• Duration:22 Nights 23 Days
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude: 5213m
  • Group Size: 1-12
  • Activity: Hiking & Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking is an exciting and challenging trek into remote regions of Nepal where few travelers have reached. North of the Manaslu Circuit Trail is the magnificent Tsum Valley where time seems to have stood still for centuries. The eighth century Guru Rimpoche called it 'Beyul Kyimolung', meaning, ‘the holy hidden valley of happiness’.

The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking, starts at Arughat Bazaar, the same as for the Annapurna Circuit Trekking. The Manaslu Circuit Trekking passes through small Hindu villages surrounded by green terraced fields. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River to its glacial head waters, high in the Himalaya. There are stunning views of Mt. Manaslu. While on the Manaslu Circuit Trail there are cozy tea-houses for accommodation. The trail to Tsum valley branches off the Manaslu Circuit toward the north. As you follow the rugged, steep narrow trails through pine and rhododendron forests, deep gorges, clear glacial rivers, waterfalls and hot springs you will be convinced that it is indeed the 'holy hidden valley of happiness'.

  1. geographically isolated Tsum Valley stretches up to the border of Tibet. This isolated valley is a sanctuary for ancient Tibetan Buddhism which in turn prohibits hunting, making this area a natural wildlife sanctuary. Development projects have not touched this area, but the upside of this is that the inhabitants though very poor, have a rich culture that has been preserved for centuries. This fascinating land has a wealth of centuries-old monasteries, gompas, chortens, and mani walls. Some of the ancient Buddhist Gompas of the region include the Milarepa's Cave, Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa. Another highlight of the trek is the long grueling ascent on rough, exposed terrain to Larkya La, 5215 m, known as 'victory hill'. view from the top of Larkya La is stunning; you are surrounded by snowy giants of the Himalayas.

There are no guest-houses in the Tsum Valley, as few trekkers have ever reached there, but the friendly villagers open their homes for home-stay, which is the perfect way to get in inside look at their way of life and their ancient Tibetan-Buddhist traditions. You will be welcomed with Tibetan hospitality and served Tibetan butter tea and simple local food.
 

Highlights of Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking

  • few trekkers venture into the remote Tsum Valley
  • ancient trading route with Tibet
  • remote villages of Tsum Valley with ancient Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan-Buddhist culture of the indigeonous Tsumba community
  • experience a (likely snow-covered) Himalayan high pass, Larkya La, 5213m, and impressive views of Himlung Himal, 7125m, Cheo Himal, 6820m, Kang Guru, 6981m, and Annapurna II, 7939m
  • magnificent views of mountains on Nepal-Tibet border: Himalchuli, 7893m, Shringi Himal, 7187m, Ngadichuli, 7871m and Manaslu, 8163m.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. In the airport, after completing the visa formalities collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be met by our representative carrying your name on a signboard as well as our company signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. You will be taken to your hotel in our vehicle, where you will be staying before commencing the trip.

  • Hotel

The Managing Director of our company will be there to meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. Afterward, you are free to relax or explore around the city. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it. Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley are also an option.

  • Breakfast and Welcome Dinner
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Hotel

We pass through a forested area as we approach Dovan. From the trail, you will be able to see the huge rapids at BudhiGandaki - a hot-spot for avid rafters. As the elevation increases, the scenery undergoes a completly transforms from forests to alpine highlands.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Climbing a rugged rocky trail, we go up and down the ravines with good views of Sringi Mountain as we head up to the village of Philim. Philim is a Gurung village with fields of corn and millet and herds of sheep. On the way to Lokpa, is a big climb: a steep stretch on switchbacks, then a break to contour along the ridge, before climbing again through pine trees. Along the way we have beautiful views of village fields across the valley.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

We split now from the main Manaslu Circuit to head into the eastern corner of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Going down to the river and crossing a bridge, we hug the base of the ridge to find the narrow Sardi Gorge, the gateway to Tsum and a place of legend. Here, a Buddhist saint once subdued a demon witch. We can still see the rock where she is trapped as well as a large painted prayer on the rock across the river ushering us into Tsum Valley. After passing between the massive rocks, we have a steep climb up the ridge. The trail then becomes more gradual in a pine forest with a final climb to Upper Chumling village and our first night in Tsum.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

From today onwards, we enter an area with deep spiritual roots. We will pass a series of Buddhist chortens as well as long walls of rocks carved with prayers. Wrapping along the ridge line, we have time to visit prayer wheels and religious sites. After lunch, it’s a difficult climb for 2-3 hours on switchbacks to secluded Upper Tsum. The valley shifts from steep-sided terrain and opens into a wide swath of fields growing barley and wheat with small villages and monasteries into the distance. Choekam and Paro, actually two separate villages side-by-side, are situated on a flat stretch of land.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

As we trek today, we pass Piren Phu cave. Piren Phu (Pigeon Cave) is a sacred cave located at the foot of a rugged cliff near the village of Burji. Milarepa, the Tibetan saint famous for writing 10,000 songs, was believed to have meditated here. Two separate temples are attached to the rocky cave. Painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags and significant Buddhist paper scripts make this cave one of the most important socio-cultural assets in the valley. While trekking, we gain beautiful views of the Shiar River, Rachen Monastery, the mountains and settlements amidst vast agricultural land. We also pass a sacred chorten built hundreds of years ago to protect people from disease. The valley is fertile and has large houses. Nyile is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Gradually ascending, we pass lines of stone chortens and climb up to Dephyudonma Gumba (4060m). The first and oldest monastery in Tsum and its history is directly associated with the dawn of Buddhism in valley in the 13th century. Today, a small community of Buddhist nuns resides here. We then contour around to meet the trail and arrive at Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gompa is the highest settlement in the Tsum Valley. It was established in 1895 and houses religious books, a life sized statue of Avalokiteshvara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. A few young monks live here under the tutelage of older monks.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Beginning our return today, we hike to Rachen Gompa, a nunnery established in 1905. One of the largest nunneries in Tsum Valley, Rachen is home to more than 80 nuns belonging to the Ngakpa sect, which does not allow animal slaughter. The nunnery also houses one thousand clay-mold statues of Avalokiteshwara, a brightly colored carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. The interior is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

From the Rachen Gompa, the trails follow above the river {Shiar Khola} till to be joined the next trail which followed up for Lama Gaun at village.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

We continue to follow the trail to the village of Deng,  

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

We continue to follow the trail to the village of Deng, where we pass through a newly built rock tunnel. Ghap is a peaceful Tibetan village adorned with Mani stones and chortens. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

After crossing the wooden bridge over BudhiGandaki, the trail passes through numerous cultivated fields dotted with tiny houses. We check in at the police checkpoint in the village of Namru. On our way to Lho, we get stunning views of Naike peak 6416m, Manaslu North, 7774m and Mount Manaslu, 8150m.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

After we leave Lho, we make a side excursion to the base of the Pungen Glacier for a fantastic view of Manaslu. The trail then follows the lateral moraine of Pungen Glacier toward the village called Sama Gaon. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

A day to relax or take leisurely walks in the area. We can walk up to the Sama Gompa monastery in the afternoon or take a short hike to the Manslu Base Camp.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today, we follow the terraced BudhiGandaki River valley to the region’s most remote permanent settlement called Samdo. Here in this harsh terrain, is a village of about forty houses where some 200 villagers live. We will stay here tonight and enjoy the warm hospitality of the community.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

We descend on a wide, gentle trail to the river and then begin the climb toward the Larkya La Pass. We climb in and out of a huge gorge before we reach a rest house at Larkya Phedi from where we get excellent views of the Larkya Glacier.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today, we climb toward the snow covered pass at Larkya La. The hard work reaching this point will be rewarded with an amazing view from the pass. You will be able to see Himlung Himal, 7126m, Cheo Himal, 6820m, Kang Kuru, 6981m and Annapurna II, 7937m.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today we enjoy a gentle climb through paddy fields toward the small Karcha La Pass. Then we will descend through rhododendron and fig-lined forests to the village of Gho.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Hotel

Our staff will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your journey with Annapurna Foothill Treks!

  • Breakfast

Trip Map

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking map

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, Three nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis
  • Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 20 nights (With twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder)
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers
  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staf
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc
  • First aid medicine kit
  • Restricted Area Permit , TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
  • Ground Transfers Kathmandu - Soti Khola by Sharing Jeep/ Bus
  • Ground Transfers Tal – Besi Shar – Kathmandu by Sharing Jeep and Bus 
  • All government and local taxes

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (soft drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

Departure Dates

FromToStatusPrice  
Start Date23 Oct, 2024End Date14 Nov, 2024AvailableUS$ 1800

Departure Note:

Guaranteed - We already have trekkers booked for those dates and you can join the group.

Available - The date is available to book and once you confirm your trip it will be guaranteed.

Limited - The departure date is filling fast and only limited seats are available to join.

Closed- The Trip cannot be booked on that specific date. Contact us for customized dates.


The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.

We have set dates for departure to the Amazing Manaslu and Tsum ValleyTrekking. So, pick your preferable date and let the adventure begin.

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking is available and can be done throughout the year. So, if the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date.

We have listed the price up to 12 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 12 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

Private Trips to Manaslu and Tsum Valley is possible on any date of the year. Contact us to design your own private trips with you loved ones.

Useful Info

The Tsum Valley, located east of Philim near the Tibetan border is as isolated and untouched as any in Nepal, first opened to foreign trekkers in 2008, home to a small indigenous group known as Tsumbas, and surrounded by mountains that include Himalchuli to the west and the Ganesh Himal to the south.

Why do the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking with Annapurna Foothills Treks?

When trekking into extremely remote regions, it is important to have trek with an experienced company. Annapurna Foothills Treks has been running trekking and climbing expeditions for over 10 years. Annapurna Foothills Treks reaches for the highest standard of ethical business practices.

The Best Time of Year for the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking :

The best seasons for Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trekking are Spring (February to late April) and Autumn (late September to late November).

Temperatures on the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking:

The temperatures at night will drop to around 5 C, and during the day will climb to around 25 C. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 15 C to 20 C. You should be prepared with proper protection from the sun as well as layers of clothing that can be added or taken off easily.

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Accommodation:

In Kathmandu, our clients enjoy four nights in Hotel Shakti or Hotel Norbu Linka before and after heading into the remote regions. Accommodation is included in the cost of your package and Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.

On the Manaslu Circuit there are simple but cozy tea houses. Although it some companies run camping trips, the guesthouses are appreciative of your business, and their warm welcome will certainly be a special part of you trip. The Tsum Valley does not recieve enough visitors to warrant guest houses, but 'home stays' are available, and again, a great way to experience the rich culture of the Tsumba's.

Drinking Water on the Manaslu and Tsum ValleyTrekking:

You will be provided with boiled water during the trek. While trekking, it is important to keep hydrated; you should drink at least 3 liters of water each day. As additional precaution, we suggest you bring a supply of water purification tablets to add to the water.

Fitness/Health on the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking:

The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize. Our itinerary is planned to allow rational acclimatization and avoid altitude sickness. Please read Altitude Advice.

Safety:

When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority;your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.

Environmental Responsibility:
Annapurna Foothills Treks practices and teaches the Leave-No-Trace principles. Moreover, we are committed to protecting the land and culture of the indigenous people. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives.Annapurna Foothills Treks believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment.

Travel Insurance:
It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

Annapurna foothills Treks has an agreement in Kathmandu that guarantees payment for helicopter evacuations. We will pay a cash deposit to the helicopter operator and collect the money from you once you have been rescued. Before leaving on the expedition, we will make sure your policy specifically covers mountaineering or alpinism otherwise you may have a difficult time settling the large claim.

Client Reviews

Trek to Tsum Valley, Manaslu, and over Thorong La was Awesome!!

- Sue and Jon, United States

We took a 4-week trek with Annapurna Foothills, and were 100% pleased with their responsiveness, service, friendliness and efficiency in organizing the guide, porters and permits. Once on the trail with Dawa Sherpa and our 3 porters we felt well looked after, and loved their companionship and competence. The men assisted us when we were sick or needed a helping hand on very unstable landslides. Dawa and the 3 porters all spoke English, which allowed us to enjoy conversations and jokes. They remained cheerful and upbeat at all times, even over the challenging Larkya La and Thorong La passes. Although we were not always able to meet the timetable planned for us, Dawa was unruffled about changing plans and tea houses as needed. Even when one of our group suffered AMS and we had to split up, the Annapurna Foothills Team handled this with expertise and both parties felt well cared for. This was our 6th visit to Nepal, and we went to places we had not previously visited. When we go again, we'll be contacting Annapurna Foothills to help facilitate another amazing trek.

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