Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

We’ll greet all the participants at the Tribhuvan International Airport and whisk you away to your hotels. The day remains flexible to acclimatize to the altitude difference. In the evening, an orientation session is planned to meet everyone and go over the plan for the Tsum Valley Trek.

Trail Type: Non-trekking trails – Arrival at the city, rest

This day involves trek preparation, such as obtaining permits and checking trekking equipment, followed by visits to designated World Heritage sites within the valley. A lightweight walking program keeps us active but not exhausted before embarking on trekking.

Trail Type: Easy urban walking routes.

We'll travel in a private car or local transport (as budget allows) along a serpentine road that follows the course of a river that winds its way up the mountains. This leads us along the outskirts of remote areas of the Manaslu Region, signifying the beginning of the Tsum Valley trek.

Trail Type: No Trekking - Scenic Mountain Drive

Our trekking today is going to commence with trekking through Budhi Gandaki. There are chances of walking over some suspension bridges and passing through some villages. Stone steps and slight climbing will have to be done.

Type of Trails: River-side paths, stone steps, suspension bridges

We embark on the Tsum Valley Trek, branching off into a less steep ascent through the forested regions. The presence of Lokpa marks it as among the first settlements in the valley, radiating the influence of Tibetan culture due to the isolation in the area.

Type of Trail: Forest trails, gentle slopes, village routes

From here, we continue with the trek with the trail leading deeper into the Tsum Valley. The trekking routes become narrower as we trek through the upper gorge of the Tsum Khola River. Trail Type: Narrow mountain trails, forest paths, gentle climbs

As we continue walking, the valley begins to broaden, and Alpine views emerge around us. Larger mountain views come into sight as we move into the opening. We shall climb at a consistent rate to enable our acclimatization process to keep up with the ascent and to move comfortably along as the elevation increases.

Trail: mountain trails, constant climbs, open valley terrain

In the morning, we walk slowly towards the Nile River, the last permanent settlement of the upper Tsum Valley. In the after lunch session, the trek to Mu Gompa takes place, which is the largest and most famous monastery within the region. A visit to the monastery provides information on the spiritual aspects of the valley before returning to Nile at night.

Trail: open valley trails, easy ascent, monastery paths

We begin the descent, following familiar routes through villages and terrain we now know so intimately. The descent makes breathing easier, and we slow down. This too is another chance to see village life and terrain from different perspectives.

Trail: downhill routes, forest trails, village byways

It continues to decline further along woodlands and terraces to farmland. We rejoin the more popular routes as vegetation becomes denser due to lower altitudes. The hike for the day takes place with ease and informative cultural content.

Trail: forest trails, downhill paths, cultivated land

The final day of our trek is along the riverbank. There is a suspension bridge crossing to Machha Khola, which is a descent. This is the end of our Tsum Valley trek. Trail: river routes, suspension bridges, downhill trails

Trail: river routes, suspension bridges, downhill paths

We have our own transport back to Kathmandu and witness the change in landscapes as mountains give way to hills and then plains. Later in the day you are free to relax and explore the city.

Trail: no hiking, scenic drive

After breakfast, we will transfer all trekking group members to Tribhuvan International Airport to connect international flights. This marks the end of the Tsum Valley Trek.