Manaslu Circuit With Tsum Valley Trek – 22 Days

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, Lhasso Adventure representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll have some free time to rest, freshen up, and enjoy a meal. In the evening, we gather for team introductions, a briefing session, and general discussions about the adventure ahead. Later, we head out for a welcome dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants, where you can experience authentic Nepali cuisine.

After an early breakfast, we leave Kathmandu for a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway. The road winds past rivers, terraced farmland, and small towns, offering glimpses of Nepal’s rural beauty. We’ll pass through Dhading and Arughat before following the Budhi Gandaki River north to Machha Khola. The final stretch of the drive is on a rugged dirt track that adds a sense of adventure. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into a teahouse by the river and enjoy your first night in the hills.

Today’s walk begins with gentle ups and downs along the river. You’ll cross several suspension bridges and pass through Khorlabesi village. After a short climb, you’ll reach the natural hot springs at Tatopani—an optional stop for a refreshing soak. The trail then continues through forests and narrow gorges, crossing landslide-prone areas with care. After climbing stone staircases and crossing the Budhi Gandaki on a long suspension bridge, we finally reach the beautifully terraced village of Jagat, where Tibetan influences begin to appear.

From Jagat, the trail ascends through sub-tropical forests and takes you to the charming village of Philim, known for its school built by Japanese aid. After passing Ekle Bhatti, we leave the Manaslu Circuit and enter the secluded Tsum Valley. The path narrows and becomes more dramatic, with deep gorges and waterfalls. After a steady climb through dense forest, we reach Lokpa—our first stop in the sacred Tsum Valley, offering a quiet ambiance and panoramic views.

Today’s journey takes us deeper into the Tsum Valley. We descend through thick pine and rhododendron forests and cross several suspension bridges over the Shiar Khola. After a steep and steady climb on a narrow trail, we reach Chumling, a traditional village with stone houses and intricate woodwork. From here, enjoy your first views of Ganesh Himal. You may also visit local gompas and interact with villagers, who follow Tibetan Buddhism.

Leaving Chumling, we cross another suspension bridge and continue along a gradually ascending path with beautiful forested landscapes. The air becomes cooler and the vegetation more alpine. As we approach Chekampar, the valley widens, and the scenery opens up to vast fields and mountain vistas. This village, split into Upper and Lower sections, reflects rich Tibetan heritage. You’ll see mani walls, chortens, and flat-roofed stone houses with prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

This is a short and gradual ascent deeper into the Upper Tsum Valley. The trail offers sweeping views of the valley, dotted with traditional villages and yak herding camps. We pass through Lamagaon and visit the sacred Milarepa Cave, a meditation site associated with the revered Tibetan saint. Continuing north, we reach Nile, the last permanent settlement before the Tibetan border. The high, dry landscape is reminiscent of Tibet and offers a unique contrast to the lush forests below.

We begin early for a side trip to Mu Gompa, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in the region. The trail climbs steadily through a high, arid landscape with expansive views of the surrounding peaks. Mu Gompa, perched on a hilltop, offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Monks often invite visitors for tea, and you may explore the ancient scriptures and artwork preserved here. After soaking in the tranquility, we return to Nile for the night.

We retrace our steps through the beautiful Upper Tsum Valley, passing the same villages and landscapes with new perspectives. The trail descends gently, making the walk easier and more relaxed. Along the way, you’ll have more time to visit small monasteries and interact with local families. Overnight stay in Chhokang.

Continue descending through pine forests and past mani walls as we follow the trail back to Chumling. As you descend, you’ll feel the change in air and temperature. The lush greenery and terraced fields once again surround the trail. Rest overnight in Chumling, revisiting the familiar village with a deeper appreciation of its surroundings.

Today, we leave the Tsum Valley and rejoin the Manaslu Circuit at Lokpa. From here, the trail heads west, descending and climbing along the Budhi Gandaki. Dense forests and deep gorges make for dramatic scenery. Cross multiple suspension bridges and small villages before reaching Deng, a small settlement surrounded by forested hills.

We begin with a gentle walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests. The trail crosses the Budhi Gandaki several times, leading through villages like Rana and Bihi. As we ascend, the scenery becomes more alpine and Buddhist culture becomes more visible. Namrung, a prosperous village, offers superb mountain views, including peaks like Siring and Ganesh Himal.

The trail continues through Sho and Shyala, offering breathtaking views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli. Prayer wheels, mani stones, and gompas line the trail. Lho is a large village known for its beautiful monastery and panoramic mountain backdrop. Explore Ribung Gompa and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by snowy peaks.

We trek higher into the Nubri Valley. After crossing a plateau and passing yak pastures, we reach Sama Gaun—one of the largest villages in the region. Sama Gaun is rich in culture and tradition, home to ancient monasteries and stone houses. From here, enjoy striking views of Manaslu and its surrounding glaciers.

Spend the day acclimatizing to the higher altitude. Choose between a challenging hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) for incredible views of the Manaslu Glacier or a cultural visit to Pungyen Gompa, perched on a ridge with views of surrounding peaks and glaciers. Return to Sama Gaun to rest and recover.

A short and scenic trek leads to Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village just a few hours away. The trail passes long mani walls, grazing yaks, and wide open valleys. Samdo lies close to the Tibetan border and offers insight into ancient trade routes and cross-border culture.

To aid acclimatization, we hike toward the remote Lajyung La Pass, near the Tibetan border. This optional trek offers wide views of Himalayan ranges and a glimpse into high-altitude life. Return to Samdo for overnight rest before crossing the pass tomorrow.

Begin the gradual ascent toward Larkya Phedi, also called Dharmasala. This high camp offers basic accommodations and lies at the foot of the Larkya La Pass. Take the afternoon to rest and prepare for the challenging crossing the next day.

We start early for the longest and most demanding day of the trek. The trail gradually ascends to the Larkya La Pass, which offers one of the most breathtaking mountain panoramas in the Himalayas—including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. After taking in the views, descend through rocky terrain to the grassy meadows of Bimthang, a peaceful alpine campsite.

Descend through beautiful rhododendron and fir forests with the sound of glacial streams along the way. Pass through villages like Karche and Tilje, with occasional views of Manaslu and Lamjung Himal. Continue down to Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit merges with the Annapurna Circuit trail.

After breakfast, board a jeep for a long and scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The road passes through Besi Sahar and rejoins the highway along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers. Upon arrival in the capital, check into your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest or a celebratory dinner to mark the end of your incredible Himalayan journey.

After breakfast, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. We hope your journey through the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit has been a truly memorable adventure. Lhasso Adventure thanks you for trekking with us and wishes you safe travels and hope to welcome you again in Nepal for another incredible Himalayan experience.