Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Trip overview
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, in full
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek itinerary, cost, map, permits, altitude, difficulty, best time, route details and complete trekking guide with Real Himalaya.
Your trip at a glance
- Destination
- Manaslu Region
- Duration
- 17 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate to Challenging
- Max elevation
- 5106 m
- Group size
- 8-12 people
- Activities
- Trekking
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Namaste and welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport , you are greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Thamel, the vibrant heart of Kathmandu. The lively streets filled with trekking shops, colorful prayer flags, ancient temples, and the distant silhouette of snow-capped peaks prepare you for the adventure ahead. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine, followed by a comprehensive briefing about your Manaslu Tsum Valley journey.
- 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola
An early morning departure takes you on a scenic drive through the middle hills of Nepal. The road winds past terraced fields, traditional villages, and river valleys as you head toward the Manaslu region. You pass through Dhading, Arughat , and the stunning Budhi Gandaki River valley . The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as you enter the gorge, with waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs. By late afternoon, you arrive at Machhakhola (870 m) , a small village beside the roaring river where the trekking begins. The sound of rushing water and the towering canyon walls create an atmosphere of adventure.
- 3
Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat
The trek begins as you follow the Budhi Gandaki River deeper into one of the world's most spectacular gorges. The trail crosses suspension bridges, climbs through lush forests, and passes dramatic waterfalls plunging down sheer cliff faces. You pass through small villages where friendly locals offer tea and snacks. The gorge narrows at points, with towering walls rising hundreds of meters above the rushing river. By afternoon, you reach Jagat (1,340 m) , an ancient trading village that once collected taxes from traders traveling between Tibet and the lowlands. The stone houses and traditional architecture hint at the cultural treasures ahead.
- 4
Trek from Jagat to Lokpa
Today you leave the main Manaslu trail and enter the hidden Tsum Valley . The trail climbs steadily through forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine, crossing the river on a dramatic suspension bridge. As you gain altitude, the landscape begins to change, with Tibetan-style villages appearing along the route. You pass ancient mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags that mark the entrance to this sacred region. The path follows the Siyar Khola valley, offering glimpses of snow-capped peaks through the trees. By afternoon, you arrive at Lokpa (2,390 m) , a quiet village at the entrance to Lower Tsum.
- 5
Trek from Lokpa to Chumling/Lower Tsum
Enter the heart of Lower Tsum Valley , a region of profound Buddhist spirituality and ancient traditions. The trail passes spectacular mani walls stretching for hundreds of meters, carved with millions of sacred mantras over centuries. You trek through forests and past waterfalls, with the valley gradually widening to reveal terraced fields and stone villages. The architecture becomes distinctly Tibetan, with flat-roofed houses, prayer flags, and small gompas. You arrive at Chumling (2,390 m) , the largest village in Lower Tsum. The ancient monastery here offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of the valley.
- 6
Trek from Chumling to Chokhangparo/Upper Tsum
Continue deeper into the sacred Tsum Valley, climbing into Upper Tsum . The landscape becomes more dramatic as the valley walls steepen and the peaks rise higher. You pass through traditional villages where life has changed little for centuries. The trail follows ancient pathways marked by prayer flags and mani stones. Views of the surrounding peaks become increasingly spectacular as you gain altitude. By afternoon, you reach Chokhangparo (3,010 m) , a beautiful village with an ancient monastery and stunning mountain views. The sense of remoteness and spiritual tranquility is profound.
- 7
Trek from Chokhangparo to Nile/Mu Gompa
The highlight of the Tsum Valley experience! Trek to the highest settlement in the valley and visit the spectacular Mu Gompa , the largest nunnery in Nepal. The trail climbs through increasingly stark and beautiful terrain, with views of snow-capped peaks along the Tibetan border. You pass ancient meditation caves where Buddhist masters have practiced for centuries. The village of Nile (3,361 m) sits in a dramatic amphitheater beneath towering mountains. Nearby Mu Gompa, home to over 100 nuns, is a stunning spiritual sanctuary. The atmosphere of devotion, with chanting, prayer wheels, and juniper incense, creates a profoundly moving experience. Overnight at a guesthouse.
- 8
Trek from Mu Gompa to Chokhangparo
Begin the return journey through the Tsum Valley, retracing your steps with new perspectives. The morning light offers different views of the peaks and valleys, and you may visit sites missed on the way up. The descent to Chokhangparo (3,010 m) allows time to further explore this beautiful village and its ancient monastery. The monks and villagers you met before offer warm farewells, and the sense of connection to this sacred place deepens. Spend the afternoon exploring or simply absorbing the peaceful atmosphere of Upper Tsum.
- 9
Trek from Chokhangparo to Chumling
Continue the descent through the Tsum Valley, passing familiar villages and landmarks with a sense of farewell. The trail winds past chortens and mani walls and through forests where the sounds of birds and rushing water accompany your journey. You return to Chumling (2,386 m) , with time to revisit the monastery or explore parts of the village you may have missed. The warmth of the local people and the profound spirituality of the valley leave lasting impressions.
- 10
Trek from Chumling to Deng
Leave the Tsum Valley and rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit. The trail descends through forests and past waterfalls, crossing the river and climbing to rejoin the Budhi Gandaki valley . The landscape changes as you enter the main gorge once more. You arrive at Deng (1,860 m) , a small village at the confluence of the Budhi Gandaki and Shar Khola rivers. This marks the transition from the sacred Tsum Valley to the high mountain terrain leading toward Manaslu. The village has a distinctive stone archway entrance, a traditional feature of the region.
- 11
Trek from Deng to Namrung
The trail continues along the Budhi Gandaki, climbing steadily through ever-changing landscapes. You pass through dense forests of bamboo and rhododendron, across dramatic suspension bridges, and alongside thundering waterfalls. The architecture of villages becomes increasingly Tibetan as you gain altitude. You pass through Ghap , with its stone entrance gate and prayer wheels, before climbing to Namrung (2,630 m) , a picturesque village with traditional flat-roofed houses, a monastery, and the first dramatic views of Mount Manaslu appearing above the valley.
- 12
Trek from Namrung to Samagaon
One of the most scenic days of the trek! The trail climbs through Lihi, Sho, and Lho villages, each offering spectacular views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. The landscape transitions from forest to alpine meadows dotted with yaks and wildflowers. Ancient monasteries and mani walls line the path. You arrive at Samagaon (3,530 m) , the largest village in the upper Manaslu region. This fascinating Tibetan settlement sits beneath the massive south face of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) , which dominates the horizon. Visit the ancient Pungyen Gompa, explore the village, and prepare for the high altitudes ahead.
- 13
Trek from Samagaon to Samdo
The trail continues toward Larkya La, entering increasingly wild and remote terrain. You trek through the upper valley past yak pastures, glacial moraines, and ancient trading paths. The views of Manaslu become even more dramatic as you approach the peak from a different angle. You arrive at Samdo (4,800 m) , the last permanent village before the pass. This small settlement near the Tibetan border has been a trading post for centuries. The altitude is significant, and you may feel the effects of the thin air. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and acclimatizing for the challenging days ahead.
- 14
Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi
A shorter day allows further acclimatization before the pass crossing. The trail climbs through stark, beautiful high-altitude terrain, with glaciers and snow-capped peaks surrounding you. The landscape is otherworldly, with rocky moraines, frozen streams, and the occasional yak grazing in the sparse vegetation. You arrive at Dharamsala (4,460 m) , also called Larkya Phedi (meaning 'foot of the pass'). This basic stone shelter is the high camp before Larkya La. The night is cold, the air thin, but the star-filled sky is spectacular. Rest, eat well, and prepare for tomorrow's challenging crossing.
- 15
Cross Larkya La Pass and Trek to Bimthang
The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek! An early start (typically 3-4 AM) takes you up the steep trail toward Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) . The climb is demanding in the thin air, crossing glacial moraines and snowfields as you ascend toward the prayer-flag-adorned summit. From the top, breathtaking panoramic views encompass Manaslu (8,163 m), Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, Gyaji Kang , and countless other peaks. The descent is long and steep, dropping through snow, rock, and eventually alpine meadows. By late afternoon, you reach Bimthang (3,720 m) , a beautiful high pasture with views of Manaslu's west face. Celebrate your achievement!
- 16
Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani
The final trekking day descends dramatically through changing landscapes. The trail drops through rhododendron and pine forests, past waterfalls and small villages. The air becomes noticeably thicker and warmer as you lose altitude. You pass through Tilije and Tal , picturesque villages along the Marsyangdi River. The trail eventually joins the Annapurna Circuit route and descends to Dharapani (1,900 m) , a small town at the junction of several trekking routes. The contrast with the high, wild terrain of recent days is striking. Celebrate the completion of this extraordinary trek.
- 17
Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu
After breakfast, board the vehicle for the journey back to Kathmandu. The scenic drive follows the Marsyangdi River valley, passing through traditional villages and terraced hillsides. You rejoin the main highway at Besisahar and continue through the middle hills of Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu , transfer to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. The evening is free for shopping in Thamel or visiting cultural sites. Enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating your incredible achievement of completing the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, one of Nepal's most extraordinary adventures. Thank you for choosing Real Himalaya. For any queries, contact us at +977 985-1026840 www.realhimalaya.com Speak to an Exper