Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Join the 17-day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek with Trekkers Encounter Nepal, a remarkable journey through one of Nepal’s most secluded and culturally rich regions. Nestled in the northern Gorkha district, bordering Tibet, this trek takes you deep into the hidden Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Conservation Area. The route offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, Buddhist heritage, and high-altitude adventure.

Revered as Beyul Kyimolung, this hidden sanctuary showcases the pristine beauty of the Himalayas and the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Since its opening to trekkers in 2007, this route has remained an unspoiled gem, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Himal Chuli (7,893m), and Shringi Himal (7,187m) as well as authentic cultural encounters in villages like Chumchet and Chhekampar.

Tsum Valley, often referred to as the “Hidden Valley,” has preserved its ancient Tibetan culture, with traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and unique customs. The trek also follows the Budhi Gandaki River, leading through subtropical forests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic mountain landscapes before ascending to the high-altitude Tibetan-influenced settlements of the Manaslu region.

You can venture through ancient monasteries, sacred caves, and historic trails, crossing high-altitude passes such as Ngula Dhojhyang (5,093m) and Larkya La (5,106m). The journey takes you through the remote lands of the Tsumbas, a region primarily inhabited by the Gurungs, who follow Tibetan Buddhism. Rich in spiritual heritage, the area is home to centuries-old Gompas and Chortens, where Milarepa, the revered Buddhist saint, is believed to have meditated.

The trekking paths are adorned with intricately carved Mani Walls and Chortens, featuring sacred inscriptions and depictions of deities. Local festivals such as Lhosar, Dhacyhang, Saka Dawa, and Faning highlight the deep-rooted traditions of the region. Due to its restricted access, a special permit is required to explore this untouched cultural and archaeological haven.

Adding to the mystique of the journey, locals have reported numerous sightings of the legendary Yeti. To unwind, trekkers can relax in the natural hot springs of Tatopani, renowned for their therapeutic properties. This immersive adventure blends spirituality, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural discovery, making it an experience of a lifetime.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

• Altitude: 760m
• Drive Duration: 870 hours
• Highlights: Scenic drive through terraced fields, hills, and riverside villages along the Budhi Gandaki River.

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, passing through hilly landscapes, terraced fields, and small villages along the Budhi Gandaki River. Expect a mix of paved and bumpy roads as you enter the Manaslu region.

Day 2: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat

• Altitude: 1340m
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Highlights: Suspension bridges, terraced fields, Gurung villages.

On Day 2, we cross several suspension bridges and waterfalls, the trail winds through lush forests and small settlements. We’ll pass Khorlabesi and Tatopani, where you can dip in a natural hot spring, before reaching Jagat, a beautiful Gurung village.

Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Lakuwa

• Altitude: 2,240m
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Highlights: Entry into the restricted Tsum Valley, lush forests, and traditional stone villages.

Today, we enter the restricted Tsum Valley region, leaving the mainstream Manaslu trail behind. The path ascends through dense forests, crossing bridges and ridges before reaching Philim, a large Gurung village with beautiful chortens and prayer flags.

As we proceed further, we pass small villages like Ekle Bhatti, enjoying views of Ganesh Himal before reaching Lakuwa, a peaceful settlement surrounded by lush vegetation.

Day 4: Trek from Lakuwa to Tumje

• Altitude: 2,440m
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Highlights: Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and chortens along the trail.

Today, we follow a remote trail through dense pine forests and terraced fields, gradually ascending towards Tumje. Along the way, we encounter traditional Tibetan chortens, mani walls, and prayer wheels, reflecting the deep-rooted Buddhist culture of the Tsum Valley. The air gets cooler as we move higher, and we start getting glimpses of the Himalayan peaks in the distance.

Day 5: Trek from Tumje to Nile

• Altitude: 3,360m
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Highlights: Traditional Tibetan villages, beautiful landscapes, and cultural immersion.

Today, we trek deeper into the Tsum Valley, climbing past remote settlements and ancient monasteries. The trail passes through Chhokang Paro, a beautiful village with stone houses and breathtaking views of Himal Chuli. The culture here is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, and we see numerous prayer flags, chortens, and mani walls along the way. We finally reach Nile, the last village before Mu Gompa, where we will stay overnight.

Day 6: Trek from Nile to Mu Gumba

• Altitude: 3,720m
• Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
• Highlights: Visit Mu Gompa, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the region.

Today, we ascend to Mu Gompa, the largest and most sacred monastery in the Tsum Valley. The trail follows a gradual incline, offering stunning views of the Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal ranges. Mu Gompa is a spiritual center with monks residing in the monastery, and we can explore its ancient murals, prayer rooms, and Buddhist scriptures. The serene environment and breathtaking landscapes make this a truly special day.

Day 7: Trek from Mu Gumba to Chhokung Paro

• Altitude: 3,040m
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Highlights: Scenic descent through remote villages and monasteries.

On Day 7, we descend from Mu Gompa, retracing our steps through the Nile and Rachen Gompa monasteries. Along the way, we pass traditional Tibetan villages, where locals still follow ancient customs and traditions. The trek offers a mix of open valley landscapes, river crossings, and mountain views as we make our way to Chhokung Paro, another culturally rich settlement.

Day 8: Trek from Chhokung Paro to Chumling

• Altitude: 2,400m
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Highlights: Stunning valley views and interactions with local communities.

We continue our descent along a winding trail through lush forests and terraced fields. The dramatic contrast in landscapes is evident as we leave the high-altitude barren terrain and re-enter greener areas. The Ganesh Himal range dominates the skyline as we pass through small settlements before reaching Chumling, a peaceful village nestled in the hills.

Day 9: Trek from Chumling to Dayng

• Altitude: 1,800m
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Highlights: Dense forests, riverside trails, and traditional settlements.

On the ninth day, we trek along the Budhi Gandaki River, gradually descending into the lower valleys. The warm temperatures and dense vegetation return as we walk through subtropical forests and farmland. Along the way, we see small waterfalls, suspension bridges, and traditional villages before arriving in Dayng, a tranquil stop before we continue toward the Manaslu Circuit.

Day 10: Trek from Dayng to Namrung

• Altitude: 2,505m
• Trek Duration: 6 hours
• Highlights: Rhododendron forests, waterfalls, and increasing Tibetan influence.

Today, we leave the Tsum Valley and rejoin the Manaslu Circuit trail. The path climbs gradually through rhododendron and oak forests, crossing several bridges before reaching the Tibetan-influenced village of Namrung. The village provides breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu and Himal Chuli.

Day 11: Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaun

• Altitude: 3,550m
• Trek Duration: 6 hours
• Highlights: Majestic views of Mt. Manaslu, monasteries, and highland Tibetan culture.

After breakfast, we ascend through Lho and Shyala villages, passing Buddhist stupas, prayer wheels, and mani walls. The snow-capped peaks of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli dominate the landscape as we reach Sama Gaun, the largest village in the Manaslu region and a gateway to Manaslu Base Camp.

Day 12: Acclimatization and Exploration in Sama Gaun

• Activity Options: Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,750m) or visit Birendra Lake.
• Highlights: Stunning glacial landscapes and essential altitude acclimatization.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day. We have the option to hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,750m), a challenging but rewarding trek offering stunning glacial views. Alternatively, we can visit Birendra Lake, a serene glacial lake reflecting the surrounding mountains.

Day 13: Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo

• Altitude: 3,875m
• Trek Duration: 6 hours
• Highlights: Yak pastures, high-altitude terrain, and panoramic Himalayan views.

On day 13, we trek through barren landscapes and yak pastures, following a gradual ascent to Samdo, the last major settlement before Larkya La Pass. This village offers mesmerizing mountain views and insights into the Tibetan lifestyle.

Day 14: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala

• Altitude: 4,460m
• Trek Duration: 6 hours
• Highlights: Glacier views and preparation for Larkya Pass crossing.

The next day, we continue toward Larkya Phedi, trekking through rocky terrain with views of Larkya Glacier. Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi, is a small resting point with basic teahouses where we prepare for tomorrow’s high-altitude pass crossing.

Day 15: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m) & Trek to Bimthang

• Altitude: 3,590m
• Trek Duration: 9 hours
• Highlights: Breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, and glacial landscapes.

We start early to cross Larkya La Pass, the highest point of our trek. The climb is steep and demanding, but reaching the top rewards us with breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, and Kang Guru. After taking in the scenery, we descend to Bimthang, a picturesque valley.

Day 16: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani

• Altitude: 1,970m
• Trek Duration: 7 hours
• Highlights: Dense pine forests, waterfalls, and scenic village trails.

On the second last day, we descend through forests, rivers, and farmlands, passing Tilje and Thonje villages before reaching Dharapani, marking the transition into the Annapurna region.

Day 17: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu/Pokhara

• Drive Duration: 8-9 hours
• Highlights: Scenic countryside views, marking the end of the trek.

Today, we conclude our adventure with a long yet scenic drive back to Kathmandu or Pokhara, reminiscing about the incredible landscapes and experiences of the trek.

Itinerary Extension Option: Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara

If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal, we offer the option to explore Kathmandu and Pokhara before or after your trek.

In Kathmandu, visit iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), each offering a glimpse into Nepal’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. You can also explore vibrant areas like Thamel for shopping, or indulge in Nepali cuisine at local restaurants.

For a serene escape, consider extending your trip to Pokhara, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna range from Sarangkot and relax by Phewa Lake. Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, and the International Mountain Museum are also must-see attractions.

Let us know your preferences, and we’ll tailor your itinerary to suit your interests for an unforgettable Nepal experience.

Trekking Gear Requirement: What to Carry?

• Sleeping bag (rated for expected temperatures)
• Moisture-wicking base layers (thermal tops & bottoms)
• Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down jacket)

• Waterproof & windproof outer shell (jacket & pants)
• Trekking pants (quick-dry & breathable)
• Lightweight full-sleeve shirts (UV protection)
• Warm gloves (inner & outer layers)
• Woolen hat/beanie & sun cap
• Gaiters (for snow or muddy trails)
• Sturdy trekking boots (waterproof & well-broken-in)
• Comfortable camp shoes/sandals
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) & lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
• Headlamp with extra batteries (not mandatory) Inclusions:

✅ All necessary permits (Manaslu Special Permit, Local Government Permit)
✅ English-speaking guide (including salary, food, accommodation, insurance)
✅ Tea house accommodation (16 nights)
✅ All ground transportation (bus/4WD jeep)
✅ Rental of sleeping bag
✅ Emergency helicopter arrangement (covered by your travel insurance)
✅ First aid for your health and safety

❌ Trekking equipment rental expenses
❌ Beverages & personal expenses
❌ Porter expenses – $22 per day (including salary, food, accommodation, insurance)
❌ Tips for guide & porter

Note:
This itinerary is subject to change based on weather and trail conditions. Proper acclimatization and travel insurance are highly recommended.

Note: If you return early from the trek due to illness or any other reason, the payments made for flights, hotels, mountain accommodation, and meals are non-refundable. Additionally, any extra expenses incurred for accommodation, meals, or other services in Kathmandu will be your responsibility.