Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking
The Manaslu is the 8th highest peak on earth (8156m). Manaslu and Tsum Valley trekking takes you to the base camp of Manaslu.You will be circumambulating the Mt.manaslu.It is the less frequented route by the trekkers as compared to Annapurna or Everest.
Since 2010, the opening of numerous lodges below Larkya La has increased the number of tourists on the Manaslu and Tsum Valley trekking routes each year.
Tsum Valley, a remote and hidden Buddhist pilgrimage site also known as Beyul Kyimolung—the holy hidden treasure of happiness described by Guru Padmasambhava in the eighth century—remained a restricted area until authorities opened it for trekking in 2008. Surrounded by the Ganesh Himal, Siringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges, the valley showcases vibrant Tibetan culture, arts, and traditions.
Artistic chortens adorn the trails, and mani walls—built from thousands of stone slabs carved with deity images and inscribed prayers—line the paths. The famous Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya, serves as a renowned center for learning and meditation.
The valley is rich in wildlife where you can sight Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep in the group of 60-250 herds. Fishing & hunting is banned in Tsum Valley. The valley also boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Rachen Gumba and Mu Gumba, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley, and Gumba Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal.
Highlights
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Trek blends stunning nature with the deeply spiritual Tibetan Buddhist culture in one of the most ioslated regions of the Himalayas.
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Less crowded trails with ancient Buddhist stupas, prayer flags, and chortens.
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Crossing Larke La Pass (5,106 m), which is considered to be one of the most difficult and longest passes in the Himalayas.
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See glaciers, high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, and suspension bridges.
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Get first-hand experience of the fascinating mixture of the Tibetan Nupri and Gurung cultures.
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The trek is about 200 km long and can be covered in 17 to 21 days.
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Experience pure Tibetan Nupri and Gurung cultures.
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Walk along the trail of the less crowded and ancient Buddhist stupas, prayer flags, and chortens.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu. (1,310 meters/ 4600 feet)
Day 02: Drive to Machha Khola. (900 meters/ 2,953 feet)
Day 03: Trek to Jagat. (1,300 meters/ 4,265 feet)
Day 04: Trek to Lokpa. (2,040 meters/ 6,693 feet)
Day 05: Trek to Chumling. (2,386 meters/ 7,828 feet)
Day 06: Trek to Chhe Kampar. (2,860 meters/ 9,383 feet)
Day 07: Trek to Nele ( 3,360 meters/ 11,024 feet)
Day 08: Day trip to Mu Gompa and trek back to Nele. (Mu Gompa: Approx. 3,700 meters/ 12,139 feet)
Day 09: Trek back to Chhe Kampar. (2,860 meters/ 9,383 feet)
Day 10: Trek to Lokpa. (2,040 meters/ 6,693 feet)
Day 11: Trek to Deng. (1,860 meters/ 6,102 feet)
Day 12: Trek to Namrung. (2,630 meters/ 8,629 feet)
Day 13: Trek to Samagaon. (3,535 meters/ 11,598 feet)
Day 14: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon. (3,535 meters/ 11,598 feet)
Day 15: Trek to Samdo. (3,860 meters/ 12,664 feet)
Day 16: Trek to Dharamshala/ Larke Phedi. (4,460 meters/ 14,633 feet)
Day 17: Cross the Larke La Pass and Trek to Bimthang. (Larke La Pass 5,106 meters/ 16,752 feet, Bimthang 3,720 meters/ 12,205 feet)
Day 18: Trek to Tilije. (2,300 meters/ 7,546 feet)
Day 19: Trek to Dharapani and drive to Besisahar. (Dharapani 1,860 meters/ 6,102 feet; Besisahar 760 meters/ 2,493 feet)
Day 20: Drive Back to Kathmandu. (1,310 meters/ 4,600 feet)
Day 21: Departure From Kathmandu.(1,310 meters/ 4600 feet)
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu. (1,310 meters/ 4600 feet)
You will arrive at Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport. Once you finish immigration formalities, a representative from Planholidays will be there to pick you up. After your warm meet and greet, you will be taken to the hotel. Only a few basic activities are scheduled for this day, so depending on your arrival time. You can walk nearby areas to buy the essentials needed for the rest of the trekking days.
Altitude: 1,310 meters/ 4600 feet
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Drive to Machha Khola. (900 meters/ 2,953 feet)
Today after having your breakfast in Kathmandu, you will go for a scenic drive to Machha Khola. On the way, you will have an opportunity to watch rural Nepalese life, terraced fields, and the ride will be along the Budhi Gandaki River. In Machha Khola, you will stay in a hotel for the night, getting ready for our first day of trekking.
Distance covered: 160 km
Altitude: 900 meters/ 2,953 feet
Accommodation: Hotel and Lodge
Duration: 8-10 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Trek to Jagat. (1,300 meters/ 4,265 feet)
The trek started this morning. We are leaving Machha Khola and heading towards Jagat. After that, the trail will follow Budhi Gandaki River for some distance and will cross through forests, and suspension bridges. You will pass through small settlements, where locals live their typical lifestyle. The path will lead you up and down the hills as you head to the beautiful village of Jagat. It lies at the junction of Siyar Khola and Budi Gandaki rivers. You will spend the night at a local guesthouse.
Distance covered: 14-16 kilometers / 8.5-10 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 1,300 meters/ 4,265 feet
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Lokpa. (2,040 meters/ 6,693 feet)
The trek today will take you from Jagat to Lokpa, entering into the restricted Tsum Valley region. Where necessary, permits will be examined in the check post. The trail continues along the Budi Gandaki, where the beautiful sceneries and old-style villages are located. You will witness a gentle ascent with the dense green trees and the magnificent Himalayan foothills around you. Lokpa is a small village settlement that gives seer experience of culture and the architecture of the Tsum Valley. You will stay in a local teahouse overnight.
Distance covered: 12-14 kilometers / 7.5-8.5 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 2,040 meters/ 6,693 feet.
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Chumling. (2,386 meters/ 7,828 feet)
Our trek will be continued to Chumling, a major village in the lower Tsum Valley. The path we take today will be more uphill, going through pine forests, and also the views of the mountains are breathtaking. On your way, you will see mani walls and chortens, which indicate that we are in the Buddhist influenced region. Chumling is famous for its friendly atmosphere where the local community warmly welcomes the visitors. You will stay in a local guesthouse.
Distance covered: 15-17 kilometers / 9-10.5 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 2,386 meters/ 7,828 feet
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Chhe Kampar. (2,860 meters/ 9,383 feet)
Today our trail follows the way to Chhe Kampar, a charming village in the Tsum Valley. As you climb up the view of the mountains will be more dramatic and pass through different landscapes. The old stone house and farm lands show how eco friendly and isolated they are living in the valley. This place will be the stay for the night in a local tea house.
Distance covered: 12-14 kilometers / 7.5-8.5 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 2,860 meters/ 9,383 feet.
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Nele ( 3,360 meters/ 11,024 feet)
You will be moving up the Tsum Valley to Nele. The path will be less accessible, and the atmosphere will be lighter as you go higher. The sceneries will be less vegetated and more spectacular, and the peaks that surround will be towering. Nele is a tiny village that lets you see the life of people living at a high altitude and is an excellent location from where we can have the tour of Mu Gompa. We will be staying overnight in a local guesthouse there.
Distance covered: 10-12 kilometers / 6-7.5 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 3,360 meters/ 11,024 feet
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day trip to Mu Gompa and trek back to Nele. (Mu Gompa: Approx. 3,700 meters/ 12,139 feet)
The day is all about Mu Gompa exploration. It is the oldest and one of the most impressive monasteries of Tsum Valley. After an early start, you will be trekking to Mu Gompa and be amazed by the breathtaking high-altitude views. The time will be allowed to visit around the monastery, communicate with the monks, and immerse deeply in the vibe. In the afternoon, you will be hiking down to Nele for our overnight stay. This day is crucial for the acclimatization process.
Distance covered: 14-16 kilometers / 8.5-10 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude: Nele: 3,360 meters/ 11,024 feet; Mu Gompa: 3,700 meters/ 12,139 feet. Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek back to Chhe Kampar. (2,860 meters/ 9,383 feet)
Today, you begin your descent back down the Tsum Valley, retracing our steps towards Chhe Kampar. The downhill trek offers different perspectives of the landscapes we ascended earlier. You will enjoy the relatively easier walk and the familiar surroundings as you return to Chhe Kampar for another night in a local teahouse.
Distance covered: 8- 10 kilometers / 5-6 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 2,860 meters/ 9,383 feet
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Lokpa. (2,040 meters/ 6,693 feet)
Your journey continue on this trail, descending from Chhe Kampar to Lokpa. The path is mostly downhill and will be less tiring than other days of your trek. You will see the villages and landscapes through which you passed on your way up, but you will have different sightseeing on your descent. You will rest in Lokpa, ready to continue your trek on the Manaslu Circuit trail.
Distance covered: 12-14 kilometers / 7.5-8.5 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 2,040 meters/ 6,693 feet.
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Deng. (1,860 meters/ 6,102 feet)
Today, we say goodbye to the Tsum Valley and come back to the Manaslu Circuit trail, heading to Deng. On the way, we will have to deal with some ups and downs as we go over the land. As we move ahead, we will see the surroundings change and get ready to experience the topography of Manaslu region. We plan to stay in a local guesthouse in Deng, a small village, for the night.
Distance covered: 16-18 kilometers / 10-11 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 1,860 meters/ 6,102 feet.
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Namrung. (2,630 meters/ 8,629 feet)
Today’s trek to Namrung where you keep going up in a steady manner. The trail exposes you to the beautiful view of the snow-covered peaks of the Manaslu range. You will be passing the forests of rhododendron and pine, and crossing the streams. Namrung is a bigger village with scenic views and a nice place to stay overnight in a local teahouse.
Distance covered: 2-14 kilometers / 7.5-8.5 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 2,630 meters/ 8,629 feet
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Samagaon. (3,535 meters/ 11,598 feet)
Today, you will hike to a village named Samagaon located in the upper Manaslu area. It is considered as the starting point of the base camp. Along the way, the hill becomes steeper with incredible views of the mountains around you, including Manaslu. You will pass remote villages and see how the Gurung people live and their customs. Samagaon, where you will stay for two nights, is a big village. The day is important for acclimatization.
Distance covered: 15-17 kilometers / 9-10.5 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 3,535 meters/ 11,598 feet.
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Acclimatization Day at Samagaon. (3,535 meters/ 11,598 feet)
Today is a very important day for acclimatization to the higher altitude. You will be spending the day in Samagaon, taking it easy and allowing your body to adjust to the environment. And if you happen to have some energy left, you can go for a short walk to a viewpoint or a monastery. The rest day here is very important for the following days of trekking to be safe and fun.
Distance covered: Varies based on optional hikes.
Time Duration: Full Day
Altitude: 3,535 meters/ 11,598 feet.
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Samdo. (3,860 meters/ 12,664 feet)
After the acclimatization day, you will move on to Samdo, a village near the Tibetan border. The path will be short today leaving us with a gradual increase of altitude. Suddenly,the surrounding nature will look more alpine. You will notice the cultural influences of this high-altitude settlement. From Samdo, the views of the surrounding mountain peaks are amazing. It is an ideal place to acclimatize before heading up to the Larke La Pass. You will stay overnight at a local guesthouse.
Distance covered: 8-10 kilometers / 5-6 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 3-4 hours
Altitude: 3,860 meters/ 12,664 feet.
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Dharamshala/ Larke Phedi. (4,460 meters/ 14,633 feet)
Today, you will trek to Dharamsala, which is also called Larke Phedi, the last village before the Larke La Pass crossing. The path goes up through lifeless areas and high mountain plants. The views get more and more spectacular as you get closer to the pass’s foot. Dharmasala is only a basic facilities shelter, and you will be staying there overnight. Be prepared for crossing the Larke La Pass.
Distance covered: 6-8 kilometers / 3.7-5 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 4,460 meters/ 14,633 feet.
Accommodation: Basic Guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Cross the Larke La Pass and Trek to Bimthang. (Larke La Pass 5,106 meters/ 16,752 feet, Bimthang 3,720 meters/ 12,205 feet)
This day is the hardest one of your trekking journey as you make your way over the stunning Larke La Pass. You will start to trek in early to be safe from the strong winds and possible snow. The climb to the pass is pretty steep and hard, but the amazing views from the top are unforgettable. After a short time in the stunning nature, you will embark on a long and often steep descent to Bimthang. It is a valley with nice views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and other peaks. You will be staying overnight at a local guesthouse.
Distance covered: 15-17 kilometers / 9-10.5 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 8-9 hours
Altitude: Larke La Pass: 5,106 meters/ 16,752 feet; Bimthang: 3,720 meters/ 12,205 feet. Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Tilije. (2,300 meters/ 7,546 feet)
After crossing at a very high altitude, today’s trek is a nice descent down to Tilije. The path goes through rhododendron and oak forests, and we will see the change in trees as we descend down. Tilije is a beautiful village where we will stay overnight at a local guesthouse.
Distance covered: 15-17 kilometers / 9-10.5 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 2,300 meters/ 7,546 feet
Accommodation: Lodge and Tea house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Dharapani and drive to Besisahar. (Dharapani 1,860 meters/ 6,102 feet; Besisahar 760 meters/ 2,493 feet)
On the last day of trekking, we will head off to Dharapani, where you will get back to the Annapurna Circuit trail. A private vehicle can take you on a wonderful drive from Dharapani to Besisahar, the place where the classic Annapurna Circuit starts. We will spend the night in a hotel in Besisahar, thus our Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek coming to an end.
Distance covered: 8-10 kilometers / 5-6 miles (estimated).
Time Duration: Trek 3-4 hours, Drive 3-4 hours.
Altitude: Dharapani: 1,860 meters/ 6,102 feet; Besisahar: 760 meters/ 2,493 feet. Accommodation: Hotel in Besisahar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Drive Back to Kathmandu. (1,310 meters/ 4,600 feet)
Today, you will have one last magnificent driving trip back to Kathmandu. You will be able to see a lot between the lower hills and the busy Kathmandu Valley. When you get to Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotel for some rest and relaxation after your incredible trek.
Distance covered: 170-200 kilometers / 105-124 miles (estimated)
Time Duration: 6-7 hours drive
Altitude: 1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast.
Departure From Kathmandu.(1,310 meters/ 4600 feet)
Our representative would like to thank you for your great support during the trek and to say goodbye. The staff, who will be at the hotel during the check-out time, will be there to see you off to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight. After reaching home you are accompanied by memories of the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek that will always stay with you.
Distance covered: 6 kilometers/ 3.7 miles.
Time Duration: 45 minutes via private car/ Jeep.
Altitude: 1,310 meters/ 4600 feet.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Cost
- Accommodations 3 Nights in Kathmandu in 3-star hotels on bed & breakfast
- All transportations by private transfer
- Accommodations and Food in the lodges during trekking with
- 1 Trekking Guide
- 1 Porter
- Insurances to staff
- Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu
- Insurances
- Evacuation cost
- Personal expenses
- Extra beverages / Hot showers
Reviews
Simply put “WOW”.
Simply put “WOW”. I have never met more responsible people in my life. They made sure every step of the way was taken care of from the drivers, tour guides, trek guides, porters and hotel accommodations. I highly recommend this company for its hard working, responsible and friendly people. The people make a company. Special thanks to: Anuja “the planner”, Chitiz & Ashmir “the ultimate trekking guides” and finally Robin “the enthusiastic jungle bird watcher”.
Nick Devincenzo
San Diego, CaliforniaPlan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip!
Plan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip! We did the trip that included time in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park and a 5-day trek around Annapurna. From the moment we stepped off the plane, we had guides showing us around and everything was perfectly planned for us. Maila, our trekking guide was amazing and had so much knowledge! It was a great trip!
Autumn Wonderlich
Boston, MassachusettsIncredibly well organized
This company was amazing. Incredibly well organized. I felt safe and spoiled. Our airport transports were always early and waiting for us. All of our reservations for our accommodations and busses were perfect. The temple tour we took was super fun and educational. Some of our luggage got stuck in our layover country and between this travel agency and our hotel they were able to get it for us and deliver it the next day. We also had a 10month old traveling with us and they made sure that our accommodation and travel plans were safe for him. During our 5 days of trekking, we had THE BEST guide/sherpa. I would positively let them plan another trip for us. Thank you!!!!
Email: https://facebook.com/karenk2000
Karen Graves
CaliforniaA wonderful trip
Thank you so much!!!!
We had a wonderful trip!!! And you were always there to help or guide us as needed! I hope we can have fun together again!!!!!
Janet Spencer
West Jordan, UtahNice trip to Nepal
Nice trip in Nepal organized by Plan Holidays Travel! Guide and Porter were great.
Michael Worcestar
Plan Holidays is the best company
Plan Holidays is the best company with wonderful staff members and Guide was incredible an genuinely cared for our welfare. It was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal. All of my thanks to Managing Director Mr. Kala Dhar Baral and the professional team members of Plan Holidays.
Samuel idas
Great Job
Plan Holidays did a great job on the organization of this wonderful journey! We all had a great time, it was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal.
Aleksandra Perr/Peter Babivskiy
I had a wonderful experience
I recently booked a tour with Plan Holidays, and I had a wonderful experience. Anuja scheduled the tour, and it was comforting to have our trip covered without any concerns. Our guide Shiva took us through Kathmandu, and showed all us the highlights of the city and provided us with the cultural and historical background. We also did the Poon Hill Trek with guides Chitiz and Ashmir, who provided a peaceful hike through the Himalayas. On our last two days, we spent time in Chitwan National Park, where our guide, Robin, took us on adventures where we saw crocodiles and rhinos.
The entire package was affordable, and our guides met our every need; they went out of their way for us on many occasions. It was comforting to get off the bus and see our guides waiting for us with our name tags. I would highly encourage anyone to book a trip through this company. I promise that you will have an amazing experience–five stars!
Brendan Praniewicz
San Diego, California
