Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek – 20 days

Sounds like an exciting day of cultural immersion before embarking on your Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek! Here are some ways to make your description even more captivating:

Pashupatinath Temple:

• Instead of just the name, paint a picture: “Witness the sacred rituals unfold at Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu site in Nepal. Breathe in the scent of incense, watch saffron-clad sadhus meditate, and observe the cycle of life and death along the sacred Bagmati River.”

Boudhanath Stupa:

• Go beyond the name: “Ascend the steps of Boudhanath Stupa, the towering mandala of Tibetan Buddhism. Spin the prayer wheels adorned with vibrant mantras, let the whispers of chanting monks fill your ears, and soak in the panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley.”

Patan Durbar Square:

• Give it life: “Wander through the intricate alleys of Patan Durbar Square, a maze of ancient temples and courtyards. Marvel at the exquisite wood carvings, admire the shimmering golden roofs, and witness the vibrant life of local artisans and street vendors.”

Preparing for the trek:

• Build anticipation: “After immersing yourselves in the spiritual and cultural tapestry of Kathmandu, it’s time to gear up for your Manaslu adventure. Gather your trekking essentials, stock up on local delicacies, and finalize your plans with a sense of excited anticipation.”

Embarking on our journey, we depart from Kathmandu bound for Soti Khola, traversing the routes of Dhading Beshi and Arughat. The road conditions gradually decline, becoming rough and bumpy, especially from Dhading to Arughat. This afternoon’s adventure leads us along a trail that winds through dense woods, following the course of the Budhi Gandaki River. As we progress, we ascend across the mountains, treated to frequent panoramic views of the river below.

Our day concludes with accommodation at a guesthouse in Machha Khola, offering a well-deserved rest after a day of exploration. Tonight’s stay includes the comforts of a guesthouse, ensuring a comfortable and rejuvenating evening.

Our day’s journey unfolds as we navigate the Machha Khola River, proceeding to Khorlabesi (920m) before reaching the renowned Tatopani, celebrated for its therapeutic hot springs. The trail leads us through a forested expanse, guiding us to the Dovan Khola (river) and into the enchanting Budhi Gandaki Valley. The ascent brings a noticeable shift in vegetation, creating a dynamic landscape.

Continuing our trek upward, we witness the evolving scenery until we reach the welcoming Jagat Village. Here, we’ll find accommodations at a guesthouse, providing a comfortable haven for an overnight stay amid the mountains.

Embarking on a 6-hour trek today, our journey unfolds with the first stop at Salleri. From this vantage point, we are treated to magnificent views of Mount Sringi before descending to Sirdibas, a quaint traditional Buddhist village. The trail winds its way onward, leading us to Lokpa Village, situated just north of Philim. Passing through Ekle Bhatti, we ascend to a ridge along a trail enveloped by a pine forest.

As we progress, we reach a crucial junction where our path diverges toward the captivating Tsum Valley. The day’s trek concludes as we settle in for the night at Lokpa, offering a peaceful haven amid the scenic Himalayan surroundings.

Embarking on a 5-hour trek today, our path leads us into the enchanting Tsum Valley. The initial glimpses of Tsum Valley unfold as we descend alongside the majestic mountain, eventually arriving at Chumling Village. The ascent continues as we climb up to Ripchet, and shortly thereafter, we reach the authentic Buddhist haven of Chumling.

Renowned for its ancient monastery, traditional Tibetan-style houses, prayer flags, mani walls, and stone-paved streets, Chumling welcomes us with its rich cultural tapestry. The day concludes with an overnight stay in this picturesque village, where the serenity of the surroundings and the cultural richness offer a truly immersive experience.

Embarking on today’s 5-hour trek, we initiate our journey by crossing a suspension bridge, offering breathtaking views of the Ganesh Himal. The trail unfolds as we pass through Rainjam and traverse the Seru Khola, leading us to the charming Gho Village. Throughout the trek, the awe-inspiring scenery of the Ganesh Himal accompanies our path.

After a total trekking time of 5 to 6 hours, we reach the captivating Chokhangparo Village. Here, the panoramic views extend to Himalchuli (7893m) and Ganesh Himal (7140m), providing a spectacular backdrop to our overnight stay. The day concludes with the comforts of Chokhangparo Village, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included to ensure a satisfying and nourishing experience.

Embarking on today’s trek, which spans 6 to 7 hours, we follow the trail leading to Rachen Gompa and alongside the Shir Khola (river). Departing from the river, our journey takes us through the villages of Phurbe and Pangdun before reaching Nile, where we will spend the night.

Nile is notable for being home to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region and the highest point in the Tsum Valley. The day’s trek unfolds against a backdrop of awe-inspiring landscapes, and the evening brings respite in the serene surroundings of Nile. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, ensuring a satisfying and nourishing conclusion to the day’s adventures.

Commencing the descent from Gompa, our journey unfolds as we make our way down to Rachen Gompa, followed by Chhule, and ultimately reaching Phurbe. Rachen Gompa, situated in the border region of Nepal and Tibet, is surrounded by towering mountains, creating a breathtaking setting.

The day’s destination leads us through a forested expanse, culminating in our arrival at Chhokangparo. This leg of the trek allows for a serene immersion in nature, offering a contrast to the mountainous landscapes experienced earlier in the journey. The tranquil surroundings of Chhokangparo provide a peaceful setting for the day’s conclusion.

Following breakfast, the descent from Chhokangparo unfolds as we make our way to Gho. En route, a suspension bridge near Gho adds a touch of adventure to our journey. Continuing the hike, we progress toward Rainjam Village, experiencing the changing landscapes along the way.

Leaving Rainjam Village behind, the descent takes us back to Tsum Valley, and our day’s journey concludes as we reach Chumling—the designated destination for the day. Chumling, with its ancient monastery, traditional Tibetan-style houses, and stone-paved streets, welcomes us for a well-deserved rest after the day’s trekking adventures.

Embarking on today’s trek, we anticipate a 6 to 7-hour journey, beginning with the descent from Chumling to Lokpa. Our trail starts by crossing a suspension bridge, setting the tone for the day’s adventure. Following a rocky ridge, we are treated to a magnificent view of Sringi Himal, adding a scenic touch to our descent.

Traversing through the landscape, we pass by Ghatta Khola, where fertile farms cultivate maize, millet, potatoes, and various vegetables. Continuing our trek, the trail hugs the bank of the Budhi Gandaki, leading us through a bamboo forest before reaching the Deng River. The day concludes with a stay at Deng, situated next to the river, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting for a well-deserved night’s rest.

Today’s trek presents a varied terrain, starting with a steep climb followed by a descent to the Budi Gandaki River. The trail winds through the valley, passing several small settlements along the way. As we approach Namrung, the presence of Mani stones becomes evident, serving as reminders that we are entering a territory inhabited by Tibetan Buddhists.

In the afternoon, we embark on a short yet intriguing detour to Prok village, which adds approximately 2 hours to our journey. The detour offers a unique perspective of the local culture and landscape. Following this detour, we resume our trail, heading to Namrung for our overnight stay at a guesthouse. The day’s adventures blend physical challenges with cultural insights, promising a rewarding experience in the Himalayan terrain.

Today’s trek offers a journey back in time as we stroll amid the Mani stone walls of Lho Village, a place that preserves a sense of timelessness with few signs of modernity. The village of Lho provides a captivating atmosphere with its traditional charm. As we explore, the snow-capped peak of Ngadi Chuli (7871m), also known as Peak 29, graces the horizon, adding a majestic backdrop to our trek.

A short detour further enriches our experience, leading us up to the Pungen Glacier. From this vantage point, we are rewarded with stunning, close-up views of Mt. Manaslu. The day concludes with an overnight stay at a guesthouse in Samagaun, where the combination of cultural immersion and breathtaking vistas promises a memorable Himalayan experience.

At these higher altitudes, acclimatization is crucial before ascending to even greater heights. Health specialists recommend at least one day of acclimatization, emphasizing the importance of staying active rather than sitting idly. An excellent way to achieve this is by exploring the gompa at Pugyen (4070m), accessible through a one-day hike that diverges from the trail between Syaula and Sama.

For those with more time, an extended exploration of this valley can lead to the rugged rocks and terrain of the Pugin glacier. Another option for acclimatization is a journey to the serene lake at Birendra Tal (3450m) followed by a challenging ascent to Manaslu Base Camp (4900m). Notably, north of Birendra Tal is believed to be Milarepa’s Cave, a famous site associated with the Buddhist saint and used as a meditation retreat.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided, ensuring sustenance throughout the day as you engage in activities that aid acclimatization and exploration of the remarkable surroundings.

Today’s journey involves a descent, leading us back to the Buri Gandaki River and passing by the junction of Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp. The valley gracefully expands as we continue, reaching Kermo Khadka before progressing to the distinctive white Kani Gateway, marking the entrance to Samdo (3860m). If time allows, an optional trek to the peak above the village promises impressive views of Mount Manaslu.

For those in need of further acclimatization, an alternative is a 6 to 7-hour trek involving a climb of 640m to the moraine of the Fukang Glacier. This endeavor rewards trekkers with expansive views towards several passes utilized by locals to traverse into Tibet. Throughout the day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, ensuring sustenance as we navigate the varied landscapes and engage in activities that complement the acclimatization process.

Embarking on a relatively short day, our journey begins with a descent through fields before we commence the climb towards the Larkya-La Pass. This trek unfolds with dazzling views of Manaslu and the Syacha Glacier, providing an opportunity to spot Himalayan blue sheep along the way. Our destination for the day is Dharmashala (4480m), the last safe haven before reaching the pass.

Given the altitude, this marks the highest point we reach for the day to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. The trek to Dharmashala offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding landscapes. It’s important to note that this section of the trek is prone to snowfall, and from mid-December to mid-March, when snow blocks the Larkya-La Pass, the Samdo Lodge is typically closed. Your guide will have advance knowledge regarding the lodge’s status. Throughout the day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, ensuring sustenance as we navigate the challenging terrain.

A challenging yet rewarding day awaits us as we tackle the trail via Larkya La Pass (5106m/17,121 ft) en route to Bhimthang. The trek begins with a climb to Cho Chanda and further ascends to the steep, snow-covered pass. The ascent to Larkya La Pass provides truly exceptional views of numerous surrounding peaks, offering a breathtaking panorama from this high-altitude vantage point.

The Himalayan giants of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Koru (698m), and Annapurna II (7937m) grace the landscape, creating a mesmerizing backdrop. Following the pass, we embark on a steep descent along a trail that leads across moraines until we reach Bhimthang Village. Here, we’ll find accommodations at a guesthouse for a well-deserved overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s challenges and the remarkable mountain vistas witnessed along the way.

Descending from high pasture land, our trek leads us across the Dudh Khola (river) via a suspension bridge. The trail meanders through rhododendron forests, particularly beautiful when in full bloom during spring, and oak forests, creating a picturesque journey. After trekking for 6 to 7 hours, we arrive at Dharapani in the Annapurna region.

Dharapani serves as a common gateway to the Annapurna Circuit trek, and for those considering an extension, the Annapurna trail beckons. Tonight’s accommodation is at a guesthouse in Dharapani, providing a comfortable resting place after a day of descent and exploration through the lush landscapes of the region.

On this final day of our Manaslu Circuit trek, we traverse the river and opt for a local jeep to transport us to Besisahar. From Besisahar, we board a bus that will take us back to Kathmandu, completing our journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of the Manaslu region.

As we arrive in Kathmandu, the adventure concludes, and you’ll be transferred back to your hotels. This marks the end of a memorable trek, filled with stunning mountain vistas, cultural encounters, and the sense of accomplishment from completing the Manaslu Circuit.

As you bid farewell to Nepal, the memories of this incredible adventure and the laughter shared on the journey to some of the world’s most spectacular peaks will linger in your heart. A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will accompany you to the airport, ensuring a smooth departure approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before you embark on your journey home, reflecting on the breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and camaraderie that made this trek an unforgettable chapter in your travel stories. Until next time, Nepal and its majestic peaks will hold a special place in your memories. Safe travels!