hours.
We begin our hike after breakfast. It’s a long day full of gorgeous views back to Chokang Paro. The numerous mani walls, chhortens, and prayer flag wavering in the wind give us a sense of peace throughout our journey. We can stop at Rachen Gompa, a large monastery in the area, for a mid-day break. Overnight in guest house.
11 Days Trek to Lokpa (2240m), 7-8 hours.
After breakfast, we hike through the beautiful scenery, passing more monuments of Tibetan Buddhism. We spend the day ascending and descending, though most of the time, we are going downhill. Overnight in guest house.
12 Days Trek to Ghap (2300m), 6-7 hours.
We continue from Lokpa down the exposed track and cross the Buri Gandaki on a bridge after about 1hr. After about 2hrs we reach Sirdibas and within another hour,enter Nupri through bamboo forests before arriving to Deng. Continue in and out of continuous wild canyons, cross the Serang Khola coming from the north and climb steeply again before finally circling into Ghap. Explore the surroundings and overnight at guest house.
13 Days Trek to Lho (3180m), 5-7 hours.
Today we trek from Ghap to Lho village (3180m). It takes about 6 to 7 hours to get there. Slowly and gradually we gain altitude and with the increase in altitude, we enter the alpine territory. This means weget more mountain views! On the way to Namrung, we find more Mani walls, and we cross three more bridges over the Budhi Gandaki before reaching Lho. Upon arriving there, we can take dinner and stay overnight in a guest house.
14 Days Trek to Samagaun (3520m) – 6 Hours
We enjoy spectacular views of Manaslu from Lho, where we can also explore the famous Ribung Gompa. In Shyala, we will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, with Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. Today’s journey ends in Samagaon. Overnight in guest house.
15 Days Rest and acclimatization day.
Today, we take it easy and let our bodies get used to the altitude. If you have any interest, we can do a day hike to explore the surrounding area. Overnight again in Samagaun.
16 Days Trek to Samdo (3860m). – 4 Hours.
Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to Manaslu Base Camp. The Larke La Trail passes several mani walls as the valley widens. It is an easy trail above the river passing juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop down, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply. From a stone arch, we can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani, we find Samdo. Overnight in guest house.
17 Days Trek to Larke BaseCamp/Dharmasala (4460m). – 4 Hours
We continue the ascent, crossing the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and again walking upward. After crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4460m), which is not a lodge but rather a shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and hanging out in the afternoon. Overnight in guest house.
18 Days Trek to Bimtang (3750m) via Larke Pass (5135m) – 8 Hours
After a quickascent, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larke Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the massive Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in and face-to-face views of Manaslu is an exciting experience. Overnight in Bimthang.
19 Days Trek to Dharapani (1963m). (Long day downhill walk).
Today we leavethe Manang area, where world’s famous Thorong Pass Bridge in between Manang and Mustang lies. It is now lush green area all the way down up to Dharapani. Restricted region of Manaslu endsin Dharapani. Most of time we will hike through jungle area, passing through the settlements of Gho and Tilije. Upon reaching on Dharapani, theh commercial area starts and we encounter more trekkers onward from Dharapani to Besi Sahar. Overnight in guest house.
20 Days Trek to Jagat (1300m) – 6-7 Hours.
After breakfast, we begin our final day of trekking. We hike through the forest, passing small waterfalls and several streams along the way. After crossing the river several times, we enter the Manang district. Eventually, we arrive to our guest house in Jagat. Overnight here.
21 Days Drive to Besi Sahar – Kathmandu.
The scenic drive back to Kathmandu takes about 7-8 hours by Besi Sahar, though it feels shorter, as we are distracted by the rolling hills, high mountains, and local villages along the way. We arrive in Kathmandu in time for our farewell dinner in the evening.
22 Days Final Departure.
Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. Thank you for choosing Junket Nepal as your trekking guide! We look forward to your next adventure with us.
Usefull Info
Usefull Info
Trekking preparation and Physical Condition:
Physical Fitness is an important part to have trekking adventure in Nepalese Himalayas. To be fully prepared to gain lifetime experience of walking in the mountains, explore Himalayan vista with combined cultural experience can accomplished by exploit inspired adventure seekers who can walk 4 to 6 hours ascends and descends per day. We generally prefer short and easy trek for first time trekkers and moderate to adventurous trekking for experienced trekkers as per preferences.
Preparation for trekking has not any hard and fast rules and regulations. We recommend all trekkers to maintain their physical fitness level a couple of months before the trek. The fitness activities might be jugging, walk through steps (Uphill and Downhill), join a fitness club etc. while achieving the adventure experience of trekking, physical fitness as well as mental fitness plays vital role, every trekkers should also have to be mentally prepared.
Accommodation and Meals during the Trek:
Almost popular trekking regions in Nepal are filled with sophisticated tea house lodges which offer standard room accommodation and hygienic foods. Every trekker can choose varieties of foods; Nepali, Continental, Indian etc from the menu. Apart from the popular trekking routes where the tea houses are not available, we will provide camping accommodation and prepare meals by our team members. In cities, you can choose any (non star to 5 star categorized) hotel to stay before/after begin the trip as per your budget and requirement.
Grades of Trekking:
A Himalayan country Nepal amazingly presents several world’s high mountains including world’s top Mt. Everest, other mountains above 8000m from sea level and several snow-capped peaks. Grades of trekking determines as per altitude level, duration of the trek, level of difficulties, wilderness in trails and many more factors. Basically we classify the grades as; Easy, Moderate, Strenuous & Adventurous. Easy trekking is suitable for beginners, and gradually all grades trails offers unique taste of adventure for all adventure seeking trekkers.
High Altitude Sickness:
High altitude Sickness is totally unusual and unexpected sickness which means effect of high altitudes while in a trekking. It attracts more if we ascend so quickly in the mountains. As we know that prevention is better than cure, we don’t have to gain altitudes too quickly, acclimatize with altitude by slow and steady walk with numbers of reserve days would be a good idea.
The symptoms of high altitude sickness are; loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, difficult to pass urine, headache, irregular breathing, Nausea, mild weakness, hands and face swelling etc.
In case of such sickness while you are in mountain with our team, every trekker needs to follow the instructions provided by your guide, guides from Junket Nepal (P) Ltd always are well aware about such sickness and basic treatment procedure. Immediately descend from the altitude is one of the major treatment of high altitude sickness. Drink a lot of water, take some garlic soup, you may also take Diamox 250mg and other modes of cure. If the situation would be out of control situation with serious sickness, we will arrange immediate emergency evacuation by horse or helicopter depending upon the situation.
Best Season for Trekking:
Generally 2 seasons in an annual year are considered as a peak season of trekking and mountaineering in Nepal which are autumn – September, October & November and spring – March, April & May. During the season view of mountain will be clear. Some adventure seekers who want to walk not facing other large groups, peaceful environments can also choose December – February. June-August months are monsoon season which ruins long trekking trips but one can choose short hiking trips.
Types of Trekking:
Types of trekking can be categorized in 2 different parts;
I) Tea house trekking; available in several popular trekking regions of Nepal. This type or trek generally operated by using tea house lodges for meals and accommodations during the entire trekking. Tea house lodges are not well sophisticated as hotels and resorts in cities but they provide simply the best services and facilities.
II) Camping Trekking; required to set up tented camps for the less beaten trekking regions where those tea house lodges are not available. During the camping trek, our crew team will carry all camping equipments, meals and essentials.
Trekking Permits:
Trekking permits are essential before entering into every trekking trails. Your trip detail should have to be registered. Types of trekking permits are as follows:
I) TIMS (Trekkers Information Manual System): It is required for your safety provided by an umbrella organization of trekking agencies - Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN). It helps to keep record of every trekkers in mountains and control illegal trekking operators by keeping your details (Name, Nationality, Date of Birth and Passport Number)
II) National Park/Conservation Area Permits: Every trekking trail are joined with at least one national park or conservation area project where we have to issue permit and have to pay certain royalty for Conservation area project. For example; Annapurna Conservation Area Project required for Annapurna region trekking, Sanagmatha National Park permit required for Everest region trekking etc.
III) Special Permits: It is compulsory for restricted area’s trekking in Nepal. Nepal government has listed some important trekking trails in their restricted area lists such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Lower Dolpo, Manaslu Circuit, Makalu Circuit etc. such permits are need to be issued from department of immigration of Nepal. This permit’s royalty rates are generally higher than national park/conservation area fees and TIMS differ from season of trek and its duration. Please contact us for full extent of information about royalty lists for special permits.
Trekking Safety and Security:
Safety and security is one of the major factors while in Nepalese mountains for trekking adventure where we might face unusual sickness, problems, injury and so on. First of all be sure you have chosen best company for your trekking holiday that’s why you will get experienced and knowledgeable trekking staffs. Guidelines from trekking leader plays vital role to be safe from such unusual problems. We generally provide experienced guides who are well trained having high level of knowledge about altitude sickness and other possible problems as well as basic treatment procedure to be safe from the problems.
Trip Note
Junket Nepal is not responsible for any problems due to weather, damages of property, etc. However, we will manage and support you to the best of our abilities with any problem that may arise. It is best to book flights to and from Kathmandu with a several day margin to avoid missing a flight back to your home country.
Certificate & Parthers
