Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a strenuous yet rewarding high-altitude trek in western Nepal, circling the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Manaslu (8,163 m). This trek lies within the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected region known for its diverse ecosystems, stunning alpine landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, followed by trekking through traditional villages, deep river valleys, and dense rhododendron forests. It passes through remote settlements such as Jagat, Lokpa, Chhokang Paro, Nile, Mu Gompa, Sama Gaon, Samdo, and Bimtang, offering insight into the lifestyle, traditions, and spirituality of Gurung, Tamang, and Tibetan-influenced communities.
A key highlight is Larke Pass (5,160 m), the highest point of the circuit, providing spectacular panoramic views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi, and surrounding peaks. Trekkers also experience Manaslu Base Camp and the high-altitude alpine meadows around Samdo, which are pristine and rarely crowded.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is ideal for experienced trekkers who want a combination of adventure, culture, and breathtaking mountain scenery. The trek is remote, with limited lodges and teahouses, so preparation, proper gear, and acclimatization are essential.
Highlights
- Explore the hidden Tsum Valley, rich in Tibetan culture and monasteries
- Trek the Manaslu Circuit, including Larke Pass
- Visit Mu Gompa, one of the most sacred monasteries in Tsum Valley
- Experience remote Himalayan villages, terraced fields, and alpine meadows
- Witness panoramic views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang ranges
Basic Information
- Destination
- Duration
- Start / End Location
- Accommodation Type
- Difficulty Level
- Max Altitude
- Age Limit
- Transportation Mode
- Manaslu
- 20 Days
- Kathmandu / Kathmandu
- Lodges, Tea Houses, Guesthouses
- Moderate
- 5,160 m
- -
- -
Best Season
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear skies, pleasant temperatures – best season Spring (Mar–May): Blooming rhododendrons, moderate temperatures – second best Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, snow possible – for experienced trekkers Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Trails muddy, slippery – not recommended
Tour Plan
- Breakfast en route
- Scenic drive through Dhading and Arughat
- Lunch break at a local town
- Bumpy off-road drive after Soti Khola
- Dinner at lodge in Machha Khola
- Overnight in Machha Khola
- Breakfast at lodge
- Cross suspension bridges & forested trails
- Lunch at Khorlabesi or Tatopani
- Natural hot springs en route
- Dinner at lodge in Jagat
- Overnight in Jagat
- Breakfast at lodge
- Pass through Salleri and Philim
- Lunch in Ekle Bhatti
- Enter Tsum Valley trail at Lokpa junction
- Dinner at lodge in Lokpa
- Overnight in Lokpa
- Breakfast at lodge
- Steep descent to river, climb through pine forests
- Lunch on the trail
- Cross Shiar Khola; visit monastery in Chumling
- Dinner at teahouse
- Overnight in Chumling
- Breakfast at lodge
- Gradual ascent through valley with Himal views
- Lunch at Gho village
- Explore monasteries and traditional Tibetan homes
- Dinner in Chhokang Paro
- Overnight in Chhokang Paro
- Breakfast at lodge
- Visit Milarepa Cave on the way
- Lunch in Lamagaon or Burji
- Mani walls, chortens, spiritual ambiance
- Dinner in Nile
- Overnight in Nile
- Breakfast at lodge
- Gradual ascent to highest monastery in Tsum
- Visit ancient Mu Gompa & explore
- Lunch at Gompa
- Dinner at Gompa guesthouse
- Overnight in Mu Gompa
- Breakfast at Gompa
- Visit Dhephu Doma Monastery
- Packed lunch or dine en route
- Retrace steps to Chhokang Paro
- Dinner in Chhokang Paro
- Overnight in Chhokang Paro
- Breakfast at lodge
- Descend through lush forests and chortens
- Lunch at Chumling
- Dinner in Lokpa
- Overnight in Lokpa
- Breakfast at lodge
- Join Manaslu Circuit route
- Lunch in Bihi
- Tibetan Buddhist culture, mani walls
- Dinner at lodge in Deng
- Overnight in Deng
- Breakfast at lodge
- Climb through rhododendron & pine forest
- Lunch at Ghap
- First views of Manaslu
- Dinner in Namrung
- Overnight in Namrung
- Breakfast at lodge
- Gentle climb through alpine forest
- Lunch en route
- Explore Lho Monastery
- Dinner in Lho
- Overnight in Lho
- Breakfast at lodge
- Easy trail with views of Manaslu & Peak 29
- Lunch in Shyala
- Visit Ribung Gompa
- Dinner in Sama Gaon
- Overnight in Sama Gaon
- Breakfast at lodge
- Optional hikes to: • Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) – full day. • Birendra Lake (3,900m) – half day
- Packed lunch or return for meal
- Dinner in Sama
- Overnight in Sama Gaon
- Breakfast at lodge
- Gradual walk above tree line
- Lunch at Samdo
- Observe yak herding, Tibetan lifestyle
- Dinner in Samdo
- Overnight in Samdo
- Breakfast at lodge
- Hike toward Tibetan border
- Stunning mountain views, cultural landmarks
- Return for lunch at Samdo
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight in Samdo
- Breakfast at lodge
- Short trek with views of Larke Peak
- Lunch at Dharamsala
- Dinner at basic teahouse
- Overnight in Dharamsala (aka Larkya Phedi)
- Early breakfast
- Long day: steep climb & glacial crossings
- Panoramic views of Himlung, Kang Guru, Annapurna II
- Lunch after pass (packed or in Bimthang)
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight in Bimthang
- Breakfast at lodge
- Descend through rhododendron & pine forests
- Lunch at Gho or Tilije
- Dinner in Dharapani
- Overnight in Dharapani
- Breakfast in Dharapani
- Drive via Besisahar
- Lunch en route
- Scenic ride through mid-hills of Nepal
- Arrival in Kathmandu
- Overnight at hotel