Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Arrive in Kathmandu, the cultural and historical center of Nepal. After airport transfer to your hotel, meet your trekking guide for a briefing about the Manaslu and Tsum Valley adventure. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, visit nearby temples, or make final preparations for the trek.

Begin an exciting drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola via Arughat and Soti Khola. The scenic journey passes through terraced hillsides, winding mountain roads, rivers, waterfalls, and traditional villages. As the drive enters the remote Gorkha region, you’ll experience the changing landscapes and rural lifestyle of western Nepal.

The trek officially begins by following the Budhi Gandaki River through lush forests, rocky trails, and small settlements. Cross several suspension bridges and pass natural hot springs at Tatopani before ascending gradually toward Jagat, a beautiful stone-paved village and entry point of the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Leave the main Manaslu trail and head toward the hidden Tsum Valley. The trail climbs through forests, narrow ridges, and traditional villages while offering stunning views of surrounding hills and waterfalls. Arrive at the peaceful village of Lokpa, known for its quiet atmosphere and first glimpses of Himalayan peaks.

Descend through dense pine and rhododendron forests before crossing suspension bridges over deep river gorges. Continue climbing toward Chumling, a traditional Tibetan-influenced village decorated with prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens. The village offers beautiful views of Ganesh Himal.

Today’s trail passes through fertile farmlands, Buddhist settlements, and scenic valleys with increasing mountain views. Walk through villages rich in Tibetan culture and ancient traditions before reaching Chhokangparo, a beautiful settlement offering panoramic Himalayan scenery and a peaceful mountain environment.

Continue trekking deeper into the upper Tsum Valley through isolated villages and sacred Buddhist landscapes. Pass ancient monasteries, prayer wheels, and long mani walls while enjoying magnificent mountain views. Arrive at Nile, one of the last villages near the Tibetan border.

Take a scenic hike to Mu Gompa, the largest and oldest monastery in the Tsum Valley region. Surrounded by rugged mountain terrain and dramatic Himalayan landscapes, the monastery provides a unique spiritual and cultural experience. After exploring the monastery and nearby areas, return to Nile for overnight stay.

Begin descending from the upper Tsum Valley through traditional villages, cultivated fields, and forested trails. The return journey offers different perspectives of the valley’s landscapes and mountain scenery before arriving back at Chumling.

Leave the Tsum Valley route and rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit trail. Trek through bamboo forests, riverside paths, and suspension bridges while passing remote mountain settlements. Reach Deng, a small village known for its peaceful atmosphere and Tibetan cultural influence.

Ascend gradually through forests of pine and fir while crossing several bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail passes traditional villages and Buddhist prayer walls before reaching Namrung, a culturally rich village with spectacular views of surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Today’s trek offers some of the best mountain scenery in the Manaslu region. Walk through alpine forests and picturesque villages while enjoying breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli. Arrive at the scenic village of Syala surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

From Syala, the route steadily climbs toward the spiritual site of Pungyen Gompa (4200m), moving through wide yak grazing fields, high-altitude meadows, and rugged glacial terrain shaped by ancient ice flows. Set dramatically beneath the towering southern wall of Mount Manaslu, the monastery offers an awe-inspiring panorama where spirituality and raw Himalayan wilderness meet. After spending time at this serene and remote gompa, the trail slowly descends into the broad valley, revealing sweeping views of glaciers, frozen streams, and distant snow peaks. The final stretch into Samagaun is calm and scenic, passing through open landscapes that make this section one of the most visually striking and peaceful parts of the entire Manaslu journey.

Spend the day acclimatizing to the higher altitude. Optional hikes include visits to nearby monasteries, Birendra lakes, or the trail toward Manaslu Base Camp (4800m). The day offers excellent opportunities to enjoy close-up views of Mount Manaslu and explore the traditional Himalayan lifestyle of Samagaun.

Follow a gradual trail across alpine landscapes and yak pastures toward Samdo, a remote Tibetan refugee village located close to the Nepal-Tibet border. The area offers dramatic mountain scenery and a strong Tibetan cultural atmosphere.

Ascend steadily through rugged mountain terrain and glacial valleys toward Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi. This small settlement serves as the final overnight stop before crossing the famous Larke Pass.

Start early for the challenging crossing of Larke Pass at over 5,106 meters. The pass rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Mount Manaslu. Descend carefully through glacial moraines and alpine landscapes to the beautiful valley of Bimthang.

Descend through rhododendron forests, green meadows, and riverside trails while passing small villages and cultivated farmlands. Reach Dharapani, where the trekking portion of the adventure officially ends.

Take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar. Enjoy final views of rivers, hills, terraced landscapes, and rural villages while reflecting on the unforgettable Himalayan journey.