Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek

The trip starts with a scenic and leisurely drive from Kathmandu against the backdrop of thick green hills, terraced farmland, and colourful riverside villages. You will wind through the busy town of Arughat and continue along the Budi Gandaki River, where sparkling waterfalls tumble down jagged cliffs. On the final stretch to Machha Khola, you can expect a bumpy ride.

Once in Machha Khola, take a scenic, calm walk along the river and slowly acclimatise to the peaceful Himalaya bust of the river and mountains. In the evening, you will dine on your first dal bhat, the meal of choice for all trekkers in the Himalaya. 

You will trek today alongside the booming Budi Gandaki River, through the forest, and over swaying suspension bridges. There are many tiny settlements and natural hot springs in Tatopani, where you can soak your tired legs and back in warm mineral water. Then, after all this relaxing, the path undulates and climbs gently and will deliver you to the village of Jagat.

This stone-built settlement is the gateway to entering the Manaslu Conservation Area, with narrow, cobbled stone streets and traditional houses decorated with prayer flags, representative of life in the foothills of the Himalaya. 

Elevation gain is gentle in the beginning as the trail meanders through thick pine forest, and the air here feels fresh and cool. As you gain energy and altitude, you begin to see mountains. You will cross exhilarating suspension bridges and fast-flowing rivers, arriving in Lokpa, the official gateway to Tsum Valley.

Here you will experience a culture change as you enter a region rich in Tibetan Buddhism, and you may catch your first breathtaking view of the Ganesh Himal far in the distance. 

This is a steep climb, but well worth it as you wind through the beautiful rhododendron and pine forest that adds color to an otherwise rugged landscape. The trail clings to the edges of cliffs overlooking deep gorges below. Cruising into Chumling, you will notice little has changed as you see traditional stone houses and elaborate mani walls with wind-blown prayer wheels turning.

After you settle in, you can stroll around the village and head to Chumling Gompa to meditate and reflect on the peace generated by the singing monks. 

Today, the trail opens into wide, beautiful paths skirting fields of terraced agriculture and alpine scenery. As you gain elevation, Chhokang Paro reveals itself as a culturally vibrant village, adorned with breeze-swept prayer flags and ancient monasteries. Take time to wander around the village, taking in the unique architecture, reminiscent of Tibetan homes, and interacting with friendly locals who excitedly share stories of their communities. 

The trail continues deeper into the mythical Tsum Valley and into open meadows and impressive Himalayan vistas. Today, you will visit Milarepa's Cave — a revered pilgrimage site named after a famous Tibetan saint. You will find yourself feeling the historical and spiritual significance here, standing surrounded by high cliffs and steep canyons. Continue trekking to the Nile — the last village before Tibet with extraordinary views of Ganesh Himal and glacial rivers.

The day starts with a short hike up, but steep to Mu Gompa — 3,700 meters – the spiritual heart of Tsum Valley. Surrounded by snowy peaks, this ancient monastery offers a glimpse into the monastic life of Buddhist monks who live in quiet devotion. After absorbing the tranquil energy and panoramic views, you can take an optional hike to Dhephu Doma Gompa before returning to Nile for the night. 

We are retracing the path back along the Siyar Khola, and experiencing a fresh perspective of the valleys and mountains you passed earlier. As you are going down, there is time to rest and absorb the peaceful beauty within the region. As you return to the lower villages, you will feel the overarching theme of Tsumba hospitality—the opportunity to taste homemade butter tea and have a glass of traditional fermented raksi, the local specialty where the drink is shared with smiles and stories.

Today, your journey from Tsum Valley back into the Manaslu Circuit begins. Probably the best trek of the trip, the paths hug mixed forests, and you will pass beautiful hamlets until reaching Deng. You will notice there is a transition in the local cultures and traditions from Tibetan to Gurung and Magar, exhibited through local architecture and clothing. 

Today you will start an ascent through fir and oak forests, kicking off your trekking day on a good note. Suspension bridges and tiny villages hugging the mountainside are the features of this section of the trail until reaching Namrung. As you approach Namrung, the world opens up, and you will have clearer views of Ganesh Himal as you take in every valley view. The picturesque village of Namrung is the perfect place to have some hearty Tibetan thukpa while watching the sun descend behind the snowy peaks

The trek to Lho is short and incredibly scenic. Lho is one of the prettiest villages on the circuit, with the famous Ribung Monastery perched on a ridge, surrounded by spectacular meadows, and with Manaslu towering high over the village. Spend your afternoon visiting the monastery and getting amazing photographs of the dazzling Himalayan giants glowing with the last bit of light at dusk.

You will trek through yak pastures and glacial valleys until the entire landscape opens up before you, and you enter the great plains of Sama Gaun. Sama Gaun is a relatively bustling cultural center of the region and is the largest village on the trek, with deep roots in history and precedent, and full of monasteries and prayer walls. Enjoy exploring the village, and don't miss Birendra Lake's turquoise waters and sweeping views of Manaslu in the background.

Sama Gaun is perfectly set at this altitude and is a good place to spend an acclimatization day. Enough climbing to either Manaslu Base Camp (for the hardcore adventurers) or a leisurely walk to Birendra Lake. Or just relax and wander around the village. It will be a great day of finding a really nice balance of resting, having fun exploring, and learning and experiencing the culture in the area.

The path leads gradually uphill from Sama Gaun to Samdo, windswept and perched above the marshy Tibetan border. This isolated hamlet of Samdo still feels as if it is entirely detached from the world. It is an important trading outpost for Yak caravans who still follow ancient trading routes. Stroll around all afternoon—check out the unique stone houses in the village, and soak in the starkly beautiful high-altitude scenery. 

There is an optional acclimatization hike to a viewpoint below the Lajyung Pass ridge, with an incredible view of the surrounding Himalayan giants. Today is important for acclimatizing before your big pass. Use this day to rest, drink, and try to shoot some photos of the peaks around you.

Hooray! It's a short, steep trek to Dharamsala (aka Larke Phedi), the last stop before the big pass. This area is remarkable, though barren. The rugged cliffs juxtaposed against some distant snow fields create an atmosphere of raw beauty. You likely will arrive in Dharamsala early afternoon. Organize your pack and mentally prepare for the crossing. 

After an early start, you'll begin the climb towards the Larke La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The ascent is arduous, but the views are incredibly rewarding, with vistas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II stretching to the horizon. After a well-deserved break at the top, you will continue the long descent to Bimthang—upon arrival, you are greeted with lush alpine meadows like an oasis after the icy wilderness. 

Enjoy your descent through beautiful rhododendron forests, across crystal-clear streams, leave the barren highlands behind and descend into verdant valleys. Tilije awaits, with its picturesque Gurung houses and apple orchards - make sure to check out some home-made apple raksi.

An easy hike to Dharapani, where you regain the famous Annapurna Circuit trail, from here you take a scenic tour by car, along river valleys and terraced fields, finishing in Besi Sahar. Settle in, then celebrate your successful trek with your companions over a hearty meal, shared stories,

Experience the final leg of your trip as you take a leisurely drive back to Kathmandu, through quaint hillsides and busy shops along the roadside. The difference between the mountains and the bustling city will be almost surreal as you check back into the city. You will have the evening to wander the streets of Thamel, shop for souvenirs or handicrafts, and enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner. 

There's a well-deserved day of relaxation in Kathmandu, where you will have time to see the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include the quiet Boudhanath Stupa and the high-culture Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). You can do some last shopping and enjoy many of the wonderful little cafes to rest while you reflect on your Himalayan adventure.

We wrap up with a ride to Tribhuvan International Airport. As it takes off, you will get one more last glance of the Himalayan skyline that not only you will remember, but possibly many of your descendants will recall as well.