TSUM VALLEY  AND MANASLU TREKKING

The Manaslu and Tsum valley treks was officially closed to tourist till 1991. Since it is officially opened by Nepal government with certain formalities to obtain permits from Immigration of Nepal, Nepal alternative treks combined Manaslu-Tsum valley trek with the trip to high mountain pass, rocky and sloppy mountain range, along with the incredible valley, picturesque settlements of various ethnic communities residing alongside of the trail, sacred valley, so as one of the highest mountain peaks including Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), is the eight highest peaks in the world.

Hence, you will not only have an opportunity to explore the range of mountains located in the Manaslu and Annapurna region, but also Tsu, one of the most secret and incredible valley, the picturesque settlements resided by various ethnic communities, their unique rituals, culture and lifestyles and many more. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and seek a unique dialect. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with deities and prayers. The Tsum valley has a long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated in the caves of these mountains.

Traditionally Tsum valley was a culturally distinct geographical area called 'Tsum Tso Chuksum', which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible today. Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, this sacred valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for centuries. As a result, the unique culture of this valley has remained intact.

Alongside of the picturesque trail, you will have awesome views of the mountains namely Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal and numerous of other mountains located in the areas, take beautiful snaps of the mountains, incredible valleys, rocky and sloppy hills, the snow-capped mountain pass namely Ngula Dhoj Hyang (5,093 m), Yamdro Pass (5,326 m). Therefore, this is regarded to be one of the adventure and off the beaten trek of best combination trekking trips in the country. 

As local people are operating local lodges and home stay in this area, we are offering tea house trek for direct profit to local people from the package. We have employed local guides and porters from Manaslu region to encourage local people and authentic information to you regarding that area. They are well trainned and government registered trekking guides. 

 

FACT OF THIS TRIP
Trip Duration      19 days Trekking
Max. Altitude: 5320m./17556ft
Minimum Altitude: 550m/1,804ft
Grade: Moderate
Activities: Trekking
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner 
Transportation: Overland 
Trek Departure: Every day throughout the Month
Group Size: 1 person to 20 persons (maximum)
Best season: March, April, May  Sep, Oct, Nov.
Available Time: All months
Per day hiking: 5 to 6 hours

COVID-19 health and safety measures

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-on

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 : Kathmandu-Arughat-Sotikhola ( 750m./2461ft.) 8 hours drive
Early morning, We leave Kathmandu for our trek to Manaslu. We reach Arughat through the beautiful Nepalese countryside after six hours drive. Arughat is the largest village of this river basin then drive continue to Soti Khola-river another two hours . Stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Sotikhola-Machhakhola ( 930m./3069ft.) 6 hours walk
We head toward Machhakhola today . In the beginning, We cross Machha River and head upstream along the river's edge. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Machhakhola- Jagat ( 1410m./3990ft.) 6 hours walk
The trail leads us to Jagat . After crossing Khola besi, we pass by hot spring "Tatopani". The trail follows forested area toward Doban. Below Doban, there is a huge rapid at Budhi Gandaki. The rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation as the elevation increases. Stay overnight in Jagat at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Jagat-Philim –Lokpa ( 2240m./6339ft.) 5 hours walk
We take the trail up through Philim and head up over a ridge that leads to Lokpa. We stay overnight there at Lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Lokpa-Chumling - Chhokangparo (3010m./9933ft.) 6 hours walk
We continue heading to Chhokangparo.This is a village situated on flat land and made up of two settlements Chhekam and Paro. From the valley, the Ganesh Himal range can be seen directly to the south where it provides spectacular views of the Baudha Himal chuli peaks to the south-west. Some households in this village practice polyandry. Stay there overnight at lodge. 

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Chhokangparo - Nile/Chhule-Mu Gompa ( 3800m./10754ft.) 6 hours walk
We trek through Nile/ Chulle to Mu Gompa. This is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. Nile is on the western, sun-side of the Shiar Khola, about 20 minutes walk across from Chhule.
On the way, we pass one of the most sacred cave " Pire Phu" ( Pigion cave) in the Tsum valley. It is located at the foot of a rugged cliff near the village of Burji. Milarepa, the famous Tibetan saint, was believed to have meditated here. There are two separate gumbas attached to the rocky cave. Richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags and significant Buddhists paper scripts make this cave one of the most important socio-cultural asset in the valley. Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba, the mountains and settlements amidst vast agricultural land can be viewed from this point.  Stay there overnight at lodge .

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Excursion day to Mu Gompa  
The largest monastery "Mu Gumba" in this regions  is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum valley. 
Dephyudonma Gumba is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley and is situated in the rugged mountains, it is 2 hours walk from the village of Chhule and Nile. The history of this monastery is directly associated with the dawn of Buddhism in the valley. The monastery is run by Lama Serap of Nile Ladrang from the Kangin sect. There are a few campsites and drinking water facilities. Stay there overnight at Lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Mu Gompa-Nile/Chule –Chhokangparo ( 3010m./9933ft.) 6 hours walk
We head to Chhokangparo, a nunnery. The nunnery is situated in the Shiar Khola Valley in the foothills of the mountains bordering Nepal and Tibet. Rachen Gumba was established in the year 1905 AD and is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum valley. It houses nuns belonging to the Ngak-pa sect, which does not allow animal slaughter. The nunnery houses one thousand clay, molded 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. Stay there overnight at Lodge.

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: :Chhokaparo-Chumling-Lokpa ( 2240m./6339ft.) 6 hours walk
We walk to Chumling and trek continue to  Lokpa. We stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Lokpa-Ghap ( 2380m./7808ft.) 6 hours walk
The trail leads us to Ghap . At begining, we cross Budhi Gandaki again and climb up, pass a waterfall, cross a stream, and continue to climb ahead to Shringi Khola; cross it and reach Ghap (Tsak).  Stay overnight there at lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Ghap -Lho ( 3180m./10494ft.) 6 hours walk
The trail crosses over Budhi Gandaki enters woods then it climbs up to Budhi Gandaki valley. We climb over a big rock, continues up through deep fir and rhododendron forest, and then enters Namrung then continue walk to Lho. We stay here overnight at lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Lho-Sama Gaun ( 3360m./11024ft.) 5 hours walk
We follow to Nupri region . The trail passes Barcham and crosses Hinan Khola and reaches to Sho. The trail then follows to Lho and drops down across Damonan Khola then ascend again to a plateau at Shya. After crossing a ridge the trail descends onto a rock - strewn moraine and goes onto a ridge overlooking pastures and fields of Samagaon. The Sama Gaun is nestled against a wooded moraine at the end of the valley. We stay overnight there at lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Acclimatization day
We high altitude acclamatize to avoid Altitude Mountain sickness (AMS). You have options to explore to Birendra lake or Punggen Gompa or explore the village. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Sama Gaun-Samdo ( 3780m./12402ft.) 4 hours walk
It is a short walk to Samdo.  At begining of day, we descend to Budhi Gandaki and to Manaslu Base Camp. The Larkya La trail passes several Mani walls and reaches Kermo Kharka. The trail then climbs steeply to find Samdo nestled behind a ridge. Stay there overnight at lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Samdo – Dharmasala ( 4200m./13780ft.) 4 hours walk
We move ahead to Larkya La. The trail forwards and climbs in and out of the gorge and reaches Dharmasala. Stay there overnight at lodge. 
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Dharmasala - Larkya La (5135m./16847ft.) - Bimtang ( 2200m./7218ft.) 8 hours walk
Today, We have very early breakfast and start untimely. The trail reaches at the top of the moraine at 4,700m. (15,420ft) and climbs steeply to the pass. Then the trail descends to Bimtang (" Plain of Sand" in Tibetan Language). This huge valley surrounded by high peaks. We stay there overnight at lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 17: Bimtang-Tilje-Dharapani ( 1860m./5263ft.)
The trek descends to Dudh Khola and reaches Gho crossing Pine and Rhododendron forests. At the foot of the valley, part of Lamjung Peak above the Marsyangdi valley comes into sight. The trail continues to Dharapani villages. Stay there overnight at lodge. 

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Dharapani – Besisahar ( 820m./2706ft.) 6 hours drive
After breakfast, We drive through amphitheatre-shaped rice terraces, along a steep vertical cliff, lush forests, and some culturally intriguing villages, water fall then reach Besisahar and stay overnight at a lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Besisahar-Kathmandu 5 hours drive
Early morning after breakfast drive to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. 
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch 

The trek ends

 

Manaslu Permit

Manaslu permit is compulsory for this Trekking. The department of immigration, Nepal fixed the fee $ 100 per person per week and US$ 10 per person for each extra day during September - November and US$ 75 per person per week and US$ 7 per person per each extra day during December- August. You have to obtain with cirtain formalities through government registered trekking company as Nepal Alternative Treks. You are required orginal passport with arrival visa, a passport size photograph and fee in USD cash. 

Tsum valley permit 
Tsum valley permit is compulsory . From September to November per person US$ 40 for a week and From December to August per person US$ 30 for first a week Or equivalent convertible foreign currency. 

Manaslu Conservation Area Project ( MCAP)

You are required MCAP for Manaslu circuit Trekking. You will have to obtain from government registered company as Nepal Alternative Treks and fee is fixed by NTNC  NPR 3000 ( Three thousand rupees ) per person to Manaslu conservation area. You will need a passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in cash NPR 3000 each. We have included in package. 

Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP)

The provision of  ACAP is to maintain and build local tourism infrastructure and preserve the nature.  Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)permit is necessarily required for this trip. It can be obtained from government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks & Expeditions.  It's fee is fixed by NTNC NPR 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) per person to Annpurna conservation area. You can not obtain along the entry point, they may return you without carrying ACAP permit. You need passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in NPR 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) or equivalent  in cash to apply the permit. This permit you can use only single entry in the area but no limitation of period. It is included in our package. 

Trekking Clothing equipment for Manaslu Circuit Trekking

When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:

- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters. 

- Light weight pants, shorts

- At night -track top, pants 

-  T-shirts. 

- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn. 

- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes. 

- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton 

- Vaseline for feet and crutch.

- Water bottle - 2 liters.

- Sunglasses and strap 

- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch

- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage 

- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion. 

- Small daypack - 25 liters. 

- Wind proof jacket  and rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack. 

- Small towels 

- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters. 

- A pair of gloves 

Travel insurance 

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 

Recommended Travel Insurance Companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). The highest point is Larke la pass which is elevated at 5135 meter. If you be precautious about high altitude and follow our guide then you can avoid it. 

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Climb the mountain gradually and slowly
  • Sleep at a lower altitude when possible
  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

First aid

Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case.

Accommodation

We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu  as there will be various choices. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges during the trek. We will arrange shared washing room and toilet.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in lodges. Threre will be provided breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your choice from MENU .

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

Tsum valley and Manaslu Circuit trek is moderate level of trek,  suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will  get the highest elevation 5130 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.

Mr. Norm Pringle
Australia

My son , a friend  and myself organized a trek in the Manaslu trea with Nepal alternative treks and I have the highest praise for Tej for the organization and for our hari, our guide who was full of fun and who took very good care of us. I fully recommend this company if you are going trekking in Nepal. P.S. –Ask hari to demonstrate the “shower dance” for you.

Pell George
USA

Wow, I couldn’t be happier with my trek with Nepal alternative! They organized a great itinerary for me with beautiful sights, sounds and a glimpse of authentic Nepali culture. My guide was friendly and personable and after almost one month trekking together, a good friend! I’m planning to include another trek with Nepal alternative in my next visit to Nepal !

Mr. Jared Pringle
Australia

A wonderful trek! I had a great time walking through the Himalayas. Our guide was fantastic and very easy to get along with although the trekking got tough. He managed to keep it enjoyable. All up it was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone. Thanks Hari ! !

Mr. Gauin 
Australia

Great trek! Well organized and a fantastic guide.  We spent most afternoons with Hari talking and playing cards. He became part of the team and makes the trek extra special.  Thanks very much for arranging well for us. We strongly will refer our friends to this company and guide.

Mr. James Rule
Canada

This was very memorable trip! Most of all, the service we received from Nepal alternative was expectative. Everyone in the organization was friendly, flexible and polite. First of all, they were extremely helpful and understanding. They easily adjusted our trip, one day late and attended to my needs while waiting for my daughter to arrive. As well, on our trek, we were treated “royally”. They had a sense of humor. We felt “light at home” and they explained many details to us which enriched our experience. We highly recommend this team for trekking to anyone who is wishing Nepal.

Mr. Pim Wischhoff
Netherland

Good food and hotels. Dilip was a good guide. We had memorable time in Nepal . The weather supported for good view of Himalaya range. Thanks to this company! We will use service again for next time.

Map

TESTIMONIAL

Lea-pp-size.jpg

Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977-9851130491
E-mail: gurungtej2003@yahoo.com
Website:
www.nepalhikingtrip.com

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