Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek — 20 Days

We leave Kathmandu by road and travel towards Machha Khola in Gorkha. Towns, cultivated hillsides and river valleys mark the journey before rougher roads approach the trekking area.

Traffic, repairs and wet road conditions can extend the drive, so keep water, medicines and a warm layer accessible. At Machha Khola, settle into the lodge and organise your daypack for tomorrow’s first walking stage beside the Budhi Gandaki.

Our journey follows the Budhi Gandaki towards Jagat, passing lower-valley villages and crossing bridges along the river. Stone paths, shorter climbs and uneven stretches make this a full trekking day.

Forested slopes and cultivated areas accompany sections of the route, with local homes and roadside lodges along the river valley. We take the climbs steadily and allow time for breaks. Jagat is an important checkpoint for the Manaslu region. After reaching the village, settle into the teahouse and prepare for tomorrow’s continued walk towards Chisopani.

We continue through the Budhi Gandaki Valley, passing village paths and cultivated slopes towards the Philim area. Bridges link sections of the trail, while forested hills rise above the river and its narrow valley floor.

The route includes climbs and descents before reaching Chisopani, the lower-valley stop named in this programme. Prayer flags and stone buildings add interest around the villages. After arrival, rest at the teahouse and prepare for the following day’s turn towards the Tsum Valley trail.

We leave the Budhi Gandaki route and follow the approach towards Tsum Valley through the Lokpa area. Forest paths, river crossings and hillside climbs lead towards Chumling above the Siyar Khola.

The trail can be steep and uneven, so take care on narrow sections and give pack animals room to pass. Chumling introduces the village landscape of Tsum, with Buddhist shrines and stone houses around the walking route. After reaching the teahouse, rest before tomorrow’s climb towards the village of Chhokangparo.

We follow the Siyar Khola through village paths and wooded stretches. A sustained climb leads towards Chhokangparo, where fields and houses spread across a broader part of the upper Tsum Valley.

Mani walls, prayer flags and chortens reflect the valley’s Buddhist traditions. Walk around religious structures respectfully and ask before photographing people. Today brings an increase in sleeping height, so report symptoms early. After checking into the teahouse, keep the afternoon gentle before tomorrow’s walk towards Nile and the monastery route.

We follow the upper valley towards Nile, passing fields, village houses and Buddhist shrines. The route gains height through a more open landscape, with views towards the surrounding mountains when the weather is clear.

Tsum’s villages are known for their Buddhist traditions. Respect customs and give people space around homes and religious sites. After reaching Nile, settle into the lodge and prepare for tomorrow’s walk towards Mu Gompa, the uppermost overnight stop in the Tsum section.

Leaving the Nile and Chhule area, we walk higher through open slopes and grazing ground towards Mu Gompa. The mountains become more prominent as the valley broadens beneath the high mountain ridges surrounding the monastery.

Mu Gompa is one of Tsum’s main Buddhist centres. Visiting depends on access and activities, so follow local guidance before entering or taking photographs. Tonight’s accommodation is basic, with fewer facilities than lower villages. Rest afterwards and prepare for tomorrow’s return towards Ranchen Gompa.

We descend from Mu Gompa through the upper valley towards Ranchen Gompa, also commonly written Rachen Gompa. Grazing areas, village paths and Buddhist shrines accompany the return, with changing views as we lose height.

The monastery is an important centre for the Tsum community. Follow visiting customs and ask before photography. After the visit, settle into accommodation and prepare for the extended return towards the Manaslu trail, with tomorrow’s route and overnight arrangements confirmed in advance.

The planned route leaves Ranchen Gompa and returns down the Tsum Valley towards the Chumling and Lokpa areas. It then joins the Budhi Gandaki river corridor before continuing north towards Deng on the Manaslu Circuit.

This is an extended linking stage rather than a routine short descent. Confirm the route, walking time and overnight plan before booking. The operating team must assess trail access and the group’s pace; the agreed arrangements determine how the return from Tsum is completed.

We follow the Budhi Gandaki through slopes and village paths towards Namrung. River crossings and repeated climbs connect the route, with the final ascent bringing us further into the Manaslu landscape.

Buddhist shrines and carved mani stones become more frequent along the trail. The valley surroundings gradually change as the route enters the Nubri area, which is distinct from the Tsum Valley visited earlier. At Namrung, settle into the teahouse and rest before continuing towards Lho and clearer views of Manaslu.

We climb from Namrung through village paths and cultivated ground towards Lho, also named Lho Gham in this itinerary. The route passes Buddhist shrines and wooded sections, with the peaks appearing when the weather allows.

Lho is known for views towards Manaslu and for Ribung Monastery above the village. A visit depends on opening and arrival time. Today gains sleeping height, so take the stretches steadily. At the teahouse, rest before tomorrow’s walk through the Shyala area towards Samagaun.

Leaving Lho, we continue through forest and more open ground towards Shyala and Samagaun. Clear weather offers views of the Manaslu mountains, while grazing areas and village paths accompany the walk.

Samagaun is an important overnight stop before the route climbs towards Samdo and Larkya La. Houses, mani walls and Buddhist traditions reflect the culture of Nubri. After checking into the teahouse, keep the afternoon relaxed. We stay for two nights, allowing tomorrow for a short acclimatisation walk and further rest.

We stay another night in Samagaun and take a short acclimatisation walk. The direction and turnaround depend on health, weather and the group’s progress, with the Birendra Lake area one possible option for exploration.

The purpose is adjustment time and light activity before continuing higher. Return to the same teahouse afterwards, eat well and rest. Discuss any symptoms with the guide and prepare your daypack for tomorrow’s walk towards Samdo, where the valley becomes more open.

We leave Samagaun and continue through the upper valley towards Samdo. Trees become fewer as grazing areas, stony slopes and views of the mountains shape the walk at this higher elevation.

Although the stage is shorter than several earlier days, altitude still makes the walking demanding. Keep a steady pace and report any symptoms promptly. Samdo has basic lodges and a strong Tibetan Buddhist cultural influence. After reaching the teahouse, rest and discuss tomorrow’s climb to Dharmasala before the pass crossing.

We continue towards Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi, the final overnight stop before the pass. The walking route climbs across increasingly rocky ground, with open slopes and glacial scenery replacing the lower valley’s forests.

Sleeping height rises, so walk steadily and report how you feel. Facilities at Dharmasala are basic and nights are cold. Keep warm layers, water and your headlamp ready, then rest after dinner before tomorrow’s early departure for Larkya La and the descent to Bimthang.

We start early from Dharmasala and follow the approach towards Larkya La. Altitude makes the ascent demanding, with snow or ice possible on the trail and near the pass.

At approximately 5,160 metres, Larkya La is the highest point of the trek. Clear weather offers views across the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The guide assesses conditions and the group’s progress before continuing towards the descent.

Beyond the pass, descend carefully over steep, uneven ground towards Bimthang. This long day finishes at a lower elevation, with pastureland and mountain lodges below the peaks.

We descend from Bimthang through open grazing ground before entering forest along the lower route. Rhododendron and other trees bring a change from the rocky pass approach, while the Dudh Khola valley leads towards warmer, greener hills and village paths.

The walking still includes uneven stones, steps and climbs between the downhill stretches. Take care when tired after the pass crossing, using poles where helpful. After reaching Tilje, settle into the teahouse and organise your belongings for the walk to Dharapani and road return.

We walk down from Tilje towards Dharapani, where we meet the Annapurna Circuit corridor. After reaching the pickup point, board the vehicle for the road journey to Kathmandu.

The drive continues through the Besisahar area, with timing affected by road conditions and traffic. After reaching your hotel, rest and prepare for international departure. A farewell dinner is included, with its timing arranged around the day’s road journey.

Your twenty-day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek ends today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a final walk near the hotel before leaving Kathmandu.

Our representative accompanies you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.