Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

When you arrive in Kathmandu airport, our agency representative will be waiting for you in the airport holding our company and your name play card. From airport our agency representative will escort you to the hotel which takes 20 min of driving. After you check in to the hotel, you will rest and fed your flight sickness till next day. At hotel we will brief you about your schedule and plan of your trip.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tours to world heritage sites of Pashupatinath Temple-the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, BodhanathStupa-the biggest Buddhist Stupa architecture in the world! Patan Durbar Square is the oldest city in the Kathmandu valley with age old tradition also called Lalitpur-the city of fine arts. The visit covers the Durbar Square, the Krishna temple, the Kumbheswore temple, the Golden temple and many more. SwayambhunathStupa-the 2000 years old legendary stupa on the hillock also nick-named as monkey temple.

After having the night stay at the hotel in Kathmandu we heat the road with Early morning drive through Prithivi High to MalekhuPul and turn right hand side to DhadingBesi (district headquarter of Dhading); continues drive off road to Salentar and Aarughat Bazar. With the 5-6 hours drives we will have lunch and rest Aarughat. Aarughat is one of the famous shopping junctions for ManasluGorkha and Dhading’s remote villagers continue drive to Aarkhet Bazaar half an hours, if you are doing trekking in autumn or spring season there is possible direct bus to Aarkhet Bazar. After Aarkhet Bazar we need to change the local Jeep or bus for Sotikhola. It takes another 40 minutes or you can start trekking one hour to Sotikhola on same days, here we going to have the overnight stay.

After breakfast at Sotikhola we will hike through plane area, following the Budi Gandaki river, small villages , the broad valley narrows and at times the trail is cut into the steep valley side, which is densely forested.. The terraced farmland here belongs to the village of LapuBesi. Treks descend once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and follow a path, which runs below the steep, craggy valley side. At length, we have to climb up once again on a trail to Machhekhaola 870m, Machhekhola means "Fish stream", here we going to have the overnight stay at the tea house.

The trail follows the river, with minor ups and downs, often dropping to the gravel bar before crossing the ThadoKhola and on up to Khorlabesi: where coffee, buckwheat and tobacco are grown. The GHT trail through Gorkha (and Barpak, epicentre of the first quake on 25/04/15) crosses our trail, heading east from Manaslu to the Langtang then Everest regions. Enter a lush narrow gorge constricting the river’s progress. Cross a landslide with a dicey path, before the three hot spring spouts in Tatopani (930m). Climb a ridge then cross the BudhiGandaki (to avoid a cliff face and waterfalls). A good staircase, leads to a landslide before a final ridge climb to Dobhan.This we going to have the night stay.

Exit over the DobhanKhola, then follow the east bank to the hamlet of ThuloDhunga (1 840m); above cataracts. Later the gradient lessens, the valley opens and the water is placid at Yaruphant (1 170m). Cross the YaruKhola (from Ganesh II and VI) on an old suspension bridge then climb to the teahouses at ThadoBharyang. Cross back to the west bank and ascend gently to the old paved village of Jagat (1 410m): entrance and checkpoint to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Cross a tributary before a cliff-side trail to Salleri: with views of ShringiHimal (7 187m) to the north. Descend to Sirdibas; and the first symbols of Buddhist culture. A final bridge beyond GhattaKhola (1 480m, water mills) to the east bank, leads to a steep climb up to Philim: a prosperous Gurung village set amongst millet and maize fields; see the ChholingSanduGompa. Overnight in Philim.

Traverse north of Philim, obvious track signposted to the Larkya La, through some pretty forest with views up the narrowing valley. After 1hr climbing enter the increasingly misnamed EkleBhatti (1600m; ‘lone teashop’) with at least six bhatti, then traverse high above a spectacular gorge, entering a largely uninhabited area of pine trees.To the right (east) a well-graded, exposed, zigzag track rises up through blue pines and rhododendrons, to Lokpa and the narrow Lower Tsum Valley. The Tsum region is home to ~4 000 people in 18 villages. Descend through beautiful forest, crossing two new bridges, circle under a huge bluff on the river then climb steeply on deteriorating exposed stairs. After about 30mins start to traverse north through pines and rhododendrons, still climbing and with very steep slopes. The hidden valley of Tsum stretches enticingly ahead. Eventually descend to a deserted bhattiGhumlong (2130m) on the river. The path straight ahead climbs steeply to Ripchet (2470m; Ripche) in about 1hr; the path to Chumling (2360m) crosses the SiyarKhola on a wooden bridge and up. Cross the suspension bridge and finally ascend the gentler narrow trail to Chumling. The houses are classic Tibetan but built with sloping roofs to cope with the abundant rain and snow.Overnight at lodge in chumling.

Cross the suspension bridge into new forest growing over a recent landslide. Pass a small water driven prayer wheel on a ‘Nepali flat’ path through lush forest, inhabited by white-faced langurs. Continue to Tanju and the small DampheGompa [with hundreds of small ceramic statues of Chenresig (Buddha of Compassion): a common feature in the valley]. Beyond Dumje are glimpses of the Ganesh Himal and Baudha Peak. Cross the SerpuKhola and climb for over 2hrs on well-graded but exposed track to upper Tsum and the joined villages of Chhokang-Paro (3010m), stone houses with a few iron roofs nestled under cliffs Magnificent slate chortens, facing Ganesh Himal, herald the linked villages of Chhokang and Paro; collectively known as Chhekampar (place of wisdom). Here the valley broadens but the stone houses nestle under cliffs to make full use of the spacious fields for barley, maize, buckwheat and potatoes. Herds of tahr frequently graze the wild cliffs to the north: and if not monitored can cause havoc in the fields.Overnight at lodge in Chhekampar.

A shorter and easier route today: with much to explore on the wide flat valley floor on either side of the river. Visiting the sights can be divided over two days.From Chhekampar, we will walk past a local school at Kaye before reaching the clustered twin villages of Ngakyu and Leru. The Rachen Nunnery stands across the river. The trail then rises to a low ridge with chortens before Lama Gaon. Next we will trek to the village of Burji and nearby is Milarepa’sCave on the slopes of LangjuHimal. There are two chapels and two caves. Features include an impression of Milarepa’s footprint and a rock in the shape of an elephant. His meditation place has been made into a gompa devoted to him; the other is devoted to the Nyingma-pa deities of the region. The trail then ascends towards crosses to the southeast bank of the SiyarKhola and joins the trail from RachenGompa to Nile shortly before Phurbe.The Rachen Nunnery, established in 1905, is enclosed within spacious walls that form the outer residential cells for the nuns. The original small monastery (and a large prayer wheel) is in the southwest of the complex and is decorated with murals depicting the history of Buddhism. There are separate retreat buildings. It belongs to the small Ngak-pa sect – which forbids animal slaughter. A large and imposing new temple has been built within the grounds: spacious, light and decorated with acrylic paintings and bright hangings. The inner wall houses numerous deities in tall glass fronted cases. Next we will head towardPhurbe and further up the trail, Pangdun: its gompa has a large prayer wheel. Beyond Pangdun, the valley gently curves towards the north. Next is an unusual round stupa before the impressive entrance gate to the large village of Chhule. Thirty minutes above this village, to the south, is the 700 year old two storeyedGonhgye Monastery; with superb views. From the village the trail head through bridges tributary and then the SiyarKhola back to the west bank – and a final short rise up to Nile. Today we will have overnight at lodge in Nile

From the early in the morning we start our trekking with the 2hr walk up to the 77 year old Mu Gompa with another ¾ hr stiff hike up to the small 856 year old DephyuDoma Nunnery (place of the birth of light) which is superbly situated at 4,000m/13,100ft on a small promontory; with the gorgeous view of Ganesh II. Views of the western Ganesh Himal are visible to the left of dominant peak. Mu only has the latter view (including Ganesh I) and a view back down the valley. Mu is the highest permanent settlement in the Tsum Valley. To the north are seasonal kharkas and passes to Tibet. Return to Nile for lunch, then trek back to Chhekampar. Today have overnight at lodge in Chhekampar.

Again the trail will head towards the small gompa at Gho, then descend south through a wooden bridge over the river and continue to Dumje. The trail then leads up steeply (~3½hr), through magnificent pine, oak and rhododendron forest to a mani wall after which it traverses along an exposed route, before zigzagging up through huge silver pines to the gompa perched on a ridge. The mountain views in all directions are fantastic: this is likely to be a highlight of the trek. This 110 year old gompa with ~20 nuns (who each reside in a small cell), has an intense and captivating puja late each afternoon. Visitors are invited to attend and permission may be obtained to sleep on the gompaterrace and use their kitchen and ablution facilities. Today we goig to have the overnight at gompa in GumbaLungdang.

After the night stay we will descend back to Dumje, and turn left to cross the LangdangKhola and take the south bank trail down the SiyarKhola and shortly the lower of two trails that crosses deep, impressive gorges on new bridges to the climb to the high fertile land and ribbon village of Ripchet. Several chortens adorn barley and buckwheat fields that have been cut from surrounding pine forest. Beyond the village, steep stairs lead down to Gumlung on the river before the trail climbs back through the forest to Lokpa. Today we going have the overnight at lodge in Lokpa

From the Lokpa we will follow the trail descending to the junction with the Manaslu trail up from Philim. The we will Cross the BudhiGandaki (below its confluence with the SiyarKhola) and enter its narrow gorge on an up-and-down trail with river crossing through a suspension bridge then the trail enters bamboo forest and rises to the village of Deng (1,800m/5,906ft). This is the entry point to Kutang or lower Nupri (part of Tibet until the 1840s): a region inhabited by Gurungs who practice Buddhism, have their own language and trade across the passes with Tibet. Then the trail crosses to the east bank and zigzags up to Rana. A short series of vertical switchbacks then lead to a log-bridge tributary crossing and an isolated water mill before the trail descends gently to the lodge at BihiPhedi, high above the river. Today we are going to have the overnight at lodge in BihiPhedi.

Today the trail head through above the River then descend to cross the SerangKhola and later enters an impressive S bend between sheer basalt walls. To the right, huge rocky crags appear – with a spectacular waterfall above fields of maize and wheat. Beyond the valley broadens and turns northeast; the trail crosses a bridge before attractive village of Ghap (2,250m/7,382ft) on the south bank.The trail then ascends through bamboo, rhododendron and oak above the steeply descending river. For a short section it is forced back to the north bank by sheer walls and re-crosses back to the south bank on a wooden bridge (above a natural stone bridge) at a point where the river thunders down a narrow defile. Before reaching the village, the trail overlooks the Tum Khola from Tibet whose waters considerably increase the BudhiGandaki’s volume at the confluence. Then we will have overnight at lodge in Namrung.

FronNamrung whichis the entrance to Upper Nupri a region of purely Tibetan inhabitants . wecontinues trek through a mix of forest and extensive barley fields: guarded by bear watchers. In Lihi (2,900m/9,515ft), series of dwellings are grouped, each under a single shingled roof. There are impressive chortens, plus great views of HimalChuli (7,893m/25,897ft) to the south. Only the Ganesh Himal is visible to the east. Then trail descend and enters a side-valley to cross the HinangKhola. Beyond the double-span bridge it rises sharply to a detailed chorten from where impressive views of NgadiChuli (7,873m/25,831ft) rise above the side-valley walls. Beyond are the packed houses of Sho (2,960m/9,712ft). Good views continue on the climb, past a large prayer wheel on the trail, up to Shrip.A steep pull leads to the ridge and the large village of Lho.Many of the stone houses in this region have distinctive wooden decks and shingles. The large Ribung monastery above the village houses ~150 monks. The best spot for sunset and sunrise pictures is from a Kani above the village; reached by a walk through barley fields, past a long mani wall and old chortens. Rise early for sunrise shots of Manaslu. Today we will have the overnight in lodge at Lho.

We will start our trek with a short climb to a plateau: and the badly deforested village of Shyala (3,520m/11,549ft). Huge mountains surround it: HimalChuli (7,893m/25,897ft) and Peak 29 (NgadiChuli, 7,873m/25,831ft) to the south; Manaslu (8,156m/26,760ft) and large glaciers ahead; more snow-capped peaks to the west and north.Further on, the trail crosses a bridge over the NumlaKhola that drains the Pungyen Glacier from Manaslu. Later a trail leads left to PungyenGompa. Continue down the broad valley, past a school, to a large chorten, beyond which a yellow kani leads to rows of houses with front courtyards that form the main part of Sama. The KargyuChholing Monastery stands above the far end of the village against a forested moraine. Only the upper sections of Manaslu and the Naike ridge are visible from the village. Today we will have overnight at lodge in Sama.

Sama is the regional center of Nupri. Explore the village architecture and customs. Cloth weaving for chubas and the manufacture of hooked rugs are important occupations for trade with Tibet. Yak and dzopkyo herds and horses are kept and traded. The LabrangGompa in the lower village and the KargyuChholing Monastery on the rise beyond the village, were established some 500 years ago when this region was first settled by Tibetans. The monastery architecture is unique with fine woodwork. There are eight temple buildings: the largest, Pemba ChholingGompa, contains an impressive statue of Guru Rinpoche. It belongs to the Nyingma Buddhist sect and so most of its Lamas are married and live in dwellings at the complex.An easy and rewarding hike beyond the monastery is to the Birendra Tal (3,450m/11,319ft) below the Manaslu Glacier. It can be viewed from a hilltop or from a stony beach and offers striking views of the mountain. ~3km, 1½hrs After exploring the Sama we will follow the trail towards Samdo to a bridge over the stream from the lake and then ascend the demanding trail that rises ~1 200m above the lake and the snout of the glacier to the Base Camp (~4,900m/16,100ft), ~8km, 5-6 hrs Then a walk to the Pungyen Nunnery (3,870m/12,697ft) that stands on a plateau above the Pungyen Glacier offers unbeatable views of the Nadi ridges and Manaslu from near the gompa. It also adds an illuminating perspective of the mountain and its satellites to the other views seen along the circuit trail. From there we will walk back along the trail, past the school, to the turnoff to the Pungyen Nunnery. It lies over the ridge on a plateau above the glacier, and looks out onto Manaslu (known locally as Kang Pungyen). The ~2½hr trail through summer kharkas (no teahouses) along the NumaKhola and Pungyen Glacier can be icy and slippery. Above the complex is a cave gompa with yet better views. From there we will return back to lodge in Sama for the night stay.

Today we will descend towards the BudhiGandaki, that has turned north, and pass the lake and Base Camp trail as well as several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. This is an easy trail along a shelf above the river past juniper and birch forests that surround KermoKharka. A stone wall divides the region into two with a stileand animal gate that separates the Sama and Samdo herds. Further on, the trail drops to cross the BudhiGandaki on a wooden bridge before climbing steeply onto a promontory above the confluence of the river with the MayolKhola from the Samdo Glacier to the northeast. At the top is a stone arch, followed by fields before a white kani at the entrance to the village: an attractive, cold, yak and goat herding area. Zigzag up yak tracks behind the village to any of several sets of flags on a high ridge for superb 270o views: with Samdo Peak (6,335m/20,785ft) and its dramatic glacial basin to the east; the Sama Valley and its ranges to the south (Manaslu is masked by a rocky peak to the southwest); while to the west is a bird’s eye view over the northern Syacha Glacier from Manaslu (partially hidden) and tomorrow’s trail to Dharamsala and the Larkya La. Samdo is the last village before Gho, in the Manang District. Only informal kharkas (with lodges) lie between these villages. Today we will have overnight at lodge in Samdo.

Today we will descend past the northern village fields to cross the BudhiGandaki for the last time at the remains of the Larkya Bazaar site. The river turns north up the PanaDanda Valley. Follow the westward trail on grassy slopes with scrub juniper, rhododendron and lichen covered granite above the SyachaKhola Valley. The source of the Syacha Glacier that descends from the Manaslu North ridge comes into sight. The trail works its way gradually up the valley towards the Larkya Glacier beyond the Larkya La Phedi, called Dharamsala. The guest house is a simple stone structure: with a kitchen and dining room, two separate buildings with 15 small double rooms, two tunnel-tents each with 8 cramped beds and a third for trekking staff. Short walks can lead to better views of the Larke (6,249m/20,503ft) and Naike (6,291m/20,641ft) peaks. Today we will spend overnight at Lodge in Dharamsala.

As today we are passing the pass needs, which can be very cold, especially if windy. Snow and ice conditions demand more care and time.Then the trail head to the northern moraine of the Larke Glacier, which is not steep or difficult but is long and continuously rocky underfoot. From Dharamsala, it rises gently to a ridge followed by a long gentle climb to the vast and jumbled moraine. Larke Peak on the LarkeHimal wall and Pawar Peak on the CheoHimal emerge to the south and north of the glacier. A short climb leads to an ablation valley followed by a drop to pass the first of four small scattered frozen lakes. A gradual ascent to the left up the glacial moraine and a final pull leads to the first set of summit flags. Back to the east; look over the trail to Tibetan border ranges beyond Samdo Peak. A long moraine-ridge runs from the first flags, parallel to the Larke wall and separated from it by a deep gully, to a second set of flags and astounding views ahead. To the west peaks include (anticlockwise from the north) the impressive Pawar Peak (6,620m/21,720ft), CheoHimal (6,820m/22,376ft), the Himlung pyramid (7,126m/23,380ft), Gyaji Kung (7,030m23,065ft), Kang Garu (6,981m/22,905ft) plus Annapurna II (7,937m/26,041ft) and its satellites away to the east. Below lies a magnificent basin within dramatic rock and ice walls from which flow a complex of glaciers. The descent begins from these flags and drops steeply off the moraine then traverses loose scree slopes down a set of steep zigzags to the grassy DangbocheKharka (4,450m/14,600ft) almost directly below.The trail offers a beautiful view of the glacial action that feeds the upper Dudh (milk) Khola. From the PawarHimal, the Salpudanda Glacier merges with the Ponkar Glacier below the medial Ponkar Lake (trapped between their moraines) and is then joined by the western Kechakyu Glacier to form the Bimthang Glacier that exists the valley. From DangbocheKharka the gradient eases and the trail follows the curve of the lateral moraine of the Salpudanda/Bimthang glacier into the lovely Bimthang Valley. Bimthang is now the summer grazing settlement for the people of Samdo. Before the closure of the Tibetan border it was an important trading post. The Tibetan Khampa warriors held a centre here in the 1970s.then we will spend overnight at lodge in Bimthang.

Today we will start our trek with a walk across theBimthang Plain, and descend through the stony glacier then up and over the far moraine to enter magnificent pristine rhododendron and pine forest. Views back towards the Larke, Manaslu, Nadi and ChuliHimals are excellent all along this route. The trail descends along the west bank of the Dudh (milk) Khola past Hompuk (3,430m/11,254ft, a rock shelter near the bridge) and attractive SanguraKharka (3,020m/9,909ft) before descending steeply to the highest cultivated land at Karche (2,700m/8,860ft). Beyond is a flood related landslide, more terraced fields and a steep ridge climb before dropping to the substantial (Gurung) village of Gho. Today we will spend overnight at lodge in warmer Gho.

After breakfast we will trek through farmlands to the old paved village of Tilje (2,300m/7,546ft), then cross to the east bank of the river before descending rapidly towards the Marsyangdi Valley through scrub forest. Cross back to the west bank just before Thonje (1,965m/6,447ft) and then, in Thonje, cross the MarsyangdiKhola (from Manang) just above the confluence before joining the new road along the main Annapurna Circuit route in Dharpani at the perfect lunch time and end of the trek. Afternoon enjoy hot shower and wonder around this Tibetan village. Today we spend overnight at Lodge in Dharapani.

After breakfast, we will toward the Besisahar with jeep ride along the dusty and bumpy off road and then through the paved road we go back to Kathmandu.

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight to your next destination.