Around Manaslu and the Tsum Valley

  • 21 - 25 Days
  • Age 18+
  • Year-round

The best off-the-beaten path trekking in the world, soon to be "discovered."

 

Day 1

Up early, and drive west along the Prithvi highway, named for the Gorkha king of the Shah dynasty who conquered Kathmandu in 1768. Turn off the main road at Dhading and drive to Arughat Bazaar./p>

Day 2

Up the Buri (or Budhi) Gandaki River valley all day, headed almost due north. Ganesh Himal to the east and Gorkha Himal to the west are your companions today. Tonight's stop is at Almara, in a particularly steep part of the river valley.

Day 3

Continue north along the Buri Gandaki to Labubesi

Day 4

You're beginning to gain significant altitude now, and the steep river valley opens up to give spectacular views of Himalchuli and Manaslu behind. Stay at Tatopani.

Day 5

he land is changing as you gain altitude - almost a mile high now - and the vegetation shows the change. Camp at Jagat, where you'll really begin to feel like your in the middle of the great mountains. Jagat is the entry point to the 'restricted area' where you'll need a different permit.

Day 6

Today you pass from Hindu Nepal to Buddhist areas. You'll see that the people, architecture, and religious symbols all change. Prayer walls made up of stones engraved with ancient prayers will be your way markers until you come down from the high pass. Bear east of the river after Jagat and trek to Lokpa.

Day 7

Trek up the Shar Khola river valley to Chumling

Day 8

Gain some altitude to Chhokangparo at 3,000 m. / 10,000 feet.

Day 9

Visit the Milarepa Cave and Rachen Gompa at Lamagaon, then trek to the twin villages of Nile and Chhule

Day 10

Trek up to Mu Gompa at Chho Syong, 3,700 m / 12,400 ft.

Day 11

Trek down and stay at Rachen Gompa

Day 12

Trek down and stay at Dumje

Day 13

Climb the vaeely wall up to Gompa Lungdong (3,200 m. / 10,700 ft.)

Day 14

Trek west to link up with the main Manaslu trail at Dyang.

Day 15

After returning to the river at Dyang, take a short day to Bihi.

Day 16

A relatively level day, to Bho Gaon.

Day 17

An uphill day today, as you begin to gain altitude toward the Larkya La pass. Pass several monasteries and stay in Sama Gaon (11,300'). The Gompa here is worth a visit.

Day 18

Another steep day, to the village of Larkya Bazaar at almost 13,000 feet. This is the Tibetan plateau, and most of the people here are recent refugees from the Chinese invasion of Tibet.

Day 19

The climb to the high pass, the Larkya La, begins today. Because of the altitude allow two days, with a possible Bivvy night. Up very early, and set off over the Larkya La (17,100 feet). It's a very difficult climb, and the initial part of the descent on the other side is also tough. You'll feel a great sense of accomplishment tonight at Larad!

Day 20

Downhill now, following the Dudh Khola (Milk River). Its name comes from the frantic froth into which the steep descent and rocky riverbed whip the water. Camp at Sangwro Kharka, at about 11,000 feet.

Day 21

You are approaching the heavily traveled Annapurna Circuit trail - but tonight's stop Tilje shows only a few signs of it.

Day 22

Trek down to the Marsyangdi Khola and the main Annapurna trail. Follow the river north to Bagarchap (7,000 feet). It's a short day, to give you a little margin of time.

(Turn south here to walk out, just as in the Around Manaslu - 17 to 21 days itinerary. But this sample itinerary continues on around the Annapurna Circuit.)

Day 23

Stay with the river, which turns west as you go, and gain altitude steadily to Chame (8,000 feet)

Day 24

A longish but pleasant day, still following the river, to Pisang (11,000 feet).

Day 25

Another long but level day that's really spectacular, to Manang (11,600 feet).

Day 26

A short day to Yak Kharka to give you a little time margin and to approach the Thorong La pass well-rested.

Day 27

Up to Thorong Phedi (Phedi means “foot of the hill”) at almost 15,000 feet.

Day 28

Up and over Thorong La and down to Muktinath.

Day 29

Schedule a day of margin. Muktinath is an interesting, ancient pilgrimage site.

Day 30

Trek down to Jomsom, the district headquarters.

Day 31

Fly Jomsom – Pokhara