Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley

Your second day is dedicated to exploring the rich cultural, architectural, and spiritual heart of the Kathmandu Valley through a guided tour of several famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Your first destination is the revered Swayambhunath Stupa, perched atop a hilltop on the western ring of the city. Ascending the stone stairway brings you to a sacred Buddhist complex surrounded by prayer wheels and playful resident monkeys, offering a sweeping 360-degree panorama of the entire Kathmandu Valley.

Next, you will head to Patan Durbar Square, located in the center of Lalitpur. Stepping into the square reveals an open-air museum of ancient Newari architecture, intricate stone and wood sculptures, and the historic royal palace courtyard of the Malla kings.

Continuing your journey, you visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. As one of the oldest and most significant Hindu temple complexes dedicated to Lord Shiva, it draws devoted pilgrims and holy ascetics (sadhus) from across the world to perform timeless spiritual rituals.

Your final stop of the day is the massive Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and a central hub for Tibetan Buddhism. Walking along its base beneath the watchful painted eyes of the Buddha, you can explore the surrounding artisan shops, thangka painting galleries, and rooftop restaurants, making it a peaceful place to enjoy lunch and unwind before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Max Altitude:

1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Duration:

6 to 7 hours

Accommodation:

3 star hotel

Meals:

Breakfast

Leaving the capital behind, you take a direct vehicle from Kathmandu toward Machha Khola. The journey begins with a smooth, scenic drive along the highway, following rushing rivers, rolling green hills, and terraced farmlands.

As you move further along, the route transitions onto a more rugged, bumpy, and dusty off-road track winding through rural settlements and valley gorges. After a full day of travel, you arrive at Machha Khola, a lively village that serves as the official starting point of your trek. Here, you will check into a cozy local teahouse, relax, and prepare for your first day on the trail tomorrow.

Max Altitude:

1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Duration:

7 to 9 hours drive

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early morning breakfast, you officially lace up your boots to begin your first day of trekking from Machha Khola to Jagat. The trail meanders alongside the turbulent Budhi Gandaki River, gently climbing up and down through a mix of rocky terrain, forested ridges, and rustic settlements.

Along the way, you will cross several suspension bridges spanning the rushing river and pass through small villages like Khorlabesi and Tatopani—famous for its natural hot springs. The path continues past terraced hillsides and narrow valley carved paths, offering an immersive introduction to the landscape. After a long and rewarding day of walking, you arrive at the stone-paved checkpoint village of Jagat, where you will check into a cozy local teahouse for the night.

Trek Distance:

22 km / 13.7 mi

Max Altitude:

1,340 m / 4,396 ft

Duration:

7 to 8 hours

Accommodation:

Local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early morning breakfast, you set off from Jagat, walking through dense forests and climbing uphill to reach the village of Salleri for a short rest. Continuing onward, the trail leads you to Sirdibas, where the valley gradually begins to widen as you approach Philim village.

Beyond Philim, you pass through settlements like Ekle Bhatti, cross over the Budhi Gandaki River on suspension bridges, and wind your way through cool bamboo forests. Leaving the main circuit trail behind to head toward the hidden sanctuary of the Tsum Valley, your day concludes with a final stretch leading to your destination of Lokpa, the gateway village tucked beneath towering cliffs.

Trek Distance:

12 km / 7.5 mi

Max Altitude:

2,240 m / 7,349 ft

Duration:

6 to 7 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Starting early in the morning after a hearty breakfast, your trek leads you deeper into the hidden sanctuary of the Tsum Valley. If the weather is clear, you will be treated to magnificent, inspiring views of Boudha Himal and the majestic Ganesh Himal towering over the horizon.

The trail winds through a rugged landscape, dipping toward the river valley before climbing steadily upward through dense, vibrant forests filled with rhododendrons, pines, junipers, and seasonal wildflowers. Continuing along this scenic path, you will finally reach the traditional village of Chumling. Here, you can spend your afternoon exploring the local stone-paved alleys and visiting nearby cultural landmarks such as Panago Gompa and Gurwa Gompa.

Trek Distance:

8 km / 5 mi

Max Altitude:

2,386 m / 7,828 ft

Duration:

4 to 5 hours

Accommodation:

Local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day begins with the stunning, golden glow of sunrise illuminating the peaks of Shringi Himal. Setting off on your trek deeper into the Upper Tsum Valley, you will be accompanied by expansive, full-frame views of Ganesh Himal towering grandly across the horizon.

As you advance, the cultural atmosphere shifts noticeably, with profound Tibetan influences reflected in the local lifestyle, architecture, and landscape. Along the trail, you will navigate past designated landslide zones before crossing into the twin-settlement valley known locally as Chekampar, or more commonly Chhokang Paro Village. Here, traditional stone houses sit nestled against wide, flat farmlands under a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Trek Distance:

9 to 10 km / 5.6 to 6.2 mi

Max Altitude:

3,031 m / 9,945 ft

Duration:

5 to 6 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek leads you toward the final major settlement of the Tsum Valley, situated remarkably close to the border of Tibet. As you continue climbing higher, the air becomes noticeably thinner, making it essential to maintain a steady pace and stay well-hydrated to prevent altitude-related illness.

Along the trail, you will visit the famous Milarepa Piren Phu Cave (Milarepa Cave), a deeply sacred meditation site associated with the renowned ancient Tibetan saint and poet Guru Milarepa. After exploring the cave and taking in the spiritual surroundings, you will cross the suspension bridge over the Shiar River and complete the final stretch to reach Nile, the northernmost permanent village in the valley.

Trek Distance:

10 km / 6.2 mi

Max Altitude:

3,361 m / 11,027 ft

Duration:

4 to 5 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today marks the crowning highlight of your Tsum Valley journey as you trek upward to Mu Gompa, the largest and highest monastery in the region. Setting off from Nile, the trail climbs steadily along a rugged, high-altitude mountain path that brings you deeper into an austere, breathtaking landscape near the Tibetan border.

Perched on a wide, wind-swept plateau at 3,700 meters (12,139 feet), Mu Gompa serves as the spiritual heart of the valley. Upon arrival, you can explore the ancient monastery, which houses sacred Buddhist scriptures, life-sized statues, traditional thangkas, and centuries-old artifacts. Surrounded by majestic peaks like Shringi Himal and Ganesh Himal, the peaceful and remote atmosphere offers an unforgettable cultural experience as you spend the night at this historic sanctuary.

Trek Distance:

4 to 5 km / 2.5 to 3.1 mi

Max Altitude:

3,700 m / 12,139 ft

Duration:

3 to 4 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is dedicated to exploring the remote high-altitude frontiers near the Tibetan border. Venturing out from Mu Gompa, you will walk past stark, windswept high-altitude trails toward tiny, isolated border settlements. Many of the families living in these rugged pockets trace their roots back to generations of migrants who crossed over from Tibet in search of high pastures, refuge, and fertile grazing grounds.

Spending time here offers a rare window into a resilient way of life, where ancient traditions, traditional stone dwellings, and authentic Tibetan customs remain completely untouched by modern development. After a morning of deep cultural exploration and soaking in the vast Himalayan wilderness, you will head back to Mu Gompa to spend a second peaceful night under the high mountain stars.

Trek Distance:

4 to 7 km / 2.5 to 4.3 mi

Max Altitude:

3,800 m / 12,467 ft

Duration:

3 to 4 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today offers a much easier and more relaxed day of trekking as you retrace your steps downward along the valley toward Chumling. Benefiting from the descending elevation, your breathing will feel much lighter and the walking significantly less strenuous.

Along the return route, you have the opportunity to visit additional local gompas and shrines you may have missed on the way up. The trail winds gently through vibrant forests filled with seasonal wildflowers and towering pines, crossing bouncing suspension bridges over roaring glacial streams, and passing once more through charming, Tibetan-influenced farming villages. By late afternoon, you arrive back in Chumling to rest and enjoy a peaceful evening.

Trek Distance:

18 to 20 km / 11.2 to 12.4 mi

Max Altitude:

3,700 m / 12,139 ft

Duration:

6 to 7 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek offers a thrilling and adventurous journey filled with undulating paths, rolling ups and downs, and changing landscapes. You begin your morning with sweeping, final views of Shringi Himal, walking alongside terraced farmlands and passing through small, traditional settlements.

The trail winds downward as you cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a soaring suspension bridge, leading you deeper into lush, sub-tropical forests. Following the riverside trail, you will eventually reach your destination for the evening—the quiet village of Deng, marking your transition back toward the main Manaslu Circuit route.

Trek Distance:

11 to 12 km / 6.8 to 7.5 mi

Max Altitude:

2,386 m / 7,828 ft

Duration:

5 to 6 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early morning breakfast, you set off from Deng, officially rejoining the main Manaslu Circuit trekking trail. The path winds alongside rushing rivers and through forested gorges, requiring careful footing as you cross designated landslide areas along the route.

As you climb higher, the landscape opens up into scenic alpine vistas, guiding you into Namrung, the official gateway village to the culturally rich Nupri region. Namrung is known for having some of the finest teahouses, lodges, and bakery options along the route, offering a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the evening.

Trek Distance:

11 to 12 km / 6.8 to 7.5 mi

Max Altitude:

2,630 m / 8,628 ft

Duration:

5 to 6 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek is a longer and more adventurous journey as you climb deeper into the high alpine zone, ascending toward higher elevations past a series of culturally rich villages. Most settlements in this upper region are heavily influenced by Tibetan traditions, inhabited largely by communities whose ancestors migrated across the border generations ago.

Climbing steadily through fragrant pine and rhododendron forests, you will soon break out into the stunning open landscape of Shyala Village. From here, you are treated to breathtaking, unobstructed panoramic views of Phungi, towering Mount Manaslu, and Himal Chuli. Shyala is a rustic, high-altitude settlement where locals rely heavily on hardy crops like potatoes and barley, as well as yak herding, to survive the harsh environment.

Continuing your trek with the majestic peak of Ganesh Himal accompanying you along the horizon, you will descend slightly and cross a wooden bridge before arriving at your final destination for the day: Samagaun, one of the largest and most culturally vibrant main villages on the Manaslu Circuit.

Trek Distance:

17 to 17.5 km / 10.5 to 10.9 mi

Max Altitude:

3,530 m / 11,581 ft

Duration:

6 to 7 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Traveling at high altitudes brings the risk of altitude sickness, making a dedicated acclimatization day in Samagaun essential to help your body safely adjust to the thinning air. Today offers two fantastic hiking options depending on your energy levels and fitness:

• Option 1: Hike to Pungyen Gompa (~5 to 6 hours round trip): This scenic trail leads you into a magnificent glacial valley beneath the east face of Mount Manaslu. The historic monastery is deeply sacred to local residents, who believe Lord Pungyan is the divine protector of the mountain.

• Option 2: Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (~7 hours round trip): For a more challenging adventure, you can push higher toward the foot of the world’s eighth-highest mountain. Standing at Base Camp offers breathtaking, close-up panoramas of towering glaciers and surrounding giant peaks including Himalchuli, Shringi Himal, and Ganesh Himal.

After returning to Samagaun in the afternoon, you can rest, explore the local Tibetan-style alleys, and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

Trek Distance:

8 to 12 km / 5 to 7.5 mi (depending on chosen hike)

Max Altitude:

4,400 m / 14,435 ft

Duration:

5 to 7 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek is a relatively short and manageable journey, giving your body time to recover while moving deeper into the high alpine zone. Departing Samagaun, the trail climbs gradually out of the tree line, winding past stone walls, ancient mani stones, and wide-open grazing fields where yaks graze against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

After about 4 to 5 hours of scenic walking, you arrive at Samdo, a remote Tibetan refugee village situated just a few kilometers from the Tibetan border. The community here belongs primarily to the Bhotia ethnic group, practicing traditional Tibetan customs and Buddhism.

In the afternoon, you can rest or choose an optional short hike up toward the ridges above Samdo Village or toward the border trade route tracks, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks before returning to your teahouse for the evening.

Trek Distance:

8 km / 5 mi

Max Altitude:

3,875 m / 12,713 ft

Duration:

4 to 5 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s journey takes you deep into the high-altitude wilderness, bringing you to the doorstep of the legendary pass. Leaving Samdo behind, the trail descends slightly across pasturelands before crossing a wooden bridge over the roaring Budhi Gandaki River.

Continuing onward, you will pass the seasonal trade hub of Larke Bazar—a historic marketplace where locals historically exchanged goods across the Tibetan border. Though often quiet today, it serves as a fascinating point of interest along the stark, rising valley. From here, the trail climbs steadily upward through barren, windswept terrain, keeping close alongside the glacier runoff and offering dramatic views of the looming Larkya Glacier. By early afternoon, you will arrive at Dharamsala (also known as Larkya Phedi), the high stone-built shelter that serves as the final staging ground before crossing the pass. Early rest and hydration are essential tonight to prepare for tomorrow’s big crossing.

Trek Distance:

7 to 8 km / 4.3 to 5 mi

Max Altitude:

4,460 m / 14,632 ft

Duration:

4 to 5 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today marks the ultimate pinnacle and most challenging day of your entire journey as you cross the legendary Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit trek.

Waking up well before dawn in the bitter cold of Dharamsala, you begin your ascent under a blanket of stars. Starting early is essential to beat the fierce, freezing high-altitude winds and changing weather that typically roll in by midday. Navigating a steep, rocky, and often snow-covered trail, you push upward through the stark alpine wasteland until you reach the prayer-flag-draped summit of the pass at 5,160 meters (16,929 feet).

As the sun rises over the horizon, you are rewarded with breathtaking, panoramic views of giant Himalayan peaks, including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the majestic Annapurna II.

After celebrating your monumental achievement at the pass, the descent begins. The long, careful walk down leads you past the stunning turquoise waters of Pongkar Lake, the sweeping expanse of the Salpu Danda Glacier, and towering icefalls before the trail flattens out into the sweeping, picturesque glacial valley of Bimthang.

Trek Distance:

12 to 15 km / 7.5 to 9.3 mi

Max Altitude:

5,160 m / 16,929 ft

Duration:

7 to 9 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following yesterday’s demanding high-altitude crossing, today offers a wonderfully gentle, relaxing, and scenic day of descent. Leaving the wide glacial valley of Bimthang behind, the trail leads you downhill through lush, vibrant alpine forests filled with blooming rhododendrons, towering pines, and colorful seasonal wildflowers.

As you walk peacefully alongside rushing glacial rivers, you are treated to lingering, gorgeous views of distant peaks such as Mount Manaslu, Manaslu North, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal. Passing through small, quiet settlements and terraced fields, you will arrive by early afternoon at the charming village of Tilije, where you can rest your legs and enjoy a cozy evening at a local teahouse.

Trek Distance:

15 to 16 km / 9.3 to 9.9 mi

Max Altitude:

3,720 m / 12,204 ft

Duration:

5 to 6 hours

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today marks your final day of trekking. You will set off from Tilije on a pleasant walk, passing through charming rural villages and walking alongside sunny agricultural farmlands until you reach Dharapani.

After taking some time to rest in Dharapani, you will transition to a vehicle for a scenic drive toward Besisahar. The winding mountain drive takes approximately 3 hours, bringing your incredible journey through the region to a close.

Trek Distance:

5 to 6 km / 3.1 to 3.7 mi

Max Altitude:

2,300 m / 7,546 ft

Duration:

1 to 2 hours (Trek) / ~3 hours (Drive)

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early morning breakfast, you will board a vehicle for your final return journey, driving directly from Besisahar back to Kathmandu. As you travel along the bumpy and dusty highway, you can sit back and enjoy scenic views of rolling green hills, terraced farmlands, and small rural settlements, closely following the winding paths of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can check back into your hotel and take a well-deserved rest after your long, incredible adventure. In the evening, the team will gather together for a celebratory farewell dinner, providing a wonderful opportunity to share your favorite memories and reflect on your journey through the Himalayas.

Max Altitude:

1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Duration:

6 to 7 hours drive

Accommodation:

local hotel

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today marks the official conclusion of your incredible Himalayan adventure. Following breakfast at your hotel, a team representative will escort you from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your international flight home.

Before you check in for your flight, you will be given a traditional Nepali farewell—featuring a warm Khada (a sacred white silk scarf symbolizing peace, purity, and good fortune) and flowers—to send you off with blessings and fond memories of Nepal.

Max Altitude:

1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Duration:

30 to 45 minutes drive

Meals:

breakfast,