Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley Trek — 19 Days

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Thamel. Evening briefing with your guide covering the combined Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley route, permits, and logistics.

Long drive northwest through Arughat Bazar into the Budhi Gandaki valley. Soti Khola is the trailhead for both the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley approach. Restricted Area permit checkpoint — have Manaslu and Tsum Valley special permits ready.

First trekking day along the Budhi Gandaki gorge through tropical forest and Gurung villages. Multiple river crossings on suspension bridges; the river churns through a deep rocky channel.

From Khorlabesi the trail forks — the Tsum Valley route diverges north. Steep climb through forest and terraced farmland to Lokpa, gateway village to the sacred Tsum Valley. Village gompa worth visiting.

Enter the Tsum Valley proper, crossing the Shar Khola river. Magnificent views of Ganesh Himal (7,422 m) as the valley opens. Pass through Lamagaun and Chhule to reach Chhokopokhari — the landscape is distinctly Tibetan.

Trek through the upper Tsum Valley with increasing Tibetan Buddhist cultural presence — whitewashed chortens, prayer flag lines, and ancient mani walls. Nile is a prosperous village with a renovated gompa and views toward Tibet.

The valley narrows to a dramatic gorge before opening onto the high plateau where Mu Gompa sits. This 9th-century monastery is the spiritual heart of Tsum — resident lamas conduct daily pujas. Request a blessing at the monastery.

Acclimatization and exploration day. Hike to Rachen Gompa (3,800 m), a nunnery with sweeping valley views, or climb toward the Tibetan border plateau at Ngala La (4,600 m) for panoramic views of Ganesh Himal and Tibet. Return to Mu Gompa.

Begin the return journey through the Tsum Valley, passing through Nile and descending steeply. The contrast between the arid upper valley and subtropical lower sections is dramatic. Overnight in Chhule.

Descend out of the Tsum Valley, rejoining the main Budhi Gandaki / Manaslu Circuit trail near Lokpa and continuing to Jagat. Register at the Manaslu Restricted Area checkpoint in Jagat with your Manaslu Conservation Area permit.

Continue up the Budhi Gandaki gorge on the main Manaslu Circuit trail. The gorge narrows with towering walls; cross to the west bank via a long suspension bridge at Ekle Bhatti.

Steady climb through Rana and Bhi as the valley opens and Buddhist influence strengthens. Namrung offers the first direct views of Himalchuli (7,893 m) and Ganesh Himal to the south.

Pass through Lho village for stunning Manaslu south-face views, then Shyala village. Sama Gaun is the principal Tibetan settlement of the upper valley with a 17th-century gompa — altitude demands a gentle afternoon.

Essential rest day at 3,530 m. Day hike to Pungen Gompa (4,000 m) above the village for close-up views of Manaslu Glacier and Ngadi Chuli. Afternoon at leisure — visit the village gompa and interact with local Tibetan families.

Short ascent through yak-grazing plateaus to Samdo, the last proper village before the high camp. The Tibetan border is very close here and the landscape is starkly beautiful with permanent snow peaks all around.

Climb steeply through boulder fields and glacial moraines to Dharmasala high camp, tucked under the final approach to Larkya La. Acclimatize, hydrate well, and rest for the pre-dawn pass crossing tomorrow.

Pre-dawn start (3–4 am) by headlamp for the crux of the circuit. Cross Larkya La at 5,106 m with views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal. Long descent through moraines and rhododendron forest to Bimthang.

Descend through Tilije (2,300 m) and the lush Dudh Khola valley to Dharapani where you rejoin the Annapurna Circuit road. Police checkpoint here marks the official exit from the Manaslu Restricted Area.

Board a jeep for the 7–9 hour drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar. Arrive evening for a celebration dinner. Transfer to the airport the following day if needed, or fly out the next morning.