Overview

  • Duration 22
  • Max Altitude 5100
  • Group Size 2-10
  • Best Season Mar-May, Sep-Nov
  • Per Day Walk 5-6 hrs
  • Accomodation Tea house / Hotel
  • Start/End KTM / KTM
  • Difficulty Challenging
  • Trip Type Group /
  • Location Manasalu
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Overview

“With its off-the-beaten-path location, the Manaslu circuit with Tsum valley trek provides a sense of exclusivity and a chance to explore the unspoiled part of the Himalayas. The trail takes you through quaint villages, hidden valleys, and ancient monasteries, providing a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Tsumba people. If you’re looking for an extraordinary trek in Nepal that combines stunning scenery, cultural exploration, and full of adventures, the Manaslu Tsum valley trekking is a must-do.”

For those in search of a trek that offers challenging terrain, the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley is the perfect option. This exhilarating journey takes hikers through the remote Manaslu region, where they can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the locals and discover exotic alpine flora and fauna before ascending to the base of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft), the eighth-highest mountain in the world.

As one traverses through the upper Budhi Gandaki region, the trail reveals a series of breathtaking vistas like Himalchuli (7,893 m/25,896 ft), Siringi Himal ((7,155 m/23,474 ft), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/24,350 ft), Himlung Himal (7,126 m/23,379 ft), Annapurna II (7,937 m/26,040 ft), Mt. Kang Guru (6,981 m/22,903 ft), etc. The trail is dotted with several stunning viewpoints, ancient stupas, cascading waterfalls, lush rhododendron & pine forests, rushing rivers, gorges, and picturesque villages. 

The Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley trail is a hidden gem in the vastness of Nepal’s Himalayas. This trek route remains relatively unknown compared to other popular trekking routes like the Everest base camp and Annapurna circuit. The journey unfolds amidst a tapestry of Buddhist monasteries and nunneries, where the air is filled with the mesmerizing sound of spinning prayer wheels. A land where cultural richness intertwines seamlessly with breathtaking nature.

Pungyan gumpa manasalu

Trek route

The Manaslu circuit was opened in 1991, and the Tsum valley in 2007. For a long time, both of these regions remained unexplored by the world and hence successfully preserved their roots. Even today, only a handful of travelers do the Manaslu circuit with Tsum valley trekking, so you can hope for a very exquisite and raw experience. 

Although the trek route extends all the way to the Nepal-Tibet Border, access to the area is restricted. Travelers with expensive restricted area permits are only allowed to enter the region. During the trek, trekkers will find themselves at altitudes exceeding 3,000 meters (9,842 ft). 

A notable highlight is the challenging crossing of the Larkya La pass by reaching an impressive elevation of 5,160 meters (16,929 ft). This part of the journey often entails traversing through snow and ice. In general, the trails wind along rocky terrain, clinging to cliff faces and providing an exhilarating experience. Along the way, trekkers will encounter Gurung villages adorned with terraced fields of rice and millet and amusing suspension bridges. 

Major attractions of the trek

You will be trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area, home to a wide range of animals, plants, and birds. It covers both Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley, so the entire trail is inside the national park. Some famous wildlife is snow-leopard, Himalayan tahr, and danphe.

In Tsum valley:

  • Visit Geshe Lama Konchog Retreat Cave, mentioned in the documentary Unmistaken Child. It is located between Chhokang Paro and Ngakyu Leru.
  • Visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave (3,361 m/11,027 ft) on the way from Chhokang Paro (3,010 m/9,875 ft) to Nile village (3,361 m/11,026 ft). Also known as Milarepa’s Cave, this sacred cave is believed to be the place of meditation and spiritual retreat for the renowned Tibetan Buddhist yogi and poet, Milarepa.
  • Visit ancient monasteries like Rachen Gompa (3,240 m/10,630 ft) and Mu Gompa (3,700 m/11,026 ft)
  • Hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (3,691m / 12,140ft).

 

During the Manaslu circuit:

  • Explore Pung Gyen Gompa and Punggung Glacier. Situated at 4,800 meters (15,748 ft), Pung Gyen Gompa belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which has a rich history and lineage of teachings.
  • Hike to remote and stunning Birendra Lake at 3,691 meters (12,110 ft). Its crystal-clear turquoise waters reflect the majestic snow-capped mountains, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere.
  • Explore the Manaslu Base Camp, located at 4,800 meters (15,748 ft). 
  • Witness jaw-dropping views of the Larkya Glacier and cross the demanding Larkya La pass (5,160 m/16,929 ft). 

Manaslu Tsum valley trek difficulty

The Manaslu circuit Tsum valley is a challenging trek in Nepal. It requires trekkers to navigate demanding terrains and endure long walking hours. The trek covers a total distance of approximately 220 km (136 miles). The rugged and isolated terrain adds to the overall challenge, needing a good level of physical fitness and stamina.

This trek is ideal for trekkers with previous trekking experience. Proper preparation is crucial for a safe and satisfying journey. You can do strength training and involve cardio like day hikes, swimming, cycling, running, etc, to build stamina. On average, 6 to 7 hours of daily walking is required. 

Additionally, factors like altitude sickness and limited accommodation facilities can contribute to the difficulty level. The trek goes above 5,000 meters. You will be spending multiple nights above 3,000 meters, which increases the risks of altitude sickness. So, acclimatization days are quite crucial, and our Manaslu circuit with the Tsum valley trek itinerary has ample of them. 

By being prepared, informed, and taking necessary precautions, trekkers can overcome the difficulties associated with the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley trekking and fully embrace the adventure and beauty of this remarkable region.

Join us on the 2023 or 2024 Manaslu circuit with Tsum valley trek fixed departure

We have fixed departures for the Manaslu circuit with Tsum valley trek 2023/2024 that you can join. Or opt for a private trek with our native guides and porters. Group and private treks both have their pros. You can choose one that best suits your requirements. For more information, contact us. 

Likewise, our package cost is also the most genuine in the market. There is no hidden cost involved, and you will get top-notch service while trekking with us. These are a few other challenging trekking packages in Nepal- the Kanchenjunga circuit trek, Makalu base camp trek, and Everest three high passes trek. 

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek

  • Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola via Soti Khola (730 m) and Arughat Bazar Trip Duration: 8 hours

    The drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola is long and quite adventurous. Once we leave the bustle of Kathmandu, the road follows hillsides and rivers. We drive through small towns, enjoying views of terraced farms, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. From Arughat Bazar, the ride gets bumpy up to Machha Khola. We will drive through Soti Khola.

  • Day 2 : Machha Khola to Jagat Trip Duration: 6-7 hours

    Starting today, we will begin trekking. The first day of our trek leads to Jagat, a big Gurung village where we will also register our restricted area permits. The trail from Machha Khola passes via dense forests to Khorla Besi. We may come across langurs and monkeys on the way. 

    Further, we will ascend to Tatopani, where we can enjoy natural hot springs. From here, cross two suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki river and trek to Doban. We will then trek via a landslide area to Yaruphant and cross a wooden bridge before reaching Jagat.

  • Day 3 : Trek to Lokpa Trip Duration: 6 hours

    From Jagat onwards, the trail ascends to a ridge and continues to Salleri. We will trek along the river banks and cross a long suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki river. Further, the valley opens up as we move towards Philim and trek to Ekle Bhatti. 

    From here, the trail separates to Tsum valley and Larkya La pass. We will trek to Tsum valley first. Following an uphill route, we will trek to Lokpa, passing by many small settlements area. On the way, we can see stunning views of the Manaslu range. The views of Himalchuli and Boudha Himal are fantastic from Lokpa village. 

  • Day 4 : Lokpa to Chumling Trip Duration: 5 hours

    The trail from Lokpa follows an offbeat route. We will enjoy breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal VI and Bauddha Himal on the way. The trail drops down to the Lungwa river valley and ascends through dense rhododendron and pine forests. As there is no village between Lokpal and Chumling, we will carry our packed lunch. Just before reaching Chumling, we will cross the Syar Khola. If we have energy, we can hike to the upper parts of the village later in the day, from where we can see a striking view of Ganesh Himal.

  • Day 5 : Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro Trip Duration: 5 hours

    The trail today enters the upper part of the valley, the inner Himalayas. We will walk along the Syar river and descend to Domje. It is the largest village in the Tsum valley. From here, the trail ascends to Chhokang Paro. The views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal are exceptional on the way.

  • Day 6 : Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile (3,361 m)/Chhule (3,347 m) via Milarepa Piren Phu Cave Trip Duration: 4-5 hrs

    Leaving Chhokang Paro, the trail gradually ascends to Lamagaon via Ngakyu Leru. The trail is steep and rugged. We will cross a couple of bridges on the way. We will visit Rachen Gompa and continue ascending toward Phurbe (3,251 m). On the way, stop at Milarepa Cave and cross a bridge over the Syar river. 

    Milarepa Cave is also known as Piren Phu. It is one of the most important religious assets in the Tsum valley. The trail then continues along the Syar river to Nile or Chhule village for the night. Right before reaching any of these two villages, we will cross two more bridges. 

  • Day 7 : Early morning excursion to Mu Gompa (3,700 m/11,026 ft) and trek from Nile to Lamagaon Trip Duration: 5 hours

    Today, we will go on a morning hike to Mu Gompa. As Nile is the last settlement in the Tsum valley, we take this day to explore some nearby must-visit places and return to Nile to continue our trek back to Lamagaon. The trail from Nile village steeply ascends in the west to Mu Gompa. It is also our highest point in Tsum valley. Mu Gompa is an ancient monastery believed to be 77 years old. 

    We get to witness a jaw-dropping view of Lungdang Glacier and snow-capped mountains from here. Likewise, in the east and west directions, we can see Mailatasachin Pass (5,093 m) and Thapla Bhanjyang (5,104 m), respectively. We can also further hike to Pika Himal Base Camp and visit Dephyu Dolma Nunnery Gompa, which is a 600 years old Gompa. Later, we will return to Nile village and descend to Lamagaon, retracing the path.

  • Day 8 : Trek from Lamagaon to Domje Trip Duration: 5 hours

    We will leave Lamagaon early in the morning and trek back to Domje. The trail descends to Ngakyu Leru and continues towards Chhokang Paro. We will walk through lush forests and steeply descend to Domje, crossing a bridge right before entering our final destination of the day. The trail offers beautiful views of snow-capped mountains

  • Day 9 : Trek from Domje to Gumba Lungdang Trip Duration: 5-6 hrs

    The trail from Domje to Gumba Lungdang is quite beautiful. We will trek through forests of rhododendron, pine, and okay. The trail follows a rough, steep path and then joins a leveled path. We will be trekking above the Langdang Khola. Upon reaching Gumba Lungdang, we will get to see a superb view of Ganesh Himal and many other towering peaks.

  • Day 10 : Acclimatization day- day excursion to Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trip Duration: 5-6 hours

    Today, we have a rest day in Gumba Lungdang. We will spend the morning hiking to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. The trail to the base camp descends down through two gorgeous valleys and passes by a muddy trodden trail. We will walk past a small pasture and further descend down to a river. From here, the trail traverses through woodland and crosses Langdang Khola on a wooden bridge. 

    Further, we ascend and walk by the lateral moraine of Torogumba Glacier. The trail then continues past seasonal yak huts and moraine to the base camp of Ganesh Himal. Rarely visited by trekkers, this is an unspoiled location in the deep Himalayas of Nepal. After enjoying our time here, we will trek back to Gumba Lungdang to spend the night.

  • Day 11 : Trek from Gumba Lungdang to Lokpa Trip Duration: 6-7 hours

    We have a long day ahead of us. We will leave Gumba Lungdang after a big breakfast. Following a trail through lush alpine forests, we will descend and trek to Domje (2,460 m). From Domje, we will follow the trail via Ripchet (2,470 m). On the way to Ripchet, we will cross a bridge. 

    Further, the trail continues via farming fields and forests of pine and rhododendron to Gumlung. The trail steeply descends from here. It is a zigzag track and passes by a rockfall area to Sarti gorge. We will then cross a couple of suspension bridges and trek to Lokpa.

  • Day 12 : Trek from Lokpa to Deng Trip Duration: 5 hours

    We will cross a bridge on a Budhi Gandaki river right after leaving Lokpa. The trail enters a narrow gorge and ascends towards Deng village. On the way, we will cross two suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki river. The trail goes past Pewa via a bamboo forest and steeply ascends to Deng for a night stay. Deng village welcomes us with stunning views of Siringi Himal. Deng is a beautiful Gurung village.

  • Day 13 : Deng to Namrung Trip Duration: 5-6 hours

    We have another long trekking day ahead of us today. From Deng, the trail continues through farmlands and lush forests. We will cross the Budhi Gandaki river via a bridge and gradually ascend to Rana at 1,910 meters. We have now officially joined the Manaslu circuit trail. Passing by Bihi Phedi (1,990 m), the trail goes along the river and turns to Prok village. 

    Following a zigzag trail, we will continue the trekking, crossing a couple more bridges on the way to Namrung village. We can see an excellent view of Siringi Himal and Ganesh Himal from here. This village has a hydropower and police check post.

  • Day 14 : Trek from Namrung to Lho village Trip Duration: 5 hours

    Leaving Namrung village, the trail goes past many mani walls and stupas. We will ascend to Lihi village (2,920 m) and continue trekking towards Sho (2,880 m). On the way, we can see views of Himalchuli and cross a suspension bridge over Hinang Khola. Further, enjoying the views of Manaslu North and Naike peak, we will trek past the landslide area to Lho village.

  • Day 15 : Trek to Pung Gyen Gompa and walk to Samagaun (3,520 m/11,548 ft) to spend the night Trip Duration: 6 hours

    The trail from Lho ascends towards Samagaun. With today’s journey being relatively short in distance, we’ll seize the opportunity and hike to Pung Gyen Gompa, a monastery of profound significance within the Manaslu region.

    Leaving Lho village behind, the trail ascends via Shyala. Along the way, we will trek past chortens and small stupas. Crossing a suspension bridge, the trail meanders alongside the Punggung Glacier, leading us to the Pung Gyen Gompa. 

    Once we have explored the sacred halls of the monastery, beholding its profound serenity and absorbing the spiritual essence that permeates its walls, we will retrace our steps, following the trail back to Samagaun. 

  • Day 16 : Acclimatization day in Samagaun Trip Duration: 4-5 hours

    There is an abundance of places to explore in and around Samagaun. We will begin our day with a hike to Birendra Lake. The trail is offbeat and traverses through the debris of the landslide, unveiling the splendor of this least-explored alpine lake in Nepal.

    The hike offers magnificent vistas of snow-covered mountains like Mt. Manaslu, Naike Peak, Peak 29, Simnang Himal, Mt. Himalchuli, Larke Peak, etc. After the hike, we can ascend further to Manaslu Base Camp or return to Samagaun to spend the remaining day.

  • Day 17 : Samagaun to Samdo Trip Duration: 3-4 hrs

    Today’s trail leads us to the quaint village of Samdo. The path to Samdo involves a long and steep ascent from Samagaun. As we trek, we will pass through a vibrant pasture and climb higher above the valley.

    The trail goes through lush forests of birch and juniper. Eventually, we will encounter a brief descent that leads us to the riverbed of the Budhi Gandaki. Crossing a sturdy wooden bridge, we will continue trekking, following the course of the Budhi Gandaki river until we reach Samdo village, where we will spend the night.

  • Day 18 : Samdo to Larkya Phedi, also known as Dharamsala Trip Duration: 4-5 hours

    The trail from Samdo descends along the edges of hills and fields. We will pass by ancient mani walls and cross the Budhi Gandaki river over a sturdy wooden bridge. The trek continues past the Athahra Saya river and follows the course of the Larke river. Soon, we will get to see the mesmerizing beauty of the Larkya Glacier. We will then trek around the Salkha Khola valley and gradually ascend to Larkya Phedi. Here, we will stay in dormitory-style accommodation.

  • Day 19 : Dharamsala to Bhimthang (3,720 m/12,205 ft) by crossing Larkya La pass Trip Duration: 8-9 hours

    Starting from Dharamsala, we’ll traverse a moraine and descend towards a picturesque small lake. We may face strong winds along the way. As we continue trekking, the trail gets rough and less defined along the south steep grassy slope. Trekking along the moraine, we will reach the edge and descend from here to four frozen lakes. 

    The final ascent further will take us to the top of Larkya La pass. The top offers an outstanding view of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Mt. Kang Guru, and Cheo Himal. After relishing the magnificent vistas, it is time to descend from the pass. The trail drops down to the top of a moraine as we head westward. 

    With a steep descent and the crossing of another moraine, we gradually make our way to a grassy slope. Continuing our trek along a downhill trail, we will reach a small meadow. From here onwards, the valley will open up, revealing a vast meadow. The trail goes past humble houses and mani walls until we reach Bhimthang.

  • Day 20 : Trek from Bhimthang to Goa Trip Duration: 5 hours

    Leaving Bhimtang, the trail will lead us across a moraine before descending towards the headwaters of the Dudh Khola. Crossing a sturdy wooden bridge, we will trek through a lush forest. Within this forest, we will have the opportunity to spot sheep, horses, and monkeys, adding a touch of wildlife to our journey. Likewise, we can also see wonderful views of Mt. Manaslu, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, etc. 

    A brief descent of approximately 30 minutes through a lush forest will bring us to the serene meadow of Sangore Kharka. Continuing our trek, we will navigate a landslide area and follow a steep climb to a ridge adorned with fluttering prayer flags. From here we will descend to a tranquil river bank where Goa is situated. 

  • Day 21 : Trek from Goa to Dharapani Trip Duration: 5 hours

    The trail from Gho to Dharapani is mostly through fields with some forested areas. After a short walk, we will reach Tilije, a small multiethnic community. Leaving Tilije through a stone arch, we’ll cross the Dudh Khola and descend through a scrub forest. 

    As we trek further, the Marsyangdi valley walls start to look bigger. We can spot the houses of Dharapani in the distance. We’ll pass through Thonje village and cross a wooden bridge and a chorten-shaped arch before reaching Dharapani, which is across a long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi river.

  • Day 22 : Drive back to Kathmandu Trip Duration: 7-8 hours

    Today, we will drive back to Kathmandu. The ride will be long and offer beautiful landscapes. Our guide will drop you at the hotel upon reaching Kathmandu. As it is your last day in the city, do not forget to explore the local market and window shop in Thamel. We will meet you in the late evening for a farewell dinner. 

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Frequently Asked Questions

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