The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is a 22 day tea house trek taking hikers up-close to the eighth highest mountain in the world – Mount Manaslu at 8,163m, and through the hidden valley of Tsum. Having only opened in the early 1990’s (and the Tsum Valley section much later) this has the feel of an exploratory trek, far off the beaten trail and far from crowds of trekkers. With average day lengths of 7 hours, it is a demanding trek and a high level of fitness is required to fully enjoy the adventure. On the Tsum Valley section of the trek, altitudes are over 3,000m and trekkers do have to cross the Larkya La at 5,160m, often through snow and ice, and sometimes fixed ropes may be necessary.
The trek itself takes in thundering waterfalls and rivers; challenging rocky trails clinging to cliff faces; Gurung villages with rice and millet terraces; long and mentally challenging suspension bridges; mani walls, chortens, and other Buddhist shrines, particularly on the Tsum Valley section. Known as a hidden valley, the people, culture and landscape of the Tsum Valley is closely related to that of Tibet. In fact the trek goes very close to the Tibetan border. On this part of the trek there is opportunity to meet Buddhist monks and nuns and visit Milarepa’s Cave. And do look out for the beautiful mountain birds such as the Lophophorus, which is the national bird of Nepal. As far as mountain views go, there are stunning views of Mount Manaslu, and the Himalayan ranges of Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Ganesh Himal and Larkye Peak. From Larkya La there are spectacular views of icefalls and frozen lakes, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the massive Annapurna II.
This is a trek for those who would love to experience changing landscapes and different cultures over the course of one trip. Stamina is required, but this is rewarded by stunning views of snow-capped mountains and a unique experience.
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive) | 700 m | 10 hr |
| Day 2 | Soti Khola to Maccha Khola | 930 m | 6 hr |
| Day 3 | Maccha Khola to Jagat | 1340 m | 7 hr |
| Day 4 | Jagat to Lokpa | 2240 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 5 | Lokpa to Chumling | 2386 m | 6 hr |
| Day 6 | Chumling to Chekampar | 3031 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 7 | Chekampar to Nile | 3361 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 8 | Day Trip to Mu Gompa | 3361 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 9 | Nile to Chekampar | 3031 m | 6 hr |
| Day 10 | Chekampar to Chumling | 2386 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 11 | Chumling to Deng | 1860 m | 7 hr |
| Day 12 | Deng to Namrung | 2630 m | 8 - 9 hr |
| Day 13 | Namrung to Lho | 3157 m | 4 hr |
| Day 14 | Lho to Sama Gaun | 3530 m | 4 hr |
| Day 15 | Acclimatization Day in Sama Gaun | 3530 m | 7 hr |
| Day 16 | Sama Gaun to Samdo | 3865 m | 4 hr |
| Day 17 | Acclimatization Day in Samdo | 3865 m | 4 hr |
| Day 18 | Samdo to Dharmasala | 4460 m | 4 hr |
| Day 19 | Dharmasala to Bimthang | 3590 m | 9 - 10 hr |
| Day 20 | Bimthang to Tilije | 2300 m | 6 hr |
| Day 21 | Tilije to Tal | 1669 m | 4 hr |
| Day 22 | Tal to Kathmandu (Drive) | 760 m | 9 hr |
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