Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative from Hikers Haven will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, you’ll meet your trekking guide for a briefing and equipment check. If time permits, stroll through Thamel’s lively streets filled with shops, cafés, and cultural vibes.
Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary - 20 Days
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)
Day 2 Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (869 m / 2,851 ft)
Distance: 160 km (100 miles)( 7–8 hrs drive)
We begin our adventure with a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers. The road passes terraced fields, green hills, and small towns before turning rugged past Arughat. By late afternoon, we arrive at Machha Khola, a riverside village at the foothills of the Himalayas.
Day 3 Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340 m / 4,396 ft)
Distance: 20 km( 6–7 hrs trekking)
Our trek begins along the Budhi Gandaki Gorge, crossing suspension bridges and rocky trails. We pass Tatopani hot springs (optional dip!) and continue through forested ridges, waterfalls, and rice terraces. Gradual ascents bring us to Jagat, a stone-paved village that serves as the entrance checkpoint for both Manaslu and Tsum regions.
Day 4 Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,240 m / 7,349 ft)
Distance: 12 km( 5–6 hrs trekking)
Today, we leave the Manaslu Circuit trail and head into the Tsum Valley restricted area. The path winds through pine and rhododendron forests with glimpses of Shiringi Himal (7,165 m / 23,507 ft). Arriving in Lokpa, the first official village of Tsum, we are greeted by Mani walls and spectacular views.
Day 5 Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386 m / 7,825 ft)
Distance: 8 km(4 hrs trekking)
The trail descends into dense forests, crossing wooden bridges and streams. Entering the “Lower Tsum,” we reach Chumling, a traditional Tibetan-style village with old monasteries such as Panago, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gompa. Shiringi Himal stands prominently in the background.
Day 6 Trek from Chumling to Chhekampar (3,031 m / 9,941 ft)
Distance: 9 km( 5 hrs trekking)
We cross the Serpu Khola and trek through fertile lands growing potatoes, buckwheat, and barley. The trail gradually ascends with stunning views of Ganesh Himal (7,422 m / 24,350 ft) and Himalchuli (7,893 m / 25,896 ft). We arrive in Chhekampar (Upper Tsum), consisting of twin villages Chhekam and Paro, rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Day 7 Trek from Chhekampar to Nile (3,361 m / 11,024 ft)
Distance: 7 km( 4 hrs trekking)
The trail follows the Shiar Khola and passes Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu) — a sacred meditation site. Mani walls, prayer wheels, and chortens line the route as we ascend to Nile, the last village before Tibet. It lies on a sunny slope with spectacular mountain scenery.
Day 8 Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,705 m / 12,155 ft)
Distance: 5 km (3 hrs trekking)
A shorter but spiritually enriching hike brings us to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in Tsum Valley, home to Buddhist monks who live in seclusion. From here, the views stretch across the Tibetan plateau and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Explore the monastery, its murals, and interact with monks if available.
Day 9 Trek back to Chhekampar (3,031 m / 9,941 ft)
Distance: 12 km( 5 hrs trekking)
Retracing our steps, we descend past Mani walls, prayer flags, and yak pastures. Returning to Chhekampar allows us to revisit the village and immerse deeper into local culture.
Day 10 Trek from Chhekampar to Lokpa (2,240 m / 7,349 ft)
Distance: 16 km( 6–7 hrs trekking)
We exit Upper Tsum and descend through pine and rhododendron forests, crossing rivers and suspension bridges. By late afternoon, we reach Lokpa once again.
Day 11 Trek from Lokpa to Deng (1,860 m / 6,102 ft)
Distance: 14 km( 6 hrs trekking)
Rejoining the Manaslu Circuit trail, we pass through terraced fields and small Gurung villages. The trail becomes narrower, carved into cliffs above the Budhi Gandaki River. We cross bridges before arriving at Deng, a small village with Tibetan cultural influences.
Day 12 Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630 m / 8,629 ft)
Distance: 19 km( 6–7 hrs trekking)
Today’s trail ascends through dense forests of fir and rhododendron. We pass stone-carved Mani walls and small settlements before reaching Namrung, a cultural and scenic highlight of the trek. Here, we get the first panoramic views of Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft) and Ganesh Himal.
Day 13 Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,180 m / 10,433 ft)
Distance: 11 km(4–5 hrs trekking)
The trail gradually ascends through forests and cultivated fields. We pass Lihi and Sho villages, where Tibetan culture is strong. Arriving in Lho, we enjoy stunning sunset views over Manaslu Himal and visit the Ribung Gompa monastery.
Day 14 Trek from Lho to Samagaon (3,530 m / 11,581 ft)
Distance: 9 km(3–4 hrs trekking)
A short but rewarding trek leads us to Samagaon, one of the most picturesque villages in the region. Surrounded by fields, yak pastures, and dominated by Manaslu, the village is home to ancient gompas and a vibrant Tibetan community.
Day 15 Acclimatization Day in Samagaon (3,530 m / 11,581 ft)
We spend the day acclimatizing to higher altitudes. Options include:
•Hike to Pungyen Gompa for panoramic views of glaciers.
•Side trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m / 15,748 ft) for adventurous trekkers.
•Explore Samagaon’s monasteries and interact with locals.
Day 16 Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,875 m / 12,713 ft)
Distance: 16 km( 4–5 hrs trekking)
We follow the Budhi Gandaki upstream as the valley opens into alpine meadows. The walk is relatively easy with grand views of Manaslu, Samdo Peak, and Himalchuli. Arriving in Samdo, a traditional Tibetan refugee village near the border, we get a true sense of Himalayan remoteness.
Day 17 Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) (4,460 m / 14,632 ft)
Distance: 12 km( 4–5 hrs trekking)
A gradual climb along a barren, rocky landscape takes us to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), the base camp before the pass. Views of Larkya Peak and Naike Peak dominate the horizon. Early dinner and rest to prepare for the next day’s high-altitude crossing.
Day 18 Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft) – Trek to Bimthang (3,720 m / 12,204 ft)
Distance: 19 km( 8–9 hrs trekking)
The biggest day of the trek! Starting pre-dawn, we climb steadily up to Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek. At the summit, colorful prayer flags and a panoramic Himalayan vista await, featuring Manaslu, Himlung, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru. After soaking in the view, we descend through moraine and pastures to Bimthang, a beautiful alpine valley.
Day 19 Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2,300 m / 7,546 ft)
Distance: 26 km( 7–8 hrs trekking)
We descend through rhododendron and pine forests, passing grazing yaks and scenic streams. Crossing the Dudh Khola River, we reach Tilije, a Gurung village known for apple orchards and traditional culture.
Day 20 Trek from Tilije to Dharapani (1,963 m / 6,440 ft) – Drive to Besisahar (760 m / 2,493 ft)
Distance: 15 km trek + 4–5 hrs drive
Take Jeep drive Dharapani, where we officially join the Annapurna Circuit trail. From here, we again board a jeep for a scenic drive along Marsyangdi River valleys to Besisahar and take local bus to Kathmandu.