Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek

Arrival: Tribhuvan International Airport
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, enjoy a welcome briefing where you’ll meet your trekking team and go over last-minute preparations.

Transport: Jeep/Bus – 8 to 9 hrs
Distance: 141 km / 87 miles

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive west from Kathmandu through hills, rivers, and villages. Passing through Dhading and Arughat, you’ll follow the Budhi Gandaki River until you reach Soti Khola, a small riverside town where your trek begins.

Trek Time: 6 to 7 hrs
Distance: ~14 km / 8.6 miles

Today’s trail winds through sal forests, suspension bridges, and rocky ridges. Small Gurung villages dot the path as you gradually climb alongside the river, ending at Machha Khola, a cozy settlement by the river.

Trek Time: 6 to 7 hrs
Distance: ~22 km / 13.6 miles

Crossing suspension bridges, ridges, and small settlements, the trail gradually climbs higher into the Manaslu region. Passing Khorlabesi and Tatopani (hot springs), you’ll continue to Jagat, the entry checkpoint for the restricted area.

Trek Time: 6 to 7 hrs
Distance: ~16 km / 10 miles

From Jagat, follow the Budhi Gandaki upstream until reaching the fork where the trail leads into the sacred Tsum Valley. Enter Lokpa, the first village of Tsum Valley, surrounded by pine forests and dramatic mountain views.

Trek Time: 5 to 6 hrs
Distance: ~11 km / 7 miles

Descend through lush forests before crossing suspension bridges that lead to the lower Tsum Valley. Traditional Tibetan-style houses, terraced fields, and monasteries make Chumling a cultural highlight.

Trek Time: 5 to 6 hrs
Distance: ~13 km / 8 miles

Gradually climb higher into the valley, enjoying views of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal. Chhokang Paro is a large settlement in Upper Tsum Valley, offering insights into Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions.

Trek Time: 6 to 7 hrs
Distance: ~14 km / 8.6 miles

Today’s trail takes you deeper into the valley, visiting Rachen Gompa, one of the most important nunneries of the region. Continue through fertile fields and mani walls before reaching Nile village.

Trek Time: 4 to 5 hrs round trip
Visit: Mu Gompa Monastery

Take a side trip to Mu Gompa, one of the oldest and highest monasteries in Tsum Valley. This is also an acclimatization day to help adjust to higher altitudes. Explore monastic life, meditation caves, and stunning mountain views before returning to Nile.

Trek Time: 6 hrs
Distance: ~13 km / 8 miles

Retrace your steps through fertile farmland and chortens, returning to Chhokang Paro. This allows gradual descent while still enjoying cultural encounters in the valley.

Trek Time: 6 to 7 hrs
Distance: ~15 km / 9 miles

Descending out of Tsum Valley, the trail passes monasteries and dense pine forests before reaching Lokpa again. From here, you’ll reconnect with the main Manaslu Circuit trail.

Trek Time: 6 hrs
Distance: ~13 km / 8 miles

Rejoining the Manaslu Circuit, the path climbs through alpine forests and crosses suspension bridges before reaching Deng, a charming village with Tibetan culture.

Trek Time: 6 to 7 hrs
Distance: ~19 km / 12 miles

Ascend gradually through lush forests and alpine landscapes. The views open up to snow-capped peaks as you enter Namrung, a beautiful village with stone houses and monasteries.

Trek Time: 6 to 7 hrs
Distance: ~17 km / 10.5 miles

One of the most scenic days of the trek. Pass through Lihi and Sho villages, with magnificent views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ganesh Himal. Arrive at Sama Gaun, the largest village in the region.

Side Trips: Pungyen Gompa / Manaslu Base Camp

Spend the day exploring Sama Gaun with optional hikes to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m / 15,748 ft) or Pungyen Gompa. This day helps prepare for higher altitudes and allows cultural immersion in the village.

Trek Time: 4 to 5 hrs
Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles

A short day of trekking brings you closer to the Tibetan border. Samdo is a traditional trading village with yak pastures and stunning Himalayan views.

Trek Time: 4 to 5 hrs
Distance: ~7 km / 4.3 miles

Climb steadily to Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi), the last settlement before the high pass. The landscape here is barren but dramatic, offering a true Himalayan wilderness feel.

Trek Time: 8 to 9 hrs
Distance: ~18 km / 11 miles

The toughest but most rewarding day of the trek. Start early to cross Larkya La Pass (5,167 m), with panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. Descend steeply to the beautiful meadow village of Bimthang.

Trek Time: 7 to 8 hrs
Distance: ~20 km / 12.4 miles

Descend through pine forests and pastures with views of Manaslu and Lamjung Himal. Passing through Tilje, you’ll finally reach Dharapani, connecting with the Annapurna Circuit trail.

Transport: Jeep to Besisahar (3 hrs) + Bus/Private Vehicle to Kathmandu (6–7 hrs)

After completing your trek, enjoy a scenic jeep ride to Besisahar. From here, a bus or private vehicle will take you back to Kathmandu, where you’ll celebrate your successful adventure. If you wish to continue to Pokhara instead, transfers can be arranged.

Transport: Hotel to Airport

Your Himalayan journey comes to an end. Our team will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.