Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport, extend a warm welcome, and transfer to your hotel. Take advantage of this day to adjust to the new time zone and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Kathmandu. Orientation Program will be at 5 PM. After orientation program welcome Dinner with guide.

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 Nile, a 20-minute walk away on the western side of the Shikhar Khola. As you approach Ngakyu Leru, you'll see locals farming the fertile land. Continuing on, you'll pass Lamagaon and reach the sacred Piren Phu Cave, where the footprint of the yogi Milarepa is said to be preserved in the rock. Also known as the "pigeon cave", it holds deep significance in Tsum Valley. Two Gumbas next to the cave are decorated with painted Buddhist murals.

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 walk continues your descent from Chumling, making it a relatively easy day. You will follow the bank of Shair Khola to Lokpa village, where you may see herds of sheep and goats along the path if the weather is good. Beyond Lokpa, the trail descends to cross the Budi Gandaki River on a sturdy bridge, then enters a narrow gorge where the path alternates between ascending and descending as it climbs through the valley. You will cross another suspension bridge into the Nupri region, pass through bamboo forest, and arrive at the Gurung village of Deng.

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.

Leaving Namrung, the trail passes a good viewpoint for Siring Himal and Ganesh Himal, with Himalchuli visible to the south. You climb steadily through forest to Lihi, a village with chortens and barley terraces, then drop and cross the side valley below Simnang Himal, with Ganesh Himal still in view. The trail continues through Sho before reaching Lho village, your overnight stop.

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 the key day of the trek: the climb to Larkya La Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft), the trek's highest point. An early start around 3 am helps you cross before the afternoon winds pick up, and the pass can be difficult in poor weather or snow. From the top you get views of Himlung (7,126 m / 23,379 ft) near the Tibet border, Kang Guru (6,981 m / 22,903 ft), and Annapurna II (7,937 m / 26,040 ft). After taking in the pass, you descend for about 3 hours to Bimthang, passing icefalls and Pongkar Tal lake on the way down, where you spend the night.

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.