Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

Duration: 25 Days

About Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek, 25 days of the exhilarating trek that takes you around and up close to the world's 8th highest mountain, Manaslu (8163 M) through the hidden valley of Tsum. With the combination of two amazing treks, Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley, this is one of the best ways to explore the Manaslu Region, a region rich in culture, natural beauty, wildlife, and vegetation.

The trek starts from the Lower Manaslu region that is mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. The magnificent views of the majestic mountains can be seen from the very first day of the trek. The trek passes through beautiful terraced fields and settlements of the Gurung people. The unique and rich culture and tradition of the Gurung's like Bon Po, Shamanism and Nature Worshipping practices can be seen in this region. After a couple of days of trekking along the hills, rivers and bypassing through different villages, we will enter the valley of Tsum which is inhabited by the people of Tibetan origin. Then we will return the same route and join the Manasalu Circuit Trail and walk till Chamche via Larke La Pass(5160 M) where the trek will end.

During the trek, the stunning views of Manaslu, Annapurna 2, Himlung, Kangguru, Cheo Himal, Lamjung Himal, Ganesh Himal, etc. can be seen while passing through beautiful settlements of mostly Gurung and Tibetan origin peoples, Buddhist monasteries, Chortens, mani walls, majestic waterfalls, suspension bridges e.t.c. The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek start from Barpak and end at Chamje.

Highlights

  • Encircling the 8th highest peak of the world, Manaslu (8163 M) starting from the low valleys of Budhi Gandaki river all the way up to the Annapurna region
  • Manaslu Conservation Area, home to the varieties of wildlife such as Snow leopard, Lynx, Musk deer, Red fox, Jackal, Brown Bear, Blue sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Serow, Wooly Hare, Himalayan Marmot, etc and diverse vegetations
  • Less explored trekking trail which is lately being popular as an alternative to the more busy Annapurna and Everest region
  • Magnificient views of Manaslu, Annapurna 2, Himlung, Kangguru, Cheo Himal, Lamjung Himal, Ganesh Himal, etc.
  • Larkya La(5160 M), the highest point of the trek which provides stunning mountain sceneries
  • The rich and unique culture of the Gurung and the people of Tibetan origin
  • Ancients Buddhists monasteries like Mu Gumba, Nunnery Gumpa, Rachen Gumpa, and Milarepa Cave with an amazing footprint

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and transfer to hotel

One of the members of our company will welcome you at the international airport terminal gate and take you to the hotel. You will have a few hours to rest. Later, in the evening, you will meet with the guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on further programs.

  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

We will go on a guided sightseeing tour to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will visit one of the holiest temples of Hindus, Pashupatinath temple. Nearby this temple is located the largest of Nepal, Boudhanath stupa. After visiting these places, we will head to Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, if you would like, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel and prepare for the trek.

  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

After a quick breakfast, we will start our 7-8 hours of scenic drive to Barpak. We will drive through the Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli River. We will take our lunch at Khaireni and continue towards Barpak via Baluwa. Barpak is a big beautiful village inhabited dominantly by the Gurungs and Ghales situated on a top of a hill. The beautiful view of the Boudha Himal can be seen from here.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Barpak
  • 1915 M
  • 7-8 hours

So, we will start the trek today. After a steep uphill climb of 3 and a half hours, we will reach Mamche Hill (2700 M) where we will have our lunch. From the top, you can enjoy superb views of Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Bouddha Himal, Langtang ranges and Annapurna ranges. We will continue walking on a straight trail until Gupsidanda, a new settlement built by NRN Australia for the people of Laprak after the earthquake. From there we will descent all the way down to Laprak.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Laprak
  • 2100 M
  • 5-6 hours

Today the trek will be short and easy as well. We will cross a suspension bridge at the end of the village. Then we will be passing through terraced farmland and quite beautiful forests. We will again cross a suspension bridge in the middle of a forest. After some time, we will continue walking through the terraced farmlands until reaching the beautiful village of Gumda inhabited by the Gurung community. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Gumda
  • 2000 M
  • 3 hours

Walking through the terraced farmlands and then descending down through the alluring forest of pine and rhododendron, we will arrive at a small Gurung village, Yamagaun. Continuing our trek downwards again, we will pass through another Gurung village, Lapsibot. From there, we will descend down all the way to Machha Khola through the forested trail.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Machha khola
  • 870 M
  • 5 hour

After crossing the bridge over Machha Khola then we will have to walk on a rugged vehicle road until a bridge little bit further up from Tatopani. Here, we can take a short break and spend some time enjoying the natural hot spring. The trail then ascends and crosses Budhi Gandaki reaching Dobhan. From Dobhan, we will gradually ascend through the landslide area to reach Thulo Dhungga, then Yaruphant, cross bailey bridge, and again a suspension bridge and reach Jagat.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Jagat
  • 1070 M
  • 6-7 hours

Today, we will register our permits and ascend a rocky ridge to Salleri. From here, we will descend towards Sirdibas and continue trekking to Ghatta Khola. Crossing a long suspension bridge, we will ascend to Philim. Further trekking through the forest, we will reach Chisopani. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Ekle Bhatti
  • 1600 M
  • 4 hours

After taking breakfast, we will trek for 1-1:30 hours on a straight cliffside route via a beautiful waterfall until reaching a point where we will leave the Manaslu Circuit Trail. From here, we will take the trail on the right which ascends uphill through the forest of pine and rhododendrons. We will get to see the stunning views of Himalchuli and Boudha Himal. Leaving Lokpa behind, we will descend to Lungwa Khola and ascend to reach Gumlung. Crossing Siyar Khola, we will reach Chumling.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chumling
  • 2386 M
  • 6-7 hours

Crossing a suspension bridge will trek enjoying captivating views of Ganesh Himal. The trail then passes by Rainjam to Serpu Khola and crossing a bridge we will reach Gho village. From here, we will trek for another 2 hours via a huge landslide area and ascend to Chhekam Paro welcoming us with the beautiful views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chhekam Paro
  • 3031 M
  • 4-5 hours

After having breakfast, we will trek mostly on flatlands passing through the middle of beautiful buckwheat, wheat, potato, and barley fields.  Trekking through a couple of small and beautiful Tsombo villages, mani walls, Chortens, caves, Monasteries, and crossing several bridges we will arrive at Nile.  In the middle of the way, we will visit the Milarepa Cave, where it is believed that the Buddhist saint, 'Milarepa' meditated.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Nile
  • 3361 M
  • 4-5 hours

Today is our rest day. We will explore the villages and its nearby areas. We will go on a short hike to visit Mu Gompa. Located closer to the Tibetan border, Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in this region. After that, we will visit Dhephu Doma Gompa and Nunnery Gompa. In the evening, we hike back to Nile.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Nile
  • 3361 M

After having breakfast, we will begin trekking towards Chhekam Paro. The trail will pass by small villages and present us with scenic views. We will visit Rachen Gompa on the way. After visiting Rachen Gompa, we will cross a suspension bridge from where we will rejoin the same route that we took from Chekamparo to Nile.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chhekam Paro
  • 3010 M
  • 5 hour

Today, we will descent down to the lower Tsum Valley. We can stop for a rest in villages along the way, or make a short visit to the gompa. We will have our lunch at Chumling. Then we will continue our descent via the same trail crossing a suspension bridge and passing a dense forest until arriving at Lokpa. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lokpa
  • 2240 M
  • 6-7 hours

After our breakfast, we will descent down for few hours before rejoining the Classic Manaslu Circuit  Trail. Then we will cross a strong metal bridge over Budi Gandaki and trek west of the river passing through the beautiful tropical forest dominated by bamboos, and pine. Today we will be crossing the bridges more than 6 times over Budi Gandaki and other different rivers. We will trek through several small villages like Pewa, Tang, and, Rana before reaching Bihi Phedi.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Bihi Phedi
  • 1985 M
  • 6-7 hours

The initial part of the trail will be narrow, on relatively flat terrain and on a landslide area as well before reaching Ghap by crossing a couple of bridges. After leaving Ghap, we will again cross several bridges over Budi Gandaki River and walk along with the beautifully cultivated fields. After crossing the last bridge, we will ascend through the beautiful low alpine forest all the way to Namrung. Namrung is a beautiful highland hamlet inhabited by people resembling closely Tibetans.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Namrung
  • 2630 M
  • 5 hours

Trekking through Bhanzam, we will pass through many beautiful ethnic villages like Lihi, Sho, and Lho. We will visit Ribung Gompa in Lho village situated on the top of a hill with a magnificent view of Manaslu. From there, we will continue trekking through the pine & rhododendron forest to reach Shyala.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Shyala
  • 3500 M
  • 6 hours

Today we will climb to discover Punggyen Gompa before trekking to Samagaun with packed lunch. We will trek through pastures and cross a river draining from the Pung Gyen glacier. From Pungyen Gompa, we can see a really impressive panoramic view of many surrounding peaks along with the eastern face of Manaslu. Then we will descent down the same way and join the main trail that will take us to Samagaun, the last largest village in the Manaslu region.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Samagaun
  • 3520 M
  • 6-7 hours

Today is a day of the rest day. We will take a short excursion to Birendra Lake for acclimatization. While hiking, you might also come across wildlife like Himalayan Tahr. After exploring around, you will return to Samagaon for a night stay.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Samagaun
  • 3520 M

Passing by forests of birch and juniper, we will further trek through small villages. We will then cross the wooden bridge over the Buddhi Gandaki River and reach Samdo village, which is a small Tibetan refugee village. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Samdo
  • 3875 M
  • 3-4 hours

We will cross a suspension bridge and continue to ascend gradually through the high pasturelands where we will encounter many yaks grazing with the beautiful view Manaslu North, Larkya Peak, Larkya glacier on the left side of the trail. And by crossing several rivulets and continuing our ascend we will arrive at Dharmasala.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Dharmasala
  • 4460 M
  • 4-5 hours

We will start early in the morning after breakfast. With a short climb, we will reach the north side of Larkya glacier. The trail then ascends through the steep path and takes us to the top of the Larke La Pass from where we will enjoy stunning views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II, and many other mountains. Then we will descend down to Bimtang where we will be automatically in the Annapurna region of Manang district. It's a long and challenging day compared to the other days.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Bimtang
  • 3590 M
  • 8-10 hours

After having breakfast, we will pass the Kechakyu Khola Glacier and trek through the lush forest of rhododendron. On the way, you will get to see beautiful views of Mt. Manaslu. Further, we will reach Gho village and head towards Tilije. Tilje is a nice and old typical village inhabited by Manangi Gurung. We can find facilities for a hot shower, wifi, electricity from here onwards.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Tilje
  • 2300 M
  • 6-7 hours

Leaving Tilije behind, we will descend to Dharapani by crossing several bridges over Dudh Khola and Marsyangdi,  From here, we will drive to Kathmandu via Besishahar. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will move to your hotel. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner organized by the company.

  • B,L&D
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • 7-8 hours

After having breakfast, one of the members of the company will escort you to the airport for your flight back to your home.

  • B&B
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What’s Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop.
  • 3 night’s accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu on BB basis (A single supplement room will be served on request with an additional cost).
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, hot drinks) during the trek.
  • Trekking Lodge/ Tea House accommodations with twin sharing basis during the trek.
  • All staff’s salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
  • English speaking guide (French-speaking guide available with an extra additional cost if needed).
  • One porter for two people (maximum weight: 12 kg per client) and assistant guide for group size above 4 people.
  • All the necessary permits and paperwork needed for the trek. 
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
  • Kathmandu valley tour with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • Kathmandu- Barpak  and Chamje-Besisahar-Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • Meal while you are in Kathmandu, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • International airfare. Your personal expenses.
  • Extra night in Kathmandu.
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
  • Tips for the guide, assistant guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Laundry, telephone, personal trekking equipment, hot shower and battery charging on the tea houses.
  • Medical evacuation (In case of emergency).

Useful Information

The construction work for the vehicle road is still going on and recently it has reached near to Jagat. We have an alternative route for it but the construction work may disturb a little bit.

And at Dharmasala we will have to share a single room with 4-5 people as the accommodation services are basic and limited.