Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek, also known as the hidden valley, is one of the fascinating and isolated destinations in Nepal to look out for. The valley was restricted until the year 2008 and is basically a trekking route that follows the classical Manaslu trekking route. The Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek area is full of mountains, passes, deep gorges, hamlets, gompas, chortens, and mani walls. Most of the population around this region is Tibetan in the northern part and follows the Buddhist religion. These people have their own unique cultural beliefs and traditions. During the Manaslu & Tsum Valley trek, you will be welcomed by the mountain ranges such as Ganesh Himal, SringiHimal, Manaslu, Boudha Himal, and so on.
To reach Manaslu & Tsum Valley trek, we’ll be traveling from Gorkha and Arughat towards the south of Manaslu. For some days, we will be exploring the Budi Gandaki Valley, lots of forests, and the surrounding villages. After leaving the Manaslu trail, we follow the Tsum Valley trail and as soon as we enter the valley you will truly feel like you’re entering the hidden valley. Along the trail, including both Manaslu and Tsum Valley, you’ll pass through alpine forests, rivers, glaciers, and Buddhist Gompas including the Milarepa’s Cave, Rachen Gompa, and Mu Gompa among others. The warm hospitality of the ethnic communities will stay with you forever.
Highlights of Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek are:
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We begin our epic journey to the hidden valley by taking a direct bus to Arughat from Kathmandu. Arughat is a pleasant market along the BudhiGandaki River. On reaching Arughat, check in to the lodge and have some rest for tomorrow.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
From Arughat, the road has less traffic so we can either take a jeep to SotiKhola or hike through the Magar and Gurung villages which is a more scenic opportunity. Since the climate is hot in this area, you’ll see a lot of rice, maize, and millet growing in the fields while we pass through the villages and farms. On reaching Arkhet, our trekking will begin as we head to Lapubesi, where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Continuing our walk along the river, we pass through the Machhakhola. As we move forward, we will encounter frequent ups and downs ahead. Be careful as the monkeys and langurs are sometimes spotted throwing rocks. Along the path, we encounter a Gurung village and a botanical garden as well.
After passing some ups and downs, we reach Tatopani where hot water spouts that provide a delightful evening shower can be found. These hot water spouts are beneficial from a dermatological point of view. This place is nice and peaceful and guarantees quality time.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Today we start our journey by climbing over a ridge and crossing over a suspension bridge. After crossing a landslide area, we cross the bridge over the YaruKhola to reach YaruPhant. Afterward, we walk up the riverbed, climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, descend to Siidibas, and pass through Ghatekhola to finally reach Philim Gaun.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
From here on, we have a wonderful trekking route. After breakfast, we trek north out of Philim over a track that is signposted to the Larkya La while passing through a dense pine forest with views up the narrowing valley. Afterward, we descend to a junction going left to Ghan and right to Tsum Valley. We then cross the SiyarKhola and pass through a forest into Lokpa (2240 m), which is surrounded by barley fields. After walking for some hours, we are welcomed by the old gompa, orchards, traditional houses, and beautiful stone streets upon reaching Chumling.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
We start our day by crossing a suspension drive and crossing a slip, then we ascend along the valley to the east, which offers a splendid view of Ganesh Himal before we reach Rainjam village. Later on, we cross the SerpuKhola and join the trail leading to the upper Tsum Valley. After walking for some time, we’ll reach the village of Chhokang-Paro.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Early in the morning, use your time to explore the village and you might encounter a That (wild goat). Afterward, we travel in the east direction through some villages before we climb over a ridge to visit Milarepa’s cave, a sacred cave for meditation for Buddhists. We then cross the Shiyar Khola, pass through some villages, and reach an unusual round stupa before reaching the larger village of Chhule through an amazing entrance gate. As we leave Chhule villages we trek upstream to cross a bridge and ascend to Nile village to spend the night.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Today you’ll be exploring the Mu Gompa. After breakfast, we head up on the west bank through a narrow valley. The final climb is through the dry Tibetan countryside with rows of Chotens to each Mu Gompa. At Mu Gompa, you can explore the monastery, an ancient gompa, and the Dhephu Doma nunnery. You can also climb to Kalung (3820 m) or Bhajyo (4030 m) passes to have a glimpse of Tibet from the Nepal border.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Advancing our journey, we retrace our way back to as far as Phurbe. Staying on the east bank of the Sitar Khola, we cross the flat boulders leading the path to RachenGompa. Here, you can visit the ancient Gompa and explore the village of gompa families. It’s a family that has at least one monk or nun.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
After breakfast, we cross a bridge to the west bank to make our way back to ChhokangParo and drop below towards Chumling. It takes about two hours to reach Gho Village, from where we will descend down the trail passing the old gompa. Later on, we cross a wooden bridge over the SiyarKhola to reach Domje. Leaving Domje, we ascend over a zigzag trail leading through pine & rhododendron forests before we finally reach Gumba Lungdang.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
After breakfast, we go around the gompa through a white gateway, and below the nuns’ house, we walk along a zigzag track through a forest en then cross the LaudungKhola. Now, we climb steeply for 30 minutes before we walk through the pristine pines and rhododendrons over a ridge. Afterward, we reach a grassy field behind the debris beside the Toro gumba glacier. We then pass many seasonal yak huts and after 4 hours of trekking, we reach Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Explore the surroundings of Ganesh Himal Base Camp and retrace your way back to GumbaLungdang.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
We now descend to Domje. On crossing the LaudungKhola via a new swing bridge, we pass through a lovely forest and choose the lower trail to follow. After descending on steep, loose stairs for some time, we reach Ghumlong on the river and climb again through a pristine forest to reach Lokpa.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Continuing the journey, we follow a track until it diverges at Philim, where we turn right to cross the Budi Gandaki and reach a teashop. Here, you get the last glimpse of Tsum Valley. then, we enter a narrow gorge with many ups and downs and cross the west bank to reach Sirdibas. Afterward, we pass through many villages until we reach the stone-carving village of Bihi. Advancing to our destination, we pass many canyons to cross the SerungKhola and ascend again to finally reach Ghap.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
While staying on the south bank, we enter a beautiful forest of fir and rhododendron with many birds and grey langurs watching. After crossing the river, we take a highly recommended narrow shortcut to the right and walk along the riverbank through a superb pine forest. We then walk over a zigzag trail leading to the village of Naming and eventually to Lho.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Today is a very easy and short day. From Lho, it is an easy walk to Shyala through a pine and rhododendron forest with the view of Manaslu mountain keeping us company. After walking for an hour, we reach Samagaon. With reaching Samagaon we lose the splendid views of Manaslu but we are welcomed by the world of yaks, pastures, and houses which seem to have grown from the stones. Use your spare time of the day to acclimatize and rest, you’ll need it tomorrow.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Today, we will spend the day at Samagaon village for acclimatization. Although this is a rest day, we will go and visit Manaslu Base Camp which will take about 5 to 6 hours. Along the path, you can visit an old Gompa near Samagaon. You can also visit the BirendraTac if you have more time.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
After breakfast, we descend and take the Larkya La trail passing through Mani walls and the juniper/birch forest of Karma Kharka. After trekking for some time, we cross a river and reach Samdo.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Today, we descend down, cross a wooden bridge and ascend while crossing two streams witnessing the colossal Larkya Glacier. After climbing for some time, we arrive at the stone guest house (4450 m). The stone house is a kind of shelter called Dharmashala, also known as Large Phedi.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
Today is a strenuous day as we leave Dharmasala and head towards Bhimtang. After crossing some moraines, we drop past frozen lakes and reach Parke Pass. From here, one can witness the Himlung Himal (7126 m) and other mountains including Gyaji Kung, Annapurna II, Cho Himal, and Kang Guru. Afterward, we walk past the low pastures in the evening before we finally reach Bhimtang.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
We begin today’s trek by walking south beneath Bhimtang and crossing the Bhimtang glacier. For safety reasons, we will move up the far moraine divider to be safe from stonefall and enter a beautiful forest. Continuing our trail along the river to Karche (2700 m), we will see many indications of a glacial flood. Afterward, we’ll reach GurungGaon (2560 m), followed by Dharapani.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodges.
After breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu. The route is along the side of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers over the Prithvi Highway. The road is located high above the rivers on gentle slopes and offers a scenic drive to Kathmandu with vegetation, rice fields, terraced farms, flowing rivers, green hills, and small villages. After the long drive, you will finally reach Kathmandu and be transferred to your confirmed hotel. With that, your Asian Heritage’s Manaslu & Tsum Valley trek program has ended.
Accommodation: Overnight in Yatri Suites & Spa or similar.
