Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek - 24 Days
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GPO Box: 384, Ward No. 17, Pushpalal Path Khusibun, Nayabazar, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977-01-4388659 E-Mail: [email protected] www.iciclesadventuretreks.com Manaslu and Tsum valley trek - 24 Days Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek take you around the great eight thousander Manaslu massif and explore the hidden Tsum valley near the Nepal-Tibet border. Tsum Valley was a restricted area for outsiders till 2008. In a short period of time, Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek has established itself as the unique and remarkable home stay trekking site offering magnificent views of snow-capped mountains along the wonderful opportunity to explore the Tibetan culture, religion, and tradition on the high lands of northern Nepal. Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek initiate after strolling around Kathmandu valley in the UNESCO world heritage sites that reflect the cultural importance and architectural brilliance. Then on the following day, we drive towards Arughat which is the starting point of our trek. During the starting days of our trek, we experience the magnificence of Budhi Gandaki valley by passing through beautiful dense forests, riverbanks, terrace farms, and small Gurung settlements along the way. After properly acclimatizing and trekking for a couple of days, we head towards the hidden Tsum valley leaving the Manaslu trail behind. Tsum valley offers spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal range, Manaslu range, Tibetan and Buddha Himalayan ranges. Also, visiting the ancient monasteries reflects the local Tibetan influences Buddhism and the warm hospitality of local inhabitants. It is often considered a place with many stupas and monasteries. And visiting these landmarks would embrace you in their beauty along with the feeling of peace and tranquility. They have been following their unique and quite surprising traditions for ages. Regarding the trekking style, Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is the homestay trek that takes you even closer to the local communities. You will be learning about their lifestyle, how they cook the food, and other simple yet exciting things that surely make your trip a memorable one. Join our 23 days of Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek adventure that requires a good level of physical fitness and passion for trekking, walking, and exploring. Icicles Adventure Treks and Tours ensure you will experience the trip of your lifetime. GPO Box: 384, Ward No. 17, Pushpalal Path Khusibun, Nayabazar, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977-01-4388659 E-Mail: [email protected] www.iciclesadventuretreks.com PRICE INCLUDES Airport and hotel transfers as per itinerary in private vehicle Three nights’ twin sharing accommodation with breakfast in deluxe Kathmandu Suite Home or similar hotel in Kathmandu Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu including temple/monument entry fees and private vehicle Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek Best available teahouse/lodge accommodation local teahouse (twin sharing ) during the trek Staff– one professional, knowledgeable and friendly English speaking trekking leader along with assistant guide (6 trekkers : 1 assistant guide) and porters (2 trekkers : 1 porter) including their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, transportation, and accidental insurance Kathmandu to Arughat and Beshishahar to Kathmandu transportation in private vehicle Manaslu trekking and valley special permit fee (Manaslu region is in restricted zone, we need special permit to visit this area) Duffle bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket for use during the trek Icicles Adventure T – shirt, trekking map and trip achievement certificate TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit) Manaslu Trekking Special permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit First aid medical kit All government taxes & office service charge PRICE EXCLUDES Nepal visa arrangement (more on Nepal Visa Information) International and domestic airfares Excess baggage charges Travel and rescue insurance Added night/s accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, delayed departure, early return from mountain (due to any cause) than the programmed itinerary Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the programmed itinerary) Alcoholic drinks and cold drinks Personal expenses such as phone calls, bar bills, laundry, battery recharge, bottle or boiled water, hot shower, extra porters, etc) Personal equipments and clothing Tips for guides and porters (tip is expected but not mandatory) GPO Box: 384, Ward No. 17, Pushpalal Path Khusibun, Nayabazar, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977-01-4388659 E-Mail: [email protected] www.iciclesadventuretreks.com ITINERARY IN DETAIL Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1350m/4428ft) The trip starts today as we land in the vibrant, colorful city of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. We will pick you up at the airport (please look for our staff carrying an Icicles Adventure signboard and your nameplate)and transferred you to your hotel. We will also inform you of the start time of the Kathmandu city tour start time of the next day. Then, depending on your arrival time, should you wish to rest or want to explore the lively streets of Thamel, a fun place to wander. Along the streets of Thamel there are trekking gear shops, souvenir shops, great bookshops, restaurants, etc. Stay overnight in Kathmandu. Accommodation: Hotel. Day 2: Kathmandu (1,338 m/4,390 ft) city tour and Trek Preparation At around 9 am we start a guided tour to several ancient, historical, and spiritual sites in Kathmandu. These sites are listed in UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. We visit the historic Patan Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), and the Buddhists shrine, the Bouddhanath. Later after the sightseeing program, we will introduce you to your trekking guide and have a small pre-trip meeting at the hotel. After the meeting, last-minute trekking equipment or bargain for your souvenirs at the many stores. We advise you to pack your things and set up for your Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trekking, which is practically starting tomorrow morning. Stay overnight in Kathmandu. Accommodation: Hotel. Meal: Breakfast. Day 3: Drive to Soti Khola by jeep: 140km/7-8 hours drive Plan today is to drive to Soti Khola. We leave early at 8 am after breakfast. Today's drive is adventurous as we wind up and down on the road that hugs the mountains and the journey today is beautiful too as we pass through green mountains, fields, rivers, gorges, and bridges. Leaving Kathmandu, we follow the Mahesh River and again Trishuli River. We drive towards headquarter of Dhading district, Dhading Besi, and continue towards another town Arughat. From here, we go to Arkhet and it's now only 14 km to Soti Khola, but it takes time as it’s a drive-through dirt road. Upon arriving Soti Khola, we deserve a good night's sleep. Accommodation: Local Teahouse. Meal: B, L, D Day 4: Trek starts- Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870 m/2854 ft): 14km/4-5 hours The real Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek adventure starts today. We start the trek after having breakfast at our teahouse in Sotikhola. We walk along the low-altitude middle hills for few days, so we feel pretty warm. The trek today starts with a gentle upward slope. Then, it slowly drops until we climb again to mountain ridge to Armala GPO Box: 384, Ward No. 17, Pushpalal Path Khusibun, Nayabazar, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977-01-4388659 E-Mail: [email protected] www.iciclesadventuretreks.com village. Next, we walk through the tropical forest to the Gurung village of Lapubesi. Along the way today, we see waterfalls. Finally, we reach the tiny settlement of Machha Khola. We see beautiful views of Ganesh Himal and Buddha Himal today. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meal: B, L, D Day 5: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m/4395ft): 22km/6-7 hours We walk alongside the edge of Budi Gandaki River we reach Khorlabensi. We cross a suspension bridge over Namrung Khola and again continue to Tatopani. There is a hot spring at this place, hence given the name Tatopani. Shortly after leaving Tatopani, we cross a suspension bridge over Budi Gandaki River. Then, the trail goes through another side of the Budi Gandaki River. The trail winds through the gorges of Budi Gandaki River uphill and downhill through forests, rice fields, rock ridges, streams, and cascading waterfalls. Again, we pass another suspension bridge over Dovan Khola and reach the hamlet of Dovan. Further, ahead we walk past forests, farmlands, waterfalls and reach the confluence of Budi Gandaki and Yaru River. We walk through a stone- paved trail to the beautiful cobbled village of Jagat and its post-military checkpoint at the foot of a pretty Chorten! Accommodation: Teahouse, Included Meal: B, L, D Day 6: Jagat (1,340 meters) to Lokpa (2,240 meters): 18km/6-7 hours Leaving Jagat, we reach Salleri village in about half an hour. We walk past mani walls. The view of Shringi Himal from here is impressive. The budi Gandaki valley starts to broaden. We cross a long bridge and climb to beautiful village of Philim where there is a MCAP check post, a small hydroelectric plant, Japanese build school, etc. Ahead of Philim, the terraced farmlands look artistic. We walk past the village of Ekle Bhatti. The valley starts to narrow as we walk past a superb waterfall. After two hours of walking from Philim we reach a metal bridge that spans over the Budhi Gandaki River with a trail leading east to Manaslu Circuit to our left. We take the right fork and grab the trail to Tusm Valley towards the narrow valley of the Syar Khola. Beautiful panorama surrounds us as we climb the top of Lokpa; snow-capped mountains of Ganesh Himal come into view. Overnight in Lokpa. Accommodation: Teahouse, Included Meal: B, L, D Day 7: Lokpa (2,240 meters) to Chumling (2,386m/7,769ft): 11km/4-5 hours The walk today is stimulating.