Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley Extension - 21 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by the Expedition Himalaya team and transferred to a comfortable 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is free to rest and recover from international travel or take a short walk around the city to experience Nepal’s vibrant atmosphere.  

This day is reserved for trek preparation and final arrangements. Equipment checks, packing assistance, and permit verification are completed, followed by a detailed trek briefing covering route conditions, altitude safety, and daily walking expectations.

In the evening, a welcome dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant is hosted, offering an introduction to Nepali cuisine and an opportunity to meet your trekking team.  

A scenic drive takes you west from Kathmandu, following the Trishuli River before entering the Budhi Gandaki Valley. The road passes terraced farmland, small roadside towns, waterfalls, and deep river gorges. As the road narrows, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged, marking the transition into the remote Manaslu region.

The trek begins along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and winding through forested hillsides. The trail passes traditional Gurung villages, cultivated fields, and steep rocky sections carved into the cliffs. Subtropical vegetation such as banana plants, bamboo, and ferns dominate this lower section.

The trail ascends through narrow gorges and forested ridges. Lokpa marks the gateway to the Tsum Valley, offering the first sense of isolation and wilderness. Birdlife is abundant in this forested section.  

Entering the Tsum Valley, the trail traverses pine and rhododendron forests. Tibetan-style houses, mani walls, and prayer flags signal a strong Buddhist influence. Views of Ganesh Himal begin to appear along the route.

The valley opens into cultivated fields and stone villages. Chortens and monasteries line the trail, and the surrounding peaks—including Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal—frame the landscape. The cultural atmosphere here is calm and deeply traditional.

The trail ascends gradually into higher alpine terrain. Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the Tsum Valley, is a spiritual center of the region. The landscape becomes open and windswept, with sparse vegetation and wide Himalayan views.

A day dedicated to acclimatization and exploration around Mu Gompa and nearby monasteries. The area is rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture and offers opportunities to observe blue sheep and Himalayan birds in the surrounding hills.

Retracing the route, the trail descends through forested slopes and traditional villages. The warmer temperatures and richer vegetation mark a clear contrast from the upper valley.

The trail rejoins the main Manaslu Circuit route, following the Budhi Gandaki River through dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and stone settlements influenced by Tibetan culture.

Ascending through pine and rhododendron forests, the climate becomes cooler and quieter. From Namrung, the first clear views of Manaslu (8,163 m) appear on clear days.  

The landscape opens into wide alpine valleys dotted with yak pastures, mani walls, and stone houses. Sama Gaun is a culturally rich village and an important acclimatization point, offering impressive views of Manaslu and nearby glaciers.

A planned rest day hike leads toward Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp. The route crosses alpine meadows and glacial terrain, providing close-up views of Manaslu North Face, icefalls, and surrounding peaks.

The trail follows an open alpine valley with minimal vegetation and expansive mountain views. Samdo lies near the Tibetan border and reflects strong Tibetan cultural influence and a crisp high-altitude environment.

A steady climb over rocky terrain and glacial moraines leads to the base of the high pass. The surroundings become barren and exposed, emphasizing the scale of the high Himalayas.

An early start is essential today for the crossing of Larke La Pass, the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The trail ascends gradually over rocky terrain and glacial moraines, with expansive views of surrounding Himalayan peaks as daylight spreads across the high alpine landscape. As you approach the pass at 5,106 m / 16,929 ft, the environment becomes stark and dramatic, dominated by snowfields, wind-sculpted ridges, and vast open horizons.

From the top of the pass, panoramic views unfold across Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II, marking one of the most rewarding viewpoints of the entire trek. After spending time at the pass, the route descends steadily into the broad glacial valley of Bimthang.

Descending through rhododendron and pine forests, the trail passes rivers, waterfalls, and grazing areas. Wildlife such as langur monkeys and Himalayan birds may be seen.

The trail passes cultivated farmland and traditional villages before reaching Tilje. From here, a drive takes you to Besisahar, marking the end of the trekking section.

A scenic drive returns to Kathmandu via river valleys and mid-hill settlements. The remainder of the day is free to rest or explore the city.

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. The Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek concludes with a rare combination of remote landscapes, deep cultural immersion, and high-altitude Himalayan adventure.