Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu, passing through the foothills of the Himalayas to the village of Machha Khola. The drive offers panoramic views of terraced fields and river gorges. Upon arrival, you will meet your crew and prepare for the trek ahead.

The trail follows the dramatic Budhi Gandaki River valley. You will traverse tropical waterfalls, cross suspension bridges, and pass through local villages. The day involves a steep climb up a rocky ridge to reach Jagat, a beautiful stone village and the gateway to the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Leaving Jagat, the trail continues along the river before branching north towards the Tsum Valley. After crossing a bridge at Philim, you ascend through pine forests to Lokpa, the first village inside the Tsum region, marking the beginning of your cultural immersion.

You descend to the Siyar Khola and cross a bridge to start the climb into the lower Tsum Valley. The trail winds up through lush forests and small settlements, offering your first glimpse of the majestic Ganesh Himal before reaching the village of Chumling.

Today you ascend steeply into the upper valley. The landscape transforms into high alpine desert. Upon reaching Chhokangparo, you are officially in the “Hidden Valley,” where Tibetan culture is preserved in its purest form, with traditional stone houses and chortens.

Walking across the wide, flat valley floor, you pass through villages with ancient Gompas and long Mani walls. You reach Nile, located on the western side of the valley, situated directly opposite the famous Mu Gompa, with stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

A vital rest day spent exploring the spiritual heart of the valley. You will hike up to the highest and most remote monastery in the region, Mu Gompa. The views of the Tibetan plateau and the surrounding peaks are incredible. You can also visit the nearby Dephyudonma Gompa, a nunnery perched on a cliff.

You begin your return journey, retracing your steps back down the valley towards Chumling. The descent is easier on the lungs and allows you to appreciate the vastness of the valley and the intricate details of the Mani walls you passed on the way up.

Today you exit the Tsum Valley branch and rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit trail at Philim. You will trek down through dense forests and dramatic canyons alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, eventually climbing to the village of Deng, where the Tibetan influence begins to merge with Nupri culture.

The trail passes through Bihi and Namrung, entering the Nupri region. As you climb, the valley narrows and the vegetation changes. You will see your first clear views of Manaslu Peak today. Namrung is a checkpoint where you must show your permits, and it features a beautiful police station and a monastery.

The trek today offers some of the best mountain views on the circuit. Passing through Lho and Shrip, the village of Shyala offers a stunning backdrop: a “wall” of peaks including Manaslu, Naike Peak, and Himalchuli. It feels as though you can reach out and touch the mountains.

A shorter walk takes you to Sama Gaon, a large settlement in a wide plain with incredible views. After lunch, you can hike to the glacial Birendra Tal (Lake) or visit Pungen Gompa, which offers a spectacular close-up view of the Manaslu glacier and face.

Following the Budhi Gandaki upstream, the trail is barren and stunning. You pass Kermo and cross a wooden bridge before reaching Samdo. This village is situated near the Tibetan border and serves as a vital trading post. The views of the Larkya La pass begin to unfold.

To ensure proper acclimatization before the big pass crossing, you will hike towards the Tibetan border at Rui La. This high-altitude excursion offers a glimpse into the nomadic life of the border residents and provides stunning views of the Tibetan plateau and the peaks surrounding the border.

You trek across the river and continue up to Larkya Phedi (also known as Dharamshala). The trail ascends gradually alongside the Larkya Glacier. You will see many cairns and prayer flags fluttering in the wind as you approach the settlement at the foot of the pass.

The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. You start early to cross the Larkya La Pass. From the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After celebrating at the top, you make a long, steep descent down to the pastures of Bhimtang.

Leaving the Manaslu region, you enter the Annapurna region. The trail descends through lush rhododendron forests and past waterfalls to Tilje and then Dharapani. The change in vegetation is noticeable as you drop in altitude, returning to the warmer valley floor.

The adventure concludes with a scenic drive from Dharapani along the Marsyangdi River valley to Besi Sahar and then along the Prithvi Highway. You can choose to end your journey in the lakeside city of Pokhara or continue driving to Kathmandu.

Cost: What’s Included & Excluded