Nepal Yetiraj Treks

Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek via the Tsum Valley is a captivating adventure through one of Nepal’s most secluded and culturally rich regions. Unlike the busier trails of Everest and Annapurna, this trek offers a pristine experience in the Himalayas, taking you through traditional Gurung villages, lush forests, and terraced landscapes that unfold into stunning mountain vistas. The trek navigates the remote Tsum Valley, a spiritually significant area enriched with Tibetan Buddhist culture, and reaches the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,213 meters), providing spectacular views of the surrounding peaks like Manaslu and Himlung.

This 24-day trek is moderately strenuous, perfect for those with a good fitness level and a desire for off-the-beaten-path exploration. Along the way, you will encounter ancient monasteries, charming stone villages, and hospitable locals who maintain their traditional way of life. Acclimatization stops ensure a safe ascent, making this journey both culturally enriching and physically rewarding. The best seasons for this trek are from September to November and March to May, when the weather conditions are optimal for trekking and the mountain views are at their best.

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Trip Itinerary

DAY

1

Arrival in Kathmandu

- Airport pick-up according to your flight schedule and transfer to the hotel (Khatmandu Prince Hotel or equivalent).
- Introduction and trek briefing with the guide.
- Lunch and dinner on your own.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
2

Cultural Tour In Kathmandu

- Breakfast at the hotel, free day while we take care of trek permit formalities.
- Lunch and dinner on your own.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
- Optional guided tour available upon request.
- Opportunity to rent or purchase equipment in Thamel shops.
3

Kathmandu – Machha Khola

- Start of the trek with full board accommodation in lodges, including three meals a day arranged by the guide.
- Departure from Kathmandu for a long journey by local bus to Machha Khola (7 to 9 hours).
- Overnight stay in a lodge along the Burhi Gandaki River.
-No walking on this day.
4

Machakhola – Jagat (1410 m)

- One-hour walk along the Budhi Gandaki River to Tatopani, where hot water springs from the cliff in small cascades (possibility of bathing).
- The trail winds through the gorges of the rushing Burhi Gandaki and later, after a long ascent, arrives at a sandy plain.
- Overnight stay in the village of Jagat with beautiful stone houses and a cobbled main street.
- Lodge accommodation.
- 6 hours of walking – Ascent: +600 m / Descent: -100 m
5

Jagat – Lokpa (1900 m)

- Majestic waterfalls and a succession of typical villages adorn our path.
- The entrance to the Tsum Valley is a wide canyon.
- Night in a lodge.
- 6 hours of walking – Ascent: +700 m / Descent: -300 m
6

Lokpa – Chumling (2300 m)

- Trek through the Tsum Valley, which despite its name ("enclosed valley"), opens up to a picturesque landscape.
- Lodge accommodation.
- 4 to 5 hours of walking – Ascent: +560 m / Descent: -140 m
7

Chumling – Chokang Paro (3050 m)

- The trail gradually climbs towards 3000 meters.
- Beautiful encounters with the local population along the way.
- Lodge accommodation.
- 6 hours of walking – Ascent: +780 m / Descent: -100 m
8

Chokang Paro – Nile (3330 m)

- Shorter stage for acclimatization.
- The valley is filled with monasteries and gompas in this harmonious and spiritually rich setting.
- Visit to the Nile Monastery with a beautiful ceremony.
- Lodge accommodation.
- 4 hours of walking – Ascent: +380 m / Descent: -180 m
9

Nile – Lama Gaon (3160 m)

- Easy walk to Mu Gompa, a pleasant and gentle path leading to the bottom of the valley.
- Night in a lodge.
- 7 hours of walking – Ascent: +300 m / Descent: -180 m
10

Lama Gaon – Ripche (2450 m)

- Return journey on a different trail, mostly through forests emitting the scent of moss and fallen leaves.
- Homestay accommodation.
- 6 hours of walking – Ascent: +200 m / Descent: -680 m
11

Ripche – Lokpa

- Walking along the Shiar Khola until reaching its confluence with the Bhudi Gandaki Khola in the village of Lokpa.
- Stunning views of the Ganesh Himal and the Shringi Himal.
- Lodge accommodation.
- 6 hours of walking – Ascent: +680 m / Descent: -140 m
12

Lokpa – Prok (2250 m)

- Gentle ascent along the cliff through beautiful rhododendron forests.
- Entry into the land of the Bothias (people of Tibetan origin).
- Night in a lodge.
- 7 hours of walking – Ascent: +580 m / Descent: -140 m
13

Prok – Lho (3130 m)

- Descent to Ghap, walk through a spruce forest and crossing of 2 bridges.
- Steeper ascent on the left bank of the river before reaching Namrung.
- Lunch at Namrung (2550 m).
- Further ascent to Lho, a large village at 3130 m with views of Manaslu (8156 m) and Himal Chuli (7893 m).
- Lodge accommodation.
- 7 hours of walking – Ascent: +990 m / Descent: -100 m
14

Lho – Sama (3450 m)

- Morning ascent to Sama Gaon, the largest village in the valley, situated on a vast grassy plateau with yak herds.
- Arrival in the village along the grand mani located at the entrance.
- Rest for those who wish or strenuous climb to the edge of the Pung Gyen Glacier at over 4000 m altitude, at the foot of the impressive East face of Manaslu.
- Magnificent panorama with very blue lakes.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
- 6 hours of walking – Ascent: +535 m / Descent: -230 m
15

Sama – Samdo (3700 m)

- Gentle ascent along the Buri Gandaki River. Birch trees replace larches here.
- Crossing the river and a good climb to reach the small plateau where the village of Samdo (3690 m) is located.
- It is the last village before the Larkya Pass and also the highest village around the Manaslu massif.
- Afternoon rest. For those who wish, possibility to climb in the afternoon to the "hill" north of the village (prayer flags) where goats usually graze (+100 m / -100 m elevation): magnificent view of Himal Chuli (7893 m) to the south.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
- 3 hours 30 minutes of walking – Ascent: +650 m / Descent: -180 m
16

Samdo (3700 m)

- Rest and acclimatization day before the upcoming challenging and high-altitude days.
17

Samdo – Dharamsala (4460 m)

- Short descent to reach the river and take a perpendicular valley to the one leading to Tibet.
- Climb by a balcony trail to the village, known as Dharamsala (4480m), now in ruins.
- Very cold night in autumn.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
- 3 hours 30 minutes of walking – Ascent: +900 m / Descent: -200 m
18

Dharamsala – Larkya La (5213 m) – Bimtang (3590 m)

- Departure around 4 am and gradual ascent to the Larkya Pass at 5213 m.
- The trail follows the north side of a glacier and reaches the rocky moraine.
- In case of snowfall during the night, it is important to start very early in the morning to avoid melting snow.
- The ascent is not difficult but very long.
- After a small lake, steep climb to a cairn decorated with prayer flags marking the Larkya Pass.
- Views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal (6812 m), and in the distance, Annapurna II (7937 m).
- Steep descent in the snow, then in the rocks. Difficult and slippery when ice covers the walls.
- Camp at Bimtang (3590 m). This summer village is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Ensure to carry enough water during this day as there is no opportunity to refill your bottle.
- 7 to 9 hours of walking depending on snow conditions – Ascent: +800 m / Descent: -1400 m
19

Bimtang – Darapani (1850 m)

- Descent to the Dudh Khola River.
- Walk on the scree of a glacier coming down from Cheo Himal with superb views of Ngadi, Himalchuli, and Punghi.
- Crossing rhododendron forests with beautiful views of Kampung Himal and walking above the Dudh Khola torrent to Tilige, a large Gurung village with carved woodwork located at 2300 m.
- Another hour's walk on the other side of the Dudh Khola to Thonje where you join the Marsyangdi River.
- From there, climb to Dharapani at 1850 m on the Annapurna Circuit trail.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
- 7 hours 30 minutes of walking – Ascent: +220 m / Descent: -1900 m
20

Darapani -Jagat (1350 m)

- Descent trail in stairs into the gorges of the Marsyangdi River.
- Passing through Tal, a large village at the foot of a waterfall, then arriving at Jagat.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
- 5 hours 30 minutes of walking – Ascent: +120 m / Descent: -650 m
21

Jagat – Besisahar – Kathmandu

- End of the trek.
- Very early rise and departure from Syange to Besisahar by shared jeep, and from Besisahar to Kathmandu by road. 8 hours of travel.
- Meals on the way and in the evening are not included.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.
22

Kathmandu

- Breakfast at the hotel, free time, lunch and dinner on your own for sightseeing or souvenir shopping.
- This day can serve as a buffer day in case of delays in the itinerary.
23

Departure

- Breakfast at the hotel, free time, and transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
- Lunch and dinner on your own.

Includes

Airport-hotel transfers upon arrival and departure.
Transfers from Kathmandu to Soti Khola by local bus and from Dharapani to Beshishar by shared jeep, then return to Kathmandu by local bus with your guide.
Trekking permits and fees: entry to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), as well as the TIMS card and special permit for the Manaslu region.
4 nights in a good-category hotel in double rooms with breakfast (Kathmandu Prince Hotel in Kathmandu).
Full board accommodation in lodges, including meals with tea or coffee. Other beverages or additional dishes ordered separately are not included..
An assistant guide for groups of 6 or more, with 2 assistant guides for groups of 10 or more.
One porter for every two trekkers to carry luggage.
Insurance for the entire Nepali team.
Government taxes (Nepalese VAT).

Excludes

International flights and visa fees.
Meals outside of breakfast in Kathmandu.
Single room supplements in hotels (Kathmandu).
Personal equipment (sleeping bag, trekking poles, water bottle, backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.).
Beverages and snacks (mineral water, soda, beer, etc.).
Tips for the Nepali team at the end of the trek based on your satisfaction.
Transportation and independent sightseeing in Kathmandu (outside of guided program visits).
Entrance fees to monuments and sites visited (museums, monuments, monasteries, etc.) paid directly on site.
Mandatory personal insurance. Ensure that your insurance covers medical expenses, helicopter evacuation, and repatriation.
Any interrupted or shortened trips, and any changes to the itinerary requested by participants (accident, illness, altitude sickness, early return, shortened trek, etc.) are non-refundable.
Costs incurred due to exceptional and unforeseen events (considered force majeure events: road closures, landslides, adverse weather conditions, snow, etc.) and associated expenses. In such cases, it is advisable to take out comprehensive travel insurance.
Anything not mentioned in "What's Included."
Also, see the trek rates page for more information.
Feel free to let us know if you need further adjustments or additions!

Equipment Checklist

Clothing

Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms.
Mid Layers: Insulating fleece jackets and trousers.
Outer Layers: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants.
Down Jacket: A warm down jacket for cold nights at higher altitudes.
Hiking Pants: Comfortable and quick-dry trekking trousers.
Trekking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots suitable for rocky and snowy terrain.
Socks: Warm woolen socks for cold conditions and synthetic trekking socks.
Gloves: Insulated gloves and lightweight liner gloves.
Hats: Warm hat, sun hat, and a buff or neck gaiter for wind protection.

Equipment

Backpack: 40-50 liters with a rain cover.
Sleeping Bag: Rated for -10°C or lower.
Trekking Poles: Adjustable trekking poles for stability.
Headlamp: With extra batteries for early starts and nights.

Personal Items

Water Bottle: Reusable water bottle or hydration system.
Sunscreen: SPF 30+ for high-altitude sun exposure.
Lip Balm: With SPF protection.
First Aid Kit: Personal medications and blister prevention kit.
Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, and personal hygiene products.

Optional Gear

Gaiters: For snowy or muddy conditions.
Camera: To capture the beautiful landscapes and cultural sites.
Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, and other lightweight high-energy snacks.

Trip FAQ'S

Yes, trekkers need the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and a special permit for the Manaslu region. Nepal Yetiraj Treks will arrange all necessary permits for you.

Accommodation is in basic lodges (teahouses), offering simple meals and basic amenities. The lodges in the Tsum Valley are particularly authentic, reflecting the traditional lifestyle of the locals.

Yes, the itinerary is designed with acclimatization days in Chokang Paro and Samagaon to ensure a safe and comfortable ascent, helping trekkers adjust to the increasing altitude.

Pricing

Rates (Per person based on the number of participants)

- 2 – 3 participants: 1675$

- 4 – 5 participants: 1635 $

- 6 – 8 participants: 1615$

- 9 – 12 participants: 1575$

Key Highlights

Trek through villages with rice terraces and waterfalls along the Budi Gandaki River:
- Immerse yourself in the charming landscapes of rural Nepal as you trek through picturesque villages adorned with lush green rice terraces.
- Marvel at the natural beauty of cascading waterfalls that dot the trail, providing refreshing stops and stunning photo opportunities.
- The Budi Gandaki River, with its crystal-clear waters, accompanies you on your journey, adding a soothing soundtrack to your trekking adventure.
Explore a more isolated and authentic region, less developed compared to the Everest and Annapurna regions:
- Embark on a journey off the beaten path and discover the untouched beauty of a region less frequented by tourists.
- Experience the genuine hospitality and culture of local communities, undiluted by commercialization, offering a truly authentic Himalayan experience.
- Unlike the bustling trails of Everest and Annapurna, enjoy the serenity and tranquility of remote landscapes, allowing for a deeper connection with nature and oneself.
Encounter Hinduism at the beginning of the trek, followed by Tibetan Buddhism:
- Begin your trek immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of Hinduism, as you encounter sacred shrines, colorful prayer flags, and traditional rituals.
- Transition into the mystical realm of Tibetan Buddhism as you ascend higher into the mountains, where monasteries cling to cliffsides, echoing with the chants of monks.
- Witness the seamless blend of these two ancient religions, each leaving its mark on the landscape and the hearts of the people who call this region home.
Stunning close-up views of towering mountains from Samagaon:
- Reach the enchanting village of Samagaon and be greeted by awe-inspiring panoramas of towering Himalayan peaks.
- Stand in awe as majestic giants like Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world, dominate the skyline, their snow-capped summits piercing the heavens.
- Capture unforgettable moments as the golden hues of sunrise and sunset paint the mountains in a mesmerizing display of nature's grandeur.
Magnificent vistas from the Larkya Pass, and a heartwarming experience upon reaching the summer village of Bimtang:
- Conquer the formidable Larkya Pass, a high mountain pass offering unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape, a true test of your trekking prowess.
- Descend into the tranquil haven of Bimtang, a quaint summer village nestled amidst rolling hills and alpine meadows, where warm smiles and hearty welcomes await weary trekkers.
- Rejuvenate your spirit as you bask in the tranquility of this Himalayan paradise, surrounded by majestic peaks and the whispers of mountain breezes.
Traverse through the Tsum Valley, a gorgeously picturesque and secluded valley landscape:
- Journey through the hidden gem of the Tsum Valley, a secluded sanctuary blessed with pristine natural beauty and cultural treasures.
- Lose yourself in the mesmerizing landscape of lush forests, terraced fields, and cascading waterfalls, where every twist and turn reveals a new marvel.
- Encounter the warmth and hospitality of the Tsumba people, whose ancient traditions and way of life remain untouched by the passage of time, offering a glimpse into a world preserved in time.

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