Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Following breakfast, our knowledgeable tour guide from Himalayan Social Journey will escort you on a captivating  journey to explore Nepal's UNESCO-listed world heritage sites. Today's itinerary includes visits to the renowned Pashupatinath temple, the majestic Bouddhanath stupa, the tranquil Swoyambhunath Stupa and the historic Patan Durbar Square.

Today, you'll start your journey towards Machhakhola, a small village situated in the Gorkha District of Nepal.The drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola is quite long, taking around 7 hours to cover the distance of approximately 200 kilometers.

Despite the dusty and bumpy road, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking landscape views from your window seat during the journey. Along the way, there are numerous rest stops where you can take short breaks and enjoy meals. Your day's adventure will conclude with a comfortable overnight stay at one of the welcoming teahouses in Maccha Khola.

The next day, start the trek along the twisting Budi Gandaki river, spotting monkeys and langurs in the forest trail. Explore Gurung villages like Lower Khorlabeshi, where shepherds wear traditional Bokkhu capes. Reach Tatopani for warm showers to relax. Cross a new suspension bridge to Doban, avoiding a difficult 3-hour climb. Traverse a long cantilever bridge to Jagat, a charming Gurung village with flagstone paths. Verify your trekking permits at the check post, as you enter the restricted region.

You will  access the restricted region of Manaslu by crossing a ridge to reach Salleri and then cross the Budhi Gandaki River via a suspension bridge. The valley widens as you approach Philim, and at Ekle Bhatti, the trail diverges towards Tsum and Manaslu. Hiking through various villages, you will  eventually reach Lokpa village in the hidden Tsum valley, which offers clear and breathtaking views of the Manaslu range, along with the blessings of Padmashamva from centuries ago. From Lokpa, you can also enjoy stunning panoramas of Himalchuli and Boudha Himal.

Starting after breakfast from Lokpa Village, the wild route entrance to Tsum valley, you can enjoy stunning views of Baudha Himal and Ganesh Himal on clear days. The trail initially descends to the Lungwa river valley, then ascends through a dense subtropical forest of rhododendron and pine. Notably, there are no villages between Lokpa and Chumling. Crossing Syar Khola leads you to the village of Chumling, and a side trip to its upper parts offers great views of Ganesh Himal from a monastery. Chumling is equipped with a health post and three monasteries: Panago Gumba, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gumba.

Today,  you will enter  the upper valley, a part of the inner Himalayas. The trail continues along the Syar River down to Domje - the largest city in Tsum valley. From Domje, you will  continue climbing uphill to arrive at Chhokangparo. On a clear day, you  can get magnificent views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal from Chhokangparo. At Chhokangparo, you will also experience the hospitality of local (Tibetan group “Tsombo”) people along with Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local meals.

Today's trek covers a relatively shorter distance. After leaving Chhule, the last village in the north upper Tsum Valley, you'll find the Nile, situated just a 20-minute walk away on the western side of the Shikhar Khola. As you approach Ngakyu Leru, you'll witness the locals engaged in farming activities, benefiting from the fertile land.

Continuing the journey, you'll pass Lamagaon and arrive at the revered St. Milarepa Piren Phu Cave, where the footprint of Milarepa is believed to be preserved in the rock. This sacred cave, also known as the "pigeon cave," holds immense significance in the Tsum valley. Adjoining the rocky cave are two separate Gumbas adorned with beautifully painted Buddhist murals, intricate stone carvings, and long prayer flags, making Piren Phu Cave a cherished socio-cultural treasure in the valley. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Shiar River, the trek continues through various villages until you reach Nile.

A short walk from the Nile along the west bank of the valley close to the Tibetan border leads to Mu Gompa - the highest point of the Tsum Valley Trek.  You will hike up through yak pastures through typical dry and arid trans Himalayan terrain. The Mu Gompa monastery has rows of Chortens and provides beautiful mountain views. Moreover, you get an opportunity to visit Dhephu Doma Gompa - one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum.

Starting from Gompa, your  descent journey commences. You will  make your way down to Rachen Gompa, continue to Chhule, and eventually arrive at Phurbe. Rachen Gompa is located near the Nepal-Tibet border, nestled amidst towering mountains. However, on this day,  path leads us through a lush forested area, culminating in our arrival at Chhokangparo.

Continuing your descent from Chhokung Paro, you proceed towards Gho. Along the way, you will  cross a suspension bridge near Gho and continue our hike to reach Rainjam Village. Departing from Rainjam, you will  descend further into the Tsum Valley until you will  finally reach Chumling, your destination for the day.

Today's journey involves leaving Chumling and continuing your descent, making it a relatively easier day. As you make your way along the bank of Shair Khola, your destination is Lokpa Village. If the weather is favorable, you might encounter large herds of sheep and goats along the path.

Beyond Lokpa, the trail descends, leading you  to cross the Budi Gandaki River over a sturdy bridge. From there, you will  enter a narrow gorge, where the path alternates between ascending and descending while gradually climbing through the valley. Your  trek includes crossing a river on a suspension bridge to reach Nupri and then passing through bamboo forests until you will arrive at the charming Gurung village of Deng (1860m).

From Deng, you will  climb to Rana Village (1,910m) and hike to Bhiphedi (2,130m). The path twist in and out of valley canyons, crossing the Serang Khola, and leads you  to Ghap (2,160m). Leaving Ghap, you will  face a steep ascent through bamboo and rhododendron forests, crossing wild rivers a few times before reaching Namrung Village, the entry point to the Nupri region, inhabited by Tibetan descendants.

Today, you will  leave Deng and cross Budhi Gandaki and ascend your way to Rana. The trail passes Namrung village is a good viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal and from the village one can also see Mt. Himal Chuli in the south. You will  climb steadily and pass through forests and reach Lihi, a fine village with many chortens and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by. We further pass through Sho and then finally reach Lho Village.

Today, you will leave Lho village and make the journey towards, Sama Gaun. The trail is beautiful with forest, deep valleys and magnificent view of Manaslu and shimmering large glaciers.

Early in the morning, you will  follow trail through forest before steep ascent to a slope and to a moraine. There is magnificent view of glacier, a turquoise lake and wonderful mountains from all angles. Trekking to Manaslu Base Camp takes approximately 3-4 hours.

Today, you will  descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. You will drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch you  can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani you will find Samdo.

Today, you will walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and start walking upwards. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier you will  go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon.

This is a special day  as you ascend to the trail's highest point, the Larkya La Pass (5,160m / 16,929 ft). Although challenging in adverse weather and snow, it is feasible with an early start around 3 am. Walking steadily is the key to successfully crossing the pass before afternoon. The reward awaits at the top with awe-inspiring views of Himlung (7,126m / 23,379 ft) near Tibet, Kang Guru (6,981m / 22,903 ft), and Annapurna II (7,937m / 26,040 ft) in the Annapurna Range.

Take in the beauty of the pass before descending for about 3 hours towards Bimthang,where you will spend the night. On your way down, marvel at the majestic icefalls and surrounding mountains, including Pongkar Tal nestled between the Pongkar and Salpu Danda Glaciers.

On the final day of your Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, you'll be enchanted by the lush forests abundant with diverse flora and fauna, including vibrant rhododendron bushes. As you descend, you'll cross the Dudh Khola and make your way to Karche for a delightful lunch. Be prepared to witness signs of a glacial flood, with tree trunks scattered and riverbanks altered, making the trail rough. The route leads to Gurung Goa, the first village since Samdo. Passing through picturesque agricultural fields and charming oak and rhododendron copses, the valley becomes even more inviting. Stay on the north (true right) bank until you reach Tilije. From there, continue your leisurely stroll towards Dharapani, cherishing the last moments of your memorable Manaslu Tsum Valley trek.

After your trek, you'll board a convenient jeep ride from Tilije to Beshi Sahar. From Beshi Sahar, you'll embark on a comfortable journey back to Kathmandu, which takes around 6 to 7 hours. Once in Kathmandu, you can unwind and relax spa and massage at Himalayan Suite Hotel.

We will arrange your transfer to the Kathmandu airport for your return flight to your home country or to start your next adventure.