Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in Spring

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in spring:

Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is accessible throughout all seasons of the year although winter is not as appropriate as the rest of the other seasons. Manaslu Tsum Valley trek in spring is the best alternative to get satisfaction worth the amount you pay. In this cool season, the entire Manaslu region is decorated with the colorful flowers found in the Manaslu Conservation Area. Flower species of rhododendrons and other local flowers cover the magical Manaslu Tsum Valley region with magnificent embroidery.

Trekking Manaslu Tsum Valley in spring is an excellent plan you make for discovering the remote trekking trail of Nepal. In this season, there are the lowest avalanche risks, landslides, and other hurdles created due to harsh climatic conditions. The climatic conditions of the Manaslu region are warm in the daytime and cool in the night and morning. The snowcapped peaks like Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Hiunchul,i and others including the lush valleys and dramatic landscapes unleash their gorgeousness to the fullest.

Five Major Reasons for doing Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek:

Off the Beaten Path Trek:

One of the two major valleys of the Manaslu region, Tsum Valley is a growing trekking destination in the Nepalese Himalayas. Traveling around Tsum Valley and Manaslu region is all the way an off-the-beaten-path trek to gather unique experiences. Unlike Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks, Manaslu and Tsum Valley trekking is less crowded as not many trekkers have been there. If you prefer camping trekking through the tranquil Himalayan zone, this is the perfect match to make your dream come true!

Cultural and Religious Attractions

Two major ethnic groups: Nubri and Tsum are the permanent settlers of Nubri and Tsum Valley which are divided by the Chhikur River. Nubri Valley is the home of the Gurung ethnic community in which most of the people are engaged in foreign employment. As long as the Nepal government opened the trekking in Manaslu region, Nubri Valley has been frequently visited by foreign visitors. Therefore, Nubri Valley is quite familiar with the modern information and communication technology, culture, and tradition of the Western world.

Tsum Valley which is almost completely distant from the modern world and its discoveries, hosts the Bhotias (Bhutias) as the dominant settlers. The other ethnic communities living in the Manaslu Tsum Valley region are Gurung and Sherpa people who are mostly Buddhist. Influenced by the Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition, you can find chortens, mani walls, and monasteries in this region. There are many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries like Rachen Nunnery, Mu Monastery, and Gumba Lungdang Nunnery. You can take a stroll around Buddhist cultural villages like Chumling, Chhule, Chhekamparo, and Nyile to witness unique cultures and traditions.

Pirren Phu (also called Milarepa’s Cave or Pigeon Cave) is one of the most sacred Buddhist shrines in Tsum Valley. Milarepa’s Cave is named after the ancient Tibetan saint, Milarepa who is believed to have meditated and got enlightened in the Nepalese Himalayas. Milarepa’s Cave is located near Burji Village of Manaslu Tsum Valley region where you can see three separate caves. A large statue made up of clay in tribute to Saint Milarepa who was born in around 1052 near the natural rocky cave. The footprints of Milarepa, and the statues of Avaloketeshwara, Buddha, and Tara are other assets of Milarepa’s Cave.

Mountains over 6,500m Elevation

The most striking feature of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek is the spectacular vistas of the snow-clad mountains all above 6,500m. This region is named after one of the eight thousand of Nepal, Mount Manaslu (8163m), and the 8th highest peak in the world. While trekking to Manaslu region, you can observe other peaks like Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kanguru, Siringi, Hiunchuli, Gynji Kang, Larkey Peak, and Ngadi. Also, Ganesh Himal and Annapurna II are other mountain giants adding to the beauty of Manaslu Tsum Valley region. The sparkling panorama of these mountains during sunrise or sunset can hardly be explained in any verbal expression!

Flora and Fauna

Another reason for doing the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is the wide variety of flora and fauna species available in the Manaslu Conservation Area. You can have a wonderful glimpse of 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, and 210 butterfly species. Endangered animal species like snow leopards, Himalayan Thar, and musk deer occupy the conservation area.

Around 2,000 flowering plants conserved in 19 different types of forests are something remarkable to experience in one’s life. The dominant species of plants like Himalayan pine and rhododendron including some medicinal plus aromatic plants are also found here. Manaslu Conservation Area decorated with colorful flowers in spring like a bride is a lifetime achievement you can ever have.

Safe Trekking Region

Although you have to cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m), a challenging high Himalayan pass, the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is safer than other regions. There is less probability of altitude sickness; however, you had better pack Diamox Oral in your first aid kits. This is entirely a teahouse trekking, so, you don’t have to bother about arranging camping trekking gear. You don’t need to spend the nights at the highest altitude which may be quite challenging. Even while crossing Larkya La Pass, you don’t need any climbing gear but can do it as if trekking in other parts of the region. There is less or no chance of blizzards or glacial slides while going on the Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek.

Highlights of the Trek:

• Exploration of hidden valleys close to the Tibetan border from Nepal
• Visit ancient monasteries, chortens, and gompas.
• Stunning views of snowcapped peaks like Mt. Manaslu, Himchuli, Ngadi, Ganesh Himal, and Larkya Peak
• Classic trekking trails of Tsum Valley
• Popular monasteries like Piren Phu (Milarepa’s Cave)  in Tsum Valley
• Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106m), the highest point of the entire Tsum Valley Manaslu  trek

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 01: Reception at the Kathmandu Airport (1,350m)

As soon as you arrive at the Kathmandu Airport, a team member of A1 Excursion welcomes you there. Then, s/he guides you up to the hotel which is booked for your accommodation. You can either take a rest to prepare for the next day’s trip or stroll around the Thamel area. You can even collect the trekking gear that you need during the Manaslu region journey by consulting with the trekking guide. In the evening, the trekking guide gives you all the required instructions about the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek 22-day itinerary.

Day 02: Drive to Soti Khola (700m) -9 Hrs

After having breakfast, your journey towards Soti Khola, the gateway to magical Manaslu region trekking, begins in a private jeep. You will drive along the Prithvi Highway that moves ahead through the banks of the Trisuli until Mugling and the Marsyangdi Rivers. The beautiful scenery scene of cultivated land and the snowy peaks of Manaslu region and Langtang region during the drive make the journey more impressive. After driving for about 8/9 hours, you reach Soti Khola for the night stay at a teahouse tasting the delicious cuisines.

Day 03: Trek to Machha Khola (960m) -6/7 Hrs

The trekking trail goes uphill and downhill along the densely forested Budhi Gandaki River Valley showing you glimpses of mountains. You go across some serene villages situated at the top of hills on the way to boost your journey uphill. You pass by a beautiful village Lububeshi at an elevation of 880m before reaching Machha Khola for the night stay.

Day 04: Trek to Lokpa (2,240m) via Jagat (1,410m) – 6 Hrs

Today, you walk across some ethnic villages like Kholabesi, and Dovan by crossing a few suspension bridges over the Yaru Khola. After going past Kholabesi, you find Tatopani (a spring of naturally hot water), where you can take a short break to enjoy the hot water. Then you reach Jagat by leaving Thado Bharyang village far behind. Jagat is the entrance point of Manaslu Conservation Area, so, you have to get the MCA permit checked there. Following the route that goes past Salleri, Philim, and Ekle Bhatti where you can have the first glimpse of the Manaslu range. By walking the trail going upwards, you reach today’s destination Lokpa Village from where you can have a stunning view of Himchuli and Buddha Himal.

Day 05: Trek to Chumling (2,390m)-5/6 Hrs

Lokpa is the gateway to Tsum Valley which is the central attraction of the entire Manaslu region trekking. If the day has fine weather, you can have a majestic sight of Buddha Himal and Ganesh Himal IV while moving further. You will penetrate through the sub-tropical forests of pine and rhododendron trees until you reach Gumling village. Walking alongside the Lungwa River Valley in the isolated surroundings, you will reach Chumling, the Tonight station. You can take a short hike around Chumling to observe three monasteries: Panago Gumba, Mani Dhungyar, and Gurwa Gompa. You can also enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of Ganesh Himal from the upper part of Chumling village.

Day 06: Trek to Chhekamparo (3,010m)-5/6 Hrs

The trekking route takes you upwards to the upper part of the Tsum Valley region along the Syar Khola Valley. Then, you go across Domje which is the largest mountain city in the entire Tsum Valley, and Gho which hosts a unique Gompa. By following the trail that goes up and down, you reach Chhekamparo, a pure Tibetan Buddhist village for the night station. You can relish the stunning view of Himchuli and Ganesh Himal with sips of Tibetan traditional tea if the weather is favorable. The local people of Chhekamparo welcome their guests with the traditional tea made up of cheese and salt including organic food.

Day 07: Trek to Mu Gompa (3,700m) via Milarepa’s Cave (3,300m)-4 Hrs

After breakfast, you begin your journey by walking past Chulchule village and then Nile, the last village in the northern part of upper Tsum Valley. You find the farming plots cultivated with different seasonal crops on the way. As soon as you cross Lamagaun, you reach Piren Phu (Pigeons’ Cave or Milarepa’s Cave) near Burji Village. Piren Phu has great historical importance in Buddhism that the Chinese scholar or saint, Milarepa came to this cave and started his penance. After a long penance in the tranquil Himalayas of the Manaslu region, he was enlightened as the senior citizens of the upper Tsum Valley narrated it. You can still find the footprints of the saint Milarepa in the cave. After exploring the two gompas protecting Buddhist paintings, inscriptions carved on stones, and manuscripts, you move forward to Mu Gompa. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Mu Gompa where you will have acclimatization the next day.

Day 08: Acclimatization Day at Mu Gompa

As it is the acclimatization day, you can sleep till late morning so that you can recover from travel fatigue in the Himalayas. For acclimatization purposes, you can explore Mu Gompa premises decorated with chortens, prayer flags and wheels extending peaceful message. You can also take a short hike to pasturelands for yak grazing even in the arid trans-Himalayan region. Or you can visit Dophyudonma Monastery which is related to the beginning of Buddhism in Tsum Valley and is managed by Lama. This is one of the oldest monasteries in the region having a row of chortens and giving you a splendid view of the mountains of the Manaslu region.

Day 09: Trek to Chumling (2,390m)-5/6 Hrs

After reaching the highest point of the Tsum Valley trek, now, you will descend towards Chumling vai Chhekamparo for the night station. The trekking trail from Mu Gompa to Chumling gives you the joy of the natural beauty and cultural variety. You feel it quite easier to descend than ascend the trail. Cherish the spectacular view of the landscapes, villages situated on top of hills, and monasteries en route. You can enjoy the different views of Ganesh Himal and Himchuli while walking downwards. 

Day 10: Trek to Lokpa (2,240m)-6 Hrs

Tonight, you will reach Lokpa for the rest by walking down the trail that you have already witnessed. Overnight stay at a hotel by relishing the local cuisines served by the local people.

Day 11: Trek to Deng (1,860m)-6 Hrs

From Lokpa, you follow the trail going down towards Philim, one of the night stations during the Tsum Valley trek. Then you have to cross a bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and move along the narrow trail going up and down. Again you cross a suspension bridge over the river and walk further towards Nyak village. Afterward, following the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, you reach Deng by crossing the bamboo forests.

Day 12: Trek to Ghap (2,160m)-7 Hrs

After enjoying the sunrise view of Siringi Himal from the Gurung village, Deng, we begin our journey towards Ghap. Then you follow the trail that descends towards Rana Bridge; crossing this bridge, you reach Bihi Phedi which is a little far from pine forests. You can see mani walls and mystic stone idols of gods and goddesses reflecting the dominance of Buddhist followers there. Finally, you reach Ghap by crossing a suspension bridge over the Sereng Khola which joins the Budhi Gandaki River later on. Overnight stay at a teahouse at Ghap by tasting the delicious food items prepared and served by the local people.

Day 13: Trek to Lho (3,180m)-6 Hrs

You follow the rugged path that passes through the dense forests of pine, fir, oak, and rhododendrons that shelter different species of birds. By walking along the path that goes up and down to cross a few suspension bridges over the streams, you reach Namrung village.  Then, you go past the path made of stone stairs and colorful barley fields to reach Lihi, a village having traditional art and architecture. Exploring the architectural beauty of Lihi, you move forward crossing a suspension bridge with the view of Lidanda Glacier and Simnang Himal (6,251m). Walking slowly along the trail for two hours, you reach Lho, a beautiful village having mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens. Lho village is famous for some Buddhist monasteries including Nyingma Rinjung Gompa plus the majestic appearance of Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. Overnight stay at a hotel in Lho village relishing the delicious typical Nepali food items cooked in Tibetan style.

Day 14: Trek to Samagaun (3,500m)-3 Hrs

After witnessing the beauty of a Buddhist village, Lho, you move ahead to Shyala which is another village having terraced agricultural fields and wooden houses. Then, you pass by the Pungen Glacier and reach Samagaun which is extended in a flat valley. Samagaun has a cluster of houses having neat and clean courtyards in the middle of fields planted with different crops. The environment of Samagaun and its people look busy with the flock of trekkers for peak climbing season as it is close to Manaslu Base Camp. Overnight stay at a teahouse of Samagaun witnessing the stunning vistas of the landscapes and snowy peaks of Manaslu region.

Day 15: Trek to Samdo (3,860m)-5 Hrs

From Samagaun, you follow the trail that moves towards the northern part of the upper Budhi Gandaki Valley to reach Samdo for the night station. On the way, you see the confluence of the Larke River and a small tributary of the Budhi Gandaki River. You also see the Samdo Glacier which is the origin of the holy Budhi Gandaki River. Leaving the trail to the Manaslu Base Camp trek, you move further along the juniper and birch forests around Kermo Kharka. Going across some suspension bridges and appealing landscapes, you reach Samdo village.

Day 16: Trek to Dharmasala (4,480m)-6 Hrs

After breakfast in Samdo village, you begin your journey along the trail that goes past the Atharha Saya (1,800) River and follows the banks of the Larke River. During the walk, you can enjoy the exciting view of Naike and Pangboche Peaks as if they are smiling at you to welcome you. Then, you cross a bridge and mani walls and huts made of stones to reach Larkya Bazaar which is a seasonal market to sell the products of the region. This is the second-highest place on the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek itinerary after Larkya-La Pass. En route, you can have a wonderful sight of the Syacha Glacier, some pasture lands and dense forests, and occasionally blue sheep! You can take a short stroll around Dharmasala, where you are going to stay tonight.

Day 17: Trek to Bhimthang (3,720m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m)-9 Hrs

Today is the most fascinating day throughout the entire Manaslu Tsum Valley trek itinerary as you are going to cross Larkya La Pass (5,106). You begin your journey quite early today moving up towards the highest point of the Manalsu trekking package. The trail gradually ascends by leaving the Larkya Glacier and offering you a wonderful view of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Larkya La Pass is a vantage point in the whole Manaslu Circuit that shows you the snowcapped peaks of the Manaslu region including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Then, you descend along the slippery trail that goes past the Salphudanda Glacier section and some cliffs to reach Bhimthang for the night's rest.

Day 18: Trek to Gho (2,515m)-7 Hrs

Today, the trekking trail gradually descends from Bhimthang with the splendid vistas of the snowy mountains of the Manaslu region. You can see peaks like Himlung, Cheo, Gyagi Kunj, Kanguru, and Annapurna II on a fine day. Then the trail further moves through the dense forests giving you the best picturesque of Mt. Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. While following the trail along the banks of the Dudh Khola River, you may have a rare sight of a grey monkey (Langur) in the surroundings. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Gho village.

Day 19: Trek to Tal (1,700m)-7 Hrs

Today’s destination for the night station is Tal (Tal Besi) after continuous trekking for about 7 hours. The path goes past some lovely dense forests until you reach Tilje, one of the stations during Manaslu Circuit trekking. Tilje is a beautiful village situated on the banks of the Marsyangdi River that lets you reach another village, Dharapani. Dharapani is one of the large villages en route Annapurna Circuit trekking trail having lodges and hotels for the trekkers. Witnessing the gurgling flow of the Marsyangdi River water and the natural waterfalls on the side, you walk up to Tal Besi.

Day 20: Trek to Jagat (1,410m)-5/6 Hrs

After having breakfast in Tal Besi, you start the journey of the last trekking day of the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek through the Annapurna Circuit trail. On the way, you go past a village named Karte situated on a flat valley of theAnnapurna region trekkingtrail. The trail descends going past some teahouses, mani walls, cultivated farming plots, and waterfalls. You come across the flocks of tourists and local people moving up and down, so the trail looks quite busy today.  After about 6 hours, you reach Jagat for the night station. You can celebrate the successful completion of the Tsum Valley Manaslu region trekking itinerary without any mishaps and bitter experiences.

Day 21: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,350m)-9 Hrs

After having your breakfast, you catch a private jeep or local bus right from Jagat to reach Kathmandu for the night stay. The journey to Kathmandu proves to be wonderful again to be moving ahead via the black-topped road. The glimpses of the Himalayas of the Manaslu region, cultivated land, and amazing landscapes join you to make the drive memorable. After nearly 9 hours, you arrive in Kathmandu and are in the hotel booked for your tonight’s accommodation. You can spend the remaining time either taking a rest or going shopping or even partying with your colleagues for fun. In the evening, A1 Excursion organizes a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant somewhere around the Thamel area.

Day 22: Final Departure

Today is the last day of your Manaslu Tsum Valley trek 22-day itinerary which you have successfully worked out. So, the representative of A1 Excursion Adventure will accompany you up to the Kathmandu Airport for the final see-off. Have a wonderful journey back to your hometown! We hope to see you again and again to explore the other trekking regions of the Nepalese Himalayas.

Pack Lists/Types of equipment

Clothing and Wears

• Trekking shoes with spare laces
• hiking boots (waterproof is better)
• Gore-Tex pants 
• Long shorts
• Sun hat 
• Jumper
• Waterproof Jackets 
• A1 Down Jacket (Returnable)
• Fleece cap
• Thermal Long Underwear Sets 
• Neck Gaiter
• Gloves
• Socks 
• Thermal Underwear
• Sandals

Essential Gears

• A1 Duffel or Rucksack bag (If do not have then Duffel Bag Provided Returnable)
• A1 Down Sleeping Bag (Provided Returnable)
• A1 Inner Liner (Provided Returnable)
• Trekking Poles 

Gadgets

• Map
• Compass
• Mobile        
• Camera
• GPS 
• Two-way radios
• Binoculars
• Head Lamp
• Flashlight

Sun Protection Items

• Sunglasses
• sunscreen
• Lip balm

Medical

• First-aid Kit (Brufen, Antibiotic, Diamox, Paracetamol, Handy Plaster, Crack Bandage, Tincture, Iodine, etc.).

Other Essentials

• Heat/Leak Proof water bottles
• Water Purifying solution (Iodine based)
• Water filters
• Insulated cup/flask
• Travel Documents
• Cash
• Extra batteries
• Power bank
• Reusable (spoon, cup, plate)
• Reusable bags
• Large Waterproof Disposable Bags
• Snacks
• Toiletries 
• Personal towel