Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal, a friendly representative from Manaslu Trek will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. This marks the beginning of your Tsum Valley Trek adventure, offering a smooth and comfortable start to your journey in the Himalayan region.

In the evening, we host a special welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepalese cuisine, accompanied by a refreshing reception drink. This welcome evening also provides an opportunity to meet your fellow trekkers, discuss the Tsum Valley Trek itinerary, and receive essential tips for trekking in the Himalayas, including acclimatization, packing, and safety advice. Starting your journey in Kathmandu allows you to ease into the adventure while enjoying the city’s vibrant culture and setting the stage for your unforgettable Himalayan trekking experience.

Transfer: 30-45 min | Accommodation: Hotel | Meal: Welcome Dinner

Today, explore the rich culture, history, and heritage of Kathmandu Valley on this full-day city tour before your Tsum Valley Trek. The tour takes you to some of Kathmandu's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a perfect introduction to Nepalese art, architecture, and traditions with our professional English-speaking City Tour Guide:

• SWOYAMBHUNATH , also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of Kathmandu Valley’s most iconic Buddhist stupas. Perched on a hilltop, it offers panoramic views of Kathmandu city and features ancient shrines, prayer wheels, and intricate carvings. The site is a spiritual and cultural landmark, attracting both pilgrims and tourists.
• KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of Kathmandu City. Known for its ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and intricate wood carvings, it reflects Nepalese art, culture, and architecture. A visit to this iconic square offers a glimpse into the royal history of Nepal.
• BOUDHANATH STUPA is one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its massive white dome, colorful prayer flags, and iconic Buddha eyes, it serves as a major center for Tibetan Buddhism. Visiting Boudhanath provides an immersive cultural and spiritual experience.
• PASHUPATINATH is one of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. Famous for its intricate pagoda-style architecture, cremation ghats, and spiritual rituals, it offers visitors a deep cultural and religious experience.

Our knowledgeable guide will tell you interesting things about the religious, historical, and architectural importance of each landmark. Kathmandu is a unique city with a rich culture and a spiritual atmosphere that will make your city tour an interesting and memorable way to learn about Nepalese heritage.

Sightseeing: 7-8 Hours | Accommodation: Hotel | Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast in Kathmandu, take a scenic drive of about 144 km to Gorkha Bazaar, which usually takes 5 to 7 hours by private vehicle, depending on traffic. The journey follows the Prithvi Highway, passing towns like Naubise, Malekhu, and Mugling, and running along the sparkling Trishuli River. At Malekhu, stop for a fresh cup of tea, coffee, and light food and watch whitewater rafters on the riverbanks—a classic roadside experience. From Abu Khaireni, leave the main highway toward Pokhara and climb the last 24 km uphill through terraced farmland, forests, and traditional Newari and Magar villages, gradually entering the cooler mountain region. Upon arrival in Gorkha Bazaar, check in at your hotel and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee to recharge before the afternoon climb.

In the late afternoon, hike up to Gorkha Durbar, the ancestral palace of the Shah dynasty and birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The climb involves approximately 1,500 stone steps, shaded by ancient trees and lined with small shrines. The Durbar is a beautiful example of Newari architecture, with intricate wood carvings, red-brick walls, and a mix of fort, palace, and temple. Visit the sacred Kalika Temple and Gorakhnath Cave, where the sage once guided the young king. As the sun sets, enjoy panoramic views of Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, Langtang, and the Annapurna range, with the Daraundi River winding below and the bazaar lights sparkling.

Transfer: 140km, 5-6 Hours |  Accommodation: Hotel l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Gorkha, the drive starts by going down from the historic Gorkha ridge toward the lower parts of the district. Along the way, we pass local spots like 13 Kilo and 12 Kilo, where the city influence fades, the air gets warmer, and the plants become more tropical. At Chepetar, the land flattens into wide, green plains with paddy fields and traditional thatched houses, while the turquoise Daraudi Khola flows beside the road. Baluwa is an important stop and often the last place to find a tea shop before the road climbs steeply. After crossing the river near Baluwa, the road winds upward into the hills with sharp turns and cliffs, reaching Rangrung, where the air is cooler, the pine scent fills the air, and the Daraudi River winds below. Passing Mandre, the local communities change from Brahmin and Chhetri settlements to the stone-and-wood houses of Gurung people, with small terrace farms on the mountainsides. Finally, rounding the last bend, Barpak (1,950 m) comes into view, a large village with hundreds of houses clinging to the slope like a fortress. It is known as the home of the Ghale Kings and a recruiting place for Gurkha soldiers, and it was also the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake.

After a hearty lunch in the stone-paved alleys of Barpak, the trek to Laprak begins, taking roughly 4–6 hours and weaving together ancient Gurung traditions with modern resilience. The trail climbs steeply, offering sweeping views of mountains, scattered villages, and the Daraundi Valley. About three hours in, you reach Momche Danda (2,950 m/9,678 ft), a high ridge dotted with rolling pastures and grazing sheep, providing breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas. From Momche Danda, the trail continues through lush rhododendron forests, which burst into vivid reds, pinks, and whites in spring, framing stunning vistas of the Manaslu Massif, Buddha Himal, and Shringi Himal. The descent leads first to New Laprak (Gupsi Pakha), a modern, earthquake-resistant settlement, before reaching Old Laprak Village. Here, traditional timber-framed houses, narrow alleys, and mud-brick murals preserve the Gurung heritage.

Transfer: 70km, 3-4 Hours | Trekking: 5-6 Hours | Distance: 9 km | Altitude Gain: 930 m | Altitude Loss: 770 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Laprak, the trek begins in the crisp morning air, leaving the village as the sun lights up the slate roofs and smoke rises from Chulo stoves. The trail first drops sharply through fertile terraces of barley and buckwheat, showing the “vertical lifestyle” of locals carrying heavy loads up the slopes. At the base of the valley, we cross the Jyabru Khola on a traditional suspension bridge, where the air is more humid and the forest changes from pines to ferns and broadleaf trees. After the river, the trail climbs steeply, passing terraced fields of pink sorghum and winding along narrow paths that lead to a small chorten below Singla, a quiet mid-hill village with houses decorated with drying corn husks and marigolds, perfect for a mid-morning break with fresh buffalo milk tea. From the ridges near Singla, we enjoy views of Ganesh Himal to the east, the Gupsi Danda ridge behind us, and further north, the Kutang Himal and Sringi Himal, standing on the divide between the Daraudi and Budi Gandaki watersheds. The path then continues through more terraced fields, papaya trees, and the Gurung village of Khorla, passing bamboo groves, wild herbs, and citrus orchards along narrow stone-lined paths, with local women weaving straw mats along the way. The day ends with a steep descent to Khorlabensi (970 m) on the Budi Gandaki River, where the roar of the river grows louder, the canyon walls are dramatic, and trekkers may cross a long suspension bridge. In the evening, the riverside village with narrow streets and cozy lodges often welcomes guests with cultural performances, offering a glimpse into local traditions after a long day of trekking.

Trekking: 7-8 Hours |  Distance: 14 km |  Altitude Gain: 580 m |  Altitude Loss: 1,740 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Khorlabeshi, the trek begins with a scenic walk along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through lush greenery and small coffee plantations until you reach Tatopani, where natural hot springs offer a refreshing stop for trekkers. After leaving Tatopani, you cross a suspension bridge to the eastern side of the river, and the valley gradually becomes narrower with the sound of rushing water growing stronger. Continuing, you arrive at Doban, a popular lunch spot at the meeting point of two rivers, where the trail becomes more rugged with landslide-prone sections, so it’s important to stay alert and always stand on the mountainside when mule trains pass. As you move toward Yaruphat, the landscape becomes more dramatic, featuring a long metal cantilever bridge fixed to a cliff that helps you safely cross a once-dangerous section, along with a stunning waterfall nearby. The day ends with a steady climb up stone steps to Jagat, a tidy village with paved paths that serves as an official checkpoint for the Manaslu region, where you’ll also notice stronger stone-built houses designed for the cooler mountain environment.

Trekking: 7-8 Hours |  Distance: 14 km |  Altitude Gain: 620 m |  Altitude Loss: 170 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast and permit verification, the trek begins from Jagat with a gentle climb on a stone-paved trail, descending to the riverbank and passing Salleri, where you enjoy the first clear views of Sringi Himal and nearby waterfalls. The route continues along the Budhi Gandaki River to Sirdibas, a traditional Gurung village known for its stone mani walls and small gompas, before dropping to cross a suspension bridge at Ghatte Khola. From there, the trail climbs steadily through terraced hills to Philim, a large village surrounded by corn, millet, and potato fields, often used as a lunch stop with wide valley views. After Philim, the path heads north through forested terrain and waterfalls, passing Ekle Bhatti and reaching a key junction where the trail splits between the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley; taking the right turn, you cross a high suspension bridge and enter a remote wilderness of pine and rhododendron forests. The trail then continues through the narrowing gorge of Thangurmu, where cliffs rise sharply and the river roars far below, before a final steep and switchback ascent leads to Lokpa at 2,240 meters. Lokpa, the quiet gateway of the Tsum Valley, offers a strong sense of isolation and marks the beginning of the sacred high Himalayan sanctuary beneath the Ganesh Himal range. 

Trekking: 6-7 Hours |  Distance: 14 km |  Altitude Gain: 810 m |  Altitude Loss: 230 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, the trek from Lokpa begins with a steep descent through a wild forest of pine and rhododendron toward the roaring Siyar Khola, where you cross a suspension bridge that marks the official entry into the inner Tsum Valley. From here, the trail becomes a steep and tiring uphill climb with narrow cliffside paths and stone switchbacks, offering stunning views of Ganesh Himal and Baudha Himal along the way. As you gain height, the forest slowly changes from dense woodland to more open alpine scenery with streams and waterfalls flowing down the rocks. After a steady climb, the trail finally levels out as you reach Chumling (2,385 m), a peaceful hillside village divided into Upper and Lower sections. Here, the landscape opens into terraced fields and a strong cultural setting with ancient Mani walls, sacred Chortens, and traditional stone houses with wooden roofs, showing the spiritual heart of Lower Tsum. The turquoise Siyar Khola continues below, fed by glaciers from the inner valley, while the Ganesh Himal range dominates the skyline on clear days. This 4–5 hour trek is a great introduction to Tsumba culture, and it is important to walk clockwise around religious monuments and carry enough water and snacks, as there are few stopping places along the route. 

Trekking: 4-5 Hours |  Distance: 8 km |  Altitude Gain: 710 m  |  Altitude Loss: 310 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in the Chumling, the trail goes over a suspension bridge and through the lush greenery of Rainjam. As you leave the humid river zone, the air gets thinner, and the weather gets drier. As the journey continues, there is a steady, steep climb up stone switchbacks. The climbers are rewarded with stunning views of the Ganesh Himal as they leave the dense rhododendron forests behind. Once you get to the high ridge, the land flattens out into a wide, sunny valley floor at Chhokangparo, which is the official entrance to Upper Tsum and is known for its traditional stone homes with flat roofs and huge, holy Mani walls. This day hike will be your first night above 3,000 meters. Stay hydrated and take it easy while you enjoy the "Sacred Valley of Non-violence" and maybe even a cup of traditional Tibetan butter tea with the friendly locals.

Trekking: 6-7 Hours |  Distance: 11 km |  Altitude Gain: 910 m | Altitude Loss: 180 m | Accommodation: Lodge I Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From the twin villages of Chhokangparo, the trail leads through fields of buckwheat and barley to the traditional settlement of Lamabagar, surrounded by the majestic Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal ranges. A spiritual highlight comes near Burji, where a short detour leads to the sacred Milarepa Piren Phu Cave, a cliffside sanctuary where the legendary Tibetan saint meditated that now houses ancient murals and a revered rock footprint. After taking in the peaceful surroundings, you will walk through the historic village of Chule (3,347 m), which is famous for its impressive Mani walls and large school. Then, you cross a sturdy bridge over the Shiar Khola. The 5-6 hour journey ends with a gentle climb to the Nile (3,361 m), a charming high-altitude village with stone-walled houses that serves as your final base before ascending to Mu Gompa. To ensure a smooth experience, remember to follow cave etiquette by removing your shoes, applying high-SPF sunscreen against the intense high-altitude sun, and staying hydrated as you settle in for the night at over 3,300 meters.

Trekking: 6-7 Hours |  Distance: 10 km |  Altitude Gain: 320 m | Altitude Loss: 40 m | Accommodation: Lodge I Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Nile, the day hike begins with a steady morning ascent along the Shiar Khola's western bank through a stark, alpine landscape of seasonal yak pastures. The trail gradually ascends to Mu Gompa (3,700 m), the largest and highest monastery in the Tsum Valley. Established in 1895, this sacred site houses invaluable religious texts such as the Kangyur, a life-sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and revered images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. For those seeking a "top of the world" experience, an optional trek leads further to the historic Dephyudonma Gompa (4,060 m), one of the valley's oldest nunneries, founded by Lama Serap of Nile Ladrang, with unparalleled views of glaciers and the Tibetan border. This 4-6 hour round trip should begin by 7:00 a.m. to avoid the midday clouds and capture the best photography light before a quick, scenic descent back to Nile for the evening. Hikers should carry a light pack with a down jacket and high-energy snacks, take advantage of the available drinking water sources, and follow traditional etiquette by dressing modestly and removing headwear when entering these ancient prayer halls.

Hiking: 5-7 Hours |  Distance: 10 km |  Altitude Gain: 320 m | Altitude Loss: 320 m | Accommodation: Lodge I Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Nile, the trail follows the Shiar Khola downstream on a wide, mostly flat path through the fertile valley. There are stunning views of the Pika Glacier and the Ganesh Himal range's tall peaks. You get to Rachen Gompa, an important nunnery built by the Ngak-pa sect in 1905 that is known for its beautiful Buddhist murals and large collection of statues. From Rachen Gompa, the road goes south through the twin villages of Lar and Phurbe to Chhekampar, which is the largest settlement in Upper Tsum and is made up of the villages of Chheko and Par joined together. It has traditional Tibetan-style stone houses with stacks of firewood on top, and there are several teahouses that make it a great place to stop for lunch. The trail goes down steeper for 2.5–3 hours after Chhekampar. It goes from a dry alpine landscape to a forest of blue pine and rhododendrons, crossing a few suspension bridges over the Shiar Khola on its way to Gho, a small, quiet village at a lower elevation where the air is noticeably warmer and more comfortable. Along the way, don't forget to look left at the mani walls and chortens, and ask permission before taking pictures inside Rachen Gompa. As you descend toward Gho, keep an eye out for yellow-flowering Himalayan gorse and the fresh scent of pine. 

Trekking: 5-7 Hours |  Distance: 15 km |  Altitude Gain: 70 m |  Altitude Loss: 870 m | Accommodation: Lodge I Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Gho, the trail gently descends through peaceful pine and rhododendron forests to the confluence of the Shiar Khola and Sarpu Khola, arriving at the small settlement of Dumje, the day's lowest point and a quiet junction where water bottles should be refilled before the exposed climb ahead. After crossing a suspension bridge over the Sarpu Khola, the route sharply ascends and begins a demanding climb to Gumba Lungdang, zigzagging through dense, moss-covered forest and, in spring, brilliant rhododendrons, with a few "false peaks" along the way that test patience and pacing. As you finally reach the ridge, the nunnery appears as an eagle's nest against the massive backdrop of Ganesh Himal (Yangra), one of the region's oldest and most significant nunneries, with arguably the best view of Ganesh Himal I (7,422 m) in the entire Tsum Valley. Accommodation in the nunnery's guest rooms is simple, with basic meals prepared by the nuns, and if you arrive before sunset, you may have the rare opportunity to witness the evening puja, when the deep sounds of horns and drums echo hauntingly across the surrounding mountain walls.

Trekking: 5-6 Hours |  Distance: 7 km |  Altitude Gain: 1,010 m |  Altitude Loss: 200 m | Accommodation: Lodge I Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, the route begins directly behind the nunnery with a steep climb through dense rhododendron and pine forest, where the narrow trail can be slippery in morning dew or after rain. The scenery drastically shifts as you rise above the tree line onto the Toro Gompa Glacier's lateral moraine. Here, the path becomes faint, and you must carefully scramble over large, unstable boulders and loose scree to find your way. Previous hikers have left small stone cairns. Reaching Ganesh Himal Base Camp—more a broad, rocky expanse than a defined campsite—you find yourself standing directly beneath Ganesh Himal I (7,422 m), with sweeping views of Ganesh II and IV and the massive glacier icefall, at an altitude of roughly 4,200 m, where it’s important to be alert to any signs of altitude discomfort and descend promptly if symptoms arise. The return journey is demanding, with knee-testing descents over loose moraine and a steep, jarring drop back through the forest, so plan to be back at the Gumba by mid-afternoon before temperatures fall and clouds build.

Hiking: 8-10 Hours |  Distance: 22 km |  Altitude Gain: 1,280 m |  Altitude Loss: 1,280 m | Accommodation: Lodge I Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Gumba Lungdang, you begin a steep descent by retracing the ridge down through rhododendron and pine forest, where the sharply dropping, sometimes slippery trail makes trekking poles especially helpful, eventually reaching the small settlement of Dumje, a convenient spot for a short rest or snack before continuing. From Dumje, instead of crossing back toward Gho, the route follows the southern bank of the Shiar Khola westward on a relatively gentle, undulating path through deep, ancient forest to Ripchet, one of the most traditional villages in the valley, distinguished by dry-stone houses with wooden roofs and a quieter, more shaded atmosphere that makes it an excellent place for lunch and observing local agricultural life. The final stage leaves the open Tsum Valley plateau and descends steeply from the Ripchet fields into a narrow gorge, crossing a long suspension bridge over the Shiar Khola to rejoin the main trail, followed by a short uphill climb and some narrow cliff-side sections before reaching Lokpa. Lokpa, the entrance to the Tsum Valley, is situated high above the thunderous meeting point of the Shiar Khola and Budhi Gandaki.

Trekking: 7-8 Hours |  Distance: 18 km |  Altitude Gain: 550 m | Altitude Loss: 1,970 m | Accommodation: Lodge I Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Lokpa, the trail goes down to where the Tsum Valley meets the main Manaslu route. Along the way, it goes by the small settlement of Eklebhati, which is a nice place to stop for a tea break. After that, there is a short but steady climb to Philim, a big and prosperous Gurung village. Here, you need to stop at the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) office to get out of the Tsum Valley restricted area. From Philim, the path goes down through terraced fields of millet and maize. It goes by the traditional village of Sirdibas and over a long suspension bridge to reach Jagat, a pretty stone-paved village that is a popular place to stop for lunch and a major entrance to the area. After Jagat, the valley gets narrower, and the trail goes on to Yaruphat. At Yaruphat, you cross a dramatic cantilever bridge that is bolted directly into a sheer cliff above the raging river. From there, you can choose from a mix of forest and rock paths that lead to Doban, which is where the Shiar Khola and the Budhi Gandaki meet. The last part of the trip is below 1,000 meters, where the air is warmer and more humid. Along the riverbank, it goes by streams and waterfalls on its way to Tatopani, a village on a hill. There are stone taps in the middle of the village that let natural hot springs flow. This is a great way to soak your tired legs after the long descent and relax.

Walk: 8-10 Hours |  Distance: 25 km |  Altitude Gain: 360 m |  Altitude Loss: 1,350 m | Accommodation: Lodge I Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Tatopani, the drive to Kathmandu in a 4WD jeep commences with an exhilarating off-road descent along narrow dirt tracks that have been carved into the Budhi Gandaki river valley. The route passes through Machhakhola, a critical hub for Manaslu trekkers, and the vehicle navigates rocky riverbeds, occasionally crossing small waterfalls. The tight, narrow road necessitates careful driving. The dirt road from Soti Khola gradually widens as you continue toward Arughat, a bustling trading town that is ideal for a quick tea or snack break. The road feels slightly more "civilized" while remaining unpaved. Leaving the river behind, the jeep ascends dusty, winding hill roads through ridges and small farming villages to reach Dhading Besi, where the blacktop commences. It then continues south to Malekhu, which is renowned for its fried fish and serves as an ideal snack stop. Ultimately, the jeep merges onto the Prithvi Highway for a steady climb over the Thankot pass into the Kathmandu Valley, completing a scenic drive that combines off-road thrills with smooth highway cruising.

Transfer duration: 167km, 8-9 Hours    |  Accommodation: Hotel l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we have a free day to explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu on our own. You may want to spend the day indulging in souvenir shopping, wandering through the colorful streets and bazaars, or savoring the local cuisine. You could also visit some of the popular tourist attractions in the city, such as Bhaktapur or Patan, which showcase Nepal's rich cultural and historical heritage. Alternatively, you could engage in other activities like hiking, biking, or adventure sports, or relax and rejuvenate in one of the city's many spas and wellness centers. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to soak up the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of this beautiful city.

Accommodation: Hotel l Meal: Breakfast

Today, we will transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for our departure. After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will gather our belongings and go to the airport. We will ensure we reach the airport in time to complete all the necessary formalities and board our flight. Before we bid farewell to this enchanting country, take one last look at the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and take a moment to appreciate the warm hospitality and kindness of the Nepalese people. This marks the end of our tour, and we hope you had a memorable and enjoyable time in Nepal.

Meal: Breakfast