Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek - 20 Days

Your 20-day Nepal Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek officially begins upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our representatives will meet you at the arrival gates and assist with your transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. Upon checking into your 3-star hotel, you can explore the vibrant capital of the country and immerse yourself in its incredible atmosphere. In the evening, you will meet our company representative for the trek briefing.

From Kathmandu, you will board a long but scenic drive to the treal head of Maccha Khola. The drive takes you along the winding highway before entering the off-road sections as you approach your destination. Throughout the journey, you will see the Trishuli and later the Marshyangdi Rivers, relishing the quaint roadside lifestyle of Nepali villages. After an 8 to 9-hour drive, you will reach Maccha Khola, where you will spend the night.

As you leave behind Maccha Khola, you will begin your trek following the diverse terrain that comprises several ascents and descents. The trail leading to Jagat takes you through subtropical valleys, often featuring rocky and narrow trails. You will cross suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River and pass through the Tatopani hot spring. The journey further takes you across farmlands and small villages before the final ascent to the charming Gurung community in Jagat. Jagat is also the official entry checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Today’s journey starts by crossing the checkpoint at Philim. From Philim, you will take on gradual ascents, passing through cascading waterfalls and pine forests. Along your journey, you will also get your first distant glimpses of the Ganesh Himal Range. The ascent continues through the narrow path before a major junction that diverts away from the main Manaslu Circuit trail. Your guide will navigate you toward the northern part of the trail, along the less-trodden route to Lokpa.

Today, you will enter the Tsum Valley. The journey takes you through stunning landscapes and involves a challenging descent to Siyar Khola. From Siyar Khola, prepare for a gradual ascent toward Chumling. Continue the climb, relishing the views of Shiring Himal.

A 5 to 6-hour hike takes you to Chumling. This ancient village flaunts its ancient monasteries and traditional stone houses, transporting you back in time.

Leaving Chumling behind, you will continue your journey along the Siyar Khola. The trail gives you stunning mountain views of Ganesh Himal and Himchuli. As the journey continues, the trail steeply ascends toward the higher region of the Tsum Valley. Here, you will find wide-open fields and traditional villages.

You will stop for the night in Chhekampar, known for its two distinct villages: Upper Chhekampar and Lower Chhekampar. Enjoy the distinct Tibetan architecture, culture, and warm hospitality of the local community.

Today’s trek takes you further into the upper Tsum Valley, known for its profound spirituality. The trail passes through stunning Tibetan-inspired villages and across the wooden bridge of the Siyar Khola. Along your journey, you will also pass through the ancient Piren Phu Cave. Request your guide for a quick detour to this meditation retreat of the famous Buddhist saint Milarepa before stopping at your overnight destination in Nile.

Today is an essential accilmatization day. The day is dedicated to hiking to a higher region in Tsum Valley and returning to Nile for the overnight stay. This is done to follow the principle of the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. As a part of the strategy, you will hike to the Mu Gompa. This is the largest monastery in the Tsum region. The Mu Gompa also holds significant historical and religious significance. You can view the ancient scriptures, chortens, and statues. After descending to Nile, today’s journey also passes across the renowned nunnery of Rachen Gompa to settle down for the night.

Your long descent out of the Upper Tsum Valley begins today. The journey takes you back along familiar paths, passing several villages and forests. You will gradually drop to a lower altitude, giving your body greater comfort. Considering the relatively easier descent, you can enjoy the Himalayan landscapes from a different perspective.

After a 7 to 8-hour-long trek, you will reach Chumling, completing the circuit within the “Beyul”.

Today, you will officially leave the Tsum Valley and join the main Manaslu Circuit trail. The journey is a blend of steep descents and gradual ascents. Your trek first takes you to Lokpa, where you will exit the Tsum region and trail along the Budhi Gandaki valley to rejoin the Manalu route. Continue your trek through a picturesque gorge section before finally reaching the Gurung village of Deng.

Leaving Deng behind, you will trek into the Nupri region, where you can find a strong influence of Tibetan culture. You will cross the Budi Gandaki several times before entering the lush rhododendron and pine forests. As you continue forward, your journey takes you through the charming village of Prok, characterized by stone architecture. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Siringi Himal. Today's hike eventually takes you to Namrung, known for incredible views of Himal Chuli and Manaslu, as well as the well-known Namrung Monastery.

Today’s trek takes you on a gradual ascent into the alpine zone. As you climb higher, the dramatic Himalayan landscape becomes more frequent. Your journey passes through the village of Lo, famous for its large monastery. Here, you will take a brief rest and soak in the majestic views of Mount Manaslu. From Lo, you will continue toward your destination of Shyala. Shyala is located high in the valley. This destination offers 360-degree views of Himalayan giants, including Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli or Peak 29.

Your journey, upon leaving Shyala, begins with a gentle walk to the large village of Samagaon. Samagoan is known for the Puygyen Gompa, an ancient monastery and the spiritual center of the region. Before reaching your overnight destination, you will also take a short detour to Pungyen Gompa, where you can relish the phenomenal views of the Manaslu Glacier, Mount Manaslu, and the dramatic Himalayan landscape before returning to Samagaon.

Today is a crucial acclimatization day. This is important to allow your body to cope with the increasing altitude of the Himalayas and reduce the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness.

As a part of today’s itinerary, you will follow the strategic “climb high, sleep low” practice. You will hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,750 meters) along the rugged trail above Samagoan. This is a strenuous climb, but it rewards you with incredible views. After spending some time on Manaslu Base Camp, you will hike back to Samagaon.

After the strenuous Manaslu Base Camp hike, you will traverse the much gentler paths along the Budhi Ganki River. During today’s journey, you will encounter numerous mani walls and chortens, signifying the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in the region. The trek continues along the juniper and birch forests before eventually reaching the Tibetan refugee settlement of Samdo.

Today’s trek involves a steady ascent to Dharmashala. As you prepare to cross the demanding Larkya La Pass, you will spend the night at the base of this high-altitude pass in Larkya Phedi, also known as Dharmashala. The trek to your overnight destination takes you along the gentle ascent above the valley floor. Upon reaching your teahouse, you will head to bed early and prepare for an early start to the Larkya La Pass crossing.

Prepare for the most challenging and rewarding day of your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. You will begin your journey across the high-altitude Larkya La Pass before dawn with the use of headlights. The journey involves ascents over rugged and demanding terrain. Upon reaching the summit, you can enjoy a stunning sunrise over the spectacular panorama of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kanggaru, Annapurna I, and Manaslu. Spend some time soaking in your achievement before a long and careful descent to the lush valley of Bhimtang.

Your journey today involves an enjoyable descent through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. You will follow the Dudh Khola, taking in the views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks from a different perspective before reaching the large Gurung village of Tilije. Enjoy your incredible achievement on this Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna trail junction, where you will spend your final night in the Himalayas before returning to the bustling city.

You have come to the end of your trek in the Himalayas. Enjoy a hearty breakfast as you prepare to depart from the off-the-beaten-path trails of the Manaslu region. You will board a local bus or private jeep near the village and drive back to Kathmandu.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, our representatives will transfer you to your 3-star hotel. In the evening, head out to the vibrant hub of Thamel to celebrate your accomplishment with your fellow trekkers.

Your 20-day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek officially concludes today. Prepare to leave the hotel for the airport at least 3 hours before your boarding time. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours representative will assist in transferring to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle.