The Tsum Valley, north east of the Manaslu (mountain of the spirit) trail, was first opened to trekking in 2008. The Tsumbas are of Tibetan origin, speak a unique dialect and still trade to the north. The valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion. It adds a richly rewarding extension to the Manaslu trek.    
A scenic drive through the Middle Hills leads to the trailhead beyond Arughat at Soti Khola. The Manaslu Tsum valley trekking trail crosses numerous ridges and villages as it rises to Philim. Here it turns east into the lower, then broader Upper Tsum Valley. Crops include barley, maize, buckwheat and potatoes. Look out for Himalayan Tahrs and Bharal (blue sheep); preyed on by illusive snow leopards.
Highlights include the village of Chhekampar with its stone houses, slate roofs and Milarepa’s cave. The monastery at Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa to the south has nuns of the Ngak-pa sect. Gumba Lungdang is another important nunnery where trekkers are welcomed at the evening puja. Their 360o views are amongst the best on the trek. From there a forest track leads to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
At Lokpa, the trail rejoins the Manaslu circuit and climbs through the Kutang – Nupri valleys (the western mountains: part of Tibet until the 1840s); peopled by another Tibetan community with its own distinct customs and language. The route is forested and gradually presents views of Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli and Manaslu with the glaciers that flow from their flanks.
In Samagaon, visit the Kargyu Chholing Monastery and Pungyen Nunnery. A high trail leads to the Manaslu Base Camp: the mountain was first conquered by a Japanese team in 1959.
Then, for two days, the trail climbs gradually toward the Larkya La, passing great vistas. The downward trek drops into the forested Marsyangdi Valley and joins the Annapurna Circuit Trail for the downstream walk to Tal and jeep/bus to Kathmandu.
Outline Itinerary: 
Detailed Itinerary  
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03: Kathmandu – Arughat (670m/2,198 ft) – Soti Khola (710m/2,330ft), 135km, 8-9 hrs drive
Day 04: Soti Khola – Machha Khola (890m/2,920ft), ~14km, 6-7 hrs
Day 05: Machha Khola – Dobhan (1,000m/3,280ft), ~11km, 6-7 hrs
Day 06: Dobhan – Philim (1,590m/5,216ft), ~10km, 6-7 hrs
Day 07: Philim – Lokpa (2,240m/7,350ft) – Chumling (2,360m/7,750ft), ~10km, 6-7 hrs
Day 08: Chumling – Chhekampar (3,010m/9,850ft), ~10km, 5-6 hrs
Day 09: Chhekampar – Nile (3,480m/11,415ft), ~8km, 4-5 hrs
Day 10: Exploration day: Nile – Mu Gompa (3,709m/12,169ft) – Chhekampar (3,010m/9,870ft), ~13km, 6-7 hrs
Day 11: Chhekampar – Gumba Lungdang (3,200m/10,496ft), ~12km, 5-6 hrs
 Day 12: Gumba Lungdang – Ripchet (2,470m/8,100ft) – Lokpa (2,240m/7,348ft), ~14km, 7-8 hrs
Day 13: Lokpa – ‘New Bridge’ (1,675m/5,500ft) – Bihi Phedi (1,990m/6,530ft), ~ 9km, 6-7 hrs    
Day 14: Bihi Phedi – Namrung (2,660m/8,727ft), ~8km, 4-5 hrs
Day 15: Namrung – Lho (3,180m/10,430ft), ~4km, 3-4hrs
Day 16: Lho – Sama Gaon (3,530m/11,578ft), ~8km, 5-6 hrs  
Day 17: Sama: Rest and exploration day: Birendra Tal / Pungyen Gompa / Manaslu Base Camp
Day 18: Sama – Samdo (3,860m/12,660ft), ~8km, 3-4 hrs
Day 19: Samdo – Larkya Phedi/Dharamsala (4,460m/14,628ft), ~7km, 3-5 hrs
Day 20: Dharamsala – Larkya La (5,160m/16,930ft) – Bimthang (3,720m/12,201ft), ~12km, 7-9 hrs
Day 21: Bimthang – Gho (2,515m/8,250ft), ~12km, 5-6 hrs
Day 22: Gho – Dharapani (1,920m/6,300ft)), ~8km, 3-4 hrs
Day 23: Dharapani- Besi Sahar (760m/2,495ft) – Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) ~ 190km 7-8hrs
Day 24: Final departure
Note: Trekking distances and times are approximate: times differ widely from group to group.

Manaslu trek in Nepal

Manaslu trek of Manaslu region “Mountain of the Spirit,” rises above the foothills of the Gorkha District west of Kathmandu. Its villagers are Gurungs, a Tibeto-Burman people who practice Buddhism; with influences of Hinduism in the lower hills. In the Upper Tsum Valley Trek , behind Manaslu, the people are purely Tibetan; having moved south to settle while preserving their old customs. The entire region has been largely ignored by development from the south and so remains poor, yet culturally rich.
The Manaslu tea house trekking begins with a drive to Arughat and trail winds over countless ridges along the Budhi Gandaki Valley: through a mix of farmlands and forests of bamboo, rhododendron, oak and pine as it gradually ascends for the first seven days. Several landslides need to be negotiated but views of Ganesh Himal and other peaks reward the effort. From Namrung onwards, the scenery becomes particularly spectacular.
A rest and exploration day is set for Samagaon to visit the large Kargyu-Pemba Chholing Gompa of the Nyingma-pa Buddhist whose priests are allowed to marry. The Pungyen Nunnery is built on a ridge, south of the village, with superb views of Manaslu. A climb to the high Manaslu Base Camp trek  may also be possible.
The crux of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the two-day climb through tundra and scrub-juniper from Samagaon to the Larkya Phedi ‘rest house’ and then the long, cold, pull up to the Larkya La summit (5160m).  The scenery along the way and particularly from the summit is magnificent. The descent across scree slopes is steep at first, becoming more gentle lower down to Bhimtang.
Our around Manaslu trekking trail descends into the dense forests of the Marsyangdi River, crossing onto the Annapurna Circuit Trail that leads to Ngadi Bazaar and Bhulbule for the bus back to Kathmandu.
Sturdy boots, warm waterproof clothing, a good sleeping bag, day pack camera sunscreen and hat are essential items. We offer both camping and Lodge trek that in cludes transport, your guide, chef, local porters, meals, sturdy tent accommodation, and trekking permits. Spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November) are the best months to trek.

Manaslu trekking Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)
                   “OR”
Leisure and easy day for different interest.
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Arughat (670m/2 198ft) 5-7 hrs
Day 04: Arughat - Khursane (820m/2 690 ft) 5-6 hrs
Day 5: Khursane - Machha Khola (890m/2 920 ft) 6-7 hrs
Day 6: Machha Khola – Dobhan (1 000m/ 3 280ft) 6-7 hrs
Day 07: Dobhan – Philim (1 590m/5 216ft), 6-7 hrs
Day 08: Philim – Deng (2360m/7750ft) 6-7hrs
Day 09: Deng – Namrung (2660m/8725), 6-7 hrs.
Day 10: Namrung – Lho (3,180m/10,430ft), 4-5 hrs
Day 11: Lho - Samagaon (3 530m/11 578 ft) 5-6 hrs  
Day 12: Rest and Exploration day: Samagaon - Pungyen Gompa / Manaslu Base Camp x-y hrs
Day 13: Samagaon - Samdo (3 860m/12 660 ft) 3-4 hrs
Day 14: Samdo - Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4 460m/14 628 ft) 4-5 hrs
Day 15: Dharamsala - Larkya la (5 100m/16 728 ft) - Bimthang (3 720m/12 201 ft) 8-9 hrs
Day 16: Bimthang – Tilje (2 360m/8 396 ft) 6-7 hrs
Day 17: Tilje – Chamje (1430 m/4760 ft) 5-6 hrs
Day 18: Chamje – Bulbule (840m/2 755 ft) 6-7 hrs
Day 19: Bhulbule – Kathmandu (1 300 m/ 4 264ft), 6-7 hrs drive
Day 20: Final departure

                 "OR"
Extend your holiday with a visit to Chitwan National Park – on an elephant, or a tour of Tibet or Bhutan.   

Why select Mountain Mart Treks to be your travel partner?

• More than 20 years of route experiences
•  Guests first
• Individual trip design and fixed departures
• Comfort & safety
• Stress Free Travel
• Fixed prices without hidden costs
• Extensive range of travel service
• World class travel service
• Easy and flexible payment modes  
• Financial protection
• Staff care
• Responsible tourism      
• Walking and helping