Impressive views of hidden valleys, vast moraines, silent high-mountain lakes, and a horizon line rugged by snowy peaks – this is how we like to describe our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. This trek will take you through the high-mountain region of Manaslu, and one of the sacred valleys that has been said to be created by Padmasambhava as a retreat for people with a pure mind and heart.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek has only been opened to international and national trekkers in 2008. This unique trekking expedition will not only allow you to walk around the eighth tallest peak of the planet but also take a short detour of the Tsum Valley- one of the most remote valleys in the Nepalese Himalayas.
Framed between the wild mountain ranges of Himal Chuli, Bauddha Himal, Shringi Himal, and Ganesh Himal, Tsum Valley has retained its original and independent Tibetan Buddhist culture that has survived here over the centuries.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is rich in Buddhist history and living tradition. Again and again, you will come across old monasteries, Mani walls, and picturesque chortens. On your Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, you will also learn the basics of the mentality of Tsumbas, their unique culture, customs of polyandry, language, and festivals.
During your return to Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, you will have the opportunity to explore the majestic Manaslu, which will be your constant companion throughout the trek with its impressive elevation of 8163 m.
Along the way to Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, you will come across the prominent Larke Pass, towering at an elevation of 5106 m. This pass is renowned for its remarkable beauty and fearsome status as one of the most challenging passes in the country.
Throughout the entire trek, you will be blessed with the stunning mountain views of Naike Peak, Manaslu North, Manaslu, Annapurna Himal, Gorkha Himal, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Himlung Himal.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is not very problematic in terms of altitude due to the slow ascent along the Budhi Gandaki Valley and later the Siyar Khola Valley.
So, join soon our unique Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, in which you will come very close to authentic Nepal.
Our Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek will take you on a jeep drive to Machhakhola from where you will hike to the quaint unique settlements of the Tsum Valley including Lopa, Nile, Mu Gompa, and Chumling.
Then, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek trail follows Deng taking you on a round trip around Manaslu via Namrung, Shayala, Samagaun, to Dharmasala. You will then overcome the mighty Pass of Larke to continue to Bimthang and Dharapani. The trail from this village will take along the chaotic road to Kathmandu.
Hello and Namaste! A warm welcome to you in Kathmandu- the capital of Nepal and the city of legend. Our representative will be at your assistance at TIA from where he will drive you to your hotel where you can rest after your long flight.
If there is time, on this day you can get acquainted with the historical center of the capital of Nepal. You can visit Durbar Square, walk in Thamel Street, and if necessary, purchase the required clothing and equipment.
In the evening, our guide will organize a brief get-to-know-you program where you will get to meet the whole team and discuss about the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek route. After dinner, you can prepare for an early departure the next day.
After breakfast early in the morning, we will set out on our path that will take about 8 to 10 hours drive including a stop for lunch. The drive will be via private transport along the winding serpentine trail. As we past the edge of the capital and journey to the west, a gurgling Trishuli River welcomes us along the Dhading Besi route.
Next, the small settlement of Arughat of the marvelous Budhi Gandaki River Valley greets us with the amazing panorama of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal.
The trail ahead will lead us through Sotikhola which used to be the starting point for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. But we will proceed further to Machhakhola enjoying the green rice terraces of Khursasne and Labubesi.
Today is our first day of hiking. We will get up early, pack our things, have breakfast, and set off on a wonderful path along rivers, waterfalls, and mountains. We will continue our journey through the jungle of rhododendron trees and pine trees, the path winds up and down to Khorla Besi.
Enjoying the companionship of Ganesh Himal, we will go to the village of Tatopani with a small hot spring, and walk along a high suspended place above the Yaru Khola River. We will eat our lunch here, then we will cross the river on a suspension bridge and walk past Dovan and Thulo Dhunga.
By the late afternoon, we will arrive at Jagat which is the gateway to the Tsum Valley and Manaslu.
From now on, we will go higher and higher through the pine and rhododendron forests, colorful Tibetan villages with their monasteries, and the exceptional views of Shringi Himal.
As yesterday, we will climb for a while and reach Salleri, then a short downhill path will take us to Sridibas from where there are gorgeous views of the Shringi Himal (7155 m). Then, another breathtaking large suspension bridge, and then a long steep climb will lead us to the village of Philim, whose local population is the Gurungs.
We will have our permits checked here, then proceed to enter the authentic Tsum Valley. A short gentle ascend along the narrow gorge through the pine forest will take us to Ekle Bhatti and lastly, Lokpa Village beautifully nestled between Budhi Gandaki and Siyar Khola.
Departing from Lokpa village after breakfast, we will walk along the southern shore of the Siyar Khola. Then, we will climb through the dense pine forest along the steep rock faces of the Sardi Danda.
After climbing down from the hill for about 30 minutes, we will reach the beautiful Lungwa Khola. Then follow the steep ascent to Gumlung and cross the Siyar Khola to reach Chumling village which offers us the magnetic view of Ganesh Himal.
The village has retained its intimate atmosphere not clogged with tourist infrastructure. In the evening, we can explore its three monasteries: Pango Gumba, Mani Dhurgyur and Gurwa Gumba.
After breakfast, we will follow the trail towards the east and traverse the small picturesque village of Dumje (2,460 m). The path here branches off: one leading to Ganech Himal Base Camp and the other to our destination.
Staying on the main path, we will move on to cross the Serpu Khola and ascend to Gho village. Watch the impressive view of Ganesh Himal en route. Then a gentle climb through the terraced farm, we will reach Chaurikharka.
A beautiful stone path will climb us towards our overnight destination of Chhokang Paro.
After breakfast, we will resume our hike towards the east. Along the route, we will pass a small local school. Then walking past Lamagaon, we arrive at the Piren Phu cave above Lar village. These pigeon caves are of great spiritual importance to Buddhists. Milarepa – Tibet’s great yogi – is said to have meditated here in the 11th century.
After the cave exploration, we will continue further along the flat farmland towards Phurbey, Chhule. We will now climb for about 20 minutes and reach Nile Village.
After resting in the village and having our lunch, we will then ascend for about two hours to reach Mu Gompa. As the name suggests, this is the largest gompa (monastery) in the valley. We will explore its beautiful complex and its architecture. Then, we will descend back to our lodge in the Nile for our overnight rest.
Without much effort, we will follow the path via Nile Chhule through the wide valley to Pangdung (3,258 m). then, we will follow the Siyar Khola and walk past the Kaling and Bhajyo villages. The trail from here will now lead us to Bursi Village where Rachen Gompa is located.
We will first settle into our lodge and then go on to visit the large monastery. There are the life-size statues of the primordial Buddha Amitabha and Avolikoteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Equally remarkable are the statues of Guru Rinpoche and the female protective goddess Tara, as well as many other traditional wall paintings. Nearby, there is another monastery that houses nuns of the Ngak-Pa sect.
Our journey to Chumling today is a comfortable one, with slight ups and downs, mostly downhill. Along the way, we will pass through the picturesque villages of Pungdun, Phurbey, Lamagaon, Chhokang Paro, and Dumje before reaching Chumling for an overnight stay.
Leaving Chumling after breakfast, we will depart from Tsum Valley and continue our path through the forest. We will cross very deep gorges on the new suspension bridge. After a few climbs and descents via the stairs, we arrive at Lokpa.
We will cross another suspension bridge to go straight to Philim where we will eat our lunch. After lunch, we will continue on the trails that pass through the village of Ekle Bhatti. After crossing the ridge and the narrow path, we will arrive at Deng.
Leaving Deng behind, we will head east to ascend the Rana Bridge from where we will continue onwards to Bihi Phedi. Then few steep climbs and descents will lead us to Ghap Village. Here, the population mainly consists of ethnic Tibetan Sherpa people, now residents of Nepal.
Then a beautiful trail of pine, oak, and fir forests leads us to Namrung via Kutang. Namrung has a sauna and a French bakery with a coffee machine.
Exiting Namrung after breakfast, we will climb steadily for about two hours to reach the Lihi village located above a fork in the gorges. Then we will climb for another 45 minutes through a fabulously beautiful ancient forest, along a mountain stream, past emerald green dams to reach Sho located at an altitude of 3000 m. From here you can see the Himalayan peaks of Manaslu North and Manaslu Central (8100 m).
Walking along the gentle path, we will reach the Lho village- a large village with a strong Tibetan Buddhist influence. Then hiking along a forest path past spruces and rhododendrons, the path takes us to the Tibetan settlement of Shyala.
Today we have a short acclimatizing walk to Samagaun. We have plenty of time to explore the Ribung monastery en route which offers some incredible views of Peak 29 and Himalchuli.
After exploring the monastery, we will then go to Samagaun just an hour and a half from Shyala. We will rest for the whole afternoon today as we have enough time to explore Samagaun tomorrow.
Samagaon is the largest village in the Manaslu region. The majestic double-headed peak of Manaslu rises above the village. From here climbers begin their journey to base camp.
As an acclimating hike, we will ascend to Lake Birendra (3460 m) for about half an hour. It is a freshwater lake located on the Manaslu Glacier near the Pun Hien Glacier and Gompa in Samagaun. The lake is formed by several powerful waterfalls and streams falling from a melting glacier on the slopes of Manaslu. The water has a beautiful bluish tint and is very cold. From different angles the outlines of the lake change. The lake bears the name of the late king, beloved by all Nepalese.
Then, we will ascend to Manaslu base camp ( 4800 m). From the trail to Manaslu Base Camp, you can see the lake, the Budhi Gandaki Valley, and our two previous stops in Shyala and Samagaon. The trek from Samagaon to Manaslu base camp (1300 m elevation gain) is not difficult.
It is a good walk after which we will return tour lodge in Samagaun.
After breakfast, we will set off from Samagaun to approach Larke Pass in the coming days. Today also we have a short acclimating walk to prepare us for the long and strenuous hike coming our way in days ahead.
Today, we will follow the old trade route from Tibet to Nepal and walk past the Kermo Kharka, a small yak pasture. The path will now lead us to the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. After crossing the bridge, we will climb to White Kani and arrive at Samdo.
Near Samdo there is an observation deck that offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. If we have enough energy, we will definitely hike to the deck.
The route today offers us an impressive view of the northern face of Manaslu. We will make our way to Dharmashala also known as the Refugee Camp or Larke Phedi.
The path is completely obvious, it is impossible to get lost. In the gorge between the hills, we will cross a small river of Salka Khola, then, climb the hill of Dharmashala. It is a high-altitude camp with few lodges where trekkers can spend the night before climbing the pass. Enjoy the magnanimous views of Larke Peak, Naike Peak, and Syacha Glacier from its top.
We will rise early at 3 am, and after breakfast, we will depart towards Larke Pass at approximately 4 am to meet an unforgettable sunrise with a view of the fantastically beautiful peaks. We have to climb 700 m and then go down 1570 m. First, we will climb a small Danda behind Dharmashala and walk along the Larke Glacier moraine.
Enjoying the view of Cho Danda, we will continue our climb over frozen lakes to reach the top of the Pass. The pass itself is incredibly beautiful – we are surrounded by sharp dark rocks and there is a view of the surrounding peaks – Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Annapurna II ( 7937), and Kang Guru (6981m).
We will enjoy the peaks and real solitude in the Himalayas. At the pass, we drink tea and contemplate the beauty of the surrounding majestic mountains.
Beyond the pass, we have to overcome a steep 600-meter descent along the ridge. Then we will go down the slope and along the moraine of the Ponkar glacier to arrive at Bimthang situated at the confluence of three glaciers. This is about 4 more hours of descent, however, it is already quite easy.
On the descent, the peaks of Lamjung Himal (6983 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), and Annapurna IV (7525 m) will open to our eyes.
After breakfast, we set out again passing the yak pasture of Sangure Kharka on the way. A 3.5-hour hike will lead us to Karche (2700m). Gradually, the trail leads us to a fairy-tale forest of conifers, rhododendrons, Himalayan birches, and junipers. Then, it goes down the slope to the Dudh Khola River.
We will then pass by the settlement of Gho from where we will hike downhill along the western bank of the river to reach the village of Tilche (2300m). From here, we will move on to cross the Dudh Khola and ascend to Marshyangdi valley which will then take us to Thongje village.
Taking the main path of the Annapurna trek, we will turn left and walk towards Dharapani.
Early morning after breakfast, we will jump in our jeep and begin our scenic drive through Bhulbhule, Khudi, and Besisahar. Then, we will move along the Prithivi highway, enjoying the beautiful scenery of hills, deep rivers, terraced fields, small towns, and mountains till we reach Kathmandu.
We will take you to your hotel where you can rest and take a hot bath. In the evening, we will have a cultural farewell dinner with our entire team.
Today your adventure in Nepal comes to an end! Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu, walking around the city and or shopping for souvenirs. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the amazing, mystical Himalayas.
We also operate private trips.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is more of a cultural, natural, and sightseeing tour for which the dry period during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods are the most favorable times.
The pre-monsoon time from March to May is also the spring season in the Manaslu region characterized by warm to hot days with little rainfall. In the afternoon, cumulus clouds often set in and individual thunderstorms provide refreshing cooling in the early evening hours.
The temperatures are still pleasant even at higher altitudes and stable weather can be expected before the beginning of June. The visibility is not quite as clear as in the post-monsoon, but in the pre-monsoon, you will find all the rhododendron and magnolia forests in full bloom.
The post-monsoon period from September to November is also the autumn months which bring incredible clarity, which makes the size of the mountains even more impressive. However, you have to be prepared for slightly lower temperatures. Above 4,000 m, temperatures sometimes fall below -10 degrees at night. Rainfall at this time is rare, but not completely impossible.
Our 20-day adventure in Manaslu Tsum Valley trek has been deliberately divided into two phases. The first phase will take us to one of the most beautiful and unusual Tsum Valley located northwest of the capital at a distance of 120 km. The highest elevation gain during the Tsum Valley trek will be at Mu Gompa at the impressive height of 3710 m while the highest overnight village will be at Nile perched at 3365m above sea level.
The second phase will then take us around the majestic Manaslu region home to the eighth tallest peak on the planet Mount Manaslu at 8163 meters. The massive Larke Pass at 5,106m will be our highest elevation gain in this stage with the settlement of Dharmashala being the highest overnight stay at 4480 m.
Lying 177 km away from Kathmandu and separated by a 140 km road distance from its starting point village of Machhakhola, the Manaslu trek offers a captivating 19-day journey with a literal 16-day hiking tour. During this hiking journey, we will cover a daily average of 13 to 15 km, easily accessible for any healthy individual.
On our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, you will walk for between 5 – 6 hours. You will hike up to heights between 3,500 m and 5,000 m which can be pretty strenuous if you are not used to long day high-altitude hikes. However, we have concentrated on a gradual ascent, considering the slow elevation gain in our carefully planned itinerary.
The least demanding and shortest journey of the trip will be on day 13, when we will travel from Shayla to Samagaun, walking for only 3 hours. The most challenging part of the trek will be on day 17, as we make our way from Dharmashala to Bimthang, crossing the fearsome Larke Pass at 5106 m, which will require 9 hours of walking.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is considered a moderately challenging hiking journey in Nepal. During the entire trekking journey, the elevation of Mu Gompa and the Larke Pass will be our biggest challenge. We have therefore thoughtfully designed our itinerary that allows us to gradually explore the Tsum Valley and Manaslu region.
For example, during the Tsum Valley expedition, after approaching Mu Gompa, we will trek to Rachen Gompa necessitating only 3 to 4 hours of walking along the easy trail. Whereas, during the Manaslu trek, we will spend an acclimatization rest at Samagaun.
Still, the daily stages are between 3 and 7 hours, on some days up to 8 to 10 hours. Therefore, for this trekking tour, a good basic level of fitness, surefootedness, and a head for heights are required. You need to be prepared for altitude sickness syndrome, starting at an average altitude of 3000 m, but it can occur at other altitudes, depending on individual characteristics.
Our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek welcomes all individuals regardless of their lack of experience in high-altitude trekking as long as they enjoy good physical health, positive mental attitude and live a very active day-to-day life. For those suffering from any chronic ailment, we suggest you seek advice from your doctor before participating in this trek.
The trekking route is well marked and prepared after the laborious effort of locals and government authorities. However, the route still lacks the modern facilities that you are used to at home. But this trek is relatively simple with no need for technical skill or special gear.
However, you must be able to walk for long hours along the diverse terrain with a certain degree of change in altitude. And you must be prepared to let go of your comforts for a few days. In return, you will get the perfect idyllic rural pastorals where nature and man exist in complete harmony making this trip ideal for everyone regardless of age, character, and interests.
Remember, the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is one of the remote trekking in Nepal that will relatively take you to the third world. The trip has an expedition character due to a lack of infrastructure. Additionally, the changing altitude may play tricks on you. You have to overcome the narrow gorges, strong winds, and sunlight with dry air and cool days at high altitudes.
Therefore, advanced physical preparation is a must for this trek. We advise you to join a gym where you can inform your teacher about your trip so he can plan your exercise routine accordingly. If you are not a gym person, you can begin by walking every morning with a light backpack. Then you can progress to running, cycling, and swimming.
This trekking tour also requires team spirit, flexibility, tolerance, and a willingness to cooperate from all participants. Therefore, try to be optimistic and practice meditation for at least half an hour a day.
If you are in search of an exciting journey in the Manaslu region, then you should definitely consider combining the Nar Phu Kangla Pass trek with our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. The trip will take you to the most non-tourist route of Nepal which is still uncrowded and authentic.
A month-long trekking tour will take you from sunny tropics with exotic plants to highlands with eternal snow and harsh yak with an opportunity to witness the impressive Ganesh Himal from its base camp.
Hiking along the familiar trail till Mu Gompa, you can then follow the path leading you to Gumba Lungdang and climb to Ganesh Himal base camp. On the way back, your trail will join Shayal via Ripchet.
On the other hand, you can only go for the Manaslu circuit trek or only the Tsum Valley trek to shorten your trip in the Manaslu region of Nepal.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of whether they are a professional mountaineer or a normal traveler. Normally, you may feel headaches at altitudes of around 3000 m above sea level. That means, your body is feeling the lack of oxygen and is not able to cope with the thin high-altitude atmosphere.
That’s where acclimatization comes in. Proper rest, hiking high and sleeping low, gradual walking and progression, drinking plenty of water, and eating a healthy meal are some of the principles of acclimatization. If you follow these safety rules, you can experience this journey without any physical discomfort.
However, if you have a severe headache, you can treat it with ibuprofen. If you also experience headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, and severe chills, you can take Diamox. If symptoms persist even after a few hours, please consult our guide and take a rest day if necessary or try to go to a lower altitude.
In Kathmandu, you will stay in a typical 3-star hotel with double rooms with a shower that offers functionally furnished rooms. Meals in Kathmandu include breakfast.
During the trek, you will sleep and eat in the numerous lodges en route. The lodges offer different facilities, usually rooms with bunk beds and relatively thin mattresses. Depending on the location you will find double or multi-bed rooms and even mattress dormitories. The lodges usually offer a common dining room for the evenings, where you can end the day comfortably.
A single room can be booked for an additional charge. If no suitable roommate can be found, the single room surcharge will be charged. However, during the trek, a single room cannot always be guaranteed.
You will be fully catered for during the trek, and the food is generally plentiful and varied. There is plenty of tea at all meals with fresh fruits offered after dinner.
The lodge menu is varied with a wide selection from Dal, Vat, and Tarkari to Thukpa, momos, fried rice, pizza, pasta, eggs, noodles, chapati, porridge, Tibetan bread, etc.
We provide transportation services including airport pick-up and drop-off transfers to and from your hotel. Travel from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and Dharapani to Kathmandu will be arranged by jeep or bus.
In the Manaslu region, NTC and NCELL mobile networks provide reliable coverage for uninterrupted communication when trekking. You can buy these Sims in Kathmandu and activate their 4G service for high-speed internet connectivity.
Likewise, good WIFI connections are available in villages such as Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, Samdo, Bimthang, and Dharapani. However, in the Tsum Valley and higher regions, the WIFI connection may be unavailable. For the WIFI service, you may have to pay a minimal fee of USD 3 to USD 4 per hour.
Additionally, you can also charge your electronic devices at the tea house, as it is furnished with electrical outlets and power sockets. The Manaslu area is now supplied with a steady flow of electricity.
Our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek takes you through Tsum Valley and Manaslu region so we need a Gorkha Tsum Valley Area permit to enter Tsum Valley. For the Manaslu trek, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), and a Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP) are essential. Our guide will acquire all these permits as your representative in Nepal.
(Note: first aid kits & medicine will carrying with our company’s guide during the trekking However, we recommend you to bring your personal first-aid kit)
Both are moderately challenging and a beginner-friendly trek in Nepal that take you through pristine nature and very close to Manaslu Himal. You can combine both treks in one or take one trip at a time.
When you tackle the climb to the Larke Pass and descend to Bimthang.
Our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek costs USD 1389 for a group of two members. The larger the group, minimum the cost.
No, this trek will take you to the restricted zone of the Tsum Valley and Manaslu for which a special permit is essential. To obtain these permits, you must travel in a group with at least 2 members. However, you can make your trip more private by traveling with your family members.

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