Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary
Nepal’s Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is an extraordinary journey that combines the beauty of the Manaslu region with the sacred and secluded Tsum Valley. This trek offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and challenging adventure, providing trekkers with an immersive experience in one of Nepal’s less-traveled areas. At Himalayan Social Journey, we are dedicated to creating unforgettable trekking experiences, and this detailed itinerary will help you prepare for the incredible Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
Overview of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek takes you around the majestic Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, and through the culturally rich Tsum Valley. This trek is a perfect choice for adventurers seeking solitude, spirituality, and breathtaking natural beauty. Unlike more popular treks in Nepal, this route remains relatively untouched, offering a peaceful and rewarding experience.
Highlights of the Trek:
➸ Stunning views of Mount Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal range.
➸ Cultural immersion in the Tibetan Buddhist traditions of the Tsum Valley.
➸ Exploration of ancient monasteries, chortens, and mani walls.
➸ Crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,160m).
➸ Witnessing diverse landscapes, from lush forests to high-altitude terrains.
Day-by-Day Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
➸ Activities: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Social Journey. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner. Spend the rest of the day resting or exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel.
➸ Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700m) – 8-9 hours
➸ Activities: Early morning, drive to Soti Khola via Arughat. The drive offers scenic views of rivers, terraced fields, and small villages. Soti Khola is the starting point of the trek.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Soti Khola.
Day 3: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (869m) – 6-7 hours
➸ Activities: The trek begins with a walk along the Budhi Gandaki River. You’ll pass through dense forests, picturesque waterfalls, and quaint villages. The trail is undulating, with both ascents and descents.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Machha Khola.
Day 4: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m) – 6-7 hours
➸ Activities: Continue trekking along the river, crossing several suspension bridges. The trail gradually ascends to the village of Jagat, where you will officially enter the Manaslu Conservation Area.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Jagat.
Day 5: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,240m) – 6-7 hours
➸ Activities: The trek from Jagat to Lokpa offers a mix of steep ascents and flat sections. You’ll pass through the village of Philim, a cultural gateway to the Tsum Valley. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Lokpa.
Day 6: Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m) – 5-6 hours
➸ Activities: Enter the Tsum Valley and trek to Chumling. The trail is a mix of uphill and downhill sections, with beautiful views of the Ganesh Himal. Chumling is the first village in the Tsum Valley, offering a glimpse into the unique culture of the region.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Chumling.
Day 7: Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,031m) – 5-6 hours
➸ Activities: Trek to Chhokang Paro, one of the largest villages in the Tsum Valley. The trail offers spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal range. You’ll also visit the Rachen Gompa, an important monastery in the region.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhokang Paro.
Day 8: Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile (3,361m) – 5-6 hours
➸ Activities: The trail to Nile is relatively easy, with gradual ascents. Along the way, you’ll pass through several traditional villages and ancient monasteries. Nile is the last village before the Tibetan border.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Nile.
Day 9: Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m) – 4-5 hours
➸ Activities: Trek to Mu Gompa, the highest point of the Tsum Valley. Mu Gompa is a sacred site, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the monastery and interact with the monks. The views from Mu Gompa are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Mu Gompa.
Day 10: Explore Mu Gompa and Trek Back to Chhokang Paro – 6-7 hours
➸ Activities: Spend the morning exploring Mu Gompa and its surroundings. Afterward, trek back to Chhokang Paro, retracing your steps through the beautiful Tsum Valley.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhokang Paro.
Day 11: Trek from Chhokang Paro to Lokpa – 6-7 hours
➸ Activities: Continue your descent from the Tsum Valley, trekking back to Lokpa. The trail offers a different perspective of the landscapes you traversed earlier.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Lokpa.
Day 12: Trek from Lokpa to Ghap (2,160m) – 6-7 hours
➸ Activities: Rejoin the Manaslu Circuit and trek to Ghap. The trail takes you through dense forests, crossing several streams and rivers. You’ll also pass through villages inhabited by the Gurung and Tibetan communities.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghap.
Day 13: Trek from Ghap to Lho (3,180m) – 6-7 hours
➸ Activities: Trek to Lho, a village offering stunning views of Mount Manaslu. The trail ascends through rhododendron forests and past mani walls and chortens. Lho is home to the Ribung Gompa, a significant monastery in the region.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Lho.
Day 14: Trek from Lho to Samagaon (3,530m) – 5-6 hours
➸ Activities: The trek to Samagaon is relatively short, allowing you to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Samagaon is the largest village in the Manaslu region, and you can explore the village and visit the Pungyen Gompa.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Samagaon.
Day 15: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon
➸ Activities: Spend the day acclimatizing in Samagaon. You can take a short hike to Manaslu Base Camp or explore the surrounding areas. This day is crucial for preventing altitude sickness as you prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Samagaon.
Day 16: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m) – 4-5 hours
➸ Activities: A short and easy trek to Samdo, a village located near the Tibetan border. The trail offers magnificent views of Manaslu and other surrounding peaks. In the afternoon, you can explore the village or take a short hike to acclimatize.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Samdo.
Day 17: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,460m) – 4-5 hours
➸ Activities: Trek to Dharmasala, the last stop before crossing the Larkya La Pass. The trail is relatively short, allowing you to rest and prepare for the challenging pass crossing the next day.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Dharmasala.
Day 18: Cross the Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and Trek to Bimthang (3,720m) – 8-9 hours
➸ Activities: This is the most challenging day of the trek as you cross the Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The pass offers stunning views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and other surrounding peaks. After crossing the pass, descend to Bimthang, where you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of Mount Manaslu.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Bimthang.
Day 19: Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m) – 5-6 hours
➸ Activities: Descend through lush forests and alpine meadows to the village of Tilije. The trail is scenic, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
➸ Accommodation: Teahouse in Tilije.
Day 20: Trek from Tilije to Dharapani and Drive to Besisahar – 6-7 hours
➸ Activities: Trek to Dharapani, where the trek officially ends. From Dharapani, drive to Besisahar, marking the end of your trekking adventure. Celebrate the completion of the trek with your fellow trekkers and guide.
➸ Accommodation: Hotel in Besisahar.
Day 21: Drive Back to Kathmandu – 6-7 hours
➸ Activities: After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the scenic drive, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve just completed. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner.
➸ Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 22: Departure from Kathmandu
➸ Activities: Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to explore Kathmandu. Our representative will transfer you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable journey with Himalayan Social Journey.
Why Choose Himalayan Social Journey?
At Himalayan Social Journey, we are committed to providing you with a trekking experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Our experienced guides, personalized itineraries, and dedication to responsible tourism ensure that your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek will be both safe and memorable. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a first-time adventurer, we tailor our treks to meet your needs, ensuring an unforgettable journey through the Himalayas.
Conclusion
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and challenging adventure. With a carefully planned itinerary and the support of Himalayan Social Journey, you can embark on this incredible trek with confidence. Whether you are seeking solitude, spiritual connection, or the thrill of high-altitude trekking, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Nepal’s Himalayas.