Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek

Your adventure begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu towards Machhakhola, passing through the scenic Prithvi Highway. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes of terraced fields, rivers, and local villages before reaching Soti Khola. From here, the road turns into a rugged, off-road trail leading to Machhakhola, a small village situated along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. Upon arrival, you can rest and prepare for the trekking days ahead.

The trek officially begins as we follow the Budhi Gandaki River upstream, passing through lush forests and charming settlements like Khorlabesi. A natural hot spring at Tatopani provides a chance to relax before continuing through a series of suspension bridges and rugged trails. Climbing uphill, we pass Dobhan and Yaru Bagar before reaching Jagat, a beautiful stone-paved village where we register our permits at the checkpoint.

Leaving Jagat, we ascend towards Salleri and descend to Sirdibas, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Crossing a suspension bridge at Philim, the trail diverges from the main Manaslu route, leading towards Tsum Valley. As we enter the restricted area, the trail meanders through dense pine forests and past small settlements before reaching Lokpa, the gateway to the mystical Tsum Valley.

The trail descends steeply through forests before climbing again, offering the first glimpses of the hidden Tsum Valley. The trek takes us through isolated villages and across wooden bridges, with spectacular views of Ganesh Himal. Arriving at Chumling, we explore the old monasteries and interact with the friendly locals who practice Tibetan Buddhism.

Today's trail leads us deeper into Tsum Valley, passing Mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens. The terrain gradually opens up, revealing a wide valley with stunning views of the Himalayas. We cross a suspension bridge over the Shiar River and climb towards Chhekampar, a twin village known for its Tibetan-style houses and vibrant Buddhist culture.

Ascending further, we pass through traditional villages with ancient monasteries, including the sacred Milarepa Cave, associated with the famous Tibetan saint Milarepa. The trail continues along the Shiar River to reach Nile, the last settlement before the Tibetan border. The high-altitude landscape offers mesmerizing views of snow-capped peaks and serene valleys.

A short but steep hike takes us to Mu Gumba, the highest monastery in the Tsum Valley. This centuries-old monastery is an important spiritual site, offering panoramic views of the Tibetan plateau. After exploring Mu Gumba and interacting with the resident monks, we descend back to Nile for an overnight stay.

The return journey follows the same route but includes a visit to Rachen Gumba, a significant nunnery where Buddhist teachings are preserved. After spending time at the monastery, we retrace our steps to Chhekampar, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.

Descending gradually, we leave the remote Tsum Valley behind and rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit route at Lokpa. The trek follows scenic trails through forests and terraced fields, offering another perspective of the breathtaking landscapes we previously passed.

After rejoining the Manaslu Circuit trail, we descend through rhododendron and pine forests, crossing several suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail passes small settlements, where we encounter the rich culture of the Nubri people, before reaching Bihi Phedi for an overnight stay.

Today's trek takes us through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque villages such as Ghap, where we see Mani walls and prayer wheels along the trail. The gradual ascent leads to Namrung, a culturally rich village with stunning views of Himal Chuli and Ganesh Himal.

As we leave Namrung, the trail ascends gradually through lush forests and traditional villages with stone-built houses. The trek offers mesmerizing views of Mt. Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ganesh Himal along the way. We pass through Lho, a charming village with the striking Ribung Monastery perched above, providing a great opportunity to experience Buddhist culture. Continuing further, the landscape transitions into alpine meadows with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. The final stretch takes us to Shyalagaon, a peaceful settlement with panoramic mountain vistas, making it an ideal place to rest for the night.

Today's journey begins with a side trip to Pungyen Gompa, a significant Buddhist monastery nestled at the base of the towering Manaslu Glacier. The trek to the gompa is rewarding, offering stunning views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. After spending some time at the monastery, we descend back to the main trail and continue towards Samagaon. The route follows a gentle path through yak pastures and scattered settlements, finally arriving at Samagaon, the largest village in the Manaslu region. Here, we can explore the local monasteries and interact with the friendly villagers, many of whom follow Tibetan traditions.

A crucial rest day to allow our bodies to adjust to the high altitude. For those feeling energetic, there are optional hikes to Birendra Lake, a stunning glacial lake, or Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) for a more challenging excursion with awe-inspiring views of the Manaslu Glacier. Exploring the ancient Pema Choling Monastery is another great way to immerse in the local culture. The day is well spent resting, acclimatizing, and enjoying the breathtaking scenery surrounding Samagaon.

Leaving Samagaon, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River upstream, passing through yak pastures and ancient Mani walls adorned with Buddhist inscriptions. The landscape becomes more barren as we ascend towards the remote village of Samdo, located just a short distance from the Tibetan border. Along the way, we may spot blue sheep and Himalayan griffons roaming the rugged terrain. Upon reaching Samdo, we take time to explore the village, where Tibetan culture and traditions remain well preserved.

The trek from Samdo to Dharamsala also known as Larkya Phedi is relatively short but involves a gradual ascent through rocky terrain. The trail crosses a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and then climbs steadily, passing seasonal herders' huts and barren landscapes. As we approach Dharamsala, the view of Larkya Glacier becomes more prominent. We reach our basic but essential teahouse accommodation, where we rest and prepare for the big challenge ahead—crossing the Larkya La Pass the next day.

Today is the most demanding and rewarding day of the trek as we conquer the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m). We begin before dawn, climbing gradually on a steep and rugged trail. As we ascend, we are rewarded with spectacular views of Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Kang Guru (6,981 m), Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II (7,937 m). Reaching the summit of Larkya La is a triumphant moment, offering an unforgettable panoramic vista of snow-covered peaks. The descent is long and challenging, leading through glacial moraines before transitioning into grassy meadows. Eventually, we arrive at Bimthang, a beautiful valley surrounded by towering mountains, where we celebrate the successful crossing of the pass.

After the strenuous previous day, today's trek is a more relaxed descent through lush rhododendron and pine forests. The trail passes through high pasturelands before descending towards Yak Kharka and the serene village of Kharche. The environment gradually becomes more vibrant as we leave the alpine zone and enter subtropical terrain. Finally, we reach Gho, a small Gurung settlement, where we spend the night in a cozy teahouse.

The trek continues downhill, following the Marsyangdi River as we enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail takes us through Tilije, a large and prosperous village where Tibetan culture blends with Gurung traditions. We then descend further to Dharapani, a major junction for the Annapurna Circuit trek. From here, we continue on a scenic route towards Tal, a picturesque village situated beside a cascading waterfall. The contrast between the high mountains and lush greenery makes this section of the trek particularly beautiful.

After the breakfast, we board a local jeep for the off-road journey to Besi Shahar. The drive winds through terraced farmlands and vibrant villages, offering one last glimpse of the majestic Himalayan landscape. From Besi Shahar, we switch to a private vehicle for the long drive back to Kathmandu, where a well-earned rest awaits. In the evening, we celebrate the completion of our extraordinary Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit Trek with a farewell dinner in the city.