Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek - Secred Trails & Hidden Valley
Trip Duration: 18 Days
Max Altitude: 5,160 meters (Larke Pass)
Trek Start Point: Machhakhola
Trek End Point: Dharapani → Besisahar/Pokhara (via jeep)
Best Season: March–May & September–November
Trek Style: Teahouse Trekking
Walk deep into Nepal’s mystical landscapes on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek — where ancient Buddhist culture meets dramatic Himalayan scenery. This route combines the spiritual seclusion of the Tsum Valley with the challenging and rewarding Manaslu Circuit, crossing the dramatic Larke La Pass.
Unlike crowded trails like Everest or Annapurna, this trek is off-the-beaten-path, with raw beauty, traditional stone villages, and awe-inspiring views of Manaslu (8,163m) — the 8th highest mountain in the world.
Trip Duration: 18 Days
Max Altitude: 5,160 meters (Larke Pass)
Trek Start Point: Machhakhola
Trek End Point: Dharapani → Besisahar/Pokhara (via jeep)
Best Season: March–May & September–November
Trek Style: Teahouse Trekking
Walk deep into Nepal’s mystical landscapes on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek — where ancient Buddhist culture meets dramatic Himalayan scenery. This route combines the spiritual seclusion of the Tsum Valley with the challenging and rewarding Manaslu Circuit, crossing the dramatic Larke La Pass.
Unlike crowded trails like Everest or Annapurna, this trek is off-the-beaten-path, with raw beauty, traditional stone villages, and awe-inspiring views of Manaslu (8,163m) — the 8th highest mountain in the world.
Highlights
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Explore the hidden Tsum Valley, a sacred Himalayan Buddhist enclave
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Cross the challenging and scenic Larke Pass
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Visit ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa & Rachen Gompa
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Fewer crowds, more authentic interaction with locals
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Witness yak caravans, prayer wheels, mani walls, and Tibetan-influenced culture
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Incredible mountain views: Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and more
Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola (900m)
Your journey begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu. Travel by local bus (budget) or private jeep (comfortable) via Dhading or Gorkha to reach Machhakhola, a small village on the banks of the Budi Gandaki River. 🕒 Drive time: 8–10 hours 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Machhakhola
Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1,340m)
Begin trekking through forests and small settlements like Khorlabesi and Tatopani. Cross the suspension bridge and ascend gradually to reach Jagat, an important permit checkpoint. 🕒 Trek time: 6–7 hours 🏞️ Highlights: Natural hot springs, riverside views 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Jagat
Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,240m)
Walk past Sirdibas and Philim, where you'll register permits. Then climb steadily through pine forests and ridges to Lokpa, the gateway to the secluded Tsum Valley. 🕒 Trek time: 6–7 hours 🏞️ Highlights: Waterfalls, entry into Tsum Valley 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Lokpa
Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m)
Descend and cross a suspension bridge before climbing through dense forest trails. Reach Chumling, a traditional village with stone houses and prayer wheels. 🕒 Trek time: 5–6 hours 🏞️ Highlights: First views of Ganesh Himal 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Chumling
Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,031m)
Ascend along the Shiar River valley to Chhokang Paro, a culturally rich village in upper Tsum. The landscape opens with broad fields, mani walls, and painted chortens. 🕒 Trek time: 5 hours 🏞️ Highlights: Tibetan architecture, sacred sites 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Chhokang Paro
Trek to Mu Gompa (3,700m)
Hike to the remote and spiritually significant Mu Gompa, the highest point in Tsum Valley. Visit the ancient monastery and enjoy striking views of the surrounding mountains. 🕒 Trek time: 4–5 hours 🏞️ Highlights: Remote Himalayan culture, gompas 🏡 Overnight: Basic lodge or monastery guestroom
Trek back to Chumling via Rachen Gompa
Retrace your steps, visiting Rachen Gompa, a nun’s monastery rich in murals and art. Descend through the same charming trail to Chumling. 🕒 Trek time: 6–7 hours 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Chumling
Trek to Deng (1,804m)
Exit the Tsum Valley and descend to rejoin the Manaslu Circuit trail at Deng. Pass through mixed forests and cross several suspension bridges. 🕒 Trek time: 7–8 hours 🏞️ Highlights: River valleys, Tibetan influence 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Deng
Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
Follow a scenic route through Ghap and climb steeply along the Budi Gandaki. Enter Namrung, known for stunning views of Himalchuli and traditional stone houses. 🕒 Trek time: 6–7 hours 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Namrung
Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,180m)
An easy day of trekking through fir and rhododendron forests. Reach Lho, home to the impressive Ribung Monastery and panoramic views of Manaslu. 🕒 Trek time: 4–5 hours 🏞️ Highlights: First full view of Manaslu 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Lho
Trek from Lho to Samagaun (3,530m)
Continue your gradual ascent through Shyala to Samagaun, a large village nestled below Mount Manaslu. 🕒 Trek time: 4 hours 🏞️ Highlights: Close-up views of Manaslu & glaciers 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Samagaun
Acclimatization Day in Samagaun
Take a rest day for acclimatization. Options include hiking to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or visiting the sacred Pungyen Gompa. 🏞️ Highlights: Glacier views, yaks, monasteries 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Samagaun
Trek from Samagaun to Samdo (3,860m)
An easy walk to Samdo, the last settlement before the pass and close to the Tibetan border. 🕒 Trek time: 4 hours 🏞️ Highlights: Trade trails, Tibetan-style villages 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Samdo
Trek to Dharamsala / Larke Phedi (4,460m)
Climb through rugged terrain to Dharamsala, the base camp before crossing Larke Pass. 🕒 Trek time: 3–4 hours 🏡 Overnight: Simple teahouse in Dharamsala
Cross Larke Pass (5,160m) → Bhimtang (3,590m)
A long and tough but spectacular day. Start before sunrise to cross the Larke La Pass, with sweeping views of Himlung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. 🕒 Trek time: 8–9 hours 🏞️ Highlights: Glacier crossing, high pass 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Bhimtang
Trek from Bhimtang to Tilije (2,300m)
Descend through alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and into the warmer lowlands of Tilije village. 🕒 Trek time: 5–6 hours 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Tilije
Trek to Dharapani (1,860m)
A short trek leads to Dharapani, where your trek ends. Celebrate the completion of your adventure! 🕒 Trek time: 3 hours 🏡 Overnight: Teahouse in Dharapani
Drive to Besisahar or Pokhara by Jeep
Take a shared or private jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar (4–5 hrs), with an option to continue to Pokhara the same day (5–6 more hrs). End of services
Cost Includes
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Kathmandu–Machhakhola & Dharapani–Besisahar/Pokhara transport
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Licensed trekking guide & porter(s)
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Full board (meals + teahouse accommodation during trek)
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Restricted Area Permits (Manaslu + Tsum + ACAP/MCAP) all local taxes, permits
Cost Excludes
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Meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara
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Personal gear, tips, insurance, drinks
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Jeep upgrade (if private)
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International Airfare
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Tips for Guide and Porter
Yes. This trek passes through Restricted Areas, so you need: Manaslu RAP (Restricted Area Permit) Tsum Valley RAP ACAP & MCAP permits We’ll arrange all of these for you.
It’s moderate to challenging, especially the crossing of Larke Pass (5,160m). Altitude acclimatization is crucial. Tsum Valley is gentler but remote.
Mostly basic teahouses with shared facilities. Some areas (especially Tsum) are more rustic.
Yes. You can take a local bus (budget) or private/shared jeep (faster & more comfortable) from Kathmandu.
From Dharapani, take a shared or private jeep to Besisahar. From there, you can either stay or continue by road to Pokhara or back to Kathmandu.
No — it’s much quieter and more remote. You’ll encounter fewer trekkers and more untouched culture.
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stunning views. 📌 Important Notes Group size: Min. 2 pax for permit Solo trekkers: Join our fixed departures Emergency: Evacuation possible via insurance; no road access above Samdo
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