Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

This day is dedicated to preparing for the trek. You will complete trekking permits, check your gear, and attend an orientation with your guide. 

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu through the winding mountain roads towards the Budhi Gandaki River valley. The route passes terraced fields, traditional villages, and lush forests, offering the first taste of rural Nepal. The drive ends in Machha Khola, a small riverside village and the starting point of your trek.

The trek officially starts today, following the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. The trail meanders through subtropical forests filled with bamboo, ferns, and rhododendrons, and crosses small suspension bridges over cascading streams. You will reach Jagat, a charming village where the journey into the Tsum Valley region begins.

The trail ascends gradually through dense forests, passing isolated settlements and terraced farmland. Trekkers will enjoy the serene environment and the occasional glimpse of distant peaks. Lokpa, your destination for the day, is a quiet village that provides a first high-altitude experience and a taste of local rural life.

The trek enters the heart of Tsum Valley today. Trails pass through ancient villages, prayer flags, and small chortens (Buddhist shrines). The scenery changes from subtropical forest to more open landscapes, with rolling hills and distant mountain views. Chumling is a peaceful settlement where you can immerse yourself in local culture.

Ascending higher into the valley, the trail passes by traditional monasteries and simple stone houses. The region’s Tibetan cultural influence becomes more evident. Chhokangparo, perched on a gentle ridge, offers panoramic views of surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks.

The trek continues through scenic alpine terrain with occasional yak herds grazing nearby. The path gradually climbs, providing spectacular vistas of high Himalayan peaks and deep river gorges. Nile is a small village where trekkers often spend the night to acclimatize.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization. You will undertake a short hike to Mu Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Tsum Valley. This side hike allows your body to adjust to higher altitudes while offering spiritual and cultural insight, along with breathtaking views of surrounding peaks and the valley below.

Descending from the Nile, you revisit Chumling, retracing part of the valley path. The descent helps your body recover from the previous day’s high-altitude hike, while offering the chance to enjoy more of Tsum Valley’s serene landscapes and local village life.

The trail continues descending along the valley, passing through terraced fields and dense forests. Deng is a small settlement that sits beside the Budhi Gandaki River, providing an ideal rest stop amidst pristine nature.

You start ascending again toward Namrung, entering the main Manaslu Circuit route. The path winds through lush forests and open alpine meadows, gradually revealing panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas. Namrung is a picturesque village with traditional stone houses and prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

The ascent becomes more challenging as you climb higher into the alpine region. Shyala, a remote settlement, sits amidst towering peaks and rugged terrain. This area showcases the dramatic Himalayan landscape, with snow-capped mountains looming above and deep river valleys below.

The trail gradually leads toward Sama Gaon, the gateway to Mt. Manaslu. The village is culturally significant and offers stunning panoramic views of the Manaslu massif. You will encounter mani walls, prayer flags, and stone stupas, highlighting the strong Tibetan Buddhist influence in the region.

Ascending further, the trail passes through high-altitude settlements, narrow gorges, and open ridges. Samdo is a high Himalayan village that provides an excellent resting point before approaching the Larkya La Pass. Trekkers can enjoy clear views of distant glaciers and snow peaks.

Today is an acclimatization day with a side hike toward Rui La Pass. This high-altitude trek allows your body to adapt before the main crossing while offering extraordinary views of surrounding glaciers, peaks, and valleys. 

Descending from the acclimatization hike, you trek toward Dharamshala, a high-altitude settlement used as a base before crossing Larkya La. The terrain consists of glacial moraines, rocky trails, and stunning views of snow-covered peaks, providing a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the pass ahead.

This is the most challenging day of the trek as you cross Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit. The ascent is steep and demands careful pacing, but the panoramic view from the top is breathtaking, with glaciers and peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. After crossing, you descend into Bhimtang, a beautiful alpine settlement nestled in the valley.

The trail descends steeply through forests, rivers, and terraced fields. The journey from Bhimtang to Dharapani marks the final stage of trekking, allowing your body to gradually adapt back to lower altitudes. Dharapani is a peaceful village where trekkers rest before returning to the road.

After completing the trek, you drive back to Kathmandu. The journey offers glimpses of rural Nepalese landscapes, rivers, and terraced fields. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a well-deserved rest or explore the city one last time.

Your Manaslu Tsum Valley adventure concludes today. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, taking with you memories of one of the most remote, scenic, and culturally rich trekking experiences in the Himalayas.