Unexplored countryside inhabited by the Tibetain community and authentic Tsum Villages such as Chhokangparo, where the area is long considered Baeyul or Hidden land offers unspoiled culture and tradition of Tsumba with fabulous mountain view of Ganesh Himal Range, Sringi Himal, Bauddha Himal and Himalchuli. The valley is extensively rich in culture and tradition dwelled with Buddhist monasteries, nunneries, chhortens and prayer walls, and significant religious monuments, the longest mani walls at Dzong and Phurpe are great attractions.
Some of the most striking objects in the monastery are the statues of Buddha Amitabha. There are two special occasions celebrated in this monastery. The one Ngyungne, which celebrates in September/October by fasting for world peace. Another Yaarney involves the reading of sacred texts and rituals. Campsites and clean drinking water facilities are available for tourists.
Tsum meaning “vivid” home to the direct descendant Tibetan people known as Tsumbas, the Tsum Valley is located to the east of Manaslu, on the border with Tibet. This isolated hidden Shangri-La just opened to trekkers in 2008. It remains relatively untouched, with ancient villages and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries waiting to be explored.
Mu Gumpa ( Mu Monastery)
Mu Gumpa (Monastery) was established in 1895 AD. It is with the Lama Sherab Dorje Drukpa Rinpoche of the Drukpa Kagyu sect.
The monastery has been undergoing restorations since 1998. It now has new buildings for the monks. This monastery has religious books, including Kangyur, a life-size statue of Avalokiteshwara. Here are also the images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara.
Location:
The trek takes place in the Manaslu region, in the center of Nepal, crossing two valleys of the Budi Gandaki and Marshyangdi river and reaching the edge of the Tibetan plateau.
Duration:
The trek generally takes 15 days, according to the route and the detours taken.
Strengths:
Larkeye La Pass: the highest point of the trek at 5106 meters.
Various landscapes: lush forests and rice fields with sterile alpine regions, rhododendrons forests and high altitude colonies.
Cultural experiences: The valley is extensively rich in culture and tradition dwelled with Buddhist monasteries, go through inhabited villages such as chumling, Chehkamparo, Lama Gau and Nylile by different ethnic groups such as the Bhotes, the Gurungs.
Scenic views: the trek offers a breathtaking view of the Ganesh Himal Range, Sringi Himal, Bauddha Himal and Himalchuli. Manaslu massif, the Nadi Chuli, the Himalis the Himlung and other imposing peaks during Manaslu valley trek.
Accommodation: Primary in Teahouses and Guesthouses Along The Road. Teahouses and guesthouses are rustics compare to other trekking region due to reconstruction after earthquake of 2015.
Difficulty:
The Manaslu circuit is considered a moderately difficult trek, requiring a good level of physical form and acclimatization to high altitudes.
Best time for trek:
The shoulder seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the best weather conditions for trekking.
Trek through the restricted Tsum Valley, known as the “Hidden Valley of Happiness.”
Experience breathtaking views of Manaslu (8,163m), Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and Shringi Himal.
Witness stunning landscapes, waterfalls, deep gorges, and lush forests.
Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa.
Explore Milarepa’s Cave, a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism.
Experience Tibetan-influenced culture, traditions, and hospitality in the Tsum Valley.
Cross the Larke Pass (5,106m), one of the highest and most scenic passes in Nepal.
Trek through diverse terrains, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows and glacial moraines.
Less crowded compared to Annapurna and Everest treks, offering a peaceful trekking experience.
Walk through Manaslu Conservation Area, home to rare wildlife like the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan Tahr and blue sheep.
Trek through rhododendron forests, pine woods, and high-altitude pastures.
Interact with the ethnic Tamang and Tibetan-origin Gurung communities.
Experience traditional farming practices and yak herding in remote villages.
Enjoy authentic Tibetan-influenced cuisine and local hospitality.
A less commercialized trek compared to Everest and Annapurna regions.
Offers an adventurous experience with basic teahouses and homestays.
Requires a special trekking permit due to its restricted status.
Welcome and assistance by our representative at Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Drive from Kathmandu into the western mountains takes us to Arughat – Soti Khola – Machha Khola via Dhadingbesi, headquarter of the Dhading district. Through the dirt road from Salyantar viewing the greenery hills we reach Machha Khola, our trek start point; at bank of Budhi Gandaki river.
The cultivated land area ends, the slopes become too steep, the rare fields remaining are poor. On the way there is a hot spring called Tato paani, “ hot water” in Nepali. Crossing the river on a suspension bridge arrived Doban. We follow the river stuck between two cliffs upto Jagat.
Shortly after Jagat, a modest “7000m” is looming: Shringri Himal. We continue facing Shringri a steep staircase leads us to the Phillim village, for permits and authorities. We left the new bridge on our leftside for Manaslu circuit we continue on right side for hidden valley of Tsum.
Today, the relatively short hike allows us to appreciate the places: the panoramas of the immaculate summits, the cultivated fields, the stone houses, the multicolored flags … We start our immersion in the preserved valley of Tsum.
Cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. Enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Village. Another continues 2 hours climb to Tsum takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. Weather permitting; enjoy the views of Himalchuli at 7893 meters and Ganesh Himal at7140m.
Today’s walking will be relatively short and easy, most of the day takes place in the large open valley. the tibetan and buddhist atmosphere is significant, tibet is at the bottom of the valley. we take this opportunity to explore the villages, share a tea with the inhabitants. here traditional houses are made up of dry stones and braided bamboo. inside, a wooden fireplace is used both in the kitchen and to heat the room. furniture on 2 sides houses copper basins, dishes, prayer books. and local schools before arriving in lamagaon (3202 m). the path continues in the direction of nile crossing the ranchen gompa monastery founded in 1936 by drukpa rinpoche.
The peaceful spiritual feel continues as we hike to Mu Gompa, the mountains rising around us.
Mu Gompa is the most famous monastery in this area, housing lamas and monks who come to pray, meditate, and live in these rare surroundings. We cannot fail to admire the wonderful murals painted on the monastery’s walls.These include paintings of Tara and Guru Padmasambhava. We may be able to participate in a Buddhist ritual or light some oil lamps for our loved ones.
We descend to Chumling by the same route. We take the advantages of views that we missed while ascent.
The hike begins descent by stairs that we took while ascent passage of several bridges. After a few climbs we arrive in Lokpa. We leave the Tsum valley, not without regrets, after these few days out of time. We take the route of the Manaslu circuit and continue to Dyang.
From Dyang, pass by the beautiful forest and numerous Tibetan mani walls. (intricately hand-carved stone walls with Buddhist scriptures), weaving in and out of canyons. The trail is mostly gradual up and walks into the open valley. Enter into a colorful forest of firs, oaks, and rhododendrons before arriving in the settlement of Namrung.
We pass through Lhee gauon, Sho gauon and Lho gauon magnificent “Tibetan” villages with normally many people in the fields. The Manaslu and its different satellites appear above the Alpine forests and temples… We arrive at the superb village of Shyaula (3480 m), at the foot of the manaslu. An extraordinary day, beautiful, those you never forget.
After the visit to the monastery at Sama Gauon, we have the opportunity to go to the splendid Lac Birendra (3560 m), a ice lake located at the foot of the manaslu (1 hour walking and 100m of elevation/negative elevation), or to continue to Samdo , which is a very short day and allows you to rest. With its 200 inhabitants, Samdo is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in the trek. It is also the last before the collar, a terribly isolated place below the north face of the Pan Phuchi, three hours walk from the Lajyang pass (4998 m, easy passage to Tibet, used by the merchants and their Yaks caravans ).
We continue to climb regularly in a landscape of altitude pastures where yaks graze; On the left, we take advantage of majestic landscapes on the snowy faces and the glaciers of the Manaslu massif.
The climb continues on the eastern slope of the collar, sweet, then too soft, giving the feeling of not moving forward. In focus, the very beautiful Larkya peak. From there, and throughout the descent of a huge moraine and Ponkar lake inbetween moraines, fantastic panorama on the Cirque of Peri Himal.
Stunnig morning views of Himlung himal, Ratna Chuli and Manaslu north face. The walk also enters through pristine woodlands full of rhododendrons, pines, and oak tree lines passing several farm shades to reach the Phurke Khola. From Bhimthang the trail is mostly downhill with beautiful views of Mananaslu north face. Magnificent range of Peri Himal.We will go through the Phurke Khola then eventually reach Goa village.
Last moments on the Manaslu trek, a large descent then we cross a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi river before entering the village of Dharapani where a vehicle wait us to transfer us to Besisahar. Last evening with the carriers.
After breakfast destination kathmandu. After two hours drive we joine the high way at Dhumre, kathmandu-Pokhara high way.
Arrived kathmandu instalation at hotel.
Free day. Take advantage of this day to and wander in the city center, or visit cultural sites. Make up in front of Shree Buddhanath, a stupa 36 meters high, in the Tibetan district of the Nepalese capital. Discover Pashupatinath, the holy place of the Hindists dedicated to Shiva, one of the four highest places of Pilgrimage in Asia. Nestled in the center of old Kathmandu, the Durbar Square never fails to subjugate the visitor with his fine wooden sculptures, and the richness of his history. Explore the dynamic district of Thamel, and its colorful bazaars, an ideal place to make your last purchases. In the Kathmandu valley, the traditional village of Bhaktapur will surprise you with its XVIIth century architecture. In the event of a night flight, transfer to the airport at the end of the day.
Transfer to the international airport (3 hours before) for final departure according to your flight schedule to the international airport terminal for your flight back home.
International airfare to/from Nepal
Nepal entry visa fees
Travel insurance (mandatory, covering high-altitude rescue and medical emergencies)
Hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi (available at extra cost in lodges)
Extra snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Personal trekking gear (boots, poles, gloves, etc.)
Helicopter rescue and evacuation costs (if required)
Additional nights in Kathmandu due to early return from trek or any delays
Tips for guide, porter, and other trek staff (expected but optional)
Expenses due to flight delays, landslides, bad weather, or political strikes
Any services not mentioned in the “Included” section
