Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Your Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley trek starts with a long but scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (the starting point of the trek). Early in the morning, your trekking guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the bus station. You will travel by local bus for a local experience or by private jeep for more comfort on rough roads. You will leave Kathmandu and drive west toward the Trishuli River, passing Naubise and Malekhu along the way.

As the drive continues, you will pass through changing landscapes. One special place on the way is the Salyantar Plateau. Salyantar is one of Nepal’s largest and flattest plateaus (known locally as Tars). The road here is wide, straight, and dusty, which may surprise you. Soon after, the road becomes narrow again with hills and sharp turns. The journey continues through Arughat Bazaar. From Arughat, the road gets rough, with many off-road sections.

Following the Budhi Gandaki River, the final part of the drive from Soti Khola to Machha Khola is slow and bumpy. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at Machha Khola, your overnight stop. Machha Khola is an important stop for trekkers heading into the Manaslu and Tsum Valley region.

Machha Khola means “Fish River,” and refers specifically to the Asala (Snow Trout) that migrate through the cold glacial waters of the Budi Gandaki. Almost all local teahouses serve this fish. Have this fish, as once you ascend further into the Tsum Valley trek journey, there will be a sacred no-kill zone. It is a local practice called “Shyagya” in which harming animals is not allowed.

After breakfast in Machha Khola, your Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking adventure officially begins on foot. Today’s walk is not that difficult. You first walk toward Khorla Besi and then reach Tatopani. Tatopani means “hot water,” and here you will find natural hot springs flowing through stone taps. You can stop here to rest and relax your legs. The air along this section of the Tsum Valley trekking route can be warm and humid, especially around midday. After a short break, the trail becomes rougher as you continue walking toward Doban.

Doban sits at 1,070 m and is a common lunch stop. Its name means “meeting of rivers,” as two rivers (Shiar Khola and the Budhi Gandaki) join here. There is a microclimate that often produces morning mist in this area. From Doban, you will cross several suspension bridges above fast-flowing water, which makes the walk exciting. And you may see langur monkeys and Himalayan Monal along the way.

Later, the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trekking trail moves through Yaru Phat and Yarubagar, where the forest slowly changes into rocky slopes. One highlight of Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking today is crossing a long bridge over the Yaru Khola and walking on a cantilever trail, which is built directly into a cliff. After climbing a stone staircase called Tharo Bharyang, you will finally reach Jagat.

Jagat is your overnight stop, which is an important stop on the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek journey. In the past, it was a trading village between Nepal and Tibet. Today, it marks the official entry point into the Manaslu Restricted Area. Here, your guide will handle permit checks at the police checkpoint. If you feel energized, you can walk around the village.

Day three of the trek to Manaslu Tsum Valley is very special because today you will move closer to the hidden and sacred Tsum Valley. After breakfast in Jagat, your guide will first take care of permit checks at the conservation office. Once everything is verified, the trek begins with an easy walk toward Salleri. Along the way, you will see views of Sringi Himal before the trail gently drops down to the Sirdibas (1,430 m) village.

From Sirdibas, the Tsum Valley Trek path slowly climbs up to Philim (1,570 m). Philim feels busy compared to earlier villages. The village has a school, a health post, and small local shops. It is the last major village before entering the Tsum Valley, so it is the last place where you may find basic banking or cooperative services. After about 3 hours of walking, you will stop here for lunch and enjoy a good meal before heading further into the mountains.

After lunch, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek route becomes quieter and more peaceful. You will walk for about an hour to Ekle Bhatti (1,600 m), also known as Chisapani. From here, you get beautiful views of the Bhotekoshi River far below. Soon after, you reach an important trail junction. The main Manaslu Circuit trail continues straight toward Nyak, but you turn right toward Tsum Valley. This turn truly marks the start of the hidden valley journey.

The forest between Ekle Bhatti and Lokpa is famous for its giant bamboo. It is one of the few places in the Manaslu region where the forest is so dense that it creates a “tunnel” effect. It is a prime habitat for the Red Panda. So, if you get lucky, you may spot them. After crossing the bridge over the Syar River, you officially enter Tsum Valley. The moment you cross the bridge into Lokpa, you are no longer following the Budhi Gandaki. You are following the water that flows directly from the glaciers of the Tsum Valley.

Lokpa sits at 2,240 m and is the first village of this sacred area. Lokpa is known as the entrance to a “Beyul,” or hidden valley. From the trail above Lokpa, if you look across the deep gorge, you can spot the old village of Nyak sitting high on the opposite cliff. Many trekkers miss this view, but it is one of the most dramatic village locations in the region.

On day 4, you will leave Lokpa and trek towards Chumling. The trek from Lokpa to Chumling leads you through the Lower Tsum Valley. You will wake up to clear views of Himalchuli and Budha peaks, and enjoy breakfast. Then the trek begins with a quiet walk through thick pine and rhododendron forests.

The path often stays close to steep cliffs above the Sarti Gorge, making this part feel wild and adventurous. As you continue, the Tsum Valley trekking trail includes several steep ups and downs. You cross a dramatic cantilever bridge and later the Siyar Khola bridge near Gumlung (2,100 m).

At the bottom of the gorge, you can clearly see where the Shiar Khola from Upper Tsum meets the Sarpu Khola. In this area, you will find huge rocks moved by the 2015 earthquake. The hardest part of the day is the final two-hour uphill climb from the river to Chumling village.

There are no teahouses or villages along the way. That means there are no places to stop for hot meals, so you have to carry snacks or a packed lunch from Lokpa. You usually reach Chumling (2,386 m) by late lunch. As you climb higher, stunning views of the Ganesh Himal range slowly open up, with the snow-covered peaks rising straight in front of you.

Chumling is a peaceful village with about 10 to 15 traditional stone and mud houses. The village gives you a first close experience of the Tibetan-influenced culture of the Tsumba people. In the afternoon, you can walk around the village.

Chumling has three important monasteries, Panago Gumba, Mani Dhungur, and Gurwa Gumba, each linked to different village families. So, if you want, you can visit these monasteries. Not to mention, the Ganesh Himal mountains look very close and tall from Chumling. On a clear afternoon, the snow peaks shine brightly, creating a beautiful mirror-like view.

Today, your Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley trek route enters the Upper Tsum region, where the narrow forests slowly open into wide, sunny mountain valleys. First, you will cross a suspension bridge and begin a steady climb toward the Tanju village (2,480 m). Here, you can visit a small gompa (monastery) that offers beautiful mirror-like views of Baudha Peak and the Ganesh Himal range.

The Tsum Valley trekking trail then passes through quiet forests and Ripchet village, where you will see stone houses, prayer walls, and small farms. This area shows how the Tsumba people live a simple and self-reliant life. As you walk higher, the air feels cooler, and the mountain views become clearer and more open. The final part of today’s trek is a gradual uphill walk to Chhekampar (3,031 m), also known as Chokhangparo.

Chhekampar is actually two distinct settlements: Chokhang (the lower part) and Paro (the upper part). Most teahouses are in Chokhang, while Paro is just a short walk uphill and offers some of the best views in the valley. When you arrive at Chhekampar, you will be welcomed by wide pastures, grazing yaks and goats, and tall slate cliffs rising above the village. Today’s walk is technically important because you will cross 3,000 m, so it is important to watch for signs of altitude sickness (AMS).

Important note: From Chhekampar onward, the valley strongly follows the “No-Kill” rule. Chhekampar is also well known for making Chhurpi (hard yak cheese). 

Day 6 of your Manaslu Tsum Valley trek itinerary reaches the highest and most sacred part of the valley. After breakfast, the trail moves north through Upper Tsum Valley villages. The path is mostly wide and gentle as you pass Lamagaon, Lar, and Phurbe. Along the way, you can visit the famous Milarepa Cave (Piren Phu) situated at 3,300 m, where incense and old footprints create a deep spiritual feeling. You also see Rachen Nunnery, where the bright red robes of the nuns stand out against the grey mountains.

By early afternoon, you cross the Shiar Khola river to reach the Nile (3,360 m). We can stop here for the night because it has the best teahouses in the upper valley. Also, Nile gets the longest afternoon sun. But if you want a more rugged and spiritual experience, we will continue for 2 more hours uphill to Mu Gompa (3,709 m).

You need to be aware that the stretch between Nile and Mu Gompa becomes a strong wind tunnel by 2:00 PM. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the Tsum Valley region, right at the end of the valley. Staying here is simple, with small beds in the monastery guesthouse or tiny tea shops. Also, it is very cold at night because Mu Gompa loses sunlight by 4:00 PM.

It’s the first acclimatization day on your itinerary. Since you are already above 3,300 m, it’s essential to let your body adjust to the high altitude. On this day, you will also discover the spiritual heart of the Tsum Valley.

If you stayed in Nile yesterday, you will hike about 5 km (3 hours) up to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region. If you arrived at Mu Gompa yesterday, you will spend the day exploring the monastery. Mu Gompa is home to over 200 monks and students. The monastery has been active for more than a century and is considered a living university.

Long ago, it was the first major stop for Tibetan caravans traveling through the Nangpa La and Mailasin passes. If you visit the gompa’s main hall early in the morning, you will see hundreds of butter lamps being lit. Locals believe the smoke carries prayers directly to the Ganesh Himal peaks, offering blessings to the valley.

Also, if you visit in late spring (May–June), you may see the hills above Mu Gompa bustling with villagers collecting Yarsagumba (Caterpillar Fungus). This is the Tsum Valley’s famous “gold rush,” and the monks often bless the harvesters for a safe and fruitful collection.

On day 8, you will start your return journey to Chumling. You will retrace your steps through meadows, forests, and traditional villages like Pangdun, Phurbe, and Lar. While walking, you will get a fresh view of Ganesh Himal peaks towering beside you instead of ahead.

Along the way, you will also notice the long Mani walls and colorful chortens at Lamagaon, with stone carvings you might have missed on the way up. If there is time, you can visit the small village of Gho, famous for herbal incense made from juniper and wildflowers, drying on wooden racks.

The descent is easier for your lungs since you drop about 1,000 m, but it can be tough on your knees. It’s best to use trekking poles from Chokhangparo to Chumling. The air feels warmer and richer with oxygen. Views on the way down are even more dramatic.

From today, you will leave the Tsum Valley and join the main Manaslu Circuit trail. Your trek begins with a descent through the wild Sarti Gorge. You will cross the Shiar Khola and walk over the cantilever bridges again. After Lokpa, you will descend to the junction where the Syar River meets the Budhi Gandaki, marking the official end of the Tsum Valley section.

From here, the trail changes. The Manaslu Circuit path becomes busier with trekkers and mule caravans heading toward Larkya La. You will follow the Budhi Gandaki River through a narrow, towering gorge, crossing several high suspension bridges. Finally, you will reach Deng (1,860 m), a small Gurung village perched between cliffs and the river.

After breakfast, you will leave Deng and enter the Nubri region. You will cross the Budhi Gandaki River and start your trek along stone stairs and narrow mountain paths. You will pass small villages like Rana and Bihi Phedi (1,990 m) and walk through a beautiful forest area.

You will cross the river several times on suspension and wooden bridges before reaching Ghap (2,250 m). Beyond Ghap, the trek continues through a dense forest where you will see Mani stones and prayer walls that reflect local Buddhist culture. The final climb to Namrung (2,630 m) is steady but rewarding. Namrung sits on a high plateau and offers amazing views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal.

There is a police checkpoint in Namrung where your permits will be checked before heading toward Manaslu Base Camp. The forest here is one of the oldest and densest in the Manaslu Conservation Area. Locals believe the trees are protected by mountain spirits, so the forest has stayed wild and untouched.

You will leave Namrung and walk through rhododendron and pine forests. You will pass small villages like Lihi and Sho. As you come out of the trees, the giant Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) appears, showing its twin peaks for the first time. You’ll also pass Lho village. By the afternoon, you will reach Shyala (3,500 m). Many trekkers stop here for the quiet, panoramic mountain views, including Peak 29 and Himalchuli.

If you continue a bit further, a short 3-hour walk across glacial moraines and yak pastures, you will reach Samagaun (3,530 m). Between Shyala and Samagaun, you’ll cross the Numla Khola bridge. Numla Khola carries the meltwater from the Pungyen Glacier. Samagaun is the largest village in the area, with stone houses, mani walls, shops, a health post, and satellite Wi-Fi.

You can choose to stay at Namrung or Samagaun. Shyala is peaceful, newer, and has great teahouse views. Whereas Samagaun is busier but closer to the Manaslu Base Camp trail. Both villages are good for acclimatization and help your body adjust to the higher altitude.

Today is an acclimatization day, which means your body gets used to the high altitude. You can choose between two hikes depending on how much energy you have.

Option 1 is the hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m). This is a steep, long hike and takes 4–5 hours. You need to start early, around 5:00 AM, to avoid clouds and strong winds. You’ll climb about 1,270 m (4,166 ft), so it’s challenging.

The reward is amazing views of Manaslu Mountain, icefalls, and the tents of climbing teams. On the climb to Base Camp, there is a ridge called the “Windy Ridge.” Locals say you can hear the mountain “whispering” here. In reality, it’s the sound of the wind whipping through the prayer flags and the narrow rock gaps, but at 4,800 m, it feels supernatural.

Option 2 is the hike to Pungyen Gompa (4,050 m). It is a less steep hike. The Gompa is a peaceful monastery at the foot of Manaslu’s south face. This is a quieter option and avoids the crowds heading to Base Camp. Likewise, you will see Kharkas (seasonal yak herder huts). These are part of an ancient grazing rotation. The grass here is rich in high-altitude minerals, which is why the yak butter from Samagaun is considered the best in the entire Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking region.

After your hike, return to your teahouse in Samagaun for the night. You’ll feel stronger, rested, and ready for the next high-altitude days of your trek.

Today, you will enter the true high-altitude part of the Manaslu trek. You leave the trees behind and start walking through open, wind-swept mountains. The trail begins by passing the mani walls and chortens of Samagaun, then crosses the Budhi Gandaki River one last time. You’ll walk through alpine pastures, where yaks graze freely, and a few hardy crops still grow. The air gets colder and thinner as you climb, and the massive peaks of Samdo Peak and Dharamsala come into view.

After 3-4 hours of steady walking, you reach Samdo (3,860 m). This quiet village is the last permanent settlement before the high Larkya La Pass and sits just a few kilometers from the Tibetan border. You’ll have lunch here and the afternoon free to rest or take a short acclimatization walk, helping your body adjust to the altitude. Before Samdo, you’ll pass the junction where the Larkya La trail meets the Lajyung La trail. This was once the site of the seasonal Larkya Bazaar, an important trade fair connecting the region to Tibet.

Today’s trek distance is short, but every step counts as practice for tomorrow’s Larkya La Pass. The trail goes up slowly through open, rocky land, leaving villages behind. The path also passes the Larkya Glacier, with Larke and Cheo Himal towering above. After 3–4 hours of slow, steady walking, you reach Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi). This is not a village but a high-altitude camp with a few stone shelters and a simple teahouse. You’ll have time for lunch, rest, and hydration to prepare for your midnight start to the pass.

Dharmasala means “Rest House for Pilgrims.” It was built long ago to help travelers stay safe from the cold. From your teahouse, you might hear the glacier creaking and cracking. If the sky is clear, walk a short distance behind the teahouses at sunset. You will see the sun turn the tops of Larke Peak and Manaslu bright orange, like glowing pyramids. This is the last sunlight you will see before the cold trek over the pass tomorrow.

This is the big summit day of your Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. Crossing Larkya La Pass is the hardest but most exciting part of the journey. You start very early, usually around 3:00–4:00 AM, in the dark. With headlamps on, you climb slowly up the Larkya Glacier trail.

The path has many small hills and rocky ridges, testing your energy and focus. As the sun rises, you will see Manaslu and nearby peaks like Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru glowing in soft gold and violet light. As you climb the moraine, you walk on a “dead glacier”, ice covered by rocks. You may hear groaning or popping sounds as the ice settles.

About an hour before the summit, you’ll see a small cluster of prayer flags. Many mistake it for the real pass. The real pass is higher, with a bigger group of flags. Save your energy for the final climb. So, you will reach the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m / 16,752 ft).

From the top, the view is amazing. You can see the Annapurna range to the west and the glaciers of the Manaslu massif to the east. Needless to mention, the wind at the pass can make it feel -15 to -20°C, even on a sunny day. That said, take a few photos, enjoy the moment, and prepare for the next challenge: the long, steep descent.

The way down drops over 1,500 m to Phedi. The trail can be very steep (35–40° in places) and slippery, especially if there is ice or snow. Use Microspikes and sturdy gloves. After Phedi, you walk through beautiful glacial valleys and meadows to reach Bhimthang (3,590 m). Here, the air feels warmer and easier to breathe.

After the hard climb over Larkya La, today is mostly downhill and much easier on your lungs. You leave the cold, rocky highlands and return to the green, oxygen-rich forests. From Bhimthang ( 3,590 m), you start a long 1,300 m descent. The trail goes down the moraine of the Bhimthang Glacier. You’ll pass Yak Kharka, where yaks graze with Manaslu West Face towering above.

As you follow the Dudh Khola (Milk River), the landscape changes quickly. Rocks turn into forests of pine and rhododendron. In spring (March–May), the hills bloom with red and pink flowers, making the walk very scenic. You can stop for lunch at Surkhe Khola before reaching Gho (2,515 m). Many trekkers rest here to let their knees recover. If you still have energy, continue for 2 more hours to Tilije (2,300 m). Tilije is a lively village with stone streets and local brandy, and it has better teahouses for your second-to-last night.

Today is the last day of your Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek. You leave the quiet mountain trails behind and return to the busy roads and towns. It’s a day of walking, driving, and remembering your amazing journey. If you stayed in Gho, you will do a 2-hour morning walk through the forest to Tilije. From Tilije, it’s an easy 1 to 1.5-hour descent to Dharapani (1,860 m / 6,102 ft). This is where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit.

At Dharapani, leave your trekking boots behind and hop into a Jeep. The drive is famous for being bumpy and exciting, carved along the cliffs of the Marsyangdi River gorge. You’ll pass waterfalls, small villages like Tal and Syange, and winding dirt roads. After 4–5 hours, the road flattens, and you reach Besisahar (760 m / 2,493 ft), the lively town at the gateway of Lamjung district. Here, your trek officially ends, and you can relax and celebrate your incredible adventure.

After breakfast in Besisahar, you will head back to the city via a drive. The road to Dumre is smooth and follows the Marsyangdi River. At Dumre, you reach the Prithvi Highway, the main road across Nepal. If you are going to Kathmandu, you’ll drive east, following the Trishuli River, famous for white-water rafting. You will stop for a classic Nepali lunch of Dal Bhat at Mugling or Kurintar. The final climb over Thankot Pass gives your first view of Kathmandu Valley.

In contrast, if you are driving to Pokhara, you’ll drive west, through the green middle hills and valleys. The drive is shorter and smoother, ending in Lakeside Pokhara, where you can enjoy a hot shower and dinner with a view of the lake.