Embark on a transformative journey through Nepal’s hidden gems with the Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit Trek — a remote, culturally rich adventure that combines ancient Buddhist heritage with awe-inspiring Himalayan landscapes. Starting from the lush lowlands of Machha khola , this trek leads you through the secluded Tsum Valley, a sacred region known for its centuries-old monasteries, Tibetan-influenced villages, and warm-hearted locals. Here we are going to make clear about distance and possible routes of this amazing trek in central Nepal.
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Tsum valley Manaslu circuit trek is a remote trek that demands you to go through rough terrain, uneven surfaces and steep slopes. In such treks, a lack of understanding of the Manaslu Circuit Trek distance plays a vital role while planning your trek.
When you know the Tsum valley Manaslu Trek distance, you mentally prepare yourself and imagine overcoming the challenges.
Not knowing distance might hinder your packing too; when you know the distance you pack your trekking gear accordingly like, warms clothes, number of medicines, make up essentials, and pairs of shocks.
Knowing the Tsum Valley Manaslu circuit Trek distance helps you figure out the amount of training that you should put in. Preparing each part of your body to withstand the challenges posed by unpredictable weather, uneven trails and heavy bag pack.
Understanding distance and trail conditions is a changers. Your experience does not get marred by stressing over things that came short because of not knowing the distance when you prepare yourself beforehand.
Total Distance of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Manaslu Tsum valley Trek usually lasts between 18 to 20 days if you don’t face problems like altitude sickness, injury or accidents. It also depends on whether you choose to do side hikes or not.
The total distance of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is 220 (137 miles) – 230 (143 miles) kilometers if you stick to the following itinerary.
Distance from Kathmandu to Starting Point of the Trek
The total distance of Maccha khola from kathmandu is 160 kilometers (100 miles). The starting point of Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is Machha khola which you can access by jeep.
A regular and reliable mode of local transportation to machha khola is Jeep. The road condition is very bad; bumps and dust are the major problem while traveling to machha khola. Choosing a jeep provides a somewhat comfortable experience for this 7- 9-hour drive from Kathmandu.
You have also options of the local buses which regularly operate on that route. At the same time, a bus journey can be budget friendly. In terms of comfort, you will have to compromise. Thin foam seats in those buses are nightmare for your back.
You might tire yourself already before starting your trek. So, choosing a rental jeep service is best for your journey to Machha Khola from Kathmandu.
Day-by-Day Distance Breakdown of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Knowing the day by distance breakdown will help you enhance your preparation and planning for this trek.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
You arrive in Kathmandu, meet your guide who will transport you to the hotel. The first day you will spend exploring vibrant streets of Kathmandu.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
You start your journey of about 160 kilometers (100 miles) early in the morning from Kathmandu station. As we have already mentioned, the reasons for choosing the bus or Jeep service.
You can choose either for this journey. You will be covering 100 miles within 7 – 9 hours through bumps and dust but the views are magical when you stop for the break.
Day 3: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
Distance: 22 km
Duration: 6–7 hours
After spending a night at Machha khola, you will head out for your next destination Jagat on foot. The total trekking distance is 22 kilometers (13.6 miles) which normally takes about 6 – 7 hours. Brace yourself for the impact! You just started your journey on foot.
Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa
After spending a night at warm teahouse and savoring delicious Nepali meal. From Jagat, you will head out to Lokpa through beautiful trails full of greenery. You will be trekking for 6 hours to cover the 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) journey to Lokpa
Day 5: Trek from Lokpa to Chumling
A beautiful trek through lush forests and snow-covered mountains. On this day, you will be covering 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) withing 5 – 6 hours.
Day 6: Trek from Chumling to Chhekampar
The trail climbs higher into the Tsum Valley, covering about 9 km in 5 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional villages and long mani walls that whisper prayers with the wind. Chhekampar greets you with a strong Tibetan vibe and views that feel almost unreal.
Day 7: Trek from Chhekampar to Nile
Today’s journey takes you deeper into the upper Tsum Valley, trekking 11 km 9 (6.8 miles) over 5 to 6 hours. You’ll cross high pastures, chortens, and prayer flags fluttering under wide skies. The Nile, a calm village near the Tibetan border, sits in a stunning open valley.
Day 8: Acclimatization and Exploration Day at Nile
It’s a rest day, but an optional hike of 3 to 5 km (2-3 miles) to Mu Gompa is well worth it. The path leads you into sacred highlands, with ancient stones and pure silence. It’s a gentle day to breathe deeply, acclimatize, and feel the spirit of Tsum.
Day 9: Trek from Nile to Chumling
Retracing your steps, you’ll descend 20 km (12.4 miles) in about 7 to 8 hours. The views shift with your direction—mountains still mighty, but more familiar now. It’s a long walk, but the downhill trail and peaceful rhythm keep it steady.
Day 10: Trek from Chumling to Deng
As you exit the Tsum Valley, the trail stretches out for 21 km (13.5 miles), taking around 7 hours. Forests thicken, rivers roar louder, and the air changes. Deng, tucked into the hills, feels like a secret waiting to be rediscovered.
Day 11: Trek from Deng to Namrung
This day’s journey climbs steadily through deep gorges and pine-covered ridges, taking about 6 to 7 hours to cover 19 km. Waterfalls tumble beside the trail, and the Buddhist influence grows stronger. Namrung stands proud with its stone houses and mountain charm.
Day 12: Trek from Namrung to Lho
It’s a shorter hike today—11 km in 4 to 5 hours—but packed with visual gold. Manaslu starts to peek through the trees, and the trail passes quaint villages and monasteries. Lho is a picturesque stop, home to a peaceful hilltop gompa.
Day 13: Trek from Lho to Samagaon
A gentle walk of 8 km that takes around 4 hours brings you closer to the heart of the Himalayas. Prayer wheels spin beside you as you follow the valley toward Samagaon. This large village rests under the shadow of Manaslu, alive with culture and color.
Day 14: Acclimatization and Exploration at Samagaon
You’ll stay put today, with optional hikes of 3 to 7 km to Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp. It’s your chance to rest and reachrge. Explore nearby villages and observe the way of living there.
Day 15: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo
You’ll follow glacial streams and open fields for 17 km over 4 to 5 hours. The path is wide and slow, giving space for thought and views. Samdo, the last village before the high pass, feels remote and raw, nestled in the silence of altitude.
Day 16: Trek from Samdo to Dharmashala
You will be covering 6 kilometers within 3 – 4 hours, which prepares you for the upcoming challenge. The trails are rocky and dry and offers solittude.
Day 17: Trek from Dharmashala – Larkya La Pass – Bimthang
Today, you will be reaching the highest point of the trek Larkya La pass which sits at an altitude of 5,160 meters. After photography and observing scenery, we descended to Bhimthang.
Day 18: Trek from Bimthang to Tilije
You’ll head down for 18 km over 6 to 7 hours, moving through rhododendron forests and glacial streams. The terrain softens as you return to greenery and lower altitudes. Tilije is vibrant and lively, a cozy place to unwind after the highlands.
Day 19: Trek from Tilije to Dharapani and Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar
A final trek from Tilije to Dharapani where you will again catch a bus or jeep to Kathmandu via Besishar. Once again, appreciating the beauty of the Manaslu region and taking home a lot of memories. On this day we will me covering the distance of 230 kilometers within 10 – 12 hours.
Total Distance Walked in the Trek
The sacred Tsum Valley and mighty Manaslu Circuit trek distance is about 177 to 230 kilometers of pure Himalayan wilderness during your journey.
Starting at Machha Khola the trail passes between hidden valleys and high-altitude passes until it reaches the final descent at Dharapani.
The distance will slightly change based on the option of side hikes you select from places such as Mu Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp. Every distance from 220 to 230 kilometers carries the authentic wonderment of culture and peaceful emotional tranquility.
Tsum Valley Manaslu circuit trek Distance from Other Major Cities
Kathmandu to Machha Khola Distance – 160 km
The main entry point to start the trek from Kathmandu passes through Arughat and Soti Khola towards Machha Khola over a 160-kilometer journey. Journeys using Jeep or local buses require 7-9 hours based on the condition of the roads.
The path offers impressive views although it goes through rough terrain following hills along with rivers and small towns. Your journey will take you through multiple Nepalese terrains which gradually shift from urban frenzy to rural serenity along the route.
The duration and the dusty conditions of this journey establish the true start of your Himalayan journey.
Pokhara to Machha Khola Distance– 250 km
Starting from Pokhara through Gorkha and Arughat to reach Machha Khola requires about 250 kilometers of travel.
The driving duration from this route amounts to 9 –11 hours based on road conditions and transport selection. It’s a longer journey, but the views are just as rewarding, rivers slicing through gorges, green hills rolling into the horizon, and tiny villages dotting the path.
This travel route suits visitors who plan to begin their journey between western Nepal and the Manaslu destination.
Chitwan to Machha Khola Distance– 270 km
A journey beginning in Chitwan leads travelers to Machha Khola through 270 kilometers of road extending from Narayanghat to Mugling then Arughat.
Throughout the journey the estimated driving time spans between 10 - 12 hours based on the traffic rates and landscape features.
A one-day journey on this path transforms visitors from the center of jungle greens to the middle elevation hills with their stunning variation of Nepal's landscapes.
Your journey toward starting your trek involves traveling through winding mountain paths and river-scaped valleys while passing various rest locations along the way until you reach the remote Himalayan foothills.
How Long Does It Take to Cover the Manaslu Tsum valley trek Distance?
People need about 18 to 20 days to finish their Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek tour at a steady pace. The trekking period requires regular acclimatization days and exploration walks throughout the itinerary to let your body adapt correctly to altitude changes.
The journey is designed to flow naturally, allowing you to enjoy the scenery, connect with local culture, and explore hidden gems like Mu Gompa, Birendra Lake, and the Tsum Valley monasteries without rushing.
During the trek you start in the tropical valley of Machha Khola and gradually move up to the mountain pass Larkya La while allowing your body sufficient time to adapt.
From the lush lowlands of Machha Khola to the high-altitude pass at Larkya La, the trek builds gradually giving both your legs and lungs the time they need.
By extending the trip duration you create a more secure and profitable experience that smooths out all the challenges.
Elevation Gain Along with Distance
The path starts in the lowest point in Machha Khola at 900 meters before ascending to the summit at Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters.
The gradual uphill walk requires proper acclimatization as it provides the chance to view landscape changes from tropical river valleys to mountainous alpine terrain.
The trek's upward climb creates an additional testing experience while preserving its magic thus transforming a normal trek into a memorable Himalayan journey.
Final Words: Is the Distance Worth It?
The entire Tsum valley Manaslu Circuit Trek distance of each kilometer proves valuable. A trip along the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek requires intense commitment because it pushes your stamina to its limits as well as demonstrates both your endurance and your ability to be patient.
But the rewards are immense. Your path takes you through time and landscapes which reveal ancient villages, prayer flag wrapped monasteries and sacred valleys unspoiled by modern world rush.
Every uphill climb gifts you a view that steals your breath. Waterfalls dance beside you, mountains rise around you, and silence speaks louder than words at high passes like Larkya La.
Through walking you achieve the exploration of terrain that etches an inner tale of perseverance and inner strength. You return different. You walked through the Himalayas step after step directly facing their glory instead of just looking at them.
So yes, it’s long. But it’s beautiful. Your distance traveled does not matter as much as your collection of memories from the journey.