Round Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek 23 Days

Round Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek 23 Days is a mysterious walk in the isolated valley of Tsum and Nubri that lies in the lap of Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Ganesh.  

The round trek to Manaslu and Tsum Valley is the best way to explore the culture, lifestyle, and landscape capturing the fabulous view of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world. The isolated valley lies in western Nepal starting from Arughat and follows ancient salt-trading trails towards Tsum valley. The area offers incredible Himalayan vistas, nomadic culture, spiritual Buddhism, and wonderful people. The Himalayan peaks like Manaslu, Singri, Hamalchuli & Ganesh among others are a great feast to the eyes; whereas cultural encounters in villages like Chumling, Chhokungparo & Burgi are out of the world. The spirituality trekkers get to experience in highland monasteries like Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa are incomparable. Properly designed itinerary and expert local guides make sure about your health food and accommodation during the trek, where logistics can be hard to figure out. Moreover, trekkers should have the mentality to accommodate themselves in the monasteries where facilities may be limited but the hospitality is exceptional. Trekkers in Nepal are allowed to trek as FIT (Free Individual Trekker) or in a group of various sizes. However, this Manaslu region is also known as \'Restricted Areas\' that are highly regulated by the Government of Nepal, and hence FITs are strictly forbidden. Trekking in these areas is allowed only upon acquiring a permit from the Department of Immigration. Interested trekkers should contact the authorized trekking agencies who then can apply for permits (on behalf of trekkers) at the Department of Immigration fulfilling all the necessary formalities. Trekkers should be trekking in a group (of a minimum of two persons) accompanied by a licensed trekking guide. Individual trekkers cannot apply for the permit. In addition, if you have enough time and wish to enjoy natural beauties, and enhance cultural experiences; you could join our Manaslu Circuit Trek with Larkya Pass. If you are short of time, you can also join us at our Short Manaslu Circuit Trek or Tsum Valley Trek. If you are not satisfied with this itinerary or if you want to customize this package in your timeline or budget, then you could contact us, or email [email protected] 

 
Outline Itinerary: 

Day 01: Arrival Day in Kathmandu 1350m (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. Meal: Dinner)

 Day 02: Trek preparation (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. Meal: Breakfast)

 Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Macchakhola (Altitude: 700m/2296 ft. Drive: 8/9 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 04: Trek Macchakhola to Jagat (Altitude: 1340 m/7676 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 05: Trek Jagat to Phillim (Altitude: 1570 m/5025 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 06: Trek Phillim to Chumling (Altitude: 2386 m/7827 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 07: Trek Chumling to Chhokangparo (Altitude: 3010 m/9903 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 08: Trek Chhokangparo to Nile (Altitude: 3361 m/11058 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 09: Trek Nile to Mu Gompa (Altitude: 3700 m/12174 ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 10: Trek Mu Gompa to Chhokangparo (Altitude: 3010 m/11058 ft. Trek: 6/7hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 11: Trek Chhokangparo to Gumba Lungdang (Altitude: 2240m/7168ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 12: Trek Gumba Lungdang and to Lokpa (Altitude: 2240m/7168ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 13: Trek Lokpa to Ghap (Altitude: 2160m/6912 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 14: Trek Ghap to Lho (Altitude: 3180m/10395 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 15: Trek Lho to Samagaon (Altitude: 3500m/11550 ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)

 Day 16: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon or Exploration of Manaslu Base Camp 7/8 hours /Birendra Tal 1.5 hours/ Pungen Monastery 3/4 hours (Altitude: 4400m/14080ft. Meal: BLD) 

Day 17: Trek Samagaon to Samdo (Altitude: 3,690m/12,106 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 18: Climb Samdo Ri or take a day trip to the Tibet border (Altitude: 3875m/12400ft. Meal: BLD) 

Day 19: Trek Samdo to Dharamsala 4460m (Altitude: 4,470m/14,665ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 20: Trek Dharamsala to Bimtang via Larkya-La Pass (Altitude: Larkya La Pass: 5153 m/ 17005 ft. Bimtang: 3,720m/12,204ft. Trek: 8/9 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 21: Trek Bimtang to Dharapani (Altitude: 1,860m/6,102ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 22: Drive Dharapani to Besi Sahar and then Besi Sahar to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Drive: 7/8 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Day 23: Departure from Kathmandu 1350m (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. Meal: Breakfast) 

Trip Notes in Detail : As you are trekking in the remote Himalayas of Nepal, where weather conditions, health, and fitness of the participants, natural calamities, and any other unforeseen circumstances could compel the trip to be customized even at the last minute. Hence, we always suggest being flexible with the condition. Also, we will try our best to keep the original itinerary. Your safety and satisfaction of the trip is our prime concern while traveling with us and we ensure you our best team, logistics, and professional services to make sure that you would have an amazing trip of a lifetime with us. Also note that our trip leader deserved the final decision if the trip has to amend, change the route or cancel due to the extreme conditions for the safety precaution. However, he will try his best to ensure that the trip runs accordingly to the stated plan but be prepared for flexibility if necessary.

Costs

What is included 

✓  Airport transfer with an escort in a private vehicle. 
✓  3 nights’ accommodation at Tourist Standard Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast in twin sharing accommodation 
✓  Accommodation at Mountain Lodge or Homestay on a sharing basis during the trek 
✓  Farewell Dinner at the authentic restaurant in Thamel Kathmandu 
✓  Full board meal during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, tea & coffee, seasonal fruits, chocolate/s & biscuits) 
✓  English speaking, First Aid and Eco-trained local trekking guide, Assistance guide for group above 5 Trekkers, porters (2:1) 
✓  All the expenses for guide and porters along with Insurance 
✓  Manaslu and Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit 
✓  Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) fee 
✓  Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fee 
✓  Public Shairng Bus transfer for Kathmandu/Macchakhola- Upgrade to Private vehicle is available 
✓  Public Sharing Bus/Jeep transfer for Dharapani/Besisahar 
✓  Private Vehicle Transfer from Besisahar to Kathmandu 
✓  Exclusive medical kit bag, Duffle Bag, Trekking T-shirt, Adventure Certificate 
✓  Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket during Trek 
✓  All government and local taxes as applicable 

What is not included 

✗  Nepal Visa - (Cost- US$- 30 for 15 days & $- 50 for 30 days) 
✗  Lunch & evening meals while in Kathmandu (Except welcome/farewell dinner) 
✗  Travel insurance 
✗  Cost of personal nature expenses, Beverages (Mineral water or coca-cola), cost of extra meals, snacks, phones bills, Internet, WiFi, laundry etc. 
✗  The cost incurred during emergencies, evacuations 
✗  Tips for Guide/porters/driver …

Map

Altitude Chart

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival Day in Kathmandu 1350m (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. Meal: Dinner)

 On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, one of our representatives will pick up you and escort you to the hotel as well as help you to check-in at the hotel. After your refreshment, you will be briefed about the next day's trip. In the evening, we, the Hiking Nepal will offer you a welcome dinner introducing Nepalese cuisine and culture. 

Day 02: Trek preparation (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. Meal: Breakfast) 

It is not obvious that the flight you are taking will arrive in Kathmandu by Daytime. Hence, this is actually a spare day kept in the package with the intention to provide a comfortable environment with a rest day in Kathmandu. The day off in Kathmandu does not mean you are staying the whole day leisurely. Kathmandu itself is one of the cultural hubs of Nepal. Hence, you can explore this cultural city after having a delightful breakfast at the Hotel. if you wish us to organize a Day Tour, we are always here for you. Visit the UNESCO Heritage sites of the valley where you will observe the living heritage of Medieval Nepal - Witness the biggest Hindu temple of Nepal, Pashupatinath and capture the sacred moments of the Hindu death ritual at Aryaghat in Pashupatinath. Stroll the lively streets of Kathmandu Old Market Asan to Kathmandu Durbar Square and visit the home of The Living Goddess Kumari, Nepalese style of Architecture as well as astonishing wooden carving. A short drive from Kathmandu Durbar Square will take you to a hilltop stupa called “Swyambhu” meaning “self -emerge” and the belief that the hill emerged impulsively from the great lake that once covered Kathmandu valley. Also famous as a Monkey Temple. 

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Macchakhola (Altitude: 700m/2296 ft. Drive: 8/9 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Wake up early morning and get ready after having breakfast at the hotel, also re-check your luggage. Our driver will escort you to the Bus Park to catch a bus to Arughat.  You will be driving towards the western part of the valley following a blacktopped Prithvi Highway and the beautiful Gorkha Village. On the way, you can view the beautiful landscape, countryside lifestyle, terraced fields, rivers, and waterfalls. Crossing the bridge you will be passing the Gurung and Magar ethnic groups, beautiful fields of millet and Paddy, and the landscape along the Sotikhola the to Maccha Khola. Spend overnight at the local lodge. 

Day 04: Trek Macchakhola to Jagat (Altitude: 1340 m/7676 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)

 Today, you will start walking on a narrow trail following the Budhi Gandaki River. Just walking on a zigzag trail and crossing a suspension bridge will take you to the Khorlabesi which offers a fantastic view of Ganesh Himal. Now onwards, you will walk on ascending and descending trails, crosses several suspension bridges, passes landslides, rock falls, and small hamlets; even walk-in stone steps along with a rocky trail en route to Jagat. On reaching Jagat, see the fabulous view of Sringi Himal; mani walls and Chortens represent the Himalayan culture. Spend overnight at the local lodge. 

Day 05: Trek Jagat to Phillim (Altitude: 1570 m/5025 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)

 Begins trek walking in a descending trail along with the stone steps to the riverbed before it slides up along the terraced farmlands to Saguleri.  Savor the striking vista of Singri Himal, 7187m from Salleri. Chasing the trail on the left beyond Salleri, you trek upstream penetrating a deep gorge with towering rock walls on both sides, passing some settlements including Ghatte Khola & large Gurung village Philim; visit Chhyoling Sandu Gumb and you will stay here for an overnight. 

Day 06: Trek Phillim to Chumling (Altitude: 2386 m/7827 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Starts journey crossing the check-post and MCAP Visitors Center will take you to Ekle Bhatti. Traverse across the gorge and tread along the right side trail to the cascading waterfall before the trek enters the pine forest. With some ups and downs trail, enjoying the breathtaking views of Boudha Himal, you will reach a beautiful village Lokpa. Beyond Lokpa, you will walk in a downhill trail for a couple of hours taking you to the riverbed of Lungwa Khola. Then, walk on the uphill trail along the snaky route through the forested region that takes you to Gumlung. Now, crossing a suspension bridge over the Siyar River, you will reach Chumling. It is also called Lower Tsum. Savor the impressive view of Shringi Himal and take your time to visit the old Chumling Gompa. Spend overnight at the local lodge. 

Day 07: Trek Chumling to Chhokangparo (Altitude: 3010 m/9903 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Starts walking along the field of Maize and Potato, enjoy the superb view of Ganesh Himal, and Gompas, and you will arrive at Gho Village. Along the trail, see the unique settlement at Ripchet, stone houses with iron roofs, spacious farm of barley, maize, buckwheat, and potatoes as well as the herds of Thar grazing the wild cliffs towards the north and some important Gompas. Further climbing for a couple of hours will takes you to the Chhokan Paro. Chhokan Paro caters to an outstanding view of Himalchuli (7893 m) and Ganesh Himal (7140 m). Spend overnight at the local lodge. 

Day 08: Trek Chhokangparo to Nile (Altitude: 3361 m/11058 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Sliding up to the ridge and walking for a while, you arrive at Lamagaon & crossing a primitive suspension bridge then arrive at the famous Rachen Gompa of Tsum Valley. The monastery is a well-known Nunnery Gompa of this region. Exploring around the monastery & interacting with nuns of the gompa, you then resume the trek. Crossing Shiar Khola and continuing to walk, walk across Lar Village, which houses a small hydropower plant. Simultaneously traversing across Phurbe and Pangdun, you can observe plenty of signs of Himalayan Buddhism and reach the village of Chhule. Beyond Chhule, the trek goes upstream, crosses the bridge over it, and then finally arrives at the Nile.  Spend overnight at Homestay. 

Day 09: Trek Nile to Mu Gompa (Altitude: 3700 m/12174 ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Today’s walk will take you very close proximity to the Tibetan border. Hence, trekking today caters to plenty of Tibetan landscapes and culture. Walking along the west of the valley followed by a gentle uphill climb brings you to Mu Gompa. This is the highest land of your trek exhibiting high Himalayan culture and lifestyle, monasteries, and an extensive view of yak pastures surrounding Mu Gompa along with the Longnang glacier. Explore the highland monastery; you can hike up to Dhephu Doma Gompa and trek back to Mu Gompa for an overnight stay. 

Day 10: Trek Mu Gompa to Chhokangparo (Altitude: 3010 m/11058 ft. Trek: 6/7hrs. Meal: BLD) 

After the peaceful stay at Mugompa, you will be heading back to Chhokangparo. It will take 4 to 5 hours to reach the Chhokangparo. Overnight at lodge. 

Day 11: Trek Chhokangparo to Gumba Lungdang (Altitude: 2240m/7168ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Next destination after Chhokangparo is Gumba Lungdang. The Gumba is the residence of the nunnery. You can capture the pictures and spend time here enjoying the surrounding. Stay overnight at the lodge. 

Day 12: Trek Gumba Lungdang to Lokpa (Altitude: 2240m/7168ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

After Breakfast, following a downhill path passing several villages, you will reach Lokpa. It is a border village separating Tsum from Manaslu Circuit Trek. En route, enjoy the cultivated land, magnificent view of the mountains, and beautiful villages. Spend overnight at the local lodge. 

Day 13: Trek Lokpa to Ghap (Altitude: 2160m/6912 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

 Crossing a bridge, you will walk along with the villages following Lamaistic Buddhism, and see some Mani walls/ Chortens and flattering flags en route. The village of Ghap is about four hours and straddles the river. Enjoy the landscape, deserted Gumba, and the Himalayan culture. Spend overnight at the lodge. 

Day 14: Trek Ghap to Lho (Altitude: 3180m/10395 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

The clear signs of gaining the elevation are visible as you move into alpine territory where the mountain views are more than terrific. Myriads of mani stone walls and crossings of the Buri Gandaki thrice en route will bring to Namrung. At Namrung, you need to issue trekking permits and MCAP permits. Beyond Namrung, the valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. Then, a gradual up climb followed by crossing a bridge over a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, you reach the Tibetan village of Sho, 3000m. Beyond Sho, you get first incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu Main. A further trek will bring you to Lho, a large village at 3150 meters where there is a lovely little monastery and numerous chortens and Manis. Looking back, Ganesh I is visible. Spend overnight at Lho local lodge/camping. 

Day 15: Trek Lho to Samagaon (Altitude: 3500m/11550 ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)

 Beyond Lho, chase the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. Continuing along the main trail, you will reach Sama Gaon 3500m after a while trek. You can visit Sama Gompa which is just 20 minute walk from Sama. Spend overnight at Sama local lodge/camping. 

Day 16: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon or Exploration of Manaslu Base Camp 7/8 hours /Birendra Tal 1.5 hours/ Pungen Monastery 3/4 hours  (Altitude: 4400m/14080ft. Meal: BLD) 

It is wise to rest during the trek for proper acclimatization before gaining height. Spend your time at Sama Village enjoying the culture, lifestyle, and people following Lamaism. You can either hike to a ridge to view the stunning mountain including Nadi CHuli, Manaslu, Larke, and Naike... Or, you can also go to visit the Pung Gyen Gompa, capturing the fabulous view of Puggen Glacier. Your walk on rest will let you familiarize yourself with height. You can also trek to Manaslu Base Camp and retrace back to Sama Goan for an overnight stay. 

Day 17: Trek Samagaon to Samdo (Altitude: 3,690m/12,106 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Today, you will trek to the Manaslu Base Camp which is an incredibly great trip. You will walk up for around 5 hours to base camp. Explore the surroundings and continue walking for your final destination towards Samdo. Today’s trail will be a bit longer enjoying the sunlight on the mountains and glaciers. The best part of the trek is the incredible turquoise view of Birendra Lake. Spend some time in the base camp, then trek to Samdo. From now, you will enter the forest filled with birch, juniper, rhododendron, moss, and Lichen. The trail will take you towards the Kyonggma Kharka which manifests small huts made with stones and long Mani walls. Crossing a bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, you will enter the village of Samdo. It is a very close village to Tibet settled by the Tibetan Refugee community, has Taka Choeling Gompa, a big Mani wall, and is close to Sonam Glacier as well as a viewpoint of Naike and Pangboche Peaks. Spend overnight at Local lodge/camping. 

Day 18: Climb Samdo Ri or take a day trip to the Tibet border (Altitude: 3875m/12400ft. Meal: BLD) 

Today will be free time at Samdo. It will allow you to acclimatize properly before heading to altitude. Utilizing time, you can visit the village or take a day trip to the Tibet border and even climb Samdo Ri. These activities will be beneficial while trekking at high altitudes. Stay overnight at the lodge. 

Day 19: Trek Samdo to Dharamsala 4460m (Altitude: 4,470m/14,665ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Today, you will gain a significant height. Beyond Samdo 3780m, you will trek along Larke Khola to Dharmashala (Stone Hut) 4460 along the steep trail above the river. At a point on today’s trek, you will be mesmerized by the incredible view of Larke Kunda. Keeping on gaining the height, you will arrive at Larkya Phedi 5105 crossing Larkya-La Pass 5153m. The trail passes through the Mani walls and Stone Huts while walking towards Larke Phedi. Larke Phedi also called Dharmasala or Rest House is a seasonal village that provides rooms and tents for the trekkers. On reaching, you can hike the hills for acclimatization and retrace back to Phedi for an overnight stay at Resthouse/camping. 

Day 20: Trek Dharamsala to Bimtang via Larkya-La Pass (Altitude: Larkya La Pass: 5153 m/ 17005 ft. Bimtang: 3,720m/12,204ft. Trek: 8/9 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

The most exciting day of this trek is crossing a Larkya-la Pass gaining ultimate altitude. Just starting walking in the early morning, you will pass the moraine route of the Larkya Glacier, cross frozen lakes and follow the steep up that will takes you to Larkya-La. You will see the flattering colorful flags in a place, making your day a wonderful time catching the magnificent view of the snowcapped peaks including Annapurna II, Kangguru, Himlung, Larkey, and many more. Continue walking following the guide on a steep descent on a high moraine ridge of Salpudanda glacier. Now onwards, the trail will be the grassy moraine rockfall of Dangboche Kharka. Walking for a while will take you to the beautiful Bimthang Village. From here, you can view the fantastic scene of the peaks like the Lamjung, Manaslu, Phungi, Himlung, and Cheo Himal. Spend overnight at Local lodge/ Camping at Bimthang. 

Day 21: Trek Bimtang to Dharapani (Altitude: 1,860m/6,102ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Begins the trail to the Hampuk, a rock shelter cave, and crossing a bridge, you will continue walking down through the forest of Rhododendron and Pine, passing several villages and cultivated land, exploring the Gho Village settled by the Gurung community as well as the Kilpu waterfall. You will reach Tilje, where you can rest for a while. Explore traditional Gurung Village. From now, you will continue walking towards Dharapani after crossing a bridge over the Dudh River. Explore the village and spend time enjoying the surrounding. Spend overnight at Local Lodge. 

Day 22: Drive Dharapani to Besi Sahar and then Besi Sahar to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Drive: 7/8 hrs. Meal: BLD) 

Your trek will officially end and from Dharapani, you will drive back to Kathmandu in a Jeep. Along the serpentine mountain mishmash road followed by snaky Prithvi Highway the journey longs for 7-8 hours. The journey on this highway is also a highlighting part of the trip. The cultural practices in the semi-urban areas of Nepal, the fast-flowing Himalayan Rivers and the ongoing adventurous activities there, and most importantly the hilly landscapes on the roadsides represents a different Nepal. You will be having your lunch at one of the highway resorts and in the late afternoon, you will be arriving in Kathmandu. Rest of the time in Kathmandu you can unleash your trekking tiredness hunting the souvenirs on the streets of Thamel or simply chill in your hotel room. In the evening, we, Hiking Nepal, will offer you a farewell dinner at the authentic restaurant. You can share your experience, and feedback with us and give us a chance to make your evening a wonderful time. Overnight at Hotel. 

Day 23: Departure from Kathmandu 1350m (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. Meal: Breakfast) 

It is the last day with us. Our supporting team will take you to the airport for your final departure. We hope to see you again. Additionally, if you have the plan for any adjoining trips, you can let us organize it.