Trip Highlights:
- Trek to the famous Manaslu Tsum Valley region and view the famous Mt. Manaslu.
- Explore the cultures of Tibetan and Gurung people living in rural areas.
- Visit 600-year old monastery of Dephu Doma Gompa along with many other ancient monasteries.
- View magnificent mountains such as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Hiunchuli, Simrang, Ngadi, Ganesh Himal, and Larkye Peak.
- Catch a glimpse of the Nepal-Tibetan border and view of Tibetan plateaus.
Overview
The Manaslu Tsum Trek is a 20-day trekking trip that requires a high level of fitness and some experience to enjoy it. It gives you a closer look at Mt. Manaslu (8156m), the eighth highest peak in the world. This trek is a bit challenging as you will make your way through rough terrains, waterfalls, steep hills, and even have to use ropes in some instances. Moreover, the ancient culture of the Tsum and Nubri communities brings out the best of the trek.
We begin our trip in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Once you arrive, we will escort you to the hotel. You can visit the popular world heritage sites in Kathmandu, such as Swayambhunath temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, as you spend a day in the valley. As you explore the valley, we will get your permits ready for you, namely, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit. Then, you drive west to Arughat and continue further to Soti Khola. There is a gradual increase in altitude as you make your way through rural villages of Jagat, Chisopani, Chumling, and Chhokang Paro. We then reach Mu Gompa, which is the highest altitude in this trek (3700m). To acclimatize with the altitude and the environment, we will take sufficient rest along the way and a one day rest at Mu Gompa. Mu Gompa is known for its traditional monasteries related to the Tibetan culture. The monastery lies near to the Tibetan border, so you may notice a lot of people having Tibetan ethnicity in these regions. After exploring the Tsum Valley, you will head back to Arughat as you retrace your steps. A drive back to Kathmandu brings the trip to a close. The best season for trekking in Manaslu Tsum Valley is during autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May).
At Brown Bear Trails, we pride ourselves in providing our customers with the most professional and experienced tour guides and resources to make this trek safe and an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where you will meet our staff who will drop you to the hotel. You can get refreshed and take some rest in your hotel. In the evening, you can stroll around in the streets of Thamel, a famous place in Kathmandu for tourists.
After breakfast, our guides will take you to visit some of the famous heritage sites of Kathmandu, such as Swayambhunath temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. If you wish to visit any other places, you can inform us, and we will take you there. Also, you can buy or rent trekking equipment in Thamel. Meanwhile, you can also partake in the necessary procedures to get the required permits.
After breakfast, you will make your way to the small town of Arughat Bazaar via a bus. You will drive west from the Kathmandu Valley alongside the Trishuli River, beautiful hills, and diverse landscapes. Arughat is a small town of mixed ethnicity, along with the native Kumal community. We reach Arughat Bazaar by the late afternoon, and you can explore the area. Overnight stay at Arughat Bazaar.
Today, you begin your trek to Soti Khola. Soti Khola is a river that connects with the Budhi Gandaki River. On our way, we pass through fields of paddy and millet, bridges, and small waterfalls before reaching Soti Khola. You also can see small settlements where mostly Gurung and Magar communities live in. Overnight stay at Soti Khola.
After breakfast, you begin your trek to Machha Khola. You will come across a vast suspension bridge over the Soti Khola. You will also come across natural waterfalls, rocky trails, and forests on your way as you reach Lapubesi, a small Gurung village. After walking for some time, you reach Khani Besi. From here, you can see a stunning view of Ganesh Himal (7422m). After walking a short distance, you reach Machha Khola village. Overnight stay at Machha Khola.
After breakfast, we begin our trek to Jagat. We again cross a huge suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki River. After crossing the bridge, you reach Khorlabesi, where you again get a stunning view of Ganesh Himal. At the end of this trail, we reach Tatopani, which is a natural hot spring where you can take a relaxing dip. After climbing up a stone staircase, you reach the village of Dovan, and after a short walk, you reach Jagat. Overnight stay at Jagat.
You will now make your way to Chisopani as the trail heads north following the Budhi Gandaki River for the entire part. This is a short trek as we make our way past pine forests and small waterfalls along the way. We reach Chisopani in the afternoon, and you can explore the area in your leisure time.
After an early breakfast, we make our way to Chumling. Due to the sudden rise in altitude, we will be making stops in our way to acclimatize with the environment. We officially enter the region of Tsum Valley, and we pass through villages like Lokpa and Philim. We can enjoy the views of the Ganesh Himal (7422m) as we continue east towards Chumling, which lies in the Lower Tsum region.
After breakfast, we make our way to Chhokang Paro. This is an uphill trek, and we make a stop at Dumje village for lunch. Since we are at a high altitude, the temperature and climate also change. From Chhokang Paro, we can get a beautiful view of Shringi Himal (7161m) and the Ganesh Himal range. Overnight stay at Chhkangparo.
After breakfast, we make our way to the village of Nile. This trail is full of uphill and downhill sections, and we also pass through patches of forests, but the views along the way are worth it. The Nile is one of the last villages before we enter the upper Tsum region. The village of Nile is 20 minutes farther from Chule. On the way, we pass Piren Phu Cave and Burgi village. Overnight stay at the Nile.
Today, you will be heading to Mu Gompa, which is the highest altitude we will be going to in this trek. It is a short trek with only a small uphill climb. Mu Gompa lies close to the Nepal-Tibet border, and we can view the beautiful Mt. Manaslu (8163m) and the Tibetan plateaus from here. You can also witness the rich Tibetan culture in this area. Overnight stay at Mu Gompa.
Since we have been trekking through steep terrains and ridges, today, we will take a rest day at Mu Gompa to acclimatize with the environment. Since Mu Gompa is quite near the Tibetan border, you can explore the rich Tibetan culture this place offers. There is a famous 600-year old Dephu Doma Gompa, which is a short uphill climb that you must visit too. Towards the east and west of the Gompa, there are two passes: Mailatasachin pass (5093m) and Thapa Bhanjyang (5104m). You can hike to the basecamp of Pika Himal (5106m) as well.
After breakfast, you will make your descent back as you head towards Burgi Village. This trek is short, but the trail may get a bit steep and rocky. Burgi village has a majority of people who belong to Tsum or Nubri communities. So, you can explore their rich culture and tradition, and try their local cuisine in the evening. Overnight stay at Burgi Village.
After an early breakfast, we make our way back to Chumling. Again, this trail will have a series of uphill and downhill paths, but there is no change in the altitude. As we make our ways to lower Tsum, we get a final glimpse of Mt. Manaslu (8156m). We will reach Chumling in the late afternoon, and you can explore the village.
You will now begin your trek to the village of Philim. We will walk past forests of rhododendron and pines and also come across a lot of small waterfalls along the way. As you continue your way downhill, the climate starts getting warmer gradually, and the trail also gets easier. On your way to Philim, you come across villages like Lokpa and Dumje. Overnight stay at Philim.
After breakfast, we begin our trek to Khorlabesi. We have to make our way through several suspension bridges above the wide Budhi Gandaki River. You will pass through Jagat and the famous hot springs at Tatopani. You can take a long relaxing bath, after which we will make our way to Khorlabesi. Overnight stay at Khorlabesi.
Leaving Khorlabesi, we make our way back to Soti Khola. This will be the same trail that we used while climbing uphill, so; you can walk at your own pace. You can catch a glimpse of Ganesh Himal (7422m) while you are on your way. You will have to cross several long suspension bridges before you reach Soti Khola. Overnight stay at Soti Khola.
After breakfast, we make our way back to Arughat Bazaar. On our way there you will notice that forests start getting replaced by more civilization. You come across village settlements of Gurung and Magar communities before you finally reach Arughat Bazaar. You can explore the area in your leisure time. Overnight stay at Aarughat Bazaar.
After breakfast, you begin your drive back to Kathmandu via bus. On your way to Kathmandu, have a last glimpse at the beautiful landscapes, rough terrains, and streams before you reach Kathmandu in the late afternoon. Once you reach the hotel, you can get refreshed and stroll around the streets of Thamel and buy souvenirs. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner.
It will be our responsibility to ensure that you reach the airport on time so that you don’t miss your flight. Hoping to see you again, have a safe flight and Namaste!
Cost Includes
- 01: All arrival and departure transportation on private vehicles airport to
- hotel and vice versa.
- 02: On best Tourist Standard Hotels in Kathmandu on bed and
- breakfast basis, as well on twin sharing basis in hotel rooms.
- 03: Sightseeing tour if included on the itinerary, with expert guide and all
- entrance fees around places of interest.
- 04: Local transportation before and after the trek from Kathmandu.
- 05: Applicable special trekking permits for Restricted Area for both
- Manaslu & Tsum Valley. Includes MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area
- Project) fees for both Manaslu and Tsum Valley.
- For Manaslu Circuit Trekking also includes ACAP (Annapurna Conservation
- Area Project) fees.
- 06: Full board on trekking includes breakfast, lunch and dinner with twin room
- accommodation on the best lodge available on treks.
- 07: Wages, insurance, transportation allowance for guide, porters including
- meals and accommodation.
- 08: Comprehensive medical and First Aid kits in case of unfortunate illness.
Cost Excludes
- 01: Personal medical / travel insurance and Nepal entrance visa fees and
- International airfare.
- 02: Meals while in Kathmandu, expenses of personal nature drinks, laundry, and
- hard or soft drinks. Showers hot/cold during trekking and fees for using
- electronic items for charging in lodges on treks.
- 03: Emergency evacuation in case of unfortunate accidents, illness or personal
- problem using any means of fast transport including helicopter service.
- 04: Personal trekking gear, sleeping bags, and down jackets if not included in
- the trip package.
- 05: Early return from the trek due to illness, medical or personal problem no
- refund will be entertained. Which has to be claimed from your medical /
- travel insurance.
- 06: Single supplement in hotel rooms either in Kathmandu as well on trekking.
- At extra cost on top of the trip cost.
- 07: Gratitude or tipping of trekking staff and guide, drivers.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Upper Manaslu and Tsum valley fall within Restricted Areas, the upper Manaslu was open for trekkers from 1992 and Tsum Valley from 2002 onwards.
All foreign visitors require special permits to enter Tsum and Manaslu region from Jagat village onwards till Dharapani village at Manang Area.
Includes permit for MCA and ACAP (Manaslu Conservation Area & Annapurna Conservation Area Project).
The best time for Manaslu & Tsum Valley is spring from March to May, and autumn/fall begins from September to early November. These are the best times for pleasant walks and views but it could get snowfall sometimes. Much colder morning and evening, nighttime, but with clear sunny most of the days.
Walking ups and down with few flat sections, walk into lovely woods of rhododendron and pines. The trek leads to several nice villages adorned with ancient culture and heritage of Buddhism, visiting monasteries of great religious interest. Encountering friendly and cheerful villagers, cold morning and night time but with sunny clear days for excellent views of snow-capped peaks.
The trek starts from low at Machha-Khola village and high to Mu Gompa at 3,900 m as the trek progresses reaching above 3,000 m and crossing the most elevated point 5,106 on top Larke-La Pass.
Accommodation in local lodges is simple but nice, clean and cozy but smaller rooms. But at Dharmasala at the bottom of Larke-La pass, in peak season where some trekkers have to spend nights in tented camp. The foods are nice in most large villages lodge and guest house. Serving Continental, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan, and Nepal meals as per the menu provided. Some lodges also provide fresh bakery items also. The main preferred meal is Nepali Dal Bhat (boiled rice and lentil soup with seasonal vegetables and homemade hot sauce or mild pickle.
In large groups served set meals to make it easier as well to save time and fuel energy.
Every village has hydroelectricity power, and some smaller settlements like Dharmasala, Bhimthang, and Goha have solar energy as well as some village around Tsum Valley where trekkers can charge their electronic items by paying a fee per hour per item charged to the lodge owner.
Yes, nearly all villages provide hot or cold showers and bathe with hot water in a large bucket—extra charge for using the hot shower and bathing.
Only in main villages like Maccha-Khola, Jagat, and Nile, as well as Lo and Sama-Gaon villages. But sometimes due to landscapes wise entering deep valleys and gorges where internet services could be obstructed. But after Larke-La Pass on route Dharapani one can enjoy the services of internet and Wi-Fi.
As Tsum Valley and Manaslu circuit falls within the Restricted Area of Nepal, a special permit is required. Where solo trekkers are not allowed to need a minimum of 2-3 people for this trek. Requires to book with “Brown Bear Trails” minimum of one month or earlier at the best. Sending your passport details, and advance payment with a photocopy of Travel / Medical Insurance. The rest of the trip balance is to be paid on arrival in Kathmandu before trek departures.
