Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek

Itinerary

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1. Day 01 Arrival at Kathmandu.

   You will be welcomed by our staff standing with your name card at the airport arrival terminal and transferred to your hotel by vehicle. Your hotel is in the middle of the city. You will have nothing planned for the day, so take a rest and gather the energy to walk on the trails. Else, if you have some personal gears to buy, you can go shopping in the Market in the evening. There will be a small meeting about the trek in the evening. You will spend a night in a hotel.
   Accommodation: Hotel (BB Plan) - Transportation: Private vehicle.

2. Day 02 Kathmandu | trek preparation, Permits Procedure

   After enjoying breakfast, you have the option to spend your day exploring the many famous sights around Kathmandu. The city has a unique charm in the early morning as it slowly comes to life, but still remains relatively peaceful. You can choose to have a free day or take advantage of our offer to provide a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide who can lead you to some of the most significant sites and explain their history.
   Optional day tours:
   We offer a variety of optional day tours to choose from, including the Sacred Sites of the Valley, a full-day excursion to visit Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and you can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath, and see the world's largest spherical stupa, or explore the largest and most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal.
   For those who want to venture outside of the city, a 30-minute drive will take you to the ancient city of Bhaktapur, known for its medieval art and wood carving. You can also take a one-hour mountain flight to see Mount Everest or go for Day hiking around Kathmandu valley or mountain biking in the scenic Shivapuri National Park, located on the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley.
   After your day's adventure, you'll return to your hotel in the early evening where you'll meet with our specialist or one of their staff members who will provide you with a detailed briefing of your upcoming trip, including what to expect and transportation logistics.
   Accommodation: Hotel (BB Plan)

3. Day 03 Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m) from Kathmandu; 7-8 hrs drive.

   The journey to the starting point of this trek begins with a scenic drive westward along the Prithvi Highway, passing through lush hills before reaching Malekhu. Beyond this point, the road can be challenging due to its condition, particularly after Dhading Bisi or Gorkha Bazaar. The choice of which route to take to get to Arughat depends on personal preference and available time.
   Arughat is the ultimate destination, and it takes around 7 to 8 hours of driving from Kathmandu into the western mountains via Dhadingbesi, the district headquarters of Dhading. From Arughat, the trek officially begins at Soti Khola, where you will spend the first night.
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D) - Transportation: Local bus (opt. Private vehicle)

4. Day 04 Soti Khola to Maccha Khola – 930 m / 3051 ft – 6 hrs

   Embark on a journey through the lush Sal forests, where you will be greeted by the melodious sound of birds and the soothing rustle of leaves. As you climb up onto a ridge above the roaring Budhi Gandaki River, the breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and mountains will leave you awestruck. The rocky trail ahead weaves its way up and down, offering you glimpses of two tropical waterfalls that cascade down the steep and rocky cliffs beside you.
   As you make your way through the rugged terrain, you will pass by verdant rice terraces that adorn the hillsides. After a challenging ascent, you will finally reach the Gurung village of Labubesi, where you will be welcomed by the warm hospitality of the locals. Behind the village lies a rocky outcrop that opens up to a panoramic view of the valley, with the Budhi Gandaki river meandering through wide gravel bars.
   Descending to the sandy river bed, you will walk along the rounded stones that pave the way to a side ridge. As you climb up the ridge, the beauty of the surroundings will take your breath away once again. The trail then leads you down to the river once more, where you will traverse to the charming village of Machha Khola, completing your trek through a wondrous landscape filled with natural beauty and cultural richness.
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

5. Day 05 Maccha Khola to Jagat – 1340 m /4396 ft – 6 hrs

   Today's trek begins with crossing Machha Khola and following the river upstream. After a few ups and downs, a small trailside hot spring led to Tatopani. Climbing over another ridge and crossing the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge, the trail continues through a woody area towards Dovan. With stunning views of Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli, the trail crosses a bridge over the Dovan Khola, ascending and crossing another suspension bridge to reach Thado Bharyang. Continuing along the Budi Gandaki .
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

6. Day 06 Jagat to Lokpa – 2240 m / 7349 ft – 5 hrs

   The day begins with completing the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) procedure, followed by a climb over a rocky ridge to reach Salleri and then descending to Sirdibas. The valley gradually widens as we continue upstream to Ghatta Khola and cross a long hanging bridge. The trail then leads to Philim, a large Gurung village, known for its Japanese-made school and police station. As we walk past Philim, we come across a forest with stunning views of the narrow valley. From Gum Pul, the trail takes us up north to Lokpa, where we will be spending the night.
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

7. Day 07 Lokpa to Chumling – 2386 m / 7828 ft – 5 hrs

   From Lokpa, the trekking trail descends for half an hour towards Lungwa Khola before climbing a difficult trail for about two hours north through pines and rhododendrons to reach Gumlung. After crossing the Siyar Khola, the trek reaches Chumling, which is in the lower Tsum region and offers beautiful views of the Shringi Himal. In Chumling, you can explore the old Chumling gompa and wander through the stone streets of the village. Overnight stay is arranged in Chumling.
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

8. Day 08 Chumling to Chhokangparo – 3031 m / 9944 ft – 6 hrs

   The trek from Chumling to Chhokangparo involves crossing the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank and enjoying the great views of Ganesh Himal. The trek continues past Rainjam to Serpu Khola and then crosses another bridge to arrive at the Gho Village. Another 2-hour climb takes trekkers to the village of Chhokangparo, with views of Himalchuli at 7893 meters and Ganesh Himal at 7140 meters if the weather permits. Overnight stay is at Chhokangparo.
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

9. Day 09 Chhekamparo to Nile – 3361 m / 11026 ft – 6 hrs

   On this day of the trek, we will pass through several villages, including Ngakyu, Leru, and Lama Gaun. Our journey will take us to a cave, known as Piren Phu or "Pigeon cave," where Saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated. There is an admission fee of NPR 300/U$3 to visit the cave. We will then pass through Burji, Phurbe, and Pangdun villages, where we will encounter a magnificent Buddhist stupa. Finally, we will reach the villages of Chhule and Nile, where we will spend the night..
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

10. Day 10 Day Trip to Mu Gompa – 3700 m / 12139 ft – 6 hrs

    The trek continues towards the Tibetan border, and the trail leads to the west bank of the valley, through stunning Tibetan landscapes. The journey includes a climb up to the Mu Gompa, which is the largest monastery in the area, located at the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley. Also visits the Dhephu Doma Gompa and spends the day sightseeing in the whole Mu Gompa region. This is a day to fully immerse oneself in the culture and history of the region, exploring the monastery and its surroundings. After a day of exploration, the group returns to their overnight stay in the Nile.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

11. Day 11 Nile to Chhekamparo – 3031 m / 9944 ft – 5 hrs

    Today's trek is an easy one, as we make our way from Nile to Chhekamparo. We pass through the village of Lar, and visit the Rachen Gompa, also known as the Nunnery Gompa, which is a well-known site in the area. After crossing a suspension bridge, we continue trekking back on the same trail to reach Chhekamparo. We will stay overnight in this village.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

12. Day 12 Chhekamparo to Gumba Lundang – 3200 m / 10498 ft – 6 hrs

    As we descend from Chhekamparo to Gho and cross the Dumje Bridge, we have the opportunity to visit an Amchi, a traditional Tibetan clinic run by a nun who teaches a group of young nuns. She warmly welcomes you with a cup of Tibetan tea. The next part of the trek takes us on a 2–3-hour uphill hike to Gumba Lungdang, where the monastery provides basic shelter and meals. For you visiting Gumba Lungdang, Eco Trek Nepal will provide tents and extra meals.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

13. Day 13 Day Trip to Ganesh Himal Base Camp – 3670 m / 12040 ft – 8 hrs

    The day begins with a hearty breakfast and preparations for the exciting excursion ahead. A daysack is packed with essentials such as water, napkins, snacks, a camera, and toiletries. This trip requires the guidance of a guide as the trail is not well-marked. The trek starts from the gompa and goes through zigzagging dusty or muddy tracks towards the valley. The hike involves crossing a wooden bridge over the Laudang Khola and climbing steeply through pristine pines and rhododendrons on a ridge. Along the way, you will come across seasonal yak huts and eventually reach the grassy flats behind the lateral moraine of the Toro Gompa glacier. The trek offers magnificent views of the Cirque of Mountains. It takes around 4 hours to reach the Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4200m), and some may find the altitude challenging. The trip ends with a return to Gumba Lungdang in time for the evening puja, retracing your steps. Despite the difficulty, the intact forest wilderness and views make this an outstanding trip.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

14. Day 14 Trek from Gumba Lungdang to Lokpa 2240/7-8 hours

    To begin this challenging day, it's best to start early. Begin by descending from Gumba Lungdang, taking the upward track. Cross the Laudang Khola in Dumje and continue on the south bank of the Shiar Khola, even though the map may suggest otherwise. Traverse some deep gorges and unsteady cantilever bridges to reach the charming Ripchet (2470m; Ripche). Take some time to explore this fertile valley adorned with chortens, barley and buckwheat fields, and pine forests. Descend via steep stairs to the solitary Bhatti Ghumlong (2130m), which you passed through six days ago. Climb again through the pristine temperature forest to Lokpa (2240m). Spend the night at a lodge in Lokpa.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

15. Day 15 Trek from Lokpa to Ghap 2300m/7-8 hours

    The journey begins with crossing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River from Lokpa to enter the village of Nyak. The trail then goes uphill along the stunning gorge of the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Deng, a traditional Gurung village, offering picturesque views of the towering Shringi Himal (7161m) in the background. Crossing Mani walls and several bridges over the river, the trail leads to Ghap, passing through breathtaking landscapes and wild canyons. There are plenty of opportunities to take in the natural beauty of the area before retiring for the night at a comfortable lodge in Ghap.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

16. Day 16 Trek from Ghap to Lho 3180m/5-6 hours

    The trek begins with a climb up a trail that is prone to landslides. Along the way, you'll pass through various landscapes including Mani walls, meadows, houses, and forests of rhododendron and oak trees. As you continue your ascent, you'll reach the charming village of Lihi. The trail then leads you past the village of Sho, across a landslide area before arriving at the quaint village of Lho. Throughout the journey, you'll be greeted with spectacular views of Manaslu (8163m), Himal Chuli (7893m), Ngadi Chuli (7971m), and other surrounding mountains. Overnight accommodation will be provided at a lodge in Lho.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D) .

17. Day 17 Trek from Lho to Samagaon 3520m/3-4 hours

    As we trek alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, we pass several small monasteries and Chortens, enjoying the breathtaking view of Manaslu massif before arriving in Shyala. Crossing a bridge over Numla Khola that flows from the Punggen Glacier, we descend to a broad valley, passing by a school and a large Chorten that leads to a series of houses with front yards which make up the main portion of Sama. The Pema Chyoling Lhakang Monastery is located at the end of the village, nestled against the moraines of Manaslu Glacier. From Samagaon, we can take in the awe-inspiring view of the Manaslu range, including Naike Peak (6211m) and Larkya Peak (6249m). We will spend the night at a lodge in Samagaon.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

18. Day 18 Trek from Samagaon to Samdo 3875m/3-4 hours

    Start by descending towards the Budhi Gandaki River, which now flows towards the north. You'll pass a trail that leads to Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp. The trail is easy and takes you through juniper and birch forests, where you'll come across Kermo Kharka. As you continue on the trail, it gradually ascends and takes you across the Budhi Gandaki River via a wooden bridge. You'll then walk on the riverbed and cross Mani walls before finally reaching Samdo. From Samdo, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Samdo Peak (6335m) and its glacial basin to the east, the Sama Valley and its arrays to the south, and a bird's eye view of the northern Syacha Glacier from Manaslu to the west. Spend the night at a lodge in Samdo.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

19. Day 19 Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala 4460m/3-4 hours

    To begin the day, we make our way across the lush village fields to arrive at the Budhi Gandaki River for the final time, where we reach the historical Larkya Bazaar site. As the river flows north up the Pana Danda Valley, we continue on the westward trail, which provides us with a spectacular view of the Syacha Glacier, which originates from the Manaslu North point. We follow the trail as it ascends the gorge and leads us towards the Larkya Glacier, outside of the Larkya La Phedi in Dharamsala. From here, we can enjoy breathtaking views of Larkya Peak (6249m) and Naike Peak (6211m). We will spend the night at a lodge in Dharamsala.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

20. Day 20 Trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang 3590m/7-8 hours via Larkya-La Pass 5160m

    Starting from Dharamsala, the trail leads to a ridge, followed by a gradual ascent to the vast and messy moraine of Larkya Glacier. After a short walk, a gorge follows, and then we descend to the first of four small, scattered frozen lakes. As we make our way through the Larkya Glacier, we reach the Larkya-La Pass (5160m), which is the longest mountain pass in Nepal. At the top of Larkya-La, enjoy the breathtaking view of Cheo Himal (6812m), Himlung (7126m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kangguru (6981m), and Annapurna II (7937m). After taking in the stunning mountain views, we descend to Dangboche Kharka and follow the curve of the side moraine of the Salpudanda Glacier into the picturesque Bimthang Valley. Overnight at a lodge in Bimthang.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

21. Day 21 Trek from Bimtang to Dharapani 1860m/6-7 hours

    The journey from Bimthang begins with a descent across a rocky glacier, leading to a picturesque landscape of untouched rhododendron and pine forests. The trail winds down the west bank of Dudh Khola, passing through Hompuk and Sangure Kharka before reaching Kharche, the highest cultivated land in the area. From there, the route meanders through lush wooded areas until reaching the charming Gurung village of Tilje. Continuing on, the trek descends rapidly through the scrub forest towards the Marsayangdi Valley. After passing the west bank just before Thonje, the Marsayangdi River is crossed to arrive at Dharapani. Overnight accommodations are available at a lodge in Dharapani.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

22. Day 22 Dharapani to Kathmandu 1400/8-9 hours

    The journey will begin by taking a jeep ride from Tilije towards Beshi Sahar. Upon reaching Beshi Sahar, you will then embark on a road trip back to Kathmandu. The drive from Beshi Sahar to Kathmandu will take approximately 6 to 7 hours. After arriving in Kathmandu, you can relax and rejuvenate at one of the upscale hotels in the city. .
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

23. Day 23 Final departure

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free & easy until the representative of our team will transfer you to the airport and depart to your own country.