Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Ideal Nepal Tours and Travels will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you can rest and recover from your journey or stroll through Thamel, Kathmandu’s vibrant tourist district. In the evening, a welcome briefing will be held to discuss the trek, review gear, and answer any questions about the adventure ahead.

Today, we begin our journey with a long but scenic drive through the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki river valleys. The road winds through rural landscapes, terraced hillsides, and villages before transitioning from asphalt to rough mountain tracks. By late afternoon, we reach the village of Machha Khola, a riverside settlement nestled amidst lush greenery, where we will stay overnight in a teahouse.

Our first day of trekking starts along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail includes several narrow ridges, river crossings, and small settlements. We pass through Khorlabesi and the natural hot springs at Tatopani before climbing through forested terrain to the village of Jagat. This beautifully paved village marks the official entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Leaving Jagat, the trail climbs through subtropical forests and across suspension bridges as it follows the river. Passing Philim and Ekle Bhatti, the path branches north toward the Tsum Valley, a secluded and culturally rich region. As we enter the valley, the terrain becomes more remote and pristine. We reach Lokpa, the first village in the Tsum Valley, where we stay overnight.

Today’s trek leads deeper into the Tsum Valley. The trail descends briefly before climbing through pine and rhododendron forests. We pass several mani walls and chortens, evidence of the valley’s deep Tibetan Buddhist roots. Upon arrival in Chumling, we’ll explore the local monastery and take in views of Shringi Himal. The village offers a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, reflecting the isolation and purity of the valley.

The trail ascends steadily as we move closer to the heart of the Tsum Valley. Today’s journey passes through villages such as Chhokang Paro, where you’ll witness unique architecture and traditional stone houses. Continuing north, we reach Rachen Gompa, a large nunnery nestled in the valley. The setting is tranquil, with surrounding fields and mountain views offering a perfect backdrop to the sacred monastery grounds.

We trek north toward the final village in the Tsum Valley, Nile, located near the Tibetan border. After a short rest, we continue to Mu Gompa, the highest point in the Tsum Valley trek. This ancient monastery, situated in a remote and stunning location, offers spiritual insight and expansive views of the surrounding Himalayas. We explore the area before settling into a basic but welcoming teahouse near the monastery.

Retracing our steps, we descend from the high reaches of the Tsum Valley back to Chumling. The return journey offers a different perspective on the remote terrain, and the downhill route allows more time to take in the impressive landscape and cultural sites along the way. We overnight in Chumling, enjoying familiar comforts after a challenging few days in the upper valley.

Today we exit the Tsum Valley and rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit trail. The route leads us through forests, crossing rivers and suspension bridges. We pass through Philim once again and continue toward Deng, a culturally Tibetan village surrounded by dense forests. This section is rich with flora and fauna, and the lower elevation provides a warmer and more comfortable environment for the night.

The trail gradually ascends through bamboo and rhododendron forests and crosses several suspension bridges. We pass small settlements such as Ghap and enter more distinct Tibetan-influenced cultural zones. As we reach Namrung, we are welcomed by mani walls and traditional houses. Namrung offers stunning views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and other surrounding peaks.

A short but scenic day of trekking brings us to Lho, a charming village filled with Tibetan culture and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. On the way, you’ll see breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Manaslu North and Naike Peak. Upon arrival, we can visit the Ribung Gompa, a prominent monastery that sits above the village with a panoramic backdrop.

The trail today gradually climbs through alpine forests and open meadows to reach Samagaon, one of the largest villages along the route. The surrounding vistas of Mt. Manaslu and the glacier-fed Birendra Lake are truly spectacular. The village is steeped in Tibetan tradition and serves as a key acclimatization stop. The rest of the day is free to explore or rest.

This rest day is crucial for acclimatization before heading to higher altitudes. You can choose from several optional hikes: a short walk to Birendra Lake, a spiritual visit to Pungen Monastery with stunning views of Manaslu, or a longer and more challenging hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m). The extra time at altitude helps your body adapt and prepares you for the crossing of Larkya La.

Leaving Samagaon, we trek further into the wilderness. The landscape becomes more barren and the vegetation sparse. We ascend gently to the Tibetan refugee village of Samdo, located near the Nepal-Tibet border. The views of the Himalayan range are increasingly dramatic, and the village, surrounded by yaks and stone walls, offers a genuine sense of remoteness.

Today’s trek to Larkya Phedi (also known as Dharamsala) is a short but high-altitude walk. We move slowly, conserving energy for the next day’s crossing of Larkya La Pass. The teahouse here is basic, but the location is surreal, nestled beneath massive snow-capped peaks. Rest early in preparation for the challenging ascent.

This is the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek. We start before dawn and gradually ascend to Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the journey. From the summit, we are rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. The long descent to Bimthang passes through moraine fields and glacial landscapes. This evening, you’ll rest in one of the most scenic spots in the Himalayas.

We continue descending through alpine meadows and into dense forests of rhododendron and oak. The trail crosses several rivers and passes through peaceful villages like Gho and Tilje before arriving in Dharapani. Here, we rejoin the Annapurna Circuit route. It’s a relaxing day with a change in scenery, and you’ll notice a significant increase in warmth and oxygen.

After breakfast, we board a jeep for the long drive back to Kathmandu. The route descends from the mountains into the mid-hills and eventually reaches the busy city. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your hotel where you can rest, shower, and enjoy a celebratory dinner arranged by Ideal Nepal Tours and Travels.

Our incredible journey through the hidden valleys and high passes of Manaslu and Tsum comes to an end. A representative from Ideal Nepal Tours and Travels will transfer you to the airport for your international flight. Thank you for trekking with us, and we hope to see you again for another unforgettable Himalayan adventure!