Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a beautiful Himalayan valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, and Boudha mountain ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture, and religion. The Tsum Valley offers three high passes trek called Ngula Dhoj Hyang (5093m) to the west and Yamdro Pass (5326m) to the north. Trekking trails are spread out with beautiful chortens and dotted with mani walls carried with sketches of deities and inscribed with prayers. The local people are immigrated from Tibet long time back and speak a unique dialect. They follow Bon religion. The trek starts at Arughat and the trail follows the serpentine Budi Gandaki River until it reaches the plateau-like Tsum Valley with magnificent views of the Ganesh Himal and other mesmerizing peaks.
Trekking to Tsum valley has two routes, passing via Chumchet and another from Lokpa. Both the routes entails steep uphill climb of over 1500m. Due to its remoteness and difficulty for trekking, this sacred valley and its people have been isolated from the mainstream of development for centuries. As a result, the extraordinary culture of this valley has remained intact. The valley is enriched in wildlife, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which flocks and herds of 50 to 200. Hunting, fishing is not prohibited in the Tsum Valley. The valley also brags some ancient and historic monasteries, that includes Rachen Gumba (3360m) and Mu Gumba, which perch on a small plateau situated in the lap of the valley, and Gumba Lungdang, situated at an elevation of 3370m of a conical hill opposite to the main slope of Ganesh Himal. Also, we can explore woman’s Monastery in Rachen Gompa and in Gumba Lumdang. Besides you will also visit another biggest Monks’ Monastery at Mu Gompa (3700m) and Milarepa cave where Milarepa is believed to have meditated, situated near the Rachen Gompa.
(Kathmandu- Machhakhola)(Dharapani- Kathmandu/Pokhara)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, the guest will be met and transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, there will be a detailed trek briefing covering the route, altitude profile, safety measures, accommodation standard, and permit requirements. Final equipment check and document verification will be completed. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
The journey begins with a full-day drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola via Arughat and Soti Khola. The drive passes through terraced farmland, rivers, and traditional villages, offering the first glimpse of rural Nepal. Roads are partly paved and partly rough. Overnight at a teahouse in Machha Khola.
Driving Distance: ~160 km
The trek starts along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through small villages and waterfalls. The trail involves gradual ascents and descents with occasional stone staircases. Jagat is a traditional village and an official entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: ~14 km
Leaving Jagat, the trail ascends steadily through forested paths and narrow gorges. This day marks the entry into the Tsum Valley region, which feels noticeably quieter and more remote. Lokpa is the first village in Tsum Valley, offering impressive mountain scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: ~17 km
The trek continues through pine and rhododendron forests with views of Ganesh Himal. After crossing suspension bridges, the trail leads to Chumling, a beautiful village known for its ancient monasteries and traditional stone houses. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: ~6 km
Today’s walk gradually ascends through fertile valleys and mani walls. The twin villages of Chhokang and Paro are culturally rich, showcasing Tibetan Buddhist traditions and prayer flags fluttering against the mountain backdrop. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: ~9 km
This rest day allows proper acclimatization. Guests can explore the surrounding villages, visit monasteries, or take short hikes to nearby viewpoints. The day helps the body adapt to altitude while providing insight into local culture. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: Optional short walks
The trail heads deeper into upper Tsum Valley, passing Milarepa’s Cave (Pirien Phu), an important pilgrimage site. The landscape becomes more arid and expansive as the elevation increases. Overnight at a teahouse in Nile or Chule.
Walking Distance: ~11 km
A short but scenic walk leads to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the Tsum Valley. The afternoon is free to explore the monastery and surrounding highland terrain. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: ~6 km
This day is reserved for acclimatization and exploration. Optional hikes toward Dephyudonma Gompa or viewpoints near the Tibetan border are possible. The slow pace enhances altitude adaptation and cultural immersion. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: Optional hikes
Retracing the route back down the valley, the trek descends gradually with familiar scenery and improved oxygen levels. Overnight at a teahouse in Chhokang Paro.
The trail continues downhill and reconnects with the main Manaslu Circuit route. The vegetation becomes denser, and the climate warmer. Deng is a small village with strong Tibetan cultural influence. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: ~18 km
The trail climbs steadily through forests and traditional villages, crossing suspension bridges and mani walls. Namrung offers impressive views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: ~19 km
A gradual ascent leads through alpine landscapes and yak pastures. Samagaon is one of the largest settlements in the region and serves as an important acclimatization stop with stunning mountain views. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: ~17 km
This acclimatization day includes optional hikes to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa. These hikes improve altitude adaptation while offering close-up views of Manaslu Glacier and surrounding peaks. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: Optional hikes (6–8 km)
The walk to Samdo is relatively short and gentle, allowing continued acclimatization. The trail follows a wide valley with dramatic mountain scenery. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: ~8 km
The trail gradually ascends toward the base of Larkya La Pass. The afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the next day’s high pass crossing. Overnight at a basic teahouse.
Walking Distance: ~7 km
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. An early start leads to the crossing of Larkya La Pass, offering breathtaking Himalayan views. After the pass, a long descent brings the trail to Bimthang. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: ~18 km
Descending through alpine meadows, forests, and villages, the trail eventually joins the Annapurna Circuit route at Dharapani. Overnight at a teahouse.
Walking Distance: ~20 km
After breakfast, drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar. The journey takes most of the day. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Driving Distance: ~230 km
Transfer to the airport for final departure, concluding the Manaslu and Tsum Valley adventure.
Your accomodation in a trek will be on twin sharing basis. Your hotels in mountains while on trek will be very basic standard. We it as a trekkers lodge/tea houses. Tea houses wont be very luxurous as on the cities but beds will be comfortable . we will provide you with the best standard type hotel available in the area.
The Essentials
Optional
Nepal Trekking Season generally known best as two seasons after falls and after the winter. The following month mid of September to mid of December consider ever best season of trekking in Himalayas. During this period of months have pleasant climate condition not so hot and cold and visibility of mountain are crystal clear. There is another best season of trekking Nepal after winter when sun getting more warmer in spring time may trekkers to Himalayas can again enjoy comfortable climate condition.
