Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

You arrive in Katmandu and will be transferred to the warmth of your hotel. A pre-trek briefing will be scheduled to discuss the trekking program and co-ordinate any last-minute arrangements. Get familiar with your surroundings by going for a hike down the street before we head to a delicious dinner where the cuisine is prepared Nepalese style and is known for its healthy ingredients. This is your first overnight in the valley of the gods.

Today we explore Katmandu on an organized sightseeing tour. This will include a visit to the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. We also visit Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River and home to the most famous Hindu temple in the country. Here we will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) and pilgrims performing ritual bathing, and occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the Ghats. The cremation site here is open to all the citizens of Nepal that begins with royalty to the simple man on the street. The early afternoon will be free to relax in the hotel garden or visit Thamel for some last minute shopping. You will be provided with your trek departure information in the afternoon.

Today we drive west from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. Cross the Trisuli and head north to Dhading Besi. A slow, rutted dirt road then heads NW: over the Gola Bhanjyang with panoramic views of the Baudha and Ganesh Himals. Beyond this occasional views of Ganesh IV and VI will be seen above the valley walls as far as Khorlabesi. Shringi Himal appears from Salleri to Philim, from where Baudha Himal is also visible. Baudha and the Ganesh Himal are spectacular from Gumba Lungdang. Manaslu is not visible from the Tsum Valley and is first seen on the walk up to Lho from where Baudha Himal is also visible. Manaslu is first seen on the walk up to Lho. Drive on to Arughat and the Budhi Gandaki that drains the Manaslu–Tsum region. A further ~3 hrs drive up the west bank leads to Soti Khola and finally to Machha Khola.

After breakfast, we cross the Thado Khola, descend some stone stairs then follow the bar to Khorlabesi 970m, this is where coffee and tobacco crops are cultivated. The GHT trail through Gorkha (and Barpak, epicenter of the first quake on 25/04/15) crosses our trail, heading east from Manaslu to the Langtang then Everest regions. Enter a lush narrow gorge constricting the river’s progress. Cross a landslide with a dicey path, before the three hot spring spouts in Tatopani (930m). Climb a ridge then cross the Budhi Gandaki (to avoid a cliff face and waterfalls). A staircase then leads to a landslide before climbing to a ridge; and reach Jagat

After breakfast, we say good bye to Dobhan Khola, then follow the east bank to the village of Thulo Dhunga (1 840m); above cataracts. Later the gradient lessens, the valley opens and the water is placid at Yaruphant (1170m). we cross the Yaru Khola (from Ganesh II and VI) on an old suspension bridge then climb to the teahouses at Thado Bharyang. Cross back to the west bank and ascend gently to the old paved village of Jagat (1 410m): entrance and checkpoint to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Cross a tributary before a cliff-side trail to Salleri: with views of Shringi Himal (7 187m) to the north. Descend to Sirdibas; and the first symbols of Buddhist culture. 

We are heading to Lokpa village to stay overnight.

Today after breakfast, our trail meanders through scrub and lush grass up the wonderful narrowing valley to the high millet fields of Chisopani, then Ekle Bhatti (1600m, one house). Gradually descend, past a amazing waterfall, into the narrow lower gorge: and a junction, left to ‘New Bridge’ and the Larkya La. To the right a well-graded trail zigzags up through blue pines and rhododendron, to Lokpa in the narrow Lower Tsum Valley. Tsum has 18 villages and is home to 4000 people. Drop down through forest, before tackling a long, steep climb up the south wall of the Siyar Khola gorge; above the river draining Tsum. The ‘summit’ is landmarked by flags; overlooking colorful potato, bean and grain fields with Shringi Himal above. We descend to Gumlung and cross the river: for a final, gentler ascent to Chumling. The buildings are classic Tibetan but with sloping roofs to shed rain and snow.

We hike across the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. On the way we relish the great views of Ganesh Himal. We then walk past Rainjham to Serpu Khola. Now we enter the hidden valley of Tsum. Another steep climb takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. Weather permitting; we enjoy the great views of Himalchuli at 7893 meters.

Today it’s an interesting hike from Chhokangparo. We trek to Nile/Chulle. This is the last village heading north into the upper Tsum Valley. Nile is on the western, sun-side of the Shiar Khola, about 20 minutes hike across from Chhule. On the way we pass the Piren Phu cave. Piren Phu (means pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves 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 possessions in this lovely valley. Gorgeous views can be had of the Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba, the mountains and settlements amidst widespread agricultural land.

This is a lengthy day but it has its benefits. We head out early for the 2hr trek past snow crests to Mu Gompa (3 700m, 70 yrs). This is Tsum’s highest and last permanent settlement and overlooks the valley and western Ganesh Himal, including Ganesh I. Climb above Mu for a steep ¾ hr to the tiny Dephyu Doma Nunnery (4 000m, 856 yrs, place of the birth of light) perched on an unlikely slope: but with magical, exclusive views of Ganesh II and part of the western Himal. The trail continues N of Mu to high grazing kharkas (pastures) with goths (herder’s huts): a few with seasonal teahouse facilities on the two pass routes to Kyirong in Tibet. Return to Nile for lunch then retrace your steps to Phurbe and on to the extensive walled grounds of Rachen Nunnery (3 240m, 110 yrs, of the Ngak-pa-sect; that forbids all animal slaughter). Visit the intimate original monastery which stands in the SW corner of the complex, near the gate. Its old murals depict the history of Buddhism. Residential cells for the nuns and retreat buildings are set along and within the walls. A new, imposing light and airy temple with deities in tall glass-fronted cases now stands further back in the grounds. 

After breakfast, we trek to Chumling to stay overnight.

The trek today takes us to Deng village to stay overnight.

After breakfast today, the first part of today's trek is on a relatively flat path. Soon, the trail moves uphill through the forest path. Thus we arrive at Namrung while enjoying at the same time the splendid views of Manaslu, among others.

We are trekking to Shyala village to stay overnight today.

The raging Budi Gandaki is far down but we follow a small tributary instead. Walking through shady fir forest is a wonderful feeling. We soon reach a short climb to a plateau and the village of Shyala. Huge mountains surround us as we view Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, other snow summits to the right, and by the far end of the valley we just came from stands towering Ganesh Himal. At the far end of the village, overlooking the valley stands the well known monastery of Sama. Sama Gaon is a village inhabited mainly by Tibetans and lies at the foot of Manaslu.

After breakfast, we descend to the Budi Gandaki, which sees us turning north, and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a peninsula between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can see a large white kani, finally passing through the kani we find Samdo.

We will go for an acclimatization hike to Rui La and return to Samdo to stay overnight.

After breakfast today, we drop for the final crossing of the Budhi Gandaki below the former Larkya Bazaar site (3 650m, a popular seasonal trading post before the border was closed). The diminished stream flows from the northern Pana Danda Valley: where a trail leads to two passes to Tibet. Our trail heads west and climbs gently through low scrub above the Syacha Khola and glacier. Its descent from Manaslu North can be seen up that valley.

The trail steadily ascends towards the Larkya Glacier’s snout beyond the hidden Larkya Phedi which gradually comes into view. This seasonal kharka had a kitchen with dining room, 15 small double rooms in two rows (one collapsed in the recent earthquake) and two tunnel tents; each with eight beds plus a third for trekking staff. Better views of the Naike (6291m) and Larke (6249m) peaks can be had from higher up the side of the valley.

Larkya La involves an 800m, 3-5 hr ascent (when snow free) and a 1500m, 3-4 hr descent to Bimthang. It can be bitterly cold if windy; snow and ice will demand more time. Snow poles mark the route along the moraine: it is not difficult or steep, but is long and everywhere rocky underfoot.

A pre-sunrise start begins with a gentle ascent to a ridge before a long ascent to the vast, jumbled moraine field. Ahead Pawar Peak on the northern border wall of Cheo Himal and Larke Peak on the southern Larkya Himal gradually appear above the moraine. Walk past the first of four small scattered lakes. Finally a steady pull curves towards Larke and the first group of summit flags.

The reverse view overlooks the trail, distant Sonam Peak and ranges into Tibet. The Cheo and Larkya Himal ridges block views to the north and south.

Ahead, a moraine ridge, separated from the Larke wall by a parallel gully leads, for 30 min, to a second set of landmark flags: and the boundary between the Manaslu and Annapurna conservation regions. They also overlook astounding views into a huge semi-circular basin ringed by a mix of magnificent ice peaks and eroding grey rocky walls. Within, three glaciers flow towards the southwest corner. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. We relish the amazing views from the top of the pass. It is a longer day than expected to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening fog setting in and nearby Manaslu; it's an experience we don’t want to avoid. Bimthang has become the summer grazing settlement for the Samdo population. It was an important trading post before the closure of the Tibetan border. Tibetan Khampa warriors had a centre here in the 1970s.

We trek to to Dharapani where we meet the Annapurna circuit trekking trail. 

We drive back to Kathmandu today.

Today is the final day of this trip and we will drive you to airport for the departure flight.