Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek – 21 Days

Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will complete airport formalities and step outside to meet our company representative, who will be waiting with a signboard. You will then be transferred by private vehicle to your 4-star hotel.

Once you settle in and take some rest, there will be a trip briefing about the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening, where you can taste an authentic Nepali dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.

On the second day, in the morning, you will visit our office to complete the required trekking permits and other paperwork. You will also meet your guide, porters, and other fellow trekkers who will be joining you on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. Later, in the afternoon, we will enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At first, you will visit the Pashupatinath Temple. The temple is Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple, where pilgrims worship Lord Shiva and perform open-air cremation rituals along the Bagmati River.

After that, you will visit the Boudhanath Stupa. It is one of the largest stupas in the world and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism. It is famous for its giant white dome and watchful Buddha eyes. Next, you will explore the Swayambhunath Stupa, also called Monkey Temple. It is a 2,500 years old hilltop shrine that offers beautiful views of the Kathmandu Valley and reflects the harmony of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. After exploration, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay and make final preparations for your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.

After an early breakfast, we will begin our long drive from Kathmandu to Jagat via Arughat. It takes 6 hours to reach Arughat from Kathmandu via Prithvi Highway, passing through rolling green hills, terraced farmland, and small villages. We will head northwest from Dhadingbesi and drive another 35km to reach Arughat Bazaar. It is a lively market town split into two sides by the Budhi Gandaki River.

Now the dirt road starts from Arughat along the western bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. Soon we will make it to the Soti Khola, and continuing driving further beside the Budhi Gandaki River will take us to Doban and then to Jagat. We will stop at a certain point to have lunch. Jagat is the final destination of our jeep ride. We will reach Jagat by evening. At Jagat, we will check in at a local teahouse for dinner and an overnight stay.

We need to show our trekking permit at the office in Jagat before we can enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. Moving through the conservation area, we will reach Salleri from where we will descend to Sirdibas before climbing to Philim. Philim is a lively village with schools and local shops. Colorful prayer flags, mani walls, and the friendly smiles of villagers make this part of the journey especially welcoming. Next, we’ll head north of Philim. Beyond Philim, the trail grows quieter as it winds through bamboo groves, rhododendron forests, and cascading waterfalls. 

Walking through the lush green meadow, we will reach the beautiful Chisopani village. The trail continues through Ekle Bhatti village to the waterfall. We will cross the new bridge and follow the path that stretches to Larkya La. Heading east, we will cross the rhododendron forest, which leads us to Lokpa. Just before reaching the village, a signboard points toward the entrance of the hidden Tsum Valley, reminding us of the exciting days ahead. Lokpa itself is a small and peaceful settlement, perfect for resting overnight in a teahouse.

From Lokpa, the trail drops down to Lower Tsum Valley. After walking a bit downhill, followed by a strenuous uphill along the southern edge of the Siyar River, we will descend to Gumlung. After reaching Gumlung, another uphill section leads us toward Chumling. The walk is not long in distance, but a more strenuous uphill walk twice is good enough for the day’s walk.

The Tsum Valley trek path winds through dense forests, narrow gorges, and suspension bridges with the rushing sound of the river below. Along the way, we can enjoy glimpses of waterfalls and snow peaks, including the impressive Ganesh Himal. We reach Chumling by crossing a long suspension bridge. Chumling offers the first true feel of the Tsum Valley culture. Stone houses, Buddhist prayer flags, and a small local monastery add to the village’s charm. We will stay in Chumling at Tashi Delek Lodge.

After a warm cup of morning tea, we will take an hour of walk to the suspension bridge. Crossing the river over the bridge, we will enjoy a spectacular view of Ganesh Himal before walking towards Rainjam. We need to cross the Serpu River in order to reach Gho village. From here, the Tsum Valley trek trail escalates uphill for 2 hours to Chhokangparo village, also known as Chhekampar village.

Chhokangparo or Chhekampar village is a twin village made up of Chhokang and Paro. It is one of the most important settlements in the Tsum Valley, surrounded by open fields, grazing yaks, and stunning views of Himalchuli. Along the way, we will pass traditional mani walls, prayer flags, and small monasteries, reflecting the valley’s deep Buddhist heritage. Chhekampar offers a peaceful atmosphere, welcoming locals, and cozy teahouses. We will stay overnight here.

An early walk will take us to Lamagaun village before lunch. From Lamagaun, the Tsum Valley trek trail follows the Shiar River northward, passing through open fields and small hamlets until we reach Burji village, where one of the Tsum Valley’s most sacred sites awaits, which is Piren Phu (Pigeon Cave). This meditation site is said to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche and is decorated with ancient Buddhist murals, carved stones, and prayer flags.

Continuing further, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek trail climbs to Chhule, the last village on the northern side of the valley, before crossing the river to arrive at Nile. Resting on the river’s western bank, Nile is one of the most important cultural centers in Upper Tsum Valley. It is closely linked with Rachen Gompa, a large nunnery nearby, and you’ll often see monks and nuns going about their daily practices. Terraced fields and mountain vistas surround the village. We will spend the night at the Nile.

Leaving behind the Nile, we will choose the escalating path to Mu Gompa, which is the largest monastery in the region of Manaslu. Located at an altitude of 3,700 meters, Mu Gompa is the highest as well as most distant point in the Tsum valley. This Gompa was founded in 1895 AD and features a large Buddha idol. We will also visit Dephyudonma Gompa, another sacred site nearby.

After exploring Mu Gompa, we will return to Nile for lunch, then descend along the valley to Lamagaun for our overnight stay. On the way, we will pass by Rachen Gompa, a nunnery established in 1905 AD along the Shiar River. This nunnery belongs to the Ngak-pa sect and provides shelter for resident nuns. It has large prayer wheels, decorated thrones, and ornate pillars that add value to its spiritual charm. Today’s trek combines high-altitude trekking, spiritual exploration, and cultural immersion.

Today, we begin the descent from Lamagaun/Mu Gompa back toward the lower Tsum Valley. From this point of the trek, we will leave the main Tsum Valley trek route and go towards the Manaslu circuit trek route. The trail goes downhill through forests and open fields. Soon, we will reach Domje, which is a tiny settlement of about 8 houses. Here, we can observe the simple lifestyle of locals characterized by yak herding and small-scale farming.

Now continuing on the familiar path, we will reach Chumling.  Chumling is our overnight stop. The village has traditional stone houses, fluttering prayer flags, and cozy teahouses. Overnight stay at Tashi Delek Lodge.

Following the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary on day 10, after an early breakfast, we will begin our descent from Chumling. The trail leads down stone steps to Gumlung, and then a short walk brings us to Lokpa, where we will stop for Lunch. After lunch, we will continue to the suspension bridge intersection, where the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trails separate.

Crossing a suspension bridge, the Manaslu Circuit trek trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River for the next 3 hours. We can see colorful birds, butterflies, and occasionally monkeys along the way. By late afternoon, we will reach Deng. The village has a few cozy teahouses where we can rest while enjoying the changing landscapes along the trek, which signals that the trail is moving toward the main Manaslu Circuit.

Settlements afterward Deng have a strong Tibetan influence. Buckwheat is the staple crop grown in this region. Moving in and out of dispersed settlements, we will reach Bih. Another couple of hours of walking through this amazing valley will take us to Ghap village.

After lunch at Ghap, we will walk past the colourful alpine forest and meadow full of lush green vegetation. As we walk forward, the surrounding peaks, like Kutun Range, Saula, Mount Manaslu, and Simang Range, come into view. Now the trail escalates uphill onto the farm village of Namrung, where we stay overnight in a teahouse and enjoy the peaceful Himalayan setting.

Today, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing streams and winding through forests and narrow gorges. The path takes us through a steep path to Namrung and reaches Lihi, where you can enjoy close-up views of Ganesh and Simnang Mountains. Continuing onward, we will reach Sho village, which opens to wide, scenic valley views.

From Sho, the steepest section of the trail brings us to Lho, where we stop for lunch. From Lho, we will walk for 2.5 hours through beautiful alpine forests and gentle uphill stretches to reach Shyala village. At Shyala, we will stay overnight in a teahouse and enjoy the views of the upper Manaslu region.

Early in the morning, we will hike to Pung Gyen Monastery, one of the best viewpoints in the region. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The hike takes about three hours, and we can spend quality time here taking plenty of photographs and soaking in the serene alpine scenery. After exploring Pung Gyen Monastery, we will return to the main trail and continue toward Samagaun.

Samagaun is a large village known for its ancient monasteries, chortens, and mani walls. Chortens are built to protect the village from evil spirits, and the vibrant prayer flags add a spiritual atmosphere. Sama Gompa Monastery is a cultural highlight where you can learn about local Tibetan Buddhist traditions. The village is also an agricultural hub where locals grow buckwheat and potatoes as staple crops. Overnight stay is at a teahouse in Samagaun, with views of Mt. Manaslu right from the village.

This is both a rest and acclimatization day in Samagaun. In the morning, we will start hiking towards Birendra Lake (3,620m / 11,880 ft). It is a sparkling glacier-fed lake that sits just below Manaslu Base Camp. Its turquoise waters, surrounded by rugged cliffs, create a magical setting. From there, the Manaslu trek trail climbs steeply through alpine forests and rocky paths toward Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m /  15,748 ft). Manaslu Base Camp is the starting point for climbers aiming to summit Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. Standing here feels surreal.

We will be surrounded by glaciers, towering snow peaks, and a mesmerizing alpine atmosphere. Also, not everyone goes all the way to the base camp due to high altitude challenges; that’s why we aim for halfway up to acclimatize properly. After enjoying the views and taking photos, we will descend back to Samagaun. At Samagaun, we will spend the afternoon exploring the village, and we will visit Sama Gompa Monastery. Today’s hike is a key step for preparing our bodies for the higher trails ahead. The hike can take about 5 to 6 hours.

On day 15, we will leave the wide barley fields and stone houses of Samagaun. Then we will walk on the path that climbs through yak pastures along the Budhi Gandaki River. The forest areas fade, and a dry, windswept valley takes over, where the air feels thinner and colder. As we trek, we will see soaring peaks of Mt Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, and the Manaslu Glacier. The shorter walking distance today makes it easier to acclimatize as we move closer to the high pass. After about 3 hours of walking, we will reach Samdo village.

Samdo is a traditional Tibetan village located just 4km from the Tibetan border. We will spend the evening exploring the Samdo village. After a short walk from the village, we can reach Samdo Gompa. It is an old monastery that locals believe protects the valleys from fierce winds and snowstorms. According to legend, the monks prayers form an invisible barrier against avalanches and safeguard the village below. We will spend the night at Samdo.

After an early morning breakfast, we will leave Samdo and trek towards Dharamsala, also called Larkya La Phedi, or Larkya Rest House. The trail is short in distance but is tougher due to thinning air and a steady uphill climb. We will walk into a harsher, more rugged landscape. The Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit path goes through glacial moraines, rocky outcrops, and barren hillsides. The higher we go, the more the Himalayas reveal themselves. We see the views of Manaslu North, Larkya Peak, and towering icefalls dominate the horizon.

Talking about Dharamsala, it is a seasonal settlement with just a few stone huts and tented shelters run by locals during peak trekking months inside the Manaslu region of Nepal. In the afternoon, you can hike up the nearby ridges for acclimatization if you are not tired. As you climb, you will see sweeping views of glaciers, snowy summits, and deep valleys. Overnight at Dharamsala

Today, we will set out before dawn to cross the challenging section of the trek, which is crossing Larkya La Pass. We will follow our trek leader or guide’s footsteps across the starlit moraine with only headlamps and prayer flags marking the trail. The climb becomes challenging as we cross Larkya Glacier and approach the windswept ridges. After 4 to 5 hours of ascent, we will stand at the top of Larkya La Pass situated at 5,106 meters. This elevation is the highest point of the entire Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

The view from the top of the pass is surreal. We see a panorama of Himlung Himal (7,120 meters), Cheo Himal (6,820 meters), Kang Guru (6,980 meters), and Annapurna II (7,937 meters) rising against the blue sky. Many trekkers leave small offerings here, asking for a safe passage on the descent. The descent from the pass is long. We will come back along the steep sections past Pongkar Tal, a turquoise glacier lake, and walk through the icy landscapes of the Salpu Danda Glacier.

Finally, after 3-4 hours of descent, we will arrive at Bimtang for an overnight stay. Bimtang is an alpine settlement surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is often described as one of the most beautiful stops on the Manaslu Circuit.

We will continue on our descent journey on day 18 as well. We will follow the Dudh Khola and pass through rhododendron and pine forests, with wooden bridges adding a rustic touch to the adventure. After a few hours, we will arrive at Gho Village. It is a charming settlement with traditional stone houses and terraced fields. Here, we will pause for lunch and enjoy the warmth of local hospitality. After lunch, we will continue our trek.

From Gho, the trekking trail becomes gentler and descends through farmlands, waterfalls, and small hamlets. The sound of the river keeps accompanying us as we walk through oak and pine forests before we reach Tilje village. Tilje is a larger village in the Manaslu area of Nepal with multiple teahouses offering more comforts than other higher-altitude settlements. As we reach Tilje, it also marks the end of the trek. Tomorrow, we will be on drive journey.

From Tilje, we will hop on a local jeep and drive towards Kathmandu. The drive takes place on a dirt road to Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung. It takes about 4 hours to reach Besisahar from Tilje. From Besisahar, the drive continues along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers, passing through small towns, farmland, and riverside settlements.

We will stop along the way to have lunch. After 7 hours of driving, we will reach Kathmandu. By the time we reach Kathmandu, it will be late afternoon or evening. At Kathmandu, we will stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel with proper facilities and relax after the long trek days. When you reach Kathmandu, it’s the final end of your Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Today is a relaxing day in Kathmandu. We will use the day to recover from our trek. You can explore the Thamel area and buy souvenirs, handicrafts, or other items to take back home as a memory of Nepal. If you want, we can also arrange a guided sightseeing tour, not included in the trek package.

During the sightseeing tour, you can visit some of the iconic sites of Kathmandu like Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath. In the evening, we will arrange a farewell dinner where all the trekking crew members will come together. We will share our experience, memories, and stories from the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal.

Your Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek adventure officially concludes today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport at least three hours before your scheduled flight for your onward journey.

We wish you a safe flight and hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another unforgettable adventure in the future!