Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek - 22 Days

When your flight lands at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, one representative from our team will be waiting to greet you. From the airport, you are taken straight to your hotel, where you can settle, rest, and take your first look at the lovely streets and culture of the Kathmandu Valley.  Once you check in your room, you can rest and recover from your long journey or take a short walk around the nearby areas to get the first experience of Nepal’s vibrant culture. 

Today is a reserved day for final trek preparations. On this day, you meet your guide for a detailed briefing about the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. Check your gear and ensure all permits are in order, ensuring a hassle-free experience throughout the trek. If you have time, you can also explore some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Swyambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanatha Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. This is a great chance to soak in the city’s rich culture before heading into the mountains.

Today, your Himalayan journey begins with a long but beautiful drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. The route winds through hills, river valleys, and rural landscapes, offering views of terraced fields, waterfalls, and picturesque villages along the way. Though the road can be bumpy and dusty at times, the scenic drive alongside the Budhi Gandaki River offers a perfect chance to witness Nepal's beauty. Upon reaching Machha Khola, you are provided with basic teahouse accommodation for the first night on the trail.

Today’s trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River, navigating through lush forested hills, small villages, and narrow ridges. The trail takes you through charming villages like Khorlabesi and Tatopani, where you can enjoy the natural hot springs. You cross several suspension bridges and walk through terraced fields, gradually ascending towards the village of Jagat. This traditional stone village is considered to be the entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area, where you notice that the area is mostly influenced by Tibetan culture and traditions. Upon reaching Jagat, take some time to explore the village and enjoy the beautiful views of the nearby hills and the river flowing below.

On Day 05, you leave Jagat, where the trail ascends gradually through stone-paved paths and beautiful forested hills. Along the way, you pass through small villages like Salleri, well-known for its traditional fields and lifestyle. As you climb higher, the surroundings grow quieter and more secluded, with fewer people along the path and a deep sense of calm in the air. Reaching Lopka, a quiet village surrounded by pine forests and dramatic cliffs, offers you a tranquil atmosphere to rest for the night.

Today’s journey takes you deeper into the mystical Tsum Valley, a region rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture. You begin your journey with a descent through lush forests before climbing steadily through the narrow paths of the hillsides. As you walk, you can enjoy the views of Ganesh Himal and cross long suspension bridges over the Syar Khola. Upon reaching Chumling, a quiet and culturally rich stop, you get your first real taste of the spiritual atmosphere. Chumling is known for its traditional stone houses, ancient monasteries, and warm-hearted locals. 

Today’s trek offers a rewarding climb deeper into the heart of Tsum Valley, where you cross several suspension bridges and pass through forested trails with spectacular views of Ganesh Himal and other nearby peaks. As you gain elevation, the terrain opens up into a wide landscape, with scattered villages and open fields. After a steady uphill walk, you reach Chhokang Paro, one of the main villages in the Tsum Valley. Upon arriving in Chhokang Paro, you can notice the strong presence of Tibetan culture, stone mani walls, prayer wheels, and chortens along the trail, giving the village a peaceful and spiritual feel. The views become wider, and the air feels fresh and cool.

As you continue trekking through the Tsum Valley, the landscape becomes even more remote and spiritually rich. The trail takes you through scattered villages, colorful prayer flags, and ancient mani walls, with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Along the way, you pass through gentle ascents along the Syar Khola River and arrive in Chhule, a quiet village filled with stone houses and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Chhule is known to be home to ancient traditions and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place to rest before heading to Mu Gompa. 

Today’s trek from Chhule to Mu Gompa is a quiet yet rewarding journey that takes you through the heart of the Tsum Valley. As you climb, the landscapes open up, where you can witness the magnificent views of snowy peaks from a distance. Along the way, you pass through yak pastures, where you can feel the air grow thinner with fresh atmosphere. After walking about 6 to 7 hours, you reach Mu Gompa, the highest and most sacred monastery in the region, which is a peaceful spot to witness impressive mountains and interact with the locals of the area. 

Trekking from Mu Gompa to Chhokang includes a gentle descent, making it easier for you. As you descend, you can witness a gradual change in the landscape with more greenery and scattered stone houses. Along the way, you pass through several peaceful villages, where you see yaks grazing on the fields. Reaching Chhokang, one of the main villages in the Tsum Valley, you can interact with the locals of the area. As Chhokang is mainly influenced by the traditional Tibetan culture, with stone houses, it is an ideal place to rest and experience the cultural depth of the Tsum Valley.

Making your journey from Chhokang to Chumling takes about 5 hours, descending through peaceful pine forests and quiet hillside paths. The route includes some rocky sections, as you pass through old mani walls and cross wooden bridges with a spectacular mountain view of Ganesh Himal. As you reach Chumling, a picturesque village situated in green hills, it is a well-known spot for its ancient monastery, traditional stone houses, and peaceful village life.

Today’s walk from Chumling to Deng takes around 5 to 6 hours, through a scenic trail that winds through dense forests, narrow ridges, and small villages. The path gradually descends, and the air feels warmer as you descend. Along the way, you can see impressive waterfalls as well as the sound of the flowing river, creating a peaceful environment throughout the journey. As you near Deng, you cross a few suspension bridges and reach your final spot for today. Deng is a small village surrounded by farmlands, with a calm atmosphere where you witness eye-catching views of nearby hills.

The trek from Deng to Namrung takes about 6 to 7 hours, moving through a mix of forested trails, rocky paths, and river crossings over suspension bridges. The route slowly climbs, with scattered villages and mani walls adding a cultural feel to the journey. Ascending higher, there is a gradual change in the landscape, where you witness more pine forests, open valleys, and snow-covered peaks from a distance. Reaching Namrung, a beautiful village known for its stone houses, welcoming tea houses, and mesmerizing views of Ganesh and Siringi Himal from a distance. 

Moving from Namrung to Samagaun starts with a gradual altitude gain, taking about 6 hours to reach. The path leads you through cool mountain forests, stepped farmlands, and quiet villages built in traditional Tibetan style, such as Lihi and Lho. Along the way, you can get the dramatic views of Manaslu and nearby peaks, creating an unforgettable experience, mainly for beginners. The trail is steep with plenty of spots to rest and witness the impressive scenery. Reaching Samagaun, you can find quiet, traditional villages situated beneath towering glaciers and mountain valleys. 

Day 15 is a well-earned rest day in Samagaun, but you can still explore the nearby areas. Located at 3,534 meters, the village is surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, including a chance to get a close look at Mount Manaslu. Today, you have the chance to explore nearby sights like Birendra Tal, a calm glacial lake not far from Samagaun. Another option is to hike the old Pungyen Monastery, which offers peaceful views and a closer look at local spiritual life. This day is crucial and perfect to acclimate, soak in the culture, interact with the friendly locals, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this area. 

Trekking from Samagaun to Samdo is a short but rewarding journey, taking about 3 to 4 hours, where the trail gently climbs through wide, open valleys with dry fields and scattered yak herds. As you move higher, the trees disappear, and the air feels thinner, with the impressive view of Mount Manaslu and other nearby peaks. Reaching Samdo, a small village close to the Tibetan border, is a well-known place to experience Tibetan culture, making it a quiet and peaceful spot.

Today’s trek from Samdo to Dharmasala takes around 4 to 5 hours, steadily through barren, rocky terrain with incredible mountain views all around. The trail follows a glacial river, crossing wooden bridges and passing old mani walls, where the landscape becomes more rugged with fewer natural vegetation. As you approach Dharmasala, Larkya La Phedi is the final spot before crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass. 

Making your journey from Dharmasala to Bhimthang via Larkya La Pass is one of the toughest days of the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. The journey starts with an early morning breakfast in Dharmasala. The trail includes passing through rocky, exposed terrain, slowly making its way to the rugged Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters, the highest point of the trek. From the top, the panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II make your journey worth the visit. 

After a short break at the pass, you descend through steep, rocky trails, along with the striking landscapes of the Pongkar Tal and the icy ridges of the Salphu Danda Glaciers. After walking for about 8 to 9 hours, you reach Bhimthang, a peaceful alpine village and a perfect place to rest after the long and rewarding journey.

On Day 19, you trek from Bhimthang to Tilje, taking about 5 to 6 hours, and offering a refreshing change as you descend. The trail winds through thick pine and rhododendron woods, crossing over clear mountain streams and simple wooden bridges along the way. As you descend, the snowy peaks start to fade behind the landscape, becoming more lush and lively. Along the way, you pass through grazing meadows and small settlement areas. As you reach Tilje, a peaceful village surrounded by farmland and rolling hills, it serves as a perfect place to relax after days in the high mountains. 

On the final trekking day, you walk from Tilje to Dharapamni, taking about 2 to 3 hours, passing through quiet settlement areas, terraced fields, and peaceful forest paths. The descent is gentle, and the trail feels warmer and more lively as you approach lower elevations. Once you reach Dharapani, you take a scenic jeep ride to Besisahar, taking about 4 to 5 hours. The journey winds through hills and river valleys, making the end of your incredible adventure in the Manaslu Tsum Valley region special and memorable.

The final day of your journey begins with a drive from Besisahar back to Kathmandu, which takes about 5 to 6 hours. The road winds through beautiful hills, rivers, and small villages, offering one last glimpse of rural areas in Nepal. As you near Kathmandu, the scenery shifts from quiet countryside to the bustling energy of Kathmandu. After spending days in the mountains, returning to the capital feels satisfying, as you get time to rest and celebrate the trek’s completion. In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate the end of your trekking journey. It is a perfect chance to relax, share your stories with fellow trekkers, and reflect on the unforgettable moments that you have experienced.

On your final day in Nepal, you will be transferred to the international airport for your final departure. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few chances to walk through the streets of Kathmandu in the morning. As you head to the airport, take a chance to unwind the memories of mountain trails, peaceful villages, and warm hospitality provided by the locals. The mountains will always be here, waiting for your return. Until then, take care, and keep exploring the world with the same spirit—safe travels and smooth journey ahead.