Overview
The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is a truly special journey that combines two incredible Himalayan experiences in one adventure. It takes you along the well-known trails of the Manaslu region while also exploring the quiet and less-visited landscapes of Tsum Valley. This trek offers a wonderful mix of breathtaking mountain scenery, dramatic landscapes, rolling hills, and deep cultural experiences shaped by strong Tibetan influences.
The journey usually begins from the trailhead at Soti Khola, where the path gradually follows the rushing Budhi Gandaki River. As the trek continues, the scenery slowly changes from green hills and terraced fields to rugged mountain valleys and traditional villages. One of the highlights of this adventure is visiting Mu Gompa, a peaceful monastery located high in the valley that offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of the region.
From there, the trek eventually reconnects with the Manaslu Circuit route and climbs toward the most challenging and exciting point of the journey, crossing Larkya La Pass at 5,213 meters. Standing at the top of the pass, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and endless mountain views, is an unforgettable moment for any trekker. After crossing the pass, the trail descends toward Dharapani, where the trek comes to an end.
What makes this adventure truly unique is the exploration of Tsum Valley, often called the “Hidden Valley.” Because of its remote location and limited access for many years, the valley has managed to preserve its traditional culture, ancient monasteries, and peaceful way of life. Walking through this region feels like stepping into a different world, far away from the crowds of more popular trekking routes.
For trekkers who are looking for a deeper and more meaningful Himalayan experience, the 19-day Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It is a journey where you not only witness the grandeur of the mountains but also reconnect with nature and experience the quiet charm of remote Himalayan life.
Highlights
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You can witness the views of mountains like Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal.
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You will cross Larkya La Pass (5106 m), which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
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You can explore the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is the home for species like snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan tahr.
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You can explore monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags.
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You can experience the hospitality of local communities.
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You can visit monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa.
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You can explore the culturally rich Tsum Valley, which is also called Hidden Valley.
Detailed Itinerary
Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Description
The journey begins right after breakfast as you load up and head out of the busy streets of Kathmandu. The drive itself is honestly one of the underrated parts of this whole trip. You'll roll through the Prithivi Highway, watching the landscape shift from the dense urban sprawl of the city into wide green hills, deep river valleys, and small roadside villages that feel worlds away from the capital. Your first stop along the way is Malekhu, a good spot to stretch your legs. From there, the road traces the Trishuli River through Dhading and Arughat, eventually winding through Gola Bhanjyang and picking up the trail at Soti Khola. The last 1.5 to 2 hours bring you into Machha Khola. If the skies are clear, keep your eyes up because the peaks of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and their neighbors make for a stunning introduction to what lies ahead.
Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
Description
Today you finally lace up your boots and hit the trail. The path runs alongside the Budhi Gandaki River for most of the day, and it's the kind of walking that reminds you why you came here in the first place. There's a pleasant rhythm to it, climbing gently through lush hillsides, dropping back down, passing through the small settlement of Khola Besi, and eventually reaching Tatopani where natural hot springs bubble up along the riverside. Many trekkers pause here, and honestly, it's hard to walk past without at least dipping your hands in. The afternoon gets a bit more physical. You'll cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki and work your way up a rocky stretch to reach Doban, then cross a second bridge over the Yaru Khola. A solid climb through Thado Bharayng brings you up to the ridge where Jagat sits, marking the official entrance into the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Trek to Lokpa
Description
This is the day the Tsum Valley adventure properly begins. The morning starts with a steady climb up to Salleri, then the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki once again before crossing a long suspension bridge into Philim. A little further along, you'll reach Ekle Bhatti, a quiet fork in the road where trails split between the Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Circuit. You take the Tsum route. From here the path winds through a handful of high-altitude villages, hugging the right side of the valley as it climbs. The scenery opens up beautifully, and if you're lucky with the weather, Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, Shringi Himal, and Ganesh Himal will be watching over you most of the day. Following the Syar River upstream, you'll eventually walk into Lokpa as the afternoon light softens over the hills.
Trek to Dumje
Description
Today's trail takes you along the ridge that skirts the base of Ganesh Himal, and the views from up here are something you'll likely want to stop and photograph more than once. The trail is quieter on this stretch, fewer settlements, fewer people, just the crunch of your footsteps and the occasional rustling of the rhododendron and pine forests that line the trail as you descend into the Lungwa River Valley. There's a peaceful solitude to this section that veteran trekkers of the Tsum Valley often mention as one of their favorite parts of the whole route. After crossing the Syar Khola, the path climbs up again to reach Chumling, and then pushes a little higher to arrive at Dumje, the gateway to what's called the Lower Tsum Valley.
Trek to Nile Chule
Description
The Upper Tsum Valley begins in earnest today, and this is where many trekkers feel the real cultural character of this region start to come alive. The trail moves through Bgakyu Leru, where you can spot farmers tending to surprisingly fertile fields at altitude, and continues through Lamagaon before reaching one of the more memorable spots of the day: the Milarepa Piren Phu Cave near Burji Village, nestled at the foot of a dramatic rocky cliff. The cave is associated with the revered Tibetan saint Milarepa and feels genuinely ancient. It's worth pausing here before crossing the Shiar River to make the final push into Nile. Just 20 minutes beyond Nile lies Chhule, the last permanent settlement in the Upper Tsum Valley, a reminder that you're now deep into one of Nepal's most remote corners.
Trek to Mu Gompa
Description
An early start sets the tone for a relatively manageable but deeply rewarding day. The trail follows the west bank of the valley, running close to the Tibetan border, across open yak pastures where the views stretch wide in every direction. It takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach Mu Gompa, and the approach through the open grasslands with the mountains rising all around you is genuinely special. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the Tsum Valley and a place that carries a real sense of quiet reverence. Inside, you'll find a life-sized statue of Tara, along with figures of Guru Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshvara, as well as the sacred Kangyur texts. Just a short walk away is the Dhephu Doma Gompa, another ancient monastery worth exploring before you settle in for the night.
Acclimatization and Exploration Day at Mu Gompa
Description
Once you cross the 3,500-meter mark, your body needs time to adjust, and this rest day is built right into the itinerary for good reason. But "rest day" doesn't quite capture it. Start the morning with a light hike around the ridges above the monastery, where the views on a clear morning are worth every step. The landscape here is heavily influenced by Tibetan culture and you notice it everywhere, in the prayer flags, the architecture, the sounds, and the pace of daily life. Spend the afternoon wandering at your own speed, poking around the monastery, chatting with the monks if the opportunity arises, and just letting the altitude slowly settle into your lungs. You'll sleep better tonight for it.
Trek to Rachen Gompa from Mu Gompa
Description
A gentler day follows the acclimatization rest, and it's a welcome change of pace. The trail descends from Mu Gompa down into the Shiar Khola Valley, and the walk has a pleasant, almost meditative quality to it. Rachen Gompa comes into view sitting in a stunning natural setting right at the Nepal-China border. This nunnery is home to nuns from the Ngak-Pa Sect and is one of the largest religious communities in the Tsum Valley. What catches most visitors off guard is the sheer scale of the 1,000 Avalokiteshvara statues on the monastery premises. It's a quiet, humbling place and one that tends to stay with trekkers long after they've returned home.
Trek from Rachen Gompa to Chumling
Description
Fair warning: today is a long one. The trail from the nunnery winds down through a series of elevation changes, passing through Chhokung Paro and heading toward Gho. The wide-open Himalayan views along this section make up for the effort, particularly on the stretch just before the suspension bridge near Gho. After crossing the bridge, the path passes through Rainjam Village before the trail commits to a long descent back down into the Tsum Valley floor. By the time you reach Chumling, your legs will know they've done a full day's work. The lodge here is a warm and welcoming place to recover, and a good meal goes a long way after a trek like this one.
Trek down to Deng
Description
After yesterday's long haul, today comes as a relief. The trail descends at a comfortable pace, first tracking along the Shair Khola toward Lokpa Village, then dropping down through open grazing land where it's common to encounter large flocks of Himalayan sheep and goats wandering the hillsides. There's something deeply unhurried about this stretch. The views of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu are outstanding as the trail crosses several gorges before reaching a solid bridge over the Budi Gandaki River. The river leads you through narrow gorges with a few ups and downs before the trail passes through a scenic stretch of bamboo forest and delivers you into Deng, a traditional Gurung settlement with warm lodges and cold evenings.
Trek to Namrung
Description
Today's trek has a bit of everything. It starts with an uphill push out of Deng before dropping briefly to the Budhi Gandaki, then climbs steadily through Rana, Bhimphedi, and over the Serang Khola to reach Ghap. From Ghap the trail steepens, but the forest keeps things interesting as you move through dense patches of rhododendron and bamboo, filling your lungs with cool mountain air. The final stretch crosses a couple of wild rivers before landing you in Namrung, a village with a notably Tibetan character. It's considered the entry point to the Nupri region, and you can feel the shift in both the architecture and the culture as you settle in for the evening.
Trek to Lho Namrung
Description
Buddhism is woven into every part of today's walk. Right from the morning climb through forested terrain above Namrung, the trail begins to reveal mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens at regular intervals. It's the kind of walking where you can lose track of time. Passing through Lihi and into the Simnang Valley, you'll eventually reach Sho Village, and the view from here is one of the best of the entire trek. Manaslu North (7,157m) and Manaslu itself rise sharply above the valley, and on a clear day it's simply breathtaking. Continuing through the valley, you arrive at Lho, a village with traditional Tibetan-influenced stone architecture and a small monastery that's worth a quiet visit before dinner.
Trek to Samagaun
Description
A lighter day in terms of distance, though the mountain scenery turns it into something memorable. Leaving Lho with Peak 29 watching from above, the trail follows the river toward Shyala Village, where Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Phungi make for a striking backdrop as you stop for tea. The walk into Samagaun feels like a reward. It's a well-established village close to the Tibetan border, anchored by the famous Sama Gaon Monastery. The elevation here is enough to notice, and many trekkers spend the late afternoon sitting quietly, watching the mountains shift color as the sun goes down.
Second Acclimatization Day at Samagaun
Description
Your second scheduled rest day, and this one comes just before the hardest stretch of the trek. The highlight is a hike up to Pungyen Gompa, perched on a hilltop above the village. The views from there are jaw-dropping: a panorama of snow-capped peaks and glittering glaciers that makes the short climb completely worth it. Take the afternoon slowly. Wander through the village, eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and let your body do its quiet work of adjusting. A good acclimatization today means a safer and more enjoyable crossing of Larkya La in the days ahead.
Trek to Samdo from Samagaun
Description
An early morning start gets you onto the trail while the air is still crisp. The path moves alongside terraced fields and mani walls before joining the route of the Budhi Gandaki River, which you cross on a wooden bridge. From there a mani wall marks the beginning of the long ascent toward Larkya La, though today you're only climbing part of the way. The second half of the walk is more gradual, with prayer flags fluttering along the trail as it traces the river through several open ridges. Samdo appears ahead with the impressive Samdo Peak (6,335m) towering behind it. It's a small and welcoming community, and the views from the village in the evening light are hard to leave.
Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala
Description
The Larkya Glacier makes its first appearance today, and its presence adds a raw, glacial drama to the walk. The trail climbs steadily from Samdo, crossing two streams along the way before moving through the Salka Khola Valley. The landscape at this altitude is stark and beautiful, all rock and ice and sky. The final push up to Dharamsala is tiring but worthwhile. This high stone guesthouse, also known as Larkya La Phedi, is one of the most atmospheric places to spend a night on the entire route. From the lodge, you have unobstructed views of Manaslu and the Larkya Glacier spreading across the valley below. Go to bed early tonight. Tomorrow is a big day.
Trek down to Bimtang via Larke La Pass
Description
This is the day that defines the whole trek. You'll be up before the sun, breakfast eaten quietly in the dark, headlamps on and boots tightened. The pass needs to be crossed before midday when strong winds start hammering the ridge, so there's no lingering over coffee. The climb starts across open moraine before the trail dips slightly toward a frozen lake and then gets serious, pushing up a steep grassy slope to two stone cairns. From there, four frozen ledges bring you to the final steep pitch to the top of Larkya La at 5,213 meters. The views from the pass on a clear morning are some of the finest in all of Nepal, with Himlung Himal, Kanguru, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II lined up across the horizon. The descent down the western side is long and the moraine makes it technical in places, but the trail gradually softens as you lose elevation, eventually leading through meadows and past a mani wall before opening up into the wide, peaceful meadow at Bimtang. You'll be tired, but it will be the good kind.
Trek to Dharapani
Description
After the high drama of the Larkya La, today is about coming back down to earth in the most literal sense. The trail leaves the glacial terrain behind and drops quickly into thicker vegetation, the greenery returning in a rush after so many days above the treeline. It's a long descent through Sangore Kharka and Hompuk, with continuous mountain views, particularly of Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Manaslu North, and Phungi Himal. You'll pass through a landslide zone before climbing briefly over a ridge down to the river at Gho, then continue toward Tilje through the Marsyangdi Valley. A suspension bridge over the Dudh Khola brings you into Thonje, and from there it's a short walk to Dharapani, a familiar crossroads for anyone who has done the Annapurna Circuit. The Himalayan journey is nearly complete.
Drive back from Dharapani to Kathmandu
Description
The final chapter. After breakfast, you pile into a private vehicle and start the long drive back to Kathmandu. The first four hours to Besisahar are on rougher mountain roads, but once you hit the paved highway the ride becomes much more comfortable. Along the way, you pass through small towns like Bhulbhule and Khudi before the road joins the Prithvi Highway, following the Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers all the way back to the capital. The scenery out the windows, terraced fields, forest-covered riverbanks, and occasional Himalayan peaks on the horizon, is a gentle reminder of the landscapes you've spent the last 18 days walking through. By the time you arrive in Kathmandu, there's a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction that is hard to put into words. Our representative will drop you at your hotel, and depending on the time, the city's restaurants and cafes are right there waiting. It's been a privilege trekking with you. Safe travels ahead.
Accommodations
During the trek, most nights are spent in traditional teahouses located in villages along the trail. These lodges are basic but comfortable, providing trekkers with a warm place to rest after a long day of walking.
Rooms are usually simple, with two single beds, a mattress, pillows, and warm blankets. The walls are often wooden and the rooms are not heavily furnished, but they provide everything you need for a good night’s sleep. In higher villages, nights can be quite cold, so many trekkers prefer to bring their own sleeping bag for extra warmth.
Most teahouses have a common dining room, which is often the heart of the lodge. In the evenings, trekkers gather here around a warm stove, sharing stories from the day while enjoying a hot meal and a cup of tea. These cozy dining areas create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere after a long day on the trail.
Bathroom facilities depend on the altitude and location. In lower villages, you may find attached bathrooms, Western-style toilets, and sometimes hot showers. As the trail climbs higher toward places near Larkya La Pass, facilities become more basic. Hot showers are not always available, but many teahouses offer a bucket of hot water for washing.
Food
Food along the Manaslu and Tsum Valley trail is simple, hearty, and designed to give trekkers enough energy for long days of hiking. Even in remote villages, teahouses usually offer a surprisingly varied menu influenced by Nepali, Tibetan, and sometimes Indian cuisine.
The most common and popular meal during the trek is dal bhat, a traditional Nepali dish consisting of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles. It is nutritious, filling, and often comes with free refills, making it a favorite among trekkers.
For breakfast, typical options include bread, toast, eggs, pancakes, porridge, Tibetan bread, chapati, muesli, tea, and coffee. These meals are simple but provide a good start for the day’s walk.
For lunch and dinner, teahouses usually serve dishes such as momo (dumplings), chowmein, fried rice, pasta, spaghetti, thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), and sometimes yak meat dishes in higher villages. These warm and filling meals are perfect after hours of trekking through mountain trails.
Hot drinks like ginger tea, lemon tea, milk tea, and coffee are also very popular along the route, especially during cold mornings and evenings.
In the end, the accommodation and food on the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek may be simple, but they are part of what makes the journey so memorable. Sharing meals in small mountain lodges, enjoying the hospitality of local families, and resting in quiet Himalayan villages create an experience that feels both authentic and deeply rewarding.
Trip Information
Modern Travel Expectation:
Now trekkers seek balance between adventure and the outside world while in trek to be connected. Here are some expectations of modern travelers that we try to meet:
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Internet access as Wi-Fi is available at teahouses.
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Comfortable accommodation due to upgraded teahouses and hygiene facilities.
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Available expanded menu of options including pizza, pancakes, and vegetarian dishes.
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Sustainable and ethical practices, such as the sustainable practice of waste management and using renewable energy.
- Customizable trekking experience for solo travelers or groups for more fun in adventure.
🏔️ Your Himalayan Journey Starts with Us
At Nepal Outdoor Expeditions, we do more than guide treks; we curate experiences that stay with you for a lifetime. From the first step to the final farewell, our local experts ensure every moment is smooth, safe, and deeply enriching. Whether you’re chasing mountain views or seeking cultural connection, we’ll take care of the details so you can stay present in the adventure. Let us turn your dream trek into a journey worth remembering.
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Inclusions & Exclusions
✓ Included
- Airport pick-up and drop by private vehicle
- Standard meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- Government license holder guide
- Strong and helpful porter with proper equipment (1 porter for 2 people)
- Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for guides and porters
- Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek
- Fresh fruits every night after dinner
- All land transportation as per itinerary
- TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card
- ACAP and MCAP entry permits
- Special permits for the Manaslu region and Tsum Valley
- Comprehensive first aid kit with oximeter to measure oxygen level daily
- All government and local taxes
✗ Not Included
- International Airfare and taxes
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Your Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- All the expenses of personal nature
- Any kind of drinks and desserts during the trek
- Tips to guide and porter (Tipping is expected)
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FAQs
The trek is moderate to challenging due to the high-altitude pass that is Larkya La Pass, which demands physical fitness.
Hiring a guide would give you an ethical adventure experience.
You need a Manaslu Restricted Area permit and a Manaslu Conservation Area permit.
The highest point is Larkya La Pass (5125 m).
The trek takes around 19 days, depending on the route.
You get basic meals like dal bhat, Tibetan dishes, Pasta, noodles, etc.
No, solo trekking is prohibited in the Manaslu region. You must travel with a guide; also, hiring a guide would give you an authentic experience.
