| Group size: | Minimum 2 pax | Max-Altitude: | 5153 m/ 17005 ft. |
| Destination: | Nepal | ||
| Arrival on: | Kathmandu | Departure from: | Kathmandu |
| Meals: | All meals during trek | ||
| Accommodation: | Hotel/Mountain lodge | ||
| Fitness level: | Moderate to fairly challenging | ||
The round trek to Manaslu and Tsum Valley is the best way to explore the culture, lifestyle, landscape capturing a fabulous view of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world. The isolated valley lies in western Nepal starts from Arughat and follows ancient salt-trading trails towards Tsum valley. The area offers the incredible Himalayan vistas, nomadic culture, spiritual Buddhism and wonderful people. The Himalayan peaks like Manaslu, Singri, Hamalchuli & Ganesh among others are a great feast to the eyes; whereas cultural encounters in villages like Chumling, Chhokungparo & Burgi are out of the world. The spirituality trekkers get to experience in highland monasteries like Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa are incomparable.
Properly designed itinerary and expert local guides make sure about your health food and accommodation during the trek, where logistics can be hard to figure out. Moreover, trekkers should have the mentality to accommodate themselves in the monasteries where facilities may be limited but the hospitality is exceptional.
Day 01: Arrival Day in Kathmandu 1350m
Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft.
Day 02: Permit Application day
Meal: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Macchakhola via Soti Khola
Altitude: 870 m/2952 ft. Drive: 9/10 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 04: Trek Macchakhola to Jagat
Altitude: 1340 m/7676 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 05: Trek Jagat to Phillim
Altitude: 1570 m/5025 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 06: Trek Phillim to Chumling
Altitude: 2386 m/7827 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 07: Trek Chumling to Chhokangparo
Altitude: 3010 m/9903 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 08: Trek Chhokangparo to Nile
Altitude: 3361 m/11058 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 09: Trek Nile to Mu Gompa
Altitude: 3700 m/12174 ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 10: Trek Mu Gompa to Chhokangparo
Altitude: 3361 m/11058 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 11: Trek Chhokangparo to Gumba Lungdang
Altitude: 2240m/7168ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 12: Trek Gumba Lungdang to Lokpa
Altitude: 2240m/7168ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 13: Trek Lokpa to Ghap
Altitude: 2160m/6912 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 14: Trek Ghap to Lho
Altitude: 3180m/10395 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 15: Trek Lho to Samagaon
Altitude: 3500m/11550 ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 16: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon | Explore Birendra Lake, Pungin Gompa
(Optional - Exploration of Manaslu Base Camp)
Altitude: 4400m/14080ft. | Hike: 5-6 hrs | Meal: BLD
Day 17: Trek Samagaon to Samdo
Altitude: 3,690m/12,106 ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 18: Climb Samdo Ri or take a day trip to the Tibet border
Altitude: 3875m/12400ft. | Meal: BLD
Day 19: Trek Samdo to Dharamsala 4460m
Altitude: 4,470m/14,665ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 20: Trek Dharamsala to Bimtang via Larkya-La Pass
Altitude: Larkya La Pass: 5153 m/ 17005 ft. Bimtang: 3,720m/12,204ft. Trek: 8/9 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 21: Trek Bimtang to Dharapani
Altitude: 1,860m/6,102ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 22: Trek from Dharapani to Besisahar and Drive to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Drive: 7/8 hrs. | Meal: BL
Day 23: Departure from Kathmandu 1350m
Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. | Meal: Breakfast
Day 01 Arrival Day in Kathmandu 1350m - Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft.
On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, one of our representatives will pick up you and escort you to the hotel as well as help you to check-in at the hotel.
Day 02: Permit application day - Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. | Meal: Breakfast
Day 03 Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola - Altitude: 870 m/2952 ft. | Drive: 9/10 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Wake up early morning and get ready after having breakfast at the hotel, also re-check your luggage. Our driver will escort you to Bus Park to catch a bus to Arughat. You will be driving towards the western part of the valley following a blacktopped Prithvi Highway. Crossing the Trishuli River, you will drive towards Dhading Besi from where you will have a bumpy drive of around 3 hours to Arughat. On the way, you can view the beautiful landscape, countryside lifestyle, terraced fields, rivers, and waterfalls. Arughat is a small town mostly settled by the Newar ethnic group.
Resting for a while at Arughat starts a journey towards Soti Khola. Crossing a bridge across the Budhi Gandaki River, you will pass small villages settled by Gurung and Magar ethnic groups, beautiful field of millet and Paddy and landscape along the Sotikhola. Spend overnight at a local lodge.
Begins trek on few ups/down rocky trail after crossing a suspension bridge passing beautiful Sal forest. Viewing tropical waterfalls and passing terraces, you will walk up to the village of Lapubesi settled by traditional Gurung. Resting for a while, you will start walking uphill along the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River till Khanibesi. Here, you can click North-east view of Ganesh Himal and a beautiful waterfall and then starts descending towards the village at Macchakhola. You can take a relaxing dip in a hot spring and explore the surrounding. Spend overnight at a local lodge.
Day 04 Trek Macchakhola to Jagat - Altitude: 1340 m/7676 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Today, you will start walking in a narrow trail following the Budhi Gandaki River. Just walking in a zigzag trail and crossing a suspension bridge will take you to the Khorlabesi that offers a fantastic view of Ganesh Himal. Now onwards, you will walk in an ascending and descending trail, crosses several suspension bridges, passes landslides, rock falls, and small hamlets; even walk in stone steps along with rocky trail en-route to Jagat. On reaching Jagat, see the fabulous view of Sringi Himal; mani walls and Chirtens representing the Himalayan culture. Spend overnight at a local lodge.
Day 05 Trek Jagat to Phillim - Altitude: 1570 m/5025 ft. |Trek: 4/5 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Begins trek walking in a descending trail along the stone steps to the riverbed before it slides up along the terraced farmlands to Saguleri. Savor the striking vista of Singri Himal, 7187m from Salleri. Chasing the trail on the left beyond Salleri, you trek upstream penetrating a deep gorge with towering rock walls on both sides, pass some settlement including Ghatte Khola & large Gurung village Philim; visit Chhyoling Sandu Gumb and you will stay here for an overnight.
Day 06 Trek Phillim to Chumling - Altitude: 2386 m/7827 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Starts journey crossing check-post and MCAP Visitors Center will take you to Ekle Bhatti. Traverse across the gorge and tread along the right side trail to the cascading waterfall before the trek enters the pine forest. With some ups and downs trail, enjoying the breathtaking views Boudha Himal, you will reach to a beautiful village Lokpa. Beyond Lokpa, you will walk in a downhill trail for a couple of hours taking you to the riverbed of Lungwa khola. Then, walk in an uphill trail along the snaky route through the forested region takes you to Gumlung. Now, crossing a suspension bridge over Siyar River, you will reach at Chumling. It is also called as Lower Tsum. Savor the impressive view of Shringi Himal and take your time to visit the old Chumling Gompa. Spend overnight at a local lodge.
Day 07 Trek Chumling to Chhokangparo - Altitude: 3010 m/9903 ft. | Trek: 4/5 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Starts walking along the field of Maize and Potato, enjoy the superb view of Ganesh Himal, Gompas, you will arrive at Gho Village. Along the trail, see the unique settlement at Ripchet, stone houses with iron roofs, spacious farm of barley, maize, buckwheat, and potatoes as well as the herds of Thar grazing the wild cliffs towards the north and some important Gompas. Further climbing a couple of hours will takes you to the Chhokan Paro. Chhokan Paro caters outstanding view of Himalchuli (7893 m) and Ganesh Himal (7140 m). Spend overnight at the local lodge.
Day 08 Trek Chhokangparo to Nile - Altitude: 3361 m/11058 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Sliding up to the ridge and walking for a while, you arrive at Lamagaon & crossing a primitive suspension bridge then arrive to famous Rachen Gompa of Tsum Valley. The monastery is a well-known Nunnery Gompa of this region. Exploring around the monastery & interacting with nuns of the gompa, you then resume trek. Crossing Shiar Khola and continuing to walk, walk across Lar Village, which houses a small hydropower plant. Simultaneously traversing across Phurbe and Pangdun, you can observe plenty of signs of Himalayan Buddhism and reach the village of Chhule. Beyond Chhule, the trek goes upstream, crosses the bridge over it and then finally arrives in Nile. Spend overnight at Homestay.
Day 09 Trek Nile to Mu Gompa - Altitude: 3700 m/12174 ft. | Trek: 3/4 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Today’s walk will take you very close proximity to the Tibetan border. Hence, trekking today caters plenty of Tibetan landscapes and culture. Walking along the west of the valley followed by gentle uphill climb brings you to Mu Gompa. This is the highest land of your trek exhibiting high Himalayan culture and lifestyle, monasteries, and an extensive view of yak pastures surrounding Mu Gompa along with Longnang glacier. Explore the highland monastery; you can the hike up to Dhephu Doma Gompa and trek back to Mu Gompa for the overnight stay.
Day 10 Trek Chhokangparo - Altitude: 3010 m/9903 ft. | Meal: BLD
Today, you will have a rest day at Mu Gompa and you can go for a short hike to explore the surrounding of Mu Gompa. Actually, Mu Gompa is the largest monastery of Tsum valley and a center of culture. You can observe the lifestyle, language, and culture of a monk at Gompa. Also, the surround fascinates the demanding views of peaks of both Tibet and Nepal especially the magnificent view of Ganesh Himal. Taking time, you can also hike to the base camp of Pika Peak. Spend overnight at the Local lodge in Mu Gompa.
Day 11 Trek Gumba Lungdango - Altitude: 3010 m/9903 ft. | Meal: BLD
Day 12 Trek to Lokpa - Altitude: 2240m/7168ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD
After Breakfast, following the downhill path passing several villages, you will reach Lokpa. It is a border village separating Tsum from Manaslu Circuit Trek. En route, enjoy the cultivated land, magnificent view of the mountains, and beautiful villages. Spend overnight at a local lodge.
Day 13 Trek Lokpa to Ghap - Altitude: 2160m/6912 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Crossing a bridge, you will walk along the villages following Lamastic Buddhism, see the some Mani walls/ Chortens and flattering flags enroute. The village of Ghap is about four hours, which straddles the river. Enjoy the landscape, deserted Gumba and the Himalayan culture. Spend overnight at lodge.
Day 14 Trek Ghap to Lho - Altitude: 3180m/10395 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD
The clear sighs of gaining the elevation are visible as you move into alpine territory where the mountain views are more than terrific. Myriads of mani stone walls and crossings of the Buri Gandaki thrice en-route will bring to Namrung. At Namrung, you need to issue trekking permits and MCAP permit. Beyond Namrung, the valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. Then, a gradual up climb followed by crossing a bridge over a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, you reach the Tibetan village of Sho, 3000m. Beyond Sho, you get first incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu Main. A further trek will bring you to Lho, a large village at 3150 metres where there is a lovely little monastery and numerous chortens and Manis. Looking back, Ganesh I is visible. Spend overnight at Lho local lodge/camping.
Day 15 Trek Lho to Samagaon - Altitude: 3500m/11550 ft. | Trek: 3/4 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Beyond Lho, chase the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. Continuing along the main trail, you will reach Sama Gaon 3500m after a while trek. You can visit Sama Gompa which is just 20 minutes’ walk from Sama. Spend overnight at Sama local lodge/camping.
Day 16 Acclimatization Day at Samagaon or Exploration of Manaslu Base Camp - Altitude: 4400m/14080ft. | Meal: BLD
It is wise to rest during trek for proper acclimatization before gaining the height. Spend your time at Sama Village enjoying the culture, lifestyle, and people following Lamaism. You can either hike to a ridge to view the stunning mountain including Nadi CHuli, Manaslu, Larke, and Naike. Or, you can also go to visit the Pung Gyen Gompa, capture the fabulous view of Puggen Glacier. Your walk on rest will let you familiarize with height. You can also trek to Manaslu Base Camp and retrace Back to Sama Goan for an overnight stay.
Day 17 Trek Samagaon to Samdo - Altitude: 3,690m/12,106 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Today, you will trek to the Manaslu Base Camp that is incredibly a great trip. You will walk up for around 5 hours to base camp. Explore the surrounding and continue walking for your final destination towards Samdo. Todays’ trail will be a bit longer enjoying the sunlight on the mountains and glaciers. The best part of the trek is the incredible turquoise view of Birendra Lake. Spend some time in the base camp, then trek to Samdo. From now, you will enter the forest filled with birch, juniper, rhododendron, moss, and Lichen. The trail will take you towards the Kyonggma Kharka that manifests small huts made with stones and a long Mani walls. Crossing a bridge over Budhi Gandaki River, you will enter the village of Samdo. It is a very close village to Tibet settled by the Tibetan Refugee community, have Taka Choeling Gompa, big Mani wall and close to Sonam Glacier as well as a viewpoint of Naike and Pangboche Peaks. Spend overnight at Local lodge/camping.
Day 18 Climb Samdo Ri or take a day trip to Tibet border - Altitude: 3875m/12400ft. | Meal: BLD
Today will be free time at Samdo. It will allow you to acclimatize you properly before heading to altitude. Utilizing time, you can visit the village or take a day trip to the Tibet border and even climb Samdo Ri. These activities will be beneficial while trekking high altitude. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 19 Trek Samdo to Dharamsala 4460m - Altitude: 4,470m/14,665ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Today, you will gain a significant height. Beyond Samdo 3780m, you will trek along Larke Khola to Dharmashala (Stone Hut) 4460 along the steep trail above the river. At a point on today’s trek, you will be mesmerized with the incredible view of Larke Kunda. Keeping on gaining the height, you will arrive in Larkya Phedi 5105 crossing Larkya-La Pass 5153m. The trail passes through the Mani walls and Stone Huts while walking towards Larke Phedi. Larke Phedi is also called as Dharmasala or Rest House, is a seasonal village that provides rooms and tents for the trekkers. On reaching, you can hike the hills for acclimatization and retrace back to Phedi for the overnight stay at Resthouse/camping.
Day 20 Trek Dharamsala to Bimtang via Larkya-La Pass - Altitude: Larkya La Pass: 5153 m/ 17005 ft. Bimtang: 3,720m/12,204ft. | Trek: 8/9 hrs. | Meal: BLD
The most exciting day of this trek is crossing a Larkya-la Pass gaining ultimate altitude. Just starts walking in the early morning, you will pass the moraine route of the Larkya Glacier, cross frozen lakes and follow the steep up will takes you to Larkya-la. You will see the flattering colorful flags in a place, make your day a wonderful time catching the magnificent view of the snowcapped peaks including Annapurna II, Kangguru, Himlung, Larkey and many more. Continue walking following the guide in a steep descend on a high moraine ridge of Salpudanda glacier. Now onwards, the trail will be grassy moraine rock fall of Dangboche Kharka. Walking for a while will take you to the beautiful Bimthang Village. From here, you can view the fantastic scene of the peaks like the Lamjung, Manaslu, Phungi, Himlung and Cheo Himal. Spend overnight at Local lodge/ Camping at Bimthang.
Day 21 Trek Bimtang to Dharapani - Altitude: 1,860m/6,102ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD
Begins the trail to the Hampuk, a rock shelter cave, and crossing a bridge, you will continue walking down through the forest of Rhododendron and Pine, passing several villages and cultivated land, explore the Gho Village settled by the Gurung community as well as the Kilpu waterfall. You will reach Tilje, where you can rest for a while. Explore traditional Gurung Village. From now, you will continue walking towards Dharapani after crossing a bridge over the Dudh River. Explore the village and spend time enjoying the surrounding. Spend overnight at Local Lodge.
Day 22 Trek from Dharapani to Besisahar and drive to Kathmandu - Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. | Drive: 7/8 hrs. | Meal: BL
Your trek will officially end and from Besisahar, you will drive back to Kathmandu. Along the serpentine mountain mishmash road followed by snaky Prithvi Highway the journey longs for 7-8 hours. The journey on this highway is also a highlighting part of the trip. The cultural practices in the semi-urban areas of Nepal, the fast flowing Himalayan Rivers and the ongoing adventurous activities there and most importantly the hilly landscapes on the roadsides represents different Nepal. You will be having your lunch at one of the highway resorts and in the late afternoon, you will be arriving in Kathmandu. Rest of the time in Kathmandu you can unleash your trekking tiredness hunting the souvenirs on the streets of Thamel or simply chill in your hotel room.
Day 23 Departure from Kathmandu 1350m - Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. | Meal: Breakfast
It is the last day with us. Our supporting team will take you to the airport for your final departure. We hope to see you again. Additionally, if you have the plan of any adjoining trip, you can let us organize.
During the trip weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
Cost Include
Cost Exclude
Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes, however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is important that we consult with our doctor before we decide and set up for the Round Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Treks Planner Nepal before booking the trek.
Trekking in the Himalayan region goes through unexpected complication like natural and health challenges resulting changes in the itinerary for your own security reason, If such incident happens during the trek our professional Guide, Porters and leader take you to final point safely for evacuation so, please be friendly with your guide for more achievements and protections. Flights in the Himalayan region often get canceled even in the best season due to bad weather so we request our travelers to carry luggage for extra days.
Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip but if you want, we can still customize the itinerary according to your wish and preferable time for a visit. Feel free to write to us or you can even give us a call if you would like to discuss any aspect regarding the trip.
During the trip weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.