Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is a 21 day tea house trek taking that will take you close to the world’s 8th tallest mountain - Mount Manaslu (8,163m). You will trek through the secluded valley of Tsum. This trekking destination was opened to the publilc in the mid 1990's, with the Tsum Valley segment a bit later. This is truly an off-the-beaten destination where solitude is guaranteed. Your average day will be around 7 hours trekking, hence you will need to have a good level of fitness. The trail tho=rough the Tsum Valley reaches around 3000m, with Larkya La Pass at 5160m means you will be required to acclimatise beforehand. This will test your skills as you may have to trek through ice and snow – and at this altitude even more difficult. We will prepare you for this.
The trail passes cascades and raging rivers and along the face of steep bluffs. You will encounter many Gurung towns and pass through rice and millet fields. You will cross suspension bridges, mani dividers (walls of stone), chortens, and other Buddhist places of worship, particularly in the Tsum Valley region. Tsum Valley is often shrouded in mist and has a strong resemblance to Tibet and passes close to the Tibetan border. You will often meet Buddhist priests and nuns, as well as visit Milarepa's Cave. Along the trail you will most likely see Nepal’s national bird – the Himalayan monal – more commonly referred to as a pheasant. It is mostly found between 2100m and 4500m. Of course there are the towering peaks, such as Manaslu, Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Ganesh Himal and Larkya Peak. From Larkya La there are breathtaking perspectives on icefalls and solidified lakes, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the gigantic Annapurna II.
This is a trek for those looking for something more out of the way than the more popular Annapurna treks. It is a tough one, but the rewards are over the top!
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Drive Kathmandu to Sotikhola (710m)
This morning we drive to Dhading Besi and will then cross the Trishuli River . The road becomes rougher and after 3 hours we will arrive at at Arughat. There is something to compensate for the rough road, and that is the forever changing scenery. Arughat is a small town consisting of mostly Newari people. We will stop for a short break before heading to Soti Khola, another 2 hours by jeep. We will pass several Gurung and Magar towns with their numerous rice and millet fields before coming to our overnight destination at Soti Khola.
Day 2 : Trek to Machhakhola (870m)
Today the leg work begins as we cross the Soti Khola River, through forests of Sal heading higher until we come to a point from where we can look back at the river. Next stop is Khursane and from here on the trail becomes a bit rougher. You will pass cascades and head through bluffs and across ridges until we come to Labubesi, a quaint Gurung town. From here we follow the riverbed of the Budi Gandaki river.. Next stop is Khanibesi from where, in the north-east, you can see Ganesh Himal. Maccha Khola is next and where we will stay the night
Day 3 : Trek to Jagat (1340m)
This morning we take the trail to Tharo Khola along the Budi Gandaki river. The first town we come to is Khorlabesi from where you get views of Ganesh Himal. From Khorlabesi we head to the natural hot springs at Tatopani and will have time for a quick dip in the therapeutic waters. Once more we follow the Budhi Gandaki. We will soon reach the town of Doban and then cross a suspension bridge and head up a stone staircase before coming to Thado Bharyang and then some time later we come to our overnight stop at Jagat. From Jagat we have some great views of the Shringi Himal.
Day 4 : trek to Lokpa (2,240m)
Today, after passing the checkpoint at Jagat, we enter the Tsum Valley. The early morning views of Shringi are amazing.. We willx continue until we cross a suspension bridge before arriving at Philim. Next point is the crossroad of the Ekle Bhatti trail and the Manaslu-Tsum Valley trail before we come to Lokpa where we will stay the night.
Day 5 : Trek to Dumje (2,460m)
Today, after passing the checkpoint at Jagat, we enter the Tsum Valley. The early morning views of Shringi are amazing.. We willx continue until we cross a suspension bridge before arriving at Philim. Next point is the crossroad of the Ekle Bhatti trail and the Manaslu-Tsum Valley trail before we come to Lokpa where we will stay the night.
Day 6 : Trek to Nile-Chule (3,361m)
Today, after passing the checkpoint at Jagat, we enter the Tsum Valley. The early morning views of Shringi are amazing.. We willx continue until we cross a suspension bridge before arriving at Philim. Next point is the crossroad of the Ekle Bhatti trail and the Manaslu-Tsum Valley trail before we come to Lokpa where we will stay the night.
Day 7 : Trek to Mu Gompa (3,710m)
The trail leading from Nile passes close to the Nepal/Tibet border. Today’s trek is relatively short. We will arrive at Mu Gompa, the northern most part of the trek., Being so close to Tibet you can expect to see a greater Tibetan influenc in the villages and among the people living in this region. There are more than 100 Tibetan priests living here. There is a statue of Avalokiteshwara, and pictures of Guru Padmasambhava in the town. Yak pastures surround Mu Gompa. From here we can see the Lungdang Glacier in the east. The town is surrounded by tall mountains.
Day 8 : Exploration day around Mu Gompa
We will spend the entire day exploring the town and surrounding area. Locals here head to an altitude of 500m to collect the famous and very expensive Yarsagumba, a larvae that is said to have strong aphrodisiac properties. One kilo is said to cost around US$10,000 in China. To the east and west of the Gompa are two passes: Mailatasachin Pass (5093m) and Thapla Bhanjyang (5104m). Today we can climb to the base camp of Pika Himal. Some of us may choose to head to Kalung (3820m) or Bhajyo (4030m) – a day trip. From these peaks we can see into Tibet. You can also visit the 600-year-old Dhephu Doma Gompa at 3900m. There is a chance of sighting the snow leaopard and musk deer on the 30 to 45 minute trail. Snow Leopards are elusive and rarely seen, but you never know your luck
Day 9 : Trek to Rachen Gompa (3,240m)
Today we head to Rachen Gompa starting by heading down into the valley and through Chule and then to Phurbe and finally to the Siyar Khola valley that homes of the Rachen Gompa situated among enormous mountains. The gompa is a home to a large number of nuns. Many families in the the Tsum valley have a family member here at the gompa. Tonight we will stay at Chumling at the end of the valley.
Day 10 : Trek to Deng (1860m)
From Chumling it is downhill to the town of Deng. The scenery along the way is stunning, as we look up to the snow-clad peaks around us, such as Ganesh Himal and Mt. Manaslu. We pass through a rather treacherous path down to the riverbed of the Budi Gandaki and cross a suspension bridge over Deng Khola before coming to Deng.
Day 11 : Trek to Deng (1860m)
From Chumling, we walk downhill to the town of Deng. While dropping, we thrive in the wonderful perspectives on flickering pinnacles. The striking perspectives on Ganesh Himal and Mt. Manaslu continue going with us as we trek down. We will stroll through a precarious chasm and green inclines. Be progressively cautious while strolling through the troublesome parts on the path. We will slip down to the riverbed of Budi Gandaki. We will traverse on an extension. Presently, the path gets more extensive as it goes through bamboo timberlands. We will stroll through the woods and will arrive at the Deng Khola. We will cross the stream to reach Deng town
Day 12 : Trek to Namrung (2630m)
Today we will follow the Budi Gandaki river for about an hour before coming to Rana. The trail is undulating and eventually meets the trail from Bhi. Three hours later we come to the Shringi Khola suspension bridge and then head to Ghap where we will stop for lunch. Leaving Ghap we cross the fields and then through fir forests before coming to the Shringi river and a beautiful cascade. We will cross the river on a wooden scaffold and then climb for about 2 hours before coming to Namrung. The gateway to Upper Nuri that is home to many Tibetans.
Day 13 : Trek to Lho (3180m)
From Namrung we cross grain fields and then arrive at Lihi, 2900m a small village with several chortens. To the south of Lihi, looms the massive peak of Himal Chuli 7893m and Ganesh Himal in the east. From Lihi, we follow the trail down to the valley of Simnang and to the Hinang River. From a Chorten close by we have exquisite views of Ngadi Chuli 7873m. Continuing on we come to Sho and then Shrip.. From Lho we have startling views of Manaslu North and Naike Himal. Near to Lho is a religious community called Ribung cloister situated just above Lho. Kani is close to Lho and is a magnificent viewpoint at sunset and sunrise offering fantastic views of Manaslu Himal.
Day 14 : Trek to Samagaun (3500m)
On our way to Samagaon we will go on several short climbs of around 2 to 3 hours, to improve the acclimatisation process. We will have some fantastic views of Mt. Manaslu and walk around Shyla town 3520m. The trail will pass through some beautiful. rhododendron forests and across streams. As we near Samagaon we will see the many rice and other grain fields. Samagaon is quite a large town.
Day 15 : Acclimatizing day at Samagaun
Today is strictly dedicated to acclimatization, something that is essential before heading higher. We will scout around the town and take a short climb to the Birendra Tal and the Anie Gompa. If you are feeling fit, you can visit Pungyen Gompa. The Gompa is quite far from Samagaon but will benefit the process of acclimatising. From the gompa you can see the ice flow on the mountains.
Day 16 : Trek to Samdo (3860m)
Today is another short but tough day of the trek. The trail heads through the Birendra Tal, 3450m and gets close to the Manaslu Glacier. The trail is undulationg until we reach Samdo. The trail passes through Yak pastures. And Juniper forests before heading higher and then ultimately back down to the Budi Gandaki river. Samdo is a quaint little town and offers a perfect display of how life is in this remote region. From Samdo you can see Samdo Peak. If you have the energy, then you may choose to head out on an evening trek to the Larkya La Pass trail, which will assist in the acclimatisation process. You will need to be suitable rugged up for the chilly evening weather.
Day 17 : Trek to Dharamasala (4480m)
From Samdo the trail descends to the Budi Gandaki River. We will pass through Junipers and will most likely see Marmots in the wild. We cross 2 gorges and cross several streams and get some glimpses of the Larkya ice sheet. We will continue until we arrive at the town of Dharamsala. Around the town we will see Himalayan goats and blue sheep on the surrounding slopes. Some trekkers have claimed to see the elusive snow leopard in this area.
Day 18 : Cross the Larke pass (5213m) trek down to Bimtang (3720m)
Today, we will cross the Larke La Pass which can often be a real challenge due to snow, ice and high winds. Once at the pass the views will compensate for the effort it took to get there. From the pass we head out across the moraine of the Larkya glacier. As we descend we pass 4 frozen lakes and pass many Tibetan prayer flags. The temperature here can be at freezing point. From the top of the pass you will be dazzled by the amazing views of Mt. Himlung 7126m, Kang Guru 6981m and Annapurna II 7937m. As you descend you will see ice-falls, mountains, frozen lakes, and the Bhimthang glacier. We continue on to Bhimthang for the ni
Day 19 : Bimtang to Tilije (2300m)
Today we set off towards Tilije passing through the huge knolls leading our of Bhimthang. After crossing a wooden bridge we pass through conifers and rhododendron trees towards Hompuk town. The trail follows along the Dudh Khola riverbank. Next stop is Karche. The trail shows signs of a previous avalanche where we have to climb around before coming to Gho and then to the Gurung town of Tilije. The trail here is easier and passes through oak and rhododendron trees.
Day 20 : Trek to Dharapani and drive to Besisahar (760m)
We will Tilije and follow the Dudh Khola riverbank and down into the Marsyangdi valley. We will cross the Dudh Khola and pass the mani stones before coming to Thonje where we will stay the night..
Day 21 : Drive back to Kathmandu from Besisahar
Today is our final day of this trek. We will drive along the riverbanks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers. On the drive we can admire the beautiful terraced fields, diverse landscapes, raging rivers, hills, and mountains. On arrival at Kathmandu you will be taken to your hotel.
SERVICES
Cost Includes:
- Two-night deluxe hotel in Kathmandu on B/B, Before and After the trek. Hotel Access Nepal Pvt.ltd.
- Airport pick-up and drop services.
- Tea house accommodations arrangement during the trek.
- Remote area trekking permit and all needed documents.
- Entry Permit for Annapurna and Manasalu Conservation Area.
- A Guide and necessary staffs.
- A Strong Porter among the two trekkers ( one porter sharing among two member ) including all his expenses including full insurance during the trek.
- All surface transportation to the starting point and from the ending point of the trek by bus.
- All meals three times a day as well as tea/coffee during the breakfast.
- Equipment like sleeping bag, down jacket if you do not have your own. To be return after the trek
- Necessary insurance for trekking staff.
- Trekking route map.
- First Aid kit box with basic medicine,including Oximeter and pulse meter checker.
- Emergency Rescue assistance arrangement, paid by your travel insurance.
Cost Excludes:
- Nature of personal expense
- Private Jeep if you need.
- Drinks
- All meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Activities in Kathmandu and Pokhara such as sightseeing tour.
- International airfare
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Satellite Phone.
EQUIPMENTS
Trekking equipment
The Following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek as the backpack for the hiking in Nepal and the gear play a vital role for the successful trip and we suggest you to have all the necessary gear for the trip and not to have unnecessary equipment/things that you will not be using for the trip and list of the gear you need for the trek are:
- Good down Sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you do not have on your own and it is to be returned after the trek.
- Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep your all the gear and this will be carried by the porters.
- Daypack bag for yourself
- A down Jacket
- Shade hat
- Warm wool hat to cover your ears
- A pair of lightweight warm gloves.
- T-shirts 2- 3 pieces
- Lightweight thermal tops.
- Fleece jacket.
- Fleece Wind-proved jacket (optional).
- A pair’s nylon hiking shorts which are quick drying one
- Underwear
- Two pairs of lightweight long underwear.
- Two pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts
- Four pairs of liner warm socks
- A pair of light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots.
- A pair of light trekking shoes for camp/lodges
- A pair sandal (Optional)
- A water bottle.
- Head/Torch Light.
Medicines and First Aid Kits
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches like DMX.
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
- Imodium or Peptone besom, Flexon capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox 125 or 250mg or 400mg tablets for altitude sickness.
- 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.(Uma Holidays Travels and Tours company's team also provide first aid kits)
Miscellaneous but Important
- Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
- Lip care (Balm) At least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
- Sun’s cream with SPF 40 is recommended
- Pocket knife.
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kits and be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.
Note Regarding Itineraries:
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan and their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Uma Holidays Travels and Tours Pvt. Ltd. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is safe and successful. Your safety is paramount
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