The Manaslu region is often hidden behind the shadows of its intimidating neighbors Annapurna and Everest. However, the beauty and experience that it offers is on par with both its neighbors. Manaslu Circuit trek lets you experience this remote and unexplored destination of Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit trek is often called Tsum Valley Trek. Tsum valley is a remote destination hidden in the Himalayas. It was a restricted area until the year 2008. It holds scared pilgrimage values for the people of Tibetan-Buddhist origin. The ancient ruins of the “Tsum Kingdom” those are still visible, the unique remoteness and the exhilarating beauty of this valley makes this trek extremely desirable among adventure seekers.
The circuit trek provides spectacular views of Mt Manaslu (8163M, eighth highest mountain in the world), Ganesh Himal, Buddha Himal and much more. The trail follows the Budi Gandaki River from our starting point at Arughat Bazar (570 m) up to the highest point of our trek Larkya Pass (5135M).
Manaslu region is known for the varying landscapes. The trek starts low at just 570M moving to an altitude of over 5000M. Thus the landscapes vary from the vast green fields, lush hills of Rhododendrons and pines to the beautiful glaciers located at soaring altitudes. As we come across Larkya Pass we see the influence of the Tibetan culture with long prayer Mani (stone carved) walls. We are also greeted with the breathtaking view of the Manaslu and Annapurna range and beautiful glaciers. The region is blessed with natural, ecological and cultural diversity.
The rocky rough trails following the beautiful river of Budi Gandaki with a roller coaster of varying landscapes and cultures leading to the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas and the mesmerizing valley of Tsum, Manaslu Circuit Trek will be the most authentic and unforgettable experience you will have in Nepal.
Highlights:
● The beautiful valley of Manaslu/ Tsum and its surroundings
● Experience the rich cultures of the Tibetan-Buddhists
● Spectacular view of Mt Manaslu (8163M) (The eighth highest mountain in the World).
● Varying Landscapes from green fields, lush hills to barren lands and icy glaciers
● Beautiful sunrise and sunset over the Manslu massif seen from the village of Lho
● Larkya phedi and Larkya Pass (5160M)
● Colorful villages of Samdo, Dharmasala, Lho and much more
13: Days
Age: 8+
Trip Grade: difficult
Max. Altitude: 5106m
Transport: Private vehicle/Bus
Best Season:March-May, October-December
Destination:Nepal
Start/End:Kathmandu-Arughat-Besisahar-Kathmandu
Departure Location:Kathmandu
Included:
Excluded:
Tour Plan / Itinerary
1
Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola then Machhakhola [900m/2952 ft.] 9-10 hours
We set off early today for Sotikhola then Machhakhola. During the drive, we enjoy views of the Nepalese countryside along with the mountain sceneries. We will be driving on a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi, district headquarter of Dhading (1050m)but the drive from Dhanding Bensi to Arughat will be on a rough road. Upon reaching Arughat, a major town in the region we drive further towards Sotikhola. At thecrossing at the bridge we drive through the beautiful sal forest,huge rapids of Budhi Gandaki River, rice terraces and Gurung village to Machhakhola. Overnight in Machakhola.
2
Maccha Khola- Jagat (1410m/4625 ft]: 6 - 7 hours
The narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola and reaching Khorla Besi. After a few more ascends and descends we come across a small Hot spring in Tatopani. From the hot spring, we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. At this juncture, we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat. Overnight in Jagat
3
Jagat - Deng [1,804m/5917 ft]: 6 - 7 hrs
We begin today’s trek by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. We further continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village. The trail turns north just above the lowest house in the village and stays on a fairly level trail as it crosses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. At this point, we descend to the grassy land slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank and then back again. As we continue through the trail the valley widens and we pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. Upon crossing the Khola, we reach the tiny village of Deng. Overnight in Deng.
4
Deng - Namrung [2630m/8626ft]: 6 - 7 hrs
After a brief walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m. From the bridge, we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail also passes through forests and Mani where we turn towards a corner that contours to Ghap. Even though there is another route, we take the route through Prok village. Prok village has a viewpoint for a beautiful sight of Siringi Himal. We further cross the Budi Gandaki several times today and come across several Gompas en route. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung. Overnight in Namrung.
5
Namrung –Lho (3180m)
Namrung village is a good viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal and from the village one can also see Mt. Himal Chuli in the south. We climb steadily and pass through forests and reach Lihi, a fine village with many Chortens and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by. Lho villagehas one of the old Buddihist monastery and here is the best scenery of Manaslu mountain view in the Sunrise time.
6
Lho to Syala then Pungen Gumba to Samagaon [3530m/11,578 ft]: 8-9 hours
We further pass through Sho, Lho and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We enjoy extraordianary views of Mt. Manasly from Lho village and also explore the famous Ribung Gompa. In Shyala village we will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, and other snow summits to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. Today, we get acquainted with the rich Sherpa culture. We enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures and the Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. On a little hill near the Syala village is an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa), a monastery with great views of the glacier. Get to Samagaun in the evening.
This day as our acclimatization day, We will head to Manaslu Base Camp. It is named after Manaslu, Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods, and when the Japanese came back a year later they met with a lot of resistance that they had to give up their attempt. They were finally successful in 1959. Overnight in Samagaon.
8
Samagaon - Samdo [3860m/12,660 ft]: 4 - 5 hours
Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several Mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the Kani we find Samdo. Overnight in Samdo.
9
Samdo - Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. [4460m/14, 628 ft]: 4 - 5 hours
Even today, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight in Dharmashala.
After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience. Overnight in Bimthang.
11
Bimthang - Tilije [2300m/7544ft]: 5 - 6 hours
From a ridge at Bimthang, we can enjoy great views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. We descend further and cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola. We walk through rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche, 2785 meters. We pass across fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank at 2580m. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho. Due to yesterday's tiredness we might take an overnight rest at Gho but better lodges are available at Tilije, So we staying Overnight in Tilije Village.
12
Tilije - Tal [1700m/5576 ft]: 5 - 6 hours (1700)
We climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village. We then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a mani wall and reach the Thonje village. At the village, we go through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. We have entered the Annapurna circuit section from Dharapani. Further down, we come across Karte village and after quite a bit of walking we cross a bridge over Marshyangdi Khola. We also come across some Mani walls before reaching the village of Tal, situated at the foot of a large waterfall. Overnight in Tal.
13
Tal - Drive to Kathmandu 8-9 hours
Drive from Tal to Kathmandu by tourist vehicle that takes about eight to nine hours. While driving from Tal to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the Mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities, from Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city. In the evening you can take a short walk around Thamel if you need to purchase some souvenirs to take back to your country.
Map Overview
Manaslu region is known for the varying landscapes. The trek starts low at just 570M moving to an altitude of over 5000M. Thus the landscapes vary from the vast green fields, lush hills of Rhododendrons and pines to the beautiful glaciers located at soaring altitudes. As we come across Larkya Pass we see the influence of the Tibetan culture with long prayer Mani (stone carved) walls. We are also greeted with the breathtaking view of the Manaslu and Annapurna range and beautiful glaciers. The region is blessed with natural, ecological and cultural diversity.
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Manaslu circuit with Tsum Valley Trekking