The Manaslu Valley Trek is more remote and spectacular than other treks, with rough steep tracks and limited accommodation. It is culturally fascinating with strong continuing links to Tibet in the upper Budi Gandaki river. The Tsum Valley, and Larkya La (5100m) provides a challenge and the views of Mt. Manaslu the eighth highest mountain in the world are marvelous and close. The trek around Manaslu can be done as a tea house trek except for the night before the Larkya La. The remote Tsum Valley side-trip should not be missed, with friendly hospitable people, a thriving Buddhist culture and untouched wildlife. Tsum comes from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’, which means vivid and we can only agree. The people are poor, since they have been by passed by development for centuries, but this means their unique culture has remained intact.
We reach Tatopani (Hot spring) and cross a bridge over the Budi Gandaki River. It is a gentle uphill and downhill walk until Dovan. Dovan is a small village with a few schools. After walking for 1 ½ hour from Dovan we will reach a cliff where we should be more careful as rocks are falling out. After crossing a bridge we will arrive at Jagat. Jagat is a restricted area. It is a small village where ethnic groups such as Gurung, Shahi, Chhetri, and Thakuri live. After Jagat, we enter Tsum Valley and walk through the gentle trail for ½ an hour until we reach a bridge passing small villages to reach Philim (1570m). Walking hours: 6
We will pass through many bridges today. First, we start with a gentle walk and after passing the bridge, we climb steep uphill through the forest for 2 hours. The trail is narrow and we walk downhill to cross the bridge. We will walk uphill again until chumling village where we stop for lunch. We will walk gently and climb uphill to Chukurparo where we will have good views of Ganesh Himal 2 and 6, Tipu Himal. Walking hours: 7
We head north and walk through the gentle trail and pass through Lama Gaun and then we continue to walk further to Nile village. We pass through sub-tropical mountains and walk close to Tibet. The villagers go to Tibet for shopping. Walking hours: 5
Two hours of gentle walking and half an hour of steep climb will reach us to Mu Gumba. If you are interested in visiting Nunney can walk further an hour's climb. Mostly there is no people in Gomba and we have to be very careful with doggies. After visiting Mu Gomba. We walk the same route back down to Nile village. We will cross the river and visit Ranchen Gomba which is famous for its old art. It is believed that if one perform rituals then their wish will be fulfilled. After visiting the Gomba we will cross a bridge and reach our destination for the day. Walking hours: 7
We will walk same downhill trail to Lopka, where we will stop for lunch. We continue to walk down all the way until we cross the bridge after which we will follow the Budi gandaki river through the forest. The trail is zigzag upto Deng. Walking hours: 6
We will climb steeply uphill and gently walk until Bhi Phedi. And then cross the bridge and climb steep stairs uphill through the forest. We will get to see different wild animals and if we are lucky enough we might even see deer as well. Spectacular mountain views are offered from here. Walking hours: 6
We will see a nature-made bridge from a big stone. We will walk through another bridge closeby the stone-made bridge. It is a gentle walk until we reach the next bridge. A gentle up and downhill walk will reach us to Lho where we will have an excellent view of Manaslu. Walking hours: 5
We will either walk to Birendra Lake or to the Manasulu viewpoint (from here we can have a close view of the mountains) or we can walk to Manaslu Base Camp (where we can see Birendra Lake and Manaslu viewpoint). Carrying a packed lunch is recommended. Walking hours: 4 hours for Birendra Lake and MBC 7 hrs (not recommended during monsoon and winter)
Today will be a gentle walk. Walking slowly and drinking enough water is highly recommended. Before Samdo village we will climb steep uphill for 20 mins. After lunch, we will do a side trip to Samdo viewpoint to Acclimatize. Walking hours: 4
Today we start walking very early at 4 in the morning. We will walk slowly and gradually uphill to Larka Pass for 4 hours. We will carry a packed lunch. After the pass, we have to be careful as we will walk steep zigzag down as the trail is slippery. While walking down we recommend supporting each other. After 4 hours we will reach Bhimtang. Walking hours: 9
It is the last day of our trek. Walk along the Dudh Khola River followed by a gradual walk through the pine forest for an hour to Tilije (2515m). After crossing the suspension bridge we will take a Jeep to Pokhara/Kathmandu. Driving hours: 7-8 Note: Depending upon the season sometime we need to walk for 2 hours to Thoche to take a jeep.
Restricted area: Please know that the Tsum valley area is located in a restricted area and that hiking in this region requires a special entry permit. To organize this permit we (agency) needs one working day. Please know only groups of two or more trekkers (documents) are eligible for the special permit.
Trek Price does not include:
Astam and Dhampus are traditional mountain villages offering a taste of Nepali Village life and excellent mountain vi...
Sunrise and panoramic mountain views. This is one of the most scenic teahouse treks in the Annapurna region. From Gho...
For travelers who don't have time and wanting an authentic Himalayan trekking experience with panoramic mountain...
This trek ascends through picturesque villages to the center of the Annapurna range, offering dramatic mountain scene...
The Mardi Himal trek is a highly recommended trekking route in the Annapurna Himalayan region. It is located east of...
Mount Manaslu Trek (Tsum Valley/Manaslu)
Difficulty level : streneous