The trek to the hidden Tsum valley is one of the most sought adventures in the western Nepal. Also known as the land of monasteries Tsum Valley has been blessed with the eternal Buddhist culture that mixes the Nepal and Tibetan culture making it one of a unique cultural trip ever. As we trek near the Tibetan border, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek enables us to witness the Tibetan side of the mountains as well.

Manaslu Tsum valley Trek is perfect for those who want a long trek yet not hindered by the crowding of the trekkers. Since this is one of the uncharted lands in Nepal, it has not been exposed to others as another trek. Tsum is considered a different area from both Nepal and Tibet yet the culture flourishes from both spectrums.

This trek takes the people in and out the Budhi Gandaki and Marsyandi valley alongside the great Marsyangdi River. Trekkers will pass diverse landscape ranging from the flat terrace field to the rocky trail to the alpine and Rhododendron forests while enjoying the company of the welcoming villagers in the area. There are many monasteries and Gompas to follow while enjoying the view of the mystic peaks like the Annapurna mountain range, Mt. Manaslu (8,156m), Mt. Macchapuchhre (6,993m), Sringi Himal (7,422m) and many others.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Explore the beauty of the hidden Tsum valley in this trek to the western Himalayas near the Tibetan border. As you traverse across the diverse landscape and enjoy the view of the majestic mountains and the pristine waters, this journey will leave you something to worth tell about.

Located in the northern part of Manaslu, the Tsum valley amalgamates the Tibetan culture with our own and this Buddhist influenced region shows for some of the most dazzling representation of religion with the chortens, prayer flags, and monasteries among many others. Passing through the deep gorges and walking alongside the great rivers have never been so fascinating.

The natural scenery that one may experience in this trek is enormous. The giant snowcapped mountains can be seen from a distance at their full might. They serve as a great backdrop to the already existing green landscape. We also cross Larkya Pass (5,106m)- the highest point in the trek which enables the trekker to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding area. From the village of Namrung and Lho, we can view the sunrise reflecting upon these ice monstrosities.

Along with the natural richness, Manaslu Tsum Valley trek also provides the chance to interact with the local people and learn about their way of living, their lifestyle and their culture. The Tsum region has been inhabited by the Buddhist religion and follows the Buddhist way of life.

This is a 27 days’ trek to the north western Nepal. As the maximum height reaches more than 5,000 acclimatization plays a crucial role in the success of the journey. We reserve two of the days to get accustomed to the high altitude. The rocky landscape and steep ridges will test the limit of your stamina. In this moderately difficult trek, endurance and stamina are other aspects that you must have to take on this journey. Prior trekking experience is advised. If you are facing physical and medical conditions like high blood pressure, then we would request you to take the opinion of the doctor before taking on this trek.

As with most of the other treks in Nepal, the main season for Manaslu Tsum valley trek is in spring (March-May). The weather is clear and it is perfect to walk without any hindrance. The view of the mountains is excellent. The cloud may obstruct the view if we travel post-spring season which is marked by extreme rain. Another good time to visit would be the autumn (November – December). The weather is favorable in this season as well. Post autumn marks the beginning of weather which will surely be detrimental to your health, especially considering the fact that you are up in the mountains.

Volunteer’s Initiative Nepal is a social organization operating in Nepal. The major objective of VIN is to make sure that there is social equality in the county. The proceeds from the trek will be allocated to the marginalized communities who don’t have access to facilities like food, water, sanitation. This amount from the expense will be used to develop infrastructure and make their life better. There are many people in the rural people who are deprived of these facilities and VIN will channelize the fund towards them and make the facilities available to them. So, this trek not only associates with the journey through the uncharted land of Nepal but also act as a medium to help someone have a better life through your contribution.

Highlights

Trek to the world-famous place in Nepal and world
One of the most popular trekking destinations globally.
Winters are extremely cold and harsh, making trekking challenging.
Witness lush meadows, thick rhododendron forests, and vibrant valleys.
Immerse yourself in natural beauty, culture, and unique traditions.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

After your arrival via Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be transported to your hotel. Rest your luggage and you can stroll around the city of Kathmandu. You can hang out in Thamel and enjoy the nightlife there.

Day 2 :

Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Before embarking on the trek, this day you will visit various cultural and religious sites. This includes Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath as well as the Durbar Square. After reaching the hotel, you will be briefed about the trek. Get packing for the next day.

Day 3 :

Kathmandu – Barpak (2,000m)

Early morning breakfast at the hotel and we drive west to Barpak. Driving alongside the Trishuli River and the giant hills we pass Gorkha and then reach the village of Baluwa. We take a jeep to Barpak situated at the hilltop. 7 hours of drive.

Day 4 :

Barpak – Laprak (2,220m)

This day marks the start of our trek. We initially climb alongside the Budhi Gandaki River and reach Gupsi Danda. From the top, we can view the beautiful western Himalayas including mountains like Shringi Himal and Ganesh Himal. From the hill, we go downhill and reach the Gurung village of Laprak. 5 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 5 :

Laprak – Khorlabeshi (875m)

Today we trek downhill. Trekking east to the Manaslu valley we walk alongside the Budhi Gandaki river. Crossing a long suspension bridge over this river we come across a hill side path. From there, it’s a steep climb down. Along the way we pass through Singla village with the view of the bewitching Mt. Manaslu (8,156m) and reach Khorlabeshi. 6 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 6 :

Khorlabeshi – Jagat (1,410m)

Passing through some Gurung settlements and up and down the ridges, we reach Tatopani (which translates to ‘hot water’). This place is famous for the hot springs. There is a ridge up to the Budhi Gandaki which we must cross to reach Dovan. Crossing the Yaru River and gorges we enter the restricted land of Jagat. 6 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 7 :

Jagat – Philim (1,590m)

We continue after the breakfast and reach Salleri (1,440m). From here, the view of Sringi Himal becomes even more majestic. Passing the Buddhist village of Siridibas (1,430m) we cross a long suspension bridge to reach Philim. 7 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 08 :

Philim – Chumling (2,363m)

We pass through forests to reach Ekli Bhatti. An easy walk through the verdant forest and we come across narrow path to a more open land. We walk alongside the bank of Budhi Gandaki River and reach Lokpa village inhabited by Gurung people. After a few more stretch, we reach the Buddhist village of Chumling. This area is considered to be in the Lower Tsum. 6 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 09 :

Chumling – Chhokhangparo (3,010m)

Initially, the trail leads to a gradual ascend. Then crossing a suspension bridge, we walk through maize and potato field. We walk pass Serphu Khola and enter the Tsum Valley. Then, we climb up through the pine forest and reach Chhekamapar. With the view of the Ganesh Himal, we walk some more to reach Chhokanparo. 5 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 10 :

Chokhangparo – Nile (3,361m)

Heading north east through the Gurung villages we enter the pine forest. Crossing the forest leads to Lamagon where we can stop by to visit the Milarepa cave Monastery which is pretty famous in the area. Reaching Nile, we can visit Mu-Gompa (3,700m) – the largest monastery in the area. We can also visit the Piren Phu Cave. This lies in the highest and farthest point in Tsum valley.

Day 11 :

Nile – Bhajyo (4,030m)

We trek along the west of the valley. There, we can visit Mu Gompa- one of the most famous Gompa in the area. The view from the area of the mountains and the landscape is worth admiring. This place is pretty close to the Tibet boarder. We rest in Bhajyo for the night. 4 hours of walk. BLD Included.

Day 12 :

Excursion in Bhajyo

Since the altitude is well above 4,000m we take this day for acclimatization. However, in order to get our engines running, we will stroll around the highlands. The view of the surrounding mountains is something that will accompany the entire day. We can also roam around the village and interact with the friendly villagers. BLD included.

Day 13 :

Bhajyo – Rachen Gompa (3,240m)

Early morning breakfast and we continue our trek. Descending downhill we will pass Mu Gompa. Walking alongside the Siyar river and through the plains we reach Rachen Gomba- a nunnery. This was established in 1905 AD and famous in the area. This monastery has its own historical importance. 6 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 14 :

Rachen Gompa – Chumje (3,230m)

There’s a bridge that we have to cross early on the trek. We descend down to Chhonkagnparo until we reach Gho. We trek further to the north. Passing Yaju we reach Chumje in Lower Tsum. The view of the surrounding hills and mountains including Sringi and Ganesh himal will keep us company throughout our trek. 6 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 15 :

Chumje – Bihi (3,130m)

It’s an easy walk from Chumje. Following the northern route, we pass Dorjon Kharka. There’s a long suspension bridge which takes us across the great Budhi Gandaki River and to Bihi. 6 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 16 :

Bihi – Namrung (2,540m)

It’s the uphill stretch at the beginning. After few stretches, the trail is steeper and slipper. Going west towards the Tibetan more bored we enter Tibetan refugee camp. Going uphill through the thick forests we reach the village of Namrung. There is police checkpoint so our permit will be checked. This village is a good spot to view the mountains. 6 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 17 :

Namrung – Lho (3,180m)

Early morning, we will visit the Namla Gompa in Namrung. Then its uphill walk through the forest till we reach Lihi. From Lihi we can view the Himchuli and other Annapurna range. Manaslu peak can be seen in the north. We pass sho and the stone gate there and after a slight ascend we reach Lho where we will camp for the night. 5 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 18 :

Lho – Samagaon (3,530m)

Starting by going downhill we will walk alongside the river. Then we climb a small ridge and reach a small jungle. Through and pass the forest we reach Shyala village which is inhabited by the Tibetan refugees. We cross a suspension bridge over Numala River and reach the Tibetan village of Samagaon. 6 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 19 :

Samagaon – Samdo (3,860m)

Trekking alongside the Budhi Gandaki we proceed slowly due to thin air. It’s a gradual uphill walk. Entering the juniper and birch forests we can feel fresh air. There’s a narrow path which leads to the village of Samdo which may be covered in the beautiful white snow. Today’s trek is rather short so the rest of the day we hike around Samdo acclimatizing with the rising altitude and thin air. 4 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 20 :

Samdo – High Camp (4,460m)

This is yet another challenging day as we gradually ascend up the steep ridges. There’s a wooden bridge that takes us across the Budhi Gandaki River. Walking alongside the Salka river we cross the Larkya Glacier and then to Larka Phedi which is also called Dharmasala. A gradual ascend and we reach the High camp where we rest for the day. 7 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 21 :

High Camp – Bimthang (3,590m)

We reach northern side of Larkya glacier with the view of the surrounding mountains like the Larkya peak, Annapurna II (7,937m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Himlung Himal, etc. Then, we cross the Larkya Pass (5,106m)- the highest point of the trek. The air is thin so we proceed slowly. We can see the exquisite 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains which deserves great pictures. Crossing the pass, its a downhill trek through the pastures until we reach Bimthang. 9 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 22 :

Excursion in Bimthang

This is a good time to relax your muscle and get accustomed to the high altitude. We will hike around the area and take some good pictures of the surrounding landscape. There’s a ridge in the region which provides a great view of the mountains. We can also interact with the local people and learn about their lifestyle and culture.

Day 23 :

BImthang – Dharapani (1,860m)

We descend down the Burdin Khola valley. Then it’s some more downhill trek alongside the Dudh Khola. Crossing the Karch La pass we reach a thick Rhododendron forest and then some open fields. Tilije village is one of the famous villages in the area with friendly villagers. We will take our rest in Tilije. Crossing the Dudh Khola through a wooden bridge we reach Dharapani where we stay for the night. 7 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 24 :

Dharapani – Ghermu (1,100m)

Today we pass through a bridge over the Dudh Khola and reach a chorten shaped arch. There’s a mani wall that we must cross to reach Thonje. This village has a police checkpoint and requires us to show our special permit. Another suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi river and we reach Tal. Crossing Tal and with the view of the scenic green landscape and waterfalls we pass Chyamje and to Jagat. From there, we descend down through the Marshyangi valley and after crossing the Marshyangi River we reach Ghermu. 7 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 25 :

Ghermu – Besisahar (800m)

This will be the last day of the trek as we walk through the bank of the Marshyang River and through the fields and villages. After slight descend alongside the river ewe reach the village of Bhulbhule. Few more stretch and we reach Besisahar which marks the end of the arduous yet exciting trek. Overnight in Besisahar. 4 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 26 :

Besisahar – Kathmandu

We drive back to Kathmandu alongside the Marsyangdi and Trishuli River with the view of the beautiful hills on the side and the exquisite mountains on our back. Throughout the way, we can see the countryside; the farmed terrace as well as the winding roads that make this road trip an interesting one. Reaching Kathmandu, you can stroll around the city or even buy souvenirs to take back home. You can even visit Thamel and enjoy the bars and foods there. 7 hours of walk.

Day 27 :

Departure

It’s the end of the near month-long journey to the Tsum Valley. Depending on the time of your flight, you will be transported to the Tribhuvan International Airport. You will wait until the time of the flight departure.