Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek

The second day marks the beginning of our journey towards the trekking region as we go for a drive to Machha Khola. The journey starts immediately after you have your breakfast and pack your backpack. This journey takes you through lush countryside, terraced farms, and river valleys, with the distant peaks of the Himalayas occasionally peeking through the clouds. Moreover, the drive also follows the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers, gradually transitioning from urban sprawl to rural tranquility.

Within 6 to 7 hours of driving, we will reach Machhakhola, a peaceful riverside village settled in a deep valley. Besides, this quiet stop also serves as a perfect place to rest before ascending the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trekking trail. With healthy and hygienic meals, warm hospitality, and welcoming smiles, you will certainly love spending a night here in Machha Khola.

From today, we begin the walking stretch on the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trekking map. As you wake up and have breakfast, the guides will lead you on a trail that goes northward along the Budhi Gandaki River. Besides, the path takes us through narrow gorges, past small Gurung villages, cascading waterfalls, and lush sub-tropical forests. So, you will also witness different floras, enter several small settlements, and interact with the locals. Besides, to make this walk more adventurous, we will also cross several suspension bridges.

With 5 to 6 hours of relatively easy walking, we make our way to Jagat, a village sitting at 1340 meters above sea level. This traditional checkpoint village with a stone-paved square welcomes trekkers with all its heart. Besides, you can also witness its quaint teahouses, ancient mani walls, and stunning views of the surrounding hills. With all these features, Jagat serves as a cultural and logistical gateway into the restricted area of the Tsum Valley.

On the fourth day, we leave Jagat and ascend towards Lokpa. This section of the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek begins to climb steadily as we pass through scattered hamlets and terraced hillsides. Besides, we can also notice the landscape turning into a rugged and remote one with each step. However, the trail from Jagat to Lokpa also offers glimpses of wild waterfalls, bamboo forests, and towering cliff faces. By midday or afternoon, which is in about 4 to 5 hours, we reach Lokpa (2240 meters).

Did you know that Lokpa sits as the first official village inside the Tsum Valley region? Besides, pristine forests and soaring ridgelines surround this beautifully settled village, which offers a peaceful introduction to this culturally rich and less-trodden trail. Moreover, trekkers can also feel the shift in energy as prayer flags flutter above and ancient Buddhist symbols begin to appear more frequently along the path. Overnight stay and dinner will be arranged in a cozy guesthouse by our team.

After a fulfilling and delicious breakfast, the guides lead you on a gradually ascending trail. This route from Lokpa to Chumling follows a narrow path that winds through pine forests and past dramatic cliffs. Besides, the trail also includes steep climbs and descents, with stunning views of Baudha Himal and Ganesh Himal appearing as we gain elevation. Also, we recommend the trekkers to be attentive, as you might also witness Himalayan monals, langurs, and mountain goats on the way.

By the afternoon, the trekkers enter Chumling, a village settled at an altitude of 2386 meters above sea level. This village consists of stone houses, prayer wheels, and classic Tibetan architecture. All these features introduce you to the deep spiritual heritage of the Tsum Valley. Other than that, we also recommend that you stroll around the village and interact with the locals before having dinner and sleeping.

Today marks our entrance into the high-altitude alpine region of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking map. After breakfast, we leave on a steadily ascending trail that takes us through ancient pine forests and across suspension bridges. Furthermore, this section of the journey also reveals majestic views of Ganesh Himal and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. As we keep on with the ascent, we can notice the air becoming crisper and the terrain more rugged. Furthermore, every step on this part of the Tsum Valley Manaslu Trekking journey takes us past mani walls, prayer wheels, and colourful chortens.

It takes about 5 to 6 hours for us to reach Chhokang Paro, a cluster of traditional Tibetan-style homes spread across a wide glacial valley. Sitting at an altitude of 3010 meters above sea level, the village also provides a dramatic Himalayan panorama. Furthermore, the trekkers can also experience the Tsumba Hospitality.

Another day calls for another alpine adventure as we leave Chhokang Paro and continue towards Nile, a village at an altitude of 3,361 meters above sea level. This section of the trek follows a relatively gentle incline along a wide, open valley dotted with yak pastures and ancient chortens. However, as we gain altitude, the vegetation thins and the cultural atmosphere deepens. Moreover, the route also goes past several gompa and scattered settlements like Lamagaon and Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu). Let us tell you that Milarepa's Cave sits as a site of great spiritual significance, said to have been meditated in by the revered saint Milarepa.

It takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach Nile, the last permanent settlement before Mu Gompa. This village sits against a dramatic backdrop of cliffs and glaciers and offers an awe-inspiring setting to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s high-altitude exploration.

Today is dedicated to acclimatisation and spiritual immersion. After breakfast, we hike to Mu Gompa, one of the most sacred monasteries in the region. Sitting high at 3,700 metres, it offers not only spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, but also a glimpse into the monastic life of Tsum Valley. Monks here live in peaceful seclusion, preserving centuries-old rituals and teachings.

For those with extra energy, a short hike leads to Dhephyudonma Gompa (4,060m), the highest point reached during this part of the trek. It’s a powerful place to meditate, soak in panoramic vistas, and honour the deep spirituality of the Himalayas. After some time to explore, we descend back to the Nile for a restful night, fully acclimatised for the next phase of the journey.

After so many days ascending on the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trekking map, it's finally time for us to begin the retracing walk. On the ninth day, we descend from the Nile to Chumling, which takes about 5 to 6 hours. Besides, the trail steps through wide pastures, quiet villages, and fluttering prayer flags. Even though it's a descending journey, it requires your legs to be very strong. However, this walk also offers chances to fully absorb the sacred landscape and revisit the communities that make the Tsum Valley special.

As you reach Chumling, the locals will again welcome you with a warm smile. Besides, you can also experience warmer air and notice a change in the temperature. In the evening, we recommend that you stroll around the village. After that, our team will arrange food and accommodation in Chumling for the night.

Today, we begin transitioning out of the Tsum Valley and back onto the Manaslu Circuit trail. The trail winds down through mixed forest and past cascading waterfalls, rejoining the Budhi Gandaki River. This is a great day to reflect on how much you’ve experienced, from isolated gompas to glacier-fed valleys, while enjoying the rhythm of descent.

We reach Deng, a small but lively settlement that feels noticeably different from the quiet of Tsum. Here, the Manaslu Circuit begins to assert its rugged charm, with river views and sharper ascents ahead. Enjoy your evening relaxing in the lodge, resting your legs, and preparing for the journey toward Manaslu Base Camp in the coming days.

Today, our journey continues westward and the trail gradually ascends through a tapestry of alpine vegetation. Furthermore, this section of the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trekking map passes through forests of fir, pine, and rhododendron, occasionally catching glimpses of the Budhi Gandaki River cutting deep into the gorge below. As we walk for some time, the trail meanders through charming settlements like Rana and Bihi Phedi. This is also where Tibetan-influenced architecture and mani walls reflect the spiritual significance of this region.

With about 5 to 6 hours, we will reach Namrung, one of the more prominent villages in the lower Manaslu region. Sitting above the terraced fields and surrounded by soaring ridgelines, Namrung offers stunning views of Ganesh Himal and Siringi Himal. Furthermore, Namrung is also sits as a great place to observe the shifting culture. Besides, the trekkers can expect a walk from the Gurung communities of the lower valley to the more Tibetan-influenced villages further ahead. Overnight stay and dinner will be arranged in Namrung for the night

Today’s journey takes you into the heart of the Manaslu region. As we trek higher, the terrain becomes increasingly alpine and the villages more traditional. En route, we’ll pass Lho, home to the magnificent Ribung Monastery and the first truly unobstructed views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). The air is crisp, and the mountains feel close enough to touch.

By late afternoon, we reach Shyala, a scenic settlement surrounded by Himalayan giants. Peaks like Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu dominate the skyline, especially at sunrise and sunset. Shyala is more than just a stop; it’s a visual symphony of snow, stone, and sky, offering trekkers a quiet, windswept stage to rest and reflect.

Today’s route is short in distance but rich in exploration. We take a side trip to the revered Punggen Gompa, a secluded monastery perched on a ridge with a front-row view of Manaslu’s imposing face. The silence here is profound, broken only by the occasional flutter of prayer flags in the wind. You’ll have time for photos, light meditation, or simply soaking in the ethereal scenery.

After the visit, we descend gently to Samagaun, the cultural and logistical hub of the upper Manaslu region. The village is home to ethnic Nubri people and traditional stone houses, as well as the beautiful Kargyu Chholing Monastery. Spend your evening enjoying hot meals, connecting with fellow trekkers, and preparing for tomorrow’s challenging acclimatization hike.

Acclimatisation is key to safe and enjoyable high-altitude trekking, and today’s hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) serves that purpose brilliantly. The trail ascends steadily over lateral moraines, glacial streams, and scattered yak herding shelters. As you gain elevation, the views become increasingly dramatic, revealing the Manaslu Glacier, Naike Peak, and the towering North Face of Manaslu.

Reaching the base camp is a proud and emotional moment, standing beneath one of the world’s highest peaks in a landscape carved by ice and time. After some time for rest and photographs, we descend to Samagaun for a hot meal and well-deserved rest. This acclimatisation hike significantly improves your body's readiness for crossing the Larkya La Pass in the coming days.

Today, we descend on a trail that follows a high alpine valley, gradually rising along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. As we begin the trail after breakfast, we can notice the vegetation thinning, replaced by glacial landscapes and vast pastures grazed by yaks. Even after being a relatively short hike, it is very important to allow our bodies to adjust further to the altitude without overexertion.

By midday, we arrive at Samdo, a remote settlement just a few kilometers from the Tibetan border. The village is a unique fusion of Tibetan culture and raw Himalayan wilderness. With fluttering prayer flags, ancient mani stones, and panoramic views of Samdo Peak, this highland hamlet feels like the end of the earth, yet it’s a place of warmth, resilience, and spiritual depth.

After a nourishing breakfast in Samdo, the trek continues upward toward Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi, the staging point for crossing the formidable Larkya La Pass. The trail is relatively short but becomes increasingly barren and windswept as we gain altitude. Along the way, you’ll see scattered prayer flags and pass under glacial moraines that hint at the raw power of this alpine environment.

We arrive at Dharamsala by midday, giving us time to rest and acclimatise before tomorrow’s big challenge. Facilities here are basic but functional, and the camaraderie among trekkers builds as everyone gears up for the iconic crossing. Early to bed is advised, as the following day begins before dawn and demands strong mental and physical readiness.

Today marks the most exhilarating and demanding segment of the entire Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek. We begin well before sunrise, slowly ascending under starlight towards Larkya La Pass (5,106m). The climb is gradual but long, traversing rocky, snow-covered terrain where microspikes may be needed. As you reach the prayer-flag-covered summit, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.

After celebrating this achievement, the trail descends steeply into Bimthang, a beautiful valley flanked by glacier fields and pine forests. The landscape shifts dramatically, and so does the air, warmer, thicker, and scented with rhododendrons. Reaching Bimthang is a triumphant moment, filled with emotion and gratitude. It’s the perfect place to rest and reflect on the epic journey across the Himalayas.

Leaving the highlands behind, we descend into greener, lusher terrain. The trail meanders through alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and across glacial rivers via wooden bridges. You’ll pass charming villages like Yak Kharka and Kharche, where the sounds of cowbells and chirping birds replace the howling wind of the high passes.

We finally reach Tilije, a picturesque Gurung village that marks the return to civilisation. With its terraced fields and comfortable teahouses, Tilije is a welcome oasis after days in the rugged wilderness. Enjoy a warm shower, a hearty meal, and the satisfaction of having conquered one of Nepal’s most epic trekking routes.

Our Himalayan journey nears its end. We take a scenic drive down from Tilije to Besisahar, winding past cascading waterfalls, farmland, and dense forests that feel almost tropical compared to the high alpine regions we've left behind. After a short break in Besisahar, we continue our road journey back to Kathmandu, retracing our way through the hills and valleys of central Nepal.

The return drive offers one last opportunity to gaze out at the hills we trekked through and appreciate the distance covered on foot. By evening, we arrive back in Kathmandu, where you’ll check into your hotel, enjoy a hot shower, and maybe even celebrate with a traditional Nepali dinner. It's a return to comfort, but your heart will still be in the mountains.

Today, we mark an official end to the 20-day Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek. After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport. Whether you're heading home or onwards to another destination, you’ll carry with you not only photographs but also the profound memories of a transformative journey. From the sacred valleys of Tsum to the sky-touching passes of Manaslu, this trek leaves a mark on every soul who walks its trail.