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Tsum Valley with Manaslu trek

The Tsum valley trekking is ideal for those who want to explore the remote and less trodden hidden valley on fully camping trekking in Nepal also recognized as the Hidden Valley and Innumerable monasteries and hamlets with completely Tibetan residents situated on the northern part of Manaslu on the Nepal, Tibet border and used to be a Nepal Government control area until 2008.

The Tsum valley trek in Nepal charms the trekkers with its rich cultural aspects on the backdrop of the tranquil Himalayan panorama of Ganesh, Sringi, and Buddha Himal along with the rapids of Budhi Gandaki River, Machha Khola, and Soti Khola is an amazing experience. This Tsum valley trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Aarughat heading up the valley of the Budi Gandaki River through terraced fields, dense forest, and countryside hidden villages.

The valley is dotted with ornate Buddhist monasteries, artistic Chortens and Mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs hand carved of deities and prayers on it. The prayer flags, chortens, Mani walls; everything we encounter on our trail during our journey gives a resemblance of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Visit Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa and Nunnery temple to get some insights about Tibetan Buddhist culture.

The people of Tsum valley are of Tibetan origin with their own ancient form of tongue, art, culture, and religion; they still practice polyandry system marrying a girl between all the brothers in a family. They have their own way of family life, which may be quite surprising for many outsiders. The people in the region have been able to preserve their uniqueness intact without any impact of the outer world to date.

You descend to the Lokpa junction by following another path. From there, you begin the Manaslu tour route. This tour is also little frequented. The originality of this route is a gradual ascent in altitude. You leave from a tropical environment to arrive in the high mountains passing through the Larkya pass 5106m. A great variety of landscapes, dwellings as we climb in altitude. You follow the gorges of the powerful Burhi Gandaki River. Then the rice fields, the Gurung villages with ancestral traditions still very present. Monasteries, mani walls, prayer mills, chortens mark your route. You climb through forests of bamboo, pines and rhododendrons. Then the mountain pastures and their herds of yaks. The landscape becomes alpine, the high peaks are there: Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal. After crossing the Larkya Pass 5106m, you descend towards the very wooded valley of the Marsyangdi River.

ITINERARY

Day 1Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu (1350 m). Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Our airport representative will welcome you and give you more details about the program. There are no activities planned for your arrival day, so check into the hotel, do your routines and enjoy your overnight at the Kathmandu hotel.
Day 2Visit Boudhanath and Pashupatinath Evening trek briefing. Accommodation: Overnight in standard hotel
Day 3KATHMANDU– ARUGHAT – SETI KHOLA (930 m) The road offers magnificent views of the Trisuli River Valley, but a little after the road turns away, we turn north through beautiful tropical landscapes. In Kathmandu we take a private vehicle direct to Seti Khola.
Day 4 SETI KHOLA - MACCHAKHOLA (930m).We go up the course of the Burhi Gandaki, through fields and rice paddies, to Macchakola, passing through the villages of Arkhet, Almara and Lapubesi. Number of hours of walking: 6 h 30 hours
Day 5MACCHAKHOLA - JAGAT (1300m).We continue our progression along the river to Kanigaon and Khola Bensi, with at times beautiful views of the peaks of Ganesh Himal and the valley of the Machha Khola. We reach Tatopani fairly quickly, on the same bank of the river, where there is a hot spring, then we cross the Budi Gandaki by a suspension bridge to reach Dobhan (1,300 m). The valley of the Budi Gandaki then narrows before reaching Jagat. Number of hours of walking: 7 hours approximately
Day 6 JAGAT – LOKPA (1950m).We leave Jagat by crossing a suspension bridge that spans the confluence and the superb waterfalls of the Dudh Pokari khola and the Pahang khola. We move on a balcony path, sometimes above the river. We cross several villages with traditional dry stone and woven bamboo houses including that of Philim. View of the Ganesh Himal and the Shringi Himal (7,161 m). Himalayan pines adorn the path. We change banks several times and the gorges narrow. We leave the Manaslu tour path on which we had been for 2 days. We arrive at Lokpa, there are 4 houses. Number of hours of walking: about 6 hours
Day 7 LOKPA – CHUMLING (2340m).In the morning, we resume our walk and now enter the secret valley of the Tsum, we cross a magnificent forest of pines and rhododendrons in the gorges of the Syar. We arrive at the large town of Chumling in Botia country, a village all in stones. View of Ganesh Himal, Langju Himal. Superb gompa left abandoned in the middle of brambles. An alignment of 14 chortens. Many rural scenes. Number of hours of walking: about 5 hours.
Day 8CHUMLING – DOMJE – CHHOKUNG PAROWe always follow the right bank of the Syar khola with climbs and descents. At the confluence of the Syar and Sarpu we observe a beautiful traditional chorten and cross a suspension bridge. We climb up to Chhokung Paro with its series of chortens. We enter the "Upper Tsum" at the foot of the Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal. Number of hours of walking: 5 hours Approximately
Day 9CHHOKUNG PARO – NYLE (3350m).We cross several Tibetan villages on the plateau of the high Tsum. After passing the village of Nakyu, we take a "Chai" break at Lamagaon. On a cliff, above the village there is the hermitage of Piren Phu where, it is said, Mila Repa meditated, as evidenced by the imprint of her foot in the cave. We discover Chhule and its grandiose stupa then arrive at Nyle after crossing the Syar khola. Beautiful "medieval" village. Visit the Kagyu lineage monastery, Gonhgie gompa. Number of hours of walking: 5 hours
Day 10NYLE - MU GUMPA (3700m).Climb to the Mu Gompa monastery by a path rich in mani walls and chortens, the last dwelling before the border of Tibet. Mu Gompa has a very famous ancient monastery that few foreigners have had the chance to visit. It was founded between 1895 and 1936 by a great lama of Bhutan and restored in 1998. It is a fairly renowned Kagyu lineage meditation center that depends on the Kopan monastery near Kathmandu. The main hall is dedicated to Chenrezig the Buddha of compassion. Magnificent views of the mountains and the caravan route to Tibet. Number of hours of walking: approximately 5 hours
Day 11Acclimatization day:Early departure in the morning visit to the monastery (4240m)
Day 12MU GUBBA- LAMAGAON (3302m).Early morning departure, We descend by a path rich in mani walls and chortens, last dwelling before the border of Tibet. Number of hours 6 hours of walking approximately
Day 13LAMAGAUN- RIPCHET (2470m).We take the way back left bank of the Syar, with many villages, and reach the Rachen monastery welcoming 60 nuns, school of meditation, supported by a lama from Kathmandu. The old monastery is in the Kagyu lineage, the new one is Gelugpa. We take a different route from the outward journey on the left bank of the Syar to visit the large village of Ripchet (completely destroyed by the 2015 earthquake and practically rebuilt, except the Gompa) located on a superb plateau of crops with very beautiful views of the mountains. Number of hours of walking: 5 hours
Day 14 RIPCHET – LOKPA (2240m).We move through the forest then a big descent by steps to the Syar khola and the junction with the outward path. Then Nepalese “flats” to Lokpa await us. Number of hours of walking: 6 hours
Day 15LOKPA – DENG (1860m).We move on a balcony path, sometimes above the river. We cross several villages including that of Philim. Himalayan pines adorn the path. We change banks several times and the gorges narrow. We arrive at Deng, a village of Tibetan culture with the first Buddhist temple and chortens. Number of hours of walking: 5 hours
Day 16DENG – NAMRUNG (2630m).We cross the Kutang region, populated by Gurung practicing Buddhism. Many villages and landscapes punctuate the day: pine and bamboo forests, rivers, torrents, villages of Rana, Ghap, Bihi before reaching the beautiful stone houses of Namrung. Number of hours of walking: 8 hours
Day 17NAMRUNG – LHO (3180m).We will start the day with a short visit to Namila Gumba, from where we will climb along the Budhi Gandaki gorge. Enjoying the magnificent views of the Manaslu range, we will cross various villages such as Lihi, Lamagaon and Sho before reaching Lho. The village of Lho offers a breathtaking view of Manaslu (8163m) and is also home to a large Gompa with more than 100 student monks. Night in Lho. Number of hours of walking: 5 hours
Day 18LHO-SAMA GOMPA (3520m).Still along the Budi Gandaki, we cross many villages inhabited by the Bhotias, of Tibetan origin, including those of Namrung, Shyala, Pung Gyen Gumba to reach the glacial plateau where the beautiful village of Samagaun is located. After Syala, Pung Gyen Gumba the beautiful view opens on the summit of Manaslu (8,163 m) and we are dominated by the Himalchuli (7,893 m) and the Ngadi Chuli. We also have a beautiful view of the Ganesh Himal. Number of hours of walking: 6 hours approximately.
Day 19 Acclimatization day.We visit the superb Tibetan village of Pok and the glacier of Pungen monastery. Number of hours of walking: 5 to 6 hours
Day 2020: SAMA GOMPA (3400m). Acclimatization day.We visit the superb Tibetan village of Samagaon, the monastery and the cells of the nuns then for those who are fit, possibility of climbing towards the Manaslu base camp, we make a small detour towards the lake of Birendra Kund (3,570 m) located at the foot of Manaslu. Before discovering the monastery of Sama (Sama Gompa), Number of hours of walking: 5 to 6 hours
Day 21SAMA GOMPA – SAMDO (3875m).We continue our progression towards the long wall at Mani of Kermo Manan and the village of Samdo (3,780 m) located very close to the Tibetan border, not far from the confluence of the Sama Chu with the Budhi Gandaki, and which shelters a community of Tibetan refugees. A caravan trail also joins Tibet via the Lajyung pass (5,096 m). Number of hours of walking: 4 hours
Day 22SAMDO – DHARAMSALA (4460m).Day of acclimatization to the altitude. It is possible to discover the surroundings of Samdo before continuing our progression towards Dharamsala. A stone hut only. Highest camp of the trip, the night will be cold. Number of hours of walking: 4 hours
Day 23DHARAMSALA – LARKYA LA (5,150 M) – BIMTANG (3,590m).We set off early in the morning, going up the Larke Khola. The progress is easy at first, then becomes much steeper at the end of the ascent of the Larkya pass, whose altitude varies quite significantly depending on the sources, from 4,910 meters to 5,220 meters. In any case, we have a superb view of the border peaks of Tibet, such as Cheo (6,812 m), Nemjung (7,140 m) and Himlung (7,126 m), as well as Kang Guru (7,010 m), Gyaji Kang (7,036 m) and even Annapurna II (7,937 m). On the other side of the pass, we often descend on snow, then scree, to reach Larcia, then Tabuche and the glacial valley of Bimtang, from where we can see the west face of Manaslu. Number of hours of walking: 9 hours
Day 24BIMTANG – TILIJE/Darapani (2300m).We descend the valley of the Dudh Khola river to the village of Tilije, inhabited by the Gurung ethnic group. We cross more alpine hamlets, then find wooded areas and the first villages. Number of hours of walking: 7 hours.
Day 25DARAPANI/BESI SAHAR – KATHMANDUDeparture by jeep on the road by the Jeep, which will take us Darapani to Besisahar 4 hours drive and Then, Besisahar to Kathmandu in 7-8 hours drive approximately. Transfers: by vehicle (6 hours drive)
Day 26KATHMANDU – Journey security in Kathamandu free day.Journey security in Kathamandu free day.
Day 27Departure to France:This day we will come to the hotel and take you to the airport at your given time for the final departure home wishing you good luck

Trip FAQ

How hard is it?

If you can walk 5 miles a day and are in good aerobic shape (with a doctor’s approval), you can do fine and make it. The actual trekking is on mostly level ground with a few sections of steep hillsides – up and down. You should not carry more than a light day pack with a jacket, water and snacks. However, it is the altitude that creates the main issues. That said, the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy the overall experience.

What training can I do before going trek?

There’s no specific training needed if you are reasonably fit. If you are completely sedentary, then yes some cardiovascular training would be recommended. Stair climbing or hill walking will get most people ready. Remember you’ll be walking up and down rough paths for 8-12 days. You’ll be at altitude too which will make things much harder. Having a good level of fitness will help you enjoy your trek more and always remember, it’s not a race!

What is the best time for this trek?

October, November and December is Nepal’s peak season and it is the best time to go trekking.

February, March and April is the end of the dry season and it is the second best time of the year to go trekking.

November, December, January and February, the sky is clear, but it can be very cold in the mountain. May to June is Nepal’s hot season and it can get very warm indeed. June to September is the monsoon season and the least popular time to go trekking in Nepal.

What is the equipment list for this trek?

01: Large backpack/rucksack:
02: Day pack or day rucksack:
03: Sleeping bag:
04: Down jacket:
05: Trekking/Hiking shoes
06: Fleece jacket
07:Drinking water bottle-Aluminum
08: Sun glass
09: Wool hat and Sun cap
10: Gloves
11: Walking Poole
12: Torch or head lamp

How long does it take for Comfort Trekking?

It depends on your route, but EBC trek usually takes about 15 days. We suggest you not to go on a rush trek primarily due to the altitude. You will be landed in Lukla at (9,250 feet) and go to EBC at (17,500 f.). If you go too fast or rush your itinerary, you might get altitude sickness which is harmful.

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