Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

Your Manaslu and Tsum Valley kick start after a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola after breakfast. Driving across the diverse landscapes from high green hills to low valleys, soaring rivers, waterfalls, and beautiful, vibrant settlements across the Prithivi Highway, you will arrive at Malekhu during the first part of the drive.

Then, moving along the trails across Dhading, Arughat, and Gola Bhanjyang following the Trishuli River, will finally switch to the trails of Soti Khola. From here, it's about a 1.5 to 2 hours drive to reach Machha Khola. On this day’s drive, you will also be able to enjoy the spectacular views of the Himalayan massifs like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and other adjacent peaks.

Switching to trekking from the previous day’s driving adventure, on Day 2 of your Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek, you will follow the trail alongside the Budhi Gandaki River that ascends and descends over the lush hills. Moving along the trail, you will pass the beautiful settlements of Khola Besi as you make your way toward Tatopani, the famous natural hot spring destination with significant religious norms.

Then, during the final stretch of this day’s adventure, you will cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and ascend on a rocky trail to reach Doban. You will cross a second suspension bridge over Yaru Khola, moving along the trail, then, after overcoming the climbing section to Thado Bharayng, you will push for the ridge that takes you to Jagat. This beautiful Himalayan settlement is the entrance point to the Manaslu Conservation Area.

After entering the restricted area of the Manaslu region, you will kick-start this day’s adventure by climbing a ridge to Salleri. Then again, moving along the riverbanks of the Budhi Gandaki River, you will cross a long suspension bridge towards Philim. Moving along this day’s trekking route, you will arrive at Ekle Bhatti, which separates trails toward the Tsum and Manaslu regions.

Then, following the trails toward Lokpa village, you will pass several other high Himalayan settlements, and will follow the right side of the Tsum Valley to reach Lokpa Village. Passing the scenic Syar Rivers moving towards the valley, this day’s trek will also be blessed with stunning views of the Himalayan ranges like Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, Shringi Himal, and Ganesh Himal.

Day 4 is an adventurous day’s trek in your Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek as you start your exploration following the ridge of the Ganesh Himal Base Camp, leaving Lokpa behind. This day’s trek offers enchanting views of the Himalayan gems as you follow the ridge moving toward Chumling. Descending the Lungwa River Valley, the subtropical dense forest of rhododendrons and pine trees will brighten this day’s adventure as you follow the empty path in solitude that doesn’t house any civilization until you reach Chumling from Lokpa.

You have to cross the Syar Khola to reach Chumling, then you will be ascending further on the trail to arrive at Dumje, located above Chumling, which is also known as ‘Lower Tsum Valley’.

This day’s trek follows the trails of the Upper Tsum Valley as you move along the path to the Nile, which is located on the western side of the Sikhar Khola, and further ascent to Chhule is just about 20 minutes from the Nile. Chulle is the last settlement in the Upper Tsum Valley. As you move along the trail to this last village, you will also pass Bgakyu Leru, where you can find farmers working on their fertile fields.

Moving ahead on the trail, you will pass Lamagaon and finally arrive at the Milarepa Piren Phu Cave, which is near the Burji Village at the foothills of a rocky cliff. During the final stretch of this day’s adventure, you will cross the Shiar River to finally arrive at the Nile.

Day 6 of your Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek will explore the cultural and religious prospects of the region. Starting your adventure early in the morning, you will follow the trail on the west bank of the valley close to the Tibetan border as you make your way toward the Mu Gompa, the biggest monastery in the region. You will trek on the yak pastures with clear, wide Himalayan vistas as you push for the Mu Gompa, which takes approximately just around 3- 4 hours.

After arriving at the Mu Gompa, home to Kangyur, a life-sized statue of Tara, Guru Padmasambhava, and Avalokieshwara, you will also get an opportunity to explore another ancient monastery of the Tsum Valley, Dhephu Doma Gompa.

As it is recommended you should acclimatize properly after reaching an elevation point over 2,500 meters, Day 7 of your Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek will be the first acclimatization day. You can start your day with a morning hike around the region and explore the beautiful region influenced by Tibetan culture and traditions.

After exploring some of the major highlights of this spiritual realm, you will spend your night here tonight in Mu Gompa preparing for the adventure tomorrow.

You can expect this day’s adventure to be slightly easier, as you leave behind the Mu Gompa descending toward the Rachen Gompa, another religious hub of the Tsum Valley. Following the trails along the My Gomoa, you will arrive at the nunnery located in the Shiar Khola Valley, Rachen Gompa is located at the border area of China and Nepal.

This is one of the largest settlements in the Tsum Valley that houses the nuns from the Ngak-Pa Sect, you will be enchanted by the 1,000 Avalokiteshvara statues at the Gompa premises.

It is a long day’s adventure today, leaving the nunnery behind, you will head toward Chumling, passing through the high and lower elevation points. Descending from Chhokung Paro, you will head along the trail stretching towards the Gho. The wide Himalayan views of this day’s trek make the experience really exhilarating.

Moving further, you will cross a suspension bridge near the Gho, you will push for Rainjam Village, the onward path from here descends down to the Tsum Valley, and you will finally arrive at Chumling following the downward trail. After a tiring day’s trek, you will enjoy the delicious delicacies and warm hospitality of the local lodge at Chumling.

On day 10 of your Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek, your trail further descends to Deng from Chumling. It’s a relatively easier day’s trek as you move along the banks of the Shair Khola to push for the Lokpa Village during the first segment. On a nice, clear day, you will pass through the large flocks of Himalayan sheep and goats grazing on the pasture and hills as you keep descending towards the Budi Gandaki River.

Enjoying the majestic views of the Ganesh Himal, Mansllu, and other adjacent peaks in the Himalayan range, you will cross several gorges. The solid bridge over the Budi Gandaki River leads you toward the narrow gorges with several ascending and descending points. During the final stretch of this day’s adventure, you will cross a suspension bridge heading towards Nupri and passing through the scenic bamboo forest trail, and finally arrive at Deng, a beautiful Gurung settlement.

This day’s adventure will kick off with an uphill ascent and switch towards the short descent that leads to the Budhi Gandaki River. Leaving the Deng behind, you will push for the Rana (1,910 meters), ascending uphills from there, you will follow the path stretching towards Bhimphedi (2,130 meters). Moving ahead across the alley cannons, you will cross Serang Khola, which will lead you toward Ghap (2,160 meters).

From here, the trail of the valley becomes steeper as you leave Ghap behind; however, it's a scenic trail filled with the fresh aroma of rhododendron and bamboo forest, so there isn’t much to complain about. After the long climb during the last stretch, you will cross the wild rivers of the region a couple of times before finally arriving at the Namrung Village. This beautiful settlement of the Himalayas houses Tibetan descendants and is also known as the entrance point of the Nupri region.

Day 12 of your Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek, reconnect with the religious trails influenced by the Buddhist culture. During the first segment of this day’s trek, you will ascend a steep section that will lead to the forested areas heading toward Lihi. From there, the path will pass through the religious trails with prayer flags, chortens, and mani walls.

Then, moving along the trail, you will enter the Simnang Valley and onward to Sho Village. This beautiful Himalayan village is known for the massive herds of yaks and the unprecedented views of Manaslu North (7,157 meters) and Manaslu from its vantage point. Relishing the spiritual vibration of the region and admiring the Tibetan-influenced architecture of the local monasteries, you will spend your night here.

This is another beautiful day’s adventure today, savoring the great mountain views, especially of Peak 29. As you leave Lho, you will follow the riverbanks heading towards Samagaun. Moving along the trail, you will pass through the scenic forest, which brings you to Shyala Village, where the views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Phungi are quite spectacular from its vantage point.

As you move forward, leaving Shyala behind, you will finally reach Samagaun, which is popular for the Sama Gaon Monastery located close to the Tibetan border.

Day 14 of your Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek expedition will be your second acclimatization day. You will spend this day exploring the surroundings of Samagaun and doing some close hiking around the region for an effective acclimatization process. The main attraction of this day’s acclimatization will be the short scenic hike to the Pungyen Gompa, which is situated at the hilltop of Samagaun; from its vantage point, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas and the sparkling glaciers right beneath them.

After the exploration region, you will climb down to Samagaun and spend the night here preparing for the adventure tomorrow.

Starting your adventure early in the morning, you will follow the trail alongside the terraced field and mani walls, then you will switch to the route of the Budhi Gandaki River. From there, you will cross a wooden bridge that takes you to another mani wall that marks the start of your ascent of the Larkya La Pass.

During the second part of the trek, you will follow moderate trails covered with prayer flags as you cross several ridges alongside the Budhi Gandaki River to finally arrive at Samdo. The warm embrace of this Himalayan community and just spectacular views of the Samdo Peak (6,335 meters) from its vantage point will mark the end of this day’s adventure.

Day 16 of your Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek starts with the ascent toward the Larkya Glacier. On this day, you will cross two streams as you continue this day’s adventure. Then, further up ahead, you will trek around the Salka Khola Valley, then ascending over an inclining trail during the last part of your trek, you will finally arrive at a stone guest house also known as Dharmasala.

This popular resting destination, Dharamshala, is also known as ‘Larkya La Phedi’, and from here you can catch the impressive views of the Manaslu, including several other adjacent massifs, as well as the stunning views of the Larkya Glacier.

After breakfast, you will set out on this adventure quite early, as you have to overcome the toughest section and the highest elevation point of this entire trek, the Larke La Pass. You have to cross this pass as the strong, midway howling winds start to hit the pass by midday. The path stretches with a gentle climb across the moraine, and as it descends slightly towards a lake, it starts getting challenging on the steep grassy section.

You will continue your trail toward the two cairns, then move across the four frozen legs and arrive at the final steep climbing section of the pass. From here, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks like Himlung Himal, Kanguru, Minjung, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. Savoring the magical views from the vantage point of Larke La Pass, you will switch to the descending trails on top of the moraine to the west. At the base, the trails become gentler as you move toward a small meadow, and the broadening path will take you to a large meadow past a mani wall that brings you to Bimtang.

Leaving the stony glacier and moraine behind, this day’s adventure in your Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek will finally lead you to the lush, densely forested area. You will start your adventure early in the morning, leaving Bimtang. You will follow the descending route toward Karcher, following the trails of Sangore Kharka and Hompuk. On this descending trail, you will also be able to enjoy stunning views of mountain ranges like Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Manaslu North Peak, Manaslu, and Phungi Himal.

Then you will cross the landslide areas following a steep climb over a ridge that ultimately takes you to the riverbank at Gho. Then, moving ahead, you will follow the route to Tilje as you trek across the Marsyangdi Valley, after an uphill ascent during the final stretch over the suspension bridge on Dudh Khola to Thonje Village. Dharapni is located just located a short trek farther from here, this is en route to the most popular trekking route in the Annapurna region, Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Your Manaslu and Tsum Valley trekking expedition officially concludes on this day. Starting your adventure early in the morning, after breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu via a private vehicle. The direct route connecting to Besisahar from Dharapani is about 4 hours, and from there, the driving journey gets more comfortable on the paved road. Along the scenic drive, you will cross several small settlements along the trail, like Bhulbhule and Khudi.

Then your trail switches to the route on the Prithvi Highway that takes you across the soaring Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers. This day’s adventure follows the route alongside the terraced farms, densely forested areas at the bank of the rivers, vibrant settlements spread across the route, and the amazing views of the Himalayan massifs from your side windows. After you arrive in Kathmandu, our representative will drop you back at your respective hotels, which will mark the end of our affiliation. Depending on the time of arrival, you can stroll out to check out the nightlife of this brightly lit capital, or the popular cafes and restaurants.

Thank you for traveling with us. Have a safe journey!