Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek – 21 Days

Kathmandu Valley has the highest concentration of World Heritage Sites, and it’s only fitting not to miss them while you’re staying in the valley itself. A great beginning to an already exciting itinerary, you can visit plenty of places in this capital city full of heritage. You will visit the Swayambhunath Stupa (aka “Monkey Temple”) in the morning. Later on, have a sumptuous lunch at a restaurant in Kathmandu Durbar Square — one of the three mediaeval Durbar Squares inside the Valley. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the temple of Pashupatinath, belonging to Lord Shiva, where you can soak in the atmosphere and watch the world go by from a quiet bench above the bank of Bagmati. Later in the afternoon you will circumnavigate the renowned Stupa of Bauddhanath — probably the largest stupa in the world. Feel free to customise a day-trip from a number of choices.

Begin with a good breakfast in Kathmandu. Travelling in a private jeep, you will head along the Prithvi Highway. At several turns, you will get a peek of Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu peaks. From the road that winds alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers, you will enjoy scenic landscapes throughout the eight-hour drive. Later in the day you will reach Budhi-Gandaki Valley, arriving at Machha Khola. In the evening, explore the village, savour the view of the peaks, and settle in a cosy teahouse for a well-deserved rest. Each passing hour grows with excitement as you prepare for the trek that awaits you in the coming days.

You begin the day early in Machhakhola, followed by a good breakfast before hitting the trail. You begin by crossing a bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, and then trekking uphill through forests of pines and bushes of rhododendrons. As you ascend further, the sound of rushing water will entice you as it guides you to a tiny hamlet called Kholabesi. A little further, and you will pause for some relaxation in the hot springs at Tatopani. After this perfect mid-day break, you will continue through suspension bridges, climb stone stairs, and enjoy the marvellous views of Ganesh Himal. Finally, at the end of the day you will arrive at the charming village of Jagat, where dinner and a restful night awaits you.

Begin the day after breakfast, walking through rich subtropical forests and pastoral villages. Trek past the villages of Salleri and Sirdibas, before crossing a suspension bridge over the Ghatte Khola. More walking will bring you to Philim, a large Gurung village where you can admire the terraced fields, and farming. After a brief pause, you will continue along the Budhi Gandaki River through bamboo forests. A short distance ahead from a hamlet called Ekle Bhatti, you will come to a little fork in the road. This is where you will leave the main Manaslu Circuit trail and head right towards Tsum Valley. After trekking for a few days in Tsum Valley, you will rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit trail a little ahead of this very fork in a place called Deng. As you head into Tsum, The tranquil sounds of nature will surround you, finally reaching the tiny village of Lokpa. Hop in a teahouse, have dinner, and go to bed early so that you will conserve energy for tomorrow’s adventure. 

The trek from Lokpa to Chumling is a relatively average trek. After dawn, you leave Lokpa and head along a zigzag trail through dense rhododendron and pine forests. First you will descend to Lungwa River Valley in perfect solitude. Accompanied by the sounds of birds and the rushing river, you won’t be able to resist taking photographs along the way. Next, a steep climb of the trail will bring you to a suspension bridge above the river Syar. Beautiful views of the Shringi Himal will inspire you to move forward. Arriving in the quaint village of Chumling, you’ll be amazed by the location. The region lying a little north of Chumling is known by the name “Lower Tsum Valley”. Stay tonight in a teahouse in Chumling, providing some rest to your aching muscles. 

Relaxed from the night’s sleep, you will head to the hamlet of  Chhokang today. Begin fresh with the crossing of a suspension bridge, and enjoy stunning views of Ganesh Himal in the morning. Travelling ahead through farmlands and quaint villages, you will be amazed, simply, by wondering at how settlements are even possible at this remote location! Traditional houses adorned with firewood barricades along the winding paths in serene landscapes — this is one among the many peculiarities of this trail. Trek past old landslides, now being reclaimed by trees, and windswept landscapes in the ever thinning air. Keep walking — slowly and gradually — especially at steep inclines of the trail. You’ll arrive at the hamlet of Chhokang for the night’s stay.

The trek from Chhokang to Nile (pronounced Nee-lay) is mostly through a region known as “Upper Tsum Valley”. As the altitude increases, take plenty of fluid to stay hydrated and tread lightly and steadily. Villages and farms dot sparsely on the trail, with magnificent views of mountains at several turns. Flat cultivated fields will open up to the gradually widening valley ahead. You might even encounter a Himalayan thar and grazing yaks while on your way to the village of Nile, the last village before heading north in the upper regions of Tsum valley. This area is marked by sparse vegetation, especially high-altitude grassland, but barren of trees and thickets. Nestled right under cliffs and a giant mountain on the north, Nile is ever-gazing at the views of Ganesh Himal in the south and Himalchuli in the west.

Begin early after a quick breakfast as you will be trekking from Nile to Mu Gumba (or Gompa) and back. Trudging carefully along the western slopes of Tsum Valley, you will be in the presence of breathtaking Himalayan vistas. In the leisurely 4-hour trek, you will pass through verdant yak pastures and time-worn hamlets. Mu Gumba is the largest monastery in the region — located in the dramatic and arid high-altitude landscape. Explore this unique attraction and see the collection of sacred statues and texts. If time permits you might even want to venture to the nearby nunnery of Dhephu Doma. After some brief rest, you will retrace your steps back to Nile, enjoying the serene beauty of Ganesh Himal in the south.

The trek today is a long one, mostly through descending trails. From Nile to Chumling, you will once again enjoy the captivating beauty of the place. Travelling through high and low terrains, you will first descend to the village of Chhokang. From there, you will be heading towards a hamlet called Gho, on meandering paths through quaint villages and farms. Cross suspension bridges along the way, but do not forget to look up ahead — for expansive views of the Himalayas. Descending further, you’ll cross villages like Tumje and Yarchyo with their traditional stone houses and abundant fields of barley. At the end of the day you will be reaching Chumling, where a warm bed and hot food await you.

It’s an equally long day of trekking today. Beginning your descent from Chumling to Deng, your trek passes through yet another stunning landscape. Manaslu Region, which is known for its solitude and beauty, is full of such sceneries. Difficult though the trek may seem, you will be enjoying every bit of it. All you need is strong determination and good physical fitness. First you’ll arrive at Lokpa, crossing green forests and enjoying views of the mountain panorama. Retracing on familiar trails, you’ll be crossing Budhi Gandaki River and trekking through narrow gorges — adding a thrilling challenge to the day’s trek. Continue through the farms and hills admiring views of Shringi peak, until you arrive at the busy village of Deng. Nestled within forests of bamboo, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep in Deng; before continuing on the main Manaslu Circuit trail tomorrow.

You begin the day early, embarking on an uphill trek for most of the day. The trail first leads you through dense forests and alpine vegetation. The sounds of nature surround you, as you keep climbing higher and cheering with fellow trekkers. You cross Budhi Gandaki River several times on suspension bridges, and enjoy stunning views of several majestic peaks of the Manaslu region. Crossing the villages of Rana and Ghap, you will come to carved mani stones depicting Tibetan culture. The scenic route has enchanting views of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal. Later in the day you will arrive in Namrung, a village with monasteries and some local charm, where you’ll spend the night.

After a filling breakfast in Namrung, you will begin the trek to Shyala. Out of Namrung, the trail leads you through bushes of rhododendron and forests of oak. From several turns, you will have glimpses of the enchanting Nubri Valley. As you ascend further, stunning views of the snow-capped Manaslu and Shringi ranges will inspire you. As you pass through the charming little villages of Lihi and Sho, you will see barley plantations in terraced farms. The views of ancient chortens there might even remind you of a cinema set. Trekking further, you will arrive at an impressive mani wall. This is the village of Lho, from where you’ll trek a little further to arrive at Shyala, your destination for tonight.

Start your day in Shyala with a breathtaking sunrise view of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and Mt. Shringi. After a quick breakfast, you will visit the monastery of Pungyen Gumba, a slight deviation from the main track. From there, you will travel towards Sama, the destination for tonight. Passing through picturesque villages with terraced fields, you will move ahead. Along the route, mesmerising views of several peaks of Manaslu region will capture your attention, including Himlachuli and Peak 29 (aka Dunapurna or Ngadichuli). As you approach Sama, the unmissable and most-prominent village on the route, you will be welcomed by stunning glaciers and a centuries-old monastery. Hop into a teahouse, take a little break and then explore the enchanting village before calling it a day.

Staying this close to mountains has its own benefits — like having a breakfast with sumptuous views of Mt. Manaslu. As excitement builds up, you will realise that it’s a day of relaxation and enjoyment in this mountain village — with only short hikes for the sake of acclimatisation. Today is also your chance to catch some breath and let your body adjust to the thinner air at this altitude. As an option, you can trek to the beautiful Lake Birendra — a serene glacial lake nestled among the giant peaks. And if you feel like it, you can take a second option — a longer challenge — where you reach Manaslu Base Camp. Whichever activity you choose to take, you will return to Sama after mid-day, rest, and bask at the natural beauty of the place.

After breakfast in Sama, you will take a trail along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. Along the way, you will cross suspension bridges and mani walls — making for an immersive experience. As you pass through juniper and birch forests at higher altitudes, the landscape transforms from thickets to thin vegetation. The stark beauty of the highlands will be immediately visible, especially when you catch a breathtaking view of Manaslu and Samdo peaks nearby. You will trek further through hamlets reflecting Buddhist culture, and lying on the ancient trade routes. Later in the day you will reach Samdo, a charming village where you’ll settle into a teahouse and get a well-deserved rest.

Get up at leisure, have breakfast, and set off towards Larkya Bazaar — a barren land with just a suspension bridge and pure green river flowing underneath. The word ‘Bazaar’, aka market, comes from the seasonal market this place hosts from time to time. If you happen to be here at the time of the markets, you will see Nepali and Tibetan vendors and barters going about their business. Cross the bridge and head slowly and steadily past streams, ascending gradually along the way. After about four hours of challenging trek, you will arrive at Dharmashala, a picturesque campsite and an acclimatisation stop. Here, sights of the stunning Larkya Glacier will melt your heart. Settle in a cosy teahouse in order to rest for the challenging ascent to Larkya-La Pass tomorrow — at a whooping altitude of 5,106 metres.

Wake up well before dawn to embark on the challenging trek to Larkya-La Pass, the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit trail. As you trek higher and higher through the barren terrain, the breathtaking snowcapped peaks of Annapurna II and Himlung Himal will become visible. The terrain is rocky, but views of glaciers and glacial lakes down below will bring some respite to the aching muscles. Keeping your determination at an all time high, you should tread slowly Larkya Glacial Valley in order to avoid altitude sickness. And when you reach the summit at 5,106 metres, you will be greeted by a stunning panorama of the Himalayas. Continue the slow and careful descent as the trail is steep and difficult, and much later you’ll come to the highland pastures of Bimthang, your stop for tonight. The most difficult part of the trek being over, you’ll spend the night in a cosy teahouse, reflecting on the day’s incredible journey.

Set off from Bimthang after breakfast, following views of stunning sunrise over the majestic Cheo, Himlung, Lamjung, and Manaslu peaks. The challenging trail descends along a ridge, so tread carefully. High up, you will have breathtaking mountain vistas but put your attention on the trail below for a safe descent. As you cross Dudh Khola, a river with the whitest white water, you will have entered the district of Manang. Trek further through beautiful rhododendron forests and cultivated farmlands dotted with houses and hamlets. The undulating rugged path will test your knees, no doubt. Stops at traditional villages like Karche and Hampuk will allow for brief rests and hot drinks, and also lunch. Later in the day you will arrive at Tilche, a charming village where you’ll spend the night.

As your trekking comes to an end, you will begin your drive on rugged trails outside of Tiche. First you will arrive at Jagat. Although the name is the same, ‘Jagat’, which you will be reaching today, is a completely different place from ‘Jagat’, that you set off from, towards the beginning of this trek. As you arrive further down at Dharapani, you will have a break for some refreshments. Dharapani is a place where the Manaslu Circuit connects with the Annapurna Circuit. Driving out of Dharapani, you will enjoy scenic views of local villages and farmlands. Ahead of a village called Tal, you will encounter several waterfalls, terraced farms, and dense forests on your way. Further down the lane, you will have a brief refreshment at Besisahar, before continuing the drive to Kathmandu. Once in the capital, you will check into the hotel and have rest and refreshments. Later, as we gather for the dinner, we will share stories of our unforgettable trip of the past two weeks. The tiresome but a soul-satisfying journey that you just undertook in Nepal will be etched in your memories.

After breakfast or depending upon your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport. As your plane takes off from the runway in Kathmandu, your journey to Nepal comes to an end for this time — until you decide to visit again for some memorable and soul-searching trip in the Himalayas.