The Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley explores one of the most remote regions of Nepal. The diverse trek lasts several weeks and circumnavigates Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the eighth highest mountain in the world. The trail is a bit of a challenge, and it’s longer and less luxurious than the Annapurna or Everest region treks, but the payoff is worth it! Be blown away by the sheer mountains, lush valleys, and kind villagers throughout the trail.
If you have some experience in the back country and want a trail that is off the beaten path, the Manaslu with Tsum Valley Trek is for you. It is in fact one of the most underrated treks in Nepal. During the journey, we get plenty of snowy peak views, including Sringi Himal (7,165m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Ganesh Himal (7,422m) and Manaslu (8,163m).
Throughout the trail, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife found in the area. We may just run into the musk deer, snow leopard, red panda, or other wild animal species. Another delightful part of the trail is spending time with the locals – who are descendants of native Tibetans and have been living in the area since the 1600s. Their way of life has remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years. You will be inspired by their unique culture, which mirrors the culture, language, and dress found in Tibet.
One of the fantastic parts of the Manaslu with Tsum Valley Trek is hike through Tsum Valley (aka the Hidden Valley). As we depart from the main trail and enter Tsum Valley, we immediately get the feeling of entering a truly remote area. The completely secluded valley is a little oasis, enclosed by massive rugged peaks. Ganesh Himal,Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges lie right before your eyes.
While passing high alpine environments, glacial rivers, and charming villages, we also get some visit some amazing, Buddhist sites that seem as if they are in the middle of nowhere. Stops at Milarepa’s Cave, Rachen Gompa, and Mu Gompa are splendid and well worth it. It is said that the Buddhist saint Milarepa used to meditate in these caves.
Towards the end of the trek, we traverse the Larkya La Pass (5,100 meters). The high and windy pass offers jaw-dropping views of Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), and several other majestic mountains. Snap some photos up here and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime moment. A couple of days descending after the pass, further enjoying the trail of the Manalsu with Tsum Valley Trek, we end the adventure in Dharapani.
You can take the Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley all throughout the year. The best times to make the trip, though, are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons
- Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu airort and transfer to the hotel.
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Day 02Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
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Day 03Drive to Sotikhola about 7 hours by jeep.
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Day 04Trek from Sotikhola to Machhakhola about 6 hours.
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Day 05Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat about 7 hours.
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Day 06Trek from Jagat to Philim about 4 hours.
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Day 07Trek from Philim to Chumling about 7 hours.
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Day 08Trek from Chumling to Chhokanparo about 6 hours.
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Day 09Trek from Chhokangparo to Nile via Milarepa cave about 7 hours.
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Day 10Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa about 4 hours.
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Day 11Rest in Mu Gompa.
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Day 12Trek from Mu Gompa to Ranchen Gompa about 5 hours.
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Day 13Trek from Ranchen Gompa to Chumje about 6 hours.
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Day 14Trek from Chumje to Bihi about 7 hours.
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Day 15Trek from Bihi to about 7 hours.
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Day 16Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon about 7 hours.
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Day 17Rest and acclimatization at Samagaon
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Day 18Trek from Samagaon to Samdo about 5 hours.
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Day 19Trek from Samdo to Dharamshala or Larkya la B.C. about 5 hours.
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Day 20Trek from Larkya la B.C. to Bhimthang via Larkya pass (5160m/16924ft) about 9 hours.
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Day 21Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani about 8 hours.
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Day 22Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu about 9 hours.
