Manaslu Tsum valley trek - 18 Days, Itinerary, Cost, Permits

After breakfast, a 70km scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway through forested middle hill takes us to Malekhu. Then 30km secondary tarred road towards north along the Trisuli River, followed by rutted 35km dirt road northwest to Arughat on the Budhi Gandaki. A further 3-hour drive up the west bank of the river takes us to Machha Khola. Overnight Machha Khola.

The trail is pretty simple on this day as we encounter moderate climbs.

We will pass through a forest and will cross several suspension bridges. We will also come across pasture lands and terraced fields. We will finally reach Dovan.

After some hours of walk, we will reach the village of Khorla Besi. After a gentle incline, we will head to Tatopani. Tatopani has natural hot springs; if you are interested, you can spend some quality time here.

We will continue with our journey and then cross a ridge and cross another, the suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki river. We will then head to Dobhan, and after crossing this village, we will encounter another suspension bridge and find the Yaru river below us.

Then we will walk down a steep decline until we reach the banks of Budhi Gandaki and finally reach Jagat.

We will head to the famous town of Chisopani on this day. The trail will first lead us through Salleri and then to Sirdibas through a narrow path. Then after a slight climb from Sirdibas, we will reach Ghatta Khola.

While on our way, we will also see the beautiful mountain ranges and then reach Lokpa.

After Lokpa, we will make descend to Lungwa Khola. The trail is narrow and confusing for a while, and we will again climb to Gumlung.

After Gumlung, the trail is pretty straightforward, and we will reach Chumling, a beautiful village.

After breakfast, we take a northward trail through lush grasses and rise up to the village of Chisopani and then continue towards the millet fields of Ekle Bhatti. We then gently climb down beneath a stunning waterfall into a gorge below and a confluence before “New Bridge”: from where the trail splits. We take the right trail via a well-graded, exposed, and zigzag path through blue pines and rhododendrons to Lokpa and the narrow Lower Tsum Valley. The Tsum region shelters 4,000 people in 18 different villages. Then we drop down through the lush forest, crossing small streams before making a long and steep climb up the south side of Siyar Khola gorge that flows the Tsum valley. Next, we descend to Gumlung and Siyar Khola before crossing a suspension bridge to do a final climb to the gentler narrow trail to Chumling. The houses are classic Tibetan but built with sloping roofs to avoid rain and snow. Overnight in Chumling.

After breakfast, we continue beyond Chumling and cross the suspension bridge into a new forest, grown over a landslide. We then pass a small water-operated prayer wheel on a “Nepal Flat” path through a lush forest. Here we can witness abundant white-faced langurs. We further move towards the Tanju and small Damphe Gompa, which houses hundreds of small ceramic statues of Chenresig (the symbol of Compassion). As we continue forward, we reach Dumje, which serves a superb view of the Ganesh Himal and Baudha Peak.

Further beyond is Rainjam farm, from where we drop down to cross the river of Sarphu Khola. We then make 2.5 hours climb on a well-graded but exposed track to the Upper Tsum Valley. Chortens are built amidst Chhokang and Paro village: which is a combined form is known as Chhekampar (place of wisdom). The valley is broad, but the houses are stacked nearby the cliff to allow full space to cultivate barley, maize, buckwheat, and potatoes. We can see herds of Tahr frequently grazing on a high slope to the north. Overnight in Chhekampar

Today is a relatively short and more accessible day: with so much to explore on a broad valley floor on both sides of the river. Exploration of sights is divided into two days: To the north part of the river, from Chhekampar, we walk past the school at Kaya and reach the cousin village of Ngakyu and Leru. The magnificent Rachen Nunnery stands across the river. The trail then climbs to a small ridge decorated with chortens before Lama Gaon. Next, we continue towards the village of Burji and within its vicinity is Milarepa’s cave, nestled at the edge of Langju Himal. At Milerapa Cave, we can discover the Milarepa’s footprint and a rock-shaped elephant.

Further east of the cave is the retreat monastery Chi Phu that is nestled at the slopes higher up the Langju Himal. The trail then crosses the river and joins the trail from Rachen Gompa to the Nile before Phurbe. To the south part of the river, we cross the bridge to the southeast bank of the river and continue northeast to Rachen, Nile, and onto Tibet. The Rachen Nunnery, which was built in 1905, is surrounded by spacious walls, and the interior is decorated with murals showcasing the history of Buddhism. The nunnery belongs to Ngak-pa Sect, which strictly prohibits animal slaughter. Further is the village of Phurbe, and little beyond is Pangdun, which Gompa has a large prayer wheel. Beyond Pangdun, the trail zigzags to the north to reach the impressive entrance gate to the village of Chhule shortly before the unusual round stupa. About half an hour walk to the south is the Gonhgye Monastery (two-story 700 years old Gompa); with appealing mountain views. Beyond the Gompa, the trail crosses the tributary with stunning waterfalls ahead and then crosses the Siyar Khola back to the west bank. A final short climb takes us to the Nile. Overnight in the Nile

Today after having breakfast at Nile village, you will be back to Chumling. Today you will be walking for approximately 6-7 hours. You will retrace the trail and pass through Rachen Gompa. After some additional walk, you will finally reach Chumling.

Today we follow the trail that leads us down to the Deng. The trail leads us down to the confluence with the Manaslu trail. We then cross the Budhi Gandaki River and continue through the narrow gorge with several ups and downs. We cross the river several times, and after the suspension bridge, we enter into a bamboo forest before rising to the village of Deng. Deng is populated by Gurungs who follow the practices of Buddhism.

After the early morning breakfast, we will start our trek by crossing the east bank and corves up to Rana. A short series of vertical ups and downs lead to another bridge tributary crossing a secluded mill before descending to the Bihi Phedi. You will then pass through the forest and mani walls, where we turn towards a corner that contours to Ghap. After some hours of additional trek, you will reach Namrung.

Namrung is the entrance point to the Upper Nupri region, which is inhabited by Tibet and speaks a different dialect of western Tibet. They trade across the passes from Tibet. The trail continues through a mixed forest and extensive barley fields: guarded by bear watchers (simple guard towers dot fields from Bihi Phedi to Shrip). In Lihi, we can see the array of houses grouped in a single shingled roof. There are many impressive chortens with astounding Himal Chuli (7,893m/25,897ft) to the south. To the east is Ganesh Himal. The trail then descends and enters a side-valley to cross the Hinang Khola. Next, it climbs up to the chorten from where the impressive view of Nagdi Chuli to the side-valley walls. The trail further climbs with great views on the way to Shrip, passing a large prayer wheel. On the way up to Lho, we get the first glimpse of Manaslu (8th highest peak0, Manaslu North, and Naike Peak. A steep climb takes us to the hilltop village of Lho. Overnight in Lho

The Budi Gandaki appears far below in the valley north of the trail. The trail follows the long mani wall out of Lho before descending steeply to cross the Damonan Khola tributary. We can make a side excursion to Pungen Glacier from here we can enjoy the great views of Manaslu. We follow the lateral moraine of Pungen Glacier toward Samagaon Overnight in Samagaon.

Sama is the regional center of Nupri. Today we explore the architecture and customs of Sama Gaon: potatoes, barley, and buckwheat are grown in a short growing season. The Labrang (Lama’s Place) Gompa in the lower village and the Kargyu Chholing Monastery are built some 500 years back when Tibetans inhabited the region. The architecture of the monastery is unique, with alluring woodwork. There are eight temples: the largest Pemba Chholing Gompa houses the large statue of Guru Rinpoche. We can hike a little further to Birendra Tal (3,450m), located beyond the astonishing Manaslu Glacier. Overnight in Sama Gaon.

Today we drop down to Budhi Gandaki and walk past the lake and several mani walls. The walk further is easy through the juniper and birch forest that surrounds Kermo Khara. The trail again drops down to Budhi Gandaki and crosses a wooden bridge before making a steep climb on a ridge above the juncture of the river with Mayol Khola. From here, we climb to the stone arch and further to the field before a white Kani at the entrance to the village: an attractive, cold, yak and goat herding area. A zigzag up yak track with the view of Samdo Peak leads us to Samdo. Overnight in Samdo.

Today we drop down to the northern village and cross the Budhi Gandaki for the last time to reach the Larkya Bazaar. Wen then follows the westward trail on a grassy slope forested with scrub juniper, rhododendron, and lichen. On the way, we get the sight of Manaslu's northern ridge. Further, we walk gradually to the valley towards the Larkya Glacier beyond the impressive Larkya La Phedi called Dharmasala. Dharmasala is the base camp Larkya La Pass. Here we overnight in a guesthouse built with stones. The guesthouse has a small kitchen and dining room with 15 double rooms, two tunnel tents, each with eight cramped beds. Overnight in Dharamsala.

Today is the day that we have been desperately waiting for. We ascend for 3 -5 to reach the summit and descend 3 – 4 hours to Bimthang. We walk amidst of cold and windy climate. From Dharamsala, we climb gently to a ridge followed by a long but gradual climb to the vast and jumbled moraine. A short ascend takes us to an ablation valley, and a small drop takes us to the first of the four small scattered frozen lakes. A gentle climb to the left of glacial moraine and final ascend takes us to the first set of summit flags. On the way, we get a superb view of Pawar Himal and Samdo Peak. We further continue along the long moraine ridge to reach the second set of flags and stunning views ahead. Here we get the mesmerizing views of Pawar Peak, Cheo Himal, the Himlung Pyramid, Kang Garu, Gyaji Kung, and Annapurna II. The drop starts from the summit to the moraine and then goes through the scree slopes down to the Dangboche Kharka. From Dangboche Kharka, we follow the winding trail on a lateral moraine of Bhimthang Glacier to reach the picturesque Bimthang valley. To the north is Kechakyu Himal and the majestic Manaslu northeast face rises to the east. Overnight in Bimthang

After breakfast, we take an early morning jeep drive through the bumpy road to Besi Sahar and then drive further via the paved road back to Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.