Overview
Our ManasluTsum Valley Trek is a wonderful combination of two treks: The Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek. Neither of these trails is heavily trafficked, and in fact, they are two of the more underrated treks in the country. The combination makes for a 23-day excursion into the precious Hidden Valley of Tsum and around the pristine Manaslu(8,156 meters/26,758 feet) – the 8th tallest mountain in the world.
This journey has it all – terraced hillsides, raging rivers, mountain settlements, alpine passes, and of course, huge snow-clad mountains. If you look at a map of the ManasluTsum Valley Trek, you will see that the trail is nestled between two popular trekking spots: the Annapurna Conservation Area and Langtang National Park. However, this trail, particularly Tsum Valley, has a completely unique, almost untouched feel to it.
This is where the trek begins, in Tsum Valley. We head up from SotiKhola, following the turquoise Budi Gandaki River northward. The cool breeze makes us feel at peace, though inside we are so excited for each day to come. From Jagat, we enter Tsum Valley, and we are already surrounded by mountains. Upon arrival there, trekkers feel as if they have entered a truly Hidden Valley, existing outside of time. During our time in the valley, we stay with the Tsum people, who practice Tibetan Buddhism. Admire their mani stones, wavering prayer flags, and ornate monasteries. Following the Shyar River, we leave the fertile valley to get an up-close view of the mountains at Mu Monastery. The Tsum Valley is really a magical place, teeming with spiritual energy.
Then, we begin the Manaslu Circuit part of the trail. A major highlight of this section is traversing the Larkya La Pass (5135 meters), which exposes trekkers to mind-boggling mountain views. We are eye-to-eye with these massive peaks, which make us feel humbled to be in their presence. Two days after the pass, we arrive in Dharapani, take a two-hour drive to Besisahar, and stay for the night. The following day we bid farewell, or rather “see you later” to the mountain and return to Kathmandu.
Throughout the trek, we are surrounded by peaks, including SringiHimal (7165m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Ganesh Himal (7422m) and of course Manaslu (8156m). Additionally, there’s plenty of wildlife to admire, including the musk deer, snow leopard, red panda, and much more. The sceneries throughout the ManasluTsum Valley Trek are the kind that inspire religions. Don’t forget to look up from your feet and set your gaze upon the beautiful environment surrounding you.
Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather. During the Spring, there is a bit more colour and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. The ManasluTsum Valley Trek requires moderate fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
Trip Highlights
Personal experience with the residents of Tsum Valley that goes above and beyond the interactions on a more popular trekking route.
Larkya La Pass (5135 meters) – a panoramic view of mountains as far as the eye can see
A trail that is vastly underrated and unpopulated, providing a more peaceful journey
Tsum Valley is a paradise! Full of cascading waterfalls, snowy peaks, and welcoming villagers
Majestic mountain vistas, including SringiHimal (7165m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Ganesh Himal (7422m).
A variety of landscapes – from subtropical jungle to the rugged high alpine environment
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
- Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (570m) and further drive to Sotikhola, 8-9 hour drive.
- Day 04: Trek from Sotikhola to Machhakhola (570m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 05: Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1370m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 06: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2240m), 6 hours.
- Day 07: Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2386m), 6 hours.
- Day 08: Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3030m), 7 hours.
- Day 09: Trek from Chhokang Paro to Chhule/Nile (3360m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 10: Trek from Chhule/Nile to Mu Gompa (3700m), 3-4 hours.
- Day 11: Trek from Mu Gompa to Chhokang Paro, 7 hours.
- Day 12: Trek from Chhokang Paro to Chumling, 5 hours.
- Day 13: Trek from Chumling to Deng (1920m), 6 hours.
- Day 14: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2250m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 15: Trek from Namrung to SamaGaun (3450m), 6 hours.
- Day 16: Rest day for acclimatization and exploration at Sama Gaun.
- Day 17: Trek from SamaGaun to Samdo (3780m) 3-4 hours.
- Day 18: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4460m), 3-4 hours.
- Day 19: Trek from Dharmasala to Bimtang (3630m) via Larkya La pass (5135m), 7-8 hours.
- Day 20: Trek from Bimtang to Tilje (2240m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 21: Trek from Tilje to Dharapani (1430m) and drive to Besisahar, 2-3 hours walk and 4-5 hour drive.
- Day 22: Drive back to Kathmandu by bus, 5-6 hours.
- Day 23: Departure.
Trip note
Accommodation
All our packages include accommodation in the cost. This accommodation is included during the set itinerary. While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2-3 Star hotel for you. During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay in based on their experience as well as room availability. All the accommodations will be twin-shared basis. In the mountain, Shower and toilet will be on Sharing basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group. Our company provides you a sleeping bag, two person tents with comfortable mattress for outdoor camping trek. Our Guide will try to set up your camp with a spectacular view.
Food
Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs. If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time. During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own. On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. For teahouse treks, we can order typical Nepali food, continental ,Italian , Tibetan and Indian at teahouses. While camping, we will prepare the meals for you. After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel.
Guide & Porters
A government-licensed guide will lead the trek. All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry. Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one. If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it. Your safety is our number one priority. For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers. For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.
Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience
As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude. Our treks have acclimatization days built into the itinerary. It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness. The level of fitness necessary for our treks varies depending on the trek. On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial. Generally, the treks can be done with an average level of fitness. More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek. We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control. In case of medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance. You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country. Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains.
Best Time to Travel
The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November). These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course they are a little more crowded than the off-season. It is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures. It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.
Note:
Please be assured that Breeze Adventure manage our treks to the highest standards. Your safety and satisfaction are our priority. We will support you to the best of our abilities with any issues that may arise. We will work with you to ensure you get the most from your trek and visit to Nepal.