Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

We have our breakfast and start our day. After being introduced with our team including tour guide, trekking leader and director of operations, we head for necessary trekking preparations, getting needed equipments with initiation of Kathmandu sightseeing around world heritage sites. Stay overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.

After an early breakfast in Kathmandu, you begin a beautiful overland journey to Machha Khola, the starting point of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek. The drive takes you along the famous Prithvi Highway, where you can enjoy charming roadside towns, small trade centers, and local motels that reflect everyday life in rural Nepal. As the road unfolds, you are rewarded with lovely views of distant snow-capped peaks from the Langtang and Manaslu regions, making the journey both relaxing and inspiring.

Continuing the drive, you follow the flowing Trishuli River until Malekhu, then move along the Thopal Khola towards Dhading Besi. From here, the road climbs through winding, snake-like curves up to Golabhyanjyang before descending into a peaceful valley. Passing alongside the Akhu Khola and Budhi Gandaki River, you reach the lively bazaar of Arughat. After Arughat, the journey becomes more adventurous as you follow an off-road track to Machha Khola. Upon arrival, you settle in for the night, resting well and preparing to begin your trek the following day. 

After a simple and warm breakfast at our tea house, we begin our trek following the beautiful trail along the Budhi Gandaki River. The sound of flowing water and fresh mountain air makes the walk peaceful and refreshing. We start with a steep ascent to a ridge and then descend to the natural hot spring at Tatopani, where the surroundings feel calm and soothing. Crossing a suspension bridge, we continue uphill on stone steps to reach Dovan, enjoying lovely views of the river and green valleys along the way.

The trail then takes us across a landslide area and into a wide, flat ground surrounded by scenic river valleys. With a few gentle ups and downs, we pass through Thado Bharyang before finally reaching Jagat. Jagat is a larger and lively village with several teahouses and lodges. It is also an important checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area, Tsum Valley, and Manaslu Restricted Area permits, monitored by Nepal Government police. We stay overnight at a comfortable lodge, resting well for the journey ahead.

After an early breakfast, we begin our day walking along scenic rocky trails toward Salleri. The path then gently descends to Setibas, offering peaceful views and a calm trekking experience. Continuing our Manaslu Tsum Valley journey, we cross a beautiful suspension bridge and slowly enter the wide valley that leads us to Philim.

Philim is a large and charming Gurung village, rich in culture and tradition. The village is known for its traditional stone houses, colorful prayer flags, and lovely terraced fields spread across the hillsides. There is also a Nepal Police check-post here, which helps ensure safety and peace for trekkers and local people. We spend the night at a cozy teahouse in Philim, enjoying warm hospitality and the peaceful village atmosphere

Today we leave the lovely village of Philim and begin a peaceful walk through beautiful villages and quiet forests. The trail offers wonderful views of the deep valley below. Near Nayak Phedi, we come to a suspension bridge that leads toward the Manaslu Circuit, but we do not cross it. Instead, we turn right and walk uphill to the charming village of Lokpa, where we stop to enjoy a relaxing lunch surrounded by nature.

After lunch, we continue our trek through peaceful alpine forests, walking alongside the river. After about three and a half hours, we cross the river and climb uphill to reach the beautiful village of Chumling, one of the special highlights of the Tsum Valley trek. From here, we enjoy amazing views of Ganesh Himal and other mountain ranges. Overnight stay at Chumling.

After an early morning and a hearty breakfast, we begin our beautiful trek from the peaceful village of Chumling toward Chokhangparo (Chekamparo). The trail first follows a high mountain ridge, gently climbing upward with calm and refreshing surroundings. Along the way, we reach Renjem, a small village with teahouses where we can enjoy a short rest with tea and light food.

After Renjem, the trail climbs steadily up the mountainside until we reach the top, where a truly magical view opens before us. A stunning valley lies hidden between two high mountain walls, often called the “Hidden Valley.” With breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal, Buddha Himal, and Himalchuli, we slowly descend and enter the charming village of Chokhangparo. On clear days, the view of Himalchuli is especially impressive. We stay overnight in Chokhangparo, enjoying the warm hospitality and rich culture of the Tibetan-origin local people.

Today’s walk is calm, cultural, and truly heart-warming. Leaving Chekamparo behind, the trail gently leads us above Chokhangparo as we pass Lamagaon and arrive at the peaceful Rachen Gompa, a beautiful spiritual center of the Tsum Valley. From here, we climb uphill toward the sacred Milarepa’s Cave, crossing the clear waters of the Shar Khola and walking through the traditional villages of Pangdun and Phurbe. Along the way, you will feel the strong Tibetan influence in daily life, customs, prayer flags, monasteries, and colorful village landscapes.

The valley feels like a mini Tibet, with wide farming terraces of oats, barley, buckwheat, and potatoes, along with yak grazing lands beside the riverbanks. As we continue trekking upstream, we cross a bridge and slowly reach Nile, our destination for the day. Throughout the journey, we enjoy wonderful mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Buddha Himal, and Himalchuli, especially beautiful during clear weather. We end the day with an overnight stay at Nile, enjoying the warm hospitality of the Tibetan-origin local people in this serene Himalayan village.

As we get closer to the Tibetan border, the trail opens to breathtaking views of the Tibetan landscape. We slowly climb towards Mu Gompa, enjoying the peaceful and remote surroundings. Walking through this off-the-beaten-path area, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the Ganesh Himal range and untouched natural beauty all around us.

Mu Gompa is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the Tsum Valley. It is a beautiful place where young monks receive education and follow the peaceful teachings of Buddhism. Sometimes, the monastery kindly offers a simple place to sleep and basic meals for a few guests who are truly interested in Buddhism. This gives visitors a special chance to stay overnight, interact with the monks and Buddhist priests, and learn about their daily life and spiritual practices. However, due to limited space or special religious activities, overnight stays may not always be possible. In such cases, we return to Nile village for the night.

Mu Gompa is one of the major highlights of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. Every moment of this journey is filled with joy—stunning mountain views, wide open landscapes, beautiful Tibetan-style villages, warm and innocent local people, and countless natural wonders that make the trek truly unforgettable.

Today is one of the most beautiful days of our Tsum Valley–Manaslu Circuit trek. After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Nile, we begin our gentle downhill walk toward Renzam. The first part of the trail is mostly flat, winding peacefully between two high mountains of the Tsum Valley. Along the way, we pass several charming villages and the beautiful Rachen (Rajen) Gompa. Fields of buckwheat and villages decorated with colorful prayer flags create a joyful feeling, making the walk calm, happy, and truly magical.

From the last village, Chekamparo, the trail continues downhill to Gho through a serene alpine forest. After crossing a small river, we reach the village of Renzam. This quiet settlement offers wonderful views of the Ganesh Himal range and has a few cozy teahouses located at the foot of the Tsum Valley, making it a perfect place to rest and relax

After an early morning breakfast, we begin our trek along ancient mountain trails high above the Gandaki River. Walking through small settlements and lovely farmlands, we gradually make our way toward Chumling Village, a highlight of the Tsum Valley trek. Chumling is one of the largest and most beautiful villages in the region, famous for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning terraced fields. Here, we enjoy our lunch before continuing our trek onward to Lokpa. 

From Chumling, we descend downhill to the river and cross a suspension bridge. The trail then continues through dense forest, with a mix of uphill and downhill walks, until we reach Lokpa Village. Lokpa is a small and quiet village hidden in the heart of the forest. Early in the morning, it is possible to see many birds and wildlife such as deer, wild boar, and sometimes even a snow leopard. This serene village is an ideal place for an overnight stay.

Today, after enjoying an early meal, we begin our journey heading west. We descend to Nayak Phedi, crossing a bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, and then follow the main trail of the Manaslu Circuit toward Bihi Phedi. The walk continues along the riverside, passing through several beautiful villages nestled in the valley.

Pewa, Dang, and the charming Rana village are the main highlights of today’s trek. We cross the river several times and walk through the stunning Manaslu valley, surrounded by natural beauty. By evening, we arrive at the lovely village of Bihi Phedi, offering wide views of nearby villages, terraced fields, and alpine forests. Staying in a local teahouse with a welcoming family gives a warm, homely feeling filled with love and comfort.

We begin our day with a gentle walk along flat trails, followed by a few uphill sections through peaceful forest paths. Along the way, we pass the beautiful villages of Gap and Gapshya. Gap is a large settlement decorated with colorful prayer flags, a monastery, small chortens, and stone walls adorned with traditional Tibetan Buddhist art and culture.

After leaving Gapshya, we continue trekking through alpine forests, passing a few teahouses where we can rest, enjoy hot or cold drinks, and have our lunch. By the end of the day, we arrive at Namrung village for our overnight stay. Namrung is a charming village surrounded by alpine forest, offering stunning views of the valley and mountains, along with lovely buckwheat fields that add to its natural beauty.

The real test and true vibes of the Manaslu Circuit Trek begin from the beautiful village of Namrung. From here, you start to feel the strong Tibetan influence as you pass ancient monasteries, see locals turning prayer wheels, and hear the soft chants of Tibetan Buddhist prayers. Yaks graze peacefully on the mountain pastures, adding life and color to the high Himalayan landscape.

Green buckwheat fields and apple orchards spread across the hillsides, where farmers work gently on their terraced farms. High above, stunning snow-capped mountains rise proudly, making you feel as if you are walking in heaven on earth. The charming villages of Lihi and Shyo, with their lush green farmland along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, make the trek romantic and truly unforgettable. After enjoying lunch at Shyo village, we continue a gentle uphill walk toward Lho, one of the most beautiful villages on the Manaslu trekking route.

Lho is the first village on the Manaslu trek from where you can witness the magnificent views of Mount Manaslu. In the early morning, as the sun rises, the mountain glows with golden light, offering a breathtaking sight. If you stay in a north-facing room, you can enjoy stunning views of Manaslu in the evening and even throughout the night, right from your room. We spend the night in this peaceful village. In the eveing you can explor the monastery, walking around the village, and warmly interacting with the friendly local people—an experience that stays in the heart forever.

After a hearty morning breakfast, you will begin one of the most beautiful sections of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, walking from Lho to Samagaun. This day is not only about the trail, but about the breathtaking views that surround you. Along the way, you will enjoy magnificent panoramas of Mount Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, along with stunning glacier valleys and flowing rivers. From the teahouse, you first climb for about half an hour to the top of the village, where a spectacular view of Mount Manaslu and its glacier awaits you. The trail then leads through peaceful forests, and after crossing a glacial river and climbing for another 45 minutes, you will reach the charming village of Shyalla, a perfect viewpoint to witness Manaslu and many other surrounding peaks.

You can enjoy lunch at Shyalla while soaking in the wonderful mountain and glacier views. Afterward, the trek continues with gentle uphill walks through alpine forests and across a suspension bridge. Soon, you will be rewarded with a wide and beautiful view of the Samagaun valley, with Sama village visible in the distance. Walking for another 45 minutes, you will arrive at the ancient Tibetan village of Samagaun, located at the foot of Mount Manaslu. This is the largest village in the Manaslu region, offering a variety of teahouses and warm, welcoming locals. Situated beside a glacial stream, the village creates a peaceful and joyful atmosphere. We will stay here for two nights to rest and acclimatize, preparing our bodies for a safe and successful crossing of the Larkya La Pass.

Today is our acclimatization and rest day at Samagaon. Although it is called a rest day, it will be a very active and enjoyable one. Surrounded by the breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, its magnificent glacier, Birendra Lake, and the charming village of Samagaon, you will not feel like staying only at the teahouse.

For those with good energy and strong legs, there is an optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp, which takes about four and a half hours uphill and around two and a half hours downhill. Another wonderful option is a hike to Pungyen Gompa, a peaceful and beautiful place offering some of the best views of Mount Manaslu and its glacier-filled valley.

You can choose the activity that suits your interest and physical strength. This acclimatization day will be full of joy and unforgettable experiences. In the evening, sitting together in the dining area near the warm fireplace, enjoying hot soup and delicious food, you can relax and share the day’s experiences and feelings with your friends.

Today, we trek through peaceful alpine forests and a wide, flat valley as we follow the gentle flow of the Budi Gandaki River. The trail slowly climbs toward Samdo, offering breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, shining glaciers, and the river flowing quietly downhill beside us. As we walk higher, the views of Manaslu and other towering peaks slowly fade behind us, while new sights appear—distant peaks near Larkya La and wide terraced pastures where yaks graze peacefully.

The walk includes sections through forest, and as the valley widens, the trail becomes easier and more relaxed. Continuing upward, we pass yak grazing fields, cross the river on a suspension bridge, and after a short climb, finally arrive at Samdo. Samdo is the last village on the Manaslu Circuit Trek and lies very close to the Tibetan border. The culture, people, lifestyle, trade, and landscape here are strongly influenced by Tibetan traditions. In the evening, we enjoy a pleasant walk around the village before an overnight stay in Samdo.

Today we leave Samdo and continue our trek towards Dharamsala (also known as Larkya Phedi). Along the way, we cross two river streams, enjoy close views of the magnificent Larkya Glacier, and walk through a high-altitude alpine landscape. Dharamsala is not a regular teahouse or lodge; it is a basic shared shelter used by trekkers preparing for the Larkya La Pass crossing.

The trek from Samdo to Dharamsala is relatively short in distance, but the high altitude makes the walk more challenging. For this reason, we trek slowly, take regular breaks, and drink plenty of water to help with acclimatization. Most of the trail climbs steadily uphill, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking scenery, including a bird’s-eye view of Samdo and stunning, sky-touching peaks of the Larkya Range. We stay overnight at Dharamsala, resting and preparing for the exciting Larkya La Pass adventure the next day.

Today is one of the most challenging yet thrilling highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek as we cross rugged glacier moraines and make a steep ascent to the spectacular Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). This high-altitude adventure demands good physical fitness, mental strength, and determination, rewarding trekkers with breathtaking Himalayan scenery and a deep sense of achievement. We begin our hike early in the morning, as strong winds often rise later in the day, especially near the pass, and changing weather at the top may limit time for photos and rest. An early start ensures a safer crossing, more stable weather, and a truly memorable experience at one of the most magnificent mountain passes in Nepal.

We strongly recommend all trekkers start early to safely cross Larkya La Pass and reach Bimtang on time. Sudden weather changes, heavy winds, or snowfall can make the trail difficult to follow and may increase the risk of accidents. From the top of Larkya La, the trail descends steeply downhill toward Phedi and continues all the way to Bimtang. Carrying some dry snacks or energy food is highly advised, as it helps maintain strength if lunch is delayed or if reaching Phedi on time becomes difficult.

Upon reaching Larkya La Pass, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks stretching from the Manaslu range to the Annapurna range. After enjoying these magnificent mountain views, we descend through alpine terrain and open pasturelands toward the beautiful glacial valley of Bimtang, where we stay overnight.

Bimtang is a stunning high-altitude glacier valley, located at the edge of the Annapurna Conservation Area, which feels distinctly different from the Manaslu region. Just above Bimtang lies a large glacial lake formed beneath Punker Himal, Himlung Himal, and surrounding Annapurna peaks. This scenic landscape attracts filmmakers and documentary makers from around the world, drawn by the dramatic views of snow-covered mountains, glaciers, glacial rivers, and serene alpine lakes. The colorful village of Bimtang, with its unique culture and lifestyle, combined with its pristine natural beauty, makes it a truly magical place to relax and spend the night.

Today’s trek takes you through a beautiful mix of lush forests, wide valleys, and open pasturelands as you make your way toward Tilije. The first part of the journey rewards you with stunning views of Mount Punker, Himlung Himal, and the towering Manaslu range, creating a truly memorable Himalayan experience. From here, the trail descends through forested paths to Yak Kharka, after which the valley gradually widens and leads you to Surke, a peaceful spot for lunch. Surke is a charming settlement with a few teahouses, nestled in the heart of the forest at the confluence of two glacial rivers flowing from Bimtang and the Manang side, adding to its scenic beauty.

After Surke, the trail meets an off-road section; however, vehicles cannot yet reach this area due to the absence of a bridge near Tilije. After about an hour of trekking, you arrive at the lovely village of Gho, situated on the riverbank and surrounded by wide valleys and fertile fields filled with growing crops. Continuing for another hour on a gentle downhill trail, you finally reach Tilije, a traditional Gurung village. This is another long but rewarding day, mostly downhill with easy walking along a flat valley trail. Tonight marks your last night in the mountains, a perfect time to celebrate, reflect, and create lasting memories of your incredible Manaslu trekking adventure, before preparing for the following day’s journey—first on rough roads and then a comfortable drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar.

Today, you drive back to Kathmandu from Tilije, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek. The journey begins on a rugged off-road track until Bhulbhule, near Besisahar. Along the way, you pass through Dharapani, the main trekking checkpoint for the Annapurna Circuit and the final checkpoint of the Manaslu Circuit. The drive continues through charming villages such as Tal, Jagat, and Chamje, where the magnificent Chamje Waterfall leaves every traveler in awe. This route is considered one of the most adventurous mountain roads in the world, featuring dramatic high cliffs, deep river gorges, roaring waterfalls, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery—making this day both thrilling and deeply memorable.

From Bhulbhule onward, the road becomes wider and blacktopped, offering a smoother and more comfortable drive all the way to Kathmandu. You follow the scenic Marsyangdi River before joining the Prithvi Highway, alongside the powerful Trishuli River. At this point, rivers from different Himalayan regions—the Budigandaki from Manaslu, the Akhu River from the Ruby Valley and Ganesh Himal, and the Marsyangdi from the Annapurna region—merge to form a mighty river system. By evening, you arrive in Kathmandu with a heart full of memories, mixed emotions, and a new perspective on life shaped by the Himalayas.

After refreshing at your hotel with a hot shower, Orbit Alpine Adventure warmly invites you to a farewell dinner. Over delicious traditional Nepali cuisine, we share stories, reflect on the journey, and celebrate the successful completion of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek, creating lasting memories of a lifetime Himalayan adventure.

We will take you to the Airport for your scheduled flight ahead.