Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by a representative of the Himalayan Wander Walkers. You will be checked into your hotel. You will meet our trekking operator for a briefing about the entire trek on this day. You have to come one day earlier for the Special permit. For that, we need to show your original Passport to the Immigration office. You can either rest or hang out around a famous tourist area in Kathmandu, Thamel. Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.

Today after breakfast we will start a city tour of most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. These landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swyambhunath), and the world's largest Buddhists stupa, Bouddhanath. Briefing regarding the trek with two-way question-answer with the trip leader (The Guide). Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.

We will start the day early after breakfast. We take a drive from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi on a nice, paved road enjoying the views of the hilly areas, terraces, fields, and rivers. The drive from Dhading Besi to Arughat is a little rough one on rocky trails. Drive from Arughat to Macha Khola.
Overnight at the teahouse.
Meal: three times a day.

The next day, From Machhakhola we follow a narrow trail that takes us to Tharo Khola and finally to Khorlabesi. After a few ascends and descends, we reach a popular hot-spring, Tatopani. We will spend some time here and can enjoy the natural sauna in the hot -spring and relieve all our tiredness and stress of the trek. We climb another ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki on another suspension bridge. After this, we climb a staircase and then cross a landslide and a ridge to reach Doban.  After crossing a suspension bridge, we again climb the stone staircase then go down to the river and climb some stairs again to reach Thado Bharyang. Then we cross the west bank of Budhi Gandaki, climb over a ridge, walk along the river to reach the village of Jagat. Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

On this day, we first reach Salleri after climbing a rocky ridge and then go towards Sirdibas. We continue to Ghatta Khola and then walk upstream through a long suspension bridge to reach a Gurung village in Phillim. We take the trail up through Philim and we will pass by Ekle Bhatti where the trail separates between Tsum and Manaslu. As we trek, we will notice the welcome board, so we head towards Lhokpa. On the way, we will see a few villages and rivers. The rivers begin to narrow down as we meet the convergence of the Syar River from the Tsum valley. Taking a right turn, the trail takes us forward, eventually reaching the Lokpa village. Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

Before heading to Lokpa, we will register our permits of Manaslu and Tsum valley at the entry checkpoint. Climbing a ridge over Sallery, we will walk along the river bank crossing the Budhi Gandaki river via a long wide suspension bridge. Continuing to trek, the valley opens up as we head towards Phillim. The trek throughout is a very pleasant one. We will pass by Ekle Bhatti where the trail separates between Tsum and Manaslu. As we trek, we will notice the welcome board, so we head towards Lokpa. This village is the first village in the Tsum valley that gives us the opportunity to view the beautiful Manaslu range. This village is isolated and is a hidden valley of happiness blessed by Padmashamva centuries ago. Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

From Chumling we trek to Chhekamparo. Upper Tsum valley (part of the Inner Himalaya) open from Chhekamparo.Chhekamparo is a village situated on flat land and made up of two settlements Chhekam and Paro. From the valley, the Ganesh Himal range can be seen directly to the south where it provides superb views of the Baudha and Himal chuli peaks to the south-west. Some households in this village practice polyandry. Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

From Chhekamparo we trek to Nile/ Chulle. This is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. The Nile is on the western, sun-side of the Shiar Khola, about 20 minutes’ walk across from Chhule. On the way, we pass the Piren Phu cave. Piren Phu (pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum valley. It is located at the foot of a rugged cliff near the village of Burji. Milarepa, the famous Tibetan saint, was believed to have meditated here. There are two separate gumbas attached to the rocky cave. Richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags and significant Buddhist paper scripts make this cave one of the most important socio-cultural assets in the valley. Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

From the Nile, the trail gradually ascends to Mu gumba, the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gumba is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum valley. Mu Gumba was established in 1895 AD and is situated at an altitude of 3510m. The monastery houses religious books, including Kangyur, a life-sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. Dhephyudonma Gumba is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley and is situated in the rugged mountains, a 2 hr walk from the village of Chhule and Nile. The history of this monastery is directly associated with the dawn of Buddhism in the valley. Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

We take a hike up Mu Gumba and reach the base of Pika Himal (4865m). We are quite close to Tibet and get a good view of the Tibetan peaks as well as the Ganesh Himal range. After the day's excursion, we return to our camp at Mu gumba. Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

From Mu Gumba we take the trail to Rachen Gumba, a nunnery. The nunnery is situated in the Shiar Khola Valley in the foothills of the mountains bordering Nepal and Tibet. Rachen Gumba has established in the year 1905 AD and is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum valley. It houses nuns belonging to the Ngak-pa sect which does not allow animal slaughter. The nunnery houses one thousand clay, molded statues of Avalokiteshwara, a brightly colored, carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. The center is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history. Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

From Rachen Gompa we proceed towards Dumje, a small village with about eight houses and adjoining cattle shed.
Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

After breakfast, we are heading to Lokpa and cross Ripchet. We pass one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lower Tsum Valley, Samba Tingding Chhupyang. This is the village that lies along with the trial from Gumpa Laundang to Lokpa. There are remarkable numbers of Mani walls, Chortens, and gateway chortens. The trek leads us on a high and beautiful trail through a narrow dramatic gorge section with towering walls, past a thundering waterfall just above us, and cross the suspension bridge, where we ascend gradually along a wide hillside. After trekking through dense forest the small village of Deng, lower Nubri region called Kutang, where the people are ethnically pure Tibetans. Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

We take a brief walk from Deng and then we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to reach Rana. From here we climb for a while and then head west to Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail passes through forests and painted Mani stones and a corner from where we reach Ghap. Then we take the trail through Prok village which allows us to witness the beautiful view of Siring Himal. We follow the river, crossing it at many places and pass through dense forests and Gompas along the way. After crossing the river at a gorge, the trail becomes leveled and after a last steep climb, we reach Namrung where we will have the best viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal as well as Mt. Himal Chuli.

Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

From Namrung a steep climb and passage through forests take us to Lihi, a village well known for its chortens and barley terraces. After crossing the side valley of Simnang, we pass through Sho and then reach Lho. Late afternoon visits the local monastery after you reached there.

Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

After crossing the Shyala village, we reach the Sama village where one gets to witness the amazing views of Mount Manaslu and explore the famous Ribung Gompa. The breathtaking view of the high mountains along with glaciers is the highlight of the trip.

Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

This day is set aside to rest and acclimatize to the increasing altitudes. We stay in Samagaon and explore the surrounding areas or visit Birendra Tal and Anie Gompa.  The main attraction of the day is the Pungyen Gompa with a spectacular view of the glaciers but its rather a long day only recommended for fit hikers. It is situated on a hill near Samagaon. We hike up to the Gompa named after the two peaks of Manaslu which means bracelet.  It was destroyed when the Japanese first tried to summit the peaks. It was believed that the expedition to reach the summit might have angered the Gods. After the detour, we come back to Samagaon. Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

We follow the Budhi Gandaki River up to a stream which we cross on a suspension bridge.  From here we take the trail on the right to Larke la. It is a fairly easy trail, passing through Mani walls and juniper and birch forests. We again cross a bridge over Budhi Gandaki and continue forward. From a stone arch, we can see a Kani and after crossing it, we reach the Last settlement of Tibetan immigrants called Samdo.

Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

We start our day trip by crossing a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and begin a hike upwards. After crossing a few streams and seeing a glimpse of the Larkya glacier, we go around a valley and make our way upwards again to reach a guesthouse called Dharmashala.  This short walk to Larke Phedi provides enough time and rest to acclimatize for the further trek.

Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

On this day, we make a short climb and reach a valley on the north side of Larkya glacier with exquisite views of Larkya peak.  We ascend the moraines of a glacier which becomes quite steep at the end before reaching the pass. From here we can enjoy the breathtaking views of Himlung, Cheo, Kanggru, and the Annapurna. It is a longer walk than other days and you reach the guesthouse among the low pastures at the dim lights of dusk. When we finally reach Bhimtang, the exquisite view of Mount Manaslu makes every step worth it.

Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

After enjoying the splendid views of the mountains from a ridge in Bhimtang, we make our way down towards a high pasture and then a bridge over Dudh Khola. We walk through Rhododendron forests, narrow valleys, and fields before making a climb to the river bank that leads to the village of Gho. 

Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

We move in a stone-paved path passing through a beautiful village and then cross a bridge over Dudh Khola, move past an arch and Mani walls to get to the Thonje village. After passing through a police checkpoint we make our way towards Dharapani from where we enter the Annapurna circuit section.  From Dharapani we take a Jeep or bus from Dharapani to Beishar, which takes 4-5 hours.

Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

We drive along the banks of Marsyangdi and Trishuli River, witnessing the beautiful scenery of rice fields, terraced farms, rivers and valleys, and refreshing views of the hilly areas and mountains. After a few hours’ journeys, we reach Kathmandu.

Overnight at Hotel.