Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek

Overview of Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek

The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is a renowned trek in Nepal that encompasses both the Manaslu Conservation Area and the Tsum Valley. This trek provides an extraordinary and secluded experience, enabling trekkers to discover a variety of landscapes, cultural heritage, and breathtaking Himalayan panoramas. The route encircles Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, and crosses the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,106m/16,751ft). It also includes visits to traditional villages and sacred Buddhist sites.

One of the highlights is exploring the Tsum Valley, located within the Manaslu Conservation Area and inhabited by the indigenous Tsumba community. Throughout the trek, you'll encounter magnificent waterfalls, rivers, precarious rocky trails along cliffs, terraced villages of the Gurung people, suspension bridges, and significant Buddhist monuments like mani walls and chortens, particularly in the Tsum Valley section.

Highlights

Scenic Beauty: The trek offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, including Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himchuli, and others. You'll pass through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, and high mountain passes.
Cultural Experience: The region is inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, such as the Nubri and Tsumba people, who have preserved their unique culture, traditions, and ancient Buddhist monasteries.
Tsum Valley: The Tsum Valley is known as the "hidden valley" and has a distinct character from the rest of the trek. It is a sacred valley with ancient monasteries, chortens, and mani walls, offering a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism.
Remote and Less Crowded: The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is a less crowded alternative to the popular Annapurna Circuit trek, offering a quieter and more secluded experience.
Tea Houses and Accommodation: Along the trekking route, you'll find teahouses and lodges that provide accommodation and meals, making it relatively easier compared to camping-based treks.

Itinerary

Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you'll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey.

Day 2:Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola

After breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. The drive takes around 8-9 hours and passes through picturesque landscapes, rural villages, and terraced fields. You'll enjoy beautiful views along the way.

Day 3:Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola

Your trek begins as you leave Soti Khola and trek along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail takes you through subtropical forests, passing waterfalls and small settlements. After approximately 6-7 hours of trekking, you'll reach the village of Machha Khola.

Day 4:Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat

Continuing along the Budhi Gandaki River, you'll trek from Machha Khola to Jagat. The trail includes several ascents and descents, as well as crossings of suspension bridges. You'll pass through rural villages and terraced fields, and after around 6-7 hours of trekking, you'll reach Jagat.

Day 5:Trek from Jagat to Lokpa

Leaving Jagat, you'll continue your trek towards Lokpa, which serves as the entry point to the Tsum Valley. The trail gradually ascends through scenic landscapes, offering views of mountains, waterfalls, and dense forests. After approximately 6-7 hours of trekking, you'll reach Lokpa.

Day 6:Trek from Lokpa to Chumling

Today, you'll enter the culturally rich Tsum Valley. The trail takes you through dense forests, crossing suspension bridges and passing traditional villages. You'll trek to Chumling, a beautiful village inhabited by the Tsumba people. The trek takes around 5-6 hours.

Day 7:Trek from Lokpa to Chumling

Day 8:Trek from Chumling to Chhokanparo

Continuing through the Tsum Valley, you'll trek to Chhokanparo. The trail offers magnificent views of the Ganesh Himal range and beautiful landscapes. Along the way, you'll pass through the village of Nile and visit the ancient Buddhist monasteries. The trek takes approximately 5-6 hours.

Day 9:Trek from Chhokanparo to Mu Gompa

Today, you'll trek to Mu Gompa, one of the highest and oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley. The trail takes you through remote and untouched landscapes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serenity of the region. After around 5-6 hours of trekking, you'll reach Mu Gompa.

Day 10:Trek from Mu Gompa to Nile

Leaving Mu Gompa, you'll trek back to Nile. The trail descends through forests, and you'll have a chance to enjoy the stunning views of the mountains. After approximately 5-6 hours of trekking, you'll reach Nile, where you'll spend the night.

Day 11:Trek from Nile to Chumling (2,420m)

Today, you'll retrace your steps back to Chumling. The trail takes you through beautiful landscapes and traditional villages, allowing you to experience the unique culture of the Tsumba people. After around 5-6 hours of trekking, you'll reach Chumling.

Day 12:: Trek from Chumling to Bi Phedi

Leaving Chumling, you'll trek to Bi Phedi. The trail descends through forests and terraced fields, offering scenic beauty and cultural encounters. After approximately 5-6 hours of trekking, you'll reach Bi Phedi, where you'll spend the night.

Day 13:Trek from Bi Phedi to Namrung

Today's trek takes you from Bi Phedi to Namrung. The trail passes through lush forests, and you'll enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. As you ascend, the landscapes change, and you'll start witnessing the grandeur of the Himalayas. After around 6-7 hours of trekking, you'll reach Namrung.

Day 14:Trek from Namrung to Samagaon

Leaving Namrung, the trail takes you through rhododendron and pine forests. You'll pass several Mani walls and Buddhist shrines along the way. After approximately 6-7 hours of trekking, you'll reach the village of Samagaon. Samagaon offers stunning mountain views and is a great place to rest and acclimatize.

Day 15:Rest day in Samagaon

This day is reserved for rest and acclimatization in Samagaon. You can explore the village, visit the ancient Pungyen Gompa, or hike to nearby viewpoints to enjoy the surrounding peaks. This rest day will help you adapt to the high altitude and prepare for the challenging sections ahead.

Day 16:Trek from Samagaon to Samdo

From Samagaon, you'll trek to Samdo, which is located near the Tibetan border. The trail takes you through alpine landscapes and offers stunning views of the Manaslu range. After approximately 3-4 hours of trekking, you'll reach Samdo, where you'll spend the night.

Day 17:Trek from Samdo to Dharmashala/Larkya La Phedi

Today's trek takes you from Samdo to Dharmashala, also known as Larkya La Phedi. The trail gradually ascends, and as you reach Dharmashala, you'll be surrounded by towering mountains. Rest and prepare for the challenging Larkya La Pass. Overnight stay in Dharmashala.

Day 18:Trek from Dharmashala to Bimthang (3,720m) via Larkya La Pass (5,160m)

An early start is necessary as you cross the challenging Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After crossing the pass, you'll descend to Bimthang, where you'll spend the night. The trek takes around 8-9 hours.

Day 19:Trek from Bimthang to Tilije

Leaving Bimthang, you'll descendthrough rhododendron forests, passing through several small villages and enjoying stunning mountain views. The trail leads you to Tilije, a traditional village with beautiful landscapes. After approximately 5-6 hours of trekking, you'll reach Tilije, where you'll spend the night.

Day 20:Trek from Tilije to Dharapani (1,860m)

Today, you'll continue your descent from Tilije towards Dharapani. The trail passes through lush forests, terraced fields, and charming villages. You'll rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail and enjoy the familiar surroundings. After approximately 5-6 hours of trekking, you'll reach Dharapani, where you'll spend the night.

Day 21:Drive to Besisahar, then to Kathmandu

From Dharapani, you'll drive to Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung. After reaching Besisahar, you'll take another scenic drive back to Kathmandu, where you'll be transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 22:Final departure to your onward destination

This day marks the end of your Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for shopping or exploring Kathmandu before your departure. You'll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.