The Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek combines two of Nepal’s most remote regions. First, your journey begins in the tropical lowlands and then travels through a rugged gorge. From the gorge, you ascend slowly into the hidden Tsum Valley. In essence, the journey is a longer version of the classic Manaslu Circuit. We designed this route for trekkers who want to experience the deep cultural and natural beauty of this area. This route takes you away from more frequented paths. As a result, it offers a unique and authentic trekking experience.
The journey starts with a drive to Macha Khola. From here, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki river through local villages and wide-open paths. Here, the air is warm, and you hike through bamboo forests. The trail narrows as it approaches the swirling river. As a result, it leads you into a wild gorge with high rock walls and waterfalls. Multiple river crossings on suspension bridges mark this section.
Eventually, at Philim, you leave the main circuit and enter the Lower Tsum Valley at Lokpa. This is where your exploration of the Tsum Valley truly begins. Then, the path leads you from Lokpa through the village of Chumling to the upper valley. As you enter, the landscape changes dramatically to beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron. Finally, the valley opens up further east, revealing Tibetan-style villages and stunning landscapes.
Once arrived at the upper valley, the landscape is wide and relatively flat at Chhokang Paro and Chhule-Nile. Many ancient monasteries, known as gompas, are in this area. For instance, the gompa above Chhule offers an excellent viewpoint and is well worth a visit. Further on, you can find Mu Gompa in a remote position. You can explore this monastery and climb the paths above it for spectacular views before returning for the night. The following day, you will also descend to Rachen Gompa, the largest monastery in the valley, known for its beautifully painted Buddhist murals.
After your time in Tsum, you will return to the Manaslu Circuit. Now, the Manaslu and Tsum Valley trail takes you to the village of Samagaon, where the slopes are covered with birch and juniper. From here, the final challenge is the Larkya La pass. Your guide will lead you on an early morning climb to this high pass, at an altitude of 5200 meters.
Crossing the Larkya La pass rewards you with a spectacular view of snowy peaks. From this vantage point, you can see famous Himalayan peaks like Himlung Himal and Annapurna II. After crossing the pass, the trail drops sharply. As you descend, you find the high-altitude alpine plants give way to warm rhododendron forests. Finally, your Manaslu and Tsum Valley trekking adventure concludes in the village of Tilje. From here, you travel back to Kathmandu.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu and finalizing the permits
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Macha Khola (930 m – 8 hrs.)
Day 4: Trek to Jagat (1340 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 5: Trek to Lokpa (2240 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 6: Trek to Chumling (2385 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 7: Trek to Chhokang Paro (3031 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 8: Trek to Chhule Nile (3347 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 9: Trek to Mu Gompa (3700 m – 3 hrs.)
Day 10: Trek to Chhokang Paro (3031 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 11: Trek to Lokpa (2240 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 12: Trek to Deng (1860 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 13: Trek to Ghap (2300 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 14: Trek to Lho (3180 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 15: Trek to Samagoan (3530 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 16: Resting day at Samagoan. Optional day hike to Birendra Lake or Pung Gyen Gompa
Day 17: Trek to Samdo (3860 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 18: Trek to Larkya Phedi (4460 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 19: Cross over Larkya La pass (5200 m) to Bimthang (3720 m – 8 hrs.)
Day 20: Trek to Tilje (2300m – 7 hrs.)
Day 21: Drive back to Kathmandu (8 hrs.)
Day 22: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 23: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season, prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size, and the cost of local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
– 4 nights in a hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– Teahouse room during trek
– Private drive from Kathmandu to Macha Khola; local drive from Tilje to Besishar and onwards a private drive to Kathmandu
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage; 10 kg per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porters
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/ dinner
– Free use of a waterproof bag for your luggage
– Manaslu Concervation Area Permit, Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, ACAP fee, TIMS card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
– All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
– Personal travel insurance
– Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
– Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary, like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
– Gratitude and tips for the mountain guide and porters
