On the one hand, you have arguably the most memorable and immersive cultural experience on offer to trekkers, a living breathing Buddhist culture that’s been protected from the ravages of the outside world for centuries in its hidden and well-protected valley. On the other, you have one of the most scenically spectacular and diverse wilderness treks available, complete with the majestic peak of Manaslu standing in serene splendor over the surrounding landscape. In combination, the two comprise quite possibly the most complete and rewarding experience currently available to the trekking community, a tour de force of the very best that Nepal has to offer.
Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is one of Nepal’s crown jewels of cultural experiences, a sacred sanctuary of Buddhist monasteries and nunneries, spinning prayer wheels, and the deep-throated call of long Tibetan horns rumbling across the distances. It’s a place bathed in the glow of its peaceful inhabitants and their abiding belief in the sanctity of all life, a landscape of patchwork meadows, terraced fields, and the imposing Ganesh Himal ranges adding their own spectacular touch to the much-vaunted scenery.
Manaslu Tsum valley circuit trek is fast gaining in popularity as the area of choice for those seeking an all-round experience of the mountains that encompass everything that a trekker could hope for in the Himalayas – an adventure-filled journey of layered landscapes ranging from semi-tropical to pure alpine, precipitous trails winding by myriad waterfalls and dense forests of rhododendron and pine, thread-like suspension bridges hanging impossibly high over thundering whitewater rapids, epic mountain scenery, and spectacular Himalayan peaks, all rounded out by the classic culmination of a picture-perfect and prayer-flag festooned high pass to round out the journey. Throw in the ever-present mule and yak teams delivering the basic necessitates of life through the valley, abundant wildlife waiting to beguile at every turn of the pathway, and the resilient and ceaselessly optimistic inhabitants with their welcoming demeanor, and you truly have one of Nepal’s most amazing experiences.
The Manaslu Tsum valley trek begins by following the banks of the Budhi Gandaki, tracking back and forth across the river in a spectacular fashion via spidery suspension bridges through to the threshold of Tsum Valley. Beautiful views of the Ganesh Himal and Siringi Himal ranges unfold as the trail leads towards Lopka, while from Chhokoang Paro onward the lush landscapes give way to the alpine regions of the valley and the cultural time capsule that the local Tibetan community represents, with its numerous Buddhist retreats, monuments, and the general air of spirituality that pervades the entire valley’s atmosphere – a night spent at one of the monasteries adds even further to the sense of wonder and mystique. The return leg through the valley affords trekkers the opportunity to visit Ganesh Himal Base Camp and its glorious outlook before the trail heads back to the Budhi Gandaki.
The path leads up and onward towards mighty Manaslu through dense jungle and by ancient mani walls until it breaks free of the semi-tropic environment and enters the cooler climate of the mid-valley, where time spent acclimating at Sama Gaon allows for basic rest, a climb to Manaslu Base camp, or a less challenging outing to Pungen Gompa and its scenic setting. The village of Samdo a day’s further march along also offers a day hike along an ancient trail to the border with neighboring Tibet. After a night at Dharamsala (4460m) the trek climaxes with the rewarding achievement of cresting at Larke La (5160m) before descending to Bhimthang and finally Dharapani for the return journey to either Kathmandu or Pokhara.
It’s ready and waiting for you to explore, and Caravan outdoors Trek is the ideal agency to arrange this amazing trek on your behalf because the entire region is home territory for most of our staff —no one even comes close to being as familiar with all nuances of the area as we proudly are. So get in touch with us and see what we can do to get you on the trail to Tsum Valley and Manaslu. Whether it’s our well-planned stock route or one of your own designs, we can make it happen for you.
Poses challenge for the amateurs. It may require fair level of fitness. Maximum altitude remains around 4000 m – 4500 m and the hike requires around 5-6 hours a day.
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport. Star Standard meals at Kathmandu!
Day 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu / Transfer to Hotel | – |
Day 2 | Kathmandu Day Tour | – |
Day 3 | Drive Kathmandu to Soti khola. (700m) | 7-8 hours |
Day 4 | Trek Soti khola to Machha khola. (869m) | 5- 6 hours |
Day 5 | Trek Machha khola to Jagat (1340m) | 6-7 hours |
Day 6 | Trek Jagat to Lokpa (2240m) | 7-8 hours |
Day 7 | Trek Lokpa to Chumling. (2386m) | 4-5 hours |
Day 8 | Trek Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3031m | 5-6 hours |
Day 9 | Trek Chhokang paro to Nile (3361m) | 5-6 hours |
Day 10 | Hike Nile to Mugompa(3709m) then trek back to Rachen Gompa.(3240m) | 7-8 hours |
Day 11 | Trek Rachen Gompa to Chumling. (2386m) | 5-6 hours |
Day 12 | Trek Chumling to Deng (2460m) | 7-8 hours |
Day 13 | Trek Deng to Namrung (2630m) | 7-8 hours |
Day 14 | Trek Namrung to Lho Village. (3180m) | 4-5 hours |
Day 15 | Trek Lho village to Samagaon(3520m) | 5-6 hours |
Day 16 | Acclimatization at Samagaon. | |
Day 17 | Trek Samagaon village to Samdo (3875m) | 4-5 hours |
Day 18 | Trek Samdo to Dharmasala(4460m) | 4-5 hours |
Day 19 | Dharmasala to Bhimthang (3590m) | 9-10 hours |
Day 20 | Trek Bhimthang to Gho (2515m) | 6-7 hours |
Day 21 | Trek Gho to Dharapani (1963m) | 4-5 hours |
Day 22 | Drive Dharapani to Besi Sahar to Kathmandu | 10 hours |
Day 23 | Depart from Kathmandu |
We completed the 11 day Annapurna base camp trek. It was our first time to Nepal and I am glad we booked our trek through Caravan Outdoors.
They took care of everything (airport pick up, accommodations, park pass, etc..) there was no thinking required on our part. It was fantastic! Our guide and porter were very nice and answered any questions we had. ~Jennifer Smith (Winnipeg, Canada)
The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. Our trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.
Currently, we help raise fund and donate it to help build schools and shelters in the Earthquake stricken regions of Central Nepal province. You can join the cause help donate or volunteer to teach at the primary level schools. Visit Community Center for more information.
Day 01: Arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport.
Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, and Our office representative welcome you, an informal introduction then transfer to the hotel. After finishing the checking procedure you will have to rest your hotel. We collate your passport to issue your restricted area permit. In the evening you will have a welcome dinner at a typical Nepal restaurant with a cultural program. Overnight
Day 02: Kathmandu full-day city Tour.
After breakfast, we have a short briefing program about trekking and an introduction with a trekking guide. We also settle the payment with some paperwork and prepare for the trekking. While finest short program then we stare full day sightseeing i.e. Swoyambhunath it is popularly known monkey temple. It is located at the hilltop in the Kathmandu valley near Thamel from here we can see the valley and Langtang Himalayan ranges if the weather is clear. Swoyambhunath is one of the holiest pilgrims for Buddhist and Hindu communities.
After the monkey temple we drive to Bouddhanath stupa which is about 7 km east of Thamel, Stupa is also the main important shrine for Buddhists around the world. It is one of the largest spherical Stupa in Nepal and one of the largest Stupa in the world. From the Arial view, we see the stupa in a mandala shape.
Finally, we drive to the world’s biggest Hindu temple Pashupatinath. It is located nearby Bouddhanth on the bank of the holy river Bagmati, this temple is one of the major important sacred pilgrim sites for the Hindus around the world. Most Hindu people are willing to visit one time in their life. It is one of the best places to see the cremation system in Nepal.
All above three shrines are enlisted as UNESCO world heritage sites. It is not only important for religious purposes it is important for historical monuments with different architectural structures. Finally back to the hotel, then have some rest. After some rest, you can buy the necessary things before you start your trek. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola. (700m) (7-8 hours)
After breakfast, we head towards soti Khola. It takes around 7 to 8 hr long drive depending upon traffic condition. Rode goes through Arughat along the way on the dusty road. A small town soti Khola is set on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, our companion and guides through the Manaslu valley whose source we’ll eventually touch on when we ascend to the pass of Larkya La.
Day 04: Trek Soti khola to Machha khola. (869m) (5-6 hours)
Early morning breakfast, then we start our trekking from Soti Khola to Machha Khola, it takes around 5 to 6 hours of gentle walk alongside the famous Budi Gandaki River. Most of the Gurung communities are inhabitants of Machha Khola village with their own traditions, and culture and they have warm hospitality. Overnight at Machha Khola Village.
Day 05: Trek Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m) (6-7 hours)
While taking breakfast we start trek to Jagat from Machha Khola. To reach Jagat it takes approximately 7 hr, of gentle walking along with several upward downward walks then crossing the Tharo Khola. While crossing the suspension bridge we reach Khorlabesi. After walking for a few hours then we will reach the natural hot spring (Tato pani in Nepali). After spending some time at Hotspring we continue our journey again until we finally reach Jagat after a long trek. Overnight at Jagat.
Day 06: Trek Jagat to Lokpa (2240m) (7-8 hours)
After Breakfast, we trek Jagat to Lokpa, which will take around 7-8 hours of gentle walk with equally ascending and descending narrow trails passing through the bridge. We climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long simple hanging bridge. Climb up to Philim, a large Gurung village. Philim valley is well known for the school and police station built by the Japanese. Walk past MCAP Philim to the north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley and walk up north from Gum Pul we reach Lokpa. Overnight at Lokpa.
Day 07: Trek Lokpa to Chumling. (2386m) (4-5 hours)
After breakfast trek Lokpa to Chumling which takes around 4-5 hours. From Lokpa the trail descends around 30 minutes towards Lungwa Khola and ascends through a little difficult trail further two hours north through beautiful pines and rhododendrons forest we reach Gumlung. Crossing the Siyar Khola, finally arrive at Chumling, Lower Tsum, from where we can view Shringi Himal. Visit the old Chumling gompa and the stone streets of the village. Stay overnight in Chumling.
Day 08: Trek Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3031m) (5-6 hours)
After breakfast trek Chumling to Chhokang Paro which takes around 5-6 hours of trek, then Cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. Enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Village. Another continues to climb for two and half hours to Tsum, the trail takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. If the weather is clear; enjoy the views of Himalchuli 7893m and Ganesh Himal 7140m. The main inhabitants of the chhokang Paro village are pure Buddhist followers. Overnight at Chokhangparo.
Day 09: Trek Chhokang paro to Nile (3361m) (5-6 hours)
After breakfast Trek Chhokang Paro to Nile, which takes around 5-6 hours of walk. We trek through the villages of Ngakyu, Leru, Lama Gaun today. We will visit a holy cave at the Lama gaun. It is believed that saint Milarepa had meditated here in the cave; (a certain admission fee is required) the cave is also popularly known as Piren Phu meaning “Pigeon cave”. After visiting the holy cave we continue our trek passing Burji, Phurba, and Pangdun villages, there is a beautiful magnificent big Buddhist Stupa is located on the way to Chhule and Nile. Arrive at Nile, and overnight.
Day 10: Hike Nile to Mugompa(3709m) then trek back to Rachen Gompa. (3240m) (7-8 hours)
Early morning breakfast then hike to Mu Gompa with our packed lunch, which will take around 3 hours from Nile to reach the Mu Gompa, excursion around the Mu Gompa and Dhephu Doma Gompa for around 1 hour. Mu Gompa is the oldest monastery in the region, and we are now almost close to the Tibetan border. The Gompa lies at the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley. After the excursion around the Gompas, we trek down towards Rachen Gompa which will further take around 4 hours including the time for our packed lunch on the way. The total time from the Nile to Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa will take around 7-8 hours altogether. Stay overnight at Rachen Gompa Village.
Day 11: Trek Rachen Gompa to Chumling. (2386m) (5-6 hours)
After Breakfast, we return downwards from Rachen Gompa to Chumling, which takes around 5-6 hours of trek. This is the same route which we took previously on the way to Tsum valley; hence the attractions are the same as previous. Arrive at Chumling and overnight.
Day 12: Trek Chumling to Deng (2460m) (7-8 hours)
After Breakfast, We trek from Chumling to Deng. This will take around 7-8 hours of the trek; initially, we climb down for around 3 hours until we arrive at lokpa. From lokpa to Deng it takes around 4 hours of trek crossing through the bridge over the Budi Gandaki River then the trail to Deng takes us through the gentle and slight upward narrow climb. After Trekking for a few more hours, we will take to the Deng after crossing the small river bridge nearby. Stay overnight at Deng.
Day 13: Trek Deng to Namrung (2630m) (7-8 hours)
After breakfast, we trek from Deng to Namrung this will take around 7-8 hours of trek. On our trek, we will enter the area influenced by Buddhism where we can see colorful flags and a few stone huts. After a few more ups and downs through forests, the trail turns a corner and arrives at Ghap through well-preserved paintings and elegant mani walls. After crossing the Ghap village, the valley becomes steeper and there is a long climb through bamboo and rhododendron forest to the village of Namrung. Stay overnight at Namrung village.
Day 14: Trek Namrung to Lho Village. (3180m) (4-5 hours)
After breakfast we trek from Namrung to Deng village, this will take around 4-5 hours of trek. After a few hours of the wonderful trek, we arrive at the Lamagaon, from where Mount Himal chuli can be viewed. After crossing the Himal chuli viewpoint on the way to Lho village we can see the Tong Gompa a Buddhist shrine. Since the is the shortest trek for just 4-5 hours we will reach at lho village earlier, hence the remaining time can be used to explore Lho village. Stay overnight at Lho Village.
Day 15: Trek Lho village to Samagaon(3520m) (5-6 hours)
After breakfast we trek from Lho village to Samagaon, this will take around 5-6 hours of trek. From Lho, we follow the right bank of the river with views of Peak 29 ahead. A couple of hours of climbing through the forest bring us to the village of Shyala, offering superb views of Phungi, Manaslu, and Him Chuli. After enjoying the spectacular views of mountains and peaks, we continue our trek for about 2 hours then we will arrive at the Samagaon. From Samagaon we can see the stunning view of Mount Manaslu (8163m), the eighth highest mountain in the world. Stay overnight at Samagaon.
Day 16: Acclimatization at Samagaon.
On this day we will spend our day at Samagaon for Acclimatization hence after breakfast we will hike up to the Birendra Lake which lies around a 1-hour hike from Samagaon. Birendra Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Manaslu glacier and nearby punhyen glacier. After spending a few times around the Birendra Lake we will hike down to the nearby monastery to explore around. After exploring the monastery, rest time on your own, where you can take a walk around the village. Overnight at Samagaon.
Day 17: Trek Samagaon village to Samdo (3875m) (4-5 hours)
After breakfast, the trek from Samagaon to Samdo, will take around 4-5 hours. During the Samagaon to Samdo route, we can view the beautiful mountain views, and amazing landscapes close to the Tibetan border. During the trek, we can also see the beautifully painted mani walls, on the way to the Samdo village. After continuing the trek of 4-5 hours, we will arrive at samdo village. Stay overnight at Samdo village.
Day 18: Trek Samdo to Dharmasala(4460m) (4-5 hours)
After the breakfast, trek Samdo to Dharmasala, this will also take around 4-5 hours. People also refer to Dharmasala as Larkya Phedi, which is the same in fact. Today we start our trek by crossing the wooden bridge over a river and then arrive at the Larke bazaar, which used to be a good market in the previous time but there is nothing remaining at the present time. Crossing the larke bazaar and walking a few more, the huge larkya Glacier coming from Manaslu can be seen from here. The trail grows steeper, climbing up the side of a gorge to a viewpoint at the edge of a huge gorge at 4000m. Nearing the Larkya Glacier, we reach Larkya Phedi, where there is a small lodge, built to serve travelers crossing the Larkya La which lies now just ahead. Stay overnight at tea house Dharmasala.
Day 19: Dharmasala to Bhimthang (3590m) (9-10 hours)
Start our trek in the early morning after the hot and quick food, then trek Dharmasala to Bhimthang, this will take around 9-10 hours. After an early start, we soon reach the snowy valley on the left side of the Larkya Glacier with attractive views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. We continue trekking along glacier moraine and start making the gradual ascent to the top of the Larkya pass (5160m). From the top, there is a stunning panorama view of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. On the descent, the trail follows the top of the moraine to the west and makes a set of steep, rough switchbacks as it crosses the moraine then descends more gently on snow to a grassy moraine. Depending on the conditions if icy then crampons and ice ax are advisable for the descent. The trail now becomes easier to follow and reaches a small meadow and springs. The valley becomes wider as the trails head down to a large meadow, past a mani wall and a small rest house that marks Bimthang. Stay overnight at the tea house.
Day 20: Trek Bhimthang to Gho (2515m) (6-7 hours)
After breakfast, we trek from Bhimthang to Gho, this takes around 6-7 hours. After crossing the pastures of Bimthang the trail drops to a glacier stream at the headwaters of the Dudh Khola crosses a wooden bridge and descends into pine and rhododendron forest. Not far from here you reach Karcher’s fenced fields, then cross a landslide before making a steep climb to a ridge decorated with prayer flags before making a descent to the river bank at Gho. Stay overnight at Gho.
Day 21: Trek Gho to Dharapani (1963m) (4-5 hours)
After breakfast, we trek from Gho to Dharapani, this takes around 4-5 hours, exiting the Manaslu trekking region and entering into the famous Annapurna circuit trekking region. From Gho the trail continues through fields and intermittent stands of rhododendron and oak tree to arrive at Tilje, a large Gurung village. Exit Tilje village through a stone arch, cross the Dudh Khola, and follow along its embankment descending through the scrub forest. The walls of the Marsyangdi Valley loom larger and finally, the houses of Dharapani appear in the distance. Stay overnight at Dharapani.
Day 22: Drive Dharapani to Kathmandu (9-10 hours)
After breakfast at the Dharapani, drive to Kathmandu, this takes around 9- 10 hours of rough drive on a private jeep. Arrive in the kathmandu, Check in to the hotel, rest, and freshen up up then prepare for a Typical Nepali farewell dinner. Overnight Kathmandu.
Day 23: International Departure
Today is your last day with us in Nepal. We will access the airport for your onward destination with the unforgettable moment of your life with Caravan Outdoors Trek.
Trip Length | 23 days | |
Trek Length | 20 days | |
Activities | Trekking, Sightseeing | |
Max. Altitude | 5,160 meters | |
Trek Style | Tea-house (Lodges) | |
Meal | Full board on trek | |
Accommodation |
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Transportation | Private Vehicle, Tourist Bus | |
Best Month | February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November | |
Group Size | 2-10 Persons |