Tsum Valley Trek (with Manaslu Circuit) 24 Days

Breakfast at the hotel, the guide is already on standby in the lobby, meet him and start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered as World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath), and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Our agency briefs you regarding trek as well as provides you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding your great trek to Tsum valley. Overnight at the hotel.    

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BB
• Place: Kathmandu
• Maximum Altitude:1,350m

We leave Kathmandu early in the morning by private vehicle. It is a countryside drive with several glimpses of mountain peaks. After exiting the Kathmandu valley we drive along the Prithivi Highway (the road to Pokhara). We turn off to head north following Buri Gandaki to Arughat Bazaar. After Dhading Besi the road is not hard-topped. It is likely to be quite dusty in the vehicle so it is a good idea to bring a mask or scarf along with you. The road extends beyond Arughat so these days we continue the drive further up the valley. We change to local jeeps for the drive to Soti Khola. Now this village is a better trailhead than Arughat as it saves a day walking along the dusty road. Overnight at guesthouse.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Soti Khola
• Maximum Altitude:700m

The trail heads north following the Buri Gandaki River. We trek through terraced fields and forests with troops of monkeys. After Soti Khola the trail follows the valley sides and then descends later to walk along the river. There is an ascent to the village of Machi Khola. During the months of April, May, and early October it will very hot and humid. Temperatures are often more than 30 Degrees Celsius for the first two days of the trek. These dates are the optimal conditions for crossing the high pass. Please be aware of the hot start to the trek. It is important to bring plenty of water, wear a sun hat and apply sun cream. Overnight at guesthouse.   

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Machi Khola
• Maximum Altitude:930m

The trail follows the Buri Gandaki River hiking up and down ridges. We pass through the beautiful villages of Khorlabesi and Tatopani. After crossing the bridge over to the east bank of Buri Gandaki we hike through the forest to Dobhan. Further along, the trail crosses the bridge over the Yaru Khola river. Shortly after we cross another hanging bridge over Buri Gandaki to Jagat village. Overnight at guesthouse.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Jagat
• Maximum Altitude:1440m

After Jagat we cross a bridge over Dudh Pokhari khola. We trek through the villages of Salleri and Sirdibas. The trail then descends to cross the bridge over Buri Gandaki to the larger village of Philim. At Philim there is a checkpoint to enter Tsum Valley where the authorities check our trekking permits. We continue to Lokpa located above the confluence of Buddhi Gandaki and Siyar Khola. Overnight at guesthouse. 

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Lokpa
• Maximum Altitude:2240m

We trek along the south bank of Siyar Khola on a rolling path through the lush and refreshing forest. We cross bridges over tributaries Lungwa Khola and Sarli Khola. Later on, we cross another bridge over Siyar Khola to the North bank. After this bridge, there is a hike up to Chumling where we stay for the night. Overnight at guesthouse.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Chumling
• Maximum Altitude:2385m

The route stays on the North bank of Siyar Khola. We cross bridges over the rivers of Udilu khola, Samatikring khola and Sarpu khola. We hike through the village of Gho then further uphill to the village of Chhokang Paro. Overnight at guesthouse. 

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Chhokang Paro
• Maximum Altitude:3030m

The route continues along the North of Siyar Khola where the valley is now much wider than before. We walk through the villages of Phurbe and Pangdun before continuing to the Nile where we stay for the night. Overnight at guesthouse. 

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Nile
• Maximum Altitude:3360m

We follow the route up to Mu Gompa and explore the monastery. Drupa Rinpoche established Mu Gompa. He was a Bhutanese lama who meditated in the caves close to the current location of the monastery. Mu Gompa is at an altitude of 3700m located in a position surrounded by the high Himalayas. There are options for hikes above the monastery to get views of the valley. Overnight at guesthouse.  

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Mu Gompa
• Maximum Altitude:3700m

In the morning we can walk further up the valley to the villages of Kalung and Bhajyo. In the afternoon we descend to Rachen Gompa. This nunnery is well worth visiting to see their Buddhist thanka murals. Overnight at guesthouse. 

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Rachen Nunnery
• Maximum Altitude:3240m

We descend down the same trail to Chumling village. Overnight at guesthouse. 

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Chumling
• Maximum Altitude:2385m

From Chumling we descend to Lokpa village. We then cross the bridge over Buri Gandaki to join the main Manaslu Circuit trail up to Deng village. We enter Deng through a Buddhist stone arch known as a Kani. Overnight at guesthouse. 

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Deng
• Maximum Altitude:1860m

A short distance out of Deng, the trail crosses back over the Buri Gandaki onto what is now its north bank near Rana. From the bridge, the route climbs a little before heading west on level ground. Shortly after we pass a large waterfall. Once over a wooden bridge, the trail contours up and out of the canyon. We hike high above the river before dropping into the Shringi Khola valley. After the suspension bridge over the Shringi Khola, there is a steep climb. The route traverses along the Buri Gandaki as it flows between vertical walls of rock. After a few more ups and downs through forests, the trail turns a corner and arrives at Ghap. We enter through an intricate Kani with well-preserved paintings and an elegant mani wall. After leaving Ghap, we pass more mani walls on the southern side of the river. We trek through a forest and the trail climbs along the river. We pass a waterfall and continue through fir and rhododendron. The trail climbs and finally, we enter Namrung through another stone archway. Overnight at guesthouse. 

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Namrung
• Maximum Altitude:2540m

Not long after leaving Namrung we arrive to Banjam with its wide fields. Soon after Banjam the trail steepens as we walk up to the next village of Lihi with a fine view of Ganesh Himal. A further hour along the trail we arrive at Sho and then followed by another hour to Lho. From this village, there are views of Mount Manaslu and the Kutang Himal. After leaving Lho the next village is Shyala. This place is on a plateau then after we cross a bridge over Numla Khola. After crossing a boulder field, the trail emerges to the fields near Samagaon village. There is a lot to explore here, it is known as a little Tibet with many gompas and a traditional Tibetan village. Overnight at guesthouse.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Samagaon
• Maximum Altitude:3450m

We spend two nights at Samagaon to help acclimatize to the high altitude. There are several options for good day hikes. One of them is to walk towards Manaslu Base Camp with views of Manaslu and Peak 29. We can also hike up to Phung Gyen Monastery located on a ridge above the village. Overnight at guesthouse.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Samagaon
• Maximum Altitude:3450m

We follow the Buri Gandaki northwards to a bridge over a side stream. We follow the trail passing several Mani walls on the trail towards Samdo. The valley widens and there is a juniper and birch forest. After passing the stone huts at Kermo Kharka, we descend off a shelf to cross a wooden bridge. We climb up between a fork in the river to a promontory. From this vantage point, one can see the white stone kani marking the entrance to Samdo. Overnight at guesthouse. 

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Samdo
• Maximum Altitude:3850m

We spend two nights here Samdo to help with acclimatization before ascending to Larkya La. There is a good day hike towards Gya La which is the trading pass with Tibet. There are blue sheep in this area so look out for these on the grassy slopes. Overnight house.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Samdo
• Maximum Altitude:3850m

We leave Samdo and start the ascent to the Larkya La pass. We descend through fields to an old Mani wall and stone arch. After dropping at the river we cross over on a wooden bridge. This place shows up on maps as the mythical Larke Bazaar. This used to be a flourishing market, but there is nothing remaining there now. Another Mani wall marks the beginning of the ascent to the pass. The trail climbs through the tundra and juniper. We can see the Larkya Glacier coming from Manaslu from here. We stay on the ridge to the right to find a trail that crosses over the top of two ravines. The trail becomes steeper and ascends up the side of a gorge to a viewpoint at the edge of a huge gorge at 4,000m. Near Larkye Glacier, we reach Larkye Phedi, where there is a small lodge. This is basic accommodation built for trekkers crossing the Larke La.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Larkya Phedi
• Maximum Altitude:4450m

Today, we start our journey a bit early, we follow the trail up a long gentle climb across the moraine. We descend a short way to a lake. Then it becomes rough and indistinct as it crosses to the south of steep grassy slopes. The trail stays on the moraine to a ridge marked by two cairns. From here we can see the prayer flags marking the Larkya La pass. We descend to four frozen lakes then make the final steep climb to the pass. The summit of Larkya La pass is at 5210m. The view of the Himalayas is superb and Mount Manaslu is Centre stage. The conditions for crossing the pass vary depending on the time of year. We include micro crampons, gaiters and walking poles in our kit list. You will use this equipment if the pass is icy and slippery. On the descent from the pass, the trail follows the top of the moraine. We make a set of steep, rough switchbacks as we cross the moraine. Then we descend a less steep slope on loose gravel to another grassy moraine at 4450m. The trail now becomes easier to follow and reaches a small meadow and spring at 4080m. The valley becomes wider as the trails head down to a large meadow. We pass a Mani wall then enter the cluster of lodges at Bimthang at an altitude of 3600m. Overnight at guesthouse.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Bimthang
• Maximum Altitude:5210m / 3600m

From Bimthang the trail drops to a glacial stream and these are the headwaters of the Dudh Khola. We cross a wooden bridge and descend into pine and rhododendron forest to Hompuk at 3430m. The trail improves as it descends to a fork in the river and then follows the river at 3030m. Not far from here you reach Karche's fenced fields. We cross a landslide before making a steep climb to a ridge decorated with prayer flags. We make a descent to the river bank at Gho. The trail continues through fields and intermittent stands of rhododendron and oak. We arrive at the large Gurung village of Tilje. We exit the village through a stone arch and cross the Dudh Khola. We follow along its embankment descending through the scrub forest. We see the walls of the Marsyangdi Valley and finally, the houses of Dharapani appear in the distance. We pass through Thonje via a wooden bridge and through a chorten-shaped arch. Then Dharapani lies across a long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi. Overnight at guesthouse.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Dharapani
• Maximum Altitude:1850m

After Dharapani we are now on the popular Annapurna Circuit. The trail now follows this classic trek in reverse. We walk through the steepest part of the Marsyangdi gorge. We follow Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT) away from the road on the other side of the valley. Our trek ends in Jagat as it is now possible to take jeeps from this village along the road to Besisahar. Overnight at guesthouse.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Jagat
• Maximum Altitude:1440m

From Jagat, we take jeeps along the road to Besisahar. In this small town, we switch Jeeps to private vehicles and we will arrive back in Kathmandu in the late evening. Overnight at the hotel. 

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Besisahar / Kathmandu
• Maximum Altitude:1350m

Transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight back home. End of the trip.