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Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is an exhilarating journey that takes you around and up close to the world's 8th highest mountain, Manaslu (8163 M), with an extension to the beautiful hidden valley of Tsum. The combination of these two treks is one of the best ways to explore the natural and cultural wonders of the Manaslu Region.

Duration
25 Days
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
5106 M
Group Size
2-12
Starts
Machhakhola
Ends
Tilje
Activities
Trekking
Best Time
Sep - Dec, March - May

The trek starts in the Lower Manaslu region, inhabited by the Gurung people. Views of the majestic mountains can be seen from the very first day of the trek. You will walk through beautiful terraced fields and settlements of the Gurung people. Their unique and rich culture, with traditions like Bon, Shamanism, and Nature Worshipping, can be observed during the trek.

Trekking along hills, rivers, and different villages, you will enter the Tsum Valley, a Buddhist paradise and home to the Tsumba people. This beautiful, sacred valley lies between gorgeous mountain ranges like the Shringi, Ganesh, Kipu, and Thaple. One of the unique features of this valley is the practice of non-violence (Ahimsa), which prohibits the killing or sacrificing of animals.

Afterward, you will trek back along the same trail to join the Manaslu Circuit Trek and continue trekking to Tilje, crossing Larke La (5106 M). The Nubri people inhabit the upper Manaslu region. Within a couple of day's trek, you will be greeted by the majestic Manaslu alongside other peaks.

During the trek, you will pass by villages where time still stands in the past. You will visit centuries-old monasteries in exotic locations where Buddhist teachings run deep. Each day, you will be greeted by picturesque landscapes. The trek passes through beautiful mixed forests, mostly of pines and rhododendrons, and you will constantly see mani walls, chortens, and colorful prayer flags along the trails inscribed with Buddhist mantras. Most of the time, you will be trekking through the ancient salt trading routes used by the locals.

The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek offer breathtaking views of mountain ranges like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Samdo Himal, Chulu, Annapurna, and Cheo Himal. Among all these mountains, the view of the iconic Manaslu (8163 M), the world's 8th-highest peak, will be the most dominant. You will also explore some amazing side trips to Pungyen GompaManaslu Base CampMu Gompa, etc. Wild animals like Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, and Himalayan Marmot can be seen along the trail. You will frequently cross paths with Yaks and Mules as well.

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary

Our 25-day Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary starts from Barpak and ends at Tilje. The best part is that our itineraries are flexible and can be tailored to your needs. Just leave us a message, and our experts will help you craft a perfect itinerary, ensuring a top-notch experience with safety.

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek Detailed Itinerary

Starts: Machhakhola
Ends: Tilje
1Day

Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and transfer to hotel

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel

One of the members of our company will welcome you at the international airport terminal gate and take you to the hotel. You will have a few hours to rest. Later, in the evening, you will meet with the tour guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on the day 2 program.

2Day

Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparation

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: Half day
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
Mode of Transportation: Private vehicle

You will go on a guided sightseeing tour to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit one of the holiest temples of Hindus, the Pashupatinath temple. Nearby this temple is located the largest in Nepal, the Boudhanath stupa. After visiting these places, you will head to Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, if you would like, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel and prepare for the trek.

3Day

Drive to Barpak (1915 M)

Max Altitude: 1915 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 178 km
Accommodation: Lodge
Mode of Transportation: Private Jeep

After a quick breakfast, you will start 7-8 hours of scenic drive to Barpak through the Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli River. You will take our lunch at Khaireni and continue towards Barpak via Baluwa. Barpak is a big beautiful village inhabited dominantly by the Gurungs and Ghales situated on top of a hill. The beautiful view of the Boudha Himal can be seen from here.

4Day

Trek to Laprak (2100 M)

Max Altitude: 2100 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

So, you will start the trek today. After a steep uphill climb of 3 and a half hours, you will reach Mamche Hill (2700 M) where we will have our lunch. From the top, you can enjoy superb views of Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Bouddha Himal, Langtang ranges, and Annapurna ranges. You will continue walking on a straight trail until Gupsidanda, a new settlement built by NRN Australia for the people of Laprak after the earthquake. From there you will descend to Laprak.

5Day

Trek to Gumda (2100 M)

Max Altitude: 2100 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 3 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

Today the trek will be short and easy as well. You will cross a suspension bridge at the end of the village and pass through terraced farmland and quite beautiful forests. You will again cross a suspension bridge in the middle of a forest. After some time, you will continue walking through the terraced farmlands until reaching the beautiful village of Gumda inhabited by the Gurung community. 

6Day

Trek to Machha khola (870 M)

Max Altitude: 870 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 4 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

Walking through the terraced farmlands and then descending down through the alluring forest of pine and rhododendron, you will arrive at a small Gurung village, Yamagaun. Continuing our trek downwards again, you will pass through another Gurung village, Lapsibot. From there, you will descend all the way to Machha Khola through the forested trail.

7Day

Trek to Jagat (1340 M)

Max Altitude: 1340 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 7 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

After crossing the bridge over Machha Khola, you will walk on a rugged vehicle road until a bridge a little bit further up from Tatopani. Here, you can take a short break and spend some time enjoying the natural hot spring. The trail then ascends and crosses Budhi Gandaki reaching Dobhan. From Dobhan, you will gradually ascend through the landslide area to reach Thulo Dhungga, then Yaruphant, cross the bailey bridge, and again a suspension bridge and reach Jagat.

8Day

Trek to Chisopani (1600 M)

Max Altitude: 1600 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 4 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

Today, your guide will register the permits and ascend a rocky ridge to Salleri. From here, you will descend towards Sirdibas and continue trekking to Ghatta Khola. Crossing a long suspension bridge, you will ascend to Philim. Further trekking through the forest, you will be at Chisopani. 

9Day

Trek to Chumling (2350 M)

Max Altitude: 2350 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

After taking breakfast, you will trek for 1-1:30 hours on a straight cliffside route via a beautiful waterfall until reaching a point where you will leave the Manaslu Circuit Trail. From here, you will take the trail on the right, which ascends uphill through the forest of pine and rhododendrons. You will get to see the stunning views of Himalchuli and Boudha Himal. Leaving Lokpa behind, you will descend to Lungwa Khola and ascend to reach Gumlung. Crossing the Shyar Khola, you will reach Chumling.

10Day

Trek to Chokhangparo (3030 M)

Max Altitude: 3030 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

Crossing a suspension bridge you will trek enjoying captivating views of Ganesh Himal. The trail then passes from Renjom to Serpu Khola and crosses a bridge you will reach Gho village. From here, you will trek for another 2 hours via a huge landslide area and ascend to Chhekam Paro welcoming you with the beautiful views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal.

11Day

Trek to Nile (3361 M)

Max Altitude: 3361 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

After having breakfast, you will trek mostly on flatlands passing through the middle of beautiful buckwheat, wheat, potato, and barley fields.  Trekking through a couple of small and beautiful Tsombo villages, mani walls, Chortens, caves, Monasteries, and crossing several bridges you will arrive at Nile.  You will visit the Milarepa Cave, where it is believed that the Buddhist saint, 'Milarepa' meditated.

12Day

Day hike to Mu-Gompa and Nunnery Gompa

Max Altitude: 3361 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 6 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

Today is your rest day. You will explore the villages and go on a short hike to visit Mu Gompa. Located closer to the Tibetan border, Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in this region. After that, you will visit Dhephu Doma Gompa and Nunnery Gompa. In the evening, you hike back to Nile. 

13Day

Trek to Chokhangparo (3030 M) via Rachen Gompa

Max Altitude: 3030 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 5 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

After having breakfast, you will begin trekking towards Chhekam Paro. The trail will pass by small villages and present us with scenic views. You will visit Rachen Gompa on the way. After visiting Rachen Gompa, you will cross a suspension bridge where you will rejoin the same route that you took from Chekamparo to Nile.

14Day

Trek to Lokpa (1900 M)

Max Altitude: 1900 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

Today, you will descend to the lower Tsum Valley. You can stop for a rest in villages along the way, or make a short visit to the gompa. You will have lunch at Chumling. Then you will continue descending via the same trail, crossing a suspension bridge and passing a dense forest until arriving at Lokpa. 

15Day

Trek to Bihi (2130 M)

Max Altitude: 2130 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 5 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

After our breakfast, you will descend for a few hours before rejoining the Classic Manaslu Circuit  Trail. Then you will cross a strong metal bridge over Budi Gandaki and trek west of the river, passing through the beautiful tropical forest dominated by bamboo and pine. Today, you will be crossing the bridges more than 6 times over the Budi Gandaki and other rivers. You will trek through several small villages like Pewa, Deng, and Rana before reaching Bihi.

16Day

Trek to Namrung (2630 M)

Max Altitude: 2630 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 5 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

The initial part of the trail will be narrow, on relatively flat terrain, and on a landslide area as well, before reaching Ghap by crossing a couple of bridges. After leaving Ghap, you will again cross several bridges over the Budi Gandaki River and walk along with the beautifully cultivated fields. After crossing the last bridge, you will ascend through the beautiful low alpine forest all the way to Namrung. Namrung is a beautiful highland hamlet inhabited by people resembling closely to Tibetans.

17Day

Trek to Shyala (3500 M)

Max Altitude: 3500 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 6 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

Trekking through Bhanzam, you will pass through many beautiful ethnic villages like Lihi, Sho, and Lho. You will visit Ribung Gompa in Lho village situated on the top of a hill with a magnificent view of Manaslu. From there, you will continue trekking through the pine & rhododendron forest to reach Shyala. 

18Day

Trek to Samagaun (3520 M) including day trip to Pungyen Gompa (4040 M)

Max Altitude: 3520 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 7 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

Today you will climb to discover Punggyen Gompa before trekking to Samagaun with a packed lunch. You will trek through pastures and cross a river draining from the Pung Gyen glacier. From Pungyen Gompa, you can see a really impressive panoramic view of many surrounding peaks along with the eastern face of Manaslu. Then you will descend the same way and join the main trail to Samagaun, the last largest village in the Manaslu region.

19Day

Acclimatization day

Max Altitude: 3520 M
Meals: B,L&D
Accommodation: Lodge

Today is a day of rest day. You will take a short excursion to Birendra Lake for acclimatization. While hiking, you might also come across wildlife like Himalayan Tahr. 

20Day

Trek to Samdo (3875 M)

Max Altitude: 3875 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

Passing by forests of birch and juniper, you will further trek through small villages. You will then cross the wooden bridge over the Buddhi Gandaki River and reach Samdo village, which is a small Tibetan refugee village.

21Day

Trek to Dharmasala (4460 M)

Max Altitude: 4460 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

You will cross a suspension bridge and continue to ascend gradually through the high pasturelands where you will encounter many yaks grazing with a beautiful view of Manaslu North, Larkya Peak, and Larkya glacier on the left side of the trail. And by crossing several rivulets and continuing the ascent you will arrive at Dharmasala.

22Day

Trek to Bimtang (3720 M) via Larke (5106 M)

Max Altitude: 3720 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 8-10 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

You will start early in the morning after breakfast. With a short climb, you will reach the north side of the Larkya glacier. The trail then ascends a steep path to the top of the Larke La Pass, from where you will enjoy stunning views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the huge Annapurna II, among many other mountains. Then you will descend to Bimtang, where you will automatically be in the Annapurna region of Manang district. It's a long and challenging day compared to the other days. 

23Day

Trek to Tilje (2260 M)

Max Altitude: 2260 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 7 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

After having breakfast, you will pass the Kechakyu Khola Glacier and trek through the lush forest of rhododendron. On the way, you will get to see beautiful views of Mt. Manaslu. Further, you will reach Gho village and head towards Tilije. Tilje is a nice and old typical village inhabited by Manangi Gurung. You can find facilities for a hot shower, wifi, electricity from here onwards.

24Day

Drive to Kathmandu (1350 M) via Besi Sahar (760 M)

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 9-10 hours
Distance: 230 km
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
Mode of Transportation: Private Vehicle

Leaving Tilije behind, you will descend to Dharapani by crossing several bridges over Dudh Khola and Marsyangdi. From here, you will drive to Kathmandu via Besishahar. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will move to your hotel. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner organized by the company.

25Day

Final Departure

Meals: Breakfast

After having breakfast, one of the members of the company will escort you to the airport for your flight back to your home. 

Still Confused?
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Cost Details

Includes

  • One porter for two people (maximum weight: 11 kg per client) and an assistant guide for group sizes above 4 people.
  • 3-night shared accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu on a BB basis.
  • Trekking Lodge/ Tea House accommodations with twin sharing basis during the trek.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, hot drinks) during the trek.
  • Kathmandu- Barpak, and Chamje-Besisahar-Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency.
  • All the necessary permits and paperwork needed for the trek. 
  • Kathmandu valley tour with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
  • All staff’s salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • Airport pick-up and drop.

Excludes

  • Tips for the guide, assistant guide, porter, and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Meal while you are in Kathmandu, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Medical evacuation cost (In case of emergency).
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • Your personal expenses.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • International airfare.

Equipments

Head
Head
  • Cap or Hat
  • Beanie
  • Sunglasses
  • Buff
Torso
Torso
  • Breathable and quick-drying full sleeve and half t-shirts
  • Waterproof/Windproof Jacket (Umbrella, or Raincoat for monsoon)
  • Down jacket (5 to -15 degrees Celsius depending on the seasons)
  • Thermal wear (merino wool or synthetic)
  • Fleece
Lower Body
Lower Body
  • Breathable and quick-drying pants and shorts
  • Thermal wear (merino wool or synthetic)
  • Waterproof pants (For monsoon)
Hands
Hands
  • Light and medium gloves
  • Warm, waterproof, and windproof gloves for winter, early spring, and late autumn seasons
Feet
Feet
  • Hiking socks
  • Hiking boots or shoes (Waterproof and ankle protection)
  • A pair of sandals
Others
Others
  • Trekking poles
  • Passport
  • Trekking bag/Day Pack (25-30 liters)
  • Sleeping bag (-5 to -15 degrees Celsius, depending on the seasons)
  • Mosquito repellent (For lower altitudes)
  • Sun cream
  • Toiletries
  • Headlamp
  • Spare battery for camera, GoPro, headlamp, etc.
  • Power bank (Electricity is not available in every place)
  • First-Aid Kit and medicines
  • Local SIM card (NTC/Namaste preferred)
  • Water bottle
  • Local currency
Download Equipments List
Price Per Person
US$1850
  • No. of travelerPrice per person
  • 2 - 3 paxUS$2100
  • 4 - 5 paxUS$1980
  • 6 - 12 paxUS$1850