MANASLU CIRCUIT AND TSUM VALLEY TREK

Trip Overview: 

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek is the best option for those who love to walk over the unbattered trails. It is the most underrated trek in Nepal. This trek is quite similar to popular treks like Annapurna Circuit Trek and Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. The only difference is that Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek has off the beaten paths, whereas Annapurna and Kanchenjunga circuits are the busy tracks.

The region of Mt Manaslu(8,163m), the eighth highest peak in the world, has an abundance of unrevealed natural beauty. Green trails and vast pastures, Beautiful ridges and scenic passes, Steep hills and Alluring mountains are the major highlights of this trek. Besides the natural charm, this land is home to Buddhist and Tibetan culture ,which established many Gompas, Stupas, Chortens, Mani walls, and Monasteries in this region. 

Starting from the low sea level of 700m(Soti Khola) and reaching the lofty height of 5,220m(Larkya La Pass). This trek will make you explore every bit of Nepal’s topography. With that, this trek stretches widely as you will pass various beautiful and isolated villages.

Diverse floras and faunas of the Manaslu Conservation Area add sugar to the sweetness of this trek. Succeeding this trek, you will have so much experience to share with your well-wishers.

We know you are all excited about the quest for this forbidden circuit and valley. Come and join the Nepal Guide Trekking Team.
 

Major Highlights of the trip:

• A picturesque bus drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
• Touring ancient sites like Mu, Lungdang Gompas and Piren Phu(Pigeon cave)
• Reaching most dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,220m)
• Trekking around the region of Mt Manaslu(8,163m)
• Stunning views of taller snow-filled peaks over 6000m like Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna I, Mt. Annapurna III, Mt. Annapurna South, Mt. Gangapurna, and Mt. Machhapuchhre 
• Manaslu Conservation Area's ample flora and fauna
• Beautiful and novel trekking routes
• Reaching the Tibetan Border
• Exploring the Tsum and Tibetan culture
• Overseeing Buddhist Monasteries, Gompas, and Stupas

How challenging is the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek?

Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is the best option for anyone looking for real adventure and exotic nature. This is also a somewhat strenuous trek in Nepal. So, surely it demands the right level of fitness from anyone doing this trek. 

The off-beaten routes of the Manaslu Circuit will take you to an altitude of 5,220m from 700m. This trek is 21 days long, and trekkers have to walk 4 to 6 hours daily. It isn't straightforward to walk long hours over the steep hills. If it were on the typical plain land, there would have been no problem, but here in the mountains, it is a difficult one.   

The weather in the region also makes the trek challenging. If it's a sunny day with a mild temperature of 10°C to 20°C, it is more comfortable to walk. But, if the temperature falls, the walk will be a difficult one. The weather of the higher region is very unpredictable; it can get harsh at any time. Hence, picking the right season to travel can make the trek easier. Also, you have to prepare for any possible situations.

The higher region of the Manaslu Circuit can cause altitude sickness as well. This trek has variations of altitudes. Starting from 700m and ending at the height of 5220m at the Larkya pass. So, everyone doing this trek can be hit by altitude sickness. So, better preparation and precautions are essential in this trek. You have to drink water regularly and amble to avoid altitude sickness. 

Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is a challenging one. You will need proper training and mental preparation to reduce the difficulty level of this trek. Training related to strength, pain, endurance, cardio, and mental exercise is suggested to perform before the trek. 

Best time for Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is a high altitude trek that takes us to an elevation of 5,220m, which is not an easy trek to walk. And, the harsh climate can make it even more challenging. Hence, you have to be aware of the environment and conditions of all four seasons. 

No one can deny that Autumn and Spring are the two most favorable seasons for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek.

Spring Season( March, April, May)

The Manaslu region is entirely decorated in the spring season. Days of the spring months are elementary to walk. The daytime temperature is around 10°C to 20°C, which is ideal for the trek. 

In Spring, you'll get to walk through routes filled with red Rhododendron and other blossoming flowers. To add to that, you can enjoy the comprehensive and unobstructed view of the mountains in front of you under the clear blue sky. The spring season provides the best climatic conditions with no rainfalls nor snowfalls. You can enjoy the trek and surroundings.

Autumn Season(September, October, November)

The Autumn season is the most picked season by the trekkers even than the Spring.

The days of the Autumn season are aided by mild temperature, ideal weather, and no overcast which are made conditions for any trekking. 

The clear skies mean crystal clear view of Snow-capped mountains without an inch of clouds. The daytime temperature rotates around 10°C to 15°C. This temperature is very friendly for the steep climbs. Other than mountains, Autumn Season decorates every edge of hills and terrains, i.e., with greenery. 

So, by far, the Spring and Autumn seasons are the two best times to do Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. These two seasons are very identical to each other, but Autumn outscores the Spring season by a margin. If you want to do Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek, do it in either Autumn or Spring season.  

Above all, the Winter and Monsoon are also the possible times to do Manaslu trek but riskier ones. During monsoon, the trails are mostly slippery, and in Winter, it's freezing up here. Manaslu circuit trek levels up in difficulty level during the Monsoon and Winter. With adequate preparation, you can do it anytime in the year.
 

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Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Bus Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola(700m) | Drive Time: 8 to 10 Hrs

Get ready for the fun. It is the start of a 21 days long Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. Wake up early, pack the bag, and have breakfast at the hotel. Our client will come to you to receive you. 

Then you'll join the scenic bus ride from Kathmandu to the Soti Khola. This drive will be through the hilly Prithivi highway. Then, crossing the Trishuli River, you'll reach Dhading Besi. The next 4 hours of bumpy ride will take us to Arughat. In Arughat, a Newari village, you will have a short break for lunch. 

This place is mostly settled by the Newari Community. After trying some Newari foods, you will switch to a jeep for the reaching Soti Khola. The jeep will take 2 hours to drop you at Soti Khola. Soti Khola, a small beautiful village beside the river.  Overnight stay in Soti Khola Village.

Day 02: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola(930m) | Walk Time: 6 to 7 hrs

After having the first night at Soti Khola, we will restart the journey to reach Machha Khola.

Crossing the bridge over Soti Khola(river), we reach the dense forest of Sal. After some walking, we will reach the ridge from where we can enjoy the view of the Budi Gandaki river, one of the main rivers in Nepal.

Pushing forward, we will arrive at Khursani, and from there, it is all rocky trail. Then the route will be through some waterfalls and showers. We will reach Labubsei(880m), a settlement of Gurungs. From here, the path goes downwards, touching down the riverbed of Budi Gandaki. From there, we will ascend the valley hill to reach Machha Khola. Night stay at Machha Khola.

Day 03: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat(1340m) | Walk Time: 6 to 7 hrs

On this day, we will head towards Jagat. The trek begins with crossing the suspension bridge. Then we follow the trail beside the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Khorla Besi.

Khorla Besi provides an impressive view of the Ganesh Himal. And from Khorla Besi, the trails are ups and downs. In midway, there is a hot spring spot, Tatopani, where you can take a short hot bath. 

After resting at Tatopani, we will start to ascend down the hill. Again, crossing the suspension bridge of the Budhi Gandaki river, we will reach the landslide area. There are stone stairs to climb the hill, and climbing those stairs, and we arrive at Doban. 

This day will be mostly walking over the stone stairs and suspension bridge. The ups and downs of stone staircase ways will make us enter Thado Bharyang. The Walk goes further until we make it to Jagat. Jagat, a small village from where we can observe the views of Shringi Himal and other peaks. It is also the entrance of the Manaslu Conservation Area. We have to show our trekking permits there. Overnight at Jagat.

Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa(2,240m) | Walk Time: 5 to 6 hrs

After getting the permits approved and breakfast done at Jagat, we will start to move up to higher regions. Shringi Himal is quite observable during the morning times. We will begin to cover the trail alongside the river. Then, the trails will begin to move up and down, passing all the hurdles, we will arrive in Philim. 

In Philim, we will enjoy the short rest and lunch at a local restaurant. This small village is such a beautiful place to observe. After enough rest, we will head towards the overnighting Lokpa village. Night stay there.    

 Day 05: Trek from Lokpa to Dumje(2,460m) | Walk Time: 7 hr

Overnight at Lokpa will prepare for the day trek to Dumje. On this day, we will start walking steep uphill. From uphill, we can observe the alluring view of the Ganesh Himal. Later, we will fall downwards to Chumling Village, a village sitting south from Shangri Himal. This village is the lower part of the Tsum valley.

We will rest here for a while and then continue to follow the route towards Dumje. Dumje, a beautiful village serving a proper welcome. Overnight at Lodge of Dumje Village. 

Day 06: Trek from Dumje to Nile(3,361m) | Walk Time: 7 hr

With the first rays of the Morning, we will head towards Nile-Chule from Dumje. We will continue walking by enjoying the remote natural beauty of western Nepal. The routes will make you reach up and down several times. 

And then walking through the forests, we will reach Nile-Chule. Nile, the last village of Lower Tsum Valley, sitting nicely to the west of Shiar Khola. Here, we will get to observe the famous Piren Phu(Pigeon cave) and Burji village. Night stay at the lodge of Nile. 

Day 07: Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa(3,710m) | Walk Time: 3 to 4 hr

Today, we will go towards Mu Gompa, a significant attraction of Tsum Valley. It is a short trek from Nile to reach Mu Gompa. A steep hill climbs, and we are in Mu Gomba.

Mu Gomba, a place very much influenced by Tibetan culture, is a very religious place. We can explore Tibetan art and culture while staying in this village. The Mu Gomba monastery homes more than 100 monks. This gompa also has historical items for the exhibition.  

Near the Mu Gompa, we can observe the beautiful yak grazing lands. And, the views of the mountains from here are pleasing.  
 

Day 08: Exploration day at Mu Gompa

Mu Gompa is the most scenic village of the entire Tsum Valley. It needs one full day for exploration. So, on this day, you will explore and visit the Mu Gompa and areas around it.

Mailatasachin Pass and Thapla Bhanjyang are the two passes near Mu Gompa. Also, we can hike up to the base camp of Pika Himal. You can also have short hikes to climb ridges like Kalung and Bhajyo. The round walk to these places takes 6 to 7 hours.

To add on that, you can also tour the oldest Dhephu Doma Gompa(3900m). This gompa is only a 35 to 50-minute hike away from Mu Gompa. Inside the gompa, we can observe some antique thangkas. If lucky, we can see the snow leopards and musk deers over the far hills. Exploration day at Mu Gompa makes this trip worthy. Overnight at Mu Gompa

Day 09: Trek from Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa(3,240m) | Walk Time: 3 to 4 hrs

After exploring every corner of Mu Gompa, we will restart our trek. The trek will start to go downwards through the Chule valley. After passing Chule we will reach Phurbe. This whole way to Phurbe is the descending one.

Siyar Khola Valley, home of Rachen Gumba. Rachen Gumba, the most beautiful gompa of Nepal. The vicinity of Rachen Gumba is so mesmerizing as it sits in the footsteps of the mountains

 This gompa also provides a roof for a number of monks. Other than Rachen gumba, we can observe the scenic landscape of Siya Khola valley. Overnight at the lodge of Siyar Khola.

Day 10: Trek down from Rachen Gompa to Chumling (2385m) | Walk Time: 7 to 8 hrs

After a beautiful night at Siyar Khola, we will descend down to Chumling. While falling down, we can have the fantastic Himalayan vistas at the backdrop. On our way down, we will pass some beautiful villages to reach Chumling. 

Chumling, the big village of this region, is equally beautiful as well. Chumling has a number of lodges for trekkers. Night stay in Chumling.

Day 11: Trek down from Chumling to Deng (1860m) | Walk time: 4 to 5 hrs

We again start descending lower until we reach Deng Village(1860m). While falling, we enjoy the eye sticking views of peaks. The shades of Mt Manaslu and Mt Ganesh Himal guides you throughout the downfall.

This particular day's trek is a difficult one, as you will fall through grassy slopes. Then we will reach down to the river bottom of Budi Gandaki River. From there, the trail is wider to walk on and leads to a beautiful bamboo forest.  After trekking in the middle of the bamboo forest, we will reach Deng Khola and cross the river we enter Deng Village. Overnight in Deng

Day 12: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630m) | Walk time:  6 to 7 hrs

We will start this day trek by following the banks of Budi Gandaki River. Then by crossing the river, we begin to ascend a hill to make it to Rana. From there, the snaky routes will take us to the bottom of the stone step hill. 

We will walk bypassing several water showers and streams. After walking like this for 3 hours, we will reach the Shringi Khola, and crossing the river, we will contact the bottom of a hill. And climbing this hill will lead to the Ghap Village. After Ghap village, we will cross several wooden, suspension bridges and also climb the hill. After all the efforts, we will be here in Namrung village.

Namrung, the main settlement of old Tibetan migrants.Overnight at the hotel in Namrung.  

Day 13: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3180m) | Walk time: 3 to 4 hrs

As we leave the Namrung village, the route becomes steeper along the forest. After trekking down the hill, we will reach the hill edge Lihi(2900m). Lihi, a small settlement consisting of only a few houses and Buddhist shrines. From here, we can have a short rest by enjoying the views of the mountains in all directions. 

And descending from Lihi takes us towards Simang valley. There is a beautiful Chorten beside the Hinang river, and from there we can enjoy the views of tall Ngadi Chuli(7873m). We continue forward and will reach Sho, where we can count many houses. 

The route now starts to slope upwards to Shrip. By playing the prayer hills of Shrip we will begin to climb uphill. And at the top, we will find a large Lho village. From the Lho, we can do sight viewing of wide western Himalayan ranges. Also, there is a famous Ribung monastery little above Lho Village. You can enjoy a breathtaking sunrise and sunset from Kani, a place in Lho village. Overnight at the lodge of Lho village.  

Day 14: Trek from Lho to Samagaun (3500m) | Walk time: 2 to 3 hrs

This is the short trek of 2 to 3 hrs before the acclimatization day at Samagaun. You will enjoy the scenic views of snow capped Mt Manaslu while walking. From Lho, we will reach Shyala village, and then we will ascend the hill of Rhododendron and Pine. You can pause and look over the forests and landscapes from the hill. Walking several hours more, we will reach Samagaun. 

From Samagaun, we cannot enjoy the mountain views but rather views of green grazing land, flocks of yak, and beautiful houses of locals. Night stay at a lodge of Samagaun.

Day 15: Acclimatization day at Samagaun

After reaching an altitude of 3500m from 700m, your body needs time to adjust with the higher altitude. So, we have one day as the acclimatization day at Samagaun. We can explore the large village of Samagaun on this day. We will also do a short walk near Birendra Tala and Anie monastery. These places are the major attraction of the whole trek.

We also can go hiking towards Pungyen Gompa, which requires a long walk if you are an excellent trekker than you can do this hike also. The hike to the top is worthy as it provides the excellent views of the mountains and glaciers. And then you will return to Samagaun for the overnight stay.  

 Day 16: Trek from Samagaun to Samdo (3860m) | Walk time: 2 to 3 hrs

This day of the trek is a shorter one but challenging also. The trail will run through the edge of Birendra Tal and Manaslu glacier. From the lake, the trail descends towards Samdo. The trails are through the pasture of yaks. After fields, we will walk upwards into the juniper forests and will drop towards Samdo village.

Samdo village is a remote but beautiful village in the Manaslu region. The lifestyle, culture is widely showcased by the locals of this place. This village is also full of Himalayan yaks. Also, we can observe the snowy Samdo Peak. Overnight at Lodge of Samdo village 

Day 17: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4480m) | Walk time: 2 to 3 hrs

Just after breakfast, we will start the trek from Samdo to Dharamsala. The routes will drop towards the Budhi Gandaki River. By crossing the suspension bridge over the river, we join the trail of another side. Many mani walls are there to make the trails beautiful. 

After this, we will climb between the juniper's forest. On the way, we will cross several water streams. Then we will ascend the valley hill to arrive at Dharamsala. Dharamsala is the hill station in this area. There are some settlements operating lodges for visitors. Besides that, there is a camping site for tourists. 

Near the campsite, we can observe flocks of goats and sheeps grazing the grass. Sometimes the snow leopard is also observable in this area. Overnight in a lodge of Dharamsala.    

Day 18: Cross the Larke pass (5213m) trek down to Bimtang (3720m) | Walk time: 7 to 9 hrs

This is a big day, as we will ascend the dramatic Larke Pass(5213m).  Chasing this pass is hard if the tracks are slippery or snowy. We have to watch out for trails while walking. The climb is steady towards Larke's pass. 

As our path will be beside Larke moraine, the slope is difficult to walk on due to the rocky trail. We will pass several frozen lakes. When reaching the top, we will find the colorful flags on the pass point. 

In Larke Pass, the temperature is very low due to the cool breeze. We have to clothe properly before ascending the pass. From this pass, we can enjoy ecstatic views of Mt Manaslu North, Annapurna II, Kang Guru, and many other white mountains. After enough views and photos, we will now ascend down towards Bimtang for overnight stay. 

The downfall is equally beautiful as the top. While sliding down, we can enjoy the views of mountains, glacier lakes, and icefalls. Slowly walking over the rocky trails, we will reach Bimtang. When reaching Bimtang, you can enjoy the wow-chanting view of Mt Manaslu.

Night stay in Bimtang.

Day 19: Trek from Bimtang to Tilije (2300m) | Walk time: 7 to 9 hrs

On our way back from Larke Pass, we will fall towards Tilije village. By crossing the greenfields and glacier rivers of Bimtang, we will move forward. Then we will head into the forest of Rhododendron and other trees. 

The trail slopes downward to the bank of Dudh Khola. After walking by the dense vegetation and wonderful routes, we reach Karche. After Karche we reach a landslide area. Crossing the landslide area, we will be back to a steep way. Several ascend and descend will lead us to the Gho village. From Gho village, we will enter the woods of Rhododendron and Oak and reach Tilije village. 

Tilije is a habitat of Gurung tribes. We can explore Gurung culture and lifestyles. Here we can try the famous local alcohol. Overnight in Tilije's lodge.

Day 20: Trek from Tilije to Dharapani and Bus drive to Besisahar (760m) | Walk time: 2 to 3 hrs | Bus drive: 4 to 5 hrs

We will farewell to Tilije village while descending down towards Marshyangdi valley. We will then cross the bridge of the Dudh Khola river. And continuing the route side by side of the river, we will soon reach Marshyngdi valley. Trekking and staring at the mani walls of the valley, we touch the Thonje village.

Then we will cross the Thonje village and reach the checkpoint at the Dharapani. From Dharapani, we will have the jeep drive to Beshisahr. It is the end of the Walk here at Besisahar. In 4 to 5 hours of bus drive, we will ground at Besisahar, back to urban areas. Overnight at Besisahar.

Day 21: Drive back to Kathmandu from Besisahar | Bus drive: 6 to 7 hrs

And this is the last day of this Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. We will ride the bus along the sides of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river. Just like the prior bus ride, it will also provide scenic views from the window. 

After this relaxing bus ride, we will finally reach Kathmandu. The bus takes typically 6 to 7 hours to reach Kathmandu. And there you will be farewelled and hotel transfer.  

Farewell! See you next time around. Please contact us for more travel information.

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