Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek trek starts from here. Pack your bags, have your breakfast and recharge yourself to add a new chapter in your life. A ride from Kathmandu starts when you take a bus to Dhading Besi. Better get a window seat so you can enjoy the green hills, terraces, rivers, and cultivation.

To reach Sotikhola, you will have to travel through Arughat bazar which takes around 6-7 hours. It is a small town with the Newari settlement. Depending upon the road condition, type of vehicle, speed of vehicle it takes another 1-2 hours to reach Sotikhola.

You have to cross Trisuli and Budhi Gandaki River to reach Sotikhola. Gurung and Magar people and their cultivated land will welcome you. You have to stay here.

Estimated time: 6-7 hours drive

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Sotikhola
• Altitude: 710m

Machha Khola (Fish River) lies at an elevation of 869 m. You will start trekking from Sotikhola to Machhakhola. Crossing the suspension bridge of Sotikhola through a forest of Sal until you reach a ridge.

Passing through the rocky trails you will reach Khursane. With the incredible view of the Annapurna circuit between Bahundanda and Syange, you will soon reach to rice terraces of Lapubesi.

Lapubesi is a small Gurung village. After this, your path widens and you will follow sandy riverbed below the steep. After walking some time you will reach Khanibesi and see the majestic Ganesh Himal.

Acknowledging all these beauties you will reach Machhakhola. With a number of tea shops and lodges, you can freshen up and stay here. 

Estimated time: 6-7 hours walk

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Machha Khola
• Altitude: 869m

It is already the 3rd day of Manaslu and Tsum valley trek. From Machhakhola we trek towards Khorlabesi. In order to reach there, you must pass through Tharo Khola. Khorlabesi is again another small but beautiful Gurung Village.

The journey from Khorlabesi includes many high and low Terrence. Walking through this trail you will reach Tatopani. It is a famous natural hot spring and you can enjoy it for some time.

Continuing your trek, you have cross two rivers that are Budhi Gandaki and Yaru Khola. You must climb the stone stairs and reach down again following the trial path. You will now see police check post and by showing your trek permit you are now allowed to ascend towards the astounding village of Jagat.    

Estimated time: 6-7 hours walk

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Jagat
• Altitude: 1340m

Now you have already shown your permit, so be ready to enter into the restricted area of Tsum valley. It will take you 5-6 hours to reach Lokpa.

Before you reach Lokpa, you will enjoy the morning view of beautiful Shiringi. You will now follow trials along with the river. After crossing the bridge of Ghata Khola, it will take you to Philim village. Philim is a village with cultivated land and generous people. Philim village has a Japanese made school and police station.

As you pass by Ekle Bhatti, you will find two routes, separated towards Tsum and Manaslu. Repeating the ascents and descents of the trek, you will now enter through welcome-board and trek towards Lokpa. The isolated and hidden valley of happiness is another name for Lokpa village. Your destination for today is Lokpa and you will stay here.

Estimated time: 5-6 hours walk

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Lokpa
• Altitude: 2240m

Please carry your energy bars and snickers today. Today is a long trek in this Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek journey. It will exceed 7 hours. The silence of the tropical forest is waiting for you. Uphill and ridges will be common for you.

If you are lucky enough, you would see Boudha Himal and Ganesh Himal. You will now reach to Ganesh Himal base camp. On continuing further you will find two trails leading towards Ripchet and Chumling. You will follow the route towards Chumling.

You will cross the Syare khola reach Chumling village. Chumling is a beautiful village that lies in the southern part of Shingri himal. It is also called the lower Tsum.

Throughout this journey, you will see the forest covered with Rhododendron. Chumling has three monasteries: The Panago Gompa, Mani Dhungyur and Gurwa Gompa.

You trek towards Dumje village from Chumling. It is quite beautiful and you will rest here today.

Estimated time: 7 hours walk

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Dumje
• Altitude: 2460m

After having your breakfast get ready to explore more about Manaslu trek. From there you will continue the uphill journey to Chhokangparo. It is one of the most exciting parts of Manaslu trek Tsum valley trek.

Local people welcome you with traditional Tibetan chiya that is butter tea and some meal. It is better to take some precautions because you might feel the sigh of altitude sickness once you ascend from Chhokangparo. Keep yourself hydrated.

Now you will head towards the upper part of Tsum. It is beautiful and cold. Uphill, downhill, the dense forest will continue as your companion on this journey. You may also visit Melarepa cave.

After continuing walking you will reach Nile. It is the last village before you reach upper Tsum. It lies on the west side of Shiar Khola. Chule comes before Nile. Nile is 20 km further than Chule. You will stay here at Nile.  

Estimated time: 7 hours walk

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Nile
• Altitude: 3361m

You will be close to the Tibet-Nepal border when you reach Mu Gumba. It will approximately take you 6-7 hours. It will be a long tiring day. It is a very famous and religious place in this entire circuit. You will continue walking through the west bank of the valley.

Mu Gumba is the largest monastery in this region. Mu Gumba monastery has more than 100 monks. Images of Padmasambhava, a statue of Avalokiteshwara and some religious books are also here in this Gumba.

You feel amazed and influenced by the Tibetan landscape and culture. Towards the east, you will also see Lungdang glacier. The view is enchanting and the prayers are soul-fulfilling. You will stay here today. 

Estimated time: 6-7 hours walk

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Mu Gumba
• Altitude: 3710m

Today you will adapt to this climate and temperature. You will roam around and explore the Mu Gumba area.

During Monsoon people around here goes up to 5000m to collect Yarsagumba that is a medicinal herb. It is half caterpillar and half-plant in nature. The prize of this medicinal herb is really high.

There are two passes in the east and west part of this region. On the east side, you have Mailatasachin Pass (5093 m) and towards the west side, you have Thapla Bhanjyang (5104 m). You can also walk to the base camp of Pika Himal.

You can also climb to Kalung (3820 m) or Bhajyo (4030 m) and camp there. You can also take permits to go to Tibet and spend some time there.

600 years old Dhephu Doma Gomba (3900 m) is 35-40 minutes’ walk uphill on the western track. They practice Buddhism run by Lama. There are chances that you can also see snow leopard and musk deer.  

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Mu Gumba
• Altitude: 3710m

Your exploration of Mu Gumba area is over now. This is another stage in the journey of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. Now it’s time to trek to Rachen Gumba. It is in the middle of the Shiar Khola Valley. It will take your 3-4 hours.

You will now enjoy the trek downwards. You will trek down to the valley through Chule. Continue downwards as far as Phurbe. It is a small Sherpa village. There are a few homestays that provide good food.

From 1905 AD Rachel Gumba is here. It is one of the largest nunneries in Tsum valley. The interior of this Rachel Gumba is full of historic murals about Buddhism. At Least one member of the family is either monk or nun in this valley.

Estimated time: 3-4 hours walk

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Rachen Gumba
• Altitude: 3240m

You will follow the same trial as before. You will trek down to the valley of Chumling.

Leaving all those beautiful villages and landscapes now you will move towards the Lower Tsum.

It is a beautiful and largest village in this area. You will stay here because a proper accommodation facility is available here. 

Estimated time: 7-8 hours

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Chumling
• Altitude: 2385m

Deng village is small and beautiful village. You will continue to move downwards. It will take you 4-5 hours

While descending you will get a company of Ganesh Himal and Mount Manaslu. It feels like the forest is calling your name and urging you to stay longer.

You will face difficult paths here, be careful. You will cross the Budi Gandaki River. The bamboo forest will be welcoming you. You have cross another river that is Deng River to reach Deng village. 

Estimated time: 4-5 hours walk

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Deng
• Altitude: 1860m

Following Budi Gandaki River, you will start your journey from Deng village. By crossing the river and walking uphill you will reach to Rana.

From Rana, you will not find the trails straight and easy. This path is most zigzag in Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek trek. It is confusing in most places.

Passing waterfalls and streams you will have to climb the stone steps. Walking after 3 hours you will reach the Shringi Khola suspension bridge. After crossing this bridge you will follow the trials towards Ghap village.

After having lunch here you will follow green fields and enter into a deep forest. You will also see the waterfall here. After crossing the river on the wooden bridge and climbing a few hours you will reach your destination that is Namrung.

Namrung is a door to upper Nuri. It is full of Tibetans’ population.

Estimated time: 6-7 hours walk 

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Namrung
• Altitude: 2630m

You will have to trek uphill from here. Namrung is in low altitude but Lho is in high altitude. This trial is full of Barley fields. Lihi will be the next destination for you and it is full of houses and beautiful chortens.

Himal chuli 7893m is standing straight on the south side of Lihi whereas Ganesh towards east. The trail descends towards the valley of Simnang which will also lead to Hinang River. You can see Ngadi chuli 7873m from the river where you can also see some chortens.

Now it is time to climb up the Shrip. After a steep climb you will reach the ridge where Lho village is waiting for you. For the first time in this entire journey, you can see Manaslu North and Naike himal clearly through this Lho village.

Ribung monastery lies above the Lho village. There is a place called Kani which is perfect for sunrise and sunset view. Since you will stay here it is better to go for sunset in the evening and sunrise in the early morning. 

Estimated time: 3-4 hours walk

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Lho
• Altitude: 3180m

Today you will only take a short hike to Samagaun which will take you 2-3 hours. While following this route Mount Manaslu is all over you.

Splendid view of Manaslu only makes your walk easier. The trial goes up following Shyala village 3520 m with a dense forest of pine and Rhododendron.

Another 1 hour is a must to reach Samagaun. As you come closer to this village the mountains start disappearing and you will see green pastures, yaks and lots of houses made up of stones. Samagaun is a large village and you will stay here tonight.

Estimated time: 2-3 hours walk

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Samagaun
• Altitude: 3500m

Due to this altitude, it is almost mandatory to stay here in Samagaun. Today is a day of rest.

The exploration of Samagaun is today’s task. This large and beautiful village needs your whole attention. You can hike to Birendra Tal and Anie Gompa. If you are strong enough and want to use this time other than resting then visiting Pungyen Gompa is best for you. From here you can view various glaciers.

You can also visit Manaslu base camp which would take you 6-7 hours round trip. 

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Samagaun
• Altitude: 3500m

In the journey of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, his short but challenging trek passes. It will take you to Birendra Tal 3450 m. Trekking this part is tough during the winter season.

You will have to pass through Manaslu glacier. You will continue to pass and follow the river. Samdo village is also known as the Tibetan Refugee Village. Tibet is only a day walk from here.

You will see Juniper forest all around. But, landscape, culture, and lifestyle will still continue to amaze you. Samdo peak is visible from this village. Stay in this village. 

Estimated time: 2-3 hours walk

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Samdo
• Altitude: 3860m

After your breakfast at Samdo, get ready and start walking. Wasting time here is not a good idea.

Wide trails will get you to Budi Gandaki River. Crossing this river and following the trail you will see mani wall. You have to climb through the juniper forest. If you are traveling in monsoon you can see lots of Mormont. You will also see Larkya glacier. You can only reach this place: Dharamasala after you climb the valley in front of you. You will have the best view of Mount Manaslu, Samdo, Nagdi chuli, and Simnang himal. You can also see Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall and various other majestic mountains.

Dharamasala is seasonal village. Small rooms are available. You set your camp area here along with blue sheep and Himalayan goats. You may also encounter some snow leopards.

Estimated time: 2-3 hours

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Dharamsala
• Altitude: 4480m

You should start early and ascend towards Larke glacier which only ends to the top of the pass. Crossing this pass could be difficult because of heavy snowfall and strong wind all around.

You will have to climb over the ridge which is not difficult but long. Rocky underfoot as you are in the moraine would create some trouble walking.

As you walk forward, you will cross four frozen lakes, wouldn’t it be exciting? Colorful prayer flags are all over the pass. From the top of the pass, you will see Himlung 7126 m, Annapurna II 7937m, Kang guru 6981m and several others above 6000m.

Now you should step downwards. Be careful because the trail can be full of ice and snow. Through all these forest, mountain, glacier, waterfall you will trek towards Bhimtang. The view of Manaslu is unexplainable from this place. 

Estimated time: 7-9 hours

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Bhimtang
• Altitude: 3720m

Trek towards the lower valley starts from here. Don’t get excited you are descending really low after all these altitudes. Be careful.

Continue your path along with the river and reach Hompuk village. A coniferous forest full of Rhododendron can persuade you to delay your journey but you shouldn't stop there. Follow the trials alongside the Dudh Koshi River.

Enjoy this height, vegetation, and scenery because from this stop you will decrease your altitude. Karche section is the landslides section so be extra attentive. From here you will steep and descends.

You will be now in Gho village. Continue from here to Tilije your final destination for today. Tilije is a Gurung village that is famous for brandy and you must taste it and have proper rest. 

Estimated time: 7-9 hours walk

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Place: Tilije
• Altitude: 2300m

This is the last day of trekking in this trek of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. You will drive towards Besisahar. Through the forest of shrubs, you will enter into Marshyangdi valley.

Before you join the busy settlement of Dharapani, you will join the newly constructed road. There is a police checkpoint before you reach Dharapani. From Dharapani either bus or jeep will take you to Besisahar.

After a long, tiring but satisfying journey to Manaslu Circuit, you will be in Kathmandu. Last day of the journey, you will dive along the river banks of Marshyangdi and Trisuli.

Terraces, rivers, hills, mountains, and landscapes will continue to amaze you. Final farewell to beautiful Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.

Estimated time: 2-3 hours walk and 7-8 hours drive

• Place: Kathmandu
• Altitude: 1320m