← Manaslu Region
Tsum valley and Manaslu circuit
The Tsum Valley trek and the Manaslu Circuit is a journey into the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas. Tsum Valley, nicknamed “the hidden valley,” offers a unique spiritual and cultural experience, marked by ancient monasteries, authentic Tibetan villages, and majestic panoramas. Continuing with the Manaslu Circuit, trekkers encounter spectacular alpine landscapes, cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,100 meters, and traverse a diversity of climates and ecosystems. Between snow-capped peaks, local hospitality, and remote trails, this loop combines isolation, raw natural beauty, and deep cultural immersion.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Arughat Bazar – Maccha Khola (870 m)
Departure by private jeep to the village of Arughat Bazar, then onward to Machha Khola. Approximately 7–8 hours of driving. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 2: Machha Khola – Jagat (1,350 m)
Trek along the Buri Gandaki River, through rice fields and warm regions, passing the village of Tatopani, known for its hot springs. Approximately 5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge in Jagat.
Day 3: Jagat – Lokpa (2,240 m)
Ascent toward Philim, then onward to the village of Lokpa, with views of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal. Approximately 5–6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 4: Lokpa – Chhumling (2,386 m)
Descent and ascent to the village of Chhumling. Approximately 5–6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 5: Chhumling – Chokhangparo (3,030 m)
Ascent to reach the Tsum Valley and the large village of Chokangparo. Approximately 5–6 hours of walking. Beautiful views to the south of Buddha Himal, Himal Chuli, and Ganesh Himal. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 6: Chokhangparo – Nyle (3,361 m)
A pleasant day of walking, crossing villages and visiting small gompas. Views of Buddha Himal and Ganesh Himal. Approximately 4½ hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 7: Nyle – Mu Gompa (3,700 m) – Burji (3,300 m)
Ascent to Mu Gompa, the last settlement before the Tibetan border. Visit the monastery, return to Nyle, then descend to Burji. Visit the nunnery at Rachen Gompa. Approximately 5–6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 8: Burji – Gho – Ripchet (2,470 m)
Descend the valley to Gho, then cross a bridge to ascend to the village of Ripchet on the opposite side of the Siyar Khola. Approximately 6 hours of walking. Beautiful mountain views. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 9: Ripchet – Lokpa – Deng (1,920 m)
Descend to Lokpa, rejoin the Manaslu Circuit trail, and ascend to Deng. Approximately 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 10: Deng – Namrung (2,600 m)
Ascend through the Buri Gandaki Gorge, with the first Tibetan villages appearing along the way. Steep climb through a dense forest before reaching Namrung. Approximately 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 11: Namrung – Samagaon (3,530 m)
Ascent through a spruce forest to Lho, a beautiful village with dry-stone houses. Views of the foothills of the east face of Manaslu. We are in a cirque at the foot of Himal Chuli (7,893 m), Ngadi Chuli or Peak 29 (7,840 m), and Ganesh Himal. Approximately 5–6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 12: Samagaon
Acclimatization day. Ascent to PungGyen Gompa (3,900 m) facing the east face of Manaslu, then return to Samagaon. Views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli. Approximately 5–6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 13: Samagaon – Samdo (3,750 m)
Ascent to Birendra Tal Lake en route to the Manaslu Base Camp, then continue uphill to the village of Samdo (3,750 m), the last village before Tibet. Approximately 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 14: Samdo – Dharamsala (4,400 m)
Continue along a balcony trail to Yak Kharka, an isolated herder’s camp and the last stop before the pass. Approximately 4 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 15: Dharamsala – Larkya La Pass (5,100 m) – Bimtang (3,720 m)
Early morning departure for a long, gradual ascent to Larkya La Pass, followed by a steep descent to Bimtang. Magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Approximately 8–9 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 16: Bimtang – Tilje (2,300 m)
Descent to the village of Tilje, with views of Himal Chuli and the north face of Phungi. Approximately 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 17: Tilje – Dharapani (1,920 m) – Kathmandu
Descend to the Marsyangdi Valley at Dharapani (approximately 1.5 hours), then depart by private jeep to Kathmandu. About 7 hours of driving.
Dropdown Menu – Click on each step to learn more