The 160km journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, the gateway to the Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions, takes approximately 9 to 10 hours. While the highway offers scenic views of rolling hills and rural life, the terrain is physically demanding; the roads transition from paved surfaces to gravel and are frequently bumpy and narrow.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 6:00 AM, and you will depart immediately after breakfast. To ensure your comfort, we arrange private jeep transport, which is significantly more reliable than local buses for this rugged terrain. Although the final few hours of the drive can be extremely tiring due to the rough road conditions, the stunning vistas of waterfalls, rivers, and traditional villages provide a rewarding introduction to the Nepalese wilderness.

The initial trekking day from Machha Khola to Jagat involves a seven-hour walk along the Budhi Gandaki River, covering approximately 22 km. This route begins in a warm, subtropical climate, characterised by narrow, exciting trails that wind through lush green hills, dramatic waterfalls, and through tiny, friendly local villages.

About an hour into the trek, trekkers are greeted with their first spectacular view of the majestic Shringi Himal (7,187m).

The trail passes through Tatopani, a natural hot spring (“Tato” meaning hot, and “Pani” meaning water), around mid-morning. This popular spot offers a chance to pause and soak tired muscles. As the weather in this lower region is typically hot and humid, it is advisable to wear light clothing and maintain hydration.

Lunch is usually scheduled in the village of Dobhan.

Arrival in the picturesque stone village of Jagat is expected around 3:00 PM. Jagat is the official entry point where the Manaslu Restricted Area permit is checked and officially begins. Known for its quiet paths and stunning views of golden cliffs illuminated by the evening sun, Jagat provides an ideal and exciting resting spot before continuing the journey into the remote high Himalayas.

“Your journey into the Manaslu restricted region officially begins with an early morning walk through vibrant farmlands and sparse forests. As you pass through the traditional villages of Sirdibas and Philim, you will be greeted by the sight of colourful prayer flags fluttering from stone houses and the warm smiles of locals going about their daily lives. The trail winds alongside the emerald waters of the Budhi Gandaki River, offering breathtaking views of lush green hills and wide, sweeping valleys.

Philim, a prominent and beautiful village, serves as the local hub with its own schools, health posts, and government administrative offices. Beyond Philim, the path takes on a wilder, more serene character. You will cross adventurous suspension bridges and wander through dense, tranquil bamboo forests before stopping for lunch at Chisapani.

The final stretch toward Lokpa reveals the gateway to the legendary Tsum Valley—a path leading to one of Nepal’s most peaceful and hidden gems, where ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture remains beautifully isolated from the modern world. Arriving in the calm, small settlement of Lokpa, you will find the perfect spot to rest and prepare for the next chapter of your mountain adventure.”

This challenging trail takes approximately 9 to 10 hours to complete, involving continuous ascents and descents through a vast forest and exciting wilderness. The journey features narrow suspension and cantilever bridges, distant waterfalls, and the echo of the rushing river below.

After crossing a long suspension bridge, you are welcomed by the village of Chumling (2,386m), which offers your first true taste of Tsum Valley culture and serves as an ideal initial point to glimpse the striking Ganesh Himal. Adorned with prayer flags, small stupas, and mani walls, the village and its nearby small monastery immerse you in the valley’s spiritual atmosphere.

After a few more hours of trekking, you arrive at the significant village in the Upper Tsum Valley, Chhekampar, also known as Chokkhang Paro (3,010m). Chhekampar is a twin village, comprising Chhokang and Paro, offering wide-open spaces, grazing yaks, and friendly locals. Mountains surround the village and exude a peaceful feeling, with teahouses where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. It is one of the best destinations to learn about and acknowledge more of the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture in the nearby monasteries.

Early in the morning, before sunrise, you will embark on a 2.5-hour hike to Piren Phu (3,300m), also known as Milarepa Cave. Located at the foot of a rugged cliff near Burji village, this sacred site is where the Tibetan Tantric saint meditated during the 11th century.

After breakfast, you will commence your trek toward Chhumchet in the Lower Tsum region. Chhumchet village is situated in an upper cluster where tea house options are limited but authentic. From this vantage point, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Himal Chuli, and Boudha Himal ranges.

This is one of the longest and most challenging sections of the trek, requiring a 10 to 11-hour hike over undulating terrain with frequent elevation changes. Due to the lack of teahouses along the route, lunches must be pre-prepared (packed lunch).

The Mandala Pass serves as a vital viewpoint and lunch stop where trekkers can rest, enjoy their meal, and erase their tiredness. From here, one can enjoy breathtaking views of mountains like Shringi Himal and Ganesh Himal, along with plenty of hills, as well as a well-deserved reward. The day concludes at Rana Gaon, a small village with friendly locals and a peaceful environment, beautifully situated beside the Budhi Gandaki River.

The trail from Rana Gaon (1,980m) takes you deeper and closer into the high mountains, featuring adventurous inclined pathways, peaceful forests, and beautiful river crossings. You will pass through small villages such as Bihi (2,130m), Ghap (2,300m), and Prok (2,397m), where the local culture visibly shifts to a more pronounced Tibetan influence, and mountain views become increasingly spectacular.

The path winds through tall pine and vibrant rhododendron forests, involves crossing numerous wooden bridges, and consistently follows the rushing Budhi Gandaki River. Keep an eye out for monkeys in the trees and enjoy the abundant birdsong.

After trekking for several hours, you will reach Namrung (2,630m). This is a larger village characterised by traditional stone houses, friendly locals, and a good selection of restaurants and teahouses for an overnight stay.

Along this stretch, you will also pass through Banjam (approx. 2,360m), a small, peaceful settlement that is less developed than Namrung. Banjam has limited teahouses but offers pleasant grasslands and welcoming residents.

The trail ascends gently through beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron, passing through the villages of Lihi (2,920m), Sho (2,880m), Lho (3,180m), and Shyala (3,500m). Along the way, numerous mani walls, mini stupas, and ancient monasteries showcase the deep Tibetan Buddhist culture of this region. As you progress, the mountain vistas of snowy peaks like Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Mount Manaslu become increasingly spectacular.

Shyala is a peaceful, welcoming village encircled by towering peaks, giving it the magical feel of a hidden valley. Here, you can witness yaks and horses grazing in open fields and colourful prayer flags fluttering in the crisp mountain breeze, all while enjoying the warmth ofcosyy teahouses.

Continuing past Shyala, you will arrive at Samagaon, one of the largest and most significant villages on the Manaslu Circuit. This cultural hub is renowned for its traditional stone houses, ancient monasteries, and vibrant community, offering an authentic glimpse into the heart of the Nubri Valley.

This trail is smooth and gentle, climbing higher into the mountains. It passes through open yak pastures with views of the Manaslu Himalayan Range and follows the Budhi Gandaki River as the trees slowly disappear and the air grows colder.

It is a short-distance trek which allows your body to adjust to the higher altitude, and Samdo is the last village before the Larkya La Pass. You will be hiking past Birendra Tal (3,691m), which is a high-altitude glacial lake and provides a mirror-like reflection of Mount Manaslu on clear days, making it a favourite spot for photography among trekkers.

After lunch and a short rest in Samdo, you will have leisure time. This time can be used to hike to nearby hills for acclimatisation, enjoy the scenery, catch the last glimpse of the sun’s rays in the evening, and see the snow-capped mountains piercing the running clouds.

The trek from Samdo (3,860m) to Dharamsala (4,460m), also known as Larkya Phedi, is a short but essential day focused on gradual ascent and acclimatisation before the challenging crossing of the Larkya La Pass (5,160m). You will begin a steady climb, crossing the Budhi Gandaki River via a wooden bridge and following a well-marked, rugged trail.

Along the way, you will pass the site of the historic Larke Bazaar. This was once a thriving seasonal trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchanged essential goods like salt, wool, and yaks. Upon reaching Dharamsala, you will settle into one of the basic teahouses and enjoy a hot, nourishing meal. The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest and final acclimatisation; you may choose to take a short hike toward the nearby Larkya Glacier or simply relax and mentally prepare for the long journey over the pass the following morning.

The crossing of the Larkya La Pass (5,160m) is the most challenging yet rewarding milestone of the Manaslu Circuit. The journey begins in the grey of dawn, with headlamps illuminating the steady, gradual climb through the crisp alpine air. As the sun rises, the landscape transforms, revealing the summit and the highest point of the trek. At the top, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the Annapurna massif.

After a brief rest and a well-earned snack at the prayer-flag-strewn summit, the long descent begins. The trail down is demanding but incredibly scenic, offering clear views of Ponkar Tal, a stunning turquoise glacial lake, and the dramatic ice formations of the Salpudanda Glacier. While the steep descent requires careful footing, the sweeping mountain vistas make every step worthwhile.

The day concludes in Bhimthang (3,590m), a serene alpine valley nestled among towering peaks. Here, you can enjoy a hot meal and celebrate the day’s immense accomplishment with fellow trekkers in the shadow of the Himalayas.

On the final trekking day of the Manaslu Tsum Valley adventure, the trail descends through a series of steep sections while following the course of the Dudh Khola (Milk River). The journey is a sensory delight, crossing through scenic alpine meadows and colourful rhododendron forests filled with the sounds of birds chirping and fresh mountain air. Along the way, you will walk through charming villages and high pastures such as Yak Kharka and Karche, where you can observe traditional wooden cottages and meticulously terraced farmlands.

The trail leads to Gho, a peaceful village that provides a much warmer and more comfortable atmosphere compared to the high-altitude teahouses. With itscosyy lodges, Gho serves as a serene final resting point for trekkers before the path merges with the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani.

To conclude the journey, a celebratory dinner is held to mark the successful completion of your trek. It is a heartfelt evening of joy and reflection, surrounded by the dedicated team and guides who shared every step of the trail with you.

After a short, scenic hike of about two hours to Tilije (2,300m), you will notice the surroundings becoming increasingly dense and lush compared to the high alpine regions above Gho. The trail continues along the Dudh Khola for a portion of the journey, crossing several suspension bridges before reaching the point where your jeep will be standing by.

The jeep drive to Besisahar via Dharapani marks the final, adventurous leg of the Manaslu Circuit journey, transitioning from remote Himalayan trails back toward developed roads and bustling towns. The initial section of the road is particularly rugged, dusty, and winding, following narrow mountain paths that offer thrilling views of the deep river valley.

As you descend, you will pass through the beautiful riverside village of Tal (1,700m) and witness spectacular natural landmarks, and the famous Octopus Fall (also known as Chyamche Fall). The journey offers a dramatic final look at the scale of the Himalayas before the landscape softens into the tropical hills of Besisahar.

After the hearty breakfast, it’s time for the preparation for the long day drive back to Kathmandu. It will approximately take 8 hours drive from Besi Shar to Kathmandu.

You will have a lunch stop along the way where the guide and the driver finds sutiable and picturesque spot for the luch.

After lunch, resume the drive to the final destination. On your arrival, our representative and guide will help you to transfer to the hotel and help you with the check-in procedure.

Enjoy the beauty of the city after being apart from civilisation for a couple of days. Relaxation day with some western cuisine.

Overnight at the Kathmandu Hotel

This day is the reserved day in case of weather conditions or a day for preparation for the departure from Kathmandu. A day for shopping before the departure.

Bascailly it’s a full free day, you can plan a mountain flight or any city tour with Explore Dolpo.

Overnight at Kathmandu Hotel

Our representative will shuttle you to the Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.