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Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Trip code
Package nameManaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Duration19
Max. elevation5106 m
LevelModerate
TransportationAll ground transportation as per itinerary
AccomodationHotel in Kathmandu and Lodge / Tea House during the trek
Starts atKathmandu
Ends atKathmandu
Trip route
CostUSD 1,500 per person

Highlights

Overview

The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is one of the most pristine and culturally rich trekking routes in Nepal. Situated in the Gorkha district, the trek takes you through the hidden Tsum Valley, a remote region located in the shadow of the mighty Manaslu Mountain (8,163 meters), the eighth highest peak in the world. The trek offers trekkers the opportunity to experience both the natural beauty and the unique culture of the area. As you ascend, you pass through lush forests, picturesque villages, and alpine meadows. The valley is adorned with traditional Buddhist monasteries, chortens, and prayer flags, making it a perfect blend of nature and spirituality.

The trek is considered a moderate to difficult journey, which is ideal for trekkers who want to experience the unspoiled beauty of Nepal without the crowds that visit more popular destinations. Starting from the village of Soti Khola, the trail leads you through forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and oak trees, then up into the alpine regions where you are treated to stunning views of snow-capped peaks, including Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The Tsum Valley itself, often referred to as the "Valley of Happiness," offers a unique cultural experience with its inhabitants belonging to the Tsumba community, known for their Tibetan-influenced culture and lifestyle. Along the route, trekkers can interact with locals, experience their way of life, and explore ancient monasteries like Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa, adding a spiritual touch to the journey.

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking Permits
To trek in the Manaslu Tsum Valley region, trekkers must obtain several permits as it is a restricted area. The most crucial permits are the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) if you plan to pass through the Annapurna Conservation Area as part of your journey. The Manaslu region is part of Nepal's remote trekking zones, and to protect its natural beauty and preserve its cultural heritage, the government requires trekkers to obtain permits to regulate the number of visitors and ensure safety.

The Tsum Valley is a restricted area, meaning only a limited number of trekkers are allowed to visit each year, and you must be accompanied by a government-licensed guide. This regulation ensures that the valley remains protected from overcrowding and maintains its authenticity. Obtaining these permits can be a complicated process if you try to do it on your own, but with the help of a reputable trekking agency like Himalayan Escape Adventure, this becomes a smooth and hassle-free experience. We assist you in obtaining all the necessary permits, ensuring you are fully compliant with the regulations, so you can focus on enjoying your trek while we handle the logistics.

Best Time for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The best time to explore on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer the clearest weather, with mild temperatures and stable conditions that are ideal for trekking. During these times, the skies are usually clear, offering trekkers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The spring season brings lush greenery to the region, and wildflowers bloom in abundance, while autumn provides crystal-clear air with a golden hue that is perfect for photography.

However, the region’s remoteness and high altitude make it less accessible during the monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) months. The monsoon brings heavy rains that can cause landslides and trail disruptions, while winter can bring snowstorms and extreme cold temperatures, making the trek more challenging. Therefore, if you want to experience the best of the Manaslu Tsum Valley, plan your trek during the spring or autumn months. The team at Himalayan Escape Adventure ensures that your trek is planned according to the best conditions for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Why Choose Us - Himalayan Escape Adventure
When you choose Himalayan Escape Adventure for your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, you're choosing a team of seasoned professionals dedicated to providing the best trekking experience in Nepal. Our experienced guides are highly knowledgeable about the region, its culture, and the best trekking practices, ensuring that you trek safely and responsibly. We prioritize your comfort and safety, providing well-planned itineraries, high-quality equipment, and regular check-ins throughout the trek.

At Himalayan Escape Adventure, we pride ourselves on offering personalized services, tailoring the trekking experience to suit your needs and preferences. From the moment you contact us, our team works closely with you to design the perfect trek that aligns with your goals, whether you want to focus on cultural exploration, nature, or adventure. We are committed to sustainable tourism, ensuring that our activities benefit local communities and protect the environment. Choosing us means you can relax and enjoy the trek, knowing that every detail is taken care of. With our expertise, excellent customer service, and dedication to responsible tourism, your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek will be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu – Transfer to Hotel

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team from Himalayan Escape Adventure will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and unwind. If you’re feeling energetic, explore the vibrant Thamel area or visit nearby cultural sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). In the evening, you will attend a briefing about the trek, covering key details and answering any last-minute questions.

Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu (1400m) to Machha Khola (890m)

This morning, after breakfast, we begin our adventure with a scenic 6-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes, winding through small towns and villages. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the Trishuli River and surrounding hills. Upon arrival in Machha Khola, we check into our lodge and rest for the night, preparing for the exciting trek ahead.

Day 3 : Trek from Machha Khola (890m) to Jagat (1340m)

After a hearty breakfast, we start our trek towards Jagat. Our path takes us through small villages, crossing over suspension bridges and walking through dense forests. We pass the village of Khorlabesi before continuing up to Jagat, a picturesque village located at 1340m. The trek takes approximately 5-6 hours, and the trail offers beautiful views of the river valley and terraced fields.

Day 4 : Trek from Jagat (1340m) to Lokpa (2240m)

Today, we venture further into the Tsum Valley. After a steep climb from Jagat, we enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, passing through several small villages. The trail gradually becomes more remote as we trek through lush forests of rhododendron and pine. We reach the village of Lokpa after about 6 hours of trekking, nestled at 2240m. Lokpa offers a peaceful and traditional environment, perfect for an overnight rest.

Day 5 : Trek from Lokpa (2240m) to Chumling (2386m)

We continue our trek towards Chumling today, with a relatively short trek of 4-5 hours. The path takes us through forests, with views of the rugged terrain and stunning natural beauty. As we approach Chumling, we’ll notice the strong Tibetan influence in the village’s architecture and culture. Chumling, situated at 2386m, is a small and quiet village, providing a calm atmosphere to enjoy the surroundings.

Day 6 : Trek from Chumling (2386m) to Rachen Gompa (3240m)

Today’s trek leads us through dense forests of pine and rhododendron, and along the way, we may encounter local wildlife. The village of Gho is on our route before we reach Rachen Gompa at 3240m. This Tibetan monastery offers a serene environment, and you can explore its surroundings upon arrival. The trek takes approximately 6-7 hours, and the views of the Manaslu range will start to become more prominent.

Day 7 : Trek from Rachen Gompa (3240m) to Nile (3361m) up to Mu Gumpa (3700m)

After breakfast, we begin a more challenging trek that leads us towards the remote village of Nile. The trail winds through fields and passes small villages before reaching Mu Gumpa at an altitude of 3700m. This area offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. The trek to Mu Gumpa takes around 7-8 hours, and it’s a peaceful and spiritual experience at this altitude, surrounded by pristine landscapes.

Day 8 : Trek from Nile (3361m) to Chumling (2386m)

After exploring the high-altitude beauty of Mu Gumpa, we retrace our steps down to Chumling. The descent offers beautiful views of the valley and surrounding hills. The trek takes around 6-7 hours, and you’ll pass through the same villages and forests, enjoying the calm atmosphere of the valley once more.

Day 9 : Trek from Chumling (2386m) to Deng (1860m)

We descend into the lower regions of the valley today, leaving behind the Tibetan villages and entering a more forested area. The trail takes us through terraced fields and past a few small villages. After 6-7 hours of trekking, we reach the village of Deng at an altitude of 1860m. This quiet village is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Day 10 : Trek from Deng (1860m) to Namrung (2630m)

Today’s trek takes us to Namrung, a village located at 2630m. The route will take us through dense forests, offering glimpses of the majestic peaks around us. Along the way, we cross suspension bridges and pass through terraced fields. The trek will take about 6-7 hours, and as we get closer to Namrung, we’ll begin to experience more Tibetan culture in the architecture and local customs.

Day 11 : Trek from Namrung (2630m) to Lho (3180m)

We continue our trek today, heading to Lho, a village at 3180m. The trek takes us through scenic forests and offers fantastic views of the towering peaks of Manaslu. As we approach Lho, the village greets us with traditional Tibetan architecture. The trek will take around 5-6 hours, and Lho provides one of the best viewpoints of Mount Manaslu.

Day 12 : Trek from Lho (3180m) to Samagaon (3520m)

We trek to Samagaon today, which lies at an altitude of 3520m. Along the way, we pass through small villages and enjoy views of Manaslu and other Himalayan peaks. The trek is about 5-6 hours, and upon reaching Samagaon, we’ll have time to explore the village and relax in preparation for the next day’s acclimatization.

Day 13 : Acclimatization Day at Samagaon – Birendra Lake or Pungen Monastery or Manaslu Base Camp

Today is an important acclimatization day. You can choose to hike up to Birendra Lake, a serene and beautiful spot, or explore the Pungen Monastery. For those who are feeling up to a more challenging hike, a trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4800m) is a great option. This is a day to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the surrounding beauty.

Day 14 : Trek from Samagaon (3520m) to Samdo (3860m)

We continue our journey today to Samdo, a Tibetan village located at 3860m. The trek takes approximately 4-5 hours, and along the way, we’ll see dramatic mountain landscapes and experience a distinct change in the terrain. Samdo, a quiet and remote village, offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and is located close to the Tibetan border.

Day 15 : Trek from Samdo (3860m) to Larkya Phedi (4480m)

Today, we ascend to Larkya Phedi, a base camp for those attempting the Larkya La Pass. The trek is challenging, and we’ll gain altitude quickly, so it’s important to take our time and stay hydrated. After 4-5 hours of trekking, we reach Larkya Phedi at 4480m, where we will rest for the night in preparation for the challenging pass crossing.

Day 16 : Trek from Larkya Phedi (4480m) to Bimthang (3720m) by Crossing Larkya La Pass (5160m)

This is the most demanding day of the trek. We begin early and tackle the Larkya La Pass (5160m), the highest point of the trek. The ascent is steep, but the reward is breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and the surrounding landscape. After crossing the pass, we descend into the beautiful valley and reach Bimthang (3720m), where we’ll rest for the night. This will be a long and challenging day, taking around 9-10 hours.

Day 17 : Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (1970m)

After crossing Larkya La Pass, we descend towards Dharapani. The descent is easier, but still offers beautiful views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. The trail passes through forests and terraced fields, and we’ll trek for about 7 hours before reaching Dharapani, a popular village on the Annapurna Circuit.

Day 18 : Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu, which takes about 10 hours. The drive is long but offers stunning views as we head back through the hills and valleys. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Day 19 : Final Departure

Today, your memorable trek comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We hope you’ve had a wonderful experience with Himalayan Escape Adventure and that you’ll take back memories that will last a lifetime! Safe travels!

Inclusions

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