Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley

After landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport, we will be greeted by a representative of Splendid High adventure, who will drop you off at our hotel. We then check-in at the hotel, fresh up and take a rest. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be hosted,  Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast collect your passport and tour to Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square reveals the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Boudhanath stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at our office.

We set off early today for Sotikhola. During the drive, we enjoy views of the Nepalese countryside along with the mountain sceneries. We will be driving on a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi, district headquarter of Dhading (1050m)but the drive from Dhanding Bensi to Arughat will be on a rough road.  Upon reaching Arughat, a major town in the region we drive further towards Sotikhola. Overnight in Soti Khola

At the crossing of the bridge, we trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. We then reach Khursane upon which the rocky trail weaves its way up and down, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. It eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. We head down again to the river and cross another suspension bridge to reach Machha Khola village. Overnight in Machha Khola.

The narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola and reaching Khorlabesi. After a few more ascends and descends we come across a small Hotspring in Tatopani. From the hot spring, we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. At this juncture, we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat. Overnight in Jagat.

Jagat is another big Gurung village in a flat area. As we pass this agrarian village, we climb a rocky ridge and reach Salleri which rewards with views of Mount Sringi. Descending to Sirdibas, a traditional Buddhist village, we move further to cross the longest suspension bridge in Nepal and climb up to Lokpa North of Philim, we climb along forest areas for about an hour and reach Ekle Bhatti. Moving higher along pine forests, we reach a scenic gorge and drop to a junction. We take the right trail that leads to Tsum Valley our stay for the night on Lokpa.

Now we start trekking of Tsum Valley. The first glimpses of Tsum along with mountain view make for a pleasurable retreat.. Views of the hidden valley start appearing as we descend further to Ghumlong and climb again to Ripchet. A short walk from here takes us to Chumling, a traditional Buddhist village set beautifully with an old monastery, traditional houses, prayer flags, stone paved streets, mani walls and the like. Overnight stay in a lodge.

After crossing the suspension bridge, the trail passes through maize and potato fields. Crossing the valley across a scenic ridge, we climb for more than two hours to reach a small settlement under the cliffs, Chhokang Paro.

After breakfast nice scenic trails to Nile we have lunch there left our big bag on tea house again day trip to mu gumpa,then we ascend along the scenic trails towards Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region, and the highest farthest point in Tsum Valley. The five hour round trip walk to Mu Gompa (3710m) shows a different world, a flat bowl like valley surrounded by mountains. Overnight stay in Nile.

The short walk today first takes a downhill to Chhule and further to Phurbe, where Sherpa home stays are available. Walking along the banks of Siyar River, the trail further crosses flat plains along power lines to Rachen Gompa (3240m), a nunnery. Overnight stay at Rachen Gompa.

Passing through small pasture lands, a monastery and crossing the Laudang River, the trail further ascends through pine and rhododendron forests. Climbing along the pines, we further pass the lateral moarine of Torogumba Glacier, and through passing along seasonal yak huts and moraine wall, we reach the Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4200m). We return back to Gumba Lungdang via a shortcut. Overnight stay in the tent.

After crossing the river to pass through Chhokang Paro, we drop towards Chumling. Walking for about two hours, we come across a white monastery and drop to Siyar Khola. The abundance in water here makes it suitable to wash clothes. We stop at chumling for the night.

It’s a big descending walk from chumling to lokpa after we cross the suspension bridge .The trail begins along a rocky ridge with emerging view of Sringi Himal. We pass through Ghatta Khola and continue to we pass through farms growing maize, millet, potatoes and vegetables. Passing through an uninhabited gorge, and walking on the trails at the bank of Budhi Gandaki, we cross bamboo forests to the Deng River. Overnight stay at small Deng village beside the Deng river.

Shortly beyond Deng, the trail climbs to Rena. After passing some houses, the trail elevates high above the river and then drops into the Sringi valley passing numerous Tibetan Mani lined walls and colorful forest before reaching Namrung. The trail has beautiful views of Sringi Himal and crosses the Budi Gandaki River several times. Overnight stay at Namrung.

With stunning views of Sringi, Ganesh Himal, the trek starts from Namrung and climbs steadily into the alpine which is blessed with marvelous mountain views. The village of Namrung marks the beginning of the region of pure Tibetan inhabitants. Passing through forests, villages and barley terraces, the first stunning glimpses of Manaslu gets visible which accentuates at Lho village. We stay overnight at Lho village and enjoy the sunrise and sunset view from the lodge or a gompa.

We pass through gompas, Tibetan settlement and alpine scenery. After a short trek we reach Sama Gaon where we stop. The retreat is both for rest as well as acclimatization. Its also a day to get acquainted with Sherpa culture and tradition. Set at the foot of the pastures, the village has a distinctive Tibetan architecture which ripens through the 500 years of settlement. Entrance gates to villages are common here, and you can also notice Chinese brandy on sale or see village women weaving wool into gowns. Hike up to a gompa above town or wander the streets of Sama Gaon. Overnight stay at a mountain lodge

Trek to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Tal.Trek to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Tal. Descending to the Budhi Gandaki river and following it towards the north until we reach a bridge, we take a left and head to the Manaslu Base Camp. Pungyen Gompa is a 3-4 hours hiking and Birendra Tal is a 1 hour hiking, so both can be combined.

The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls in the valley and leads to juniper and birch forests. Descending back to Budhi Gandaki and crossing a small bridge, we climb to ‘kane’, the entrance to Samdo. A village with 3 valleys converging upon it, Samdo is known for traditional yak herding and it depicts the traditional Tibetan lifestyle – rearing sheep and goats, training horses and planting barley.

The walk through ridges, crossing wooden bridges over Budi Gandaki continues. After crossing two streams, we come across the Larkya glacier after which a dramatic gorge is reached. Upon climbing to 4450 meters, we reach Larke Phedi where we take shelter in a Dharmashala. The walk is short providing plenty of time for acclimatization. Here not plenty of rooms are available so in the peak trekking season need to be ready to sleep in the tent.

A short climb leads us to the north side of Larkya Glacier. The place provides great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. The climb to the Larkya La (5100m) pass is gradual in the beginning but steepens towards the end. Stunning panorama of different ranges can be seen from the pass. This day will be challenging day over the high Larkya La. The steep descent from here is strenuous, but it’s an equally rewarding experience. Bimthang awaits the end of a tough day. Overnight at a tented camp.

With outstanding views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal with the inspiring forest and valley below, the descent from Bimthang crosses over high pasture land, Dudh Khola and rhododendron forest. Karche, 2785 metres is the highest cultivated land in the area which leads to a steep climb over a ridge. The village of Gho is a rest option though better lodges are available at Tilje.

After crossing a ridge and a stone paved trail, we pass throught a beautiful village. Tibetan settlement can be seen along the way. We descend into the Marsygandi Valley and from Dharapani, meet up with the classic Annapurna trail. Walking across Karte village and crossing the Marshyangdi Khola, mani lined walls welcome us to the village of Tal and further move to Chamche. Overnight stay at Chamche.

takes about four hours. A steep trail descends from Jagat through Marshyangdi valley. You cross Marshyangdi River at Syange and walk through Ghermu Path (Ghermu field). This part of the trek is pleasant through a flat leveled path with views of green valleys and villages at some distance. Past this Ghermu field and a village, your trail goes uphill for nearly half an hour to reach Bahundanda. At this point, you descend all the way to Nagdi.

Drive back private jeep.The drive from here to Kathmandu is mostly along the banks of Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers and passes through Beshishahar, the district headquarter of Lamjung. In the evening, celebration over the successful completion of the trip is done over dinner with Eagle Eye treks and Expedition. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Our Tsum valley with manaslu circuit Trek in Nepal comes to an end today! A representative from Splendid High Adventure will take us to the airport approximately three hours before the scheduled flight.On our flight back home, we take with us amazing memories of our  Tsum valley and manaslu circuit trip of  Nepal. Or onward for next Program