Larke La Pass is the highest point of the Manaslu trek. It is classic and challenging salt trading route that connects the Buri Gandaki with Marshyangdi valley literally Manaslu to Annapurna region. The pass features the immaculate view of Chuli, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Larke Peak, Annapurna II and Mt. Manalsu. We climb down through the picturesque valley at Bhimthang and Dharapani to join the Annapurna circuit trail before driving back to Kathmandu via Beshisahar.

At Lokpa, we join the main Manalsu circuit trail and rise to Kutang – Nupri valley which used to be the part of Tibet until 1840s. The trekking route follows the forest route and presents awe-inspiring views of Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli and Manalsu with the stunning glaciers. In Sama Gaon, we explore the Kargyu Chholing Monastery and Pungyen Nunnery.

The village of Chhekampar is festooned with stone house, slate roofs and Milarepa’s cave. The monastery at Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa offers the fascinating architecture and in-depth knowledge of local culture and tradition. Gumba Lungdang, a significant nunnery, welcomes trekkers to attend the evening puja and provides shelter to stay overnight.

Manaslu tsum valley trek starts with scenic drive through the Middle Hill beyond Arughat to Soti Khola. The Manalsu Tsum valley route passes numerous ridges and quaint hamlets as it climbs up to the Philim. From here, the trail swings east and then heads towards Upper Tsum valley. Barley, maize, buckwheat and potatoes are grown in short growing season. Look out for fascinating view of Tahars, Bharal blue sheep and illusive snow leopard.

Manalsu Tsum valley trek is one of the fascinating and challenging trekking destination in Nepal; located in the northern part of Nepal. It showcases the amazing mountain vistas, fascinating culture and huge bio-diversity, spanning from sub-tropical to alpine region (600m – 5500m) – best kept secret of Himalayan region. Manalsu Tsum valley trek also provides opportunity to explore the local people who are mostly Tibetan origin and speak unique dialect. People in Manalsu region follows Bon-po religion and still practice polyandry system where a girl marries all the brothers in the family. The mesmerizing view of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, Boudha Himalaya range, Manaslu range, and Annapurna range fascinates you throughout the trek. In addition, trekkers get unique opportunity to experience friendly Himalayan people, natural hot springs, climatic zone, diverse flora and fauna and landscape. The rustic valley of the region is home to numerous ancient Gompas and monasteries.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition representative will meet you outside the airport terminal hall. Please look for our treks & expedition name in display card. The airport representative will transfer you to the hotel, introduce to your trekking guide and check the necessities.

Overnight at star hotel in Kathmandu

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and preparation for the trek

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), a representative from Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition will receive you and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, trip discussion with the management and trek leaders. In the evening, enjoy welcome dinner hosted by Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition in typical Nepali restaurant with cultural shows.

Included Meals: Dinner

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03: Kathmandu – Arughat (670m/2,198ft) – Soti Khola (710m/2,330ft) – 135 km/ 8 – 9 hour drive

After breakfast, we drive towards Pokhara through mid-hill countryside village to Malekhu. We then cross Trishuli river and then head towards north to Dhading Bensi. A slow, rutted, dirt road then takes us to Gola Bhanjyang with outstanding views of Bouha and Ganesh Himals. We then drive to Arughat and the Budhi Gandaki that flows the Manaslu-Tsum region. Further 3 hour drive via the west bank leads us to Soti Khola.

Overnight at lodge in Soti Khola

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04: Soti Khola – Machha Khola (890m/2,920ft) – 14 km/ 6 – 7 hours

After breakfast, the trail climbs gradually through the picturesque forest of Sal. Then it goes over the forested and terraced ridges passing numerous waterfalls. Today we follow the narrow trail and goes along the sides of the cliffs. We then dip down to the rice paddies before climbing to the attractive village of Labubensi (885m/2,800ft). Next we cross the suspension bridge at the stunning Nauli Khola falls and the valley opens out. It drops onto a gravel banks along the river before climbing gradually to the village of Machha (fish) Khola.

Overnight at lodge in Machha Khola

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05: Machha Khola – Dobhan (1,000m/3,280ft) – 11 km/6 – 7 hours trek

Today, the trail follows the river with gradual ascend and descend. We walk through a gravel bar before crossing the Thado Khola and on up to Khorlabesi: which is famous to grow coffee, buckwheat and tobacco. The trail from Gorkha joins the Manalsu circuit here and the GHT trail goes to east to Langtang and Khumbu regions.

We then follow the narrow gorge that contracts the river’s progress. Further walk takes us to the landslide with a dicey path and triple hot spring spout in Tatopani. We then rise over the ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki River via suspension bridge. Next rising via staircase takes is to the landslide from where we make a final climb over the ridge to Dobhan.

Overnight at lodge in Dobhan

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06: Dobhan – Philim (1,590m/5,216ft) – 10km/ 6 – 7 hours trek

Today we cross the Dobhan Khola and follow the eastern bank of Budhi Gandaki to reach the village of Thulo Dhunga: above stunning waterfalls. Now the valley widens up and the river flow at Yaruphat. Now we cross the suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola with view of Ganesh II and VI and rise to the Thado Bharyang. Next, we cross the west bank of Budhi Gandaki and follow the river gradually upward to the ancient hamlet of Jagat – an entrance and checkpoint to the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area.

We cross a tributary and hike to Salleri via a side cliff with the great view of Shringi Himal (7,187m/23,580ft) to the north. Then we drop down to Sirdibas and get the first signs of Buddhist culture. Crossing another suspension bridge takes us to the east bank and climb up to the Philim. It is a prosperous Gurung village and the Chholing Sandu Gompa surrounded by fields of maize and millet.

Overnight at lodge in Philim

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07: Philim – Lokpa (2,240m/7,350ft) – Chumling (2,360m/7,750ft) – 10km/ 6 – 7 hours

After breakfast, we travel north of Philim and walk through the lush grasses to the village of Chisopani and then to the millet fields of Ekle Bhatti (one house, 1600m/5,250ft). We then gradually drop down, beneath a stunning waterfalls to the gorge below and a confluence before “New Bridge” which takes us to Larkya La. To the right is a well-graded, exposed, zigzag track climbing up through the forest of pine and rhododendron to Lokpa and the lower Tsum valley. The tsum valley is home to 4,000 people in 18 villages.

We then drop down through forested route, cross stream and negotiate a long and steep climb up the south side of Siyar Khola gorge that flows down to Tsum valley. The high point is marked by flags with great view of Shringi Himal. The trail descends to Gumlung and Siyar Khola, cross suspension bridge and ascend through the narrow trail to Chumling. The houses in Chumling are classic Tibetan but built with sloping roofs to overcome abundant rain and snow.

Overnight at lodge in Chumling

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 08: Chumling – Chhekampar (3,010m/9,850ft) – 10km/ 5 – 6 hours trek

After breakfast, we cross the suspension bridge and enter into new forest that is growing on a recent landslide. We walk through water driven prayer wheel on a well-leveled path and pass lush forest inhabited by white-faced langurs. Further we continue to Tanju and the small Damphe Gompa. The Gmpa has hundreds of small ceramic statues of Chenresig (Buddha of Compassion): a common feature in the valley. Beyond Dumje, we get the superb view of Ganesh Himal and Boudha Peak. Then we pass Rainjam farm and descend down to cross the Sarphu Khola that flows from Syakpa Glaciers off Shringi Himal to the north. We then climb for 2 and half hour on well-leveled path, pass Gho to reach Upper Tsum Valley.

The magnificent slate of chortens faces Ganesh Himal and linked the villages of Chhokang and Paro which is collectively known as Chhekampar (Place of wisdom).

Overnight at lodge in Chhekampar

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 09: Chhekampar – Nile (3,480m/11,415ft) – 8 km/ 4 – 5 hours trek

Today’s trail is relatively short and easy with huge scope of exploration and discovery on the wide flat valley floor.

From Chhekampar, you can walk through a local school at Kaye before reaching the clustered twin village of Ngakyu and Leru. The Rachen Nunnery lies across the river. We climb up to the low ridge along the chortens to reach Lama Gaon. Further walk takes us to Burji where we explore Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu – Pigeon Cave) perched on the slope of Lamjung Himal. Here we can see the footprint of Milerapa and the rock shape of an elephant. Further east trail leads us to the monastery of Chi Phu which is located at the higher slope of Langju Himal. The trail then crosses the southeast bank of the Siyar Khola and walk along the Rachen Gompa trail route to Nile.

Overnight in Nile

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Nile: Exploration day, hike to Mu Gompa (3,709m/12,169ft) – Chhekampar (3,010m/9,870ft) – 13 km/ 6 – 7 hours trek

Today we start early in the morning and walk for 2 hours to reach 77 years old Mu Gompa. Another couple of hour trek takes us to 856 year old Dephyu Doma Nunnery, the place where the light was believed to born. It is majestically located at an altitude of 4,000m/13,100ft on a small promontory, with Ganesh II on its backdrop. Trek to Mu to enjoy the magnificent view of Ganesh I and stunning valley. Mu is the highest permanent settlement in the Tsum valley. To the north of Mu is seasonal Kharkas and passes that leads to Tibet.

After exploration, trek back to Nile for lunch and trek to Chhekampar.

Overnight in Chhekampar

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Chhekampar – Gumba Lungdang (3,200m/10,496ft) – 12km/ 5 – 6 hours trek

Today we retrace our step to the small gompa at Gho and then descend down to a wooden bridge over the river to follow the trail to Dumje. Dumje houses a Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and school. The trail then continues steeply upward through the magical forest of pine, oak and rhododendron to reach Gumba Lungdang. From here, you can majestic mountain vistas on either direction.

This 110 year old gompa has 20 nuns and an intense puja (religious activity) is performed every late afternoon. Visitors are welcomed to attend Puja and stay overnight at Gompa Veranda and use their kitchen and ablution facilities.

Overnight in Gumba Lungdang

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Gumba Lundang – Ripchet (2,470m/8,100ft) – Lokpa (2,240m/7,348ft) – 14km/ 7 – 8 hours trek

After breakfast, drop down to the Dumje and take a left trail to cross the Langdang Khola and follow the south bank route down to Siyar Khola. Later we climb down through the high fertile land and ribbon village of Ripchet. We trek beyond the village and dip down to Gumlung on a the river before rising through the forest of Lokpa.

Overnight in Lokpa

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Lokpa – New Bridge (1,675m/5,500ft) – Bihi Phedi (1,990m/6,530ft) – 9 km/ 6 – 7 hours trek

After breakfast, we drop down to the confluence with the Manalsu trail. Then we cross the Budhi Gandaki (below the confluence with the Siyar Khola) and enter its narrow gorge on an up and down trail with river crossings. We cross the suspension bridge and walk through the bamboo forest and climb to the village of Deng (1,800m/5,906ft). Next we enter to entry point of Kutang or lower Nupri which used to be the part of Tibet until 1840s. It is inhabited by Gurung who have been practicing Buddhism who their own language and trade across the passes with Tibet. A short walk through several vertical switchback and log-bridge tributary takes us to the lodge of Bihi Phedi.

Overnight in Bihi Phedi

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Bihi Phedi – Namrung (2,660m/8,727ft) – 8 km/ 4 – 5 hours trek

The first part of the trek goes through the relatively flat terrain. Then the trail climb through the forested route to reach Namrung with amazing view of Manaslu and others.

Overnight in Namrung

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Namrung – Lho (3,180m/40,430ft) – 4 km, 3 – 4 hours trek

From Namrung, we walk through the Buddhism influenced region and climb through the forest of Lihi. On the way, we enjoy the magnificent Ganesh Himal. Climb down to Sho before descending steeply down to the campsite of Lho.

Overnight in Lho

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Lho – Sama Gaon (3,530m/11,578ft) – 8 km/ 5 – 6 hours trek

Today we follow small tributary and walk through the shady forest of fir. We then make a short climb to the village of Shyala where amazing mountain vista surrounds us. Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) are seen to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers ahead, other snowy peak the right and Ganesh Himal to the far end. At the far end of Shayala village, we can see the beautiful valley of Sama. Tibetan are major inhabitant of the Sama Gaon and lies majestically at the foot of Manalsu.

Overnight in Sama Gaon

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Sama: Rest and Exploration day, hike to Birendra Tal/Pungyen Gompa/Manaslu Base Camp

Sama is the regional center of the Nupri region. We explore the village architecture and customs. Here the potatoes and barley are grown on short growing season. People weaves cloths and manufacture hooked rugs to trade with Tibet. Yak and dzopkyo herds and horses are kept and traded.

We can visit Labrang (Lama’s Place) Gompa in the lower village and the Kargyu Chholing Monastery that rise beyond the village which was established some 500 years back. The architecture of monastery is unique with fascinating woodwork. Here we can explore eight temple buildings, the largest, is the latest, Pemba Chholing Gompa which has beautiful statute of Guru Rinpoche. It belongs to Nyingma Buddhist sect.

Hike beyond the monastery to explore the beautiful Birendra Tal located at an altitude of 3,450m/11,319ft) beneath the Manalsu Glacier.

Or enjoy a demanding trail that rises to 1200m above the lake to the Base Camp of Manalsu (4,900m/16,100ft).

A hike to Pungyen Nunnery (3,870m/12,697ft) standing on a plateau above the Pungyen Glacier offers remarkable views of the Nadi ridges and Manalsu.

Overnight in Sama Gaon

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18: Sama – Samdo (3,860m/12,660ft) – 8km/ 3 – 4 hours trek

Today we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River and follow the bridge over the side stream. The valley begins to open up as it passes several mani walls. We walk on an easy trail on a shelf above the river and pass the forest juniper and brich to Kermo Kharka. We then descend down to shelf and cross the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki before climbing steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. We pass Kani to finally reach the village of Samdo.

Overnight in Samdo

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19: Samdo – Larkya Phedi/Dharmasala (4,460m/14,628ft) – 7 km/3 – 5 hours

After breakfast, we climb down through the northern side of village and cross the Budhi Gandaki River for the last time at the remains of the Larkya Bazaar site. We follow the westward trail on grassy slopes along the scrub juniper, rhododendron and lichen covered granite above the Syacha Khola Valley. We then hike gradually towards Larkya Glacier beyond Larkya La Phedi called Dharamsala. Here the guest house is simple stone structure, two tunnel-tents each with 8 cramped bed and a third for trekking staff.

Overnight in Dharmasala

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20: Dharmsala – Larkya La (5,160m/16,930ft) – Bimthang (3,720m/12,201ft) – 12km/ 7 – 9 hours

Today we walk for 3 – 5 hours to climb the 800m/2,600ft to the summit and drop down to Bimthang at 1,500m/4,900ft. The trail can be cold if windy and if there are snow and ice, we should be more careful.

Overnight in Bimthang

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 21: Bimthang – Gho (2,515m/8,250ft) – 12km/ 5 – 6 hours trek

After breakfast, we drop down 1,200m down through the magnificent pristine rhododendron and pine forest. On the way, we get to the mesmerizing views of Larke, Manalsu, Nadi and Chuli Himals. The trail climbs down along the west bank of the Dudh Khola, cross Hompuk (3,430m/11,254ft) and Sangura Kharka (3,020m/9,909ft) before descending steeply down to the highest cultivated land at Karche (2,700m/8,860ft). Further few hours walk through the terraced fields and steep climb over the ridge and drops takes us to the substantial (Gurung) village of Gho.

Day 22: Gho – Dharapani (1,920m/6,300ft) – 8 km/ 3 – 4 hours trek

After breakfast, we trek through the farmlands past Tilje village (2,300m/7,546ft) and cross the river before dipping down towards Marsyangdi Valley through the scrub forest. Cross the river several times before joining the new road along the main Annapurna circuit trail route in Dharapani, a perfect lunch spot.

Overnight in Dharapani

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 23: Dharapani – Besi Sahar (760m/2,495ft) – Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) – 190km/ 7 – 8 hours trek

After breakfast, drive through the dusty and bumpy road Besi Sahar and the paved road back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, we drive back to the hotel and take a rest day off. In the evening, we will reunite again for farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurant in town, where we will be eager to hear the feedback of your trip.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 24: Final Departure

It’s your last day in Nepal! Take some breakfast and if your wish, you can catch last-minute shopping Kathmandu. Our airport representative will transfer you to airport with plenty time before your flight home.

Farewell!!!