On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, after clearing the visa formalities, and claiming the baggage. Head towards departure exit, where our staff receives you for a short transfer to the hotel. After getting refreshed join on the lobby with other members for Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit trek briefing, provided by our guide, leader. On briefing full information of the treks, and hotels in Kathmandu as well of local cultures with do’s and don’ts. Evening a lovely dinner introduction to Nepali foods with exciting cultural programs.
Morning after breakfast, our city / cultural guide takes you on a tour visiting world heritage sites around Kathmandu city. Includes Old Durbar Square / Palace Courtyard, residence of Living Goddess the Kumari; and to Swayambhunath Stupa with more 2,600 years of history. Then head towards holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath a huge Buddhist Stupa. After an exciting and interesting tour back to hotel, preparation and packing for trekking.
Non-essential clothing and items not required for treks, can be stored in the Hotel or with Everest Adventure Tour.
Starting the Tsum Valley & Manaslu circuit adventure, early morning for a long and interesting overland journey. Heading beyond Kathmandu valley, and down to low warm farm villages and towns, the drive follows on the main highway. The journey then diverts from the busy road, heading due west across the Trisuli River towards Gorkha areas. Slowly the drive ends on reaching our overnight stop at Machha-Khola, a moderate farm village. Check into a simple and the best lodge available, arriving on time before dinner.
We have made a short day walk due to long drive of previous day. Allowing trekkers to maintain physical fitness to enjoy full circuit trek around Manaslu. Morning from Machha Khola having good breakfast, start the first day hike following a pleasant path and through a gorge. As trail continues up the river on a narrow path with short up and down. Then crossing the Tharo Khola to reach Khorla Besi. After a climb and descending, reaching a small clearing and with few simple huts and tea-houses. The place with natural hot spring known as Tatopani for short refreshing break. From here, walk leads to climb over another ridge, then across the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. As trail follows up on a stone paved staircase to Dovan for overnight halt. A small farm with few simple lodge to accommodate travelers, check into a nice a lodge for overnight stop. Afternoon free for rest and short walk to explore the village and the surroundings.
Morning from Dovan, after a pleasant overnight the walk starts, upon crossing another suspension bridge over Yaru Khola. From here the trail climbs on stone staircase and then drop to the river, with more stone steps to climb. Reaching Tharo Bhanjyang and witness the lovely Gurung villages with lush green forest high above. The walk leads to across the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki River with climb over a ridge. Then the trail leads along the river and with short final climb to the village of Jagat. A nice moderate size village with many good lodges and shops, one of the main market place. For surrounding hills and mountain villagers, as well the main entrance point to Upper Manaslu Restricted Area of Nepal.
After a good breakfast at the lodge in Jagat, morning walk through various landscapes, and into dense sub-tropical forest. As well crossing small streams and walk past rural farm areas and villages, as adventure continues to our overnight destination. The trail leads uphill over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then down to Sirdibas. The valley widens as the walk continues towards Ghatta Khola / stream, following the path to cross a suspension bridge. Then reaching a large Gurung village at Philim, from here heading north above the village. Walking on a fairly level path through fields of millet terraces to reach a small settlement of Ekle Bhatti.
The walk then enters a steep, uninhabited gorge with downhill to a grassy slopes, and then across Budhi Gandaki River. The trail gets wider on reaching a bamboo forests to Deng Khola, after crossing the stream towards Deng.
A nice small village, from here observe the strong influence of Tibetan cultures, then check into a simple good lodge.
From Deng, today a short walk of few hours heading to one of the most important and culturally significant sections of the adventure. The morning walks leads to cross over Budhi Gandaki River and climb a bit further to Bihi a small place. As walk follows west of the valley through lush green forest and vegetation past quaint farm villages.
Where major giant peaks of the region starts to appear in the distance, the trail heads through Prok. From this village one can enjoy grand views of Sringi Himal, after a refreshing stop. The walk continues to cross Budi Gandaki River several times, then coming across Buddhist prayer monuments and Gompa. As the trail follows the river upstream through dense forest and into a narrow gorge. This section of the walk rewards magnificent experience how the Manaslu Conservation Area have preserved to its pristine form.
The walk eventually leads to last steep climb of the day to reach Namrung, a lovely village. Provides some good excellent guest houses and lodges with comprehensive food menu to enjoy the overnight in Namrung. Rest of the day relax and explore the village of immense Buddhism cultures.
Enjoying pleasant overnight at Namrung, another short day walks to reach the rim of Tsum Valley at Lokpa village. The walks heads uphill along the side of Budhi Gandaki River, facing beautiful cascading waterfalls. Then reaching a moderate size farm village at Lokpa for lunch and overnight halt. At Lokpa, enjoy the leisure afternoon marveling the surrounding grand views of snow-clad peaks.
Morning from Lokpa, entering the forbidden country of Tsum Valley the walk follows, to cross many small streams. Then the trail leads to steep climb for short hours by the side Siyar Khola. During the walk enjoy the grand views of Ganesh Himal, with Sringi Himal 7,161 m in the north-west. As it appears closer as walk leads to Chumling for overnight halt in the comfort of nice simple lodge.
After checking into a nice basic rooms, enjoy the surrounding views and explore the village of cultural interest.
On entering into Tsum valley areas, the walks get more interesting as the trail follows along Siyar Khola. The route leads with more uphill and few short down, but more or less on gradual path to Chokanparo. Walking through various old monasteries of Tanju, Rainjam, and Gho, then reaching Chokanparo. From the village, majestic views of Ganesh Himal with some peaks towards northern range. At Chokanparo, enjoy the basic comfort of a nice homely lodge and guest-house for overnight stop. The village with strong Tibetan-Buddhist cultures, with wide terraced farmland.
The adventure heads much closer towards the heart of Tsum Valley, morning from Chokanparo to next nice Nile village. An interesting day walk instead of reaching our overnight destination at Nile, taking a side trip. To explore and visit the famous Buddhist saint Millerepa and a Yogi of 11th Century to cave.
Where Millerepa stayed for many years on a retreat and meditating in this holy Cave. From here visit the Chi Phu Gompa / monastery and then climb along the side of Siyar Khola, stream. Then reaching Nile for overnight stay, the lodge and guest-houses are much better than of previous overnights.
Afternoon time permitting a short hike across the stream to Gonhgye Gompa of Great religious and historical interest.
Leaving the heavier gear, carrying only items required for the day hike to our first major highlight to Mu Gompa. Instead of staying overnight in Mu Gompa, spending another overnight halt in Nile. As Mu Gompa, is a small isolated settlement with a nunnery, do not have good lodge accommodation and nice foods. But the area provides excellent dramatic scenery of towering snow-capped peaks with some mountains of Tibet. Leaving Nile, the trail follows on windswept dry arid terrain with some steep climb to reach Mu Gompa.
Explore around Mu Gompa and the Dhephu-Doma Nunnery with young ladies learning the arts and wisdom of Buddhism. The Mu Gompa one of the oldest monastery of Tsum Valley, believed to be more than 500 years old history.
An exciting, mystical environment with spectacular surrounding with close views of Ganesh Himal and series of snow peaks. After an enjoyable tour of Mu Gompa, return journey back on the same trail to Nile for overnight.
Retrace the journey back to Chumling from Nile on completing our first main highlights of the adventure. On the next phase of our journey the Manaslu circuit trekking around another scenic valley of Manaslu. Enjoy the pleasant walk to Chumling for last overnight stop around inner Tsum Valley.
The walk follows on the same exciting route with ups and down trail facing tremendous views of surrounding dramatic landscapes. Including the massif snow-capped peaks that follows all the way to Lokpa for overnight, the ending point of the Tsum Valley.
From Lokpa there are few smaller settlements en-route to higher Manaslu Valley area. But for the nice good comfort and pleasant stay for overnight it is best to spend another nights in Namrung. Where lodge accommodation are much better, compared to other few overnights around Tsum Valley.
The walk leads on the same exciting and interesting route to Namrung from Lokpa. After a long hours of good walk reaching Namrung for another overnight stops.
Enjoying a pleasant overnight in Namrung, adventure begins with morning pleasant walk towards another lovely village of Lo-Gaon. From Namrung one can enjoy views of grand snow peaks of Sringi, Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli towards south. Once on the trail the walk leads to climb steadily through lovely cool forested path to Lihi. A nice village with many stupas and terraces of barley and buckwheat, as the walk drops across the side valley. Overlooking grand views of Simnang and Ganesh Himal at close distance. The trek continues further along past Sho village to reach Lo-Gaon for overnight stop. Located on a beautiful and scenic landscapes amidst lovely woods of pines and rhododendron, facing majestic view of Mt. Manaslu. Reaching Lo-Gaon transfer into one of its many good lodges, having time to explore this nice village and the Ribung monastery.
Today’s walk towards the main village of Upper Manaslu Valley at Sama-Gaon, morning follows on a pleasant path. Walking on gradual winding trail with few short ups and down to Shayla before reaching Sama-Gaon. On walks enjoy exceptional views of Manaslu, with adjoining high mountains of Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli). As well of Manaslu large glaciers straight ahead includes array of snow-capped peaks towards far end stands Ganesh Himal.
Slowly walk finally ends for the day reaching Sama-Gaon for two overnights in the comfort of a nice cozy lodge.
At Sama-Gaon rest day for acclimatization before reaching the highest point of the adventure on top Larke-La. Enjoy a leisure refreshing breakfast and then spend the day exploring around Sama-Gaon getting having rest.
For energetic people can enjoy hike up to a little hill near hill of Sama-Gaon towards an old Pungyen Gompa. A monastery with dramatic grand views of the glacier as well visit the serene glacial pond of Birendra Tal.
After breakfast in Sama-Gaon, morning walk leads to down to Budhi Gandaki River, the trail follows to a bridge. Encountering several Mani walls as the valley widens after an hour of good scenic walks. Facing grand views of surrounding towering snow peaks, as walk heads close you close to Samdo village.
Finally after hours of nice morning walks reaching Samdo a moderate size village for hundreds of inhabitants. Samdo located on route to Tibet border and towards our next day walks to Dharmasala at Larke Phedi.
From Samdo, having good breakfast walk leads to the end of Manaslu Valley at Dharmasala. After walking past an old Tibetan market called Larke Bazaar, which was a thriving place in the early days. At present the places is deserted, but the walk continues crossing a wooden bridge. The walk follows with short climb to cross two streams, facing views of Larke Peak Glacier. The trail heads around the valley of the Salka Khola and then climb once again to reach Dharmasala. Also known as Larke Phedi the bottom of the pass and the end of Manaslu Valley around Northern rim of Gorkha district. Dharmasala with few lodges to stay for lunch and overnight before heading for the climb, early next morning.
The day has come for our ultimate goal and main highlight of the adventure to reach Larke-La Pass. Having good breakfast and carrying packed lunch for the longest day of the trek. Starting as early as possible, heading for the big climb reaching few glacial ponds. After a short steep climb, reaching a wide small plateau on the north side of Larke Glacier. Overlooking great views of Cho Danda and Larke Peak, the walk leads across moraines and glacier with gradual ascent.
Then the climb gets steeper on reaching the last section of the pass, from the top of Larke-La Pass. Enjoy fantastic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the towering peaks of Annapurna II. From the pass, a long downhill past Cheo Danda and small place of Larcia, then at the bottom of Larke-La. Reaching back into dense forest at Bhimphedi, also called as Bhimthang. A lovely settlement, located on a green pasture field amidst forest surrounding, a pleasant spot for overnight.
After the long hard and tough day walk, enjoy the comfort of a nice cozy lodge with great foods.
Most people makes it to Dharapani in a day, but due to the long and tiring walks of previous day. It is best to break the journey with half day, to regain and pull the muscles and strength back to normal. From Bhimphedi, a pleasant walk downhill through dense beautiful woods with short ups to Karche ridge. Enjoy few hours of easy down to a small settlement of Gho for overnight lunch and overnight halt.
From Gho, morning a pleasant last day trek of the adventure enjoy the final walk of journey to Dharapani village. As the trail follows downhill into lovely forest and then reaching a nice village of Tilje for possible lunch stop.
Afternoon a short climb and cross a bridge over Masrsyangdi River, then reaching Dharapani village. Located on the motorable road-side, where Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit joins, a lovely moderate size village Dharapani.
Most trekkers take the long overland journey to Kathmandu in a day taking more than 8 hours on 235 km distance. As the road condition on mountainous road can be bumpy ride and tiring. We have set the itinerary flexible driving for short distance about 50 k.m. to Bhesisar, the headquarters town of Lamjung district.
From Dharapani enjoy the drive on mountain rough dirt tracks following Masrsyangdi River downstream. The drive leads to Talbesi, the last village of Manang district to enter Lamjung areas. As ride heads down to Chamje, Jagat and long downhill to Syange village, then reaching the low sub-tropical valley.
Following the Masrsyangdi River past Bulbule and Khudi farm areas to reach the large town at Bhesisar. Enjoy the nice comfort in a good hotel and lodge, and having time to explore around the town of great cultural interest.
From Bhesisar town on a nice motorable road, after breakfast enjoy great scenic and exciting drive to Kathmandu. The road shortly joins the main Pokhara and Kathmandu highway at Dumre town. The drive gets better on the busy highway to Mugling Bazaar, following the Trisuli River for some hours. Then on winding uphill to the valley rim, overlooking views of Kathmandu city. After an hour from the valley outskirt reaching into hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu.
Get transferred to the hotels, having rest of the afternoon at leisure after a great wonderful adventure on Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Final day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as time for your international flight for homeward bound or next port of call. Transfer to Kathmandu, Nepal international airport bidding farewell to your guide and staff, after a marvelous and enjoyable adventure on Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit trek.
Tsum Valley was opened for foreign visitors from 2007 onwards, and likewise Upper Manaslu allowed outside nationality from 1991. These both region of high Gorkha district falls within Restricted Areas of Nepal. The reason of restrictions is due to its close borders with Tibet / China. As well to preserve its ancient cultures as were for past hundreds of centuries, only limited numbers of visitors allowed to enter on obtaining a special permits. As well MCA and ACAP entrance fees for Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area Project. From Manaslu crossing the Larke-La Pass leads to Manang areas which is falls within Annapurna Conservation or ACAP.
Trekkers will be surprised to find good food menu of varieties, from Tibetan, Nepali, Indian and Chinese to Continental. Includes long list of snacks and drinks for the customer delights in most lodges on treks.
The lodge accommodation are nice and lovely according to the choices of the trekkers. From budget to standard room accommodation around large villages of Jagat, Namrung to Sama-Gaon till Bhesisar town. But the lodge around for few overnights like in Machha-Khola, Dovan, Deng and Dharmasala.
These places with simple and basic comforts, most lodges on route treks having common bath and toilets. Except in few villages do have attached or non-attached bath and toilets.
Similarly around Tsum Valley villages provides simple and basic accommodation in its small lodges and guest-house. Having basic and limited food menu to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, due to its remote location. As well with minimum numbers of trekkers visiting the areas of Tsum Valley. However, one can enjoy the simple and clean accommodation along with local foods for a change and experience.
The total walking distance covering Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit to Dharapani village at approx. 225 kilometers or 140 miles. The distance can, however, differ from itinerary to itinerary. As per the request of clients on booking making the treks shorter or with longer with more leisure days to enjoy.
All lodges have hydro-power to run electricity, or by solar power, where trekkers can charge their electronic items and gadgets. A fee is charged per hour for each items, as for internet and Wi-Fi, have connection. Depending upon the areas in deep gorge and valley, as well weather wise, can be disturbing with bad receptions. The best place is from Machha-Khola onwards to Samdo villages, other places works well with local SIM. Which can be bought in Kathmandu at reasonable cost.
Spring season from April and May. The whole areas of Manaslu mid hills will be bright and lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom. Trekkers can observe the wildflowers of all colors and different species. Especially the rhododendron flowers of great variation from tall trees to short bush.
Truly an enchanting place to experience during the spring time of April and May when the hills are alive and bright with wildflowers. Along with pleasant walks and for excellent views of snow-mountain range. The next season is autumn / fall starts from September and ends in November for Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit treks. But days are much shorter due to limited sunlight hours, most days are crystal clear for views and walks. Cold morning, late afternoon and night time with chances of snow-fall sometimes. But one of the best time for Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit in autumn season of September to first week of November months.
