Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek - 18 Days

Representative of Himalaya Arirang Trek will welcome you upon your arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel and assist you to check in at the hotel as well. Once you freshen up, there will be briefing session of your Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek. Afterwards, you can stroll around the vibrant Thamel or local markets around.

Today, after breakfast, you’ll drive to Machhakhola from Kathmandu. The drive takes you along the Prithivi Highway and then to Dhading Besi, Arughat and Soti Khola. It’ll take you around 8-9 hours to reach Machha Khola by private jeep or tourist bus. Check in to a teahouse or lodge for the night and make the final preparation of the trek.

After breakfast, you start your trek officially from Machha Khola (890m) to Jagat (1,340m). It'll take 6-7 hours to reach Jagat and you’ll be introduced to diverse landscapes, subtropical forests, waterfalls, terraced fields and Gurung settlements. You’ll cross several suspension bridges, a natural hot spring at Tatopani, and ascend through Dovan and Yaruphant on the way to Jagat.

Today, after breakfast, you’ll be hiking for 6-7 hours to reach Lokpa (2,240m) entering the restricted area of Manaslu Conservation Region. The trekking trail begins with gentle ascend covered with stones and mani walls, taking you through the Salleri village, Philim (known for terraced fields and large school), where you’ll register your permits at a checkpoint, continuing your trek to Tsum Valley crossing long suspension bridge over the Siyar Khola gorge. You’ll start experiencing the remoteness as you’ll get the first glimpse of deep, forested canyos and hidden settlements making Tsum Valley and Manaslu trek combined trek in Nepal unique. Lokpa is a village perched on a small ridge providing modest teahouse and mesmerizing sunset views.

Today you’ll be hiking for 5-6 hours to reach Chumling (2,386m), a beautiful stone village surrounded by barely fields and scattered chortens. On the route, you’ll strongly sense Tibetan Buddhist culture. The hiking trail today starts with a descend through dense pine and rhododendron forests before crossing a long suspension bridge over Siyar Khola after which the route steadily climbs opening up the impressive view of Ganesh Himal range above and deep gorge below. While at Chumling, you can explore the old monasteries, traditional houses and so on.

After breakfast, walk through one of the most culturally rewarding segment of the entire itinerary, through landscapes dotted with mani walls, white stupas, and traditional Tibet homes. You’ll cross several wooden bridges over the Shiar Khola today which offers spectacular views of Ganesh Himal and Baudha Himal. Your final stop for today is Rachen Gompa (3,240m), a nunnery founded in 1905 that still houses a community of Buddhist practitioners, where you’ll reach after hiking for 5-6 hours. This part of the trek provides an extra glimpse into spiritual life in the Tsum Valley.

Today you’ll trek for 6-7 hours to reach the Nile (3,361m) from Rachen Gompa and upto Mu Gompa (3,700m), into the heart of Tsum Valley. Day 7 is one of the most memorable part of the trek as you’ll ascend along high valley framed with towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks, following the trails with mani walls and prayer flags. Each step immerses you into remote culture and serene landscapes defining the hidden Himalayan Sanctuary. Upon reaching Mu Gompa (largest monastery in the region where monks live in quiet devotion), you can explore prayer halls, light butter lamps, etc before descending to Nile for the night.

Today, you’ll retrace your steps back to Chumling from the Nile descending for 6-7 hours the same way you ascend. Returning to Chumling, you’ll reconnect with the locals of the village. Today, your body recovers from higher altitude before continuing your journey towards Deng and the Manaslu Circuit.

On Day 9 of Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek, you’ll descend to Deng (1,860m) leaving the Tsum Valley and rejoining the Manaslu Circuit trail. Today, you’ll be offered contrasting landscape, transitioning dense forest and terraced fields to open river valleys. You can observe the traditional farming life of locals there. It’ll take you 6-7 hours to reach Deng with gentle descends allowing your body to adjust higher altitudes of Tsum Valley.

Today, you’ll walk for 6-7 hours to reach Namrung (2,630m) into the deeper Manaslu region. You’ll pass through deep rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and vibrant villages showcasing Tibetan culture. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River and gradually climbs through settlements such as Sertung and Shyala, offering spectacular views of the towering Manaslu massif and surrounding peaks. Along the way, you’ll pass mani walls and prayer flags fluttering in the crisp mountain air, symbols of the area’s rich Buddhist heritage.

You’ll trek for 4-5 hours today until reaching Lho (3,180m), one of the most culturally rich area of the trek known for beautiful monasteries and traditional stone houses and often an acclimatization point. This part of the trek offers breathtaking views of Manaslu’s north face and the surrounding. You’ll ascend through alpine forests, mani walls and chortens revealing Tibetan Buddhist influence in the region.

Day 12 of your trek takes you to Samagaon (3,520m) which brings you closer to the heart of the Manaslu region. You’ll pass through ancient monasteries including Shyala Gompa (known for spiritual significance and murals), villages, alpine meadows and terraced fields with majestic views of Manaslu’s towering peaks and surrounding Himalayan ranges.

Today, you’ll ascend to Makalu Base Camp (4,800m) to witness breathtaking views of the massive glacier and towering summit of Manaslu (8th highest peak in the world with an elevation of 8,163m). Today is your acclimatization day at Samagaon, so explore nearby places like Pungyen Gimpa, or interact with local communities.

Today, you’ll ascend to Samdo (3,860m) , a very short hike of the entire trek as you walk closer towards high mountain passes. Samdo is a traditional Tibetan refugee village offering a glimpse into lives of displaced communities maintaining their culture and tradition in Nepal. You’ll climb through rugged terrain, alpine meadows and scattered settlements with prayer flags fluttering in the crisp mountain air.

Today is a crucial day of your trek as you’ll prepare for high-altitude Larkya La Pass (5,160m). You’ll trek from Samdo to Dharmashala (also known as Larkya Phedi, 4,460m) which includes a crucial ascent through rocky terrain and alpine meadows with the view of Manaslu and Himlung Himal.

Today is the most challenging day of the trek as you’ll cross the Larkya La Pass, also known as the high-altitude pass at an elevation of 5,160 meters. To cross the pass, you’ll ascend over rugged terrain, with low oxygen for 6-7 hours but will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of towering peaks like Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna making your journey worth it.

You’ll descend to Tilije (2,560m) today from Bimthang through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and terraced farmland offering a refreshing transition after a high mountain pass.

From Tilije, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu from either jeep or bus which’ll take 8-9 hours passing through scenic valleys, terraced hillsides, and vibrant villages.

After breakfast free day for shopping and drop to airport for onward flight