Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek - 21 Days

A representative from Index Adventure will meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport entrance gate and transfer you to your hotel. You'll likely have a briefing session with us to discuss the Manaslu trek itinerary, necessary gear, and safety precautions.

On your preparation day, dedicate your time to immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural and religious heritage. You can stroll around your hotel, buy necessary gear and souvenirs, or rest for your upcoming trip to the Himalayas.

If you want an itinerary (Manaslu Circuit 14-day package) that avoids a preparation day in Kathmandu, we are happy to arrange it for you.

Early in the morning, a guide picks you up at the hotel. Today, you depart from Kathmandu via scenic drive to Macchakhola via Arughat Bazar, Kurepani (Gurung and Magar villages), and Soti Khola.

The drive starts with a smooth, paved road covering 115km, which takes 5 hours to reach Tari Bensi. And the road becomes increasingly uneven and rugged until your last stop, Macchakhola.

From Machha Khola, the narrow trail leads to Khorlabesi, crossing a suspension bridge before arriving. The route involves both uphill and downhill climbs. 

Continuing along a stone staircase and crossing another suspension bridge, we'll reach Thulo Bharyang. From there, we walk along the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. After climbing a ridge, the trail leads to Jagat, a small village along the riverbank.

Jagat is the entry point of the Manaslu Conservation Area, where we will register our permits at a police checkpoint. We will spend the night at a lodge in Jagat.

Today, we'll enter the restricted region of Tsum Valley, which requires a restricted area permit. We follow the sandy banks of the river with spectacular views of Sangrila Himal. We'll face several uphill and downhill sections. 

A glimpse of the village of Philim, and we’ll stop for lunch at one of the teahouses there. After exploring Philim, we'll head towards the Ekle Bhatti route, marking our entry into Tsum Valley. A final climb brings us to Lokpa, where we'll be rewarded with stunning views of Ganesh Himal and Sangrila Himal in the opposite direction. Overnight accommodation will be at a lodge in Lokpa. 

After a filling breakfast at Lokpa, we’ll head towards Chumling. We’ll take the uphill climb while observing the incredible Ganesh Himal range. The trail will then follow the route to Chumling. We will descend to Gumlung and Siyar Khola and cross a suspension bridge.

After crossing the bridge, we will finally ascend to a narrow trail to Chumling. Chumling is a beautiful village in the southern direction of Sangrila Himal. Most of the houses in Chumling are classic Tibetan style.

Chumling is also popular in the Lower Tsum Valley. We will stay overnight at a lodge in Chumling.

At first, we will cross a suspension bridge, which will take us to a new forest towards Chekampar. On walking through the lush jungles, we will come across white-faced langurs. We will continue walking towards Tanju and the small Daphe Gompa. The gompa consists of several ceramic Buddha statues.

After walking for about 2-3 hours, we’ll follow the route to Upper Tsum Valley along with the majestic slate chortens toward the village of Chhokang and Paro. Chhokang and Paro are collectively known as Chekampar. The stone houses of Chekampar make the village very fascinating to look at. Overnight at a lodge in Chekampar.

We will walk towards a local school in Kaye from Chekampar. The route will then lead us towards the twin villages of Ngakyu and Leru. Across the river sits the Rachen Nunnery. Before you reach Lama Gaun, the trail involves a low ridge climb with chortens.

We will explore Milarepa’s Cave and Burji Village. Milarepa’s cave sits on the slope of Langju Himal. On walking a little east from the cave, we will reach the Chi Pu monastery. You will cross the southeast bank of Siyar Khola, from where the route will take us to Phurbe. On reaching Phurbe, we’ll head up towards Pangdun. Pangdun consists of a Gompa with a large prayer wheel. Before we enter the large village of Chhule, we will explore the round stupa. On walking further, we will explore the Gonhgye Monastery. After crossing the Chhule village, we will take a final ascent to the Nile. Overnight at a lodge on the Nile.

The trekking trail today is close to the Nepal-Tibet border. From the Nile, we will head towards the westward direction. We will have a very short hike from the Nile to Mu Gompa. Mu Gompa is the highest point of the trek. It sits at a height of 3,700 meters and is a 77-year-old Gompa. Mu Gompa gives you the best views of the surrounding mountains and Lungdang Glacier.  We will get to see two passes towards the east and west of the Gompa. They are Mailatasachin Pass (5,093m) and Thapla Bhanjyang (5,104m) respectively. We will also hike up to the Pika Himal Base Camp. We will pay a visit to Dephyu Dolma Gompa, which is 600 years 600-year-old Gompa. After exploring the Nile Gompa and its surroundings, we will head back toward the Nile.

From the Nile, we will take the route that will take us to Pangdun and then towards Phurbe. The trail from Phurbe will lead us to Rachen Monastery. The monastery consists of several large prayer wheels and is decorated with colorful prayer flags that reflect Buddhism. We will then follow the river bank of Siyar Khola towards Milarepa's Cave and then towards Burji village. From the village, the trail will take us to Lama Gaon.

A downhill walk from Lama Gaon will take us to the twin village, from where we’ll walk towards Chhekampar. Return to back same route to Chumling.

Today we will leave the Tsum Valley and walk alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. After we cross the river, the path gets steeper for a while and becomes steady near Pewa. From Pewa, we will continue walking uphill until we reach Deng. The mostly involves walking through the Bamboo forest. After crossing the Deng Khola, we will finally reach the village of Deng. The culture and tradition of the Deng are similar to those of Tibetans and differ among the people of the lower regions.

At first, we will start walking along the Budhi Gandaki River and take an uphill climb. After walking for about an hour from Deng, we will reach Rana.

From Rana, we will take an ascent towards Bihi Phedi. The route to Bihi Phedi is quite zigzag. We will climb the stone stairs and descend towards charming waterfalls and streams. We will reach the Shringi Khola suspension bridge after walking for about 3 hours from the village. From there, we will ascend towards Ghap village.  We will have your lunch in the village and continue walking again. From here, we will walk towards higher areas along the forest of firs.We’ll continue walking towards a steep climb from Ghap village until we reach Namrung.

Today, the trail has magnificent sights of the mountains, like Himchuli, the Shringi range, and Mount Manaslu. Then trek via Lihi and Sho Gaun, passing by Ghumna and Tong gompa.

Finally, a long stone mani wall marks your presence in the village of Lho Gaun. As you enter the Lho village, a splendid view of Manaslu Massif comes close, so does the Ribung Gompa and Kandjur scripts monastery. As you hike, we will reach Shyala village, one of the affected towns by the Nepal earthquake 2015.

You hike to the sacred Pungyen Gompa ( Monastery) of the region. The Gompa provides breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, Puggen taal, Numla Khola, and Pungyen Glacier. This area holds a tranquil ambiance with glittering cultural aspects of the Nubri of the Manaslu region. The trail stretches towards the settlement of Samagaun, one of the most beautiful villages during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The remaining time is free for you to explore.

Today, stay at Samagaun for acclimatization, an essential part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary. Let your body acclimate to the high altitude.

You can hike to base camp to conquer Manaslu Base Camp (4895m), where you can get magnificent views of Manaslu glacier and Mt Manaslu (Kang Pungen). This round trip takes you 7-8 hours to complete. If you wish to explore differently, there is a glacier across the valley (Birendra Tal).

Also, you can skip the hike and rest at Samagaun and explore the village if you wish to.

Today is a rest day for you. You will explore the architecture and custom of the village. You can also take a short hike towards Birendra Tal and Anie Gompa if you want to.

Birendra Tal sits below the Manaslu river. It offers spectacular views of the snowy mountains of the region.

If you want you can visit the Pungyen Gompa that sits above the Pungyen glacier. Pungyen Gompa is quite a distance from Sma Gaun. so, you will be physically fit if you want to trek up to the Gompa.

After exploring the Gompa, you will head back to Sama Gaun for overnight stay.  

From Sama Gaun, we’ll descend towards the Budhi Gandaki River. It's an easy walk passing several Mani Walls along the way. Continuing through juniper and birch forests, we'll reach stone walls that divide Sama Gaun and Samdo villages. Crossing a wooden bridge, we'll follow the route to Samdo, a remote village known for its rich culture and traditions. Samdo offers beautiful views of Samdo Peak. Overnight accommodation will be at a lodge in Samdo.

The trail from Samdo to Dharmasala is quite wide. The route descends to the Budhi Gandaki River. After crossing the river, we will walk along the Mani walls.

We will head north towards the Panda Danda Valley. From there, the route will lead us through juniper forests.The track narrows as we ascend towards the Larkya Glacier, beyond Larkya La Phedi. Finally, we will reach Dharmasala. Dharmasala is a seasonal village with several camping areas. The guest houses and lodges in the village are simple stone structure designs.

Today is a long day of trekking. We will cross the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). Crossing the pass can be quite challenging, as most of the trails are often covered with layers of snow. Initially, we will ascend over the ridge beside the lateral moraine of the Larke Glacier.

Reaching the top of the moraine involves traversing long and rocky routes. As we descend from the past, we will pass by four frozen lakes. The views of Mt. Himlung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II are breathtaking. Descending requires careful footing, so we need to watch our steps!

Along the way, we will enjoy stunning vistas of mountains, rivers, icefalls, glacier lakes, and the Bimtang glacier. The route to Bimthang is a mix of grassy and rocky terrain. Upon reaching Bimthang, we will be treated to magnificent views of Mount Manaslu. We will spend the night at a lodge in Bimthang.

After a good sleep, rise with the fantastic views of dominant Mt Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and Lamjung Himal. Starting this day, you descend through vast pastures to the riverbed of the Dudh Khola. Cross a wooden bridge as the trail climbs alongside terraced paddies before Kharche.

This mountain pass is less spectacular than Larkya La. But affords excellent views of the path you are going to take. Witness Marsyangdi River winding through a forested valley far below. After a few hours of walking, past the small settlements like Kharche and Goa, you reach Tilije.

After a long hike, we conclude the day and the Manaslu round trip with a drive to Besisahar by Chyamche and Jagat. These points are the starting point of another popular trip in Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit.

Today is when you leave behind the Manaslu with memories filled with unforgettable natural vistas, local cultural experiences, and challenging passes. and then continue to Kathmandu or Pokhara in a drive-by Bus.

Today is the longest day of the trip before you enjoy your well-deserved nap during the night.

As your 21 -days Manaslu Tsum valley trek Package comes to an end, we will transfer you to the airport for departure and bid you farewell until we see you again. You take the memories and we keep the friendship we share during the trail.