Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

When you arrive at Tibhuvan International Airport, our guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to relax for the next journey, see the city’s attractions, or shop for adventure gear in one of Kathmandu’s many adventure supply stores. We’ll assemble our bikes and be ready for the journey in the afternoon.

Malekhu is reached via a scenic journey westward along the Prithvi Highway and through the verdant highlands. After passing Dhading Besi, the route becomes winding and leads us uphill to Gola Bhanjyang, where snow-capped mountain peaks are visible. The road then descends to cross Ankhu Khola, and we meet the Budhi Gandaki River at Arughat. Machha Khola is ultimately reached by continuing up the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki River.

After breakfast, we proceed over the narrow, winding pathways of the trail. After crossing the Tharo Khola, we arrive in Tatopani. Following the paths of the Budhi Gandaki River and passing through an area prone to landslides, we pass via the villages of Dobhan and Yaruphant. We enter Manaslu Conservation Area by crossing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and walk along a stone-paved trail to reach Jagat.

Today we enter the restricted Manaslu and Tsum Valley zone. Departing Jagat, we begin walking down the Budhi Gandaki riverfront past Salleri, Sirdibas, and Philim. Before proceeding to Ekle Bhatti, we register at the checkpoint in Philim while admiring the view of Shringi Himal (7,161 m). As we continue to trek alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, we reach a waterfall before entering Lokpa.

From Lokpa, we trek to Chumling along Shiar Khola’s rocky outcrops while following Shiar Khola. In Chumling, we can visit the Panago Gumba, Mani Dhungyur Gumba, and Gurwa Gumba monasteries. From Chumling, we continue up to Domje and then through numerous minor creeks to Chhokang Paro. Throughout today’s journey, we will enjoy an unimpeded glimpse of Shringi Himal (7,161 m). Upper Tsum valley is seen from Chhokang Paro, where friendly locals greet you with traditional Tibetan chiya.

Leaving Chhokang Paro, we hike uphill alongside Shiar Khola to reach at the old nunnery of Rachen Gompa in Tsum Valley. We arrive at Piren Phu/Milarepa cave while appreciating the valley’s scenic beauty. One of the holiest caves in the Tsum valley is Piren Phu. This cave is one of the most significant sociocultural assets of the valley due to its ancient Buddhist murals, beautiful stone-carved letters, lengthy prayer flags, and essential Buddhist writings. We continue up via the towns of Nile and Chule until we reach Mu Gompa, a large monastery with one hundred monks.

After spending the night at the Mu Gompa nunnery, we travel back to Chhokang Paro. Walking past small monasteries, Mani walls, and small communities, we approach the sacred Milarepa Cave before to arriving at the holy monastery of Rachen Gompa, whose walls are adorned with vibrant Buddhist artwork. Following Shiar Khola downstream, we arrive in Chhokang Paro.

Along a short path through the settlement, reach a wooden bridge over Shiar Khola. Cross the bridge to reach Domje, and then walk steeply through pines and rhododendrons until you reach the Mani wall adorned with prayer flags. Finally, make a vertical turn and go through a vast pine forest to reach Gumba Lungdang (3200m), a modest nunnery located at the foot of the Himalayas. Gumba Lungdang offers a breathtaking view of the Ganesh Himal range and the other Himalayas.

Cross Langdang Khola and ascend steeply on a difficult, unmarked path through the pine and rhododendron forest. Upon landing in Landan Kharka, we traverse the Torogumba Glacier’s parallel moraine. Before arriving at Ganesh Himal Base Camp, we approach Torogumba Kharka via the steep, snowy, and slick slopes of the Torogumba Glacier. From the base camp, one may enjoy a beautiful view of the Ganesh Himal range. Later, return to Gumba Lungdang on foot and attend the evening puja.

Today, we retrace our steps back to Lokpa via ascending a trail. Following Landang Khola and the hike along the south bank of Shiar Khola, reach Domje. We reach a micro-hydropower facility in Ripchet after passing several minor streams and monasteries. Then, after descending a rock fall region via the little town of Gumlung and traversing the Sarti Gorge on foot, we pass Lungwa Khola to reach Lokpa.

Cross the bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River to leave Lokpa and enter Nyak. Continue ascending the Budhi Gandaki River gorge until you reach the Gurung village of Deng. Enjoying the view of Shringi Himal (7161m) in the background, we traverse Mani walls and a number of bridges across the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Ghap.

Before reaching Lihi, ascend a landslide-prone trail uphill and through Mani walls, meadows, and cottages via fir, rhododendron, and oak forests. Continue walking upward past the town of Sho, then cross a landslide area to reach the tiny settlement of Lho. Throughout the trek, there are breathtaking views of Manaslu (8163m), Himal Chuli (7893m), Ngadi Chuli (7905m), and other adjacent mountains.

We reach Shyala by ascending alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, passing various tiny monasteries and Chortens while admiring the Manaslu range. The trail then crosses a bridge over the Punggen Glacier-fed Numla Khola. Descend down the vast valley, cross a school and a large Chorten, and you will arrive at a string of houses and front yards that make up the majority of Sama. The Pema Chyoling Lhakang Monastery is located at the end of the village near the Manaslu Glacier moraines. Samagaon provides a view of the Manaslu range, Naike Peak (6211m), and Larkya Peak (6249m).

Descend towards the north-bending Budhi Gandaki River and pass the path leading to Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp. This is a simple path that encircles Kermo Kharka via juniper and birch woodlands. The trail then ascends to cross the Budhi Gandaki River over a wooden bridge and continue along the riverbed before reaching Samdo via the Mani walls. Enjoy the view of Samdo Peak (6335m) and its incredible glacial basin to the east, the Sama Valley and its ridges to the south, and a bird’s-eye perspective of the northern Syacha Glacier from Manaslu to the west.

Cross the northern village fields to reach the Budhi Gandaki River at Larkya Bazaar for the last time. The river ascends the Pana Danda Valley to the north. Traverse the westward trail above the Syacha Glacier. The source of the Syacha Glacier, which flows downhill from Manaslu North, is visible. Outside of Dharamsala’s Larkya La Phedi, the trail ascends the gorge to the Larkya Glacier via the Larkya La Phedi. Dharamsala provides a magnificent view of Larkya Peak (6,249 m) and Naike Peak (6,249 m) (6211m).

From Dharamsala, the trail ascends to a hill, followed by a gradual ascent to Larkya Glacier’s enormous and disorderly moraine. A short distance of walking leads to a gorge, followed by a fall to the first of four small, dispersed ice lakes. After finally traversing Larkya Glacier, we reach Larkya-La Pass (5160m), Nepal’s longest mountain pass. From the summit of Larkya-La, take in the panorama of Cheo Himal (6812m), Himlung (7126m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kangguru (6981m), and Annapurna II (7937m). Descend to Dangboche Kharka, where the trail follows the curvature of the side moraine of the Salpudanda Glacier into the lovely Bimthang Valley.

Descend from Bimthang and traverse the stony glacier to reach the untouched rhododendron and pine forest. The path descends along the west bank of Dudh Khola as we pass Hompuk and Sangure Kharka on route to Kharche, the highest point of cultivation. Trek through the forest to the Gurung village of Tilje, then drop steeply through the scrub forest to the Marsayangdi Valley. Pass the west bank immediately prior reaching Thonje, then bridge the Marsayangdi River to reach Dharapani.

Today is the final day of trekking as we descend to Syange via the Marsayangdi River. We pass through a landslide, Mani walls, the thatch-roofed town of Tall, waterfalls, and the communities of Sattale and Chamje before reaching Jagat, located on the banks of the Marsyangdi River.

Today, we travel to Kathmandu via a lengthy journey via verdant hills and rocky roads with views of the surrounding countryside. You can either rest or shop in the city upon arrival. You can also sample the native cuisine of Kathmandu. Stay at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu for the night.

Today we will take you to the airport to catch your flight out of Nepal. Alternatively, if you’d like to stay longer, we may make additional travel arrangements to assist you continue your Nepal experience.