Trip Name: Tsum Valley Trek Max Elevation: 4000 m Fitness Level: Easy & Moderate Trekking Hour: Approx. 5-6 hours Group size: Minimum 2 & maximum 10 pax Departure: Every Mon, Thus & sat (Sep to May) Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu and all Meals during the trek Accommodation : 3 Star hotel at Kathmandu and Guest house during the trek Located to the north-east of Manaslu Trail, Tsum valley was first opened for trekking in 2,008. Tsum valley is the hidden gem of Nepal first described by Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) in 8th century. It is one of remote and secluded Himalayan valley in Nepal that offers true glimpse of bygone era. The geography of the region comprises frequent coming uphill and downhill section making it fairly demanding trek. Because of its long isolation from outside world, this region is highly preserved area in terms of ancient culture, tradition and lifestyle. Tsumbas are known as Tibetan origin that still follows Tibetan ritual and speaks their own unique dialects. Polyandry is still in practice among some families; where single girl is supposed to marry all the brothers in the family. The valley is rich in ancient culture, heritage and antique site. Their unique art includes amazing square chortens, clustered stones houses and numerous worship centers with ancient art. Mu and Dephyu Doma Gompa (800 years old) are the highest places of year round habitation. Moreover, endangered Himalayan Thar, Blue Sheep and Snow-Leopard might be seen at the higher elevation. The trail to Tsum Valley Starts after a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat. The trail traverses through numerous ridges and village as it reaches to Philim. The trek turns east into the lower section making its way to the border of Upper Tsum Valley. The main highlights of Tsum valley trekking is Chhekampar village which is decorated with traditional stones houses, slate roofs and Milarepa’s cave. Gumba Lungdang is significant place to visit where travelers are welcomed at the evening puja. Due to its inaccessibility and remoteness, Tsum valley and its people have been bypassed from development and modernity for centuries. Travelling to Tsum Valley indeed showcases the true color of remote Nepal including incredible mountain ranges. Villagers welcome you in traditional way while you get opportunity to interact with locals. Tsum Valley Trek Highlights -Visit a remote part of Nepal and observe the nature and culture -Magnificent views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, -Walk through the beautiful remote village and scenery of varied landscape, peaks, green hills and different flora and fauna, -Experience the Tibetan culture, several Buddhist Mani walls, ancient Buddhist monasteries and Nunnery, -Charming villages with traditional houses -Explore the incredible hidden land where Guru Rinpoche and Milarepa visited for meditation in several caves, Why Tsum Valley Trek? Tsum Valley trek is especially refers for those who want to trekking experience with local culture and lifestyle as well as explore in the beautiful Himalayan area in Nepal. The Manaslu Region trekking is the best trekking destination in Nepal Himalayas and it offers a wide range trekking option. It is remote and off the beaten trekking trail comparing the Annapurna Trekking and Everest trekking. Tsum Valley Trek is one of them and you can opportunity to observe the unique mountains vista, wonderful landscape, rivers, streams, beautiful terrace rice filed, green forest, wildlife, local village with their life style and religion, popular old monasteries, Glacier, glacial Lake during the Tsum Valley Trek. The Tsum Valley Treks leads to you enter the high Himalayan land similarly Tibetan plateau and worthy about Tibetan Buddhist Culture. Why with us? Trekking in Nepal with High Pass Adventure means a lot. It means friendship, fun, convenience, adventure and above all the security and safety we bring. Our long experience in Nepal and true dedication guarantees your vacation is well thought out and planned to make the most beautiful journey of your lifetime. We are flexible for create a suitable itinerary and offer such a great combination of quality hotel, small group size trip, family tour, solo trekking, honeymoon trip, group trekking. Also our guides have general knowledge about first aid kits and long years experience in the trekking fields and hire strong porters for supporting by carry the luggage. Important Note: Some time becomes problems like weather condition, local politics issue, transportation or other factors that are beyond from our control. It might be change the itinerary. However, it is very unlikely that the itinerary would be considerably changed. If alterations are necessary, the Guide and Trekking leader will decide what is the best options are. You can talk and decide taking into through the best happiness of the whole group. Where a change does suggest itself, we try to do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot take responsible for the results of changes or delays. Our trekking staffs are experience and professional and try to solve all problems during the trekking.

Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel by privet vehicles (1350 m) overnight at hotel High Pass Adventure Pvt.Ltd. welcomes you to in Nepal, One of the company staff will be waiting outside the baggage hall of the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. You have to look for the person carrying on A4 size paper with your and company name. This person will take to you hotel in Kathmandu from the airport. Check into hotel, rest and fresh up and ready for the meeting to your programs in our trekking office. Day 02:Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour and trek Preparation day in Kathmandu (1350 m) overnight at Kathmandu hotel You will enjoy your breakfast in the hotel and get ready for the Kathmandu valley tour with experience tour guide. Our tour is of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley. You will be visiting Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pasupatinath and Boudhanath, which are best and popular place 4 out of 7 UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu Valley. You will be visiting by comfortable privet vehicles before walk tour of these sites. There are interesting tour for full of fascinating insights in to Buddhism, Hinduism, ancient art and historical architecture, lifestyle, cultural of people of Kathmandu Valley. After this tour you will come to office and finalize your trekking clothing and gear. Day 03:Drive to Arughat- Sotikhola (715 m) 8/ 9 hours drive. Overnight at tea-house After Breakfast in the Kathmandu hotel, we leave to Arughat- Sotikhola from Kathmandu, about 8/9 hours by bus or a private jeep through the beautiful landscape and bumpy road on last 2 hours. Day 04:Trek to Khorlabesi (1080 m) 6 hours walk. Overnight at tea-house The trek starts to Khorlabesi through khorsane settlement, Saal forest and Machhakhola. Trekking trail is very easy to continuing follow the new constructed road along the riverside. You will walk and enjoy with pleasant views of the surrounding jungle, occasional waterfalls and suspension bridge adding their best hike. Day 05:Trek to Jagat (1400 m) 6 hours walk. Overnight at tea-house Trekking trail lead to Jugat through Tatopani, Dovan, Bklebhatti, Yaruphat and lower Jagat. Where is you will see small natural hot spring at Tatopani and cross the few bridge of Budi Gandaki River and observe the local people culture and lifestyle. Jagat is entry point of the Manaslu Conservation area and on to the scenic village of Jagat and its rugged setting and narrow paved lanes. Day 06:Trek to Lhokpa (2,240 m) 7/ 8 hrs walk. Overnight at tea-house Our trekking day starts by walking through subtropical rainforest and a series of small local village such as Salleri, Philim and Eklebhatti. These villages are beautiful setting with terraced field. ,you will chance to see big Sringi Mountain before get Philim Village and crossing a suspension bridges along the way. Furthermore, trail arrives at the junction of Tsum Valley and Larke La Trek and trail heading northeast to Lhokpa through beautiful green pine forest. Day 07:Trek to Chumling (2,390 m) -3 hrs walk. Overnight at tea-house After breakfast at there, we will leave to Chumling walking for about 3/4 hours. We will be walking on the bank of Siyar Khola on northeast direction. We reached out on Chumling for a lunch, through a forest and rocky trail of Tsum valley. After lunch you will visit a local village for acclimatize. Day 08:Trek to Chokangparo (3,010 m) 4/5 hrs walk. Overnight at tea-house From there, we hike up to Chhokangparo about 4/5 hours, which is Upper Tsum valley. Chhokangparo is a village situated on flat land and made up of two settlements Chhekam and Paro. If weather will be clear, you can observe the Ganesh Himal range, Baudha himal, Himal Chuli mountain along the trekking trail. . Day 09:Trek to Nile (3,361 m) 3/4 hrs walk. Overnight at tea-house That day is easy trekking day but you will feel very difficult due to high altitude. The trail goes uphill through the local villages, cultivated farm land and partly fir pine forest. It takes about 3/4 hours to reach Nile. After reached at Nile, we can visit Milarepa cave monastery which is about 45 minutes walk from Nile Village. Day 10:Trek to Mu-Gumpa (3,700 m) 4 hrs walk. Overnight at Monastery That day is our mission day of our Trek so we will leave to Mu Gompa after breakfast. The trekking trail is gradually ascends and less oxygen because that area is above the tree line. Mu Gomba was established in 1895 AD and is situated at an altitude of 3700 meters. The history of that monastery is directly associated with the dawn of Buddhism in the valley and it is run by Lama Serap of Nile Ladrang from the Kangin sect. After get there, you will visit this Mu-Gompa with guide and local monk. Day 11:Trek back to Chhokangparo (3030 m) 6/7 hrs walk. Overnight at tea-house You will have local breakfast with monk and starts trek back to Chhokangparo through the Rachen Gompa. If you want, you can visit that ancient nunnery monastery. There is also accommodation available in monastery. Continue walk south until a Siyar Khola and cross bridge to the west bank and then descend again to Chhokangparo. Day 12:Trek to Gumba Lungdang (3200 m) 5/6 hrs walk. Overnight at Monastery That day is bit challenging trekking day to Gumba Lungdang because we have to continue walk about 5/6 hours without lunch stop. There are not any hotel, local village and restaurant until reach there. The trekking trail drop down to Siyar Khola from Chhokangparo and cross the wooden bridge. After cross that bridge to Dhumje, you will find a small village, Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and school. From Dumje, the trekking trail starts very steeply and an unclear trail through the pines and rhododendrons forest. Finally, the trail is exposed and narrow in the forest and zigzag climb to reach Gumba Lungdang. Thad day, you will enjoy the view of Ganesh Himal during the walking. Day 13:Trek back to Lokpa (2240 m) 7/8 hrs walk. Overnight at tea-house This day can be exiting and tough because you have to walk long descent. Walking same way back to Dumje and cross the Siyar Khola bridge to get Lhokpa through Chumling. You can take a time to look around at this balanced fertile valley of barley and buckwheat with suggestive Chortens in the fields and mountain view to back by pine forest to reach Lhokpa. Day 14:Trek back to Dovan (1070 m) 7/8 hrs walk. Overnight at tea-house Today is also another long day, to continue same way to Dovan through Philim, Jagat and Sewoli Bhatti. If you go continue to Larke Pass, you have to cross Budi Gandaki Rivar to Deng. Day 15:Trek back to Sotikhola (730 m) 6/7 hrs walk. Overnight at tea-house Today is easy day but you feel very hot because you are come from very high elevation. Walk same way down the lower Budi Gandaki Valley along the river side to Sotikhola through Tatopani, Khorlabesi, Machhakhola, Lapubesi. Day 16:Drive back to Kathmandu (1350 m) 8/9 hours drive. Overnight at hotel Drive back to Kathmandu by private/public vehicles through Dhading with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages and transfer to Hotel. Day 17:Final departure to your destination This is your last day of your trip in Nepal. One of our High Pass Adventure staff will take to you Kathmandu international Airport for your flight departure time. If you are looking to your extra trip in Nepal, High Pass Adventure help to you for your next trip and adventure activities in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India.

Cost Included All Ground Transportation as per itinerary

Guide for sightseeing at Kathmandu valley

Accommodation in 3-star hotel at Kathmandu and teahouseduring the trek

Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek

Necessary guides and porters including their salary, insurance, equipments, transportation andlodging

All necessary permits (ACAP) and Entrance fee

Welcome and Farewell dinner

All government and local taxes Cost Excludes Nepal entry Visa Fee (acceptable only in USD). Bring atleast two passport photographs’

International airfare to and from Kathmandu

Lunch and Dinner at Kathmandu

Travel Insurance

Rescue Charge in case of Emergency Evacuation

Personal Nature Expenses like Alcoholic Beverages, Laundry,Phone Calls, Shopping etc

Tips from Driver and Porter

Information of Manaslu Conservation Area Project Manaslu Conservation Area project (MCAP) is protected area of Nepal and located in north center in Nepal and it covering the 1663 square Km in the Mansiri Himalayan range in the Gorkha District. It has established in 2055 B.S. (1998 A.D.). It is bounded by the Tibet border in the north and east, Budi Gandaki River in the south and Annapurna Conservation area is the west border. The area took in mountains, glaciers, water sources and forest in the elevation from 1400 m to 8,156 at the mount Manaslu This project was initiated by National Trust for Nature Conservation (the king Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation) a non- government organization and donate by many international trusts. Nowadays, this project conserved by National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and local people community from local area. This conservation is worthy of flora and fauna because this conservation is home of 33 species of mammals including Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Leopard, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Thaar, Black Beers as well as over 100 species of birds, three species of reptiles, four species of frogs and over 1500 to 2000 species of flower and plant. How to get the Manaslu Region ? If you are wondering to get in to the Manaslu region from Kathmandu, here is little information to entry the Manaslu Region. Gorkha Bazaar and Arughat is the starting point to enter the region. There is easily accessible from Kathmandu by public bus or private vehicles. It is North West part and about 140 km far from Kathmandu. It takes approximately 6-7 hours by vehicles to reach out there. Even though Trekking Itineraries are always flexible because there are many starting and ending place, so it may take a little more or less than that. The road condition is quite smooth with blacktop covered until Taribesi. There was rough road between Dhading Besi to Taribesi. From Tari Besi to Arughat road is still rough. That section would be tough during the raining season. Manaslu Region Trekking is not allowed to do individual, it means you have to book with registered trekking company in Kathmandu. So, trekking company arrange you private jeep or public bus depends on your trekking package services Manaslu Region Trekking Permit Manaslu Region is situated in Manaslu Conversation Area. It is opened for trekking in 1991 A.D. and remote sector with simple accommodation. Manaslu Region is protected area by Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and the government of Nepal controls all trekking activities. So you will need permission to trek in this region. Manaslu Region is also restricted trekking destination in Nepal. The permit cost of Manaslu region trekking is depends on number of days and months as well as you will need different kinds of permits and issued by Government of Nepal. Manaslu Restricted Permits Manaslu Circuit Trek permit cost is USD 100 for the first seven days and additional USD 15 each day during the September to November. Manaslu Circuit Trek permit cost is USD 75 for the first seven days and additional USD 10 each day during the December to August. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) entrance fees SAARC Nationals entry fee is 200 Nepali Rupees per person and per person 3000 Nepali Rupees for others Nationals. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entrance fee for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is: SAARC Nationals entry fee is 200 Nepali Rupees per person and per person 3000 Nepali Rupees for others Nationals. Tsum Valley Trekking Permit Tsum Valley Trek Permits cost is USD 40 first seven days and additional USD 7 each day during the September to November. Tsum Valley Trek Permits cost is USD 30 first seven days and additional USD 7 each day during the December to August. All of these permits are compulsory for your trek to Manaslu Region and your Trekking agency help to issued all trekking permits. Food and Accommodation in Tsum Valley Trek Manaslu Region is getting popularity day by day similarly Everest, Annapurna and Langtang Trekking but still remote and rural area which makes the costs of goods more expensive than other areas. There are basic and limit accommodations and restaurants along the trekking trail but every year increasing new house and add the room for trekkers. Food and accommodation price are increases if you go higher and the food and accommodation is in Manaslu region is expensive due to transportation but still cheaper than Everest region. Normally, lodges have basic private rooms (2 beds in one room) for customers with sharing indoor bathroom. Every lodge have food menu and foods items are almost same. We strongly recommended typical Nepali dish “Dal-Bhat” (boiled rice, vegetable, lentil soup) but if you like, you can choose others food from food menu. Most of the lodges produced fresh Vegetables on their garden and serve to costumer. Basically, the cooks are trained but food taste might be bit different than western. Meat is not fresh in the mountain area so you have tried to be vegetarian during the Manaslu region trekking. You can buy all types of drink in every lodge but the prices goes high as you go higher. You can drink normal water with using a purification tablets. Avoid the alcoholic drinks when you go higher. Best Season for Tsum Valley Trek There are two main trekking season for Manaslu Region. Autumn trekking season (September to December) and spring trekking season (March to May) are the best trekking seasons. Even though, beginning of September to end of May are the very good times for the Annapurna base camp Trek. The weather is perfect sunny and warm with wonderful mountains views clean air and not rain and snow compare with other trekking season. If you want and wish to avoid crowds and enjoy some alone time with nature and culture, you can do this trip during the winter (January and February) also could be an option. The temperature during winter could be little bit cold for most trekkers but the visibility is not bad but there is a high risk to do Manaslu Circuit during the winter season due to lot of snow on Larke (5160 m) top. In the summer season (June to August) is raining but best time for nature lovers. That is why; you can choose your best season for Manaslu Region Trekking depends on your Vacations. Tsum Valley Trek Difficulty Manaslu Region Trekking is moderate difficulty fit level adventure trekking route in Nepal. There is one of the popular adventure high pass call Larkey Pass. This is 5106m height. In the winter season, it is very difficult to cross this Larke pass due to lot of snow. This trekking requires good physical condition health and has to able to walk 6-8 hours a day. If compare the Manaslu Trekking route with others trekking route, it is not difficult. Furthermore, if you have not previous trekking experience, it will be difficult level of trekking but not as tough if you have already trekking experience before this trip. Manaslu Region is remote and less traveled trek compared with Annapurna Region and Everest region Trekking. Trekking Gear List Travel equipment are necessary to pack before you travel. We hope it is too much to carry from your home to others country but some are the necessary equipment can be hired or buy in Kathmandu around Thamel. These general equipment are for all seasons while on trekking in Nepal, but may be different as per the different season and duration of trekking routes on your chosen trip. Documents: -Passport and 4 passport size photos -Travel insurance details (in case an emergency evacuation if needed) -Boarding passes for flights -Driver’s license (if needed) -Cash USD -Credit/Debit Card (Ensure you have $500 on your card incase an emergency helicopter evacuation is needed) Sleeping: -Sleeping bag (Comfort rating -15 Celsius recommended) -Sleeping bag liner (Optional) Footwear: -Trekking boots: one pair lightweight -Sandals for city and tea house footwear -Shoes for the plane and tea houses (Optional) -Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp -Thin, lightweight inner socks -Thick, warm wool hiking socks Clothing for body: Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking. -Base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts) -Fleece/Windproof jacket -Waterproof jacket -Down jacket for warmth -Travel clothes and City Wear -Underwear -Base-layer trousers (optional) -Waterproof trousers -Trekking trousers -Trekking shorts (Optional) -Gloves and wool hat -bandanna or scarf Health Requirements (Basic First Aid Kit) -First-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea -Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular -Wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased in Kathmandu Others: -Sunglasses and Sun cream -Towel -Book (reading and writing materials) -MP-3 /Music, headphones and ear plug (who know some people on group are snoring) as optional. -Travel wash -Hand sanitizer, wet wipes -A day bag: 35 liters -A duffel or rucksack with straps to go over your back (Max 12 kg of weight for porters to carry) -Dry Liner or Dry Bag -Water bottle/thermos/ camel bag: At least 2 L. Nalgen bottles best. General Toiletries -Toilet papers/ tissue -Contact lenses, Glasses (if needed) -1 medium sized quick drying towel -Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable) -Multipurpose soaps (preferably biodegradable) -Nail clippers -Face and body moisturizer -Feminine hygiene products -Small mirror -On Personal Hygiene -Wet wipes (baby wipes) -Anti-bacterial hands wash Others (optional) -Trekking Poles -Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside your kit / duffel bag -Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, and scrabble. (for luxuries) -Binoculars (for luxuries) -Trail Map/Guide book (if you are alone)