On arrival at Kathmandu international airport via respective airlines, where you will be received by our office staff and guide with warm welcome greeting and then transfer to your hotels in the hub of the city.
After checking into your rooms and getting refreshed join the other groups of Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trekking at meeting hall or place for briefing, where our guide offers useful important information regarding trek and your stay in Nepal with us.
Evening includes welcome dinner in a nice and authentic Nepalese restaurant with Folk Culture program of Nepal while having your dinner.
Morning as per the time given on briefing, depart for tour around Kathmandu at places of interest, as Kathmandu valley is steeped with historical and religious monuments temples and monasteries full of World Heritage Sites. Star attractions of this sightseeing are the ancient Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, known for its unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism besides the beautiful view of Kathmandu city from its premises. We then head on to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, which has the Tibetan community, Sherpas and tourists circumambulating around it alike every day. Get immersed in the peaceful Buddhist mantras and observe the pilgrims paying their respect to Lord Buddha. We shall then visit the Hindu sacred pilgrimage of Pashupatinath Temple, in the complex of which you shall find several small temples, statues and ancient heritages. People find the meaning of life when they observe the open cremation at the bank of holy Bagmati River, get blessings from the sadhus draped in saffron and holding trident, and feel the positivity.
After an interesting tour afternoon free to relax and preparation for Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trekking next early morning overland drive to Gorkha area.
Morning transfer for exciting overland drive towards Mid West on Nepal’s busy and main highway as the journey leads to lower warmer mid hills past farm villages and towns with views of snow capped peaks.
As the drive continues with few refreshing stops heading west to reach at Dhading and towards Gorkha areas to reach at warm sub-tropical Soti Khola for first overnight stop, located by the raging Burigandaki River, afternoon take a stroll around the busy colorful village with full of shops-stores and restaurants.
From Soti-khola, the trail at times cuts into steep valley, within densely forested areas and through number of small villages tucked in a hillside, then reaching a wide valley opposite at the point where large tributary stream enters into Burhigandaki River. The terraced cultivated field belongs to upper village of Lapbesi. From here our path descends to a wide, sandy riverbed following a trail meandering below the steep, craggy valley side.
At some length leading to a climb on the trail to Machha Khola for overnight stop, with number of teashops and small lodge, the word Maccha Khola means Fish Stream.
The trail from here leads to more interesting farm villages and fields as the vegetation changes slowly, starting our morning walk crossing a stream that gives its name Machha Khola (Fish stream), and then heading upstream towards Khola-Bensi village and at Tatopani ‘hot spring’.
From here the valley sides becomes much steeper, until the path becomes impassable our route then switches to the left bank of the river crossing a suspension bridge.
After a short section within patch of forest and then walk to Doban located on the high shelf of Burigandaki River.
Morning walk across a broad gravel bed towards Lauri then over a suspension bridge leading to a climb on a high path to descend into an open valley known as Yara Khola, journey continues on for another hour to the village of Jagat.
Jagat is a fair size village after Arughat; people around here are of mixed race Magar, Chettris, Brahman, Bhotia’s (Tibetan looking tribes) and some few Newar merchant and shopkeepers.
The trail from Jagat descends to a long series of stone steps to a river, from here the path climbs a terraced hillside to Saguleri, overlooking distance view of Sringi Himal 7,187m from this spot, the walk follows ups and down trail as we reach to the bridge over Buri-Gandaki, after crossing the bridge from Ghata-khola, the path winds up towards Philim village for overnight stop.
Philim a lovely spread out village with rich cultivated fields and terraces with time to browse around this nice place after getting organizing in local lodge.
From Philim, morning walk leads to higher areas passing scattered farm villages with short climb and through terraces of golden fields of wheat’s and barley, then a climb on rocky ridge top into bamboo forest area to reach at Eklai Bhatti (lonely Inn), where at present few more shops has been built.
After a short rest heading towards the door to Tsum at Lokpa, where our route leaves Burigandki River for a week, as the walk diverts towards east to reach our overnight stop at Lokpa on leaving the main trail of Manaslu trekking trail.
After Lokpa village, walk heads to our first highlights of the adventure at Tsum known as the valley of happiness, as our route enters narrow gorge then with short descend and uphill climb into rhododendron and pine tree forest walking past small farm villages then climbing above Lungwa Khola to reach at Chumling village for first night stop around Tsum Valley.
From here gaining altitude slowly within the massive peaks of Ganesh Himal peaks towards east and Manaslu in the western direction, as the walk proceeds where villages and landscapes changes similar to Tibetan windswept plateau.
Morning walks leads on downhill path to cross a bridge over Smatiking Khola, with views of Ganesh Himal also known as Yangra at 7,422 m high, and then reaching at Chokhanparo village for overnight stop.
After a pleasant overnight stop at Chokanparo, our route leads towards upper Tsum area at Nele (Ne-lay), starting with uphill onto wide open valley around windswept terrain with only few small trees of juniper and willow that survives around this rough and arid country.
Walk continues uphill with views of Ganesh and Manaslu Himal, after a wonderful and scenic walk reaching at Nele for overnight stop, on route Nele with time to visit an old holy mediation cave of 11th Centaury Saint Milarepa, famous and popular among Buddhist as poet, singer, tantric guru his folk-tales and songs are still remembered by Tibetans and Buddhist followers.
Today our journey leads to our first main destination at Mu Gompa to reach the highest point around Mu Gompa in our first section of the adventure, as our walk continues climbing high within arid terrain offering views of high peaks on the way to Mu Gompa for overnight stop.
At Mu Gompa free afternoon to explore the unexplored areas around high valley of Tsum with its traditional villages and interesting old Mu Gompa with ancient antique idols and scrolls, statue and relics this is one of the most important monastery of Tsum and Manaslu area.
The village of upper Tsum located on route Tibet border, which is least frequented by foreign trekkers and adventurer, here enjoy the scenery and culture in complete natural surroundings.
After an interesting and marvelous time at Mu Gompa, our return journey leads back at Chhokangparo with a visit of impressive Rachen Gompa / monastery, walking on nice trails with some short climbs and downs passing few small scattered farm villages of cattle herders to reach at Rachen Gompa treasures historical and religious artifacts and important statues of famous Gurus with idol of Sakaymuni Buddha.
With wonderful visit of the monastery in the harmony of snow capped peaks heading downhill to overnight stop at Chhokangparo.
Today leaving the high Tsum valley of happiness heading back a Lokpa to join the Manaslu trail, as the walk follows on the same path all the way to Lokpa and back again within Burigandaki River for overnight stop.
On leaving the route of Tsum joining at Manaslu trail as the walk follows up and down in some section the trail is cut into the sheer cliff walls, after this dramatic portion the path condition improves as the walk leads to Deng village, the houses and terrains completely changes into more Tibetan like from here onwards. After few hours of good walk brings you at Bihi for overnight stop, here people are same race like in Tsum of Tibetan origin with ancient culture.
Villagers of this areas cultivates buck wheat, wheat, barley and potatoes as staple crops, beside this since trekking became popular around this area, spinach, carrots and cabbages are also grown.
Journey continues for another two hours on steep sided and impressive valley, coming across Mani prayer stone as the walk leads to a nice Ghap village for possible lunch stop.
From here onwards within cool alpine climate, as the walk gain height to enter coniferous forest the path meanders with steep up as the valley opens out with quite extensive pastures then crossing a large stream flowing down from the Lidana Glacier, with magnificent view of the snow peaks on the north Kutang Himal range with Pang Phuchin 6,335m, and Saula Himal 6,235m and other unnamed peaks of over 6000m. On the southern lies the Manaslu Himal and Simang Himal range with its array of over 7000m peaks.
The walk is pleasant; with gradual uphill the altitude gains slowly as you pass through farm villages Namrung also called as Sho Namru for overnight halt.
After a wonderful and pleasant stop at Namrung, walk follows within more spread out farm fields and cattle-Yak herder shelters, here onwards people are engaged in farming during summer, the young folks in winter travels to trade in big cities of Nepal and India.
Walk follows the high scenic valley all the way to Lho village for overnight stop, one of the charming villages of high Manaslu region, with close views of Manaslu North Face at above 8,163 m high, Lho, a large village with a lovely little monastery and numerous chhorten and Mani walls with Ganesh I towards eastern direction.
On leaving Lho village, trek follows Burigandaki River on the right bank, with view of Peak 29 ahead, two hours of climb into a wood land to reach at Shala village offering excellent view of Phungi, Manaslu and Himal Chuli.
A couple of hours further lead us to Samagaon village, with super view of Mt. Manaslu along the walk. Samagaon, one of the largest village of high Manaslu region, the people are mostly farmers growing what they could in this harsh terrains and cold climate, like buck wheat, barley are the main crops, potatoes and few varieties of vegetables grow in this soil. The people like their ancestors descended from Tibet as early as 300 years back, the culture and their living style is very much like they predecessor. The people of this area still trade with Tibet taking 2 or 3 days to week. The border to Tibet is a day walk for the locals. It is one of the old salt trade route from Nepal to Tibet.
Here with time to visit its old Monastery one of the major Nyligpa (red hat sect) monastery of this region.
After Samagaon, a short day walk to Samdo village, as our morning path leads to a climb slowly towards Samdu. Actually Samdu is not too far from Samagaon can be done within few hour but due to increase in altitude with dry air makes the walk a little slower than other previous days, we need to gain the height slowly taking time and enjoying views around as the walk finally reaches in Samdu village for overnight halt and as well with rest next day.
Samdu located on a terraced hillside opposite bank of Budhi Gandaki one of the remote and permanent villages in Nepal, Samdu a moderate size village with more than forty houses with 200 villagers who live in these most severe arctic conditions.
Samdu will be the last village before Larkya-la, in the earlier days, Larkya Bazaar near westward of Samdu, where Tibetans merchant and people from this region and as far lower Gorkha people use to trade and barter.
At Samdo enjoy the rest day with short hike and excursion exploring this interesting village with views of snow capped peaks.
After a wonderful and pleasant two night stops at Samdu, walk this morning leads towards west into complete isolation of wilderness crossing icy Gyala Khola (stream), then ascending up to a ridge where you can see ruins of a village known as Larkya Bazaar.
Presumably this village once thrived on trade with Tibet over Gya La pass, a trade which at present has diminished, walk continue nearing Larkya Glacier to reach at Dharmasala or Duwang, with few tea house and lodge to serve travelers crossing the Larkya -La which lies now just ahead.
Overnight in Dharmasala with time for short walks and rest to enjoy the views before a big climb next early morning.
A Big Day! Heading towards our final goal of the adventure and on top highest point of the trek at above 5,215 m / 17, 110 ft high, starting early morning a short climb above the lodge to reach an ablation valley on the north side of the Larke Glacier, offers magnificent views of Cho Danda and of Larke Peak. Finally, walk across moraines of a glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper in the last section to the top of the pass.
At the top of the pass festooned with Buddhist prayer flags with grand views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II.
After a marvelous and glorious moment a long descend follows over snow and scree to reach the valley trail to Larcia. A further hour on moraine ridge path leads to Tambuche at 3,900m and with a short distance walk from here to overnight stop at Bhimthang after a long, hard satisfying day.
This is a lovely spot on a wide valley with a number of lodges and prayer Mani walls surrounded with green alpine vegetation and tall trees of rhododendron-pines and oaks.
After a long day of previous walks to Bhimthang, today onward will be pleasant into forest of pines, rhododendron and summer pastures with occasional view of snow peaks.
From Bhimthang on crossing high pasture, descend towards Burdin Khola to the area of the base camp of western side of Manaslu. From here with excellent views of Manaslu and Annapurna II toward south west. Beyond a bridge over the headwaters of Dudh Khola, our route descend following a trail through narrow valley and into serene forest and camp on the meadows amidst the forest surrounding in perfect tranquility after 4-5 hours of easy walk to reach at Karche 2,785m.
After a break continue walk for another few hour dropping down to Marsyangdi River, and then reaching Tilje village for last overnight stop around Manaslu area.
From here onward into Manang district located on the junction of famous and popular Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trail, morning leads to a climb up to nice and large village at Dharapani and then on the main trail heading south towards warmer area following the Marsyangdi River downstream to reach at Tal for overnight stop.
This is the last and ending point of Manang district and beyond towards Lamjung area.
Walk this morning on gradual path and then dropping down to meet Marsyangdi River again to reach at Chamje village, walk continues further past another lovely village of another Jagat village, and the downhill to Syange with views of cascading waterfalls.
From here back into low and warm paddy fields areas with more farm villages as the walk climb up to reach on top of an interesting hill top at Baundanda overlooking beautiful views of the valley and rolling hills.
At Baundanda for last overnight stop of this fabulous adventure of Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking with time to explore around Hindu tribe village.
Morning walk leads to a long descend to reach at Ngadi village and back to follow Marsyangdi River downstream, as the walk is pleasant through many farm fields and small villages to reach at Bhulhule where our adventurous and wonderful walk concludes with a drive back to Kathmandu via large town of Besisar, headquarter town of Lamjung.
From Besisar few hours reaches the main Kathmandu and Pokhara highway, and then continue drive back to Kathmandu following Trisuli for sometimes and then up towards Kathmandu valley rim.
From here an hour ride brings you back to your hotels with afternoon free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.
Your last day in amazing Nepal, the land of Himalayan wonders as per your international flight time back home or to respective connecting destinations.
Our staff and guide transfer you to Kathmandu airport after a mesmerizing memory and great time on Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trekking.
Dipak was very responsive to my emails and organised things really well. He provided me with a very good guide - Dhirendra. To anybody considering going to Manaslu please go to Tsum valley too - it was wonderful. Spent 2 days at Mu Gompa and the views from the end of the valley were amazing. Thanks again Dipak
Dipak from Trekking planner organized a most magical experience for me in the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. It is always incumbent on yourself to be physically fit and mentally tough to do some of these challenging treks, but it sure helps to have a great trekking company to make sure things goes as smooth as possible. Dipak owner of Trekking Planners treated me with respect and total honesty in all of our dealings. My guide Janu was of excellent character and skill. The entire team was professional and caring.
I did the Manaslu Circuit, with Tsum Valley as an extension off the main trek, from October 8th to October 28th. I had an amazing time and can highly recommend Dipak and his team. My guide was Ananta - and he was just awesome. When I got sick with an upper respiratory condition, he offered to carry my backpack for me - which was not part of the deal. I specifically did not request a porter as I'm an experienced and fit hiker. My plan got derailed and Ananta stepped in to save the day. Dipak was attentive and extremely responsive during my planning process. The only suggestion that I would make is to expect a long and tiring trip to the start of the trek. Dipak put me on the public bus to Soti Khola, and it was a full day, eleven hour adventure on a cliff high above the Buri Gandaki River. In hindsight, had I been more informed, I would have requested a jeep from Dipak, which, while just as bumpy a ride, would probably have been much shorter. Apart from the bus ride, this was an incredible adventure. I will certainly use Dipak and Ananta if I go back to Nepal in the future.
From the very first moment walking into the Trekking Planner office, we felt very comfortable and knew that we’d made a good choice. Dipak sat with us and we discussed what we had intended to arrange. He was very knowledgeable due to his extensive experience guiding all over Nepal. We were doing this as part of a world trip, so due to our long term travelling, and not wanting to take unneeded items, Dipak kindly allowed us to leave our excess baggage in the office for safekeeping. We planned to do the Manaslu circuit and link up to the Annapurna circuit directly after. The plan was recommended to do the Tsum valley on the Manaslu trek to assist in acclimatisation prior to attempting the high passes. It was a fantastic recommendation as was far less busy than other sections and the scenery was magnificent from the top of the valley. We arranged to have our guide with us for the Manaslu trek (18 days) and then when we finished and prepared to leave from Dharapani for the Annapurna, we planned to continue on our own. Our guide, Ramesh, met us at the office on the morning we left for the beginning of the trek. Ramesh was such an awesome young guide. Always cheerful, smiling and singing along the way, he was very knowledgeable on the mountain ranges and always happy to answer any questions we had. Having spent some time trekking the Tsum valley before attempting the the Larke Pass (5106m) definitely helped with our acclimatisation. The company takes this all very seriously as we were one of the few groups that had their guide monitoring the oxygen absorption and pulse of an evening to ensure we were in good physical condition to continue higher the next day. We arranged to have the accomodation and food as a package and it worked very well for us. There wasn’t any issues with limiting food options from the menu, as we’d heard some other guides had imposed. Our food and drink orders were made well within reason, though we had some allowances made for us on occasion. Everything was very well organised and explained what the trekking plan would be for the following day. Even though we had planned for Ramesh to return to Kathmandu as we continued on our own, he was ever helpful in giving us some fantastic information and assisting us before we parted. He has a lot of experience in his years of guiding and it was such a pleasure having him along with us, that we intend on having him guide us again when we return to Nepal to do some more trekking in the future. Based on our personal experience, and the reviews of many other satisfied clients, we would highly recommend Dipak at Trekking Planner, and also Ramesh to guide you, to assist you in tailoring your trekking requirements in Nepal.
Wir haben die Empfehlung für die Trekkingagentur von Freunden bekommen und den Trip von Pokhara aus gebucht. Alles hat super geklappt, es war bereits alles vorbereitet als wir in Kathmandu angekommen sind. Unser Guide war erfahren und freundlich und konnte sehr gut Englisch sprechen. Insgesamt hatten wir drei unvergessliche Wochen! Ich würde 'Nepal Trekking Planer' auf jeden Fall weiterempfehlen!
