Manaslu Tsum Valley trek

Morning traveling by coach or in private vehicles (depending upon group size), where drive leads on interesting and exciting Kathmandu & Pokhara highway to reach at Arughat town, Soti-Khola and beyond to Machha-Khola village.

On drive views of mountain and scenic landscapes as journey leads past number of farm villages and towns and then ending the drive at Macha Khola small farm village for first overnight stop within Nepal Mid West region.

After pleasant overnight at Macha-Khola, morning walk follows Buri-Gandaki River upstream, to reach Khorla Beshi a small farm village from here on winding path to reach at Tatopani village with “Hot Spring,” an opportunity for hot bathe as time allows.

After a refreshing stop, walk to Dovan and Yaruphant villages and then at Jagat for overnight stops, Jagat a moderate size farm villages with shops and stores.

Prepare to enter the restricted realm of Tsum Valley as your permit is verified. The journey to Lokpa will take approximately 5-6 hours.

Marvel at the morning serenity with a captivating view of Shiringi before setting out. Follow riverside trails, crossing the Ghata Khola bridge, leading you to the cultivated lands and warm-hearted community of Philim. Here, you'll encounter a Japanese-built school and police station.

At Ekle Bhatti, the trail diverges towards Tsum and Manaslu. Navigate through undulating terrain, passing through a welcome board, and continue your trek towards Lokpa. Known as the isolated and hidden "Valley of Happiness," Lokpa awaits as your destination for the day. Unwind and stay overnight in this serene village.

Pack your energy bars and Snickers for today's trek, as it's a lengthy journey before lunch on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, surpassing 4 to 5 hours. Venture into the tranquility of the tropical forest, where uphill climbs and ridges will be a common sight.

If luck is on your side, catch glimpses of the majestic Boudha Himal and Ganesh Himal as you follow the path leading to Chumling. Traverse the Syare Khola and arrive at the picturesque Chumling village, nestled in the southern part of Shingri Himal, also known as the lower Tsum.

Enveloped by Rhododendron-covered forests throughout, Chumling boasts three monasteries: The Panago Gompa, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gompa. Conclude today's journey in the serene ambiance of Chumling, where you'll spend the night.

After breakfast, prepare to delve deeper into the Tsum Valley trek. The uphill trek to Chhokangparo awaits, promising one of the most thrilling segments of the journey.

Locals extend a warm welcome with traditional Tibetan butter tea, and it's advisable to take precautions against potential altitude sickness upon ascending from Chhokangparo. Stay hydrated to mitigate any symptoms.

Continue towards the upper Tsum, encountering a wide, beautiful valley with chilly temperatures. Uphill and downhill stretches, accompanied by dense forests, characterize this picturesque leg of the trek.

Upon reaching Nile, the last village in Nepal near the Tibet-Nepal border, expect a 4-5 hour trek, making it a long and tiring day. Nile is renowned for its religious significance in the circuit, situated close to the Tibet-Nepal border.

Walk along the west bank of the valley and, after lunch, explore Mu Gumba, the largest monastery in the region, housing over 100 monks. Marvel at the images of Padmasambhava, a statue of Avalokiteshwara, and religious books. The Tibetan landscape and culture will leave you amazed, and towards the east, catch a glimpse of the enchanting Lungdang glacier. After the visit, return to Nile for an overnight stay at the tea house.

Concluding your exploration of Mu Gumba, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek now leads you to Rachen Gumba, nestled in the heart of the Shyar Khola Valley. Expect a 3-4 hour trek to reach this spiritual destination.

The journey takes a delightful turn as you descend through Chule, continuing down to the valley until you reach the small Sherpa village of Phurbe. With a handful of homestays offering delicious meals, Phurbe provides a comfortable stop.

Established in 1905 AD, Rachen Gumba stands as one of the largest nunneries in Tsum Valley. The interior of Rachen Gumba is adorned with historic murals depicting Buddhism. In this valley, at least one family member is dedicated to monastic life. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Milarepa cave, adding a touch of history to your trek.

Following the familiar trail, you'll trek down to the enchanting valley of Chumling. Bid farewell to the captivating villages and landscapes as you transition towards Lower Tsum.

Lower Tsum is a stunning and expansive village in the area, offering proper accommodation facilities. This marks your resting place for the day, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the beauty of the Lower Tsum region.

Deng village, a small and picturesque settlement, awaits as you continue your descent for approximately 5-6 hours. During the descent, the company of Ganesh Himal and Mount Manaslu will accompany you, creating a surreal atmosphere as if the forest is beckoning you to linger a little longer.

While navigating through this terrain, be cautious as you encounter challenging paths. Cross the Budi Gandaki River and be greeted by the welcoming embrace of a bamboo forest. To reach Deng village, you'll need to traverse another river, the Deng River, adding to the adventurous journey through this beautiful landscape.

Embarking from Deng village along the Budi Gandaki River, your journey takes a turn as you cross the river and ascend to Rana. The trails from Rana onward are anything but straightforward, presenting the most zigzag path in the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, often bewildering and confounding.

The route entails climbing stone steps, passing by waterfalls and streams, until you reach the Shringi Khola suspension bridge after about 3 hours. Crossing this bridge, you'll follow the trails leading to Ghap village.

A replenishing lunch in Ghap fuels your continued journey through green fields and into a dense forest, where waterfalls adorn the landscape. After crossing the river on a wooden bridge and climbing for a few more hours, Namrung emerges as your final destination.

Namrung serves as the gateway to upper Nuri, characterized by a significant Tibetan population, adding a cultural richness to your trek through the intriguing landscapes of the Manaslu Tsum Valley.

From Namrung, your trek takes an uphill turn as you ascend towards the higher altitude of Lho, passing through lush barley fields. The next stop is Lihi, a charming village adorned with numerous houses and beautiful chortens.

As you trek, Himal Chuli at 7893m stands prominently to the south of Lihi, while Ganesh Himal graces the east. Descending towards the valley of Simnang, you'll encounter the Hinang River, offering views of Ngadi Chuli at 7873m and scattered chortens.

The trail now leads you to the climb up Shrip, and after a steep ascent, you'll reach the ridge where Lho village awaits. Here, for the first time in your journey, Manaslu North and Naike Himal become clearly visible.

Above Lho village lies the Ribung monastery, with a spot called Kani offering perfect views of both sunrise and sunset. As you'll be staying in Lho, it's advisable to explore these breathtaking moments – a sunset in the evening and a sunrise in the early morning.

Embarking on a short 2-3 hour hike today, your destination is Samagaun. Throughout the route, the majestic Mount Manaslu graces the landscape, providing a splendid backdrop and easing your walk.

The trail ascends through Shyala village at 3520m, surrounded by a dense forest of pine and rhododendrons. As you approach Samagaun, the mountains gradually fade, revealing green pastures, yaks, and numerous stone houses.

Samagaun, a sizable village, welcomes you with its picturesque setting. Tonight, you'll find accommodation in this charming village, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Manaslu region.

Given the altitude, it's essential to take a day of rest in Samagaun. Today is dedicated to exploring this large and captivating village.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Samagaun, and consider hiking to Birendra Tal and Anie Gompa for a rewarding experience. For those feeling energetic and desiring more than rest, a visit to Pungyen Gompa offers breathtaking views of various glaciers.

An alternative option is a challenging trek to Manaslu Base Camp, which requires approximately 6-7 hours for a round trip. This allows you to make the most of your time in Samagaun, with opportunities to witness the stunning landscapes and natural wonders that define the region.

Embarking on a short yet challenging trek during the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, you'll make your way to Birendra Tal at 3450m. This segment poses a tough challenge, especially during the winter season.

Traversing through the formidable Manaslu glacier, your journey will lead you along the river, eventually arriving at Samdo village, often referred to as the Tibetan Refugee Village. Remarkably, Tibet is only a day's walk away from this settlement.

As you trek through a Juniper forest, the captivating landscape, rich culture, and unique lifestyle of the region will continue to leave you amazed. The prominent Samdo peak is visible from the village, making it an ideal place to stay and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural wonders of the area.

After breakfast in Samdo, waste no time and set out promptly. Following wide trails, you'll reach the Budi Gandaki River. Crossing the river and continuing along the trail, you'll encounter a mani wall. The climb through the juniper forest awaits, and during the monsoon season, you might spot numerous Mormont in the area.

As you ascend, the majestic Larkya glacier comes into view. The only way to reach Dharamasala is by climbing the valley in front of you. Here, you'll be treated to the best panoramic views of Mount Manaslu, Samdo, Ngadi Chuli, and Simnang Himal. The breathtaking scenery includes sights of Manaslu glacier, Manaslu icefall, and various other majestic mountains.

Dharamasala is a seasonal village with small rooms available, and you can set up your camp area here. Keep an eye out for blue sheep and Himalayan goats, and if you're lucky (or perhaps cautious), you may even encounter some snow leopards in this rugged and captivating terrain.
 

An early start is essential as you ascend towards the Larke glacier, which extends all the way to the top of the pass. Crossing the pass can be challenging due to heavy snowfall and strong winds in the area.

Climbing over the ridge, while not particularly difficult, is a lengthy endeavor with rocky terrain underfoot, typical of moraine landscapes. As you progress, you'll encounter four frozen lakes, adding an exciting element to your trek. The pass is adorned with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

From the pass's summit, enjoy breathtaking views of Himlung (7126m), Annapurna II (7937m), Kang Guru (6981m), and several other peaks towering above 6000m. Begin the descent with caution, navigating through icy and snowy trails. Amidst forests, mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls, your trek continues towards Bhimtang. The unexplainable beauty of Manaslu unfolds as you approach this mesmerizing destination.

The descent into the lower valley begins from here, marking a significant drop in altitude after your journey through the high altitudes. Exercise caution as you navigate the descending trails.

Continue along the river, passing through Hompuk village, where a captivating coniferous forest with abundant rhododendrons may tempt you to linger, but resist the urge to stop. Follow the trails alongside the Dudh Koshi River, relishing the change in altitude, vegetation, and scenery.

Be extra attentive as you traverse the Karche section, known for landslides. Negotiate steep ascents and descents until you reach Gho village. Continue from Gho to Tilije, your final destination for the day. Tilije is a Gurung village renowned for its brandy, offering a delightful opportunity to taste this local specialty and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

On the concluding day of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, your journey shifts from trekking to a drive towards Besisahar. Traversing through shrub-filled forests, you'll enter the Marshyangdi valley.

En route to the bustling settlement of Dharapani, you'll follow a newly constructed road and encounter a police checkpoint. From Dharapani, your transportation to Besisahar will be either a bus or jeep.

After the long, tiring, yet immensely satisfying journey through the Manaslu Circuit, you'll return to Kathmandu on this final day. As you drive along the riverbanks of Marshyangdi and Trisuli, the diverse landscapes of terraces, rivers, hills, and mountains will continue to captivate you, bidding a final farewell to the beautiful memories of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.