Trip Overview
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is one of the wonderful and interesting treks that actually provides you with a wonderful experience in visiting the most restricted and culturally receptive areas of the Manaslu and Tsum regions of Nepal.
This wonderful Tsum Valley Trek is one of the most impressive in the world as you will have a splendid view of the Himalayas and traverse a variety of terrains in the process. While beginning this wonderful endeavor, one will be surprised to see the Himalayan Mountains, more specifically the delightful sight of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth tallest mountain in the world.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
From time to time, many giants, such as Ganesh Himal, Himlung Himal, and finally the Annapurna range, are visible at some places of the trek. The major attraction of this trek is the cultural aspect that the visitors get to experience during this trek, which is called Tsum Valley, or the ‘Hidden Valley’. This valley is surrounded by two large mountains that include Himalman Himal and Sringi Himal and is home to people of Himalayan-Tibetan descent.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
The Tsum Valley offers a wonderful opportunity to find and gain more knowledge about the Buddhist way of life of the Tibet-oriented locals of the given area. Looking at this track that has been established for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, it is right to say that this path is colorful, and physically, the place is beautiful. these various images compel traveling people to gaze at what is around them.
The other interesting part of this trek is that this route goes through the Larkya La Pass, which is situated at an altitude of 5135 m. The climate also decreases as one advances to the Himalayan passes and the landscape also becomes rocky. On the other hand, the view of the area that is visible from the mountains free of charge, the mountains surrounding the region, and the morale boost of getting to the top of the pass motivate people to undertake the task.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
It is actually challenging and proper physical fitness and experience trekking at high altitudes are needed to go for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. Therefore, it is important to stick to some important measures to make sure that one does not have to be hospitalized during the trekking exercise.
Thus, it can be stated that the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a perfect combination of scenic views, cultural experiences, and adventure. It enables one to trek to the areas of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley circuits, thus making memories that will not easily be forgotten.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Difficulty
This Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is not a beginner-friendly journey. Our proposed itinerary of the Tsum Valley Trek requires trekkers to spend plentiful nights above 3500 meters which can call for various issues and inconveniences, especially for beginners. This trek is rated moderately difficult as you will have to trek on steep routes, go through high Himalayan passes, and reach a maximum altitude of 5160 meters above sea level.
Best seasons
March through April are the best months to hike the Tsum Valley Trek. For the majority of the country’s trekking sites, this is the ideal time of year. The Tsum Valley hiking paths will be an abundance of color at this point of year (Spring), with rhododendrons and other Himalayan flowers in full bloom, bright skies, a comfortable trekking atmosphere, and suitable day temperatures.
The bad weather in the upper Himalayas is most present in the months of January and December. The majority of the villagers move down to the lower areas because of the significant likelihood of becoming trapped by the intense snowfall and extremely cold winds. Doing the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is feasible, but you must be well-prepared with snacks, sleeping bags, and other trekking equipment.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Altitude Sickness
Since you will be hiking to the highest point in the region, Larkya La Pass (5165m), it will be cold and perhaps snowbound. At such an elevation, altitude sickness is highly likely to occur. This is why acclimatization days are a must and you must let your guide know if you have any high-altitude sickness indications.
In order to avoid getting altitude sickness, we will acclimatize well to the increasing altitude and take it slow by ascending at a recommended pace. Do not take altitude sickness lightly as it can force you to quit your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek on the spot.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Accommodation, Food, and Drink
For the majority of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, we will be staying at the local inns or guesthouses. You will be provided beds and pillows, along with blankets. However, it is suggested that you bring your sleeping bag for the additional heat that you will require to survive in the freezing cold environment.
Since the trekking region is hidden from the advanced world, modern facilities will be unavailable. You will be sharing a bedroom with your other trekker in the group. There are no private toiletries and bathrooms, so you have to share them with your peers.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
During your Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, you will be provided hot-cooked meals during your initial trekking periods. These foods include typical Nepali food, consisting of dal, bhat, tarkari, and chutney.
These are the most commonly eaten foods and also represent the traditions of Nepal. As you reach higher altitudes, there are some points where you will have to trek for 5-7 hours continuously, and there will be no guest houses or inns to relax and dine in. So, you will also have to depend on packaged foods.
Your daily meals consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner are a part of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek package. However, you will also get to explore different cuisines in the inns and guest houses, located at lower levels. These foods include Nepali, Indian, Tibetan, and many others.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
These foods are specially made of organic vegetables grown within the region and are filled with a few but pungent species. Among the most prominent foods are dumplings, also known as momo, noodles, chapati, and many more.
The other interesting thing you will get to taste is the local alcohol, made from different grains, such as buckwheat, wheat, and fruits. But one must be aware of the amount of liquor taken during the trek, as it may be quite a risky decision. You will also be provided with water bottles during your trek. However, for the soft drinks or other drinks, you will have to pay on your own, as we will not be responsible for them.
Transportation
Our Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek requires trekkers to travel to Soti Khola, the first destination of our journey. Likewise, at the end of the trek, you will travel from Tal to Beshishar and ultimately to Kathmandu on a four-wheeler. All of this transportation will be provided by us and covered by the Tsum Valley Trek package along with pickup and drop-off at the international airport in Kathmandu.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Permit
For this Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, you should have the restricted area permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and the Tsum Valley Permit. All of these permits will be covered by the Tsum Valley trek package and our trek guide will help you in obtaining these papers.
Trip preparation and fitness
As this is a moderately difficult trekking journey, you will have to prepare for months in advance. This 18-day-long Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a fairly long journey and we recommend you do long walks or ascends (if possible) to get used to the uphill terrain you will face during the trekking days. If you are not able to go on long walks or ascend small hills, you can hit the gym as well.
You should focus on endurance training and cardio exercises to strengthen your core and leg muscles as this will make things easier during the Tsum Valley Trek.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Gadgets charging & Internet
Since the upper Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek region is not a well-developed region and so you might have a bad time trying to charge your electric devices. These region rely on solar energy mostly and might not have enough supply to let you charge your devices at all times. The surplus electricity they have will be made available to you at a certain charge (probably a buck or two).
Likewise, you will have the facility of WiFi in the upper regions. You might get WiFi at some places in the lower region but these connections will not be at par with the internet speed you are used to.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Your Extra expenses
International flight tickets, visa fees, additional baggage charges (8 kg per person limit), meals (except breakfast) in Kathmandu, snacks, mineral or boiled water, cold drinks, or any kind of beverage including alcohol, hot shower, Wi-Fi, device charging fee, travel insurance, tips for guide and porters and any expense that is not mentioned as inclusive are your extra expenses.
We recommend you carry some hand cash with you for this Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek as the remote region we will travel to has no banks or money transfer booths.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700m)
Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat, passing through scenic countryside and riverside villages.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m)
Trek through sal forests, cross suspension bridges, and navigate rocky trails along the Budhi Gandaki River.
Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
Pass through Khorlabesi and Tatopani (hot springs), then ascend to Jagat, a beautiful Gurung village.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Day 4: Jagat to Lokpa (2,040m)
Enter the restricted Tsum Valley region, trekking through dense forests and crossing several streams.
Day 5: Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m)
Descend through lush forests, cross the Shiar Khola, and reach Chumling, offering views of Ganesh Himal.
Day 6: Chumling to Chhokangparo (3,010m)
Ascend to Chhokangparo, a village with traditional stone houses and panoramic mountain views.
Day 7: Chhokangparo to Nile (3,361m)
Trek through fertile plains and visit Milarepa’s Cave en route to Nile, the last village heading north.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Day 8: Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m)
A short hike to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region, with options to explore the surrounding area.
Day 9: Mu Gompa to Chhokangparo (3,010m)
Retrace steps back to Chhokangparo, enjoying different perspectives of the valley.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Day 10: Chhokangparo to Chumling (2,386m)
Descend through pine forests and cross suspension bridges back to Chumling.
Day 11: Chumling to Deng (1,860m)
Rejoin the Manaslu Circuit trail, passing through Philim and crossing the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Deng.
Day 12: Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
Trek through dense forests and small villages, with increasing views of snow-capped peaks.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Day 13: Namrung to Sama Gaon (3,530m)
Pass through Lho and Shyala villages, enjoying close-up views of Manaslu and surrounding mountains.
Day 14: Acclimatization Day in Sama Gaon
Explore Birendra Lake, Pungyen Gompa, or hike to Manaslu Base Camp for acclimatization.
Day 15: Sama Gaon to Samdo (3,860m)
A short trek to Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village with stunning mountain vistas.
Day 16: Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m)
Ascend to Dharamsala, the base camp for Larkya La Pass, amidst alpine landscapes.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
Day 17: Dharamsala to Bimthang (3,720m) via Larkya La Pass (5,160m)
Cross the challenging Larkya La Pass, rewarded with panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II.
Day 18: Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m)
Descend through rhododendron forests and pastures to the Gurung village of Tilije.
Day 19: Tilije to Dharapani (1,860m) and Drive to Kathmandu
Trek to Dharapani, then drive back to Kathmandu, concluding the adventure.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/tsum-valley-trek/
