The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek is a 21-night, 22-day adventure through remote and culturally rich regions of Nepal. It begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, followed by a scenic drive to Soti Khola, the starting point of the trek. The trail follows the Budi Gandaki River, taking you through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and traditional Gurung villages. As you enter Tsum Valley, the landscape shifts, revealing a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture, with ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and chortens dotting the trail. The valley is known for its peaceful isolation, offering a rare opportunity to experience untouched culture and serene mountain views. After exploring the sacred Tsum Valley, you rejoin the Manaslu Circuit, which gradually ascends through rugged terrain, crossing the stunning Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. This high-altitude pass provides breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Mt. Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain. Along the way, you’ll encounter yak caravans, Buddhist mani walls, and glacial rivers. The trek passes through remote villages like Samagaun and Samdo, where you can witness the traditional Himalayan way of life. The descent from Larkya La takes you into the Annapurna region, offering a different but equally stunning landscape. Each day of the trek offers a unique combination of cultural experiences, challenging hikes, and natural beauty. With diverse landscapes ranging from subtropical jungles to alpine meadows, and deep-rooted Buddhist traditions, this trek is a remarkable journey of discovery. The trek concludes with a drive back to Kathmandu, leaving you with unforgettable memories of one of Nepal’s most off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative or guide and transferred to your hotel. Please note that due to traffic conditions, the transfer may take an additional 15 to 30 minutes. After checking in at the hotel, take some time to rest and recover from your journey. You can freshen up and relax before beginning any exploration. Make sure to prepare for your upcoming trek or further sightseeing in Kathmandu. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
It’s a long road journey from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola, the starting point of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. While the scenery along the way is beautiful, the road can be quite bumpy and uncomfortable at times. Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning. You have two options for the drive: either your guide will bring a private jeep after breakfast, offering a more comfortable and flexible ride, or he will arrive around 5:30 a.m. to take you by taxi to the bus station, where you'll board a local bus departing at 6:30 a.m. Regardless of your choice, the journey typically takes 8 to 9 hours. The last part of the trip is especially bumpy before reaching Maccha Khola for your first overnight stop.
On the first day of trekking, you'll begin at a low altitude where the weather is warm and likely sunny, allowing for an easy start. The trail takes you through forests and across suspension bridges, passing through the Manaslu Conservation Area. You’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki River multiple times and tackle both uphill and downhill sections, typical of Himalayan trekking. Overnight in Jagat, a small Gurung and Tamang village.
We continue along the Manaslu Circuit trail and after lunch, veer towards Tsum Valley. The trek takes you through forests, streams, and the villages of Salleri and Siribass. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through a bamboo forest before reaching Lokpa.
Today's trek involves some steep climbs, with views of the deep gorge, the Lungwa River valley, and rhododendron, pine, and juniper forests. You’ll reach Chumling village by lunchtime, allowing time to explore Buddhist monasteries like Panago Gompa and Gurwa Gompa.
Begin the day with a sunrise over Shringri Himal and continue trekking into Upper Tsum Valley. Ganesh Himal comes into full view as you trek along a high ridge. Chekampar, with its Tibetan-influenced culture, is spread across two settlements in a meadow.
Leave Chekampar and trek towards Nile, the last settlement in Tsum Valley. Highlights include visiting Milarepa Cave, a meditation site of the 11th-century Tibetan guru. The Nile is close to the Tibetan border.
Visit Mu Gompa, the most famous monastery in the region, known for its murals and Buddhist relics. After exploring the gompa and meeting the monks, you may either stay overnight at Mu Gompa or return to Nile for the night.
Retrace your steps back to Chekampar. The trek offers stunning views and a chance to revisit the Tibetan culture in the village.
Descend to lower altitudes through forests, rivers, and traditional villages. As you trek lower, the oxygen levels increase, making the hike more comfortable.
Although the altitude is lower, the trail still involves ups and downs through rhododendron forests and across suspension bridges. Enjoy views of Sringi Himal as you trek through cultivated fields.
Rejoin the Manaslu Circuit trail with a steep ascent and descent back to the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail passes through landslide-prone areas before reaching Namrung.
Trek through forests and Nubri villages where Tibetan influences are evident. The day’s highlight includes the sight of Mount Manaslu as you approach Lho village.
Trek through forests and a moss-filled gully to reach Sama Gaun, a village surrounded by yak pastures. This village has a heliport and a health post.
Take a day for acclimatization. Options include a hike to Birendra Tal, a trek to Pungyen Gompa, or even a visit to Manaslu Base Camp for spectacular views.
A scenic trek to Samdo, inhabited by the Bhotia community. Explore nearby villages or hike to Samdo Peak in the afternoon.
A day hike to the Tibetan border helps with acclimatization and offers views of glaciers and peaks such as Manaslu and Larkya Peak.
Trek toward Dharmasala, passing Larke Bazaar, a historic trading post. Cross the Budhi Gandaki River before arriving at Dharmasala with views of the Larkya Glacier.
Start early for the ascent to Larkya Pass. The climb is slow and steady, but the views of Himlung and Annapurna II from the top are stunning. Descend through lakes, glaciers, and icefalls to Bimthang.
The final day of trekking takes you through lush landscapes and agricultural fields, descending to the village of Dharapani.
After breakfast, take a jeep to Besi Sahar and then transfer to a bus or private vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to the airport for your onward journey. You may have time for some
