Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek

Your Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek starts with a long overland journey from Kathmandu to the remote Budhi Gandaki Valley. This day’s drive introduces you to the dramatic geographical transitions. You will leave Kathmandu early in the morning and follow the Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli River. The urban sprawl of the capital disappears gradually behind the terraced hills, river valleys, and roadside settlements. 

On this drive, you will pass the beautiful settlements of Naubise, Malekhu, and Mugling. These lower hill regions feel busy and commercially connected. After crossing Aabu Khaireni, the route gradually leaves the main highway system and enters the rural Gorkha region. The road toward Arughat is narrower and more rugged; this stretch winds across farming villages, rice terraces, and hillside settlements. Beyond this point, the black-topped road is replaced by dusty mountain tracks carved on the steep hillside above the Budhi Gandaki River.

The drive continues toward Soti Khola, the starting point for the traditional Manaslu Circuit Trek route. From here, the driving route pushes deeper into the valley and takes you across the scattered settlements of Lapubesi and Khorlabesi. By the time you reach Machha Khola, the atmosphere shifts completely from urban Nepal to remote Himalayan terrain. 

This is the first trekking day of your Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley, and it takes you deeper into the Budhi Gandaki River Valley. From Machha Khola, you will follow a gentle path above the river and descend across stonesteps along the riverbank. After crossing several streams, the trail then gradually climbs toward Tatopani. This village is historically known for its natural hot springs.

Beyond Tatopani, the valley narrows considerably while the trail becomes more rugged and dramatic. The trail ahead takes you across stone staircases, narrow cliffside sections, and suspension bridges high above the river gorge. Then, after crossing Dobhan Village, the landscape feels enclosed as waterfalls descend directly from the hillside. The trail then continues toward Thulo Dunga and Yaru Bagar, where the massive boulders, rocky riverbanks, and steep gorge terrain dominate the scenery. 

After crossing another suspension bridge near Yaru Bagar, the route begins to gradually climb toward Jagat. Prayer flags, mani stones, and chortens begin to appear more frequently beside the trail. This marks the growing Buddhist influence of the upper valleys. Jagat is one of the most beautiful and culturally distinct settlements in the lower Manaslu region. This settlement also functions as the official entry point into the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Today marks one of the most important transitions of the entire Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trekking. This day’s route gradually separates from the main Manaslu Circuit route and enters the hidden Tsum Valley. While the first two days follow the Budhi Gandai corridor, this day’s trek introduces you to the quieter landscapes with a stronger Tibetan Buddhist influence. The landscape is noticeably more remote on this stretch. 

After leaving Jagat, the trail climbs steadily along a stone staircase toward Salleri. From here, the trekking path takes you across hillsides high above the river, terraced fields, and traditional villages. You will then cross Sirdibas Village, where a row of prayer flags, mani walls, and stone houses reflects the growing Tibetan cultural influence. Then, you will continue walking towards Philil Village, which sits on a broad hillside plateau. Beyond Philim, the trail continues along the Budhi Gandaki River corridor toward Ekle Bhatti.

From Ekle Bhatti, the trail separates into two directions. The main Manaslu Circuit trail continues along the Budhi Gandaki River toward Deng. Then, another route turns upward and eastward, leaving the main river valley behind. The path toward Lokpha climbs steadily across the forested ridges and quiet hillside terrain. As you continue walking further, the environment becomes increasingly remote and is less influenced by the river-valley settlement patterns. 

The climb continues across dense forest sections, rocky paths, and scattered rural terrain, eventually taking you to Lokpha Village. This is the first major village of Tsum Valley and is positioned above the Shiar Khola. Your arrival here marks the official entry into the restricted Tsum Valley region. Unlike the busier settlements below, Lokpha feels isolated, culturally preserved, and strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.

This day of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek itinerary takes you further inside the hidden landscape of the lower Tsum Valley. The walking trail becomes increasingly spiritual, culturally rich, and geographically isolated. Leaving Lokpha, the trail initially descends through dense pine and rhododendron forest. Then, the route moves along the narrow mountain stretches above Shiar Khola. You will cross several small streams and suspension bridges along the way. 

Unlike the larger villages of the Manaslu route, there are only a few isolated settlements along the way. These villages are smaller but more deeply rooted in traditional Himalayan life. After several hours of walking, you will then gradually approach Chumling Village, one of the major villages of lower Tsum Valley. The atmosphere here at this village feels distinctly Tibetan, both culturally and architecturally. From Chumling, the trail descends toward the river before climbing gradually through forest sections and hillside paths to Domje.

Domje is a peaceful riverside settlement surrounded by steep mountain walls and dense forested slopes. Although it is small, this village serves as an important connecting point for the nearby villages and monasteries deep inside Tsum Valley.

You will leave Domje Village after breakfast and follow the Shiar Khola upstream through the narrow valley section surrounded by pine forest. In the early part of the trail, you will arrive at Gho Village. From here, the route continues toward Rainjam Village, from where you can catch occasional glimpses of Ganesh Himal. As you gain elevation, the trail begins to open into wider Himalayan scenery. The vegetation becomes thinner, the air is noticeably cooler, and the villages are increasingly Tibetan, both in architecture and culture.

You will then cross suspension bridges and narrow canyon sections to reach Chhokang Paro. This is one of the most visually striking settlements in Upper Tsum Valley. The transition from lower Himalayan greenery to high-altitude trans-Himalayan terrain becomes fully noticeable here. Beyond Chhokang Paro, the route climbs gradually across scattered settlements, stone pathways, and open valley landscapes toward Lama Gaon. From here onwards, the traditional yak pastures, ancient chortens, and prayer-carved mani stones become common features beside the trail.

The sense of remoteness intensifies on this segment as permanent settlements grow smaller and are more widely spaced. Then, the final section of the trail leads you toward the twin villages of Chule and Nile, situated near the Tibetan border region. You will reach Chule first; this village site is slightly above the valley.  A short walk further north will then bring you to Nile Village. Compared to lower villages, Nile and Chule feel remarkably preserved. The harsh climate, high altitude, and geographical isolation have protected much of the traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture still practised here today. 

Although the trek on this day of your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek itinerary is short, the journey from Nile to Mu Gompa is one of the most culturally significant sections of the trail. The trekking route gradually leaves the last permanent settlements of the valley behind and enters an isolated high-altitude landscape. From Nile, the trail climbs gently above the Shiar Khola as the valley begins to open into an open alpine terrain. Vegetation on this part is sparse with dry hillside, scattered juniper shrubs, and rocky mountain slopes.

As you continue walking northward, the views become increasingly expansive. The trekking route also feels spiritually significant, with centuries-old Buddhist influence visible throughout the landscape. Passing through small seasonal grazing areas and isolated yak pasture, the trail steadily climbs toward Mu Gompa. This is the highest and most remote monastery of Tsum Valley. Unlike the larger villages below, there are no major permanent settlements between Nile and Mu Gompa, which fortifies the isolated nature of the Upper Tsum Valley. 

Eventually, the monastery complex of Mu Gomp appears against the barren mountain backdrop. Mu Gompa was founded in 1895 by the Bhutanese Lama named Serab Dorje Drukpa Rinpoche. Surrounded by high ridgelines and open alpine terrain, this monastery feels less like a trekking destination and more like a hidden Himalayan sanctuary. After arriving at the monastery, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the surroundings and allowing your body to acclimatize. 

This day of your Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek is reserved for acclimatization at Mu Gompa. On this acclimatization day, you will have the opportunity to experience the unique spiritual and geographical atmosphere of the Upper Tsum Valley more deeply. At an altitude of 3,700 meters, the surroundings here feel starkly different compared to the lush low valleys you crossed earlier in the trek. Your morning here begins with clear Himalayan skies, cold mountain air, and uninterrupted silence.

The monastery itself remains the central highlight of the day. Mu Gompa is an important spiritual center within Tsum Valley that reflects the deep Tibetan heritage of the region. Here, the isolated setting, traditional prayer halls, ancient Buddhist artwork, and daily ritual create an atmosphere that feels timeless. Many trekkers spend part of the day exploring the surrounding ridgelines and nearby highland areas for acclimatization purposes. Short hikes above the monastery offer wide views across the upper valley toward the Tibetan border, surrounding snow-clad peaks and vast pastures spread beneath the mountains.

Unlike the busier acclimatization stops on routes of the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Mu Gompa remains remarkably peaceful and uncrowded. The remoteness of the valley, combined with restricted area status, keeps the visitor numbers relatively low even during peak trekking seasons. This overnight at Mu Gompa allows both physical recovery and cultural immersion before beginning the gradual descent back through Tsum Valley the next day. 

After exploring the upper reaches of Tsum Valley, this day’s trek begins with a gradual descent to the south. Although this route retraces part of the earlier trail, the descending perspective often reveals entirely different views and details across the valley landscape. You will make your descent slowly toward Nile through open alpine terrain. You will pass through Nile and Chile again as you continue walking down the corridor of Shiar Khola.

Slowly, the terrain begins to regain more vegetation and cultivated land. You will then cross Lama Gaon and sections near Chhokang Paro. The trail on this stretch takes you across stone pathways lined with prayer walls, chortens, and spinning prayer wheels. Instead of descending fully toward the low valley, today’s route braces toward Rachen Gompa. Built in 1905 by Drupa Rinpoche, Rachen Gompa is one of the most important nunneries in the entire Tsum region. 

This gompa is situated beneath the steep mountain slopes and beside the river. It feels deeply spiritual and isolated from the outside world. Rachen Gompa was established by Drupa Rinpoche as a dedicated space for women to study Buddhist teachings, meditate, and practise rituals. Spending the night here near Rachen Gompa allows you time to experience another dimension of Tsum Valley’s spiritual heritage. 

Your trek on this day continues with a gradual descent through lower Tsum Valley. You will be able to experience the region from an entirely different perspective compared to the ascent days earlier in the itinerary. The trail descends steadily through stone pathways lined with mani walls, prayer flags, and scattered chortens. The peaceful monastery atmosphere slowly fades behind, and the valley begins widening once again.  

The route continues through upper settlements near Chhokong Paro, Lamagaon, and smaller hillside communities. On these stretches, you will notice how the traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture remains deeply integrated into daily life. As you descend further, pine and rhododendron forests begin reappearing around the trail. The air feels slightly warmer and denser compared to the stark upper valley around Mu Gompa. 

After crossing suspension bridges over the Shiar Khola, the route alternates between riverside sections and gradual climbs along forested hillsides. Eventually, you will arrive at Chumling Village. This is one of the most beautiful and culturally significant villages in the lower Tsum Valley. Here, the traditional stone houses, monasteries, prayer walls, and narrow village pathways create a deeply authentic Himalayan atmosphere.  

Today, in your Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley itinerary, marks an important transition as you will officially leave Tsum Valley behind and reconnect with the main Manaslu Circuit route. Leaving Chumling after breakfast, you will follow the trail that descends through dense forest and terraced hillsides toward the lower valley crossings. The morning route follows narrow mountain paths above the Shiar Khola. In this scenic stretch of the trekking route, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and pine-covered slopes dominate the scenery. 

Descending steadily, you will pass through forest clearings and smaller settlements before eventually approaching Lokpha once again. This village serves as one of the final transitional points between the Tsum Valley and the Budhi Gandaki corridor. From here, the trekking trail gradually leaves the quieter side of the valley behind and rejoins the broader trekking route used by the Manaslu Circuit Trekkers. You will then continue walking toward Ekle Bhatti and Philim, where you will notice a change in atmosphere almost immediately.

The trekking trail becomes busier, the valley gets wider, and the settlements are larger compared to the isolated villages of Upper Tsum Valley. On the stretch ahead, you will walk northward through forested canyons and narrow river valleys. You will arrive at Deng by late afternoon, a beautiful village situated beneath the forested mountain slopes of Budhi Gandaki Valley. Compared to the culturally Tibetan atmosphere of Tsum Valley, Deng feels like a transition zone where Gurung and Tibetan influences blend together.

Leaving Deng, you will move along the trail begins following a series of ascents and descents through dense pine forests above the Budhi Gandaki River. The path frequently traverses steep canyon walls, and suspension bridges connect sections of the valley. Compared to the wider valleys around Philim, this stretch feels narrower, more rugged, and increasingly remote.

The route gradually takes you through the small settlements of Rana and Bihi Phedi. Here, the traditional stone houses begin to appear more frequently beside cultivated fields. Beyond Bihi Phedi, the valley slowly begins to open while the vegetation changes noticeably with altitude. After crossing several suspension bridges and narrow gorge sections, you will eventually arrive at Ghap Village. It is a quiet village located within thick forest. From Ghap onward, the ascent toward Namrung becomes more sustained. 

The trail climbs gradually through forested ridges and scattered settlements where the architecture begins to represent Tibetan Buddhism culture. Eventually, you arrive at Namrung, one of the most culturally distinct villages along the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. This village offers the first strong sense of entering the upper Himalayan world surrounding Manaslu. The village is known for its traditional stone houses, carved wooden windows, Buddhist monasteries, and impressive vistas of the surrounding peaks.

Leaving Namrung, the trail ascends gradually through forested hillsides and cultivated terraces. During the early stretch, you will pass through Banjam and Lihi, two traditional villages characterized by stone houses, mani walls, and preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture. As you continue walking on the route, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular. The Snow-covered peaks start dominating the northern skyline while the forests thin gradually into higher alpine terrain. You will then pass through Sho Village, where you can enjoy the first truly close views of Manaslu itself.

From Sho, the final section toward Lho climbs gently across open terrain with constantly expanding mountain views. Eventually, the large settlement of Lho appears beneath Mount Manaslu. Lho is one of the most beautiful villages on the entire circuit. It is situated on a broad hillside overlooking the valley. This village is known for its traditional stone homes, monasteries, extensive prayer walls, and extraordinary panorama of the surrounding peaks.

Today’s journey in your Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley itinerary moves deeper into the upper Manaslu region, where the landscape becomes increasingly alpine. Leaving Lho, the trail climbs gently above the village, offering clear sunrise views of Mount Manaslu. Then, the route gradually traverses open hillsides and alpine meadows while passing mani walls, prayer flags, and small chortens scattered beside the trail. After several hours of walking, you will arrive at Shyala Village. It is a beautiful open settlement surrounded by extraordinary Himalayan scenery. 

Beyond Shyala, the trail continues gradually across wide alpine terrain toward Samagaon. Along this section, you will traverse across the traditional yak pastures, stone-built shelters, and Buddhist mani walls. The environment feels far more Tibetan and trans-Himalayan than the subtropical middle hills that you left behind earlier in the journey. Samagaon is the largest and most important settlement in the upper Manaslu region. It is positioned beneath the towering Mount Manaslu. Samagaon sits within a broad glacial basin and is surrounded by barren hills, monasteries, yak fields, and snow-covered peaks.

This day is reserved for acclimatization at Samagaon. This is one of the most important altitude adjustment points on the entire Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek. At over 3,500 meters, your body requires additional time to adapt properly before crossing the Larke Pass. Unlike a complete rest day, acclimatization here involves light exploration hikes around the upper glacial basin surrounding Samagaon. One of the most popular acclimatization hikes leads toward Birendra Lake, a glacial lake located beneath the Manaslu Glacier. 

The trail to this glacial lake gradually ascends above the village through rocky alpine terrain. From here, you will be able to enjoy the dramatic views of icefalls, moraine fields, and snow-covered ridgelines surrounding the upper valley. Some trekkers continue even higher toward Manaslu Base Camp depending on weather, fitness, and acclimatization conditions. 

This longer route climbs steeply across glacial moraine terrain and offers expansive views of the surrounding Himalayan amphitheater.  

Samagaon itself offers one of the richest cultural atmospheres along the trek. Ancient monasteries, mani walls, prayer wheels, and yak caravans remain central parts of daily life here. The slower pace of the acclimatization day also allows you time to observe the rhythm of the village itself, something often missed during continuous trekking days.

Today’s trek is shorter in overall distance, but the increasing altitude and exposed Himalayan environment make the journey physically more demanding. Leaving Samagaon, the trail gradually climbs above the valley floor while crossing open yak grazing fields and rocky glacial terrain. Compared to the greener lower sections of the trek, vegetation is now extremely sparse. The environment feels cold and dry, with massive mountain walls rising above both sides of the valley.

The trail continues on the broad alpine corridor carved by ancient glaciers. As the elevation increases, the pace naturally slows. The thinner air becomes more noticeable here. You will pass seasonal grazing areas and ya pastures before eventually arriving at Samdo Village. This is the final permanent settlement before your ascent to Larke La Pass. This high altitude village is situated close to the Tibetan border and is surrounded by barren hills and dramatic alpine scenery. 

Compared to Samagaon, Samdo feels smaller and more isolated. The climate here is significantly colder, and strong mountain winds are common during the afternoon. Despite the harsh environment, the Samagaon maintains a deeply authentic Himalayan atmosphere. The stone houses, grazing yaks, and centuries-old mountain traditions shape daily life here.

On this day’s adventure, you will approach the high-altitude zone beneath Larke Pass, one of the most demanding yet rewarding sections of the entire Manaslu Circuit Trek route. After leaving Samdo Village, you will follow the trail that initially descends slightly toward a wooden bridge crossing over the Budhi Gandaki. Then, you will begin your gradual climb toward the north. The valley here feels immense and barren compared to the lower trekking regions.  

The trekking route takes you across seasonal yak grazing areas and isolated stone shelters used by herders during warmer months. Along the trail, the signs of permanent human settlement become increasingly rare. After several hours, the trail reaches Larke Bazaar, an old seasonal trading area historically connected to Tibetan border trade routes. Beyond Larke Bazaar, the ascent becomes steeper and more physically demanding as you begin your final push toward cDharmashala, also known as Larke Phedi. Dharmashala is a basic high-altitude shelter settlement positioned directly beneath the southern side of the Larke Pass. 

It is surrounded by barren ridgelines, glacial moraine fields, and snow-covered mountains. The environment here feels truly alpine and exposed. Temperatures drop sharply after sunset, weather conditions can change rapidly, and oxygen levels are significantly lower due to the elevation. That’s why you will spend the evening resting early, hydrating properly, and preparing carefully for the challenging Larke Pass crossing tomorrow. 

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the entire Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek. The crossing of the Larke La Pass marks both the physical and symbolic high point of the journey. Your day begins early, often before sunrise, to maximize the stable morning weather conditions at the pass. The trail initially climbs gradually across the rocky glacial terrain while headlamps light the narrow sections of moraine paths. As the ascent continues, the environment becomes increasingly barren and high alpine in character.

The route steadily climbs through glacial valleys, frozen stream crossings, and snow-covered sections depending on seasonal conditions. The final ascent toward Larke La Pass is physically demanding due to the altitude, cold wind exposure, and long sustained climb. However, upon reaching the prayer-flag-covered summit at 5,106 meters, the reward is extraordinary. From here, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks like Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, Larke Peak, Ngadi Chuli, and Buddha Himal, including Mount Manaslu. 

After spending some time at the pass, you will begin your descent toward Bimthang immediately. Although it is a downhill approach, this section remains long and demanding on the knees due to the steep rocky terrain and significant elevation loss. The trail descends through snowfields, loose moraine sections, and glacial valleys. As the elevation decreases, the harsh, barren terrain slowly transitions into greener Himalayan scenery. The dramatic shift in landscape after crossing the pass becomes one of the most memorable geographical transitions of the trek.

Eventually, you will arrive at Bimthang, a beautiful alpine settlement situated within a broad glacial valley surrounded by towering peaks. After the harsh conditions of Dharmashala and the Larke Pass, Bimthang feels remarkably peaceful and cozy. The breathtaking surrounding scenery, combined with the satisfaction of completing the pass crossing, makes this one of the most rewarding overnight stops of the entire adventure. 

After the physically demanding pass crossing, today’s journey brings a dramatic environmental transition. As the route descends from high alpine landscapes, the air becomes richer in oxygen, temperatures gradually get warmer, and vegetation returns en route. You will leave Bimthang after a warm breakfast and follow a descent across open alpine meadows and glacial plains. The route then soon enters the dense rhododendron and pine forests. This stretch feels particularly refreshing after several days in the dry and exposed high-altitude terrain of Upper Manaslu. 

You will continue walking past Pak Kharka and grazing areas, which are used seasonally by local herders. Along the way, the surrounding mountains remain visible through forest openings while the valley itself becomes increasingly lush with decreasing altitude. Further down, the route approaches Gho Village, a peaceful settlement surrounded by cultivated terraces and forested hillsides. Compared to the isolated Tibetan-style settlement on the northern side of Larke pass, the architecture and cultural atmosphere here begin to reflect strongly on the Gurung and Manangi influences of the Annapurna region.

As you move along with the descending route, you will eventually arrive at Tilche village, a beautiful hillside village positioned above Dudh Khola Valley. The warmer climate, greener landscape, and thicker vegetation create a completely different atmosphere from the high Himalayan terrain you crossed just a day earlier. This overnight stop at Tilche Village offers a peaceful opportunity to recover physically while gradually transitioning out of the alpine Manaslu environment into the mid-hill landscapes of western Nepal.

This day’s trek is shorter and more relaxed compared to the demanding mountain stages of the earlier Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley itinerary. After leaving Tilche, you will descend steadily through terraced farmland, pine forests, and stone staircases toward the valley floor. The warmer temperatures and increasing vegetation become even more noticeable here. You will cross suspension bridges above the Dudh Khola River and pass through small farming communities. 

Crossing suspension bridges above the Dudh Khola River, the trail passes through small farming communities. The villages on these stretches feel more connected to lower hill Nepal compared to the remote Tibetan Buddhist settlements of upper Manaslu and Tsum Valley.  The walking trail eventually joins the broader Annapurna Circuit corridor near Thonje. Compared to the isolation throughout much of the Manaslu Circuit, this section feels noticeably more active, with trekkers, local traders, and transportation routes.

A short final section then leads you toward Dharapani, a large and important trekking settlement positioned along the Marsyangdi Valley. This village is surrounded by forested hillsides and river valleys. Dharapani serves as a major junction point connecting the Manaslu and Annapurna trekking regions. Compared to the isolated mountain villages earlier in the trek, Dharapani feels significantly more developed and connected. The availability of road access, larger lodges, communication facilities, and increased trekking activity creates a strong sense of return toward modern infrastructure after a long journey inside remote Himalayan terrain. 

The final day of the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek begins with an early departure from Dharapani toward Kathmandu. Although the trekking portion of the adventure has ended, the drive itself still offers one final opportunity to observe the dramatic geographical transition from remote mountain valleys back into Nepal’s modern cities. Leaving Dharapani, the road descends along the Marsyangdi Valley through traditional villages, terraced farmland, waterfalls, and forested hillsides. 

The rugged mountain roads take you across settlements such as Tal, Syange, and Besishahar. As the drive continues southward, the towering Himalayan scenery slowly recedes into the distance while lower subtropical landscapes begin to dominate the surroundings once again. The rivers start to widen, valleys open up, and traffic increases noticeably after reconnecting with Nepal’s main highway network. The driving route eventually joins the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River eastward toward Kathmandu.  

By the time you arrive back in Kathmandu, the experience of crossing hidden valleys, remote Himalayan settlements, mountain passes, and culturally preserved regions feels remarkably distant from the energy of the city. The Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek concludes not simply as a mountain trek, but as a deeply immersive journey through some of the most isolated and culturally rich landscapes in the Himalayas. Only a few treks in Nepal combine this level of cultural exploration, geographical variation and physical challenge in a single itinerary.