Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek

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.

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.

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.

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

Leaving Chhokang Paro, the trail gradually ascends to Lamagaon via Ngakyu Leru. The trail is gradual steep and rugged. 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.

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 to MuGompa is mostly gradual uphill however nearer to the Mu Gompa is gradula uphill 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 We will cross a bridges on the way. We will visit Rachen Gompa and then crossing another suspension bridge to continue toward Lamagaon, retracing the path.

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

The trail from Domje to Gumba Lungdang is quite beautiful. We will trek through forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak. 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.

Today, we have a rest day or excursion towards Ganesh Himal base camp. 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.

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 Ripchet and 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.

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.

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 via Ghap 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.

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).Once crossing a suspension bridge over Hinang Khola On the way, we can see views of Himalchuli. Further, enjoying the views of Manaslu North and Naike peak, we will trek past the landslide area to Lho village.

The trail from Lho ascends towards Samagaun. 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 Pungen Gumpa via Shyala. Along the way, we will trek past chortens and small stupas. Todays we will see very good view of Manaslu, Peak 29 and we will follow the glacier and then to Pungen Gumpa 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.

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 etc. After the hike, we can ascend further to Manaslu Base Camp or return to Samagaun to spend the remaining day.

Today’s trail leads us to the quaint village of Samdo. The path to Samdo involves a joyful walk 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 with some gradual uphill, following the course of the Budhi Gandaki river until we reach Samdo village, where we will spend the night.

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 / Dharmasala. Here, we will stay in dormitory-style accommodation.

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. After crossing the Larke la pass about 2 hrs and its the lunch point after the long hike

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, Phungi Himal, 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 via Yak Kharka and Surki Kharka and to the bank where Goa is situated.

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 suspension bridge and a chorten-shaped arch before reaching Dharapani, which is across a long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi river. ( Mostly we passes throuh motor road)

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.