Manaslu Trek via Tsum Valley, around mighty 8163 meter high Mount Manaslu and hidden valley of Tsum is unexpectedly popular among wilderness trekking keens. Manaslu region was opened for the trekkers only in 1995 and Tsum was also just released in 2008. Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek in this geographically extra spectacular and culturally most mesmerizing area, that rewards the trekkers to discover ultimate nature and cultural heritage and experience the mountain life style in Tsum Valley and Manaslu. The residents of upper Bhudi Gandaki, a region known as ‘Nup Ri’ meaning Western Mountain are direct descendants of Tibetan immigrants and they settled here during early 16th century consequently their speech, dress and customs are absolutely similar to Tibetans in the North of Nepal. The Mountain Views in Nup Ri are sensational and iconic that you can find nowhere in the world. The dramatic Larke Pass after visiting Tsum Valley is thrilling life that experience.
Tsum Valley, also called “beyul” literally meaning “Hidden valley in which people can take refuge at times of political disturbance and where Buddhism can be practiced safely” is yet being explored and right place to trek for the travelling passionate. The valley is a blessed with Himalayan Buddhist pilgrimage site located in northern part of Gorkha district, Nepal. In another sense ‘Tsum’ meaning vivid against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Boudha Himal Ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion. It is said that the Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to be meditated in the caves of these mountains. The valley is home of some of the unique and historic monasteries, including Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, mani and prayer walls which lie on a pretty highland nestled in the lap of the valley and Gompa Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal. The tribes here celebrate many Buddhist festivals, perform ritual burning of juniper sense to purify the air and Mother Nature, place the prayer flags and install Mani Walls for happiness of the entire sentient living beings. The area is left behind from modernity so their culture remained as it is as it was centuries ago.
On your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by White Himalayan Adventure Treks staff and transferred to your respective hotel .
Today we drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola driving through Dhading Beshi and Arughat. The road deteriorates and is quite rough and bumpy from Dhading to Arughat. This afternoon we follow a trail through the woods heading upriver along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River and then across the mountains from where we have frequent views down to the river far below. Tonight we will stay at a guesthouse at Machha Khola.
Today we cross the Machha Khola River and pass Khorlabesi (920m) before arriving at Tatopani, famous for its therapeutic hot springs. The trail then passes through a forested area as we make our way to the Dovan Khola (river) and to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. As we head higher you will notice a change in the vegetation right up until we arrive at Jagat Village where we will stay at a guesthouse overnight.
Today we head off on a 6-hour trek, first reaching Salleri where we have magnificent views of Mount Sringi before descending to Sirdibas, a traditional Buddhist village. The trail continues until we reach Lokpa Village, just north of Philim and then go through Ekle Bhatti and climb to a ridge along a trail through a pine forest. We come to a junction where we take the trail heading to Tsum Valley. We stay the night at Lokpa.
Today we have a 5-hour trek ahead of us to Tsum Valley. The first sights of Tsum Valley appear as we head down to along with mountain Chumling Village. We then climb up to Ripchet and a short time later reach the authentic Buddhist village of Chumling, well known for its ancient monastery, traditional Tibetan style houses, prayer flags, mani walls, and its stone-paved streets. We stay here overnight.
Today we start our 6 hours trek by crossing a suspension bridge where we have amazing views of the Ganesh Himal. The trail continues and takes us past Rainjam and across Seru Khola before arriving at Gho Village. After a total of 5 to 6 hours trekking, we reach Chokhangparo Village from where we have views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Ganesh Himal (7140m). We stay here tonight.
Today’s trek of 6 to 7 hours follows the trail to Rachen Gompa and to the Shir Khola (river). After leaving the river we pass by Phurbe and Pangdun villages before arriving at Nile where we stay the night. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region and the highest point in the Tsum Valley.
From Gompa, the descent begins. We descend to Rachen Gompa, then Chhule and reach Phurbe. Rachen Gompa lies in the border area of Nepal and Tibet, and it sits surrounded by humongous mountains. But the destination for this day takes you through a forested area and finally at Chhokangparo.
After breakfast, we descent from Chhokung Paro continues as we reach Gho. You will be crossing a suspension bridge near Gho and hiking forward to reach Rainjam Village. We leave Rainjam village, descend to Tsum Valley and finally reach Chumling – our destination for the day.
Today we have a 6 to 7-hour trek ahead of us as we descend from Chumling to Lokpa after first crossing a suspension bridge. The trail follows a rocky ridge where we have a great view of Sringi Himal. We then pass through Ghatta Khola passing by farms growing maize, millet, potatoes, and vegetables. As we continue we follow the trail along the bank of the Budhi Gandaki passing through a bamboo forest before coming to the Deng River. Tonight we stay at Deng next to the river.
Today we initially have a steep climb and then have to head back down to the Budi Gandaki River. The trail heads through the valley and past several small settlements. As we get nearer to Namrung you will see Mani stones (stones carved with Tibetan mantras) a reminder that we are venturing into territory occupied by Tibetan Buddhists. In the afternoon we will take a short and interesting detour to Prok village (2 hour round trip) and then follow the trail to Namrung for our overnight stay at a guesthouse.
From Lho we can see the snow capped peak of Ngadi Chuli (7871m aka Peak 29). Another short detour takes us up to the Pungen Glacier from where we have stunning close-up view of Mt. Manaslu. We will stay overnight at a guesthouse in Samagaun.
At these higher altitudes it is necessary to get acclimatized, for at least one day, before attempting climbs to higher altitudes. Health specialists suggest that you move about and don’t sit idly. A good way to stay active is to explore the gompa at Pugyen(4070m), a one day hike that leaves the trail between Syaula and Sama. If time permits, it is possible for you to carry on up this valley to the rugged rocks and terrain of the Pugin glacier.
Today the trail descends and heads back to the Budi Gandaki River passing the junction of Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp. The valley expands before reaching Kermo Kharka and then continuing to the white Kani Gateway signaling the entrance to Samdo (3860m). If time permits we may trek to the peak above the village for impressive views of Mount Manaslu.
A relatively short day sees us descending through fields prior to starting our climb towards the Larkya-La Pass, a trek offering dazzling views of Manaslu and the Syacha Glacier, and a likelihood of spotting Himalayan blue sheep on your trek to Dharmashala (4480m). This is as high as we go today without risking altitude sickness. This is the last safe haven before reaching the pass. This sector of the trek is often subject to snowfall and from mid-December to mid-March, when snow blocks the Larkya-La Pass, the Samdo Lodge is typically closed. Your guide will know in advance if the lodge is closed.
We have a tough day ahead of us as we take the trail via Larkya La Pass (5106m) to Bhimthang. We first have to climb to Cho Chanda and then up to the steep snow covered pass. The views of many surrounding peaks are truly exceptional from this high altitude vantage point. The Himalayan mountains of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Koru (698m) and Annapurna II (7937m) are clearly observable from the pass. We then descend a steep trail and trek across moraines until we come to Bhimthang Village where we will stay at a guesthouse overnight.
Today we descend from high pasture land and then cross the Dudh Khola (river) on a suspension bridge. Along the trail we head through rhododendron (flowering in spring) and oak forests. After trekking for 6 to 7 hours we come to Dharapani in the Annapurna region. This is also a common gateway to the Annapurna circuit trek.
This is our final day on the trail of our Manaslu Circuit trek. Across the river, we will take a local jeep to Besisahar and then Jeep/Hiace/Bus back to Kathmandu where you will be taken back to your hotels.
White Himalayan Adventure Treks representative will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
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