Best Price
Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek 18 Days
Duration
18 days
Acoomodation
Hotels, Tea houses
Maximum Guests
40
Highest Altitude
5,160m/ 16,929ft
Best Season
Mar-May & Sep- Nov
Start/End Point
Kathmandu
Overview
Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek is an 18-day restricted area trek that brings together two of Nepal's best routes into a single journey through the Manaslu region, tucked into the country's Gorkha district. Much of the route runs through the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected zone bordering the Tibetan border, and rather than picking between the classic circuit and the quieter valley detour, this trip stitches them together - a longer, fuller walk through some of the least-visited corners the Himalayas have to offer.
The trail kicks off by tracing the Budhi Gandaki River, a fast, glacier-fed river that cuts through steep gorges and terraced hillsides on the way up into the mountains. As the path gains elevation, it enters the Nubri Valley, home to villages shaped by a genuine blend of Nepali and Tibetan culture, before splitting off toward Tsum Valley itself - often known as the hidden valley, borrowed from its old local name, Beyul Kyimolung.
Mount Manaslu looms over the entire trek. As the 8th highest mountain on Earth, standing at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet), it's hard to lose sight of it from nearly anywhere on the route. Nearby peaks like Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal round out the scenery, particularly from the higher viewpoints near the trek's most punishing stretch.
That punishing stretch is Larkya La Pass, sitting above 5,000 meters and marking the highest, hardest point of this genuine high pass trek. Getting over it pays off with sweeping views of glaciers, icefalls, and a stretch of Himalayan peaks most outsiders never lay eyes on.
Mountains aren't the whole story here, though. Trekkers pass through villages steeped in Tibetan Buddhist tradition along the way - prayer flags, mani walls, centuries-old monasteries turn up regularly, especially the deeper you go into Tsum Valley. As a real off the beaten path route requiring a specific trekking permit and running entirely on a simple teahouse trek model, this wilderness trek stays noticeably quieter than Everest or Annapurna, offering something that's getting harder to find in Nepal: mountains and villages that still feel genuinely untouched by mass tourism.
Trip Highlights
- Explore ancient Tibetan monasteries including Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, Ribung Gompa, and Pungyen Gompa, each offering a genuine window into centuries-old Buddhist practice.
- Cross the trek's toughest obstacle during the Larkya La Pass crossing, a demanding push above 5,000 meters rewarded with sweeping Himalayan views.
- Hike to Manaslu Base Camp for a close-up look at the world's eighth-highest mountain from its own foothills.
- Admire the turquoise waters of Birendra Lake, a glacial lake near Samagaon framed by dramatic mountain backdrops.
- Visit the sacred Milarepa's Cave, tied to the legendary Tibetan yogi believed to have meditated there centuries ago.
- Spot rare wildlife such as the elusive snow leopard and herds of blue sheep grazing on high alpine slopes.
- Join, if timing allows, local Losar festival celebrations, marking the Tibetan New Year with color, dance, and ritual.
- Soak tired legs in the natural Tatopani hot spring, a welcome break along the lower stretch of the route.
- Cross dozens of swaying suspension bridges over glacial rivers and deep gorges throughout the trek.
- Walk past countless mani walls and fluttering prayer flags, with towering views of Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and the distant Annapurna II view from Larkya La.
Itineraries
Download ItineraryDeparting Kathmandu early in morning on a scenic overland drive along the Prithvi Highway before switching to off-road tracks alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. Pass rural villages, terraced farms, and deep river gorges. Arrive at Machha Khola - a bustling settlement serving as the starting trailhead for the trek. Settle into a local teahouse, enjoy a hearty meal, and prepare gear for the upcoming journey into the mountains.
Maximum Altitude: Machha Khola (900m/ 2,953ft)
Meal: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Drive Duration: 8-9 hours
Begin trekking along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing several suspension bridges and natural hot springs at Tatopani. Follow a narrow trail caved into rocky cliffs, climbing stone staircases through forests and riverbanks. Pass through Khorlabeshi and Dobhan before entering the restricted area checkpoint at Jagat - a beautiful flagstone-paved village featuring traditional Gurung architecture and local culture.
Maximum Altitude: Jagat (1,340m /4,396ft)
Meal: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Ascend through lush subtropical forests and crossing the river to Salleri and Philim, a large Gurung village with school and police checkpoints. Branch off the main Manaslu Trail into the secluded, sacred Tsum Valley at Ekle Bhatti. The path climbed steeply through dense pine and rhododendron forests, offering serene wilderness views before reaching Lokpa, the first official entry village of Tsum Valley.
Maximum Altitude: Lokpa (2,240m/ 7,349ft)
Meal: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Descend into the narrow Syar River gorge before undertaking a steady climb through hidden forests filled with pine and fir trees. Cross multiple wooden and suspension bridges while enjoying views of Shringi Himal. As you enter lower Tsum valley, the landscape opens into stone-walled farmlands. Reach Chumling, where you can explore ancient local monasteries like - Panagoan and Samba Gompa.
Maximum Altitude: Chumling (2,386m/ 7,828ft)
Meal: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek Upward into Upper Tsum Valley, crossing the river and following trails lined with chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags. The valley broadens to reveal flat, high-altitude fields of barley and buckwheat framed by Ganesh Himal. Ascend past Rainjam to reach Chhokang Paro - a twin village offering genuine hospitality, traditional stone houses, and rich TibetanTibetan Buddhist heritage.
Maximum Altitude: Chhokang Paro (3,010m/ 9,875ft)
Meal: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Walk past historic villages visiting Milarepa’s sacred cave where the famous yogi meditated. Pass Rachen Gompa, continuing along the Syar Khola through dry alpine landscapes. Ascend gradually through the high valley to reach the Nile, reach the Nile or push further up to Mu Gompa - the highest and most remote monastery in the Tsum region near the Tibetan border.
Maximum Altitude: Nile (3,361m/ 11,026ft)
Meal: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Spend a dedicated rest and acclimatization day exploring the historic Mu Gompa. Hike to nearby viewpoints such as - Dephyudonma Gompa or the base of passes leading toward Tibet for panoramic views of Ganesh Himal. Observe daily monastic life, ancient Buddhist murals, and sacred scriptures, absorbing the peaceful spiritual atmosphere of this isolated valley before beginning your descent tomorrow.
Maximum Altitude: Mu Gompa (3,700m/ 12,139ft)
Meal: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
FAQs
General Information
The Tsum Valley section adds remote villages, Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries and peaceful landscapes, making the journey longer, more cultural and less crowded overall.
The complete trek generally takes 20–24 days, including Kathmandu arrival and departure, transportation, acclimatization days, Tsum Valley exploration and the Larkya La crossing.
Trekkers can enjoy spectacular views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, Siringi Himal, Buddha Himal and Annapurna ranges from different sections of the route.
Yes, it can suit determined first-time high-altitude trekkers with good fitness, proper acclimatization, preparation, and a licensed guide - although previous trekking experience is beneficial.
Preparation and Fitness
It is generally more challenging because of remote trails, long walking days, rough terrain, and the 5,106-metre Larkya La Pass, although Everest Base Camp is higher.
Start training several weeks before the trek with hiking, walking uphill, stairs, cardio, leg exercises and long walks while carrying a light backpack.
Most days require around 5–8 hours of walking. Some difficult days, especially crossing Larkya La Pass can take longer depending on weather and trail conditions.
Health and Safety
Altitude sickness can start becoming a risk above about 2,500 metres. The risk increases as you climb higher, especially near Samagaun and Larkya La.
Insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, medical treatment, helicopter evacuation, rescue costs, trip cancellation and lost baggage, with coverage high enough for the Larkya La Pass.
The guide checks the trekker and usually takes them down to a lower altitude immediately. Serious cases may require emergency rescue or helicopter evacuation if possible.
Permits
Trekkers generally need the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit for the route.
No. The Manaslu and Tsum Valley restricted areas require trekkers to travel with a licensed guide through a registered trekking agency, following Nepal's regulations.
Most itineraries begin with a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, usually by public or private vehicle, followed by trekking through the Budhi Gandaki Valley.
They need separate restricted-area permits. You need one permit for the Manaslu area and another for Tsum Valley, plus conservation-area documentation.
Accomodation
Tsum Valley mainly has simple teahouses, homestays, and basic lodges. Rooms are usually basic, with shared bathrooms and limited facilities compared with larger trekking areas.
Meat is generally not eaten in Tsum Valley because of local Buddhist traditions. Trekkers should expect mainly vegetarian food while staying in the valley.
Wi-Fi is available in some villages and lodges, but it can be slow or unreliable. Higher and more remote parts of Tsum Valley may have little connectivity.
Sometimes trekkers can stay near or at monastery accommodation but availability can change. It is best to ask the monastery or guide in advance.
Group Prices and Discounts
Plan extra money for visa, insurance, drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers, laundry, tips, personal expenses and unexpected transportation or emergency costs.
A common tip is around 10–15% of the trekking package cost, depending on the guide’s and porter’s service, effort, and overall experience during the trek.
Most trekking companies ask for around 10% of the total price as a deposit. The remaining amount is usually paid before or during the trek.
