Tsum Valley Larkya La Pass Trek – 21D 20N

Welcome to Nepal and the beginning of your Tsum Valley and Larke La Pass adventure. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Himalayan Sherpa Exodus Team Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd. will welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel.

Kathmandu lies in a broad valley surrounded by the middle hills of central Nepal at approximately 1,350 metres above sea level. Although the great Himalayan chain lies farther north, on a clear day the higher viewpoints around the Kathmandu Valley can offer distant glimpses of snow-covered ranges.

After reaching the hotel, you can rest following your international journey and become familiar with the surroundings. Depending on your arrival time, there may also be an opportunity to walk around the lively streets of Kathmandu.

Before beginning the trek, our team will provide the necessary trip briefing and review the route, trekking equipment, weather considerations, high-altitude precautions and other practical information for the journey ahead.

Overnight: Kathmandu
Altitude: Approx. 1,350 m

Altitude: 905 m
Driving Distance: Approx. 160 km
Driving Time: Approx. 9–10 hours

After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu and begin a long but highly varied overland journey towards Machha Khola, the starting point of our walking adventure.

The road initially crosses the densely settled hills surrounding Kathmandu before heading west and northwest through Nepal's middle-hill landscape. Depending on current road conditions, the commonly used route passes through the Dhading area before continuing towards Arughat, Soti Khola and finally Machha Khola.

During the first section of the journey, the scenery is characterised by green hills, river valleys, terraced farmland and scattered settlements. Rice terraces, maize fields and traditional hillside villages illustrate how closely rural communities in the middle hills are connected with the landscape.

As we travel farther towards Gorkha, the terrain becomes progressively more rugged. The broad agricultural valleys gradually narrow, and the road begins to follow the drainage system connected with the Budhi Gandaki River, one of the defining geographical features of the Manaslu region.

Beyond Arughat and Soti Khola, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic. The road winds above rivers and streams, with steep forested slopes rising from the valley floor. Depending on recent road improvements and seasonal conditions, some sections may be rough, dusty or muddy.

Unlike later trekking days, the major high Himalayan peaks are not continuously visible from this lower valley because surrounding hills often block the northern skyline. However, the journey clearly demonstrates the geographical transition from the Kathmandu Valley and middle hills towards the deep river gorges of northern Gorkha.

Machha Khola is situated beside the Budhi Gandaki river system in a narrow valley surrounded by steep green hills. Arriving here gives the first real sense of entering the remote Manaslu landscape.

Overnight: Machha Khola

Starting Altitude: 905 m
Ending Altitude: 1,340 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 16 km
Walking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours

Today our trek begins properly as we leave Machha Khola and follow the dramatic valley of the Budhi Gandaki River upstream.

The trail travels through a landscape shaped by the river over thousands of years. Steep cliffs, narrow gorges, forested slopes and rocky riverbanks are characteristic of this section. Rather than gaining altitude continuously, the trail repeatedly climbs and descends as it negotiates the irregular sides of the gorge.

We pass small settlements and cultivated areas tucked into whatever relatively level ground is available between the river and surrounding hills. The subtropical vegetation of the lower valley remains noticeable, with broadleaf forests, bamboo, shrubs and agricultural terraces creating a green environment.

As we continue north, suspension bridges become an important feature of the route. The Budhi Gandaki cuts deeply between the hills, requiring the trail to cross from one bank to another where cliffs or side valleys make progress difficult.

The route also passes through the general area of Khorlabesi and Tatopani, where the valley remains narrow and humid. From here the trail continues over ridges and across tributary streams before steadily gaining elevation.

At this stage, the high mountains are still partly hidden behind the steep valley walls. The scenery is therefore dominated less by open Himalayan panoramas and more by the impressive scale of the Budhi Gandaki gorge itself.

Eventually we reach Jagat, a traditional stone-built settlement situated on a comparatively open section of the valley. Its stone-paved pathways and closely arranged houses give the village a distinctive mountain character.

Jagat is also an important geographical and cultural transition point. From here onward, the landscape gradually begins to reflect the stronger Himalayan and Tibetan Buddhist influences found deeper within the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Overnight: Jagat

Starting Altitude: 1,340 m
Ending Altitude: 2,240 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 13 km
Walking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours

Leaving Jagat, we continue northward through the Budhi Gandaki valley before eventually turning away from the main Manaslu route towards Tsum Valley.

The trail initially climbs above the river through a combination of terraced farmland, forest and exposed hillside. As elevation increases, the valley begins to open enough to provide occasional views towards the higher Himalayan ridges.

We pass settlements such as Salleri and continue towards the broader agricultural area around Sirdibas and Philim. The changing architecture, prayer structures and Buddhist symbols along the route gradually reveal our movement into a culturally different part of northern Gorkha.

In favourable weather, this section can provide early views towards Sringi Himal, also written as Shringi Himal, which rises prominently north of the lower Budhi Gandaki valley. Its snow-covered slopes provide one of the first clear indications that we are approaching the high Himalayan zone.

Beyond Philim, the trail climbs through increasingly quiet forest and passes the Ekle Bhatti area. Farther ahead lies an important trail junction. The main Manaslu Circuit continues along the Budhi Gandaki towards Deng and the upper Manaslu valley, while our route turns towards the secluded Tsum Valley.

This junction represents more than simply a change of trail. Geographically, we are leaving the main Budhi Gandaki corridor and entering the drainage system of the Shiar Khola, also written Siyar Khola, which flows down from the high Tsum Valley before joining the larger river system.

The trail towards Lokpa climbs through pine and rhododendron forest on slopes high above the gorge. Waterfalls descend from the surrounding cliffs, and the terrain feels considerably more enclosed and remote.

When clouds remain clear, sections around Lokpa can reveal views towards Himalchuli, Baudha Himal and mountains of the Ganesh Himal region. These peaks form part of the impressive mountain walls surrounding the wider Tsum-Manaslu landscape.

We eventually reach Lokpa, positioned near the entrance to Tsum Valley. Surrounded by forested ridges and deep river gorges, Lokpa feels distinctly more isolated than the villages of the lower Budhi Gandaki.

Overnight: Lokpa

Starting Altitude: 2,240 m
Ending Altitude: 2,470 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 7.8 km
Walking Time: Approx. 4–5 hours

Although today's distance is relatively short, the trail between Lokpa and Chumling contains considerable geographical variation, with repeated climbs and descents through steep forested terrain.

Leaving Lokpa, we enter a quieter section of the Tsum Valley approach. The trail passes through dense woodland dominated by pine, rhododendron and other Himalayan vegetation. In spring, flowering rhododendrons can add considerable colour to the forested slopes.

The route descends towards tributary streams before climbing again along the side of the gorge. In several places, the steepness of the terrain becomes obvious as the trail has been constructed against cliffs or above the river.

Waterfalls drop from the surrounding slopes, particularly where side streams descend sharply towards the Shiar Khola.

As we progress farther into the valley, glimpses of the higher mountains begin to appear through openings in the forest. Depending on cloud conditions, trekkers may see parts of Sringi Himal, Baudha Himal and the Ganesh Himal massif.

Eventually the route crosses the Shiar Khola and climbs towards Chumling. The valley begins to feel broader here, and the contrast between cultivated land and the steep forested mountainsides becomes increasingly attractive.

Chumling marks our arrival in the Lower Tsum Valley. Traditional stone houses, agricultural fields, mani walls, chortens and Buddhist religious structures reflect the distinctive cultural identity of the region.

From suitable viewpoints around Chumling, the surrounding Himalayan ridges become more prominent. In clear weather, the Ganesh Himal region and Sringi Himal contribute an impressive snow-covered backdrop above the valley.

The combination of river geography, traditional settlement patterns and Buddhist landscape makes Chumling an important introduction to the deeper Tsum Valley experience.

Overnight: Chumling

Starting Altitude: 2,470 m
Ending Altitude: 3,031 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 8 km
Walking Time: Approx. 4–5 hours

Today's trek brings one of the most noticeable geographical transitions of the journey as we leave the relatively enclosed Lower Tsum Valley and climb towards the wider landscapes of Upper Tsum.

After leaving Chumling, the trail crosses the river system and continues through a mixture of forest, cultivated slopes and traditional settlements. The route gains more than 500 metres in elevation, so the surrounding vegetation gradually changes as we climb.

We pass through areas near Rainjam and cross side streams flowing down from the mountains. The trail then approaches the settlement of Gho before beginning the stronger climb towards Chhokangparo.

As elevation increases, the deep forest begins to break into more open terrain. The valley broadens noticeably, allowing much wider views of the surrounding mountains than on previous days.

This section is particularly rewarding in clear weather. Ganesh Himal becomes one of the dominant mountain features, while Himalchuli may also appear to the west or southwest depending on the exact position along the trail and local cloud cover. Parts of Baudha Himal and the surrounding high ridges can also contribute to the panorama.

Rather than appearing only as distant white points, the mountains now begin to feel closely connected with the valley itself. Their glaciers and snowfields feed the streams that eventually become part of the Shiar Khola and Budhi Gandaki river systems.

The approach to Chhokangparo, also commonly written Chhekampar or Chhokang Paro, provides an increasingly strong sense of entering a high Himalayan valley.

Chhokangparo lies on an open plateau-like section of the Upper Tsum Valley. Compared with the narrow gorge below Lokpa, the geographical character here is remarkably different. Broad cultivated fields spread around clusters of traditional stone houses, while the higher slopes rise towards the Himalayan borderlands.

On a clear afternoon, the snow-covered Ganesh Himal massif forms one of the outstanding features of the landscape.

Overnight: Chhokangparo

Starting Altitude: 3,031 m
Ending Altitude: 3,360 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 10 km
Walking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours

Today we continue deeper into Upper Tsum Valley, travelling through one of the most culturally and geographically distinctive sections of the trek.

Unlike the steep forested route below Chumling, much of the upper valley consists of comparatively open terrain. The trail follows the broad valley shaped by the Shiar Khola, surrounded by dry mountain slopes, cultivated fields and enormous Himalayan ridges.

Leaving Chhokangparo, we pass a series of small settlements and agricultural areas. Barley, buckwheat and potatoes are among the crops traditionally suited to these higher elevations, where the growing season is considerably shorter than in the lower valleys.

The trail passes through or close to settlements such as Lamagaon, Lar, Phurbe, Pangdun and Chhule, depending on the exact trail used.

Throughout this section, Buddhist culture becomes increasingly visible in the landscape. Long mani walls, chortens, prayer flags and religious structures are encountered beside the trail. These features are not isolated monuments but part of the everyday geography of Upper Tsum.

The Ganesh Himal massif dominates many views to the south and southeast. Under favourable weather conditions, its enormous snow and ice-covered faces appear above the darker slopes surrounding the valley.

To the wider north and west, additional high ridges of the Tsum-Manaslu border region shape the horizon. Because mountain visibility depends heavily on clouds, season and the exact position of the trekker within the valley, individual peaks may appear and disappear throughout the day.

The atmosphere becomes increasingly high-altitude as we approach Chhule and Nile. Trees become much less dominant than in the lower valley, and open fields, rocky slopes and alpine vegetation increasingly define the landscape.

Nile, at approximately 3,360 metres, is among the highest permanent settlements in the upper valley and forms an excellent base for the following day's excursion towards Mu Gompa.

Overnight: Nile

Nile: 3,360 m
Mu Gompa: Approx. 3,700 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 4.3 km
Walking Time: Approx. 3–4 hours

Today is deliberately kept as an acclimatization and exploration day. Rather than making a large change in sleeping altitude, we hike higher towards Mu Gompa before returning, allowing our bodies additional time to adjust to the thinner mountain air.

Leaving the Nile, the route continues north through the uppermost section of Tsum Valley. The landscape here has a distinctly high-Himalayan character. Agricultural land becomes more limited, settlement becomes increasingly sparse and the valley is surrounded by bare ridges and snow-covered mountains.

The Shiar Khola and its upper tributaries originate from the glaciers, snowfields and high mountain catchments surrounding this part of the valley. Walking through this landscape provides a clear view of how Himalayan snow and ice gradually feed the rivers that descend towards the lower Budhi Gandaki.

As we climb towards Mu Gompa, the views become progressively wider. On clear days, the Ganesh Himal massif is particularly impressive. Ganesh Himal I, traditionally known as Yangra, forms part of the massive Himalayan barrier dominating this region.

The high ridges around Upper Tsum also create a striking sense of proximity to the Tibetan Plateau. The international border lies farther north beyond the mountains and high passes, and the relatively dry landscape reflects Tsum Valley's position close to the trans-Himalayan climatic zone.

Mu Gompa, standing at approximately 3,700 metres according to our itinerary, is one of the most important religious landmarks of the upper valley. Its location beneath high mountains gives it an atmosphere quite different from monasteries in the lower, greener regions of Nepal.

Here we have time to appreciate the monastery surroundings, Buddhist heritage and immense scale of the Himalayan landscape.

The purpose of today's walk is not simply sightseeing. Hiking to a higher elevation and returning to sleep lower at Nile contributes to gradual acclimatization, which becomes increasingly important as our itinerary later progresses towards Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmashala and eventually the 5,106-metre Larke La Pass.

After completing our visit, we descend along the familiar upper-valley trail to Nile.

Overnight: Nile

Starting Altitude: 3,360 m
Ending Altitude: 2,470 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 17 km
Walking Time: Approx. 7–8 hours

Today is a longer trekking day as we leave the high settlements of Upper Tsum and descend almost 900 metres back towards Chumling.

Although we are retracing part of our earlier route, walking in the opposite direction provides a completely different perspective of the valley. Himalayan peaks that were previously behind us now appear directly ahead or to the side, while the full shape of the valley becomes easier to appreciate from elevated sections of the trail.

Leaving Nile, we descend through Chhule and continue across the broad upper valley. Traditional fields, mani walls, chortens and stone villages again accompany the route.

In clear morning conditions, the Ganesh Himal massif can provide particularly impressive views. Early hours often offer the best opportunity for mountain visibility before afternoon clouds develop, although conditions naturally vary with season and weather.

We continue through the wider landscapes around the Chhokangparo area before dropping more noticeably towards Lower Tsum.

The geographical contrast becomes increasingly obvious during the descent. Open alpine and high-mountain terrain gradually gives way to larger areas of forest, deeper river gorges and more humid vegetation.

Views towards Himalchuli, Baudha Himal, Sringi Himal and the Ganesh Himal region may appear at different sections of the route, although surrounding ridges can temporarily conceal individual mountains.

Eventually we descend towards the Shiar Khola and return to Chumling.

After several days in the open Upper Tsum landscape, the forested setting around Chumling feels noticeably greener and warmer.

Overnight: Chumling

Starting Altitude: 2,470 m
Ending Altitude: 1,860 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 15 km
Walking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours

Today marks an important turning point in our complete Tsum Valley and Larke La journey. We leave Tsum Valley and reconnect with the main Manaslu Circuit, beginning the next stage of our approach towards the high mountains surrounding Manaslu.

From Chumling, the trail initially descends through the forested Shiar Khola valley. We cross streams and negotiate the familiar steep terrain above the gorge, gradually returning towards Lokpa.

The lush forest contains pine, rhododendron and mixed Himalayan vegetation, creating a striking contrast with the open terrain experienced around Nile and Mu Gompa.

After passing the Lokpa area, we continue towards the junction where the Tsum Valley route meets the main Manaslu trail.

Geographically, this is a significant point. Until now, our journey has followed the Shiar Khola tributary system into Tsum Valley. From here, we return to the much larger Budhi Gandaki valley, which we will follow progressively north and west towards Deng, Namrung, Lho, Shyala, Samagaun and eventually the high country beneath Mount Manaslu.

Instead of returning south towards Jagat, we now turn upstream along the main Manaslu route.

The valley is once again narrow and dramatic. Towering forested cliffs rise above the Budhi Gandaki, while waterfalls descend from side valleys. Suspension bridges and steep hillside trails remain characteristic features.

Although the enormous summit of Mount Manaslu, 8,163 metres, does not yet dominate the view from every section because of the deeply enclosed valley, today's route is geographically bringing us closer to the Manaslu massif.

Depending on weather and the openings between ridges, trekkers may still obtain views towards Sringi Himal and surrounding snow peaks, while the character of the mountain skyline gradually shifts away from Ganesh Himal and towards the central Manaslu range.

The day's walk eventually brings us to Deng at approximately 1,860 metres, a small settlement situated within the Budhi Gandaki valley.

Reaching Deng completes the Tsum Valley section of our journey and begins another fascinating geographical chapter. From tomorrow onward, the trail steadily gains altitude through Namrung and Shyala, where some of the journey's most impressive close-range views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli and surrounding peaks begin to emerge.

Overnight: Deng

Starting Altitude: 1,860 m
Ending Altitude: 2,630 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 19.5 km
Walking Time: Approx. 7–8 hours

After breakfast in Deng, we continue northward through the upper Budhi Gandaki Valley, gradually entering a higher and more distinctly Himalayan environment. Today is a fairly long walking day, with a significant gain in altitude as the trail leads from the warmer forested valley around Deng towards Namrung.

Soon after leaving Deng, the route crosses the Budhi Gandaki River and climbs through steep terrain towards small settlements scattered above the river. The valley remains narrow in places, with the river flowing far below between forested cliffs.

The trail passes through areas around Rana and Bihi Phedi before continuing farther upstream. Mani walls, prayer stones and small Buddhist structures become increasingly common, indicating the stronger Tibetan cultural influence of the upper Manaslu region.

Much of today's journey passes through beautiful forest. Pine, fir, rhododendron and mixed Himalayan woodland replace much of the lower-elevation vegetation seen earlier in the trek. Numerous side streams descend from the surrounding mountains and eventually join the Budhi Gandaki.

Depending on the trail chosen, the route may pass through or near Prok and Ghap. Prok lies above the main river corridor and is surrounded by agricultural fields and forested slopes, while Ghap sits closer to the Budhi Gandaki.

As we move deeper into the valley, the surrounding mountain walls become considerably higher. In clear weather, Sringi Himal can still be seen in parts of this region, while the first stronger views towards Himalchuli and other peaks of the Manaslu massif begin to emerge.

The final section involves further climbing through forest before reaching Namrung at approximately 2,630 metres.

Namrung marks another important geographical transition. The deep lower gorge is gradually giving way to a broader high-mountain valley, and from this point onward the snow peaks become an increasingly dominant part of the journey. Clear conditions around Namrung can reveal views towards Himalchuli and parts of the Ganesh Himal region.

Overnight: Namrung

Starting Altitude: 2,630 m
Ending Altitude: 3,500 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 16 km
Walking Time: Approx. 5–6 hours

Today's trek is one of the major scenic transitions of the entire journey. As we leave Namrung, the valley opens progressively and the great mountains of the Manaslu massif begin to appear at much closer range.

The trail initially climbs through forest and cultivated land towards Lihi, a traditional stone-built village surrounded by barley fields, terraces and mountains.

From Lihi, the route continues across several small streams draining the high slopes surrounding the valley. The vegetation becomes thinner as elevation increases, although sections of pine and fir forest continue between settlements.

We continue towards Sho village, where the mountain scenery begins to change dramatically. When the weather is clear, Manaslu, rising to 8,163 metres, starts to become one of the defining features of the northern skyline.

Mount Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world and forms the central geographical landmark of this entire section of the trek. The Nepal Tourism Board describes the Manaslu region as extending from subtropical Himalayan foothills to arid trans-Himalayan high pastures near Tibet, a transition that becomes increasingly obvious from this stage onward.

The route continues towards Lho, another important village of the upper Budhi Gandaki valley. From the open areas surrounding Lho, Manaslu can appear remarkably close, its huge snow-covered slopes rising above the valley.

Traditional chortens, mani walls and monasteries blend naturally into the landscape. Here the cultural and physical geography become closely connected: villages occupy relatively level terraces while glaciers and snowfields rise thousands of metres above them.

Beyond Lho, we continue climbing towards Shyala. Trees gradually become more scattered and the valley opens into a magnificent natural amphitheatre.

Shyala at approximately 3,500 metres is one of the most impressive mountain-viewing locations of the trek. In favourable weather, the surrounding skyline includes Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli, together with several subsidiary ridges and snow peaks of the Manaslu massif.

The geographical scale is particularly striking here. High peaks rise on several sides of the village while glacial valleys descend between them, giving Shyala a distinctly enclosed Himalayan setting.

Sunrise and late-afternoon light can be especially beautiful when clear weather illuminates the snow-covered faces surrounding the valley.

Overnight: Shyala

Starting Altitude: 3,500 m
Highest Point: Pungyen Gompa – approx. 4,040 m
Ending Altitude: Samagaun – 3,520 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 15.6 km
Walking Time: Approx. 5–6 hours

Today combines high-altitude scenery, Buddhist culture and one of the finest close-range mountain environments of the Manaslu region.

Leaving Shyala, we head towards the broad glacial valley leading to Pungyen Gompa, climbing gradually away from the main trail.

The landscape becomes increasingly open as we leave the village behind. Alpine grassland and grazing areas replace much of the forest, while enormous mountain walls rise around the valley.

As we gain altitude, views towards Manaslu, Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli become increasingly dramatic. Pungyen Gompa is especially valued for its position within this enormous Himalayan amphitheatre. Route descriptions consistently identify these peaks as major features of the panorama from the Pungyen area.

The nearby glacial landscape provides an important geographical reminder of how the entire valley was formed. Ice, snowmelt and seasonal streams continue to shape the upper Manaslu terrain, feeding tributaries that eventually descend into the Budhi Gandaki system.

At approximately 4,040 metres, Pungyen Gompa occupies a quiet and isolated location beneath the surrounding mountains.

The monastery and nearby prayer structures give the landscape a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Rather than standing separately from the mountains, the gompa appears to form part of the natural environment itself.

After spending time exploring the area, we leave Pungyen and gradually descend towards the main trail.

The journey then continues towards Samagaun, passing through open yak pastures and broad high-altitude terrain.

Samagaun, at approximately 3,520 metres, is one of the most important settlements of the upper Manaslu Valley. The village lies beneath the towering Manaslu massif and provides an excellent base for acclimatization and exploration.

Traditional stone houses, mani walls, monasteries and cultivated fields demonstrate how people have adapted to life at this elevation despite the short growing season and long Himalayan winters.

From around Samagaun, Mount Manaslu dominates the surrounding landscape, while subsidiary peaks, ridges and glacial valleys complete one of the trek's finest Himalayan panoramas.

Overnight: Samagaun

Samagaun: 3,520 m
Exploration Height according to our itinerary: Approx. 4,400 m
Walking Time: Approx. 8–9 hours

Today is dedicated to acclimatization and exploration around the upper Manaslu valley.

Rather than gaining sleeping altitude, we hike considerably higher during the day and return to Samagaun in the afternoon. This approach allows the body additional time to adapt before continuing towards Samdo, Dharmashala and Larke La Pass.

Leaving Samagaun, the route begins climbing towards the glacial terrain below Mount Manaslu.

The broad agricultural landscape around the village gradually disappears as the trail rises into increasingly rocky and alpine surroundings.

Depending on the exact trail and conditions, the route passes near Birendra Lake, a glacial lake situated beneath the enormous Manaslu mountain system. Beyond the lake, the trail becomes progressively steeper and rougher as we approach the higher moraine landscape.

The terrain around this section reveals the physical forces responsible for shaping the upper valley. Glacial debris, moraines, rock fields and meltwater streams occupy the slopes below the mountain.

As we climb, the perspective of Mount Manaslu changes dramatically. Instead of viewing it across a distant valley, we are now walking directly beneath its massive snow-covered slopes.

The surrounding landscape may also provide views towards Naike Peak, Samdo-area peaks and neighbouring ridges, although visibility depends heavily on cloud and weather conditions.

The higher trail provides remarkable views over the valley towards Samagaun and the surrounding mountains. From these elevations, the relationship between glacier, lake, river and village becomes much easier to appreciate.

Our itinerary reaches approximately 4,400 metres during today's exploration before returning towards Samagaun. Nepal's official tourism itinerary likewise lists the Samagaun acclimatization excursion to Manaslu Base Camp/Pungyen Gompa with a maximum altitude of around 4,400 metres.

Today's excursion is physically demanding despite returning to the same lodge, so we walk steadily and allow plenty of time for rest, hydration and acclimatization.

After enjoying the high-mountain environment, we descend to Samagaun for another night.

Overnight: Samagaun

Starting Altitude: 3,520 m
Ending Altitude: 3,875 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 13 km
Walking Time: Approx. 4–5 hours

After two nights at Samagaun, we resume our journey northward towards Samdo.

Compared with some earlier trekking days, today's walking distance is moderate, which is helpful as we move into increasingly high-altitude terrain.

Leaving Samagaun, the trail follows the upper Budhi Gandaki valley through a broad, relatively open landscape.

The environment is noticeably drier than the forested valleys experienced earlier in the trek. Trees become increasingly sparse, replaced by alpine shrubs, grasses and open grazing land.

The Budhi Gandaki itself is now much smaller than it was around Jagat or Deng. At this altitude we are approaching the river's high-mountain source areas, where snowmelt, glaciers and tributary streams combine to create the river that later cuts through the enormous gorge below.

As we walk north, Mount Manaslu gradually shifts behind us, providing a different perspective of the massif.

The trail passes mani walls and traditional grazing areas before crossing streams descending from the surrounding mountains.

Eventually the valley opens towards Samdo, located close to Nepal's northern Himalayan borderlands.

Samdo has strong historical connections with trans-Himalayan trade and Tibetan culture. Its stone houses and position in a dry, windswept valley create a markedly different atmosphere from the greener settlements farther south.

Geographically, we are now approaching the transition towards the high Himalayan watershed separating the Budhi Gandaki side of the trek from the valleys lying west of Larke La.

In good weather, the area provides expansive views of Manaslu and the surrounding high peaks, while barren ridges extend north towards the Tibetan Plateau.

Overnight: Samdo

Today is another essential acclimatization day before the final approach to Larke La Pass.

Rather than remaining completely inactive, we can undertake an exploration hike towards Samdo Ri, the high ridge rising above the settlement.

The climb begins directly from the village and gains altitude rapidly. Because we are already sleeping at approximately 3,875 metres, even a relatively simple uphill trail can feel significantly more demanding than it would at lower elevation.

As we rise above Samdo, the village becomes progressively smaller below us and the full geography of the upper valley becomes visible.

Looking south, the enormous Manaslu massif dominates the landscape. From suitable viewpoints, the mountain's northern aspect becomes increasingly prominent.

The wider panorama may include Pang Phuchi and other high peaks and ridges surrounding the Nepal-Tibet borderlands. High points around Samdo Ri are known for broad views towards Manaslu and the plateau-like terrain extending north towards Tibet.

The scenery is considerably more barren than lower sections of the trek. Rocky slopes, alpine grasses and high ridges dominate, with almost no substantial tree cover.

This excursion also allows us to understand the next stage of our journey. The route towards Dharmashala and Larke La lies ahead through increasingly remote terrain where permanent settlement virtually disappears.

After gaining an appropriate acclimatization height according to group condition, weather and our guide's assessment, we return to Samdo.

The afternoon is reserved for rest, hydration and preparation for the next two demanding days.

Overnight: Samdo

Starting Altitude: 3,875 m
Ending Altitude: 4,460 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 11.5 km
Walking Time: Approx. 3 hours

Although today's trekking distance is relatively short, the increase in altitude makes it an important stage of the journey.

Leaving Samdo, we descend briefly before crossing the upper Budhi Gandaki and gradually climbing into a much more remote landscape.

Human settlement quickly disappears behind us. From this point until after crossing Larke La, the environment is dominated almost entirely by high-altitude terrain.

The valley becomes wider and more barren as we climb. Vegetation is reduced mainly to alpine grasses and low shrubs able to survive the cold, wind and short growing season.

Glacial streams, rocky slopes and moraine deposits become increasingly common.

As we move towards Dharmashala, also known as Larke Phedi, we are effectively approaching the foot of the Larke La crossing.

Views back towards the Samdo valley can be impressive, while high snowy ridges surround the route.

Dharmashala stands at approximately 4,460 metres and is the final overnight location before the pass. Both Nepal's tourism itinerary and common Manaslu route descriptions identify it as the final staging point before Larke La.

Accommodation here is much more basic than in the larger villages because of its altitude and remote location.

We arrive relatively early so that the afternoon can be devoted to rest.

Tomorrow requires a very early start and will be the longest and most demanding trekking day of the entire journey.

Overnight: Dharmashala / Larke Phedi

Starting Altitude: Dharmashala – 4,460 m
Highest Point: Larke La Pass – 5,106 m
Ending Altitude: Bimthang – 3,590 m
Walking Distance: Approx. 24 km
Walking Time: Approx. 8–9 hours

Today is the major high-altitude challenge and one of the defining experiences of the entire Tsum Valley and Larke La Pass journey.

We begin before sunrise, when the air is cold and the surrounding mountains are usually still in darkness.

Leaving Dharmashala, the route climbs gradually through a broad glacial valley. At first the gradient may appear relatively gentle, but the altitude makes every section more demanding.

The trail crosses areas of moraine, loose rock and, depending on the season, snow or ice.

As daylight reaches the valley, the surrounding high mountains gradually become visible.

The geographical importance of Larke La becomes clear during the ascent. Until today, our route has followed valleys draining towards the Budhi Gandaki system. Crossing the pass carries us over a major Himalayan divide towards the drainage systems that eventually connect with the Marsyangdi Valley.

We continue steadily towards the pass, avoiding unnecessary speed in the thin air.

Eventually prayer flags and stone markers signal our arrival at Larke La Pass, 5,106 metres, the highest point of our itinerary.

When weather conditions are clear, this high pass provides one of the most impressive mountain panoramas of the entire trek.

The surrounding skyline can include Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II, along with numerous unnamed and subsidiary snow-covered summits. These peaks become especially prominent towards the western side of the crossing.

Behind us lie the high valleys associated with the Manaslu region; ahead, the landscape begins opening towards the mountains bordering the Annapurna and Manang regions.

After spending a suitable amount of time at the pass, we begin the long descent towards Bimthang.

The initial descent can be steep and requires careful footing, particularly when snow or ice is present.

We gradually descend through moraine and glacial terrain, passing beneath enormous mountain walls.

As altitude decreases, the landscape begins to soften. Alpine vegetation gradually reappears and the broad valley of Bimthang comes into view.

Reaching Bimthang at approximately 3,590 metres provides an enormous sense of achievement after approximately 24 kilometres of high-altitude trekking.

The valley is surrounded by glaciers, alpine meadows and high Himalayan peaks, providing a dramatic setting for our first night on the western side of the pass.

Overnight: Bimthang

Starting Altitude: Bimthang – 3,590 m
Ending Altitude: Gowa – approx. 2,470 m / Tilche area
Walking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours

After the stark glacial landscape of Larke La, today's trek brings one of the most dramatic environmental changes of the journey.

Leaving Bimthang, we begin descending from the high alpine valley.

During the early part of the walk, it is worth looking back. In clear morning conditions, the snow-covered mountains surrounding the Larke La and Bimthang area remain visible behind us.

The trail soon enters terrain shaped by glacier and river activity before beginning a longer descent along the Dudh Khola valley.

The name Dudh Khola translates approximately as “Milk River”, and this river becomes our geographical guide as we descend towards lower elevations.

Alpine meadow gradually gives way to increasingly substantial vegetation.

Rhododendron, pine and mixed Himalayan forest return as we lose altitude, creating a remarkable contrast with the barren pass environment experienced only one day earlier. This rapid shift from high alpine terrain to forested Dudh Khola valley is characteristic of the descent from Bimthang.

The route passes through areas such as Karche and Gho/Gowa, depending on the exact stopping point and trail conditions.

Small agricultural fields begin to reappear, indicating our return to elevations where permanent cultivation is again possible.

Mountain views gradually become more distant as the valley narrows and forest surrounds the trail, although openings in the morning can still provide views back towards the snowy peaks.

We eventually arrive at Gowa, or continue towards Tilche according to the day's schedule and accommodation arrangements.

After several nights above 3,500 metres, the warmer air, greener surroundings and richer vegetation are immediately noticeable.

Overnight: Gowa / Tilche

Gowa: Approx. 2,470 m
Besisahar: Approx. 760 m
First Driving Distance: Approx. 43 km
Driving Time to Besisahar: Approx. 3–4 hours

Besisahar to Kathmandu: Approx. 175.5 km
Driving Time: Approx. 7–8 hours

Today we leave the mountain trail behind and begin our long return journey to Kathmandu.

From Gowa or the Tilche area, we travel towards Dharapani, where the Manaslu route connects with the better-known Annapurna Circuit corridor.

This junction also represents another important geographical change. The journey that began beside the Budhi Gandaki in Gorkha has now crossed the high Himalayan divide and entered the Marsyangdi River system.

From Dharapani, the road follows the Marsyangdi valley downstream.

The upper sections are mountainous and can be rough, narrow and winding. Waterfalls descend from steep cliffs while the river flows through deep gorges below the road.

The route gradually passes lower settlements and increasingly green countryside. Villages, terraced fields and forest replace the high alpine terrain of the previous days.

As we descend towards Besisahar, the air becomes noticeably warmer and agricultural activity becomes more extensive.

Besisahar at approximately 760 metres is the major road centre of Lamjung and traditionally serves as an important gateway to the Annapurna and Manang regions.

After a short break, we continue towards Kathmandu.

The second part of today's journey travels through Nepal's middle-hill landscape, following major highways through river valleys, agricultural areas and busy settlements.

After weeks spent in remote Himalayan valleys, the increasing traffic, towns and population provide an abrupt reminder that we are returning to Nepal's urban centre. Civilization, apparently, has managed to find us again.

Depending on road, weather and traffic conditions, we arrive in Kathmandu after approximately 7–8 hours from Besisahar.

After reaching the city, transfer to the hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest following the completion of the trek.

Overnight: Kathmandu

The Dharapani–Besisahar section follows the Marsyangdi valley through a progressively warmer and greener landscape, while Dharapani forms the connection with the Annapurna Circuit route.

Today marks the conclusion of our 21-Day Tsum Valley and Larke La Pass Trek.

After breakfast and according to your international flight schedule, a representative from Himalayan Sherpa Exodus Team Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd. will assist with your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

The trek may be ending, but the route behind us represents an extraordinary geographical journey across several very different Himalayan environments.

We began among the middle hills of central Nepal before following the powerful Budhi Gandaki River into the deep gorges of northern Gorkha.

We then left the main valley and entered the secluded Tsum Valley, travelling through the Shiar Khola drainage towards Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile and Mu Gompa.

After returning to the Budhi Gandaki, the landscape gradually opened beneath Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli and Mount Manaslu, eventually leading through Namrung, Shyala and Samagaun.

From there, the route entered the colder and drier highlands of Samdo and Dharmashala before crossing Larke La Pass at 5,106 metres.

Beyond the pass, the landscape changed once again as we descended through Bimthang and the forested Dudh Khola valley towards the Marsyangdi River system and Besisahar.

Few trekking routes demonstrate Nepal's geographical diversity so clearly within a single journey.

On behalf of Himalayan Sherpa Exodus Team Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd., we sincerely thank you for travelling with us and sharing this Himalayan journey.

We hope that the memories of Tsum Valley, its traditional villages and monasteries, the great Manaslu massif, the high landscapes around Samdo, and the crossing of Larke La will remain a meaningful part of your experience in Nepal. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

A Geographical Journey Through Two Himalayan Worlds

The first ten days of the Tsum Valley and Larke La Pass Trek demonstrate why this route is much more than a straightforward high-pass trek.

The journey begins among the cultivated middle hills of central Nepal, enters the deeply cut Budhi Gandaki gorge, branches into the forested lower reaches of the Shiar Khola, and finally opens into the broad high-altitude landscape of Upper Tsum Valley.

During this progression, the mountain scenery also changes continuously. Sringi Himal begins to emerge above the lower Budhi Gandaki valley; Himalchuli and Baudha Himal appear around the approaches to Tsum; and the immense Ganesh Himal massif becomes increasingly dominant as trekkers reach Chhokangparo, Nile and Mu Gompa.

After returning to the Budhi Gandaki at the end of the Tsum Valley section, the geographical focus of the trek changes once again. The journey now turns towards the high Manaslu country, where the following days will bring us increasingly close to Mount Manaslu and its neighbouring Himalayan giants, eventually leading towards Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmashala and the crossing of Larke La Pass at 5,106 metres.

For Himalayan Sherpa Exodus Team Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd., this journey is not simply about reaching a high pass. It is an opportunity to introduce our guests gradually and respectfully to the rivers, forests, villages, monasteries, cultures and mountain landscapes that together form one of Nepal's most distinctive Himalayan trekking regions.

Mountain visibility always depends on weather, season, cloud cover and the trekker's exact position on the trail. The mountain descriptions above therefore represent the principal ranges and peaks that may be observed along the route rather than guaranteeing a particular view on any given day.