Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek

Details Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,345 m and then transfer to respective Hotels
On reaching Kathmandu via respective airlines well received by company guides and staff for a short drive in the hub of Kathmandu city where your hotels are located. After checking into your lovely rooms and getting refreshed join in at the Hotel lobby for a group briefing regarding treks and other useful information to make your stay in Nepal enjoyable and pleasant.

Day 02: Free day in Kathmandu to prepare the permits 

   We will collect your passports and photos to prepare your immigration permits. Original permits are needed to collect Nepal immigration permits. You can explore the town on your own. We will have a trip briefing and introductory program with your guide after the permits are collected. Meals Included: Breakfast 

Day 03: Drive to Soti-Khola730 m via Arughat - 07 hrs.
Starting our fabulous adventure to Tsum Valley trekking taking a long and exciting overland journey to reach warmer areas of Gorkha district at Arughat a moderate size town with sub-tropical temperature, where our drive continues on the road for an hour to reach our first overnight stop at Soti-Khola a small farm village, slowly turning into a town due to motorable road facilities. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Day 04: Trek to Machha-Khola 930m - 06 hrs.
The first-day walk starts following the Buri-Gandaki River upstream heading into a gorge covered within the dense forest as walks lead to a climb into cool the shade of forests after a nice and pleasant trek of about six hours then arriving at our overnight stop at Machha-Khola. A moderate size farm village, where the name Maccha means Fish and Khola for a stream, a popular place for fishing silver craps and other varieties of fish that are found in this Himalayan stream. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Day 05: Trek to Jagat 1,410m - 06 hrs.
From these fishing villages, the morning leads following the Buri-Gandaki River upstream for a few hours, as the walk leads past Khorla Beshi a small farm village, and on a winding trail to reach Tatopani village with natural “Hot Spring,” as per time permits enjoy the warm refreshing bathe then walk uphill to Jagat village for other overnight stops. This is a nice village with many shops and stores including a fair number of simple good lodges to stay in. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch  and  Dinner

Day 06: Trek to Lokpa 1830m - 05 hrs.
After a wonderful overnight stop and a pleasing time at Jagat, the morning walk leads towards our destination heading to Tsum high valley, as the walk continues towards high areas through many small farm villages and then a short climb with a downhill crossing over the suspension bridge to reach Nagjet and Philip, a large village with scattered farmhouses. Philip walks into farm areas with golden fields of wheat and barley, as walk heads to a climb towards a rocky ridge within the bamboo forest to reach Dyang village. From here onward leave the main trail of the Manaslu trek, where our trail leads further north towards remote Tsum valley areas as the walk progress within the isolated country then reach Lakuwa village with cooler air for the overnight stop. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch  and  Dinner

Day 07: Trek to Dumje 2460M - 06 hours.
From Lakuwa village after leaving Buri-Gandaki River for the week, as morning walk leads into a more interesting village of Tsum areas which is known as the valley of happiness with views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The walk leads further North East heading into the narrow gorge with a short down and uphill climb entering within a forest of rhododendron and pine trees and then walking past a few scattered farm villages where the climb leads above Lungwa Khola (stream) towards an overnight stop at Chumling village right in Tsum Valley. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 08: Trek to Nile - chule 3361M - 05 hours.
After a pleasant overnight stop at Chuling morning walk gains, much altitude as our route leads behind North of Ganesh Himal, venturing within a country, the walk leads as tree lines drop towards arid and barren landscapes where villages are similar to Tibet traditions and culture as it this area is close to Tibet border once an ancient Trans Himalayan Salt Trade trail. Slowly walk leads into windswept terrain and then cross a bridge over Smatiking Khola, with views of Ganesh Himal, which local calls Yangra of Tibetan origin, that towers high above 7,422 m, as the walk continues to reach at Chokhan-Paro village for the other overnight stop.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch  and Dinner

Day 09:  Trek to Mu Gompa  - 06 hours.

From Chokan-Paro onward adventure gets nearer and higher into upper Tsum areas as the walk leads past Nele (Ne-lay), and then the climb leads into a scenic wide and open valley within a dry and arid country. Walking uphill from here onwards with grand views of snow-capped peaks walk leads to Nele with time for the short interesting visit to an old cave of saint Milarepa a popular and famous poet, singer, and tantric Buddhist guru of the 11th Century, where Tibetans still retain his folk-tales, poetry, and songs. After an interesting tour and visit to Milarepa holy meditation cave, another hour of good walking brings you to Nele for the overnight stop in this quaint sleepy village.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner
Day 10: Rest Day for a short hike and exploration. ( Mu Gompa
At Mu Gompa rest day to explore this fascinating area where fewer number trekkers often visit this amazing wild country, hike to scenic viewpoints and make friends with locals and explore the time-forgotten villages. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch  and Dinner

Day 11: Trek to Rachen Gompa 3,240 m - 05 hours.
After an exciting and interesting time at Mu Gompa, a morning walk downhill to reach another old and impressive monastery of Rachen, as walk carries on the pleasant path with a few short down and climb past Yak herder's shelters to Rachen Gompa for an overnight stop, an afternoon with time to explore its ancient and interesting Rachen monastery and the village. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Day 12: Trek back to Chumling 2,386 m - 06 hours.

With a marvelous time around remote and almost forgotten areas of upper Tsum within a valley of happiness in the harmony of pristine wilderness and tranquility, the morning leads to a long downhill to reach Chumling village back into tree lines this will be the last overnight stop around Tsum valley. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch  and Dinner

Day 13: Trek to Dyang 1,800 m - 06 hrs.
      After the pleasant stop at Jagat, the journey continues a higher walking past a number of farm villages and then on a downhill to cross over a bridge to reach Nagjet and Philim, a large village with many scattered farmhouses. After Philim walks into farm terraces of golden fields of wheat and barley, then climb on rocky ridge top into the bamboo forest area to our overnight stop at Dyang village. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Day 14: Trek to Namrung (2957M 6/7 hours
      A morning walk from Dyang leads to a cooler area where you can feel the rise in altitude, on entering the Himalayan alpine region, continue to walk downhill to a riverside to reach Bihi Bazaar a small village near a riverside. From here onwards encountering more villages of strong Tibetan culture, the walk leads on a gentle trail with few short ups and downs till Namrung village is reached for the overnight stop. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Day 15: Trek to Lo Gaon 3,180 m - 06 hrs.
   From Ghap village with a nice good walk following the Buri Gandaki River, then crossing this river through small farm villages and cultivated farm fields of barley, wheat, and millets to reach Numrung village with first close views of Mt. Manaslu North Face and adjoining peaks. The walk continues passing a few villages of Banjham, Lhi, and Sho, then as the altitude gains with an hour up to Shrimp village to Lo Gaon for an overnight stop in a nice cozy lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch  and Dinner

Day 16: Trek to Sama Gaon 3,530 m - 05 hrs 
    After Lo Gaon tree lines fade only for a few short juniper bushes and some willow trees, walk leads on a nice path with views of peaks, and finally, the day ends at Sama Gaon for the overnight stop, this is a large mountain village located on route Manaslu base camp, Larke-la pass and to Tibet border. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Day 17: Rest day in Sama Gaon for acclimatization.
    Rest Day in Sama Gaon, which is an ideal place for necessary acclimatization before the climb and to reach the high Manaslu base camp, Sama Gaon explores this interesting village similar to Tibetan culture and traditional way of life. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch  and  Dinner

Day 18: Trek to Samdo 3,780m -05 hrs.
       After a nice stop at Sama Gaon, where our route leads to a climb to Samdu and onward, the walk to Samdu is not too far and can be done in a few hours, due to the high altitude within dry air makes the walk slower. Our route slowly leads to Samdu village which is the last village before the Larke-la base and passes, Samdu overnight in this interesting village of strong Tibetan influence due to its closeness to the border of Tibet, where trade still exists. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 19: Trek to Dharmashala 4,450 m - 4 hrs 
      Our journey starts in the morning with a downhill trek up to Budhi Gandaki River. Then we cross the river and again march upward through Larkya Bazaar and Valley of Salka Khola towards Dharmasala which is not actually a lodge but an easy place to stay for a night. It is 7km away and will take about 4 hours to reach there on normal days. We have a high chance to see blue sheep. This place is also known as Larke Phedi. Stay overnight at Dharmasala. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner
Day 20: Traverse Larke passes at 5,106 m and descends to Bhimtang - in 08 hours.
      Starting early morning to reach Larke-la Pass above 5,106 m, where the walk first heads with a gradual winding uphill, and then steep up to reach the highest point of the adventure on top Larke-La festooned with hundreds of Buddhist colorful prayer flags and marked with stones piles. From the top offers excellent views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II, after a great moment a long descent leads you over snow and scree, to reach a valley to Garcia. Further walk on moraine leads to Tambuche at 3,900m from here short walk to our overnight stop at Bhimtang, a lovely place on a wide valley with a number of good lodges to stay. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21: Trek to Dharapani village 1,943m. 5-6 hours.
       From here the track leads downhill into the forest passing a small summer settlement and then climbing on terraced fields to Karcher La, and then down to Marsyangdi River. After a few hours' walks reach Tilje village by following Dudh (milky) river downstream, the assigned number of villages, including Thonje. From Tilje an hour's climb after crossing a bridge and then joining the main trail of the Annapurna circuit joins in Dharapani village. Dharapani a lovely large village will be a civilization after being in the complete wilderness, where one can celebrate with a beer and buy a hot shower from the lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 22: Drive to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotels - 06 hr
     After a marvelous experience and adventure on high hills and mountains, where morning drive brings you back to Kathmandu, at Kathmandu where our wonderful adventure concludes, with an afternoon free at leisure or last day shopping souvenirs and handicrafts. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, 
Day 23: International Departure for Homeward Bound.
     Last day in Nepal in the country of high Himalayan mountains with fascinating culture, after a memorable experience and great scenic adventure on Manaslu Circuit trekking, as per your international flight time our staff transfers you to the airport for the flight homeward bound or to your next port of call and respective countries. 

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICE

• Airports pick up and drop off, upon arrival and departure in Kathmandu.
• Pre-meeting before the trek.
• 3 Night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (3 Star hotel ) 
• Helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, well English speaking trained, government  license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodations, and insurance
• Meals on full board  ( Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner ) with 3 times  tea/coffee  during the  trek 
• A strong, helpful porter with proper equipment (one porter for two people - porter will carry a maximum of 25 kilos )
• Seasonal fresh fruits as Available
• Guesthouse accommodation during the trek.
• 1 Well Plan Trekking T-shirt
• Kathmandu – Macha  -Khola -  Dharapani - Kathmandu transportation on a public vehicle 
• Manaslu Special trekking permit fee.
• Manaslu Conservation Area entrance permit fee.
• Annapurna Conservation Area entrance permit fee.
• Manaslu  Trekking Map 
• Duffel   bag  
• Worst case, help with all rescue and evacuation arrangements.
• First aid medical kit, Oximeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitudes.
• All applicable taxes are as per the government rules and regulations.
• Well  Plan  Trekking trek achievement certificate after the successful trek
• Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a cultural restaurant 

OPTIONAL ADDONS(Available during check-out)

• Private Jeep

THE PACKAGE EXCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICE

• International airfare
• Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Katmandu).
• Travel insurance, which has to cover emergency high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation in addition to medical expenses (compulsory)
• Your personal expenses. (Phone call, Wifi, Laundry service, bar bills, battery recharge, a bottle of water or hot water, Mineral water,  Hot  shower, etc.)
• All the alcoholic drinks and bar bills. 
• Extra Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival or late departure. early arrival from the mountain (due to any reason) Than the scheduled Itinerary.
• Services not mentioned in the 'Services Includes' section ( Please ask us if you are confused about any services )
• Kathmandu  lunch and Dinner 
• Tips for the guide and porter.

Physically  condition & experience requirements 
       For a physically fit person of all ages with sound health who has done moderately to strenuous walking and activity before or at present. This type of trek involves long ups and downs and the length of walking will be from 5 - 7 hours every day with rest and break in between.  The whole trip goes from a week to two weeks or more at a high altitude. This trip is for well-experienced people who have done previous long high hills or mountainous trekking in and around Himalayas or other mountainous areas on rough terrains, this trip involves walking in snow and ice conditions sometimes and encountering high of over 4,000 meters passes, as for moderate people can join on this type of trips as long they are super physically fit and a mind with positive and determinations. Past hiking experience is a must but no technical skill is required for this trip .participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung and blood diseases should inform well plan trekking before booking the trek. we also recommend that you consult your doctors before the trip.

Accommodations  on the trek

     In Kathmandu, we use the deluxe hotel to ensure a comfortable stay and relaxed environment before and after your adventure. All breakfasts are included at the hotel in Kathmandu. Rooms are generally twin shares - depending on group size and room availability, the triple share may be offered at your request. A single supplement room is available at an additional cost. And on request single supplement will be charged US$200.well plan trekking will arrange clean and comfortable rooms with attached washrooms; however, a teahouse in some places only has shared washing and toilet facilities. also, note that single rooms are available in the trekking regions at the lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

Meals  during the trek

     In the city, only breakfast is included on the trip itinerary. While on the trek, we provide good quality food in sufficient quantities from Tea Houses/Mt. lodges. We provide all meals on full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and tea & coffee) from the teahouse menu during the trekking period. Various meals include noodles item, soups, bread, rice item, curries, spaghetti, pizza, egg items, potatoes item, pasta, the fresh vegetable so overall you have a different choice of food on the trek.

Drinking-Water

    Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at the altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 liters per person per day. We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on the trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.
All tea houses will provide cold water free of charge if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight, and battery-powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions, most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).

TRAVEL & MEDICAL & TRAVEL INSURANCE 

    Before you book any of our trips we strongly suggest that you buy medical and travel insurance to make you stay and while traveling in Nepal Himalaya or neighboring countries, which will help and support you, in case medical and travel problems arise and situations beyond companies control. If such a situation arises with emergency evacuation, where your medical bills on using transportation services by Helicopter or other means of which you can directly claim from your insurance, which is to be paid by you or by your insurance company on the spot.

Where Well Plan Treks will obtain a strong letter of the incidents that occurred so that you can claim from your insurance agents. In case of mishaps and accidents or severe illness, we will contact your insurance company if it is okay to use Heli or other immediate life-saving process and transportation to the nearest medical post and hospitals, where your insurance company will directly pay for related expenses accordingly as per situations and conditions of the victims. For all trips with us, we need your contact address as well as your next of kin, family members, close relatives, or friends in case of emergency purposes.

Climate and Weather 
     The climate of Nepal is as varied as its geography. The low-lying Terai has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate. The Himalayan foothills, where most of our treks take place, are best in the cool dry season from September to May. The traditional trekking season in Nepal is from late September to May, with October and November generally recognized as having the best weather. Spring is also a popular time of year with warmer weather and the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. The visibility is good, and the days are pleasantly warm, although nights can be cold, and snow is possible above 3,000 meters.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST

This list is a guide to help you pack for your trip. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list; rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel necessary for your comfort and convenience .we also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

Head

• A warm hat that covers your ears
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Headlamp with extra batteries

Upper body

• T-shirts
• Fleece jacket or sweater
• Fleece wind –stopper jacket
• Waterproof shell jacket
• Down vest and /or jacket (optional)Hands
• Lightweight gloves (water /windproof)
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer

Lower body

• Underwear
• Hiking trousers
• Fleece or woolen trousers
• Lightweight thermal bottoms
• Lightweight cotton pants
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric )shell pants Feet
• Thin lightweight inner socks
• Heavy poly or wool socks
• Hiking boots with spare laces
• Camp shoes (sneakers and sandals)

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C de 14 degrees F)
• Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)Toiletries
• Toothbrush /paste
• Multi-purpose soap
• Nail clippers
• Deodorants
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel
• Face and body moisturizer
• Small mirror
• Female hygiene products

Personal hygiene

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue/toilet roll
• Antibacterial hand wash

Medical

• Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
• A cough and /or cold medicine
• Anti –altitude sickness pills; Diamox or acetazolamide
• Stomach antibiotic

Extras /luxuries

• Reading book
• Trail map /guidebook
• Journal and pen
• Travel game(chess, backgammon, playing cards etc)
• Modest swimsuit
• Binoculars