Manaslu-Tsum Valley Trekking November-December 2019

Manaslu and Tsum valleys provide the ultimate trekking experience. These sacred Himalayan valleys are situated about 100 kilometers north-west of capital city of Kathmandu, in northern Gorkha district. The Manaslu Trekking region has only been open to foreigners from 1992. The area remains restricted and foreigners require a special trekking permit to gain entry to the region. Manaslu is one of the classic yet unspoilt trekking regions in the Nepal Himalaya.

Manaslu region features quiet trails and unique villages, together with spectacular scenery and remarkably rich bio diversity. The mix of traditional culture, views of the majestic Himalayan ranges, glaciers, lakes, fascinating flora and fauna combine to make it an increasingly popular trekking destination. 

Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan valley situated in northern Gorkha district. 'Tsum' comes from the Tibetan word 'Tsombo', and translates roughly to “vivid colors”. This refers to the colorful geology of the encircling mountains. The Tsum valley is a distinct geographical area whose full name is 'Tsum Tso Chucksums', which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, Boudha Himal ranges makes for wonderful hiking every day. This peaceful Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion. Hundreds of old Mani walls and Stupas make the area so auspicious and dozens of great monasteries including Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, Dephu Doma Nannery Gompa and Millarepa Gompa.

The trails are strewn with artistic Stupas and lined with Mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers.

The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin & speak their own dialect. They still practice polyandry system and they have their own unique culture and traditions. They celebrate festivals like Lhosar, Dhacyhang and Saka Dawa.

The trek begins from Soti Khola after 7-8 hour bus/Jeep ride or somewhat less with private transportation. The trail follows the Budigandaki river valley and passes through several Chhetri, Braman and Gurung villages and their steep, cultivated farmland. The first three days you will be deep in the valley made by Budigadaki river. After reaching Jagat the view slowly opens up and from Salleri you will see spectacular views of the Sringi Himal. From Nyak Phedi you leave main trail that follows Budigadaki river valley toward to Manaslu-Larke Pass trek. Trail goes north-east following Siyar river valley, from where actual Tsum valley trek begins. The trail continues to Mu Gompa (one of famous monasteries in the area).  The hidden valley is surrounded by the Boudha Himal and Himal Chuli to the west, the Ganesh Himal to the south, and the Sringi Himal to North. Basically the trail on the way back to Nyak Phedi, where we re-connect the main Manaslu Larke Pass trail.

Beyond the village of Ghap the valley starts to open out, offering panoramic views of snow-capped mountains. You will have the feeling you are entering a secret Buddhist world. There are old monasteries, mani walls, stupas and prayer flags.

As we go higher the scenery becomes even more impressive. Approaching Larkya La(5160m), snowy peaks are all around us. On the western side of Larkya La the trail descends into the heavily forested valley of the Marsyangdi River, whose course we follow, in the shadows of the giant mountains of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges until we meet the road.

Itinerary

Trekking Grade:  Moderate to Strenuous

Maximum elevation:  5170m.

Starting point:  Soti Khola

Ending point:  Dharapani

Duration of Trip: 25 days

Duration Trek: 19 days

Group Size Maximum: 10

Trekking mode: Tea House

Season:  Late September to Early December and March to May

Days	Program	Altitude	Durations of walk
1	16-Nov-2019 Arriving in KTM and transfer to hotel	1300m
2	17-Nov-2019 Kathmandu Valley sightseeing:  Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Patan Darbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Boddhanath Stupa. Time 6-7 hours
3	18-Nov-2019 Drive to Soti Khola by Bus or Jeep	700m.	7-8 hours
4	19-Nov-2019 Trek to Machhakhola	870m.	5-6 hours
5	20-Nov-2019 Trek to Jagat	1340m.	7-8 hours
6	21-Nov-2019 Trek to Lokpa	2240m.	6-7 hours
7	22-Nov-2019 Trek to Chumling	2385m.	4-5 hours
8	23-Nov-2019 Trek to Chhekhampar	3030m.	5-6 hours
9	24-Nov-2019 Trek to Nile	3360m.	5-6 hours
10	25-Nov-2019 Trek to Mu Gompa	3700m.	3-4 hours
11	26-Nov-2019 Exploration day
12	27-Nov-2019 Trek to Rachen Gompa	3240m.	4-5 hours
13	28-Nov-2019 Trek to Lokpa	2240m.	7-8 hours
14	29-Nov-2019 Trek to Deng	1860m.	7-8 hours
15	30-Nov-2019 Trek to Namrung	2630m.	6-7 hours
16	01-Dec-2019 Trek to Lho	3180m.	4-5 hours
17	02-Dec-2019 Trek to Sama gaon	3520m.	3-4 hours
18	03-Dec-2019 Trek to Samdo
19	04-Dec-2019 Trek to Dharamsala	4460m.	3-4 hours
20	05-Dec-2019 Trek to Bhimthang via Larke Pass (5170m)	3800m.	6-7 hours
21	06-Dec-2019 Trek to Tilije	2300m	6-7 hours
22	07-Dec-2019 Trek to Dharapani drive to Besisahar	760m.	7-8 hours
23	08-Dec-2019 Drive to Kathmandu	1300m.	5-7 hours
24	09-Dec-2019 Free Day
25	10-Dec-2019 Departure to Home

Highlights

• Beautiful Mountain river  Valleys
• Spectacular Landscapes
• Lush green forest
• High passes
• Waterfalls, Rivers, Lakes & Glaciers
• Picturesque Gurung and Tibetan villages
• Buddhist/Bon/hindu culture
• Ancient Buddhist Monasteries, Stupas
•  Colorful pray Flags
• Stunning Mountain views
• Alpine meadows

Trip Cost (single person)

1. Trip Cost per person                                                                          U.S. $2295
2. Single Supplement (optional single accommodation in KTM)          U.S. $100
3. Trip Deposit                                                                                         U.S. $500       

The cost include

1. 4 night Accommodations in Kathmandu including Breakfast
2. Three time food (breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) with Tea or Coffee during the Trekking
3. Accommodation during the trip on sharing basis
4. Guide and porter’s wages, food, accommodation and insurance on Trekking.
5. Transfer  by reserved four wheel drive from KTM To Sotikhola, Local Jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar and Reserved Car to KTM
6. Conservation  and TIMS cards Fee
7. Manaslu restricted area permit
8. Airport Transfer
9. Transfer and Guide for Kathmandu sightseeing for a day

Cost exclude

1. Cold and hard drink and water
2. Food in KTM
3. Travel insurance emergency evacuation and personal medical expenses.
4. Any donation along the trail and anything that not mentioned above
5. Entrance fee for city sight seeing

For more detail Please contact us

BlossomExpeditions

P.O. Box No. 21101

Kapan-12, KTM, Nepal

Tel. 977-1-4810388

Viber. 977-9841454462

blossomexpeditions@gmail.com www.blossomexpeditions.com

Bhaktapur Panauti Day Tour

Bhaktapur Panauti Day Tour is to discover some of the beautiful Newari craftsmanship, History of Nepal and Kathmandu valley, Culture/traditions, and get the opportunity to see our countryside within a day.

The ancient city Bhaktapur is located eastern part of the Kathmandu valley, also known as Bhadgaon. The Bhaktapur Darbar Square listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site and the main attractions are Nyatapola Temple, a statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Peacock Window, Golden Gate, and fifty-five windowed palace of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Panauti is a small beautiful Newari town near Kathmandu valley; it is located about 35km southeast from Kathmandu city. According to history, Panauti was an offering from a King of Bhaktapur to his sister as a dowry gift. Surrounded by green hills and holy rivers, this spiritual town is full of both Hindu and Buddhist temples. There is the masterpiece massive three-storied Indreswor Mahadev temple and the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an opportunity to experience the Nepali lifestyle, experiences its authentic hospitality, and taste the local food.

Further Details
Email: blossomexpeditions@gmail.com info@blossomexpeditions.com 

www.blossomexpeditions.com
Viber/Whatsapp: 977-9841454462
Bhaktapur Panauti Day Tour

Tiji festival 2019

Tiji festival is an annual celebration in Lo-manthang; it is the main and most popular festival in the Upper Mustang area. This three-day religious ceremony is known as "The chasing of the Demons" There is a Tiji myth that a female deity named Dorje Jono (Dorje Shunu) battled against her demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from the destruction. The people of Upper Mustang believed that Dorje Jono (Dorje Shunu) had the power to banish all forms of obstacles and evils spirits. Her demon father caused huge destruction in Mustang. The shortage of the water supply (which is a highly needed resource in this dry land), causing many disasters and a seriously threatening for human life. And eventually, Dorje Jono defeated her demon father and threw him out from the land. 

According to the oral story, the Tiji festival started around the time of Lama Lowo Khenchen (1456-1532) to honor of Dorje Jono. The great ceremony continued until today. The Tiji festival is one of the main festivals of Lo-manthang. The festival is celebrating for good fortunes and well-being of the entire valley. And praying is done to overcome all the obstacles and suffering. During the Tiji Festival, all the villagers gather in Lo-manthang, Monks wear colorful traditional dress, masks, and dance, which supposedly drive the evil spirits away and horse riding competition and some other sports event, and cultural presentation are held.

 

Trekking in this forbidden kingdom of Mustang, especially during the Tiji Festival is truly one of the most rewarding experiences in Nepal. It is an opportunity to explore the spectacular arid valleys, eroded canyons, hundreds of old Monasteries, Stupas, and to experience the Tibetan Buddhist cultures, Tradition, and their warm hospitality. Upper Mustang was opened only for the foreigners in 1992, has been strictly regulated ever since, and needs a special permit to visit the area. The Permit cost is the U.S. $500 hundred dollars per person for 10 days. The trek begins from Jomsom after a short mountain flight from Pokhara. From there, We follow the traditional old trade route pass by some of the beautiful Buddhist settlements vie Lo-gekar, where the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery is located. And finally, you will reach Lo-Manthang to participate in a beautiful ceremony.

 Trip Highlights

·         Close watch of the original roots of Himalayan Buddhism

·         Stunning view of Snow coped mountains incluing  Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri

·         The ancient city ‘Lo Manthang’ influenced Tibet Buddhist culture

·         Spectacular landscape with thousands of human made mysterious caves

·         Oldest Tibetan monastery in the world, the Lo Gekar Monastery

·         Rare and legendary local King or Tribe-leader, Jigme Palbar Bista

·         Annual interesting Festival- The Tiji Festival and its performances

Itinerary

Trekking Grade:  Moderate

Maximum elevation: 4010m.

Starting point: Jomsom

Ending point:  Jomsom

Duration of Trip: 17 days

Duration Trek: 12 days

Group Size Maximum: 10

Trekking mode: Tea House/Camping

Days	Program
01	21-May-2019 Arriving in KTM and transfer to Hotel (1300m)
02	22-May-2019    Preparation and Sightseeing around Kathamndu
03	23-May-2019  Fly to Pokhara (820m)
04	24-May-2019 Fly early morning to Jomsom (2729m) and Trek to Kagbeni (2810m.) Time 3-4 Hours
05	25-May-2019 Trek to Chele  (3050m.) Time 6-7 Hours
06	27-May-2019 Trek to Tamagaon/Ghiling (3710m.) Time 7-8 Hours
07	28-May-2019 Trek to Dhakmar (3840m.) Time 5-6 Hours
08	29-May-2019 Trek to Tsarang vie Lo gekar Trek to Lo-manthan (3755m.) Time 6-7 Hours
09-12	30-May to 2-June-2019  Rest day ( Visit some of the most oldest and religiously important monastery nearest villages of Lo-manthang) including Tiji festival
13	03-June-2019  Drive to Jomsom (2729m.)
14	04-June-2019    Fly back to Pokhara and Rest (820m.)
15	05-June-2019  Sightseeing around Pokhara
16	06-June-2019  Fly to Kathmandu (1300m.)
17	07-June-2019  Departure to Home

Upper Mustang-Tiji Festival Video
Tiji Festival 2016
Mustang Trekking 2016

Further information 

BlossomExpeditions

P.O. Box No. 21101

12-Kapan, KTM, Nepal

Tel. 977-1-4810388

blossomexpeditions@gmail.com 

www.blossomexpeditions.com