Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The Tsum Valley, also known as the Hidden Valley, is located on the Nepal-Tibetan border in the northern portion of Manaslu and was a restricted region until 2008. Despite the fact that the territory is located in Nepal, the Buddhism-influenced region is a world unto itself. Historically, Tsum was a distinct region apart from both Nepal and Tibet. In compared to other tourist sites, the Tsum Valley region is still relatively untouched and has fewer well-traveled routes. The Tsum people have a unique approach to family life, which may surprise many visitors. All of the brothers in the family are each married to a single woman, a practice known as polyandry. In comparison to other regions, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu region is abundant with impending mountains, passes, steep gorges, hamlets, gompas, chortens, and mani walls.
The journey to Tsum Valley takes you via the spectacular Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal mountain ranges. During the first few days of the journey, we visit the Budhi Gandaki Valley via lush forest, terraced crops, and hill communities. As we leave the main Manaslu Trail for the Tsum valley, we experience a sudden sense of entering the secluded valley. During the walk, we also pass through alpine woods, glacial rivers, and ethnic communities who welcome us with open arms. We also visit the region's old Buddhist Gombas, such as Milarepa's Cave, Rachen Gompa, and Mu Gompa, among others.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Highlights
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a unique and culturally rich trekking route in Nepal that combines the stunning natural beauty of the Manaslu region with the rich cultural heritage of the Tsum Valley. Here are some of the highlights of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
Cultural Immersion: The Tsum Valley is known as the "Hidden Valley of Happiness" and is inhabited by the Tsumba people, who have a distinct culture and traditions. The trek offers a deep and authentic cultural experience as you interact with the local communities and learn about their way of life, language, and customs.
Buddhist Monasteries: The Tsum Valley is home to several ancient Buddhist monasteries and gompas (monastic complexes), including the famous Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa. These monasteries hold spiritual significance and are adorned with beautiful murals, sculptures, and prayer flags.
Milarepa's Cave: The Tsum Valley is believed to be a place of meditation and spiritual practice for the renowned Tibetan saint Milarepa. You can visit the cave where he is said to have meditated.
Stunning Landscapes: The trek offers a variety of landscapes, from terraced fields and lush forests to high-altitude alpine meadows and glacial terrain. The views of Mount Manaslu and other surrounding peaks are breathtaking.
Tsum Valley Extension: The Tsum Valley can be explored as an extension to the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This extension adds cultural depth and a more immersive experience to your trek.
Lower Crowds: The Tsum Valley is less visited compared to other popular trekking regions in Nepal, providing a quieter and more intimate trekking experience.
Challenging Passes: The trek involves crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters), which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. This pass is a highlight of both the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley treks.
Local Homestays: In some areas, you might have the opportunity to stay in local homestays, enhancing your cultural interaction and understanding of the local way of life.
Natural Hot Springs: The trek passes by natural hot springs, such as the Tatopani hot springs, where you can relax and rejuvenate after days of trekking.
The Best time for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The best time to undertake the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is during the pre-monsoon spring season (March to May) and the post-monsoon autumn season (September to November). These months offer the most favorable weather and trekking conditions for a successful and enjoyable trek in both the Manaslu region and the culturally rich Tsum Valley. Both spring and autumn offer excellent trekking conditions, and your choice between the two depends on your preferences. Spring is known for its vibrant flora, lush landscapes, and beautiful flowers, while autumn provides clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and cultural experiences. Keep in mind that the Tsum Valley is a restricted trekking area, and a special permit is required.
Duration : 20 days | Activity : Trekking/Hiking | Trip Date : Flexible |
Private Trip : Available | Group Trip : Available | Stay : Tea House/ Hotel |
Program Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Nepal.
When you arrive at Tibhuvan International Airport, our guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to relax for the next journey, see the city's attractions, or shop for adventure gear in one of Kathmandu's many adventure supply stores. We'll assemble our bikes and be ready for the journey in the afternoon.
Day 2 - Travel by private vehicle from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, 870m in elevation, 7-8 hours
Day 3 - Hike from Machha to Jagat (1,410m)
Day 4 - Hike from Jagat to Lokpa 2240 meters/6-7 hours
Day 5 - Trek from Lokpa to Chhokang Paro. 3031 seconds/6-7 hours
Day 6 - Trek from Chhokang Paro to Mu Gompa. 3700/5-6 hours
Day 7 - Trek from Mu Gompa to Chhokang Paro. 3031 seconds/5-6 hours
Day 8 - Trek from Chhokangparo to Gumba Lungdang 3200 meters/5-6 hours
Day 9 - Day excursion to Ganesh Himal Base Camp 4500 meters/7-8 hours
Day 10 - Trek from Gumba Lungdang to Lokpa 2240/7-8 hours
Day 11 - Trek from Lokpa to Ghap, 2300 meters / 7-8 hours
Day 12 - Trek from Ghap to Lho, 3,180 feet (5-6 hours)
Day 13 - Trek from Lho to Samagaon 3520 meters/3-4 hours
Day 14 - Trek from Samagaon to Samdo, a distance of 3875 meters (4-5 hours)
Day 15 - Trek Samdo to Dharamsala 4460 meters/3-4 hours
Day 16 - Trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang, 3590m, over Larkya-La Pass, 5160m, in 7-8 hours.
Day 17 - Trek from Bimtang to Dharapane, 1860 meters and 6-7 hours
Day 18 - Trek from Dharapani to Jagat for 1400/4-5 hours
Day 19 - Private vehicle transfer from Jagat to Kathmandu 7-8 hours
Day 20 - Departure from Nepal.
Include/Exclude
Price Includes
- All necessary ground transfers.
- All necessary accommodations as per the itinerary.
- Tea House accommodations during the trek.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking.
- All necessary paper works.
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Experienced and First Aid-trained trekking guide.
- Strong, helpful porters.
- Comprehensive medical supplies.
- Trekking map.
- Insurance of all local team.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff.
- Sleeping bag and trip duffle bag.
- Trekking certificate issued by us.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee.
- International flights.
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Personal expenses not stipulated.
- Optional add-ons.
- Gratuities.
Guest Reviews
Lisa G
My dad and myself did plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit from Jagat to Jomsom and booked the trip via Raj and Getaway Nepal Adventure. While organizing everything in advance went smooth from the very beginning, we were amazed by the organisation of the whole trip once we arrived in Nepal - starting with a pick-up service in Kathmandu airport, also wisely chosing our guide and our porter (Manisha and Dai) which both were a perfect match to accompany us on our trekking. Both were very thoughtful and we felt like a companionship from the very beginning, but also very professional when it came to all concerns regarding the hike, like proper acclimatisation, the daily hike and everything besides. Overall organisation has been extraordinary and there hasn't been anything where Raj was not able to support (even after the trip has finished).
This really has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we were so happy to have this with Manisha and Dai. If ever planning to do a trekking in Nepal again (and we would love to do soon) we definitely would book with Raj again and his company one more time.
Aussie Couple
Raj and his team are awesome. Especially after seeing how other travel companies in Nepal have functioned, not only are they on top of everything, but the guides and porters working with the company are treated really well. The morning we were meant to leave for Lukla, the plane kept getting delayed. By 9 am our guides had a chopper organised to take us, where we later chatted to people who only got on one at around 2 pm and ended up hiking in the dark. We also saw multiple porters carrying more than one duffle bag, however, this company limits it to one, for the wellbeing of the porters. I cannot recommend this company enough.