| Destination | Nepal |
|---|---|
| Activity | Manaslu Treks |
| Accomodation | Hotel/Lodge/Tea House during the trek |
| Region | Manaslu Region |
| Start / End point | Kathmandu / Kathmandu |
| Duration | 16 Days |
| Max. Altitude | 3,700m at Mu Gumba |
| Meals Included | All meals & Accommodation during the trek |
| Group size | 2 - 30 |
| Nature of Trek | Lodge to Lodge Trekking |
| Best Season | Mar, Apri, May, Sep, Oct, & Nov. |
| Trip Code | DWTTK015 |
| Activity Per Day | Approx. 4-6 hrs walking |
| Transportation | Public Transportation- Kathmandu to Soti Khola, Arughat to Kathmandu |
| Grade | Moderate |
Tsum Valley Trekking Insights
The Tsum Valley, situated in the Manaslu region and near the Tibetan border, is one of the most secluded valleys in Nepal that provides spectacular views of high mountains. The inhabitants of Tsum Valley closely follow Tibetan-style Buddhism, unique to this region.
Highlights
- Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat
- Observe Tibetan culture and lifestyle
- Waterfalls, rivers, and caves along the way
- A comparatively easy trek with little fear of altitude sickness
- Wildlife animals like blue sheep and Himalayan tahr
- Several Buddhist monasteries
- Prayer flags and mani walls along the route
- Stunning views of mountains like Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli
- Beautiful pine, juniper, and rhododendron forests.
Benefits of trekking with Discovery World Trekking
- Easy booking and reservation system
- Multi-channel communication (Email, WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat, Viber, Skype, Zoom)
- Online trip briefing after booking confirmation
- 24/7 phone communication at +977- 9840055491
- Free airport-to-hotel transfer on arrival and hotel-to-airport transfer during departure
- Pulse oximeter to monitor blood oxygen saturation level at high altitudes to recognize early signs of altitude sickness and other potential health risks.
- Medical kit
- Arrangement of sleeping bags and down jackets if you do not have your own
- Easy payment system
- Duffle bags for porters
Online Trip Briefing
The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available date and time for the trek briefing. Please note that we conduct trip briefing only once either online or in person.
Comprehensive overview
The Tsum Valley lies in northern Gorkha. It is rich in ancient art, culture, and religion. The locals here trace their origin to Tibet and speak their own dialect. Being one of the remotest Himalayan valleys, the pristine beauty of this valley makes the trek much more enjoyable and pleasant. The valley provides outstanding views of several mountains, including Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal.
The treks to the Tsum Valley were restricted as recently as 2008. The villagers are highly spiritual evident from the several monasteries located here. The Rachen and Mu Gompas are the most prominent monasteries in this valley. This region is also rich in biodiversity, and the forests, rivers, and caves make this valley worth visiting.
Your trek will start with a scenic drive to Arughat, followed by Soti Khola. We follow the Budhi Gandaki valley upstream in the north, passing by many villages and forests full of rhododendron and pine trees. From Soti Khola, we head to Jagat and then to Lokpa, the entrance to the Tsum Valley.
From Lokpa, we head further north to Chumling, the home to three famous monasteries - Pango Gumba, Gurwa Gumba, and Mani Dhungyr. This village also provides fantastic views of Manaslu (8,163m), Himal Chuli (7,893m), and Ganesh Himal(7,140m). The next day you will leave Chumling and head to Chhokangparo past Domje village, the largest in the Tsum Valley.
As the trails slowly ascend, the sub-tropical forests give way to alpine pastures and high mountain deserts. From Chhokangparo, we head northwards, passing Milarepa Prien Phu Cave (the most sacred cave in this region), and then Phurbe to reach the Nile. After spending a night at the Nile, we head further north and reach Mu Gompa, the northernmost point of the trek.
People believe that the Buddhist Guru Milarepa meditated in the caves within the mountains of Tsum Valley. The Shear Khola (river) that starts from the Ganesh Himal glacier drains this valley into the Budhi Gandaki River.
After reaching Mu Gompa, it is time to return. We take a slightly different path from Phurbe, reaching Rachen Gompa on the ninth day. From Rachen Gompa, we start walking south, reaching Domje, from where we head to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,800m) via Gumba Lungdang.
From Ganesh Himal, we head back to Lokpa and then to Jagat. After spending a night at Jagat, we head to Lapu Bensi and finally to Arughat, from where we take a local bus back to Kathmandu.
Photos & Videos
Day to Day Itinerary
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day
1
Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (550m / 1805ft), then to Soti Khola (730m / 2,896ft)
Itinerary Facts Driving Hours (160km / 99.4miles) 6-8hrs After early morning breakfast, you will start the journey with a scenic drive to Arughat, followed by Soti Khola. The bus will follow the Prithivi Highway, west of Kathmandu, along the banks of the Trishuli river. After a few hours, you will reach Dhading Bensi, the district headquarters of Dhading.
From Dhading Bensi, the bus will follow the Budhi Gandaki river and head to Arughat Bazaar, providing exceptional views of Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal on the way. Arughat Bazaar is a compact settlement on both the banks of Budhi Gandaki and joined by a suspension bridge. A drive of about two hours from Arughat will take you to Soti Khola.
- Overnight stay at ABC Hotel (room with attached bathroom)
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
2
Trek from Soti Khola (730m / 2,896ft) to Machha Khola (890m / 2,965ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 890m / 2,965ft Trek Duration 6-7 hrs You will head to Machha Khola early morning. The trek begins by crossing the Soti Khola as you enjoy the attractive views of several waterfalls and rivulets. Then you will be walking inside a beautiful Sal forest and head to a ridge above the gigantic Budhi Gandaki rapids. You will then make your way to Liding and then to Khursane.
From Khursane, you will descend by the sides of terraced farmlands to reach an ethnic Gurung village called Lapubesi. Then the path enters a wide valley, and you will follow the sandy river banks of Budhi Gandaki to reach Nauli Khola, which you must cross to reach Maccha Khola.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Everest View
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
3
Trek from Machha Khola (890m / 2,965ft) to Jagat (1,400m / 4,593ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 1,400m / 4,593ft Trek Duration 6 to 7 hrs. After early morning breakfast, you will trek through a fertile landscape, across several ups and downs, and reach Tharo Khola, which you will cross to enter Khorlabesi. Then, you will leave Khorla Besi behind and reach Tatopani. Tatopani means hot water in Nepali, and, sure enough, there is a natural hot spring at Tatopani. The valley you will be trekking on now starts to get narrower and leads to Budhi Gandaki River, which you need to cross on a suspension bridge. Then comes a stone staircase adorned with prayer flags to reach Tharo Bharyang. You will continue along a path paved with stones to Jagat, a town that lies west of the Budhi Gandaki River.
- Overnight stay at a lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
4
Trek from Jagat (1,400m / 4,593ft) to Lokpa (2,040m / 6,692ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Duration 1,400m / 4,593ft Trek Duration 6 -7 hrs Before heading to Lokpa, we register our permits for Manaslu and Tsum valley at the entry checkpoint in Jagat. Then we will climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, where we stop for a while to enjoy the views of Mount Sringi and descend to Sirdibas. At Sirdibas, we cross the longest suspension bridge in Nepal to enter Philim and continue our trek forward, reaching Ekle Bhatti and then Lokpa, the entry point of Tsum Valley. This village is the first village in the Tsum valley that allows us to view the beautiful Manaslu range. This village is isolated and said to have been blessed by Padmashamva centuries ago.
- Overnight stay at a lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
5
Trek from Lokpa (2,040m / 6,692ft) to Chumling (2,386m / 7,828ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 2,386m / 7,828ft Trek Duration 5-6 hrs The day starts with a trek from Lokpa village, the route to Tsum Valley, although the actual entrance to Tsum Valley begins from a deep slender, and narrow gorge leading to Lokpa. From the path, you will get amazing views of the Boudha Himal (6,672m) and Ganesh Himal.
The route then descends to the Lungwa river valley and progresses through a dense forest full of rhododendron, juniper, and pine. Then you will reach Gumling, and shortly afterward, you will arrive at Syar Khola, which means you have reached the village of Chumling. The short trek will leave you enough time to visit the three main monasteries of Chumling - The Panago Gompa, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gompa.
- Overnight stay at a lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
6
Trek from Chumling (2,386m / 7,828ft) to Chhokangparo (3,031m / 9,944ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 3,031m / 9,944ft Trek Duration 5-6 hrs. The destination for this day is Chhokangparo, and we begin early in the morning. The upper Tsum valley opens from Chhokang Paro, situated on flat land. Actually, there are two settlements in Chhokangparo, one is Chhokang, and the other is Paro. You will follow Shair Khola and reach Domje - the largest town in Tsum Valley. From Domje, you will climb uphill to reach Chhokagnparo and get stunning views of Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli. We are sure you will enjoy the local hospitality and taste their unique Tibetan tea (butter tea).
- Overnight stay at a lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
7
Trek from Chhokang Paro (3,031m / 9,944ft) to Nile (3,361m/ 11,026ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 3,361m / 11,026ft Trek Duration 4-5 hrs The Nile village is on the western side and is the last village north of the upper Tsum Valley. It is on the sunny side of the Shiar Khola, and you have to walk for twenty minutes to reach the Nile from Chhule. Along the way, you will pass the sacred Phiren Phu Cave, also called Pigeon Cave. People believe the Tibetan Buddhist master Milarepa meditated in this cave, and his footprints are imprinted on this cave.
As you proceed, you will walk past green meadows and fertile but narrow landscapes. There are two more gumbas in this region, abundantly painted with Buddhist murals. In these Gumbas, you will find artistic scripts carved on the stones. In addition, you will also find scripts written on papers, and prayer flags make these gompas a socio-cultural asset. You will cross a suspension bridge on the Shair Khola to arrive at the Nile village.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
8
Trek from Nile (3,361m/11,026ft) to Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,139ft), visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4,060m/13,320ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 4,060m / 13,320ft Trek Duration 3-4 hrs After early morning breakfast, you will head out of Nile Village on a trail that gradually ascends to Mu Gompa - the largest monastery in this region.
However, after 2 hrs of a trek from Nile village, you will first reach Dephyudonma Gumba (monastery), one of the oldest monasteries in the region, signifying the dawn of the Buddist religion in this valley.
Mu Gompa, established in 1895, lies at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum Valley and contains many religious books, including Kangyur, a life-size statue of Avalokiteshwara, and portraits of Buddhist masters Padmasambhava and Tara. To reach Mu Gompa, you will pass through several yak pastures and arid Trans Himalayan terrain.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
9
Trek from Mu Gompa (3,700m / 12,139ft) to Rachen Gompa (3,240m / 10,629ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 3,700m / 12,139ft Trek Duration 4-5 hrs Shortly after breakfast, we head to Rechen Gompa, a nunnery situated in the Shiar Khola Valley in the foothills of the mountains bordering Nepal and Tibet. You will return through Chhule and continue down as far as Phurba. Then onwards, you will take a route on the east banks of Siyar Khola through boulder-covered plains to reach Rachen Gompa. This Gompa, built in 1905, houses Ngak-pa sect nuns. The Gompa’s interior contains several murals relating to Buddhism and its history.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
10
Trek from Rachen Gompa (3,240m / 10,629ft) to Gumba Lungdang (3,200m / 10,498ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 3,240m / 10,629ft Trek Duration 5-6 hrs The trek heads south, leading to Chhokangparo, on a route towards Chumling. Within two hours of the trek, you will see a small white Gompa at Gho (2,485m). From this monastery, you will descend on a path that eventually leads to a wooden bridge over Siyar Khola. After crossing this bridge, you will reach Domje, home to a Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and a school.
From Domje, we head east, climbing through pine, juniper, and rhododendron forest, and from the path, you will see several mani walls and prayer flags. You will ascend one more time through the silver pine forest and reach Lungdang Gompa.Especially in spring, you will get breathtaking views, complete with blooming rhododendrons from the trails.
Gumba Lungdang is home to about forty nuns and is known for its intense puja, which takes place from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. From the gompa, you can enjoy beautiful and astonishing views of the mountains all around.- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
11
Trek from Gumba Lungdang (3,200m / 10,498ft) to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200m /13,780 ft ) and back to Gumba Lungdang
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 4,200m / 13,779ft Trek Duration 7-8 hrs Today will be an exciting day as you will trek to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. You will start the trek by ascending, but the views will reward you amply. The path takes you through smaller valleys. Few people head towards Ganesh Himal Base Camp, so the trails might not be obvious, but you should not worry, as our guides will show you the path. You will reach Ganesh Himal Base Camp in about four hours. After appreciating the views from Ganesh Himal Base Camp, you will return back to Gumba Lungdang for the night.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
12
Trek from Gumba Lungdang (3,200m / 10,498ft) to Lokpa (2,040m / 6,692ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 3,200m / 10,498ft Trek Duration 6-7 hrs We head back to Lokpa. At first, you will descend to Domje, taking the upper track, crossing the Laudang Khola. From Domje, you will head south, passing beautiful dense forests and crossing suspension bridges to Ripche (2,470m). Then you will descend to Batti Ghumlong and, from there, ascend a bit to reach Lokpa.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
13
Trek from Lokpa (2,040m / 6,692ft) to Jagat (1,400m / 4,593ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 2,040m / 6,692ft Trek Duration 6-7 hrs It is time to descend to Jagat, where you will rejoin the Budhi Gandaki river. From the trails, you will get a few glimpses of the mountains. Today’s hike through forests and terrain downhill should be pleasant and easy for your legs. You will cross several suspension bridges to reach Sirdibas village before arriving at Jagat.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
14
Trek from Jagat (1,400m / 4,593ft) to Lapu Bensi (900m / 2,952ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 1,400m / 4,593ft Trek Duration 7-8 hrs After early morning breakfast, you will descend to Lapu Bensi. The trek will mostly be pleasant as you walk downhill, but the suspension bridges provide excitement. Before reaching Lapu Bensi, you will reach Machha Khola, then cross a suspension bridge over Nauli Khola, and follow the sandy Budhi Gandaki river bed to arrive at Lapu Bensi - a beautiful Gurung Village.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
15
Trek from Lapu Bensi (900m / 2,952ft) to Arughat Bazaar (535m / 1,755ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 900m / 2,952ft Trek Duration 4-5 hrs Today’s trek back to Arughat Bazaar will be a short one. Firstly, we follow the Budhi Gandaki river for a few hours to reach Soti Khola. From Soti Khola, we will take a jeep to Arughat Bazaar. After a couple of hours of driving, you will reach the Arughat Bazaar. Arughat Bazaar has small cafes and shops that you should consider visiting.
- Overnight stay at a lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
16
Drive back to Kathmandu (1,324m / 4,344ft) from Arughat (535m / 1,755ft)
Itinerary Facts Driving Hours (126 km/78miles) -7-8 After early morning breakfast, we will drive you back to Kathmandu. The drive will be scenic as the bus moves by the side of the beautiful Trishuli river. The greenery of the hills will be eye-pleasing as well. Soon, the bus heads east to Kathmandu via the Prithivi Highway. Your trek package ends in Kathmandu. You are free to spend your time in Kathmandu as you wish.
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch)
What is included?
- Both-way transportation between Kathmandu and Arughat by local bus
- Accommodations at best available lodges(Generally twin Sharing room)-15 Nights
- All standard meals - 16 lunches, 15 dinners, and 16 breakfasts during the trek.
- Government licensed English Speaking Discovery World Trekking experienced trek leader (12 or above trekkers: 1 assistant guide).
- Porters to help trekkers luggage. (2 trekkers:1 porter) Luggage weight limit per trekker is 9 kg.
- Guides and porters' salary, their meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- Tsum Valley special permit and Conservation Area Permit fees.
- Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir - a company's T-shirt & a cap
- Discovery World Trekking trek achievement certificate after the successful trek
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the end of the trek
What is excluded?
- International flight costs
- Excess luggage charges (Luggage weight limit is 9 kg per person)
- Visa fees at Tribhuvan International Airport. USD 50 for a 30-day sta
- All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, early return from the trek.
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot (tea/coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance has to cover emergency high-altitude heli-rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances beyond our control, such as landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc
- All the costs and expenses not listed in "cost includes" are counted as excludes
Route Map
Equipment Checklist
We recommend you carry the basic clothing and accessories needed for the trek. Although we understand that you will have your preference, here is a list you need to take as a base. Though porters will carry your luggage, the luggage weight limit per trekker is 9 kg. You can store your extra luggage at Discovery World Trekking for free during your trek.
Head
- Sun hat or scarf
- Winter hat or insulating hat or Wide brimmed hat
- Headlight with extra batteries
Face
- Sunscreen
- Sunglass with UV protection
- Face/body wipes
Hands
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavy weight winter gloves
Body
- Hiking shirts
- Long sleeved shirt
- Hooded rain jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight cotton pants
- T-Shirt (bring Lightweight wool)
- Polypropylene underwear
- Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
- Sweater
- Waterproof jacket and pants
Foot wear
- Hiking Boots
- Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)
Essential gear
- Backpack or daypack (Size depends on whether you take porter or not).
- Thermal bottle
- Water purification
- Trekking pole
- Sleeping bag (-15 bag is best for high-altitude trekking)
Toiletries
- Medium size drying towel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant floss
- Bio-degradable bar soap
- Nail clippers
- Small mirror
Personal accessories
- Money
- Watch
- Cell phone
- Camera
Extra items
- First aid kit
- Extra passport photos and photocopies of passport
- Notebook and pen
- Binoculars
Trip Information
Free airport pick up and drop off
We offer a complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off service from/to Tribhuvan International Airport to/from the hotel in Kathmandu. Upon arrival at TIA, you will find our representative holding our company pamphlet with your name on it. After greeting you, they will present you with a garland as a welcome gesture and then take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. Similarly, when you depart for your home country, we will pick you up from your hotel and drop you at the airport. To take advantage of this service, you must share your flight details with us. We provide this service to all our clients so that our valuable clients do not feel alone in a new country or face navigation problems.
The beginning of the journey
You must arrive in Kathmandu two days before the trek departure date. Please make sure the second day after your arrival is a weekday. We need one full weekday to acquire a restricted area permit for you. To get this Manaslu Circuit trek, we need your passport with a Nepal visa. If, in case, you missed the online trip briefing, it will also provide us time to conduct an in-person trip briefing. On the trek departure day, we will drive you to Sotikhola via Arughat for the trek start.
This package included both-way transportation between Kathmandu and Arughat on a local bus, but you can hire a private jeep at an extra cost for comfort.
Accommodation during the trek
This 16 days trek includes 15 nights of lodge-to-lodge stays at the best lodges in trek regions. We hand-select all lodges, paying attention to hygiene. You will be staying in rooms with attached bathrooms where possible and in standard rooms at other accommodations.
You will need at least three nights of hotels in Kathmandu before and after the trek, but this package does not include these stays. Kathmandu has a wide range of hotels for all budgets and preferences, and we respect your choices.
You can use hot showers and Wi-Fi at most lodges/hotels you will be staying in, but you will have to pay for the service.
Food during the trek
This 16-day trek takes you to high elevations, so you need plenty of nutritious food. We will provide you with enough nutrient-rich food, but your choices get limited as you ascend. The food also gets expensive with height.
We will provide 16 breakfasts, 16 lunches, and 15 dinners during the trek. The cuisine is local, Asian, or Western. Some of the most popular menu items in the trek regions are:
Breakfast - Muesli Bread, Fruits, Vegetables, Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, French toast with Jam, Butter, Cheese, Honey Tibetan bread or Chapati, Local Tsampa porridge, Eggs, Pancakes, Hot drinks (varieties of teas and coffees, hot chocolates, etc.)
Lunch - Dhal, Bhat, & Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Potatoes, Vegetables, Salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni dishes, Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles, Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Desserts, (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), etc
Dinner - Dhal, Bhat & Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Various Soups, Potatoes items, Vegetable and salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni, Tenduk Spaghetti, Noodles Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Korean Ramen, Desserts items (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), Hard Drinks Steaks, etc
We advise you to take plenty of fresh vegetables. Similarly, liquids such as lemon tea, green tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup (must) are known to be beneficial in high altitudes.
However, we do not recommend non-veg items during the trek because the meat in trek regions may not be hygienic. Similarly, you might consider avoiding dairy and caffeinated items, alcoholic drinks, and hot chocolates.
All personal bills - alcoholic, hot (tea, coffee, etc.), and cold drinks - in tea houses/ lodges or cafes except standard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner with seasonal fruits) are not included in this package.
Best time for the trek
Weather, mainly temperature, is the most important factor to consider when deciding to trek to the Tsum Valley. March to May and September to November form the busiest season for the Tsum Valley trek. In winter (December to February), the heavy snowfall forces the lodge in Mu Gompa to close. The summer season in Nepal starts in June and lasts till August, but this is the season when the monsoon becomes active, making the trails wet and slippery.
Though all seasons provide different trek experiences for the best views and good trail conditions, spring (March-May) and autumn (Sept -Nov) are the best seasons.
March to May (Spring)
It is the best season to trek to Tsum Valley. You will find weather favorable throughout the trek, enabling you to catch stunning views of the Manaslu mountains and glaciers in the region. The temperatures start rising in mid-March, and the clear skies mean fantastic views. During April and May, the temperatures rise comparatively, making it slightly hot in lower regions, but the temperature is perfect for the trek at high altitudes. Most trekkers choose to trek to Tsum Valley in spring. It is also the season rhododendron flowers bloom in the forests making your trek scenic.
September to November (Autumn)
It is also one of the perfect seasons for the trek. Many tourists come to trek to Tsum Valley this season, taking advantage of the favorable weather. As the monsoon recedes in September, a perfect trekking climate sets in. The temperature can reach 20 degrees in the daytime but falls to 5 degrees at night.
If you decide to trek during this time, clear skies, amazing views of the mountains, and good trail conditions will enrich your trek experience. Moreover, several major festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Chhat, and Indrajatra fall in autumn, making the whole environment festive. November treks are also popular due to clear, sparkling days. From late November, the temperatures dip, and snowfalls begin in the high trek altitudes.
The weather in high altitudes is unpredictable and changes quickly.
Trip Grade: Fitness level, Medical, and Health
The Tsum Valley 16 days trek is a moderate-grade hike. The highest point you will reach lies at Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4200m). The second highest point is Mu Gompa at 3,700m. You will be hiking for 5 to 7 hours in lower regions and about 3-4 hours in high elevations. Treks in higher elevations are more difficult due to low oxygen levels.
A normally fit person can certainly complete this trek. However, as with all high-altitude hikes, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trek. You just need to be ready to walk for four to six hours, taking enough breaks in between. We recommend you participate in stamina-building exercises such as jogging, cycling, or swimming a few weeks before your trek departure date. The trek routes involve long climbs, steep descents, and forward trails on rocky paths at certain sections. We do not recommend this trek for those suffering from certain medical conditions such as heart, blood, or lung disease.
Trekking group/single
We conduct private as well as group treks. However, Nepal Government provides a special permit only to a group with at least two trekkers. So, you will need at least one partner for this trek. However, you need to worry. If you do not have a trekking partner, we will find someone for you. We can handle any group size and add an assistant guide for a group of 12 or more members. Moreover, if you have your group, based on the group size, we will provide you with discounts. However, a private trip for a solo traveler to Tsum Valley is not possible.
A typical day during the trek
Every day will reward you with a unique experience of trekking, climbing, enjoying the scenery, taking photos, tasting new dishes, and exploring local villages. Our friendly, experienced, and government-licensed guide/Sherpa will accompany you throughout the trek, providing information about the places as you visit them.
We assign porters to carry your luggage. However, the luggage weight limit per trekker is 9kg. One porter will carry two trekkers’ luggage. However, we expect you to bring a small backpack to keep your valuables and informational documents safe.
Each day will start with an early morning hot cup of tea/coffee. After a wholesome breakfast, you will set off on the day’s walk around 7 AM to 8 AM, depending on the duration and nature of that day’s walk.
After trekking for three to four hours, we will serve you lunch around midday en route to the next destination. You will be resting for about an hour before starting the trek again. The afternoon trek will generally be shorter, lasting for two or three hours. After reaching your destination, you can snack on extra-dietary food, and you are free to explore your destination until it gets dark.
We serve dinner around six to seven pm. After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s plan. After this briefing, you will have some time before going to bed. You can use this time to converse with your fellow trekkers, read books or play games such as chess, cards, or Monopoly. Most of our guests also engage in learning light fun Nepali words.
Communication during the trek
While on the trek, you can use the internet service available at most of the lodges you will be staying in by paying a small fee. You can freely contact your friends and family from the lodges. However, at high altitudes, we will use mobile phones for safety. Discovery World Trekking remains in contact with all its trek teams at least once a day via the trek lead. We want to ensure that the trek is progressing smoothly and everyone is comfortable. You can buy a local sim in Kathmandu for your mobile. However, at high altitudes, the signals may not be strong enough.
You can enjoy using Wi-Fi from the lodges you will be staying in, but you will need to pay to use it.
Extra personal expenses on trekking
This trek covers most expenses during the trek, but not all costs. Please refer to the cost includes and cost excludes section for details. You will need at least three days of hotel stays in Kathmandu, two days before the trek and one day after. This package does not include hotel accommodations and meals in Kathmandu. Kathmandu has all sorts of hotels and lodges that can fit all tastes and budgets. In addition, trekkers must bring personal spending money to cover several costs such as visa application fees, insurance for the trek, souvenirs, hot (tea/coffee), cold and alcoholic drinks, tips for crew members, snacks, etc. We advise you to bring cash (major currencies) and exchange them in Kathmandu as trek regions do not honor foreign currencies. We estimate that you will need USD 10 to 20 per trek day to cover miscellaneous costs.
Electricity and battery recharge, water on trekking
Throughout the lodges at Manaslu Circuit Trek trails, electricity for electronics recharge is available at an extra cost. You can easily buy bottled water from en-route shops, but some trek regions might not allow plastic water bottles. Hence, we advise you to bring a water bottle and fill it with boiled/filtered water, which you can buy at tea houses/lodges. It is better to use a water purification pill before drinking. If you need these pills, we can provide them for you.
You shouldn't drink water from rivers, taps, and wells in trek regions because the water might not be as drinkable as it seems.
Travel insurance policy
This Manaslu trip grade is challenging, and you will reach a height of 4,200m at Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Though the elevation is not too high, this trek comes with high altitude risks such as potential altitude sickness, landslides, etc. So, travel insurance is compulsory.
All trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate to Discovery World Trekking before starting the trek. The policy should cover emergency repatriation, including helicopter rescue and evacuation up to the highest trek altitude (4,000m), and medical treatment costs. It is important because the trek region does not have adequate health facilities.
We can recommend insurance companies for you based on our previous client experiences, but we are not involved in selling insurance policies at all.
During emergencies, we will use your insurance and other informational documents to arrange a quick and effective rescue.
Before buying travel insurance, we urge you to call the insurer and recheck if they include heli-rescue up to 4,000m. Do not just rely on what the insurers say on their website.
Passport and visa
All foreigners, except Indians, require a visa to enter Nepal. Citizens from most countries can get on-arrival visas at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) or immigration checkpoints along Nepal-India and Nepal-Tibet borders.
To apply for an on-arrival visa, you will require a passport with at least six months of validity, a passport-size photo, and visa fees. The current visa fee is USD 50 for a 30-day stay. Chinese and SAARC (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka) get free visas. Similarly, children under ten get free visas.
However, citizens from certain countries - Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan - may not receive an on-arrival visa. If you are a national from any of these countries, you need to contact your nearest Nepali embassy for a visa.
Nepal government may change visa rules at any time, so for the latest information visit https://www.immigration.gov.np.
Money exchange
Nepali Rupee (NPR/Rs) is the local currency.
(1 USD = ~ Rs.130 NPR).
You can exchange most (major) foreign currencies through local banks and legitimate money exchanges in Kathmandu and all over Thamel. Some hotels also exchange small amounts of cash.
Legal money exchanges display their ongoing rates visibly. If you have Indian Rupees, note that only Indian Rupee notes of INR 100 and 2,000 are legal in Nepal.
Despite having the security advantage of a traveler's cheque, we advise you cash exchange to avoid hassles like lengthy processes and high bank commissions. You can withdraw cash in Nepali Rupees from one of the many ATMs in Kathmandu. Several of these ATMs are open 24/7. However, the maximum you can withdraw from the ATM is Rs 35,000 for a 500 Rupee fee using a foreign card.
If you use the money exchange facility at banks and financial institutions, they will charge you a fee of four percent or more, depending upon the bank.
Most banks in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn, or faded. Please ensure that you have new and clean notes.
How much luggage can I bring to the trek?
The luggage weight limit is 9 kg per trekker. We assign one porter for two trekkers, and our porters will not carry more than 18 kg of luggage. However, if you need, we can arrange one porter just for you. We also expect you to bring a small backpack to keep your valuables and informational documents safe. We advise you to carry just the essentials to the trek. You can store your extra luggage for free at the Discovery World Trekking store for the duration of your trip.
Safety during the trek
Discovery World Trekking guarantees client safety, security, and satisfaction. We will carry all the necessary gear, equipment, and first aid kits, ready to face any situation. Our trek guides are first-aid trained. If a trekker falls sick, your guide has the authority to decide whether to continue the trek or descend immediately. In emergencies, we deploy a helicopter to bring sick trekkers back to safety (funded by insurance). You will be trekking as a group, which ensures further safety.
Responsible Travel
We strongly believe in environmental protection and sustainability. If we do not preserve the tourist areas now, there will be no tourism in these regions in the future. Discovery World Trekking works with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to organize eco-friendly trips. We strive to balance the expectation of the travelers and the communities. Our motto is to take as little as possible in trek regions and leave only the footprints behind.
Discovery World Trekking Crew
During the Tsum ValleyTrekking, our licensed and well-experienced guides/Sherpas will accompany you, making your journey comfortable and memorable. They will be sharing information about the trek destinations as you visit them. The trekking team will include porters, who will carry your luggage. However, your luggage weight limit is 9 kg. We assign one porter for two trekkers, and our porters will not carry more than 18 kg combined weight. We advise you to keep your extra luggage at your hotel or Discovery World Trekking store.
Our crew members are locals from remote high Himalayas, and their physical endurance at high altitudes is phenomenal. All staff members are precious to us. In addition to their salary, we cover their insurance, clothing, food, and accommodations throughout the expedition. We believe that only happy people can keep others happy, so we try hard to keep all our employees happy. Our guides and porters receive medical care when injured or ill.
Our trek leaders/guides have
- Completed Intensive Wilderness First Aid training
- Authorized Trekking Guide Certificate
- Fluency in speaking English and other major languages
- Completed conservation and biodiversity training
- Rock climbing experience
Tipping
Nepali culture accepts tipping. Most importantly, tipping is at the traveler's discretion and should reflect the quality of service received, trip cost, and the length of the trip. We advise you to tip at the end of the trip and collectively as a team. Tips do not form part of wages for the crew.
Booking and payment process
Discovery world trekking is a government-authorized, registered, licensed, and bonded trek and tour operator in Nepal. We are members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and have been operating treks for over a decade. So, you can book our treks in confidence.
We require 10% of the trek cost as an advance to confirm the booking. You can pay this amount using a bank transfer, western union, or online through credit cards. You can pay the remaining amount in cash, bank transfer, or credit card. We request you email your information documents such as travel insurance policy, passport copy, passport size photo, and flight details within a week of booking the trek.
We will also email you the payment details and modes of payment available.
Last minute booking
It is best to book in advance, but for those unable, Discovery World Trekking has a special provision for last-minute booking. In the case of last-minute booking, you must complete 100% of the trip cost 24 hours before the trek departure date. We put our best effort to operate treks at any time, but, in last-minute booking, you cannot hold us responsible for delays due to circumstances beyond our control, such as bad weather and lodging unavailability. For more information, call Paul at 977- 9840055491 or email [email protected].
Trip extension
After the completion of the trek, if you have a couple of days extra in Nepal, we can organize fun activities for you. You have several options, such as a Kathmandu sightseeing tour, a Nagarkot view trip, a Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting, canoeing, etc.
Feedback
After completing the Tsum Valley trek, we will organize a farewell dinner. After the dinner, we will present you with a Discovery World Trek Achievement Certificate (hard copy). It is also the best time to provide your feedback related to your trip. It will help us to improve our services in future.
Join Upcoming Trips
Book this trip with us. Here are the upcoming dates. Feel free to share this trip with your friends and family. For custom trips or general inquiries contact us.
| Departure Date | Price | Trip status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Days31 May, 2023 - 15 Jun, 2023 |
|
Booking Open | Enquire Now |
| 16 Days06 Sep, 2023 - 21 Sep, 2023 |
|
Booking Open | Book Now |
| 16 Days13 Sep, 2023 - 28 Sep, 2023 |
|
Booking Open | Book Now |
| 16 Days20 Sep, 2023 - 05 Oct, 2023 |
|
Booking Open | Book Now |
| 16 Days27 Sep, 2023 - 12 Oct, 2023 |
|
Booking Open | Book Now |
Benefits
Group Discount Prices
| No. of Persons | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 Paxes | US$ 900 |
| 3 Paxes | US$ 885 |
| 4 - 6 Paxes | US$ 870 |
| 7 - 12 Paxes | US$ 850 |
| 13 - 18 Paxes | US$ 830 |
| 19 - 24 Paxes | US$ 815 |
| 25 - 30 Paxes | US$ 800 |
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Trip Reviews
Discovery World Trekking
The best tour company in Nepal!
My girlfriend and I just spent 16 absolutely perfect days trekking the Manaslu circuit. Discovery World Trekking looked after us from the moment we arrived in Kathmandu to the moment we left. Communication with Paul was easy and straight forward, he was very informative and welcoming when we visited him at the head office. His pride in his company is very obvious and its quite refreshing to see someone with such passion for their work. Our guide Dil was highly professional, funny, entertaining and safe. He taught us alot about the villages we visited, areas we passed through and Nepalese culture in general. He sorted everything from our bus fares, to meals, to translation with the locals. It was also great that he is a similar age to my partner and I so we had lots of things in common and could get along easily with him. Our porter Kaji was amazing, it was his first time being a porter and he was very strong. He made us laugh multiple times each day, climbed trees to get us some fruit and had a keen eye for wildlife spotting monkeys and deer we would have never seen otherwise. Overall we are extremely happy with the service Discovery World Trekking has given us, and best of all they are quite price competitive. If you dont choose this company for your next trekking experience be warned you are making a mistake. There are too many cowboys out there that could leave you stranded. We will absolutely use Discovery World Trekking again without hesitation if we ever come back to Nepal. Thank you to Paul, Dil and Kaji for an unforgettable journey.
Tsum Valley
We arranged our trek with Paul from Discovery World Trekking while still in Australia and ever since our first correspondence the experience has been fabulous! Paul responded promptly to all our inquiries, answered all the questions, sorted out all of the necessary permits and documents and informed us, in great detail, of the itinerary and how to prepare for the adventure. He was happy to make changes to the itinerary and be flexible during the trek. Our group consisted of 4 people (one, Con joined our group in Kathmandu) and some of us arrived on a different flights but Paul welcomed us all at the airport and drove us to our hotels. Ever since our arrival everything was brilliantly organised and no delays/issues encountered. Our guide, Soraj, turned out to be exceptional. He looked after us very well, his knowledge of the mountains, the people and culture enhanced the experience. We truly enjoyed walking with him and learned a lot from him throughout the trek. The three porters, Mansing Gurung, Suresh Gurung and Bam Gurung that were accompanying us were also lovely people. They were incredibly helpful and cheerful despite the hard work of carrying our bags. We have many memorable moments thanks to them; laughing, singing, joking around. We even had a cake on Soraj's birthday. We do not know how to thank them... We would always recommend DWT to anyone! We will certainly use their services in the future!!! Thank you Soraj Gurung, Mansing Gurung, Suresh Gurung and Bam Gurung!!! We are extremely grateful! We are booking Everest and Goyko Lakes for February and would not consider anyone else.
Unforgettable Trek !
Thank you for great trip to Tusm Valley! It was Our first Trekking Experience in the Himalaya . You made our holidays unforgettable! Tusm Valley was Fantastic and really enjoyable, very frankly, kindly Nepali people, Especially really thanks goes to Paul from DWT for organizing a world class service . as well as Guide Dil and Naresh for their great support and patience. We highly recommend DWT for the your life time experice Holidays in the Himalayan.
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