Explore the hidden Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek, a land of monasteries, Tibetan culture, and untouched trails. Discover a unique polyandry tradition.
Explore the hidden Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek, a land of monasteries, Tibetan culture, and untouched trails. Discover a unique polyandry tradition.
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) (1,400m/4,593ft)
Kathmandu - Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, our Accessible Adventures representatives will greet you. You’ll then be transported to your hotel in Thamel, which is just 5 km from the airport.
After settling in at the hotel, you can explore the bustling…
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) (1,400m/4,593ft)
Kathmandu - Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, our Accessible Adventures representatives will greet you. You’ll then be transported to your hotel in Thamel, which is just 5 km from the airport.
After settling in at the hotel, you can explore the bustling streets and savor the local cuisine. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepali dishes.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Durbar Square - Today, you’ll meet the team at our office and then proceed to the relevant authority to obtain your trek permits and documents. Once that’s completed, you can explore Kathmandu’s historical and cultural sites.
Start with a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square in Basantapur, also known as Freak Street. Wander through the alleyways, visit the Hanuman Dhoka Museum, and explore the temples and shrines. Next, drive to the western hills of the city to see the Swayambhunath stupa. This sacred site for both Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims offers a panoramic view of the city below.
You can also visit the Pashupatinath temple on the northern outskirts. This temple is a significant site for Hindu pilgrims and devotees of Lord Shiva.
Drive From Kathmandu - Machha Khola (900m/2952ft) Duration: 8-9 Hours
Phedi Khola - Today, we drive to Macha Khola. The first four hours to Dhading Besi, the district headquarters of Dhading (1050m), are on paved roads, but the road becomes rougher as we continue to Macha Khola.
Trek from Macha Khola to Jagat (1,370m/4,494ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek
Jagat - Today, the trail follows the gorge along the river on a narrow path that ascends and descends. After crossing the Tharo Khola, you’ll reach Khorlabesi. Continue walking to Tatopani, where you can relax in a natural hot spring after the long trek.
From there, cross a suspension bridge over the river to reach Dobhan. Further ahead, cross another suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola and take the stone staircase to climb to Tharo Bharyang. You’ll pass through many Gurung villages in the high terrains and might even see some Langur monkeys.
Climb over the ridge to reach Jagat. Upon entering Jagat, you’ll need to show your trekking permits at the check post, as the area beyond Jagat is restricted.
Overnight stay at Jagat.
Trek from Jagat to Lokpa in Tsum Valley (2,240m/7,349ft)
Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m/7,828ft)
Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,031m/9,944ft)
Gorkha - After breakfast, trek to the south bank of the Siyar Kola and follow the path through a forest. Cross the Lungwaa and Sarli Khola to reach the north bank. From there, gradually ascend to Chumling village.
In Chumling, you’ll encounter Tibetan Buddhist communities and their unique way of life. You can also see the Ganesh Himal range to the east of the village.
Overnight stay in Chumling.
Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile (3,360m/11,023ft)
Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,139ft)
Mu Gompa - As we trek deeper into the Tsum valley, you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. After breakfast, pack your belongings and begin your trek by ascending. Mu Gompa, a monastery and the highest point in the valley, was established by Drupa Rinpoche, a Bhutanese Lama who meditated in nearby caves.
You’ll see many monks meditating and praying in the monastery. The high altitude offers clear views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight stay in Mu Gompa.
Trek from Mu Gompa to Rachen Nunnery (3,240m/10,629ft)
Nepal - After breakfast, the trek continues up the valley to Bursi village. You’ll pass through the villages of Kalung and Bhajyo to reach Bursi, where you’ll visit one of the oldest monasteries, Rachen Gompa. The nunnery here houses nuns and offers lodging for travelers, providing a great opportunity to try local meals and observe the lives of the monks and nuns. This experience offers insight into the Tibetan Buddhist religion influenced by both Nepali and Tibetan cultures.
Overnight stay in Rachen Nunnery.
Trek from Rachen Nunnery to Chumling (2,386m/7,828ft)
Gorkha - From Rachen Nunnery, you’ll trek down to Chumling village. Since this is the same trail you followed previously, the trek will be relatively easier. As you descend, enjoy views of Ganesh Himal on the horizon.
Overnight stay in Chumling.
Trek from Chumling to Deng (1,860m/6,102ft)
Gorkha - Today, you’ll bid farewell to the Tsum Valley as you leave Chumling village and descend to Deng. Along the way, you’ll pass Lokpa village and cross the bridge over the Budi Gandaki. From here, you’ll join the Manaslu circuit, the second phase of this trek. The trail passes Buddhist stone arches before reaching Deng.
Overnight stay in Deng.
Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630m/8,626ft)
Gorkha - After breakfast, the trek begins by crossing the Budhi Gandaki River over a bridge to join Bihi Phedi. Passing a large waterfall and a wooden bridge out of the canyon, the trail descends to the Shringi Khola valley. From there, head west through lush forests and serene villages with ethnic communities living in huts.
After a few more twists and turns, you’ll arrive at Ghap, where you can see beautiful mani walls on the southern side of the river. The forested trail, adorned with rhododendron and fir, leads to Namrung.
Overnight stay in Namrung.
Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m/11,578ft)
Acclimatization Day at Sama village
Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m/12,713ft)
Trek to Larkya Phedi (4,460m/14,633ft)
Gorkha - After breakfast, ascend to Larkya La pass by descending through terraced fields. Along the way, you’ll see old mani walls and stone arches before crossing a wooden bridge. Passing through juniper forests, you’ll witness the Larkya Glacier from Manaslu.
The steep path ascends to the side of a gorge near the glacier, leading to Larkya Phedi.
There is a small lodge in Phedi, but no other settlements. The view is majestic, and the area is tranquil.
Overnight stay in Larkya Phedi.
Cross the Larkya La (5,160m/16,929ft), then Trek to Bimthang (3,590m/11,778ft)
Gorkha - Follow the trail with a gentle climb to the moraine, starting your trek to a small lake. The trail becomes challenging as it stays on the moraine to a ridge, where you’ll eventually see prayer flags at the Larkya La Pass. After a short distance, cross the rocky slopes to encounter rustic villages, glacier lakes, and beautiful wildlife.
Gradually ascend to the summit of Larkya La Pass, where you’ll have close and clear views of Mt. Manaslu. This is one of the best views of the entire trek. Be cautious on the slippery path. Descend from the moraine to a steep slope leading to a grassy moraine. Eventually, you’ll reach a meadow and a spring, where the valley expands to a larger meadow and a path of settlements at Bimthang village.
Overnight in Bimthang.
Bhimphedi to Tilje (2300m/7544ft) Duration: 5 Hours
Nepal - With a gentle climb through paddy fields, we head towards the small Karcha La pass. The trail descends through fig trees and rhododendron forests to Tilje.
Overnight at Guesthouse.
Drive from Jagat to Besisahar, then Drive to Kathmandu
Kathmandu - This day marks the end of your stay in Nepal. After bidding farewell to the team, our representatives will drop you off at the airport. On the way back, you’ll reminisce about the amazing time you had in the secluded and untouched Tsum valley, along with the marvelous Manaslu circuit.
If you wish to extend your tour or opt for a different tour in the future, feel free to contact our team of experts who will plan and organize the tour for you.
Departure/Adventure Ends
Tribhuvan Park - This day marks the end of your stay in Nepal. After bidding farewell to the team, our representatives will drop you off at the airport. On the way back, you’ll reminisce about the amazing time you had in the secluded and untouched Tsum valley, along with the marvelous Manaslu circuit.
If you wish to extend your tour or opt for a different tour in the future, feel free to contact our team of experts who will plan and organize the tour for you.
- T-shirt, trekking map, and trip achievement certificate
- Government taxes and office service charge
- Twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
- Duffle bag for trekking
- Experienced guide, porter, and their expenses
- Breakfast
- First aid medical kit
- Down jacket and sleeping bag use while trekking
- Special trekking permits and…
- T-shirt, trekking map, and trip achievement certificate
- Government taxes and office service charge
- Twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
- Duffle bag for trekking
- Experienced guide, porter, and their expenses
- Breakfast
- First aid medical kit
- Down jacket and sleeping bag use while trekking
- Special trekking permits and conservation fees
- Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
- All ground transportation by private vehicle including airport transfers
- Meals not specified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly,…
- Meals not specified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.
- Cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, snacks and other personal expenses
- Hot shower during the trek
- Personal trekking equipment
- Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers
- Lunch, and Dinner included.
The Tsum Valley, also known as the Hidden Valley, is a land of monasteries and hamlets with a completely Tibetan population. It is located in the northern part of Manaslu on the Nepal-Tibet border and was a restricted area until 2008. Although the region is within Nepal, its Buddhism-influenced culture makes it a world of its own. Traditionally, Tsum…
The Tsum Valley, also known as the Hidden Valley, is a land of monasteries and hamlets with a completely Tibetan population. It is located in the northern part of Manaslu on the Nepal-Tibet border and was a restricted area until 2008. Although the region is within Nepal, its Buddhism-influenced culture makes it a world of its own. Traditionally, Tsum was a distinct area, separate from both Nepal and Tibet. The Tsum Valley remains less exposed compared to other tourist destinations, featuring relatively untouched and less traveled paths. The Tsum people have a unique family structure that may surprise many outsiders: all the brothers in a family are married to a single woman, a practice known as polyandry. Compared to other regions, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu area are rich with towering mountains, passes, deep gorges, hamlets, gompas, chortens, and mani walls.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.