Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

Home
Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

Start atKathmandu

DifficultyModerate

Ends atKathmandu

ActivityHiking

TransporationPrivate Land Trasnportation

AccomodationTea House

Duration20 days

Meals3X(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)&3X(Tea or Coffee)

Max Altititude5167m

Best Seasons(Mar-May)(Sep-Nov)

Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek Highlights

Explore the less-traveled and hidden valleys of the Manaslu region.
Trek to the Tibetan border on the northern side of the Manaslu region.
Visit ancient monasteries, chortens and gompas in the area.
Witness panoramic views of Mount Manaslu, Hiunchuli, Ganesh Himal and Larkye Peak.
Navigate unique trekking routes to the traditional Tsum Valley.

This 20-day trek takes you through the Manaslu Conservation Area and into the secluded Tsum Valley, a world close to the Tibetan border. The valley was settled centuries ago by travelers from Tibet and today reflects a unique blend of Nepali and Tibetan languages, religion and culture.

The Manaslu Conservation Area surrounds Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). It is a restricted area allowing only a limited number of visitors and is home to distinctive flora and fauna.

The trek can be accessed by air and road. Reaching the starting point requires a full day of travel and the return journey similarly takes a day. The remaining 18 days are spent trekking through some of Nepal’s most beautiful countryside. Pine forests and rhododendron groves provide a sense of tranquility while deep gorges, rocky trails and towering mountains evoke awe and wonder.

The route includes a high pass with views of icefalls and glaciers, a high-altitude lake, diverse wildlife and visits to Buddhist monasteries. This trek is strenuous, reaching altitudes over 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) and twice exceeding 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). Trekkers should be prepared for long walking days of up to seven hours and have an interest in experiencing the local lifestyle and culture in remote mountain settings.

As you enter the Tsum Valley, the landscape, villages and people take on a distinctly Tibetan character which adds to the uniqueness of the experience. The trek features thundering waterfalls and rivers, challenging rocky trails along cliff faces, Gurung villages with rice and millet terraces, long suspension bridges and numerous Buddhist shrines including mani walls and chortens.

The Tsum Valley is known as a hidden valley with a culture and landscape closely related to Tibet. During this section, trekkers can meet Buddhist monks and nuns and visit Milarepa’s Cave.

Mountain views are spectacular throughout the trek including Mount Manaslu and the surrounding ranges of Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Ganesh Himal and Larkye Peak. From Larkya La, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of icefalls, frozen lakes, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the massive Annapurna II.

This trek offers a rare opportunity to experience diverse landscapes and cultures within a single journey. While it requires stamina and preparation, the reward is unparalleled: stunning views of snow-capped mountains, unique cultural encounters and an unforgettable adventure in one of Nepal’s most remote regions.

Fixed Departure Dates

Trip Date	Seats Remaining
October 20 - January 1	20 Seats Left	Book Now

Full Name*

Phone Number

Email*

Nationality*

Number of Guest*

Your Message*

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

The Everest View land-only package begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. Upon reaching the airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcoming dinner. Airport transfers are included as part of the package.

Day 2

Drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola

Today involves a long road journey to Maccha Khola, the starting point of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. The scenery along the way is captivating, but the road can be bumpy and uncomfortable.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and provide two options for the journey. After a leisurely breakfast, a private jeep can pick you up for a more comfortable and flexible ride. Alternatively, your guide can meet you at 5:30 a.m. to take you to the bus station, where you will board a local bus. The bus option is included in the trek price, but it may not be very restful.

Depending on your choice of transport, the journey takes approximately 7 to 9 hours, with the final few hours on a rough and bumpy road, leading to the first overnight stop.

Day 3

Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat

Today begins your trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat. The route gradually ascends to higher elevations, allowing ample time for acclimatization. The trek starts at a low altitude, where the weather is generally warm and sunny.

Highlights of the day include crossing suspension bridges, walking through lush forests and possibly spotting monkeys in the Manaslu Conservation Area. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, requiring several ascents and descents along the way, offering a true Himalayan trekking experience.

The overnight stay is in Jagat village, home primarily to Gurung and Tamang communities.

Day 4

Trek from Jagat to Lokpa

Today, the trek follows the Manaslu Circuit Trail until branching off toward the Tsum Valley after lunch. The route begins with a walk through cooling forests and along streams, ascending to Salleri village and then descending to Siribass village.

As the valley gradually widens, the trail leads to Philm village. From there, the trek continues to a small settlement called Ekle Bhatti, passing through a gorge, crossing the Budhi Gandaki River and entering a bamboo forest within the valley.

After lunch, the route diverts from the main trail into the hidden Tsum Valley, culminating at Lokpa village, where you will stay overnight.

Day 5

Trek from Lokpa to Chumling

Today’s trek involves a challenging climb with rewarding sights along the way, including a deep gorge, the Lungwa River valley, and forests of rhododendron, pine and juniper. Ganesh Himal stands out as the most prominent peak in view.

Upon arrival at Chumling village, there is an opportunity to visit nearby Buddhist monasteries, including Panago Gompa and Gurwa Gompa, which are just two of the many sacred sites on this trek.

Chumling consists of a few simple houses. Arriving around lunchtime provides a great opportunity to explore these monasteries before settling in for the evening.

Day 6

Trek from Chumling to Chekampar (Chokhangparo)

Today begins with views of Shringri Himal, offering a stunning sunrise over the surrounding peaks. We then continue towards the Upper Tsum Valley, passing along a high ridge with Ganesh Himal visible in its full grandeur.

The settlements along the route increasingly reflect Tibetan-style architecture and culture. Chekampar is located in flat meadows and comprises two small settlements. Before reaching the village, trekkers must carefully navigate a landslide-affected area.

Day 7

Trek from Chekampar to Nile

After leaving Chekampar, the trail leads towards the final settlement in the Tsum Valley. As the altitude increases, trekkers should remain mindful of their physical condition and acclimatization.

Highlights of the day include a visit to Milarepa’s Cave, a meditation site of the 11th-century Tibetan guru. This is one of several caves he used during his travels in Nepal. The trail now approaches the Tibetan border, with Nile being the last settlement within the Tsum Valley.

Before settling at the teahouse for the night, there is an opportunity to visit Rachen Gompa and interact with Buddhist monks, where possible.

Day 8

Day Trip to Mu Gompa – Overnight, if possible, or return to Nile

Today offers an opportunity to visit Mu Gompa, the most renowned monastery in the region. The monastery features beautifully painted murals of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara, along with a rich collection of Buddhist artifacts, making it a highly interesting site for exploration.

After the visit, we will return to Nile for the second overnight stay, unless an overnight at Mu Gompa is feasible.

Day 9

Trek from Nile to Chekampar

Today, we begin our return journey by retracing the trail from Nile back to Chekampar. This is the designated route for the descent and we will follow the same path we took on the way in.

Day 10

Trek from Chekampar to Chumling

Today, we begin our descent from Chekampar to Chumling. Walking at a lower altitude makes the trek more comfortable, with the air feeling less thin. Along the way, we pass through forests, local villages, and follow scenic river trails, enjoying the beauty of the landscape.

Day 11

Trek from Chumling to Deng

Although today’s trek is at a lower altitude, the trail still presents several ups and downs that challenge our stamina. Along the way, we enjoy captivating views of Sringi Himal and pass through cultivated fields, observing the local crops. We cross the Budhi Gandaki River via a suspension bridge and continue walking through the familiar rhododendron forests, taking in the serene natural surroundings.

Day 12

Trek from Deng to Namrung

Today we return to the main Manaslu Trek trail. The day begins with a steep ascent followed by a descent to the Budhi Gandaki River. Careful attention is required while crossing a landslide-affected area.

We then arrive at Namrung, a picturesque village known for its charming tea houses and comfortable lodges. Its scenic location offers a perfect spot to rest and enjoy the surrounding landscapes.

Day 13

Trek from Namrung to Lho

Today we encounter the Nubri people, who migrated from Tibet several centuries ago. Their traditional Tibetan-style clothing and lifestyle provide a unique cultural insight.

The trail gradually ascends through forested areas, with stunning views of Mount Manaslu accompanying us along the way. Mani walls and painted gateways welcome us as we reach Lho, where we will spend the night.

Day 14

Trek from Lho to Sama Gaun

Today, we trek through forested areas and a moss-covered gully before reaching Sama Gaun, allowing time to explore this intriguing settlement.

Sama Gaun is primarily inhabited by the Nubri people, who are traditional yak herders. The village is surrounded by yak pastures and features a monastery that can be visited.

The village also has a heliport and a health post, which are valuable resources for the local and surrounding communities. Additionally, WiFi access may be available here.

Day 15

Rest Day or Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa)

This day serves as an ideal acclimatization opportunity before ascending to higher altitudes. The most effective way to acclimatize is to stay active while taking in the surroundings.

There are several options for today’s activities. You can take a short walk to Birendra Tal, a high-altitude lake, which takes only a couple of hours. For a more energetic option, hike to Pungyen Gompa, a journey of approximately 5 to 6 hours. The Nubri people believe that Lord Pungyen is the guardian of Mt. Manaslu, and this monastery is dedicated to him. Visitors can explore the murals and enjoy the peace and serenity of the site.

For a more challenging option, you can hike to Manaslu Base Camp at 4,880 meters (15,748 feet), which takes around 7 hours. While this is the more taxing option, the spectacular mountain views make the effort worthwhile. From the base camp, you can admire towering peaks such as Himalchuli (7,893 meters / 25,895 feet), Shringi Himal (7,187 meters / 23,579 feet), and Ganesh Himal (7,319 meters / 24,012 feet).

Day 16

Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo

From Sama Gaun, today’s trek to Samdo is relatively short and manageable. Samdo is a fascinating village predominantly inhabited by the Bhotia community, who follow Tibetan Buddhism.

From Samdo, trekkers have the option to visit Samdo Peak or explore nearby villages. The hike to Samdo Peak takes you through the valley, passing herds of grazing yaks, and involves crossing the Budhi Gandaki River to reach White Kani village.

Day 17

Rest Day or Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to the Tibetan Border)

Today is an acclimatization day in preparation for tomorrow’s climb over Larkya Pass. You can take a day trip to the Tibetan border, where stunning views of the Samdo Glacier and the massive seracs at its top are visible. From this vantage point, you can also see several prominent peaks, including Manaslu, Kang Gurung, Larkya Peak and Hiunchuli.

Day 18

Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala

Today, we pass through Larke Bazaar, an important trading post historically used for trade between Tibet and Nepal. If trade is taking place, there is an opportunity to observe the local transactions. After Larke Bazaar, we cross the Budhi Gandaki River and continue to Dharmasala, where we can enjoy views of the Larkya Glacier.

Day 19

Trek from Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass

Today begins very early, at around 3 a.m., to ensure we cross the high Larkya Pass before strong winds develop later in the morning. The pass sits at an altitude of 5,160 m (16,929 ft) and consists of rocky moraine, so we proceed carefully.

The effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the top, including Himlung (7,126 m / 23,379 ft) and Annapurna II (7,937 m / 26,040 ft). During the descent, we enjoy sights of Pongkar Tal, Salpu Danda Glaciers and massive icefalls, making this a truly memorable day in the Himalayas.

Day 20

Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani

Today marks the final day of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek. As we descend, the altitude eases and we enjoy the warmth of the sun while passing through lush landscapes and cultivated farmland. Birdsong accompanies our journey and we remain alert for local wildlife as we complete the trek and make our way back toward Dharapani.

Day 21

Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we depart from Dharapani and head to Tilije to collect a private jeep. From there, we drive to Besisahar and continue onward to Kathmandu, completing the journey.

Includes/Excludes

Airport Pick up -Drop by Private Tourist Vehichle.
Two night 3 Star Category hotel in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast.
During the trek three times full board meals (Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner) & 3X(Tea or Coffee)
Manaslu Conservation Area Project and Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit.
All land Transportation by Private Vehichle.
Fresh fruits After dinner everyday.
Twin sharing private room throughout the trek.
1 pcs snicker or Mars Chocolate each person every day
A trekking guide - Fluent English speaking, experienced, knowledgeable. Mountain porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) together with their payments, gears, foods and accommodations.
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Trekking Map
Trek Completion Certificate
First Aid Kit
Nepal Visa fees on your airport arrival (You should bring US/Euro cash and two passport size picture)
Personal expenses (Shopping, Laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, mineral water or boiled water, Phone calls, hot shower etc.)
Tips for guides and porters.
Your personal insurance
Rescue in case emergency

FAQs

The ideal trekking seasons are pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November). During these periods, the weather is generally clear, with optimal mountain views, blooming rhododendrons in spring and stable trails. Winters can be very cold with heavy snow, while monsoon brings slippery trails and limited visibility.

Yes, the Manaslu region is a restricted area. Trekkers require a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and a Tsum Valley Permit. These permits are usually arranged by your trekking operator but you must carry them with you at all times during the trek.

This trek is considered moderate to strenuous. You will be crossing multiple high passes over 5,000 meters, trekking 5–8 hours a day and navigating rocky, steep and sometimes slippery trails. Good fitness, stamina and prior trekking experience at high altitudes are highly recommended.

Absolutely. The trek passes through Gurung, Tamang, Nubri and Tibetan-influenced communities. Villagers are welcoming and you can observe traditional farming, yak herding and Buddhist rituals. Visits to monasteries like Mu Gompa and Pungyen Gompa offer unique cultural experiences.

Yes, since the trek crosses high-altitude passes such as Larkya La (5,160 m), Kang La (5,350 m) and Nar Pass (5,400 m), there is a risk of altitude sickness. Proper acclimatization days, staying hydrated and walking at a steady pace are crucial. Experienced guides can monitor and manage altitude-related issues.

The trek starts at Maccha Khola and ends at Dharapani, accessible by road from Kathmandu via Besisahar. Local transportation or private jeeps are used for the approach and departure. The return journey usually takes a full day, with scenic glimpses of rivers, villages and mountain landscapes along the way.

Price Per Person

USD 1,400

Package Info