Tsum Valley, Manaslu Circuit & Nar Phu Valley Combined Trek

Today, you will enter one of Nepal’s most isolated trekking regions. Leaving Jagat, you will move towards Lokpa. Starting, you will climb through beautiful forest areas. You will then pass through numerous traditional villages, such as Salleri, Sirdibas, and Philim. Philim is one of the largest villages located in the lower Manaslu region. Then, past Philim, you will briefly follow the Budhi Gandaki River before branching north towards the hidden Tsum Valley.

Then, you will follow dense pine and rhododendron forests, with occasional viewpoints overlooking deep valleys and cascading rivers below. As you progress, you will arrive at the first village in Tsum Valley, Lokpa. Overnight stay in Lokpa.

Get up, freshen up, grab your first meal of the day, and prepare for the trek. Your destination for today is the small settlement of Ranjam. Initially, you will descend through thick forests before crossing the Siyar Khola. Moving past the suspension bridge, you will gradually follow the route that climbs towards Chumling, one of the major villages of Tsum Valley.

After Chumling, you will continue towards a higher elevation, where traditional stone houses, prayer wheels, mani walls, and colorful prayer flags are common. So, as you get closer, you can easily see the rich influence of Tibetan Buddhism. With the colorful and cultural atmosphere, you will continue through the forest and open hillside to reach Ranjam. Upon reaching Ranjam, settle into your accommodation and explore the village. Overnight stay in Ranjam.

Early in the morning, you will trek through the heart of Upper Tsum Valley while passing the village of Chhokang Paro. From there, you will see the magnificent view of Ganesh Himal and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Then, you will continue north, where you can see ancient chortens, prayer walls, and century-old monasteries.

Eventually, you will reach the villages of Chuile and Nile. The villages are stone-built, with traditional farming practices and a strong Tibetan cultural tradition. As you reach the village, check in at the teahouse and relax. Overnight stay in Chuile/Nile.

It’s your second day in Nile village. On this day, you do not need to wake up early; you can wake up before breakfast time is over. Then, during the day, you will explore Mu Gompa, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Tsum Valley. Moving towards Mu Gompa, you will gradually ascend through alpine terrain with views of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and the surrounding peaks.

Mu Gompa is the highest and most sacred monastery in Tsum Valley. It is located north of Nile village and west of Chuile village. It is believed that the great Tibetan yogi Milarepa meditated in the mountain caves just below Mu Gompa. Similarly, there is a life-sized statue of Avalokiteśvara Buddha and ancient murals depicting the life of the Buddha.

Once you reach Mu Gompa, you can explore the monastery, observe daily monastic life, spin prayer wheels, and learn more about the culture and traditions. After exploring, if time permits, you can walk further towards Dhephu; otherwise, you can return to your teahouse in Nile. Overnight stay in Nile village.

As you wake up, a warm breakfast awaits at the teahouse. Then, pack your bags and get ready to leave Nile village. You will begin the return journey from Upper Tsum Valley towards Chhokangparo. The retrace provides a different perspective of the surrounding areas. You will begin with a gradual descent that allows for a better appreciation of the surrounding landscapes. With shifting views of traditional villages, terraced fields, and dramatic cliffs, you will pass through Chuile once again.

From Chuile, follow the trail towards Shiar Khola, ultimately arriving at Chhokangparo. Chhokangparo is another beautiful village that provides magnificent views of Ganesh Himal and Baudha Himal. Once you reach the village, you can spend the rest of the evening at the teahouse. A short stroll around the village helps you better understand the local lifestyle. You can also interact with the locals to learn more about their culture and traditions. Overnight stay in Chhokangparo.

Begin your descent through the sacred Tsum Valley after breakfast in Chhokangparo. Then, you will return along the trail beside the Shiar Khola. With the sense of revisiting the area, the traditional villages, terraced fields, ancient mani walls, and colorful prayer flags offer another opportunity to understand Buddhist culture.

Then, you will descend through Chumling. From there, you will cross the suspension bridge and continue to Lokpa. Lokpa marks the point where the Tsum Valley route reconnects with the main Manaslu Circuit. Surrounded by dense pine and rhododendron forests, the village offers a peaceful place to relax. Overnight stay in Lokpa.

After leaving Lokpa behind, you will descend to Ekle Bhatti, where you will rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit. From there, you will follow the trail along the Budhi Gandaki River through forests and narrow gorges before gradually climbing toward Deng and continuing to Bihi Village.

Bihi Village is surrounded by forests and towering peaks. It is characterized by Tibetan-style stone houses and prayer wheels. Upon reaching the village, check in at your teahouse and enjoy dinner. Overnight stay in Bihi.

For today’s trekking section, you will follow the Budhi Gandaki River through dense forests. Then, you will cross several suspension bridges and pass small settlements before reaching the village of Ghap. From there, you will continue to gain elevation through dramatic landscapes filled with towering cliffs. Along this section, you will catch your first clear views of the snow-capped peaks.

Further along the trail, you will pass impressive mani walls carved with Buddhist prayers. Upon reaching Namrung, you will enter a beautiful Tibetan-style village with traditional stone houses, prayer flags, and a peaceful atmosphere. Overnight stay in Namrung.

On this day, you will continue through one of the most iconic sections of the Manaslu Circuit. Today, you will leave Namrung behind and head towards Sama Gaun. Beginning the walk, you will pass through the traditional villages of Lho and Shyala while witnessing breathtaking views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu North.

Upon arriving in Lho, you can visit the magnificent Ribung Monastery, one of the region’s most important monasteries. Then, upon reaching Shyala, you will see an open landscape that stretches toward glaciers and alpine Himalayan meadows. Shyala is one of the best photography locations on the trek, so be sure to capture some memorable shots. It is also an acclimatization stop for most trekkers to adjust to the lower oxygen levels and reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness.

Then, with a gentle walk from Shyala across yak pastures, you will reach Sama Gaun, one of the largest settlements in the Upper Manaslu region. Once you arrive, settle into your teahouse. Overnight stay in Sama Gaun.

You will spend an additional day in Sama Gaun for acclimatization. During this day, you will hike to a nearby higher location to help your body adapt to the lower oxygen levels, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Start the day by exploring the beautiful village of Sama Gaun. Then, you can take a short hike to Pungen Gompa, a peaceful monastery in the Manaslu region that offers excellent mountain views.

After the visit, if you still have the energy or wish to explore further, you can hike to Manaslu Base Camp or take a short walk to Birendra Lake. The hike to Manaslu Base Camp is more challenging; however, it rewards you with incredible views of the glacier and surrounding peaks. Birendra Lake, on the other hand, is a peaceful glacial lake with blue-green water located below Mount Manaslu. After the hike, you will return to Sama Gaun. Overnight stay in Sama Gaun.

Begin today’s trek by descending to the Budhi Gandaki River, then follow the route to Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp. Then, you will walk through the forested area to reach Kermo Kharka. After Kermo Kharka, you will climb further and cross the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki before you reach Samdo.

As you approach Samdo, you are greeted by the beautiful Samdo peaks that shine on the northern horizon, the glacial basin that lies to the east, and Syacha Glacier, located to the north of Sama Valley. Overnight stay in Samdo.

This morning starts with a walk along the green fields in Samdo village, and you will cross the Budhi Gandaki for the last time at Larkya Bazaar. After some walking, we can come into sight of Syacha Glacier. You walk to Dharmashala, enjoying the narrow gorge.

In Dharamshala, you can enjoy charming views of Larke Peak (6,249 m) and Naike Peak (6,211 m). Then you spend the night at Dharamsala.

Wake up very early and get on the trek with a quick breakfast. Today is one of the most challenging sections of the Tsum Valley Manaslu Nar Phu trek, where you will conquer the Larkya La Pass. After leaving Dharmashala in the early morning, you climb up a ridge leading to the moraine of Larkya Glacier. There, you can see beautiful frozen lakes shining like huge diamonds.

Slow and steadily, you will reach Larkya La Pass (the longest mountain pass in Nepal), walking through Larkya Glacier. The stunning view of Cheo Himal, Himlung, Gyaji Kung, Kangguru, and Annapurna II from the top of the pass makes the long and hard day totally worth it. After enjoying the view, you will descend towards Dangboche Kharka and follow the trail to the attractive Bhimtang Valley via Salpudanda Glacier. Overnight at Bhimtang.

As you start gaining altitude from Bhimtang, you will follow the quieter side trail through the alpine meadows and make your way towards Punkar Lake. The hike to Punkar Lake takes about 2-3 hours and offers great views of Manaslu and the Annapurna range. The lake sits below the Larkya and Punkar glaciers, where you can see the hanging glaciers, broken rock faces, and wide valleys stretching back towards Bhimtang.

The area is quiet and provides a peaceful atmosphere. If you spend enough time, you can see the lake change colors depending on the light, from blue to darker shades. Then, after quality time at Punkar Lake, you will move towards Guha. You will continue along the rhododendron and pine forests and climb for a few hours to reach Guha. Overnight stay in Guha.

With breakfast in Guha, you will leave Guha and head toward Tilje, which is a short and easy descent on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Starting the trekking journey, you will walk through the peaceful rhododendron, pine, and oak forests. Then, you will pass through some terraced fields and traditional Gurung settlements. As you continue walking, you will cross small streams while enjoying views of the Marsyangdi Valley to reach Tilje. Overnight stay in Tilje.

It’s not a walking day today; you will hop on the 4WD jeep and follow the Marshyangdi River upstream towards lower Manang Valley. The road will pass through Dharapani, Bagarchhap, Timang, and Thanchok before reaching Koto. Along with the beautiful green landscape, you can also see distant views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu.

Reaching Koto marks the entrance to the best restricted-area trek in Nepal: the Nar Phu Valley. It also serves as the checkpoint for submitting the permit before entering the restricted area the following day. Overnight stay in Koto.

With a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast in Koto, you will start your trekking journey. Today, you will officially enter the third and final stretch of the restricted-area trek in Nepal, the Nar Phu Valley. Nar and Phu are among the most remote valleys in the Himalayas, so get ready for the adventure.

As you leave Koto, you will check in at the police checkpoint to begin your Nar Phu trek. After you register your permits at the checkpost, you will cross a suspension bridge laid over the Marsyangdi River. From there, you will turn north into the Nar Khola Valley.

The trail then begins with a flat, gentle uphill path through the thick pine, cedar, and rhododendron forests. Likewise, you will pass by some prominent locations, such as Chhongche Cave, Hulaki Odar, and the Singenge Dharmashala. Dharmashala will be your lunch place today.

After lunch, the trail continues and becomes steeper. You will climb for a few hours until you reach Meta. The village of Meta sits on a wide, dry plateau, which supposedly feels very different from the green forests below. Meta also offers the first real taste of Tibetan culture on this off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal. From here, you can see amazing views of mountains, including Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Pisang Peak. Overnight stay at Meta.

Your journey today leads you to Phu village. You will follow the narrow Phu Khola river valley through beautiful scenery with rocky hills, suspension bridges, and traditional stone villages. On the way, you will also pass through a few herder camps and villages, such as Junam Goth and Chyaku, which can be a suitable option for a short tea break.

Then, as you continue along the trekking trail, you will reach Kyang, a small village where many trekkers stop for lunch. After lunch, you will continue on the path along the narrow trail that sits beside the cliffs. Then, you will cross high suspension bridges and see ancient rock carvings and mani walls. You can also enjoy the views of Himlung Himal, Mount Annapurna II, and Gangapurna in this section.

As you approach Phu village, you can feel the transition in the landscape, which opens into a wide glacial valley surrounded by impressive cliffs. Afterward, you will enter the Phu gate, where the traditional village, influenced by Tibetan culture, sits on the ridge. Stone houses, old monasteries like Tashi Lhakhang, and a calm atmosphere await your exploration in Phu village. Overnight at Phu village.

You will spend an additional day in Phu for acclimatization and a local excursion. On your acclimatization day, you will take a short hike to help your body adjust to the elevation before continuing your trek. You will also explore the beauty and culture of Phu village, known for its majestic mountains, canyons, rich history, pasturelands, and streams.

For a short hike, you can visit the nearby viewpoints that offer stunning views of Himlung Himal, Pokharkan, and other peaks near the Tibetan border. After the hike, you can walk around the village for exploration. One of the interesting landmarks is the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery. It is an important Buddhist monastery in the region. It was built by Karmapa Rinpoche, who came to Nepal with the Dalai Lama in 1959.

Later, you can interact with the local Gurung and Tibetan-influenced community. Know more about their way of life, which has stayed traditional for generations, untouched by modern changes. With that, you can dive deep into the cultural aspect of the Nar Phu Valley and know more about the hidden Himalayan valleys of Nepal. Overnight stay in Phu village.

After a good night spent in Phu village, it is time to continue on your route. You will leave the old stone houses and take only photographs and memories. While you trail back south along the Phu Khola Valley, you will pass through the mountain scenery and familiar places like Kyang, Chyaku, and Junam Goth.

Again, you will cross several high suspension bridges situated over the deep canyons and walk along the exciting but safe narrow cliffside. Here, you will get an amazing view of rocky cliffs and mountain peaks, including Himlung Himal and Annapurna II. Later, the pathway passes open meadows where yaks and blue sheep graze. With that, you can also see mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags that create a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere as you walk.

Further, you will descend to Nar Phedi, where the trail goes through dense forests and leads to Mahendra Pul before crossing the gorge above Lapcha Khola. On the other side of the bridge, you will follow the uphill path lined with prayer flags, which will bring you to Nar Phedi. Most trekkers reach Nar Phedi by early to mid-afternoon, which allows time to rest, visit the monastery, and enjoy the peaceful environment. Overnight and dinner at Dharmashala (Nar Phedi).

On this day, you will visit the village of Nar. In the initial section, you will cross the Nar River via a suspension bridge, followed by a slow and consistent ascent through open hillsides. Then, the trail will pass through mani walls, gompas, and mud-walled cottages as you progress the climb. Along the route, you will see the amazing view of Kang Guru and Pisang Peak. From the moment you begin to leave Nar Phedi, the narrow gorge opens into a wider landscape, offering a different perspective.

Continuing the walk, you will get to Yughat, and further, you will reach the second gate of the Nar Valley. From there, you will continue along the stone walls with a gentle climb that will take you to the official Nar village. The two entrances highlight the separation between the outside world and the local community’s traditional life. Also, you will pass Gho Chorten, a significant Buddhist shrine and colorful structure that sits atop the Nar Valley gate, marking both a spiritual and geographic point on the route. Overnight in Nar village.

You will wake up before sunrise and feel the cold temperature of the teahouse and its surroundings. With a quick breakfast, you will leave Nar village at around 5 or 5:30. From Nar, you will follow the trekking trail that will lead to Ngawal. Starting from Nar, you will continue along the route to Kang La Pass. The first step of the trek retraces you to Yughat. From Yughat, you will walk uphill along the borderline of the Nar River. The trail passes small villages with Tibetan-style houses and prayer wheels before entering high-alpine terrain.

Then, as you continue along the route, you will reach Jhomby Kharka, also known as Kang La Phedi. Above Kang La Phedi, the trail now becomes very steep and challenging as you are about to take on the Kang La Pass. With slow but steady steps and navigation from the guide, you will cross the metal bridge and climb sharply through a narrow section. Then, you will continue steadily uphill towards the pass.

The summit will take about 2.5 hours, depending on the pace. As you approach the summit, you are rewarded with the magnificent view of Mt. Annapurna, Gangapurna, Pisang, and other peaks. After appreciating the views from the Kang La top and celebrating your victory on this High Pass Trek Nepal, you’ll descend to Ngawal for an overnight stay.

After the successful crossing of the Kang La Pass, you will prepare for the final day of trekking. Today, your long-distance trek to Nepal comes to an end. So after breakfast in Ngawal, you will begin with a gentle downhill walk through terraced fields and light forest. The trail will now follow a high route above the valley, bringing a mix of ascents and descents. Views of the Annapurna peaks, Pisang, and Gangapurna will be seen from another angle, enhancing the overall trek experience.

Upon reaching Pisang, with a short rest and time for exploration of the village’s historic gompa, have lunch. After lunch, you will be transferred to a 4WD jeep for a scenic but bumpy ride down to Besisahar. The drive from Pisang through the Marsyangdi Valley follows the same rough and winding road as before. But by now, you’ll feel something different and changed, not the route but yourself. After arriving in Besisahar, you will feel the near end of your Three Valley trek in Nepal, which includes Tsum Valley, Manaslu, and Nar Phu villages. Overnight at Besisahar.

Today marks the last day of the best restricted area trek in Nepal. So, after breakfast in Besisahar, you will take a 5-hour drive to Kathmandu. You can see the beautiful hills of Nepal pass by, the body resting, and the mind reflecting on the journey. Immediately, you will head towards the main highway with a possible glimpse of Lamjung Himal before descending into the lower river valleys.

Then, the route follows the same Prithivi Highway, which got you here in the first place. The drive passes through the mountains and valleys of central Nepal, with rivers, waterfalls, and roadside villages offering glimpses of local life and culture along the way.

Once in Kathmandu, you are free to do whatever you want. You can go souvenir shopping in Thamel or visit important places in Kathmandu, such as Nyatapola Temple in Bhaktapur, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Overnight in Kathmandu.