- communitytreks@gmail.com
- +977 9808881190 (WhatsApp)
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek take you into the hidden valley, one of the less well-know and more recently opened up areas for trekking. The This Valley is located in the remote northern side of Gorkha district in Nepal.
Tsum, which is derived from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’ that means ‘vivid’. The valley continues to guard its distinct and natural treasures of clear streams, swarming vegetation, towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, unspoiled hot springs and its ancient relics. One of most interesting features of this trek is the people with their unique culture and age-old lifestyles that they still follow till this day. Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a relatively new trekking destination that’s thrilling to the bone.
Discover the secret Tibetan Buddhist land lying at the edge of one of the most secluded Himalayan valleys. The valley has its own distinctive culture, influenced by Tibetan culture. Manaslu Tsum Valley has long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarewa is believed to be meditated in the caves of these mountains. Traditionally, the valley was a culturally distinct geographical called “Tsum Tso Chuksum”, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible today. Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, this sacred valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for centuries. As a result, the unique culture of this valley has remained intact.
In a monastery nearby, there are statues of Avalokiteshwara, Buddha and Tara. You can also see the footprint of Milerapa. There are many religious texts in Piren Phu as well as ancient scripts on the stones and ceiling. Other interesting monasteries such as Rachen Gompa, set up in 1905 in the Shiar Khola valley; Mu Gompa, established in the late nineteenth century, a six-hour hike from Chekkam; Dephyudonma Gompa, the oldest gompa in the Tsum Valley; and Lungdang Gompa which was established through the determined efforts of a blind man in the early 20th century.
The people of Tsum Valley or the Tsumbas belong to Tibetan origin with their own ancient form of dialect, art, culture and religion. Very few adventure travelers have made it to this high and mysterious valley, which used to be an important trade link with Tibet. The Tsum people have their own way of family life, which may be quite surprising for many outsiders.
Manaslu Tsum Valley lies on the northern part of Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres. The area whihc used to be a restricted area until 2008. The region is still less exposed in comparison to other touristy areas, with relatively virgin and less beaten paths in comparison to the more popular regions.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek start and end point is Arughat, a seven hours drive from Kathmandu. The first half of the trek ascends the Budhi Gandaki Valley on good paths through a mix of dense forest, terraced fields and hill villages. As we leave the main Manaslu Trail for the Tsum valley, suddenly we get a feeling of entering truly into the hidden valley. While on the trek, we also pass through the alpine forests, glacial rivers, and enjoy the warm hospitality of local people.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1335m)
Day 2: Sightseeing & Trek Preparation (1335m)
Day 3: Drive to Sotikhola (530m)
Day 4: Trek to Machha Khola (930m)
Day 5: Trek to Jagat (1120m)
Day 6: Trek to Lhokpa (2240m)
Day 7: Trek to Chumling (2368m)
Day 8: Trek to Chhokangparo (3010m)
Day 9: Trek to Mu Gompa (3700m)
Day 10: Trek to Chhokangparo (3010m)
Day 11: Trek to Gomba Lungdang (3200m)
Day 12: Trek to Lhokpa (2240m)
Day 13: Trek to Jagat (1120m)
Day 14: Trek to Machha Khola (930m)
Day 15: Trek to Sotikhola (530m)
Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu (1335m)
Day 17: Departure day
♂ Note: All itineraries can be customized at your request.
♂ Trip Cost: 1700 US $ PP
♂ Group Size: Min-2, Max-15, Ave 10
01: All the Transport
02: 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast.
03: Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu, with city guide and necessary land transport.
04: Kathmandu sotikhola land transport by private jeep and on the way back Dharapani to Besisahar by Local public jeep and Besisahar to Kathmandu by private Transport.
05: Manaslu restricted entry permits, including Manaslu Conservation entry permits, Annapurna Conservation entry permits, and TIMS.
06: Best available tea house/ lodges accommodation, including all meal, and drinks. (Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner)
07: Experience English speaking guide, including his accommodation, food, and salary, insurance.
08: Two In sharing porter, including his accommodation, food, salary, insurance. (Our porters carry 20 to 22KG so we suggest having your backpack 10 to 12 KG each for Porter.
09: Government taxes and service charges.
01: Nepal entry visa fee (more details please refer to Nepal visa information section)
02: Entrances fee while on sightseeing in Kathmandu.
03: Personal travel and medical insurance (compulsory)
04: Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu if staying more than above itinerary suggested.
05: Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu, accept breakfast.
06: Personal expenses like drinks while on trek (water) bar bills, laundry, and telephone, personal tips for your 07: Driver, guide and Porter.
♂ For more details you can email to communitytreks@gmail.com or talk and share message on WhatsApp on +977 9808881190 we’re available 24/7
Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal! Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport one of Community Trek representatives will be there to welcome you before taking you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
(1 hour)
(1335 Meters )
(Hotel)
A half day guided tour to several of the historical and spiritual attractions enlisted under the World Heritage Sites will make your day start in the best way. The trek leader will meet the group for a meeting and provide a detailed briefing of the trek. All the required information regarding the trek will be provided in that moment.
(1 - 2 hours)
(Breakfast)
(1335 Meters )
(Hotel)
We leave early in the morning for Sotikhola via Arughat. Most part of the driving is done on the dusty newly built roads and good way of feeling the adventure ebfore even starting the trek. We will camp at Sotikhola.
(8 hours)
(BLD)
(530 Meters )
(Camp)
The trek heads north and follows the Budhi Gandaki River for the whole day. The trek stays close and follows the Budhi Gandaki River all way up to the base of the Larkya pass, crosses and re-crosses the river several times through suspension bridges. The trail undulates through Lapu Beshi, then continues on the sandy banks of the river before finally reaching Machha Khola.
(BLD)
(930 Meters )
(6 - 7 hours)
(Camp)
The trail stays relatively easy in the morning and goes through Khorlabesi. A brief stop at Tatopani, to check out the hot spring, is followed by a steep climb through Dobhan. The trail drops down into the banks of the Yaru Khola at Yaru Beshi, followed by a couple of good climbs until Jagat, a small village by the banks of Budhi Gandaki River.
(BLD)
(1120 Meters )
(5 - 6 hours)
(Camp)
The trail once again enters the sandy banks for a brief period. The path gets steep near Sirdibas and after crossing a dramatic suspension bridge, another good climb leads to the beautiful village of Phillim, the biggest village until the pass. The trail steadily loses height and enters Tsum valley. A relatively comfortable path follows and the final brief climb ends at Lhokpa. Ganesh Himal (7422 meters) and Shringi Himal (7161 meters) appear on opposite directions of Lhokpa.
(BLD)
(2240 Meters )
(5 - 6 hours)
(Camp)
After three suspension bridges in the morning, a steep ascent follows for the rest of the day. In the end of the day, the ascent starts to turn into a gradual nice walk and reaches Chumling. It is a short day as the trek enters into higher elevations.
(BLD)
(2368 Meters )
(4 hours)
(Camp)
This trekking day is relatively on an easy terrain as the it heads higher into Tsum Valley. The trail follows one of the tributaries of the Budhi Gandaki River and follows it for most part of the day. After passing a small monastery, the trail crosses another tributary before it slowly starts to ascent. The climb ends at Chhokangparo, the biggest settlement of Tsum Valley. Several mountains can be viewed from this village.
(BLD)
(3010 Meters )
(6 hours)
(Camp)
An easy trek leads through several small villages: Leru, Ngakyu and finally Lamagaun. After a brief visit to the Milarepa Cave, the trail continues on the riverbed and passes villages of Lar, Phurbe, Pangdun and reaches the twin village of Chule and Nile. Still staying with the river, the trail now starts to slowly climb through a narrow valley. A final brief steep climb leads out of the valley and ends the day at Mu Gompa. There are not many options for accommodation so the night in so the night will be spent inside the monastery.
(BLD)
(3700 Meters )
(6 hours)
(Monastery)
The trek retraces back on the same route until the village of Lar and then takes a different route back to Chhokangparo via Rachen Gompa. However, the terrain is similar to the one taken the day before.
(BLD)
(3010 Meters )
(5 - 6 hours)
(Camp)
The trail now descends down to the village of Dumje and a long steep climb in a different valley follows. The terrain slowly turns easier but still continues to climb and only ends at Gomba Lungdang. Ganesh Himal (7422 meters) stands tall and close to the monastery adding an edge to the already impressive and peaceful environment. The place also has no teahouses around and similar mode of accommodation that of Mu Gompa will be the only option.
(BLD)
(3200 Meters )
(5 hours)
(Monastery)
The trek once again retraces back on the previously travelled route back to Chumling via Dumje. Still continuing on the same route the day’s trek finally ends at Lhokpa.
(BLD)
(2240 Meters )
(6 hours)
(Camp)
The trek continues to return via the same route taken before.
(BLD)
(1120 Meters )
(6 - 7 hours)
(Camp)
The trek continues to return via the same route taken before.
(BLD)
(930 Meters )
(5 - 6 hours)
(Camp)
The trek continues to return via the same route taken before.
(BLD)
(530 Meters )
(6 - 7 hours)
(Camp)
We drive back to Kathmandu and enjoy the afternoon with the luxuries of the city. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(6 - 7 hours)
(Breakfast and Dinner)
(1335 Meters)
(Hotel)
A leisure day in Kathmandu which can used for an early morning mountain flights to Everest or can extended into further more tours to Chitwan, Lumbini etc.
(Breakfast)
(1335 Meters )
(Hotel)
A representative from Community Treks & Expedition will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with the hope of seeing you again in the future in the beautiful country of Nepal.
(1 hour)
(Breakfast)
ALL ITINERARIES CAN BE CUSTOMIZED AT YOUR REQUEST. CHECK OUT “EXTENSION” FOR SOME SUGGESTIONS.
The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG.
1. Hiking boots
2. Socks
3. Trekking trousers / pants
4. Waterproof overtrousers / rainpants
5. Baselayer shirts
6. Casual shirt and/or T-shirts
7. Fleece jacket or warm jumper/sweater
8. Waterproof jacket
9. Sunhat
10. Warm hat
11. Sunglasses
12. Thermal gloves
13. Warm and waterproof over gloves or mittens
14. Headtorch/Headlamp with spare bulb and batteries
15. Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
16. Water bottles 1 L.
17. Antibacterial handwash
18. Small towel
19. Daypack, 25/30Litres
20. Trekking poles
21. Sleeping bag 4 or 5 season * (rated down to – 20ºC)
22 Warm jacket (down)*
A broad spectrum antibiotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters (band-aids) and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets
♂ Note: Walking pole, down jacket, sleeping bag, etc available on hire in Kathmandu.
Responsible tourism is something which our company takes very seriously. This is why we recommend you to read the following lines and learn about responsible tourism before your trip.
» It is advisable to eat as the locals do: eat the rice, the lentils, the fresh fruit and vegetables.
» Tourists tend to bring with them plastic water bottles, packets of crisps and chocolate bars for energy, so without thinking, they are adding to the rubbish problem. It’s fine to eat foods like that, but take your rubbish with you back to Kathmandu and throw in the bin there because up in the Himalaya, they bury it in the ground, or they burn it and that’s no good.
» Respect any animals and wildlife you might encounter. Do not feed any animals unless you are specifically given permission, avoid picking flowers no matter how beautiful they may be, do not touch or move fossils, and importantly, don’t stroke dogs – they can be aggressive towards strangers and stray dogs in Nepal may carry rabies.
» Before you buy souvenirs.
Beautiful shahtoosh shawls are woven in the Himalayas from the wool of the Tibetan Antelope, or chiru. The chiru is now endangered as a result of hunting for its precious wool – avoid buying anything made from it.
» Food & Taboos
0nce you’ve touched something to your lips, it’s considered polluted for everyone else. If you take a sip from your own, or someone else’s water bottle, try not to let it touch your lips and don’t eat from someone else’s plate or offer anyone food you’ve taken a bite of.
» Right or Left? Mmm… Right!
The left hand is reserved for washing after defecating. You can use it to hold a drink or cutlery while you eat, but don’t wipe your mouth, or pass food with it.
» Right hand & Manners.
To show respect, offer money, food or gifts with both hands, or with the right hand while the left touches the wrist.
» Keep Calm.
The Nepalese are a very calm and contemplative people. You may find yourself in social situations that are completely out of your western comfort zone, but it is important to remember that the locals exercise discretion in expressing their feelings, anger and affection towards each other. If you don’t understand something, ask quietly and be patient.
» Think before you take pictures.
It’s easy to get snap-happy when presented with Nepal’s incredible landscape and lifestyle. Remember, this may be your trip of a lifetime, but it’s their reality, so introduce yourself and ask permission. Whenever possible, it is good idea to ask for a postal address and follow through by sending photographs back to local families.
» A conservative country.
Women should have their legs and shoulders covered and men should wear full-length trousers and tops with long sleeves. The forehead is regarded as the most sacred part of the body and it’s impolite to touch an adult Nepali’s head. Do not stretch your legs in public or point your feet at anyone as feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body.
» Girls in Kathmandu and Pokhara do wear shorts or short skirts, but this is new to Nepal and you run the risk of being seen as sexually available if you do the same.
» Spitting is normal in Nepal and you will see men, women, and children spitting on the street.
The same goes for littering. Don’t pull a local up for these behaviours, but don’t join in either.
» Avoid showing affection in public
Although some younger couples hold hands in public, this is relatively new and it is still frowned upon.
» Ancient and sacred sites
there are a few protocol that are handy to know and easy to follow: don’t climb on ruins, avoid touching any religious object, and when you walk around monuments and temples, do so in a clockwise direction, that is – keep the monument on your right. It is generally not a problem to enter temples, but take your shoes off when you do and don’t take photos while you’re in there
» When visiting temples
Respect both the place and the people that pray there. Do not throw anything into the fire as it considered sacred and, if for some reason – time of day, particular prayer time – you are not permitted to enter, accept this graciously and ask your guide to ask when might be a better time to come back.
» Some Hindu temples and their innermost sanctums are usually out of bounds for nonbelievers, who pose the threat of ritual pollution. If you are allowed in, be respectful, take your shoes off before entering and don’t take photos unless you’ve asked permission.
» Though no one will ever ask, a small donation to temple that you’re visiting will be much appreciated. Donations support the operations of the day. Place your donation on the altar, or if you want to make a specific donation look for a donation box.
» If you’re granted an audience with a lama at a Buddhist temple or monastery, it’s traditional to present him with a kata: a ceremonial white scarf (usually sold nearby).
» If you are invited into a private home for a meal, you can bring fruit or sweets, but don’t expect thanks – it is considered offensive to make a fuss in these situations. Take your shoes off when entering, unless shown otherwise. When the food is served you may be expected to eat first, so you won’t be able to follow your host’s lead. Take less than you can eat – asking for seconds is the best compliment you can give. The meal is typically served at the end of a gathering and when the food is finished, everyone leaves.
» Don’t give pens, money, or sweets to the local people you encounter on visits to villages and it can encourage begging and may be seen to establish a non-equal relationship between tourist and local with tourists being seen as simply ‘givers’ giving to ‘the poor’. Instead, buy local handicrafts directly from villagers and show an interest in their skills. Sweets may seem like an ideal gift for children, but access to dentists is extremely limited to rural dwellers and the last thing you want to give them is tooth decay!
» Hassle by touts is on the rise in Nepal and it’s likely you’ll get accosted at the airport and in Kathmandu and offered drugs, treks and sex. They’re not as aggressive as in India – ignore them and they’re likely to ignore you. If they don’t, ask politely if they’ll leave you alone – do not be rude, as they’ll take it personally.
» Dealing with beggars is par for the course in Nepal. Adjust to the pathos quickly – few beggars are bona fide and helping those that are will only encourage those that aren’t. Do not give away medicines either; instead donate them to the destitute at Kathmandu’s Bir Hospital, or at the Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Centre in Kathmandu.
» The litter problem in Nepal is growing and has increased with the wider availability of pre-packaged goods. Keep your waste to a minimum – avoid accepting plastic bags from shops and reuse the ones you have, buy additional food from local markets to avoid packaging, take an empty plastic bag with you on treks, so you can pick up any additional litter you might spot and take particularly harmful waste, such as batteries, back to Kathmandu with you.
» Marijuana and other ‘recreational’ drugs are widely available in Nepal although totally illegal. If caught in possession, drugs carry huge fines and up to 20 years imprisonment.
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