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Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek

Trip code
Package name Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek
Duration 20
Max. elevation 5200 m
Level Moderate
Transportation All ground transportation as per itinerary
Accomodation 3*** Hotel in Kathmandu and Lodge / Tea House during the trek
Starts at Kathmandu
Ends at Kathmandu
Trip route
Cost USD 0 per person

Highlights

Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek combines two of Nepal's most scenic and culturally rich trekking routes: the Manaslu Circuit and the remote Tsum Valley. This trek offers an incredible opportunity to explore the lesser-visited Tsum Valley, which is known for its pristine beauty, ancient monasteries, and unique Tibetan culture. The trek begins from Arughat or Soti Khola, just like the classic Manaslu Circuit, and then diverts towards Tsum Valley at Philim. The route winds through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages before reaching the Tsum Valley, where trekkers are surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain views and the distinct culture of the people who call this region home. The combination of the rugged, high-altitude terrain of the Manaslu Circuit and the serene, spiritual environment of Tsum Valley makes this trek an unforgettable adventure.

One of the major highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek is its cultural significance. The Tsum Valley is a hidden gem, home to the Tsumba people, an ethnic group with strong Tibetan influences. The valley is dotted with ancient monasteries such as Rachen Gompa and Mu Gumba, which are not only spiritual centers but also sites for cultural exchange and historical significance. The trek also provides panoramic views of the majestic peaks surrounding Manaslu, including Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), Buddha Himal, and Himalchuli, offering trekkers some of the most dramatic mountain vistas in Nepal. The journey also includes the famous Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters), where trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment. The added bonus of exploring the remote Tsum Valley gives trekkers a rare glimpse into the lifestyle and traditions of a community largely untouched by modern influences.

Major Places for Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek takes trekkers through a variety of landscapes and highlights several key locations. The trek begins at Soti Khola or Arughat, where trekkers begin their ascent through picturesque villages such as Lapubesi, Jagat, and Philim, which are located on the Manaslu Circuit. After reaching Philim, trekkers diverge into the Tsum Valley, which is known for its spiritual sites and vibrant culture. One of the first villages you encounter in Tsum is Chhekampar, where trekkers can experience the unique Tsumba culture and architecture. As you continue, the trail leads to the stunning Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa, two of the most significant monasteries in the region. These monasteries offer not only spiritual experiences but also panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

After exploring the Tsum Valley, trekkers rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit route and continue to Samagaon, a traditional Tibetan village that serves as an excellent spot for acclimatization. From here, trekkers head towards the high-altitude areas of the Manaslu Circuit, eventually reaching the iconic Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters). After crossing the pass, the trek descends towards Bimtang and further to Dharmasala, offering even more impressive views of the surrounding peaks. The journey continues through villages like Tilje before completing the circuit. Along the way, trekkers are treated to majestic views of Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli, along with vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture, making this trek a unique and unforgettable experience.

Why Choose Us (Chingu Treks and Tours)
Chingu Treks and Tours offers an exceptional and well-supported trekking experience for the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek. The company is dedicated to providing personalized service, ensuring that each trekker’s experience is tailored to their needs and preferences. With experienced guides who are familiar with both the Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions, Chingu Treks offers an in-depth understanding of the local culture, geography, and spiritual significance of the trek. The guides are also well-trained in handling the challenges of high-altitude trekking, ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants. Chingu Treks carefully plans each itinerary, balancing trekking time with sufficient acclimatization breaks to minimize the risks of altitude sickness, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trek.

At Chingu Treks and Tours, we prioritize sustainable tourism and work closely with local communities to ensure that the benefits of trekking are shared with the people who live in the regions we visit. By employing local guides and porters, Chingu Treks supports the livelihoods of the communities in the Manaslu and Tsum Valley areas, contributing to the local economy while ensuring responsible trekking practices. The company also ensures that the trek is eco-friendly, following Leave No Trace principles to minimize its impact on the environment. Whether you're seeking a cultural adventure, a physically challenging trek, or simply a chance to experience Nepal's untouched natural beauty, Chingu Treks and Tours guarantees that your Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek will be an unforgettable and enriching journey.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A representative from Chingu Treks and Tours will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, you have the rest of the day free to rest or explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu. In the evening, you will meet with your trekking guide and fellow trekkers for a briefing about the upcoming trek. You’ll also enjoy a welcome dinner, where you can ask any final questions before the adventure begins.

Day 2 : Drive to Machha Khola (869 m / 2850 ft, 160 km, 9-10 hrs)

Today, we begin our journey by road to Machha Khola, the starting point of the trek. We will drive for approximately 9-10 hours, passing through scenic landscapes that include lush green hills, terraced fields, and traditional villages. The drive takes us along the Prithvi Highway, and then we follow the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. The drive ends in Machha Khola, a small village where we will settle in for the night, preparing for the trek to start the following day.

Day 3 : Trek to Jagat (1340 m / 4395 ft, 16 km, 6-7 hrs)

After breakfast, we begin our trek by following the Budhi Gandaki River northward. The trail is relatively moderate as we ascend through charming villages, cross suspension bridges, and pass terraced farmland. The first leg of the trek takes us to Jagat, a beautiful village with stone-paved streets. Along the way, we’ll encounter several small settlements where we can get a glimpse of the local lifestyle. After a 6-7 hour trek, we’ll reach Jagat, where we’ll stay overnight in a local teahouse.

Day 4 : Trek to Lokpa (2240 m / 7347 ft, 13 km, 6-7 hrs)

Today's trek takes us deeper into the Tsum Valley region. We will pass through dense forests of rhododendron and pine trees and cross several suspension bridges. As we ascend, the views become more breathtaking, with the towering peaks of the Himalayas emerging on the horizon. After about 6-7 hours of trekking, we will arrive in Lokpa, a quiet village nestled among the mountains. The village is known for its beautiful setting, and we will stay overnight here.

Day 5 : Trek to Chumling (2386 m / 7826 ft, 7 km, 4-5 hrs)

Today’s trek is shorter but takes us through some spectacular landscapes. We will pass through remote villages, lush forests, and valleys as we head toward Chumling, a small village located at an altitude of 2386 meters. The trek offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains, including Ganesh Himal. After 4-5 hours of walking, we will reach Chumling, where we will relax and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Day 6 : Trek to Chhokangparo (3031 m / 9941 ft, 8 km, 5-6 hrs)

We continue our journey today by trekking to Chhokangparo. The trail offers a mix of uphill and downhill walking through terraced fields and small villages. Along the way, we will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Siringi Himal. After 5-6 hours of trekking, we will arrive in Chhokangparo, a charming village at 3031 meters. The village is a great place to explore and offers a glimpse into the local Tibetan-influenced culture.

Day 7 : Trek to Nile (3361 m / 11026 ft, 9.5 km, 5-6 hrs)

Today’s trek takes us higher into the Tsum Valley, where we will reach the village of Nile, located at 3361 meters. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Shringi Himal and Ganesh Himal. We will pass through remote villages, where we can observe traditional Tibetan culture and architecture. After 5-6 hours of trekking, we will reach Nile, where we will settle into a local lodge for the night.

Day 8 : Acclimatization Day at Nile – Hike to Mu Gompa (3700 m / 12136 ft, 4.3 km, 3-4 hrs)

Today is an acclimatization day to help our bodies adjust to the altitude. We will take a short hike to Mu Gompa, a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monastery located at 3700 meters. The hike takes about 3-4 hours and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Mu Gompa is a serene place, offering a great opportunity to experience the spiritual side of the Tsum Valley. After visiting the monastery, we return to Nile for the night.

Day 9 : Trek to Chumling (2470 m / 8101 ft, 17.5 km, 6-7 hrs)

After spending some time in the remote northern region of Tsum Valley, we begin our descent back toward the lower elevations. The trail takes us through beautiful forests, crossing several streams, and passing through traditional villages. After a 6-7 hour trek, we arrive in Chumling, where we will stay overnight. The trek provides more opportunities to view the local lifestyle and culture.

Day 10 : Trek to Deng (1860 m / 6100 ft, 14.5 km, 5-6 hrs)

Today, we continue our descent through the Tsum Valley. The trail leads us through a variety of landscapes, including forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages. After approximately 5-6 hours of trekking, we reach Deng, a picturesque village at 1860 meters. The area is known for its Tibetan-influenced culture, and we will spend the night in a local teahouse.

Day 11 : Trek to Namrung (2630 m / 7048 ft, 15 km, 6-7 hrs)

We begin the day by continuing our descent and crossing the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail takes us through lush forests, traditional villages, and agricultural land. We will pass through small settlements and gain fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. After 6-7 hours of trekking, we will reach Namrung, a village at 2630 meters with stunning views of Manaslu and other nearby peaks.

Day 12 : Trek to Shyala (3500 m / 11480 ft, 11 km, 5-6 hrs)

Today's trek takes us toward higher elevations, as we make our way to Shyala, located at 3500 meters. The trail takes us through beautiful landscapes, with views of the snow-capped peaks and the surrounding valleys. After a 5-6 hour trek, we will arrive in Shyala, a village with breathtaking views of the mountains. The night will be spent in a cozy lodge in this scenic location.

Day 13 : Trek from Shyala to Sama Gaon (3520 m / 11549 ft, 15.5 km, 4-5 hrs) – Side Trip to Birendra Lake or Pungen Gompa

Today’s trek is relatively short, taking us to Sama Gaon at 3520 meters. The route offers magnificent views of Manaslu and its glaciers. Upon arrival in Sama Gaon, we will have the option to take a side trip to Birendra Lake or Pungen Gompa, both of which offer stunning natural beauty and spiritual significance. After our side trip, we will return to Sama Gaon for an overnight stay.

Day 14 : Trek to Samdo (3860 m / 12660 ft, 3 hrs)

The trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo is a short but significant ascent. The trail is about 3 hours long, and as we walk, the landscapes become more barren and rugged. Upon arrival at Samdo, located at 3860 meters, we will enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. We will stay in a local teahouse, resting and acclimatizing for the upcoming days.

Day 15 : Acclimatization Day Hike to Rui La (Tibetan Border) – 8 hrs

Today is another important acclimatization day. We will take a challenging day hike to Rui La, which is near the Tibetan border. The hike takes about 8 hours and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including views of the Tibetan Plateau. The hike provides us with a great opportunity to experience the remote nature of the region. We return to Samdo for an overnight stay.

Day 16 : Trek to Dharamsala (4460 m / 14628 ft, 6 km, 4-5 hrs)

Today, we trek toward Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), located at 4460 meters. The trail gradually ascends, passing through alpine meadows and offering impressive views of the surrounding mountains. After 4-5 hours of trekking, we will reach Dharamsala, the base camp for those attempting to cross Larkya Pass. We will spend the night here and prepare for the challenging pass ahead.

Day 17 : Trek to Larke-La (5106 m / 16751 ft) then Hike to Bhimtang (3590 m / 11775 ft, 14 km, 8-10 hrs)

Today is the toughest day of the trek. We will cross Larkya Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5106 meters. The trail is steep and challenging, but the views from the top are absolutely worth the effort. After crossing the pass, we descend to Bhimtang, located at 3590 meters. The total trek for the day takes around 8-10 hours, and we will rest and recover at Bhimtang.

Day 18 : Trek to Dharapani (1960 m / 6428 ft, 16 km, 8 hrs)

We begin the descent today toward Dharapani, located at 1960 meters. The trail takes us through dense forests, traditional villages, and terraced fields. After 8 hours of trekking, we will arrive in Dharapani, where we will stay overnight and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 19 : Drive to Kathmandu (8-9 hrs)

After our long trek, we take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The drive takes around 8-9 hours and offers breathtaking views of the mountains, rivers, and villages. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax after the trek and explore the city.

Day 20 : Final Departure

Your incredible journey ends today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home or onward destination. We hope that the memories of this unforgettable adventure will stay with you for years to come. Thank you for trekking with Chingu Treks and Tours, and we look forward to welcoming you on another adventure!

Inclusions

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