Days: 1 Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our airport representative will come to receive you at the airport, and he will transfer to the hotel where you will be spending the night. Meanwhile, you can further inquire about any information regarding the program. Overnight at Hotel
Days: 2 Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Today, we will start our sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. The tour includes excursing the cultural heritage sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List, which includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa and the Pashupatinath Temple. These heritage sites present a sense of nostalgia because of their unique architectural integrity. Enjoy the artistically opulent palaces, cultural quintessence, old priceless paintings, sculptures and a brief history of Nepal. Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included
Days: 3 Drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola Maccha Khola – 930 m / 3,051 ft -9 hrs
It’s a long road journey to Maccha Khola, the starting point of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. The scenery may be captivating, but the road is bumpy and uncomfortable. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the bus station, where you will both board a local bus. The jeep is more comfortable and flexible, but the bus is cheaper (included in the price of the trek), if not very restful. Depending on your vehicle, it takes around 7 to 9 hours to reach the first overnight stop. The final few hours are over a bumpy road.
Days: 4 Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m/4395ft) Walking Distance: 22.2 Kilometers/13.8 Miles, Duration: 5-6 Hours
After crossing the Machha River and Khrolabesi, we will pass through the hot springs at Tatopani. The trail follows a forested area until we cross the Dovan Khola from where we will make our way to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. With white sandy areas along the riverside, the scenery undergoes a drastic transformation as the elevation increases until we reach Jagat. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Days: 5 Trek from Jagat (1,400m / 4,593ft) to Lokpa (2,040m / 6,692ft) Duration: 5-6 Hours
Before heading to Lokpa, we register our permits for Manaslu and Tsum valley at the entry checkpoint in Jagat. Then we will climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, where we stop for a while to enjoy the views of Mount Sringi and descend to Sirdibas. At Sirdibas, we cross the longest suspension bridge in Nepal to enter Philim and continue our trek forward, reaching Ekle Bhatti and then Lokpa, the entry point of Tsum Valley. This village is the first village in the Tsum valley that allows us to view the beautiful Manaslu range. This village is isolated and said to have been blessed by Padmashamva centuries ago. Overnight stay at a lodge Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Days: 6 Trek from Lokpa to Chumling Chumling – 2,386 m / 7,828 ft – 5 hrs
Leaving the quiet village of Lokpa, you’ll head deeper into the forest, where the trail feels wild and exciting. You’ll walk up and down through thick trees, cross a few narrow bridges, and hear the river rushing below. The views open up slowly, showing cliffs, waterfalls, and the distant snow peaks of the Ganesh Himal. After a few hours, you’ll spot the pretty village of Chumling (2,386 meters / 7,828 feet), sitting across a long suspension bridge. Once you cross it, you’ll find stone houses, friendly people, and stunning views of the mountains. Chumling is your first real taste of Tsum Valley culture, with prayer flags, chortens, and even a small monastery nearby. It’s a peaceful place to rest and enjoy the beauty of this hidden Himalayan world.
Days: 7 Trek from Chumling to Chekampar (also called Chokhangparo) Chekampar – 3,031 m / 9,944 ft – 6 hrs
The walk from Chumling to Chekampar is full of beauty and charm. You’ll pass through small, peaceful villages like Ripchet, where locals live in stone houses and tend to their animals and fields. The trail winds through forests and crosses long wooden bridges over rushing rivers. You’ll see mani walls and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, reminding you that you’re deep in a spiritual valley. As you keep climbing, snowy peaks like Ganesh Himal begin to peek through the clouds, making the journey feel magical. After a few hours, you’ll arrive at Chekampar (also called Chokhangparo), one of the biggest and most important villages in the Tsum Valley, sitting at 3,010 meters (9,875 feet). This twin village is made up of Chokhang and Paro, where you’ll find wide open spaces, grazing yaks, and friendly faces. The village is surrounded by mountains and has a peaceful feeling, with teahouses where you can rest and enjoy the view. It’s also a great place to learn more about Tibetan Buddhist culture, with monasteries and colorful prayer flags all around
Days: 8 Trek from Chekampar to Nile Nile – 3,361 m / 11,026 ft – 6 hrs
The next morning, on waking, the picturesque view of Mt. Manaslu accompanies you. You will walk across the easy trail to Shyala, passing through pine and rhododendron gully with moss and a gin-clear stream. From Shyala, you will walk for almost an hour to reach Sama Gaun. Once you enter the village, mountain views fade; however, the yak pastures and typical settlements will attract you. Sama Gaun is the principal village of the Nubri people. It has a large gompa, many shops, a health post, a heliport, telephone/Wi-Fi access, etc.
Days: 9 Day Trip to Mu Gompa. Overnight, if possible, or return to the Nile Mu Gompa- 3,700 m / 12,139 ft – 7 hrs
Today is a very special day as you hike up to Mu Gompa, the most important and highest monastery in the Tsum Valley. The trail climbs gently from Nile, with wide views of snow-covered peaks and stone chortens along the way. At 3,700 meters (12,139 feet), Mu Gompa sits proudly on a hill, surrounded by silence, sky, and mountains. The monastery is over 100 years old and home to monks who live and study in this peaceful place. Inside, you’ll see ancient statues, colorful paintings, and spinning prayer wheels — it feels like stepping into a sacred world. If possible, you can spend the night here in a basic guest room next to the monastery — a truly quiet and magical experience. If not, you’ll return to Nile for the night. Either way, the journey to Mu Gompa is one of the highlights of the trek, filled with beauty, peace, and spiritual energy. It’s a moment you’ll always remember.
Days: 10 8: Nile or Mu Gompa to Chumling Chumling – 2,386 m / 7,828 ft / 5 – 6 hrs
After exploring the peaceful heights of Mu Gompa or spending the night in Nile, it’s time to begin the return journey. You’ll walk back the same way you came, passing through the quiet villages of Pangdun, Phurbe, Lar, and Chekampar (Chokhangparo). Along the way, you’ll see familiar chortens, mani walls, and grazing yaks — but with new light and views that make the landscape feel fresh again. The walk is mostly downhill, making it easier and quicker, and you’ll enjoy watching how the valley slowly opens back up. After several hours of walking, you’ll reach the lovely village of Chumling, where the forests begin again and the air feels warmer. It’s a great place to rest, with cozy teahouses and stunning views of the surrounding hills. After days in the higher, more remote valley, Chumling feels welcoming and full of life — the perfect stop before continuing the trek down toward Lokpa and beyond.
Days: 11 Chumling to Deng Deng – 1,804m/5,919ft / 5 hours
Today’s walk takes you out of the Tsum Valley and back toward the main Manaslu Circuit trail. You’ll retrace your steps past Lokpa, where the path winds through forests, over bridges, and along the river. From Lokpa, you descend steeply down to rejoin the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing more thrilling suspension bridges and climbing up and down rocky trails. The forest is full of birds, butterflies, and sometimes even monkeys swinging through the trees! After several hours of walking through quiet villages and dense greenery, you’ll reach Deng at 1,804 meters (5,919 feet) — a small but friendly village tucked between cliffs and riverbanks. Deng is peaceful and simple, with a few cozy teahouses to rest in. You’ll notice the landscape starting to change again, with higher hills ahead and the promise of more adventure on the Manaslu trail.
Days: 12 Deng to Namrung Namrung – 2,630 m / 8,628 ft – 6 hrs
Today’s trail from Deng to Namrung takes you deeper into the mountains, with exciting climbs, peaceful forests, and beautiful river crossings. You’ll pass through small villages like Bihi, Ghap, and Prok, where the culture becomes more Tibetan and the mountain views get better with every step. The trail winds through tall pine and rhododendron forests, crosses wooden bridges, and follows the rushing Budhi Gandaki River as it cuts through steep cliffs. You might spot monkeys in the trees and hear birds singing as you walk. After several hours of trekking, you’ll reach Namrung, at 2,630 meters (8,628 feet). It’s a bigger village with stone houses, friendly locals, and some of the best views of the trip so far — including snowy peaks like Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli. Namrung also has cozy teahouses, a small monastery, and carved prayer wheels along the paths. It’s a perfect place to relax, enjoy the mountain air, and get ready for the even higher trails ahead.
Days: 13 Trek from Namrung to Shyala Shyala – 3,500 m / 11,482 ft – 7 to 8 hrs
From Namrung, the trail climbs gently through beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron, passing stone villages like Lihi, Sho, and Lho. You’ll see many mani walls, chortens, and Buddhist monasteries along the way, showing the deep Tibetan culture of this region. As you walk, the views of snowy peaks like Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal become even more stunning. One of the highlights is the village of Lho, where you can visit the beautiful Ribung Monastery and see Manaslu rising behind it — a perfect photo moment! After a few more hours of walking, you’ll reach Shyala at 3,500 meters (11,482 feet), a peaceful village surrounded by mountains on all sides. It feels like you’re in a hidden valley made just for trekkers. You’ll see yaks grazing in the fields and prayer flags fluttering in the cool breeze. Shyala is the perfect place to rest and soak in the views, with cozy teahouses and some of the best mountain scenery on the entire Manaslu trek.
Days: 14 Trek from Shyala to Sama Gaun Sama Gaun – 3.530 m / 11,581 ft – 4 hrs
Today’s walk from Shyala to Sama Gaun is short but full of beauty. The trail is mostly gentle and passes through open fields, pine forests, and yak pastures with snowy mountains towering all around. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a Himalayan postcard, with views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and glaciers peeking between the hills. Along the way, you might see herders with their yaks and even spot eagles flying high above. After about 2 to 3 hours, you’ll reach Sama Gaun, at 3,530 meters (11,581 feet) — one of the largest and most important villages on the Manaslu Circuit. It’s a beautiful place with traditional stone houses, ancient Gompas (monasteries), and plenty of smiling faces. You’ll have the rest of the day to rest, explore, or just sit and enjoy the peaceful mountain views. It’s also a great spot to stay longer for acclimatization before heading higher.
Days: 15 Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp) Sama Gaun – 3.530 m / 11,581 ft – 4 hrs
Today is an exciting adventure and an important rest day at the same time! From Sama Gaun, you’ll take a day trip up to Manaslu Base Camp, which sits at around 4,800 meters (15,748 feet). The trail is steep and challenging, but the views are absolutely worth it. You’ll pass through pine forests, cross rivers, and climb past Birendra Lake, a beautiful glacier-fed lake with shimmering blue water. As you go higher, you’ll see more snow, ice, and rocky trails leading up to the base of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. At the top, you’ll stand where climbers begin their journey to the summit, surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks. It feels like you’re standing at the edge of the world! After spending some time taking photos and soaking in the views, you’ll return to Sama Gaun for a good rest. This hike helps your body get used to the altitude and gets you ready for the higher sections of the trek still to come. It’s a big day, but one of the most unforgettable parts of the Manaslu Circuit.
Days: 16 Sama Gaun to Samdo Samdo – 3.530 m / 11,581 ft – 4 hrs
Leaving behind the wide fields and stone houses of Sama Gaun, you’ll follow a gentle trail that climbs higher into the mountains. The path passes through open yak pastures and follows the Budhi Gandaki River as the trees slowly disappear and the air grows colder. Along the way, you’ll see snowy peaks all around you, and maybe even spot blue sheep climbing on the rocky cliffs. It’s a shorter trekking day, which gives your body time to adjust to the higher altitude. After about 3 to 4 hours, you’ll reach Samdo, at 3,860 meters (12,660 feet) — one of the last villages before the Larkya La Pass. Samdo is quiet and windswept, with traditional houses, friendly locals, and a strong Tibetan influence. Surrounded by mountains and sky, it feels like the edge of the world. You’ll spend the night here resting, exploring the village, or watching yaks wander through the fields while preparing for the big days ahead.
Days: 17 Samdo to Dharmasala Dharmasala – 4460 m / 14632 ft – 3 to 4 hrs
The trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (also known as Larkya Phedi) is a short but important day on the Manaslu–Tsum Valley Trek, focused on gradual ascent and acclimatization before crossing the high Larkya La Pass. After a nourishing breakfast in Samdo, you’ll begin the steady climb by crossing the Budhi Gandaki River via a wooden bridge and following a well-marked trail. Along the way, you’ll pass the historic Larke Bazaar, an old trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders once exchanged goods like salt, wool, and yaks. If trading activity is ongoing, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the region’s cross-border heritage. Upon arrival at Dharmasala (4,460m / 14,632 ft), you’ll check into a simple teahouse and enjoy a hot lunch. The rest of the day is reserved for acclimatization and rest, with the option to visit the nearby Larkya Glacier or relax and prepare for the big day ahead. At Magical Nepal, we ensure you have ample time to adjust and fully understand the plan for the next day’s Larkya Pass crossing, making this a well-paced and supportive transition into the final high-altitude stage of the trek.
Days: 18 Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass 5160 Dharmasala – 4460 m / 14632 ft – 3 to 4 hrs
Crossing the Larkya Pass is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Manaslu–Tsum Valley Trek. The journey begins in the early hours under a starlit sky, as trekkers make their way across the rocky terrain of the Larkya Glacier. With headlamps lighting the trail, the climb is steady and gradual. As the sun rises, the landscape transforms, leading to the summit of Larkya La Pass (5,160m / 16,929 ft)—the highest point of the trek. Here, trekkers are rewarded with stunning views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After a brief rest and a light snack at the top, the descent begins. The trail down is long but incredibly scenic, passing by Pongkar Tal, a beautiful glacial lake, and the Salpu Danda Glaciers, with dramatic ice formations and sweeping mountain vistas. This part of the trek demands careful footing, but the breathtaking surroundings make every step worthwhile. The day concludes with your arrival at Bimthang (3,590m / 11,778 ft), a quiet alpine village nestled among towering peaks. Here, you can rest, enjoy a hot meal, and celebrate the day’s accomplishment with fellow trekkers. At Magical Nepal, our experienced guides ensure your safety, motivation, and enjoyment throughout this unforgettable high-altitude crossing.
Days: 19 Trek from Bhimtang (3,720m / 12,205ft) to Gho (2,550m / 8,367ft)
From Bhimtang, the trail crosses the moraine, descends to the Dudh Khola headwaters, crosses a wooden bridge, then into pine and rhododendron forest to Hompuk (3,430m). The rhododendrons are multi-colored, and the forest is home to sheep, horses, and monkeys. You will also be able to enjoy the panoramic views of Phungi, Manaslu, Manaslu North Peak, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal. A 30-minute descent through the forest takes you to Sangore Kharka meadow. You will then cross a landslide before making a steep climb to a ridge decorated with prayer flags. The route ultimately descends to the river bank at Gho (2,575m).
Days: 20Trek from Gho (2,550m / 8,367ft) to Tal (1,700m / 5,577ft)
The route is full of ups and downs, mostly through fields but occasionally through dense forests. Less than an hour walk through the fields and intermittent rhododendron and oak woods takes you to Tilije - a multiethnic community. You will exit Tilije through a stone arch, cross the Dudh Khola and follow along its embankment that descends through the scrub forest. As you trek ahead, the walls of the Marsyangdi Valley start to look larger, and finally, the houses of Dharapani appear in the distance. You will then pass Thonje village via a wooden bridge and a chorten-shaped arch, and Dharapani lies across a long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi. But your trail continues on the sandy banks of the Marsyangdi River until you reach Tal. The prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens in and around Tal tell you that Tal is a Buddhist village.
Days: 21 Drive from Tal (1,700m /5,577ft) to Besisahar then Kathmandu
In the morning, we take a local Jeep or bus from Tal to Besisahar. It is an approximately 4 to 5 hrs drive that passes through several villages, the towns of Bhulbhule and Khudi to Beshishar. We need to reach Besisahar before 3 p.m to catch the last jeep or local bus to Kathmandu. On our journey back to Kathmandu, the road follows the scenic Marsyangdi River, then meets the Trishuli River as we head east along the Prithvi Highway. Along the way, you will get good views of the lush scenery, terraced farmland, and perhaps some final glimpses of the tall snow peaks.
Days: 22 Final Departure from Kathmandu
Time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home. It's good to be at the airport at least three hours prior to departure.