Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu – Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Mountain of Nepal will warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey or take a short walk through the lively streets of Thamel, a popular tourist hub filled with shops, cafes, and cultural sights. In the evening, you’ll attend a pre-trek briefing where your guide will explain the upcoming adventure, check your equipment, and answer any questions. This day is also a great opportunity to experience Nepalese hospitality and cuisine while preparing mentally for the trek ahead.

Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu (1400m) to Machha Khola (890m)

After an early breakfast, you’ll begin a scenic drive from Kathmandu toward Machha Khola. The journey is long but incredibly rewarding, taking you through winding mountain roads, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages. As you follow the Trishuli River and later the Budhi Gandaki River, you’ll witness changing landscapes from urban settings to rural hills. Occasional stops allow you to stretch and enjoy local tea houses along the way. The road becomes rougher as you approach Machha Khola, a small riverside settlement where you will spend the night, preparing for the trekking portion of your journey.

Day 3 : Trek from Machha Khola (890m) to Jagat (1340m)

Your trek officially begins today as you follow the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. The trail includes several ascents and descents, crossing suspension bridges and passing through small Gurung villages. You’ll walk through lush forests and rocky paths while enjoying the soothing sound of the river below. Along the way, you may encounter mule caravans transporting goods to higher regions. After several hours of trekking, you reach Jagat, a charming village with stone-paved streets that serves as an entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Here, your permits will be checked before settling into your lodge.

Day 4 : Trek from Jagat (1340m) to Lokpa (2240m)

Today’s trek brings noticeable changes in both elevation and culture as you gradually ascend toward Lokpa. The trail climbs through dense forests, crossing ridges and offering occasional views of waterfalls and steep valleys. You’ll pass through traditional villages where Tibetan Buddhist culture begins to emerge more prominently. As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and the surroundings more serene. Lokpa is a quiet village that marks the gateway to the hidden Tsum Valley, offering your first glimpse into this remote and culturally rich region.

Day 5 : Trek from Lokpa (2240m) to Chumling (2386m)

Descending from Lokpa into the Tsum Valley, you’ll traverse a beautiful trail surrounded by pine and rhododendron forests. The route includes suspension bridges and narrow paths with stunning views of Ganesh Himal in the distance. As you approach Chumling, you’ll notice intricately carved mani walls and prayer flags fluttering in the wind, reflecting the strong Buddhist influence. Chumling is a picturesque village with traditional stone houses, monasteries, and friendly locals. This peaceful setting provides a deeper cultural experience and a chance to interact with the Tsumba community.

Day 6 : Trek from Chumling (2386m) to Rachen Gompa (3240m)

The trail ascends steadily today, taking you deeper into the Tsum Valley. You’ll pass through villages like Chhokang Paro, where the valley opens up to wide landscapes and panoramic mountain views. Along the way, you’ll see ancient monasteries, chortens, and prayer wheels that highlight the spiritual significance of the region. After several hours of trekking, you arrive at Rachen Gompa, a serene nunnery monastery set in a tranquil environment. The peaceful atmosphere and surrounding mountains make it an ideal place for reflection and rest.

Day 7 : Trek from Rachen Gompa (3240m) to Nile (3361m) up to Mu Gumpa (3700m)

Today is one of the most culturally enriching days of the trek. You’ll continue ascending toward the upper Tsum Valley, passing through the village of Nile, one of the last settlements before the Tibetan border. From there, you hike further up to Mu Gumpa, the highest and most remote monastery in the region. The monastery offers incredible views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and provides insight into centuries-old Buddhist traditions. After exploring Mu Gumpa, you return to Nile for the night, carrying unforgettable memories of this sacred place.

Day 8 : Trek from Nile (3361m) to Chumling (2386m)

Retracing your steps, you begin the descent back down the Tsum Valley. The return journey offers a different perspective of the landscapes you passed earlier, with more opportunities to appreciate the valley’s beauty. The downhill trek is easier on the lungs but still requires careful footing. You’ll pass through familiar villages and enjoy interactions with locals once again. By the time you reach Chumling, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment for having explored one of Nepal’s most hidden valleys.

Day 9 : Trek from Chumling (2386m) to Deng (1860m)

Leaving the Tsum Valley behind, you rejoin the Manaslu Circuit trail and head toward Deng. The route involves descending through forests and crossing rivers, gradually transitioning back to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. The landscape becomes greener and more humid as you lose altitude. Deng is a small village inhabited mainly by Tibetan-influenced communities, offering insight into their lifestyle and traditions. The day’s trek is moderately long but rewarding with its diverse scenery.

Day 10 : Trek from Deng (1860m) to Namrung (2630m)

Today’s trail climbs steadily through forests of bamboo and rhododendron, with occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks. You’ll pass through villages like Rana and Bihi Phedi, where you can observe traditional Himalayan lifestyles. As you approach Namrung, the scenery becomes more alpine, and the air noticeably cooler. Namrung is a beautiful village with stone houses and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect place to rest and acclimatize.

Day 11 : Trek from Namrung (2630m) to Lho (3180m)

The trek from Namrung to Lho offers some of the first clear views of Mount Manaslu. The trail passes through lush forests and charming villages like Lihi and Sho, where you’ll see mani walls and prayer flags. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes sparser, revealing dramatic mountain vistas. Lho is a culturally rich village known for its monastery and stunning views of Manaslu, providing a memorable overnight stay.

Day 12 : Trek from Lho (3180m) to Samagaon (3520m)

Continuing along the trail, you’ll gradually ascend to Samagaon, one of the largest and most important villages in the Manaslu region. The route offers breathtaking views of glaciers and surrounding peaks. You’ll pass through Shyala village, where the panorama of the Himalayas is especially impressive. Upon reaching Samagaon, you’ll notice its strong Tibetan influence, with monasteries, yak pastures, and traditional homes. This village will serve as your base for acclimatization.

Day 13 : Acclimatization Day at Samagaon – Birendra Lake or Pungen Monastery or Manaslu Base Camp

To adapt to the high altitude, you’ll spend a rest day in Samagaon with optional hikes. You can visit Birendra Lake, a stunning turquoise glacial lake, or hike to Pungen Monastery for incredible views of Manaslu. For the more adventurous, a longer hike to Manaslu Base Camp is possible, offering a closer look at the towering Himalayas. These excursions help your body acclimatize while providing unforgettable scenery and experiences.

Day 14 : Trek from Samagaon (3520m) to Samdo (3860m)

Today’s trek is relatively short but crucial for acclimatization. The trail gradually ascends along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through barren landscapes and yak pastures. You’ll notice the environment becoming more rugged and alpine. Samdo is a small village near the Tibetan border, offering insights into cross-border trade and culture. The afternoon can be spent exploring the area or resting in preparation for higher altitudes.

Day 15 : Trek from Samdo (3860m) to Larkya Phedi (4480m)

The trail climbs steadily toward Larkya Phedi, also known as Dharamsala, the base for crossing the high pass. The landscape is stark and dramatic, with glacial moraines and sweeping mountain views. The trek is shorter to conserve energy for the challenging day ahead. Upon arrival, you’ll rest, hydrate, and prepare for the early morning ascent over Larkya La Pass.

Day 16 : Trek from Larkya Phedi (4480m) to Bimthang (3720m) by Crossing Larkya La Pass (5160m)

This is the most demanding and rewarding day of the trek. Starting early, you ascend to Larkya La Pass, one of the highest points of the journey. The climb is steep and challenging, but the panoramic views of the Himalaya peaks are breathtaking. After celebrating your achievement at the pass, you descend toward Bimthang through glacial valleys and snow-covered landscapes. This long day tests your endurance but offers unparalleled beauty.

Day 17 : Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (1970m)

The descent continues through lush forests, rhododendron groves, and fertile valleys. As you lose altitude, the air becomes warmer and more comfortable. You’ll pass through villages like Tilije, where the trail merges with the Annapurna Circuit route. Dharapani is a bustling village with better facilities, marking the end of your trekking adventure.

Day 18 : Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu

After breakfast, you begin the return journey to Kathmandu by road. The drive offers a final chance to enjoy Nepal’s diverse landscapes, from mountain views to river valleys and rural settlements. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax, celebrate your achievement, and enjoy a farewell dinner organized by Mountain of Nepal.

Day 19 : Final Departure

Your incredible journey comes to an end today. A representative from Mountain of Nepal will transfer you to the airport for your departure. As you leave Nepal, you carry unforgettable memories of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, from its remote valleys and rich culture to its majestic mountain scenery.