Tsum Valley Trek

                                        
                                        destination
                                        Tsum Valley
                                    
                                        duration
                                        21 Days
                                    
                                        grade
                                        Moderate Difficult
                                    
                                        start/end point
                                        Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                    
                                        max altitude
                                        5106m
                                    
                                        meal
                                        Available
                                    
                                        accommodation
                                        available
                                    
                                        season
                                        Mar to May / Sep to Dec

Overview

Tsum Valley Trek takes us into the core of Baudha Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal. The area was opened in 2008 AD for trekking. It was restricted to enter for tourists before. It lies on the northern edge of one of the most undisturbed Himalayan valleys, which is purely untouched Tibetan Buddhist land. The culture, tradition, art, and culture practiced by the local people (called Tsumbas) belong to Tibetan origin and they speak their ancient dialect. They have a unique lifestyle that may be very strange to the other world. They are still following the ancient “Polyandry Marriage” social and cultural system to save their parental properties. In this system, brothers get married to a single girl, it should be quite strange and interesting for you. The region is not exposed to many tourists yet.
The journey of Manaslu Trekking begins with the bus journey to Lapubeshi via Aarughat via the postal road of Dhading district which has been recently opened. Walking starts from Lapubeshi. Most of our journey follows the glacial river of Budi Gandaki so we cross several bridges. Moving forward on the trails, you see the river narrows into the narrow gorge where you will find a completely different landscape and community. You find yourselves a completely Tibetan-like community due to the Mani Walls and Chortens. Trekking to Ganesh Himal Base is a bonus trip for you for a wilderness experience if you have a longer holiday. Once you cross the Larke La Pass you will be overwhelmed by views of Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Himlung, and Mt. Ganesh Himal. When we descend, we meet the Annapurna Circuit Trail at Dharapani. If you are interested to do Thorong La Pass then that can be arranged too. Otherwise, we drive back to Besisahar and respectively to Kathmandu. In summary, the trek to Manaslu is one authentic destination that may be your first experience.

Trip Highlights

Snow-capped high mountains including Manaslu (8163m); the 8th highest mountain
Larke La Pass, which is 5106m - you have chances to experience of altitude
In the first part, the trail follows narrow and deep gorge along Buri Gandaki River
Genuine local culture, tradition, people and their lifestyle
Tea houses are available although you feel wilderness and remoteness
Easy to access - No flights needed - Stress free about flight cancellation
Less crowded destination comparing to Everest and Annapurna Base Camp

Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving in Kathmandu (1250m)

After your Arrival in Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Trek to Nepal airport representative will greet you and transfer to Selected Hotel, Depends on your arrival time you may enjoy hiking around the tourist hub town Thamel. Stay Overnight on Hotel B/B plan.

Day 2: Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparation day in Kathmandu

SIGHTSEEING INCLUDES:

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE

Pashupatinath is one of the most significant and the biggest Hindu temples of Shiva in the world, which is in the heart of Kathmandu nearby the airport. There is no certain data how old the temple is, however; it is believed that the site had been existed since 400 BC. The current temple was built in 1692 CE. Shiva is the God of Gods symbolizing the “destruction” among three main Gods according to Hinduism – Brahma, Bishnu and Maheshwor (Shiva). Brahma creates living things, Bishnu preserves them and Shiva destroys them at the end. Pashupatinath is listed in the World Heritage site in the lists of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was enlisted in 1979 AD. Pashupatinath is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Holy Abodes of Shiva)..

BOUDHANATH STUPA

It is also called Baudha, is the larget spherical stupa in the world. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. It is situated in the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, about 6 km from far from the heart of Kathmandu, Thamel. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. Buadhanath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

SWAYAMBHUNATH (MONKEY TEMPLE)

It is also called Monkey temple as you can see hundreds of monkeys around there when you visit there, which is the oldest religious site in Nepal. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. There is no enough proof when it was built, however; it is believed that it was built around 2500 years ago. It is also believed that it was created itself at the beginning so it is named Swayam (self) bhu (earth) nath (god) – which means it is created itself from the earth. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. It is situated around 3 km far from Thamel, in the west direction. Swayambhunath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

Day 3: KATHMANDU TO ARUGHAT BAZAR (600m) BY BUS/JEEP (7-10HRS)

Day 4: ARUGHAT TO LAPUBESI (880m) (5-6HRS)

Day 5: LAPUBESI TO TATOPANI (930m) (5-6HRS)

Day 6: TATOPANI TO PHILIM (1590m) (5-6HRS)

Day 7: PHILIM TO CHUMLING (2360m) (5-6HRS)

Day 8: CHUMLING TO CHHOKANG-PARO (3010m) (3-4HRS)

Day 9: CHHOKANG-PARO - NILE (3361m) - MU GOMPA (3900m ) (5-6HRS)

Day 10: MU GOMPA TO RACHEN GOMPA (3240m) (3-4hrs)

Day 11: RACHEN GOMPA TO GUMBA LUNGDANG (3200m) (5-6hrs)

Day 12: DAY TRIP TO GANESH HIMAL BASE CAMP (4200m) (7-8hrs)

Day 13: GUMBA LUNGDANG TO LOKPA (2240m) (7-8hrs)

Day 14: LOKPA TO GHAP (2160m) (4-5hrs)

Day 15: GHAP TO LHO (3180m) (5-6hrs)

Day 16: LHO TO SAMAGAON (3530m) (2-3hrs)

Day 17: Explore the Sama Gaon.

Day 18: SAMAGAON TO SAMDO (3860m) (2-3hrs)

Day 19: SAMDO TO DHARMASALA (4470m)

Day 20: Dharmasala- larke La pass(5200m)- Bhimtang( 3930m) (7-9hrs)

Day 21: DHARAPANI TO BESISHAR (840m) BY JEEP (5-6HRS)

Day 22: Final Departure to your home town

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
2-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
Farewell dinner.
All ground transportation on a local bus as per itinerary.
An experienced, English-speaking trekking guide cum porter. With maximum weight he can carry is about 15 kg.
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
Trek to Neal’s Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
Trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map from Trek to Nepal, are yours to take
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
All government and local taxes

Exclusion

Nepalese visa fee
Excess baggage charge(s)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
Flight tickets to and from Pokhara
All meals During your trek
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
International flights.
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
Service charge for the organizer.