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Manaslu trekking route – unexplored|uncrowded

published on: 22nd Jan, 2025

Manalsu circuit (Larkey la) trekking route

Tsum valley trekking route

Rupina la trekking route

Manaslu circuit and Thorong la pass trekking route

Manaslu and Tsum valley trekking route

 Table of Content

  • About Manaslu trekking route overview
  • Best 5 trekking routes of Manaslu Region
    • Manalsu circuit (Larkey la) trekking route
    • Tsum valley trekking route
    • Rupina la trekking route
    • Manaslu circuit and Thorong la pass trekking route
    • Manaslu and Tsum valley trekking route
  • Faq
  • Conclusion

 

About Manaslu trekking route

If you are looking for unexplored, less crowded, peaceful and adventurous route for your holiday adventure then exploring this blog is going to be very helpful guide for you. Manaslu conservation area, where lies one of the eighth highest mountain in the world has five known raw trekking routes which now a days is being popular after Everest base camp trek and Annapurna circuit trek. Let’s know about 5 different available trekking routes of Manaslu region.

 

Best 5 trekking routes of Manaslu Region 

 These five trekking routes that we are discussing are open for trekking officially with different government permit according to the route and its geographical location

 1. Manalsu circuit (Larkey la) trekking route 

Manaslu circuit trek also known as larkey la pass trek is most popular among the five. During this trek we make one complete round of the Manaslu conservation area. The starting destination of the trek is Maccha khola and the end will be in Dharapani. Dharapani is also the starting point of another popular trek, the Annapurna circuit trek. During the journey from Kathmandu to maccha khola we drive to Maccha khola either by jeep or bus. It’s a off road journey, travelers may need to change vehicle in between because there are many waterfall in the route itself and road may get block by minor landslide sometimes. It is better to book a jeep from Kathmandu Maccha khola which will be more comforting but it may add a cost a little bit.

Maccha khola to jagat trekking route

 Starting from 850 meters Maccha khola to 1410 m jagat it will take least of 6 hours if you can walk fast, the average calculated time is 7 hours and 8 hours for a slow walker. The first 2 to 3 hours is a vehicle road with lot of local resident school and local vehicle then you inter a trekking route cross some suspension bridge and lots of waterfall. The last 3 hours is stiff uphill which prepares for you for the next day helps with good sleep and rest.

 

Jagat to Deng 

Starting at 1,410 meters in Jagat and ascending to 1,860 meters in Deng, this trek will take an average of 6–7 hours, though slower trekkers may take up to 8 hours. The route begins with a moderate descent through terraced fields and small villages, with glimpses of the Budhi Gandaki River alongside. The trail includes several suspension bridges, lush forests, and sections with stone-paved paths. The last part involves a steady climb, preparing you for higher altitudes and helping you acclimatize. You'll pass by quaint villages such as Philim, a great spot for a break or lunch.

 

 Deng to Namrung


 From Deng (1,860 meters) to Namrung (2,630 meters), the trek takes 6–8 hours depending on your pace. The route becomes more scenic, with the river gorges narrowing and views of lush pine forests emerging. After crossing several bridges and climbing gradual ascents, you’ll reach Ghap, a great place to stop for refreshments. Beyond Ghap, the trail steepens, passing through serene forests and offering glimpses of the snowcapped mountains. Namrung is a culturally rich village where you’ll notice the Tibetan influence in the architecture and local customs.

Namrung to Shyala


The trek from Namrung (2,630 meters) to Shyala (3,520 meters) takes approximately 6–7 hours. The trail offers some of the most picturesque views of the journey. As you ascend, the terrain becomes more alpine, with fewer trees and more expansive views of the mountains, including Manaslu and other nearby peaks. You’ll pass through the villages of Lho and Sho, where you can explore monasteries and interact with the locals. Shyala is a quiet village with breathtaking panoramic views, making it a perfect place to relax and soak in the mountain scenery.

Shyala to Samagaon


This is a relatively shorter and easier trek, taking 3–4 hours from Shyala (3,520 meters) to Samagaon (3,530 meters). The trail is mostly flat, with some gentle ascents, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views of the Manaslu range. You’ll pass through yak pastures and traditional Tibetan-style settlements. Samagaon is a large and culturally significant village where trekkers often spend an extra day for acclimatization. Don’t miss visiting the Pungyen Monastery or taking short hikes to nearby viewpoints.

Samagaon to Samdo


From Samagaon (3,530 meters) to Samdo (3,875 meters), it’s a 3–4 hour trek with a gentle incline. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River and offers expansive views of the valley and surrounding peaks. The walk is relatively easy, giving your body more time to adjust to the altitude. Samdo is a small Tibetan village close to the Nepal-Tibet border, and it’s an excellent spot to explore the local culture or prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.

Samdo to Dharamshala


The trek from Samdo (3,875 meters) to Dharamshala (4,460 meters) takes about 4–5 hours. The path is a steady ascent, with the terrain becoming more rugged and barren. Along the way, you’ll pass grazing yaks and see majestic views of the mountains. Dharamshala, also known as Larke Phedi, is a basic campsite where trekkers prepare for the challenging Larkya La Pass the next day. It’s advisable to sleep early for an early morning start.

Dharamshala to Bhimtang


This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek, crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters). Starting early in the morning from Dharamshala (4,460 meters), it takes about 8–10 hours to reach Bhimtang (3,590 meters). The climb to the pass is steep and demanding, but the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Himlung, Cheo, and Kang Guru, are spectacular. After crossing the pass, the descent to Bhimtang is long and requires careful footing. Bhimtang is a beautiful valley with stunning mountain views and comfortable lodges for rest.

Bhimtang to Dharapani


From Bhimtang (3,590 meters) to Dharapani (1,860 meters), the trek takes 6–7 hours. The trail descends steadily, passing through rhododendron and pine forests, with several river crossings along the way. As you lose altitude, the landscape changes, and you’ll re-enter more populated areas. Villages like Gho and Tilije offer opportunities for breaks and snacks. Dharapani marks the end of the trek, connecting to the Annapurna Circuit and roadways for transportation.

 

2. Tsum valley trekking route

Manaslu conservation area offers another destination Tsum valley also called as the hidden valley of Tsum located near Tibet border. The route to the hidden valley of Tsum changes from Lokpa, this lies between jagat and Deng of the standard Manaslu circuit trek. Heading north from lokpa it takes about five day to reach Mu gompa and total of eight days to complete and return to jagat. Mu gompa is the final destination of Tsum valley trek. Let’s discuss about the route from jagat to tsum valley.

Jagat to Lokpa


Starting at Jagat (1,410 meters) and heading to Lokpa (2,240 meters), this stretch takes 6–7 hours on average. The trail initially descends and crosses the Budhi Gandaki River, leading through lush forests and terraced fields. You’ll pass through villages like Salleri and Sirdibas, where you can observe traditional Gurung culture. The climb to Lokpa is steep but rewarding, with scenic views of cascading waterfalls and surrounding hills. Lokpa serves as the gateway to the Tsum Valley and offers serene surroundings and basic lodges.

Lokpa to Chumling


From Lokpa (2,240 meters) to Chumling (2,386 meters), the trek takes about 5–6 hours. The trail begins with a descent toward the Syar Khola River, crossing suspension bridges and navigating through dense forests. After the descent, the path ascends steadily, revealing glimpses of the hidden Tsum Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass small settlements and prayer flags, signaling the region's Tibetan Buddhist influence. Chumling is a quaint village with monasteries and beautiful views of the Ganesh Himal range.

Chumling to Chokhangparo


Trekking from Chumling (2,386 meters) to Chokhangparo (3,031 meters) takes approximately 6–7 hours. The route involves a mix of gentle ascents and steep climbs, crossing suspension bridges and passing through traditional villages. You’ll notice an increase in the number of mani walls, chortens, and prayer wheels, reflecting the spiritual ambiance of the Tsum Valley. Chokhangparo is a twin village divided into upper and lower sections, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and a chance to experience authentic Tibetan culture.

Chokhangparo to Nile


The journey from Chokhangparo (3,031 meters) to Nile (3,361 meters) takes 6–7 hours and is relatively moderate in difficulty. The trail passes through charming villages such as Lama Gaon and Pangdun, offering a peek into local life. The ascent is gradual, and the valley begins to widen, showcasing breathtaking landscapes and mountain views. You’ll also pass the Rachen Gompa, one of the most significant monasteries in the region. Nile, located near the Tibetan border, is the last village before Mu Gompa.

Nile to Mu Gompa and Back to Nile 


From Nile (3,361 meters) to Mu Gompa (3,700 meters) and back, the round trip takes around 4–5 hours. The path is a steady uphill climb to Mu Gompa, the highest and most significant monastery in the Tsum Valley. Along the way, you’ll encounter expansive views of the valley, prayer flags, and small meditation caves. Mu Gompa is a peaceful and spiritual place, ideal for taking in the serene mountain atmosphere. After spending some time exploring the monastery and its surroundings, you’ll descend back to Nile for the night.

From Nile we trek down same route to jagat in three days and drive to Kathmandu via Maccha khola but many trekkers Trekking Tsum valley then continue their trek to larkey la pass of the Manaslu circuit trek.

 

 3. Rupina la trekking Route 

Rupina la trekking route is the Secondary route to the Larkey la pass. Instead of using the common route from Maccha khola we start our trek from Barpak then trek to Nyak via Boudha himal Base camp to connect the standard Manaslu circuit trek route. Nayak lies between jagat and deng or just opposite of lokpa. Nayak and lokpa are the hills divided by Budhi Gandaki river. From Nyak we trek same route of the manaslu circuit trek to larkey la pass or tsum valley route to the hidden valley of Tsum. Let’s discuss about route from Barpak to Nayak.

Kathmandu to Barpak

 

The journey from Kathmandu (1,400 meters) to Barpak (1,900 meters) takes about 7–9 hours by vehicle. This drive offers a mix of paved and rough roads, passing through scenic hills, terraced fields, and small towns. Barpak, also known as the "Gorkha village," is the starting point of this trek and holds historical significance as the home of Gorkha soldiers. The village is picturesque, surrounded by lush hills and offering views of snow-capped mountains like Buddha Himal. Barpak is a great place to immerse yourself in local culture and prepare for the trek ahead.

 

Barpak to Gai Kharka

 

Starting from Barpak (1,900 meters) to Gai Kharka (2,900 meters), this trek takes about 6–8 hours. The trail begins with a steep ascent through dense forests and terraced fields, providing breathtaking views of the valley below. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional villages and encounter locals going about their daily lives. As you climb higher, the terrain becomes more rugged, with rhododendron and pine forests dominating the landscape. Gai Kharka is a peaceful campsite surrounded by alpine meadows, ideal for an overnight stay.

Gai Kharka to Rupina La Phedi

 

From Gai Kharka (2,900 meters) to Rupina La Phedi (3,800 meters), the trek takes about 6–7 hours. The trail ascends steadily through rugged terrain, with sparse vegetation as you gain altitude. You’ll pass through rocky outcrops, glacial streams, and isolated yak pastures. This section prepares you for the challenges of higher altitudes. Rupina La Phedi is a basic campsite located at the base of Rupina La Pass, surrounded by towering peaks and offering a sense of solitude.

Rupina La Phedi to Baudha Himal Base Camp

 

The trek from Rupina La Phedi (3,800 meters) to Baudha Himal Base Camp (4,200 meters) involves crossing the challenging Rupina La Pass (4,610 meters). The journey takes about 8–10 hours, depending on weather and trail conditions. The climb to the pass is steep and demanding, but the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Baudha Himal, are worth the effort. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to the base camp, a serene spot with majestic views of glaciers and towering mountains.

Baudha Himal Base Camp to Jhong Kharka

 

From Baudha Himal Base Camp (4,200 meters) to Jhong Kharka (3,600 meters), it’s a 5–6 hour trek. The trail descends through rocky terrain and glacial moraines, gradually transitioning to alpine meadows. You’ll encounter pristine streams, lush valleys, and occasional wildlife such as blue sheep. Jhong Kharka is a remote campsite surrounded by natural beauty, offering a tranquil atmosphere for trekkers to rest and recharge.

Jhong Kharka to Nyak

 

The trek from Jhong Kharka (3,600 meters) to Nyak (2,300 meters) takes about 6–7 hours. This section involves a steady descent through dense forests, crossing rivers and suspension bridges along the way. As you lose altitude, the landscape becomes greener, and the trail passes through small villages and farmlands. Nyak is a quaint village located near the Budhi Gandaki River, where trekkers can reconnect with local culture and enjoy basic accommodations.

 

 4. Manaslu circuit trek and Thorong la pass

This trek is the combination of two most popular trek which can be completed in around 21 days. Starting your trek from Maccha khola we end up at Dharapani via larkey la pass in the Manaslu circuit trek while Dharapani opens up another popular trekking route of the Annapurna circuit trek. This trek ends up at Muktinath located in the Mustang Region via Thorong la pass. As we have already discussed about the Manaslu circuit trekking route above section, Lets discuss about the Annapurna circuit trekking route.

Dharapani to Chame

From Dharapani (1,860 meters) to Chame (2,670 meters), the trek takes about 5–6 hours. The trail follows a gradual ascent through pine and oak forests, crossing several suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages such as Timang, with breathtaking views of Manaslu and Annapurna II. Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, is a bustling town with hot springs to relax in after a long day of trekking.

Chame to Pisang

 

From Chame (2,670 meters) to Pisang (3,200 meters), it’s a 5–6 hour trek. The route becomes more scenic as you follow a narrow trail carved into the cliffs above the river. You’ll pass through lush forests and open meadows, with striking views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. As you approach Pisang, the landscape becomes drier, and Tibetan-style architecture becomes more prominent. Pisang offers two parts—Lower and Upper Pisang—with Upper Pisang being more traditional and offering better mountain views.

Pisang to Manang

 

The trek from Pisang (3,200 meters) to Manang (3,540 meters) takes 6–7 hours. There are two routes: the lower trail and the more scenic upper trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal. The upper route offers stunning views of the Annapurna range and is worth the extra effort. As you trek, you’ll notice a stark change in the landscape, transitioning to a high-altitude desert. Manang is a vibrant village with numerous teahouses, bakeries, and shops, making it an excellent place for acclimatization.

Manang to Ledar

 

From Manang (3,540 meters) to Ledar (4,200 meters), the trek takes about 5–6 hours. The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Annapurna III and Gangapurna. You’ll pass through Yak Kharka, a small settlement where yaks graze in the alpine meadows. The higher altitude becomes noticeable here, so take it slow and stay hydrated. Ledar is a small village with basic lodges and spectacular mountain vistas.

Ledar to Thorong Phedi/High Camp

The trek from Ledar (4,200 meters) to Thorong Phedi (4,540 meters) or High Camp (4,800 meters) takes 4–5 hours. The trail becomes steeper and more rugged as you approach Thorong Phedi, the base for crossing the Thorong La Pass. Some trekkers choose to stay at High Camp for a shorter ascent the next day. The landscape is barren yet striking, with towering peaks and glacial streams surrounding the area.

 

Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek, crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters). Starting early in the morning, the trek from Thorong Phedi (4,540 meters) or High Camp (4,800 meters) to Muktinath (3,760 meters) takes 8–10 hours. The climb to the pass is steep and demanding, but the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are unforgettable. After reaching the pass, the trail descends sharply to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The temple and eternal flame are highlights of this serene village.

 

Drive Muktinath to Pokhara

From Muktinath (3,760 meters), it’s a scenic 8–9 hour drive to Pokhara (820 meters) via Jomsom, Tatopani, and Beni. The road journey offers stunning views of the Kali Gandaki Valley, terraced fields, and waterfalls. You’ll also pass through the world’s deepest gorge, carved by the Kali Gandaki River. Pokhara, with its lakeside charm and panoramic mountain views, is the perfect place to relax after completing the trek.

 

5. Manaslu circuit trek and Tsum valley Trekking Route : 

We have already discussed about the route of Manaslu Circuit Trek and of Tsum valley above. This is the combination of both and most preferred among all the trek. Only those who have lack of time skip the hidden valley of Tsum. Starting from Maccha khola, Jagat and then Lokpa we trek towards Tsum valley and then return to Lokpa and jagat then continue towards Larkey la pass and end our trek at Dharapani from there we return by road transportation to Kathmandu via Besisahar.