Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Lacing up your boots for the first time, our path cuts alongside the roaring waters of the Budhi Gandaki River. We cross swaying suspension bridges, pass natural hot springs at Tatopani, and navigate narrow paths built right against the stone walls of Yaruphant. After passing Dovan, a final push up a long stone staircase brings us into the neat, stone-paved village of Jagat, which is also the main entry checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area.

• Today's Challenge: A long initial trekking distance over rolling stone steps and warm, humid gorge terrain.
• Guide’s Note: Today is warm; drink plenty of water and maintain a steady pace. Keep your passport handy in your daypack, as we will clear your initial permits at the Jagat check post upon arrival.

Leaving Jagat behind, the morning climb leads us through Salleri up to Sirdibas, where sharp views of Shringi Himal appear. We cross a high river bridge to enter Philim, a historic Gurung village surrounded by fields of millet. After a short break at Ekle Bhatti, our trail splits: the main circuit stays left, while we branch off into the dense pine forests that hide the quiet entrance of Lokpa. 

• Today's Challenge: Continuous uphill stair climbs between Philim and the final forested approach into Lokpa.
• Guide’s Note: Lokpa is an isolated entry stop with limited supplies. Charge electronic devices here and enjoy the quiet, pine-forested surroundings as we leave the busier circuit trail behind.

We descend sharply into the deep canyon of the Siyar Khola before climbing back up through thick woods. The trail cuts past hidden mountain waterfalls and paths carved straight out of the cliffside. After crossing a high suspension bridge over the river, a final steady climb leads us into Chumling, where stone homes and long mani walls welcome us to Lower Tsum.

• Today's Challenge: Navigating steep downhill dips followed by sharp, sustained ascents on narrow forest paths.
• Guide’s Note: Watch your footing on the forested trail down to the Siyar Khola bridge, as wet pine needles can make the rocky steps slippery.

Crossing the river again, you will notice the closed canyon walls suddenly open up into a wide, sunny plateau. We climb steadily past Rainjam, cross the Serpu Khola stream, and ascend a series of stone switchbacks. This brings us to the high twin settlements of Chhokangparo, where crisp mountain air and clear views of Ganesh Himal fill the horizon.

• Today's Challenge: Crossing the 3,000-meter altitude threshold during the final afternoon climb to the plateau.
• Guide’s Note: Shorten your stride during the climb to Chhokangparo. As we cross 3,000 meters, focus on deliberate breathing and steady hydration.

Walking along open valley trails, you pass flat fields of buckwheat, barley, and potato crops bound by long mani walls. Near Burji, a short side path climbs up to Piren Phu (Milarepa’s Cave), a sacred cliffside meditation site with ancient murals and foot impressions. Continuing up-valley, you cross to the east bank to view Rachen Gompa nunnery before reaching Nile, the northernmost inhabited village in Upper Tsum.

• Today's Challenge: Managing exposure to steady alpine wind across the open valley floor.
• Guide’s Note: Keep windproof outer layers accessible in your daypack today. Remind your guide if you would like extra time to explore the inner courtyard at Piren Phu.

A morning hike leads further north toward the Tibetan border, following a desolate trail lined with mountain streams and barren slopes. You arrive at Mu Gompa (3,700 m), an isolated monastery sitting high on a remote ridge. After spending time exploring the monastery's prayer halls and admiring views of the border peaks, you return down-valley to sleep at Nile, utilizing the classic "walk high, sleep low" acclimatization rule.

• Today's Challenge: Walking in thinner air on exposed, high-altitude alpine terrain.
• Guide's Note: Monasteries are active sacred spaces. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, remove hats inside shrines, and walk clockwise around all chortens and mani walls.

Turning south, we begin our return route down Upper Tsum along the western banks of the Siyar Khola. We walk at an easy pace through the quiet farming hamlets of Lar, Chhule, and Phurbe. This direction offers wide, beautiful downhill views across the open valley floor and the Ganesh Himal peaks, finishing with a relaxed afternoon back in Chhokangparo. 

• Today's Challenge: Maintaining knee comfort over prolonged, gentle downhill stone trails. 
• Guide’s Note: Today is a relaxed walking day. Take advantage of the early arrival in Chhokangparo to rest, wash base layers, or write in your travel journal.

We leave the open plateau behind and drop back down into the lower gorge country. The trail steps down through quiet forest groves and farming fields near Gho village before hitting the stone steps to the river. Crossing back over the suspension bridges, we spend the night in Chumling, where the air feels thick and rich with oxygen.

• Today's Challenge: Sustained downhill walking on stone steps that can tire knees and thigh muscles. 
• Guide’s Note: Adjustable trekking poles are helpful today to absorb impact on the steep stone descents coming off the Chhokangparo plateau.

Today marks our official exit from Tsum Valley as we follow the canyon trail back through Lokpa. Dropping all the way down to Nyak Phedi, we rejoin the Budhi Gandaki River and merge onto the primary Manaslu Circuit. The path winds through pine forests, crossing suspension bridges back and forth across the narrow river gorge before reaching Deng.

• Today's Challenge: A long, rolling day with significant elevation dips and climbs as you exit one valley system and enter another. 
• Guide’s Note: Expect busier trail traffic from today onward as we merge back onto the primary circuit route. Stay on the mountainside of the trail when passing mule trains.

The trail climbs steadily through the deep gorge, crossing the river multiple times. Moving past Rana and Bihi Phedi, we enter cool forests filled with rhododendron, oak, and fir trees. Near Ghap village, beautiful mani stones line the path. A final forest climb brings us to Namrung, a major village with clear views of Kutang Himal and Manaslu North.

• Today's Challenge: A steady, continuous altitude gain through thick forest terrain. 
• Guide’s Note: Temperatures drop noticeably in Namrung once the sun goes down behind the ridges. Pull out your fleece layers as soon as we reach the lodge.

We step directly into the high alpine zone today. Leaving Namrung, we walk past local barley fields and pine forests up to Lihi, a village famous for its wooden archways. After trekking through Sho, the trail climbs up a high ridge to enter Lho. Sitting high above the village is Ribung Gompa, positioned directly in front of the massive peak of Mount Manaslu.

• Today's Challenge: Steeper gradient climbs on high-altitude forest paths. 
• Guide’s Note: We arrive in Lho by early afternoon. Walk up to Ribung Gompa above the village around sunset for sunset views of Mount Manaslu.

The trail drops briefly into a forested basin before climbing into the high pastures of Shyala. Here, you are surrounded by giant peaks like Peak 29 and Himalchuli. From Shyala, a gentle walk across open glacial fields brings you into Samagaun, the largest village in the upper valley, resting right at the base of Mount Manaslu’s east face.

• Today's Challenge: Walking at higher elevation where oxygen levels are noticeably lower. 
• Guide’s Note: Today is deliberately short to keep your body fresh. Take time to relax in the heated lodge dining room and prepare for tomorrow's acclimatization walk.

This is a dedicated rest day to help your lungs adjust. Depending on the weather and how you feel, your guide will choose your route. You can take a short hike to the turquoise waters of Birendra Glacier Lake, or tackle a steeper climb up to the high plains of Pungyen Gompa (4,050 m). We return down to Samagaun for a warm lunch and rest.

• Today's Challenge: Managing cold wind exposure during high-altitude ridge walking. 
• Guide’s Note: Do not stay in bed all day. Active acclimatization by gaining elevation during the day helps your body build red blood cells before moving higher.

The green forests completely disappear today, replaced by alpine tundra and small juniper bushes. We follow the widening gravel banks of the Budhi Gandaki River past exceptionally long mani walls. After crossing a simple wooden bridge, a final stone trail leads up into Samdo, a remote high-altitude village close to the border.

• Today's Challenge: A slow pace is required as air thins noticeably above 3,800 meters. 
• Guide’s Note: This is a short walking day designed to ensure safe altitude staging. Drink at least 3 to 4 liters of fluid (water or warm tea) throughout the day.

A second crucial safety buffer before the pass. Today features an optional hike heading north along the ancient trade route toward Rui La Pass on the Tibetan border. You climb ridge trails above the village to reach views of Samdo Peak and surrounding border ranges before descending back to Samdo. If you require pure rest, this day can be spent inside the village. 

• Today's Challenge: Cold, dry air and steep scree ridge paths. 
• Guide’s Note: Wear a buff or a neck gaiter over your mouth and nose to warm the air before you breathe it in. This protects your throat from the cold, dry air and helps you avoid developing a painful high-altitude cough.

We cross a wooden bridge over the freezing headwaters of the river and walk past the ruins of Larke Bazaar. The trail climbs up onto the raw, barren lateral moraines of the Larkya Glacier. Surrounded by deep mountain isolation, we arrive at Dharmasala, our basic stone staging camp right beneath the glacier.

• Today's Challenge: Sub-zero temperatures, high altitude (4,460 m), and very basic teahouse facilities. 
• Guide’s Note: Pack your headlamp, warm gloves, and extra clothes in your daypack tonight. We turn in early after dinner to prepare for an early pre-dawn start.

We wake up in the freezing dark at 3:30 AM and begin a slow climb up the glacier moraine. Moving across high snowfields in the cold, we reach the prayer flags of Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), revealing views of Himlung Himal and Annapurna II. After a brief stop, we begin a steep, long descent down loose rock and snow to the safety of the valley floor at Bhimtang.

Read our Larkya La Pass Guide for more details on the early start, changing trail conditions, and long descent.

• Today's Challenge: Extreme morning cold, thin air at 5,106 meters, and a long, steep, knee-jarring descent. 
• Guide’s Note: Walk with a slow, rhythmic pace during the early morning ascent. Keep your camera and phone inside your inner jacket pockets so the freezing temperatures do not drain your battery.

Leaving the high glacier basin behind, we plunge into lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and fir. We drop down along the Dudh Khola stream, passing through the Gurung farming village of Gho. After passing the stone archways of Tilije, a final suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River connects us to Dharapani and the Annapurna road network.

• Today's Challenge: Long, continuous downhill walking over rocky forest paths. 
• Guide’s Note: Oxygen levels increase as we drop down through the forest today, making breathing much easier. We will clear your final trek permits at the Dharapani exit post.

Your final day begins with a bumpy off-road drive following the Marsyangdi River down to Besisahar. From Besisahar, the vehicle joins the paved Prithvi Highway, heading east back toward the Kathmandu Valley. You arrive back in Kathmandu by late afternoon or early evening, bringing your trek to a close. 

• Today's Challenge: Long vehicle travel on bumpy mountain tracks followed by highway traffic. 
• Guide’s Note: Keep your personal items and optics accessible for the river drive down to Besisahar. Our Kathmandu team will meet you at your hotel upon arrival to collect field feedback and celebrate your successful trek.