Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek

This very day is assigned as a ‘free day’ to traverse the Kathmandu Valley. There are a variety of options available as this time-honoured valley is a UNESCO world heritage site harbouring a total of seven sites which illustrate the historical as well as the cultural triumph of Kathmandu itself. Pay a visit to the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and indulge in the spiritual ambience of the temple area. You may also climb the steps to the sacred Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath to explore the classical realms of Tibetan Buddhism. Moreover, you can stop over at the Durbar Square Complexes situated in each sister city (namely Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur) inside Kathmandu Valley. Embrace the feat of ancient Nepalese architecture and craftsmanship. If still not satisfied then make a trip to Changunarayan Temple, the most ancient structure in existence within Nepal.

In the pursuit of the fairly easy segment of the trekking trail, we’ll frequently encounter several ups and downs across the woods then continue on elevated slopes and riverbeds alongside Budhi Gandaki River. We’ll stay with the windy mountain pathway above the river and advance past the verdant valley, cascading waterfalls and streams, and settlements of Khorsane, Lapubesi, Nauli Khola and Khani Besi to arrive at Machhekhola (869m). 

We’ll resume our trek on the same side of Budhi Gandaki River. The trail proceeds through the unvaried terrain comprising woodlands, sandy river flats as well as numerous rise and falls. We may come upon monkeys and langurs in the jungle. We’ll carry on with ascending and descending over a handful of ridges and reach Tatopani (930m). Alleviate your pains by submerging yourself in the hot water of the Himalayan springs as the locals believe the hot water that comes straight out of the ground possesses magical healing properties. We’ll now move past Doban (1,000m), Yaruphant (1,140m) and a bridge over Yaru Khola (1,363m) to Yaru (1,140m). At last, we make an appearance at a quaint Gurung village of Jagat (1,570m).

We’ll advance on the riverbed to ascend over a craggy ridge and enter Salleri (1,440m) where lovely outlooks of Sringi Himal (7,187m) warmly welcome the visitors. Subsequently, we’ll cross a long suspension bridge to Philim (1,590m), a prosperous village encircled by the farmlands of millet, maize, and potato. Heading to the north, we’ll climb uphill to Ekle Bhatti (1,600m). Don’t let the name of the place that translates to ‘lone teashop’ mislead you as there are multiple teahouses established here. Making our way beyond a dramatic gorge, we’ll enter pinewoods and reach an intersection of trails. We’ll move to the right and traverse the forest of pine and rhododendron. Later, we’ll move up on serpentine steps to the other side of Siyar Khola then push ourselves through tranquil woodland to Lokpa (2,240m).

Descending via enchanting woods, we’ll negotiate suspension bridges and escalate on steep stairs. Thereafter, we’ll direct our steps up the abrupt slopes across pines and rhododendrons to a defunct teahouse of Ghumlong (2,130m). The trekking route now makes a steep ascent to Ripchet (2,470m) then extends over Siyar Khola via a wooden bridge. We’ll eventually walk up to Chumling (2,470m). It is a picturesque village that encompasses old-fashioned houses, old gompa, orchards, and lovely stone paths.

From this point onwards, we can find artistic chortens and mani walls beside the trail as we move forward. We’ll range over a suspension bridge and progress through rich fields of potatoes and maize. We can also notice Tibetan-style houses without flat roofs as the region sees much of rain and snow. Accompanied by the lovely vistas of Ganesh Himal, we’ll get to Rainjam (2,400m). Here we’ll spot only a single Bhatti with an enclosed courtyard. Crossing Serpu Khola, we’ll now forge ahead till we reach Chhokang Paro (3,031m). The valley widens up here and we can discover traditional stone houses together with farmland of buckwheat, potato, maize, and barley. In clear weather, we can catch a glimpse of Himalchuli (7,893m) down the valley.

On day nine of our escapade, we’ll move towards the east and move by a few tiny villages to ascend a ridge full of chortens to Lamagaon (3,202m). We’ll negotiate Shiyar Khola then progress beyond settlements of Phurba (3,251m), Pangdun (3,258m) and Chhule (3,347m) then proceed uphill to Nile (3,361m). This is the last human settlement north in the upper Tsum Valley while moving on the route to the north. During the course of today’s journey, we’ll visit Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu) which is believed to be a meditation site of Milarepa that conveyed Buddhism to Tibet. The cave possesses a high cultural value showcasing stone-carved artistic scripts, prayer flags, elegantly painted Buddhist murals and important Buddhists scripts in the paper. Apart from that, we’ll also witness splendid sights of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal and Churke Himal. Following a gradual trek over challenging terrain, we’ll eventually set our foot in Mu Gompa (3,700m). Established in 1895, the monastery is the highest and furthermost location in Tsum valley. You’ll perceive a true serene ambience here. Feel the cool mountain breeze gushing through the valley and the prayer flags fluttering in the very wind.

Picking up the trail where we left it off yesterday, we’ll advance via the east bank of Shiyar Khola and leave behind the hamlets of Chhule and Phurba. After hours of trek, we’ll land up at a small yet beautiful Burgi Village. If you missed the famous traditional Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local meal earlier, now is the right time to taste it. Staring at the lush greenery, we’ll continue down to Chhokang Paro and then arrive at Gho (2,485m). Descending further, we’ll cross a wooden bridge spanning over Siyar Khola to Domje (2,460m) where the trail splits, one leads to Chumling (2,386m) and the other to Gumba Lungdang (3,200m).

On day eleven, we’ll walk out of the remote Tsum Valley and get ahead on the unlevelled path with numerous ups and downs to Lokpa (2,040m). Succeeding an hour hike, we’ll end up at an intersection; to the left, the track leads back to Jagat. We’ll proceed to the right and pursue the Manaslu Circuit. The trekking trail traverses a suspension bridge and climbs to Nyak Pedi. It will then turn out to be narrow along the Budhi Gandaki River. As we haven’t seen almost any trekkers in the Tsum Valley, we’ll feel Manaslu Circuit a bit crowded which is actually not! Lastly, we’ll enter the vicinity of Deng (1,860m).

After a short walk, we’ll come across a suspension bridge. Subsequent to that, we’ll overcome a handful of abrupt ascents and descents adjacent to Budhi Gandaki River. Beyond the villages of Rana (1,980m) and Bihi (2,130m), we’ll cover more distance, cross Serang Khola then climb steeply to Ghap (2,160m). An additional hike from a bridge below Bihi can steer us to Prok (2,380m). Equipped with an ACAP office and emergency radio; this settlement also offers a side trip to Kal Tal (3,685m). Making frequent crosses to and from the north as well as south river bank; we’ll move via the woodland of fir and rhododendron then end up at the primary trail with on well-made staircase. We’ll eventually climb our way out to the other end, the gorgeous Namrung Village (2,630m). We can find many shops, restaurants and lodges here.

Through Benjamin (2800m), we’ll pass by mani walls, fields and houses then steer into the forest of fir, oak and rhododendron. Afterwards, we’ll ascend to Lihi (2,900m) and then make the progress to Sho (2,950m). We’ll advance further to Lho (3,180m). From here, we can spot sublime outlooks of Manaslu (8,163m) and Manaslu North (7,157m). An easy walk past the pinewoods and rhododendron forest will take us to Shyala (3,520m). We can revel in surrounding panoramas at this rural locale.

Following an hour easy hike on the standard route, we’ll turn up at the large village of Sama (3,520m). From this point onwards, we’ll lose sight of stupendous Manaslu but gain access into the realm of grasslands, yaks, and stone houses. Sama aka Samagaon is a lovely village that functions as a starting point for other exciting side trips. Trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley trek often recognize Samagaon as an excellent place to rest and acclimatize.

The fifteenth day is allotted as ‘Rest Day’ in order to provide much-required rest to your worn-out feet. According to our physical condition, if our feet agree to go progress ahead; we’ll go for a jaunt nearby. Sama (Samagaon) presents a variety of options for excursions. You can go for a hike to Manaslu Base Camp (5-6 hours walk), Pungyen Gompa (4-5 hours walk) and Birendra Tal (1-hour walk). Admire nature at its best!

Refreshed and full of zeal, we pack our bags and navigate through the grazing land of yaks to the wide valley with mani walls and Juniper vegetation. Thereupon, we’ll scale up a ridge and then descend to proceed on a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. At long last, we’ll roll in inside Samdo (3,875m), a village as pretty as a picture.

The trail becomes broad as we make a descent beyond Juniper trees. We’ll cross ravines to climb up the slope of the hill. At the top lies Dharamsala (4,480m), now a seasonal village with one teahouse and tents for trekkers to stay overnight before attempting a strenuous rise to the Larkya La Pass. Prepare yourself for a crowded place with chilling temperatures.

Prior to the break of the day, we’ll gradually ascend a ridge beside Dharmasala. The climb itself is not arduous but it is the never-ending rugged trail and abrupt glacial moraine that bother trekkers before their arrival at Larkya La Pass (5,160m) i.e. marked with prayer flags. It is the highest elevation we’ll ever reach in the course of our entire trek. Look out for cairns and metal snow poles for finding a correct route if confused/lost en route.  Discover the snow-clad peaks of Himlung (7,126m), Kang Guru (6,981m), and Annapurna II (7,937m) from the top.  Subsequent to a long and tiring descent on a loose stone trail, we’ll walk in a more level area with grassy moraine. Ultimately, we’ll set our foot at Bhimthang (3,700m). 

After an overnight stay at the heavenly settlement surrounded by enchanting vistas of Manaslu, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, Kang guru and the Annapurna II; we’ll experience a mostly downhill walk. We’ll pass over a glacial stream and go uphill over a side of the moraine. Thereafter, we’ll climb down beyond a blissful forest of rhododendron and pine to Karcher then push on the trail to the Gurung Village of Gho (2,560m). A further walk of about three hours down the hill past Tilije (2300m) and Thonje (1,900m) ends at Dharapani (1,963m).

Either we can trek down to Nayapul via Annapurna Circuit and take a drive back to Pokhara; or, we can catch a ride directly leading to the city if we have enough travel by foot. From Pokhara, we’ll step abroad a tourist bus and drive back to Kathmandu.

Final Departure

we will drop Airport up on the flight time