Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Welcome to Nepal! Our representative will pick you up at Tribhuvan International Airport and drive you to your hotel. You can rest here for a while. Later in the afternoon, we’ll stop by to welcome you and brief you on the program. The evening is free: exchange money or withdraw Nepali cash for any extra trip costs, explore, or relax. You can go to Thamel for dinner. You will find everything from authentic dal-bhat to fast food, Chinese dishes, and Korean-style BBQ.

The journey to the 19-day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek begins today. The trip begins with a morning ride from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, the starting point of the Manaslu Trek route. The distance from Kathmandu to Machhakhola is around 160 km, but due to the rough and bumpy roads along the route, the drive takes 8 to 10 hours. The route passes through several stunning places, including Dhading, Arughat, and Sotikhola, before reaching today’s destination.

The first part of the drive is smooth on a blacktop road, but later turns into a dirt road with bumpy sections, especially after Arughat. Moreover, the rivers, green hills, local villages, waterfalls, and terraced farms along the way are stunning. Our day’s overnight and dinner point is at the lodge in Machhakhola.

Wake up to the chirping sound of birds and water flowing in the river. We’ll have our morning meal at the lodge we’ve stayed overnight and pack our backpacks to start the day’s trek. As the trek begins, we’ll follow the river upstream through subtropical forests and narrow gorges. Expect a mix of uphill climbs and downhill walks as the route winds through Sal and rhododendron forests. Along the way, we’ll cross several long suspension bridges and enjoy stunning views of terraced hillsides and peaks of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal in the distance.

Continuing the walk, we’ll pass through several traditional villages where we can rest and experience the local culture. The first major stop is Khorla Besi, a small Gurung village at around 970 m, reached after about 1.5 hours of trekking. Not far from Khorla Besi lies Tatopani, known for its soothing natural hot springs. It’s the perfect place to ease tired muscles while enjoying a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich water.

Continuing, the journey gets more adventurous as it enters narrow valleys and follows rocky paths toward Dovan. The village lies between the meeting points of two rivers and is a perfect place to stop for lunch and take a break. The final walk to Jagat from Dovan is one of the biggest challenges of the day as we have to take a steep 10 km ascent. The section features steep stone staircases, cliffside paths, and suspension bridges. After the ascent, we’ll get to Jagat, the gateway to the Manaslu trekking route. Here our permits will be checked, and after checking in, we’ll settle into the lodge. Day’s overnight stay and dinner are at Jagat.

We’ll have a hearty morning meal at Jagat. After breakfast, the trek begins. Ten minutes farther, a suspension bridge over the Dudh Pokhari Khola leads to Salleri. Here, a short uphill walk rewards us with a postcard view of Sringi Himal (7,161 m). We travel over rolling hills to reach Sirdibas, cross another bridge, and then make a final 45-minute climb to arrive in Philim.

We follow a relatively flat path along a mountainside through Ekle Bhatti and the forest to a new suspension bridge. The left fork leads to Larkya Pass on the Manaslu Circuit; we stay to the right, heading toward the lower Tsum Valley. We stay in a lodge with great Himalayan views at Lokpa.

The fifth day on the Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek is short but stunning, marking the true entry into the hidden Tsum Valley. From Lokpa, the route takes us down into the peaceful Shiar Khola Valley and passes through a dense forest of pine, juniper, and rhododendron trees. With no villages along the route, it’s a peaceful location where the sounds of birds, rustling leaves, and the flowing river replace the bustle of daily life.

After crossing a couple of suspension bridges over the Shiar Khola, we’ll make a steady ascent through a narrow gorge. As we reach Ghatte Khola, the pathway becomes gentler with easier walking. As we walk through the forest, we can catch glimpses of Shringi Himal. Nearing Ghatte Khola, the waterfall becomes our sound. The day’s final walk is relaxing.

As we get to Chumling, we’ll enter the lower Tsum Valley for the first time. With its stone-paved lanes and traditional Tibetan-style houses, the village showcases the region’s rich culture and mountain charm. Once we settle into our accommodation point, explore Chumling Gompa and the nearby Mani Dhungyur and Panago Gumba monasteries to experience the deep-rooted Buddhist culture of the valley. Overnight in Chumling.

Crossing the suspension bridge at the corner of Chumling, the route goes through small villages and the rich farming land of maize and potatoes, as well as buckwheat. The houses are classic Tibetan with barricades of firewood and roof terraces along a mountainside route until we reach Renjam.

We will cross the Sarpu Khola on a suspension bridge and climb up to the village. It is the last place to stop for a meal before we head up to Chhekampara. Only simple food is available here. After 2–3 hours, we will reach Chhekam Paro, the largest village in the Tsum Valley, where we’ll spend the night at a simple lodge.

This day explores the villages of Chhekam and Paro, climbing north to a retreat where Lama Kongchog died after 26 years of meditation. He reincarnated as a child in this village and became the subject of the documentary “Unmistaken Child”. We take the eastern route, passing small villages and a local school. We climb over a ridge of chortens, past Lamagaon at 3,302 m, through flat fields, and look across the crops and fast-flowing river to the Rachen Gompa courtyard at 3,200 m. The Kapan Monastery manages this nunnery.

Then we walk to Milarepa Cave, one of the sacred sites in Tsum Valley, where Yogi Milarepa meditated. We cross the Shiar Khola to the village of Phurba at 3,251 m. We continue up to Chhule for lunch, then follow the Shiar Khola, taking the left path to Nile for an overnight stay, enjoying spectacular mountain and valley views.

As the sun rises, we leave Nile and follow the Shiar Khola northward. The route passes through beautiful landscapes with traditional Tibetan-style villages and ancient stone houses, prayer walls, and mani walls. The last section of the pathway is a gradual 15-20 minute ascent to Mu Gompa. As we climb, we’ll pass the peaceful Dephyudonma Gumba before reaching the monastery, surrounded by Himalayan scenery.

After about 2-3 hours of trekking, we’ll reach Mu Gompa (3,700 m), the largest and most important monastery in the Tsum Valley and the highest point of the valley. Inside the monastery, we’ll find ancient Kangyur scriptures, a statue of Avalokiteshvara, and beautiful paintings of Padmasambhava and Tara. Along with sacred treasures and a view of mountains in the background, Mu Gompa is one of the most memorable stops on the trek.

After exploring Mu Gompa, we can visit Piren Phu, also known as Milarepa’s Cave. A short side trip takes us to this peaceful meditation site, where the respected 11th-century Tibetan saint is said to have practiced meditation, with his footprint still preserved in the stone. After exploring Mu Gompa, we’ll begin our return journey by following the same route back along the Shiar Khola. The route takes us through the villages of Chhule, Pangdun, and Phurbe as we make our way down the valley.

Along the way, we’ll visit Rachen Gompa, one of the most important nunneries in the Tsum Valley. From there, we’ll pass through Lamagaon before making our way down to Chhekam Paro. Overnight in Chhekam Paro.

Today, we’ll leave Chhekam Paro and return the way back along the same path that takes us through the barley and buckwheat fields. As we descend, we’ll see more green forests and experience easier breathing. As we walk, we pass through Daphe Gompa, then continue downhill towards Chumling, our day’s lunch point.

After breakfast, the trek continues downhill into the Shiar Khola Valley. We’ll walk along pine, juniper, and rhododendron forests and return through the same remote area we passed on the way up via Ghatte Khola. Afterward, the route takes us to several suspension bridges and passes through narrow gorges. The pathway then climbs to Lokpa, the point where you exit the Tsum Valley and connect back with the Manaslu Circuit route. Overnight in Lokpa.

As usual, the day begins with a warm cup of tea and a hearty breakfast. Afterward, we’ll get ready to start the day’s trek. We cross the ancient wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, then reach Nyak Phedi. We continue to cross back to the right side of the Budhi Gandaki River and then cross back to the left side to get to Pewa for the night.

This day’s route enters a steep, forsaken gorge and descends through grassy slopes dotted with tall pine trees via Budhi Gandaki. After Deng, we re-cross the east bank and climb up to Rana, at 1,980 m, and stay on the route up to Bhi Phedi, at 2,130 m.

The river roars below, except in one place where a rockfall has created a huge dam, which continues in and out of canyons across the Serang Khola. It then reaches a village, after which it crosses an old suspension bridge over the Buri Gandaki again. After a short while, you will reach the village of Ghap. Overnight at the lodge.

On this day, we travel through beautiful rhododendron forests. You can see and hear many birds. We stay on the south bank and cross a narrow wooden bridge to the north. Then, we return to the south bank on another old bridge, where we see Langur monkeys.

The route climbs up on well-made stairs to Namrung, a pretty, pleasant place with a hydropower facility. Here is a trekking permit checkpoint and a view of Sringi Himal and Ganesh Himal on our way to Lihi (place for lunch) and Lamagaun (viewpoint of Himalchuli).

Resuming the walk, we reach Lho, a good place for trekkers due to Ribung Gompa. We get an excellent view of Mt. Manaslu, as well as other snow peaks visible from the mani wall at the far end of the village, and from the Gompa on the hill to the west. We’ll rest here for the night.

We’ll have our breakfast at Namrung while enjoying views of Mount Siring, Ganesh Himal, and Himalchuli. The day begins with an easy walk along a flat path to Banjam. After that, we’ll face steep sections towards Lihi. The village is known for its traditional pine-roofed homes, Buddhist chortens, and terraced barley fields alongside the sight of Ganesh Himal.

After Lihi, the path takes us down and crosses the Hinan River valley, fed by the Simnang/Lindanda Glacier. From there, you’ll continue to Sho Gaun (2,880 m), a small village with apple orchards. From Sho, we’ll take a short climb and get to Lho village, a beautiful Tibetan-style village. Day’s overnight and dinner are at Lho village.

This short day trek takes you into the mountains with time to enjoy and acclimatize. It’s an easy walk to Shyala (3,510 m) up a pine and rhododendron forest filled with moss and a crystal-clear stream. We can enjoy 360-degree views from here, as the hill is scarred by wildfires and extensive deforestation.

We get another easy hour’s trek to the large village of Samagaun (3,520 m). While we lose the gigantic views of Manaslu mountain, we enter a world of yaks, pastures, and houses situated on the stone under Mt. Manaslu.

After 12 continuous days of trekking, the 14th day on the itinerary involves an acclimatization day. However, the acclimatization day doesn’t mean we’ll sleep and stay idle; instead, we’ll follow the “hike high, sleep low” rule of the Himalayas. Still, unlike other trek days, we don’t have to wake up very early and start trekking by 7-8 a.m. We can wake up a little late today, then have breakfast, and take a short hike to nearby destinations.

There are mainly three options for the day:

1. Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m): It’s a challenging acclimatization day-hike location that takes 6-7 hours round-trip and involves a steep climb. Along the way, we’ll pass Birendra Lake and continue the route used by Manaslu climbing expeditions. Although Challenging, the close view from Manaslu Base Camp is the highlight of the trip.
2. Pungyen Gompa (4,200 m): To those wanting a culturally rich alternative on the acclimatization day, hiking to Pungyen Gompa is ideal. It’s a centuries-old monastery whose name derives from the Tibetan word for happiness. Besides cultural charm, the Gompa offers views of the Manaslu range without the challenge of walking to Manaslu Base Camp.
3. Birendra Lake (3,650 m): This is one of the common day hikes on the Samagaun acclimatization day. It is a short, easy 2-3 hour round-trip destination that takes us to a turquoise glacial lake fed by Manaslu’s meltwater.

Whichever day hike we choose, we’ll return to Samagaun for an overnight stay. This helps our bodies adjust to changed surroundings and altitude while following the golden rule of the Himalayas.

As we are now at the high point of the trek, we will only trek for four hours. The route takes us through Birendra Tal (3,450 m), surrounded by icebergs, before going through the seasonal exit stream. It’s a leisurely stroll through yak pastures in a broad valley adorned with long mani walls, where marmots pop up from their burrows. As we ascend, we leave the tree line but are accompanied by low-lying juniper. We climb a ridge and cross the Buri Gandaki on a wooden bridge to reach Samdo.

From the path near Samdo, we can observe the main track to Tibet over the Lajyang La (5,098 m) to the right and the Larkya La route ahead to the left. Although the track to Tibet is currently closed, timber is being transported to Samdo by yak, anticipating the resumption of trade. Remarkably, the nearest Tibetan town is only a day’s walk from Samdo.

The route descends through fields to an old mani wall and stone cairn before dropping to the Buri Gandaki River and crossing on a wooden bridge. This place shows up on maps as the mythical Larka Bazaar. From here, people go to Tibet via Lajyang Bhanjyang (4,998 m), which was once a flourishing market, and then Gyala Bhanjyang (5,375 m).

As we walk, we’ll see mani walls marking the start of the ascent to the pass. We climb through a juniper forest, from where the huge Larkya Glacier, originating from Mt. Manaslu, can be seen. From the ridge to the right, look for a route that crosses over the tops of two ravines. Then we reach a viewpoint at the edge of a huge gorge at 4,000 m. Near the Larkya Glacier, we reach Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi, Larkya Rest House), where a small lodge is located. We’ll stay here overnight.

The seventeenth day on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is the highlight of the entire day, as we’ll cross Larkya La (5,106 m), the highest point of the trek. It’s also a long day with challenging ascent and descent, so prepare accordingly. We’ll leave Larkya Phedi early, around 4:00 a.m., with a headlamp. We slowly hike up the hill behind Dharamsala, next to the hill of the Larkya Glacier. The climb is long and rocky, especially at the top of the moraine. You will spot cairns and metal snow poles to guide you. Afterward, we descend past four frozen lakes, then make a tiring final climb to Larkya La (5,160 m), marked by prayer flags on snow poles. This journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the weather conditions. It’s more difficult in the late afternoon.

In the west, you’ll see Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Kang Guru (6,981 m), and Annapurna II (7,937 m) among other peaks. We descend through loose gravel into a grassy moraine area where the slope eases. We walk on the left side of the moraine, winding through a scenic valley to Bimtang (3,590 m), known as the “plain of sand”. From the pass to Bimtang, there’s a huge altitude change (1,570 m) in just about 3–4 hours.

It’s now day 18 of our trek. After a 25-minute walk from Bimthang, we cross the Kechakyu Khola Glacier and enter the rhododendron forest. If you trek in the season of March and April, you will see rhododendron forests filled with red, white, and pink blooms. The view from the back of Mt. Manaslu is also equally stunning.

We continue our trek on the downhill path along the true right bank of Karche (2,700 m). We will have lunch after a 3–4-hour walk. Then continue steeply over a point and drop to Gurung village Gho, the first real village after Samdo. The valley gets more agricultural as we pass through fields, forests of oak and rhododendron, and overnight at the old Gurung village of Tilije.

It’s the final day of the journey to Manaslu Tsum Valley. After breakfast at Tilje, we’ll leave the village and make way towards Dharapani. Then we cross the Dudh Khola and follow along with it as it descends through the scrub forest. The walls of the Marsyangdi Valley loom larger and finally join the Annapurna Circuit route at Dharapani village. It serves as the checkpoint for ACAP permits.

At the checkpoint, we’ll enter our details and check out. Afterward, we catch a public jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar. As we arrive in Besisahar, we’ll rest for a while and take a bus to drive back to Kathmandu, which is an additional 7 hours from Besisahar. Upon arriving to Kathmandu, our representative will drop you off at your. This marks the end of the unforgettable Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek. Hope you enjoyed the journey.