From Jagat the trail drops to the river, climbs onto a ridge at Salleri and follows the east bank to Sirdibas at about 1,420 m. Here, on the stone walls lining the path, you see the first carved mani stones of the trek, a sign that the culture of the upper valley is close. The walk is mostly gentle, with some steep stone steps.
Crossing a long suspension bridge, you climb to Philim, a large village spread across terraces at about 1,570 m. In September and October the millet is ripening in red-brown fields, and families harvest it by hand. The village has a school, several lodges and a teahouse terrace where groups often stop for tea and a view of the gorge.
Philim is also a permit check point. Beyond it the path continues for an hour to Ekle Bhatti, where Tsum Valley trekkers turn east and Manaslu trekkers continue north into the narrow gorge towards Deng.
Good for
- Photographers
- Groups
- Solo
- Families
Questions travellers ask
How long from Jagat to Philim?
About 2.5 to 3 hours for 8 km, with roughly 230 m of net gain and several short climbs. You pass Salleri and Sirdibas on the way. Most itineraries continue past Philim the same day to Deng or Bihi Phedi, making a 6 to 7 hour day in total.
Where does the Tsum Valley trail leave the Manaslu Circuit?
At Ekle Bhatti, about an hour north of Philim. The Tsum trail climbs east up the Siyar Khola valley to Lokpa and on to Chumling, while the Manaslu Circuit continues north along the Budhi Gandaki to Deng and Namrung. Signposts mark the fork.
Are there lodges in Philim?
Yes, Philim has several teahouses with simple twin rooms and a dining room. Some itineraries sleep here instead of Jagat to shorten the next day to Deng or Namrung. Like other villages in the lower valley, lodges are basic, family run and usually have solar-heated showers.
