TSUM VALLEY & MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK

Moning after breakfast, our city guide takes you on a tour around thenworld heritage sites within Kathmandu city. After an exciting and interesting tour back to the hotel, preparation and packing for trekking. Non-essential clothing and items not required for treks, can be stored in the Hotel or with Kirat Society Adventure.

An early moning start after breakfast, for a long hour’s overland jouney to Machha-Khola village. The drive follows on the main national highway and diverts north towards Dhading district. Then on a winding road and downhill to Arughat Bazar, a moderate town of Gorkha district with a sub-tropical climate. From Arughat the drive follows the Budd-Gandaki River past Soti-Khola towards Machha-Khola village for an ovenight stop. Enjoy the comfort of a simple and nice lodge.nnThe driving distance of approx. 160 km/100 miles from Kathmandu to Machha-Khola.

First day trek starts from Machha-Khola, the walk follows on a gradual winding path. The trail heads through farm areas and hamlets within a forest of pines and Sal trees. Then reaching Tatopani, a place with natural hot-springs, time permitting, enjoy the refreshing bath. The walk continues to Khola Besi for a possible lunch stop, aftenoon climb leads to a cooler hill towards Jagat. A lovely hill village with nice lodges for ovenight stay. Jagat is the starting and entry point of the Restricted Area towards Upper Manaslu. After checking into a nice room, have time to explore around Jagat to observe the hill people and its culture.

From Jagat entering into the restricted region of Tsum Valleyn& Upper Manaslu region.nn nnThe trail climbs over a ridge to Salleri, walks along the riverbanks then across the Budhi Gandaki River on a long suspension bridge. The walk continues towards a large village of Philim. A lovely farm area with a well-tended crop terraces, the trek follows to Ekle Bhatti. From here the trail separates leading to Tsum Valley and the other on route of main Manaslu Circuit. Our adventure leads up towards Lokpa across several villages. Rivers become narrower, and witness the confluence of Syar Rivers which flow from Tsum valley.nn nnThe trail heads on the right side of Tsum valley to reach Lokpa village, the first village of Tsum valley. Enjoy the grand views of the Manaslu range. In fact, it’s a completely hidden valley blessed by Padamasamava in the 7^th century. (Padamasamava is one of the founding Gurus of Mahayana sect of Tibetan Buddhism.) The views of Himal Chuli, and Bouddha Himal seen from Lokpa village.

After breakfast, the 2^nd day around Tsum starts from Lokpa Village. To enter the inner Tsum valley, along the route clear views of Bouddha Himal (6,672m) and Ganesh Himal VI en route to Chumling Village. The trail first descends to Luangwa river valley, then climbs up through a temperate forest of dense rhododendron and pine. There are no human settlements and villages between Lokpa to Chumling. The walk leads across Syar Khola towards the village of Chumling. After checking in a nice homely lodge, explore and visit the upper areas of Chumling. As well, a visit to the monastery offers great views of Ganesh Himal. Chumling a moderate size village with a health post and three monasteries - Panago Gomba, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gomba.

Today, the walk leads further up towards the inner Himalayas. The trail continues along the Syar River down to Domje - the largest village around Tsum Valley. From Domje, the walk follows with climb uphill towards Chokangparo. At Chokang-Paro enjoy the magnificent views of Himal Chuli and Ganesh Himal. Experience the hospitality of native known as “Tsombo” of pure Tibetan origin along with Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local meals.

From Chokang-Paro towards the Nile, the walk leads on the westen side of the Shikar Khola. The trail follows Chhule, which is the last village around the north of Upper Tsum Valley. The walk leads to Ngakyu Leru, witnessing the natives farming around the fertile crops terraces. After walking past Lamagaon, reach Piren Phu / Cave.
Where 11 Century Tibetan St. Milarepa mediate in this Cave, his footprint is preserved on the rocks. Piren Phu means a pigeon cave, it is one of the most sacred caves around Tsum and Gorkha district.nn nnThere are two separate Gomba attached to the rocky cave. Richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags. Includes significant Buddhist paper scripts. This makes Piren Phu Cave one of the most important socio-cultural assets in the valley. From here across a suspension bridge over the Shair River and continue trek through several villages to reach at Nile. Enjoy the comfort of a nice lodge and traditional hospitality of the locals.

Today a short walk from the Nile towards our first main destination to MunGompa. The trail follows along the west bank of the valley close to the Tibetan border leads to Mu Gompa. The highest point of the Tsum Valley Trek. Trekking through yak pastures reaching around the dry and arid trans Himalayan terrain. As the walk progresses, it reaches Mu Gompa- monastery, lined with rows of Chorten. Overlooking grand vista of the towering snow mountains. At Mu Gompa for lunch and ovenight in a basic lodge accommodation with simple meals. Aftenoon explore around this wild country and visit Dhephu Doma Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries of Tsum region.

Shortly, after breakfast, start the trek from Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa; a nunnery following the trails. It is situated in the Shiar Khola Valley in the foothills of the mountains that border Nepal and Tibet.

The walk leads down through Chhule and continues descent as far as Phurba. Walking on the east bank of the Shyer Khola and crossing flat boulder-covered plains following the trail to Rachen Gompa.
Rachen Gompa for an ovenight halt, with time to visit the monastery established in the year 1905 AD. Including the largest nunneries in the Tsum valley, the interior of the Gompa is richly painted with Buddhist history.

Today is our last day at upper Tsum valley, the moning walk leads to a long descent to Chumling village. The trail through farm areas and then back into tree lines. A long downhill reaches Chumling village for the last ovenight stop around the Tsum area.

Retrace the jouney to Lokpa, on the winding trails with ups and down through lovely cool forest. Slowly the pleasant walks end reaching our final ovenight stops around the Tsum region at Lokpa.

After breakfast, today's walk leads through various landscapes and dense sub-tropical forest, and crosses streams and rivers. The walk leads towards rustic villages as the trail climbs to a rocky ridge at Salleri, then down to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the walk heads to Ghata Khola River, following upstream and crossing a long bridge to Philim. A large spread-out Gurung village, from here the trail heads north above the village, walk on a fairly level trail. Then reaching Ekle Bhatti, from here entering a steep gorge and descend to a grassy slope to cross Budhi Gandaki River. Trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank before you retun to the west side again.nn nnThe trail widens around the valley and walks through bamboo forest towards Deng Khola River. After crossing the river, we reached a small village at Deng for ovenight halt in the comfort of a nice simple lodge.

Moning after breakfast, cross over Budhi Gandaki River and climb to a small settlement at Bhi. From here walk enters a lovely cool forest to reach Prok another nice small village. The walk continues coming across Buddhist monuments all the way to Namrung for ovenight stop. A nice village with grand views of Mt. Manaslu North Face.

From Namrung, the jouney heads higher towards Upper areas of Manaslu to Lo-Gaon. Moning walks starts with views of Sringi and Ganesh Himal includes Himal Chuli in the south. The walk follows with a climb into a dense forest to Lihi, lined with a number of Buddhist stupas. Enjoy the fabulous scenery of terraces filled with barley and buckwheat, as the walk follows down across the valley.
The walk leads to Sho, and finally the day completes reaching at Lo-Gaon for an ovenight stop. Situated on beautiful locations covered in lovely pines and rhododendron forest. Beneath the towering Mt. Manaslu, ovenight stop at Lo-Gaon in the comfort of a nice lodge. Enjoy time to explore the village and Ribung monastery.

Moning enjoy the magnificent views of the snow clad peaks with the majestic North Face of Mt. Manaslu. From Lo Gaon, the walk enters the wide valley of Manaslu, following a moderate route to Sama-Gaon. The trail leads to a short climb and then downhill to Shayla. A nice village with superb views of the snow peaks. Enjoying the lovely scenery of beautiful landscapes and peaks, the walk slowly ends on reaching Sama-Gaon. A great place for views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli). Ovenights in a nice cozy lodge, enjoy the rest of the aftenoon overlooking the majestic mountain views.

Enjoy the free day at Sama Gaon. A perfect and good height for acclimatization option for hike to scenic viewpoint. Walk further high to Birendra Lake en route to Manaslu Base Camp and visit an old Pungyen Gompa. One can relax enjoying the grand views of the snow dusted mountains.

After a pleasant rest at Sama Gaon, moning walk leads to Samdo, the last village around Manaslu and Gorkha district. Falls en route to Nepal and Tibet borders and towards Larke-La Pass. The walk follows on dry and arid terrain with short steep climbs to reach a wide field. Reaching at Samdo for an ovenight, one of the largest settlements around Manaslu Valley. A nice village with a good lodge with grand views of the snow mountain ranges.

The moning walk leads at the end of Manaslu Valley rim, a short day for lunch and ovenight stop. From Samdo downhill to a river bed, and cross over a wooden bridge. From the bridge a short climb and across several streams to Dharmasala, after crossing Salka Khola / stream. At Dharmasala or Larke Phedi, stands at the bottom of Larke-La pass. Check into a lodge for lunch and last ovenight around Manaslu and Gorkha district. Enjoy the views of surrounding peaks with Larke Peak glacier. Rest of the aftenoon at leisure, save energy for the next day's long climb and walks to Bhimthang or Bhimphedi.

An early moning starts for the big day of the adventure, having good breakfast and carrying packed lunch. Starting the moning heading north-west with a steep climb and views of Cheo-Danda and Larke Peak. After hours of tough steep haul, reaching the top of Larke-La Pass. The highest point of the adventure offers a spectacular panorama of towering peaks. Enjoy the stunning views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapuna II-III and A-IV. Includes Ganesh Himal with a series of Manaslu mountain ranges with peaks of Nar Phu areas.
After an exciting moning, walk downhill towards Cheo Danda and Larcia.
Then descent at the base of Larke Pass, around the west side of Manang district. From the Phedi or bottom of the pass, leads you back into dense forest to Bhimphedi, also called Bhimthang.

A wonderful spot on a wide grassy field, amidst tall tree lines of oaks, pines, firs and rhododendrons. Enjoy the comfort in a nice lodge accommodation, after a long and toughest walk of the adventure.

A leisurely moning for breakfast, due to the hard long walk of the previous day. From Bhimphedi, a pleasant and short walk to Gho the trail follows through dense woods downhill. After a few hours of pleasant moning hike reaching Gho for ovenight halt. Located within a beautiful forest in a serene environment, aftenoon at leisure.

Enjoy the last final walk of the adventure to Dharapani village, the trail follows downhill through forest. Then reaching the lovely village at Tilje, located above Masrsyangdi River and close to Dharapani village.

Possible lunch stops at Tilje, from here a short climb to cross a bridge above Masrsyangdi River to Dharapani village. Enjoy the last ovenight in a mountain village, situated on the motorable road. Located at the junction of Annapuna and Manaslu Circuit trekking routes.

Start the moning as early as possible for the long and interesting drive to Kathmandu. Having breakfast, board on a jeep or similar four-wheel drive which is best for mountainous rough dirt roads. The drive heads down towards lower and warm farm villages on leaving the Manang areas after Tal village. The jouney leads past Chamje and another Jagat village, driving down on a winding rough road to Syange. Slowly the drive ends on reaching the large town of Bhesishar. The headquarters of Lamjung district, from here the drive leads on a good road that joins Pokhara and Kathmandu highway.nn nnFrom Dumre Town, a pleasant ride to Mugling Bazaar, following the Trisuli River for a few hours. The drive climbs up on winding roads to Kathmandu valley and then back to the bustling city. On arrival at the hotel, after a long and interesting overland jouney. Check into your hotels, arriving by dinner time and for a good rest.nnDriving distance from Dharapani to Kathmandu Approx. 212 km / 132 miles.

Enjoy the free leisure day for individual activities or with a shopping spree for souvenirs’ of Nepal. Interested people can request for another exciting tour of Patan and Bhaktapur cities, well worth a visit.