Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Wilderness Trekking
Trip Facts
Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers on these treks should be in good physical condition and have some previous mountain walking experience. Steep climbing may be involved, although it is never necessary to use ropes. Treks at this level can he arranged for periods of 16 to 21 days. Typically, a gradual ascent through a green river valley will lead you up to a number of high passes, where you will reach the altitude of 5416m. Often times, you will get a close insight into the Tibetan culture. Participants should expect to trek above 5416m/17872ft.
Mode of Travel : Bus,Jeep,Hike100%
Overview
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek: 20 days package itinerary
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek offers an exhilarating scenic hike, perfect for those seeking a blend of stunning mountain scenery, unique cultural experiences, and challenging terrain. The Tsum Valley Trek takes you through the remote Tsum Valley up to the base of Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain. As you traverse the upper Budhi Gandaki, you’ll encounter several breathtaking viewpoints that make the effort worthwhile. Despite its challenging nature, the trek is moderately paced, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular views without excessive fatigue.
Trek Details
Manaslu Tsum Valley Region
Covering a large portion of the Manaslu region, the Tsum Valley Trek is more challenging than the classic Annapurna Circuit due to the high pass of over 5000 meters at Larke La. The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek traces the border between Tibet and Nepal, earning its reputation as the Hidden Treasure Valley. The Tsum Valley, known for its Buddhist monasteries and rich culture, is believed to have been a meditation site for Milarepa in ancient times. Notable monasteries include Mu Gumba and Anni Gumba near the Tibetan border, as well as Thaple Bhanjyang, Yangdo Bhanjyang, and Nueladajyen Bhanjyang.
Cultural and Scenic Experience
This Tsum Valley Trek offers a memorable cultural immersion, showcasing a Buddhist culture shielded from modern influences. You’ll witness the majestic peak of Manaslu and explore lands inhabited by Buddhist and black Bon Po followers, each village adorned with monasteries, Chortens, and Mani walls. The trek through the Tsum Valley and Manaslu region reveals a tapestry of ancient practices and stunning wilderness.
People of the Tsum Valley
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu circuit territory are home to Gurung, Tibetan, and Tamang ethnic groups. Known for traditional weaving practices, the valley preserves its isolation through ancient customs, Buddhist festivals, and ceremonies honoring Mother Nature. Despite opening to tourists in 2008, access remains regulated, requiring organized trekking groups and special permits.
Mountain Views
The Tsum Valley offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range, including:
- Ganesh Himal: Peaks over 7,000 meters, with Ganesh I at 7,422 meters.
- Sringi Himal: Peaks over 6,000 meters, with Sringi Himal at 7,187 meters.
- Himalchuli: Stands at 7,893 meters, the 18th-highest peak in the world.
- Manaslu: Visible from parts of the valley, standing at 8,163 meters.
Farming Crops
The region’s high altitude allows the cultivation of crops like buckwheat, wheat, barley, millet, and potatoes. The harvest season is from August to September.
Trek Itinerary
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek begins with a bus ride to Arughat-Machhakhola which is called the lower part of Manaslu, following the Budi Gandaki River and leading to the Manaslu Larke Pass (5106 m) after exploring the Tsum Valley. After crossing the Larkya La Pass, trekkers will arrive at the village of Bimthang, one of the Great Himalaya trails connecting of Manaslu region. This picturesque village offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and a chance to rest before continuing the journey.
Package Cost
The Manaslu Circuit Tsum Trek package includes accommodation, meals, bus tickets, permits, guide and porter wages, insurance, and equipment. A private jeep option incurs additional costs. there are shorter treks also in this area, one is 12 days manslu circuit trek and another is 14 days.
Best Seasons to Trek
The ideal times to trek are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May), offering clear mountain views and lush vegetation, especially in spring.
Highlights
- Gorges of the Budhi Gandaki River Valley
- Diverse flora and fauna
- Rich Tibetan culture and friendly locals
- Larkya La Pass (5167 meters)
- Stunning views of Mt. Manaslu
- The picturesque village of Bimthang in the lower Manaslu region
Permit Costs
- Tsum Valley Special Permits: USD 40 per person per week (September-November), USD 30 (December-August)
- Manaslu Special Permit: USD 100 per person per week (September-November), USD 75 (December-August)
- MCAP Permits: USD 30 per person (one-time)
- ACAP Permit: USD 30 per person (one-time)
- TIMS Permits: USD 20 per person (one-time)
Physical Fitness
The Tsum Valley Trek demands high physical fitness and endurance, navigating high passes, steep ascents, and rugged terrain. Preparation should include regular cardio exercises, strength training, and acclimatization practices. With sufficient fitness and preparation, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences.
For an enriching journey through the Tsum Valley and Manaslu circuit, local agencies like Nepal Wilderness Trekking offer personalized, high-quality trips at competitive rates. The trek spans approximately 20 days, encompassing foot travel and challenging terrains.
Detail Itinerary
- Day 01: drives to Arughat (600mtr) to Soti Khola (710mtr) 5 - 7 hours.
- Day 02: Trek to Machha Khola (930mtr) 6 hours.
- Day 03: Trek to Jagat (1410mtr) 6 hours.
- Day 04: Trek to Eklebhatti (1600mtr) 4 hours.
- Day 05: Trek to Chumling (2700mtr) for 5 to 6 hours.
- Day 06: Trek to Chhekampar (2960mtr) 5 hours.
- Day 07: Trek to Mugomba (3800 meters) 5 hours.
- Day 08: Trek back to Chhekampar (2960 meters) for 4 hours.
- Day 09: Trek to Lokpa (2240 meters) 6 hours.
- Day 10: Trek to Deng (1800 meters) 5 hours.
- Day 11: Trek to Ghap (2160 meters) 4 to 5 hours.
- Day 12: Trek to Lho Gaun (3180 meters) for 5 to 6 hours.
- Day 13: Trek to Sama Gaun / Sama Gompa (3530 meters) 3 hours.
- Day 14: Rest and explore Manaslu base camp 6 to 7-hour hike.
- Day 15: Trek to Samdo (3690 meters) 4 hours.
- Day 16: Trek to Dharamsala (4470 meters) 4 hours.
- Day 17: Trek to Bimtang (3720mtr) via Larke pass(5200meters) for 8 hours.
- Day 18: Trek to Gho (2560 meters) 5 hours.
- Day 19: Trek to Dharapani (1700 Meters) 4 hours.
- Day 20: drive back to Besisahar and change buses to Kathmandu,
Cost Included
- Italian, Chinese, Nepali, Indian, and many other European Delicious Meals three times a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner chosen by Menu)
- Clean accommodation on the Lodge during the trekking.
- One experienced, educated, well-trained, fluent English speaking, friendly, and familiar guide, from the same area and specialized in Manaslu trekking region and government-authorized trekking guide
- One porter for every two to three participants. (Note: An additional cost applies for solo clients requiring a porter.)
- Guide and Porters Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, transportation, and equipment.
- Kathmandu- Arughat and Bensi Sahar- Kathmandu by local bus.
- Manaslu area special permit
- Tsum Valley Permit
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and MCAP( Manaslu Conservation Area Project) permits
- TIMS Permit
- First aid medical box.
- Trekking equipment as a sleeping bag and down jacket etc. if you don't have your own
- Complementary Trekking Certificate of Completion.
Cost Excluded
- accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- all beverages, Soft and hard table drinks such as coke, beer,
- hot shower, dessert, etc.
- Personal insurance.
- Rescue operation charge.
- Tips for guide and porter
- Excluded are all costs and expenses not listed under "cost includes"
- Inclusion of costs or delays beyond the control of the management, such as landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.
Trip Map
