Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek - 23 Days

  • Duration 23 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Type Lodge Based Trekking
  • Best Season Spring (March to May) & Autumn (Sept. to Nov)
  • Group Size 2 to 16
  • Maximum Altitude 5,106 m

Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek is the ultimate trek that revolves around the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), and the hidden Tsum Valley. It is a perfect venture to enjoy the allure of the Himalayas. You'll be trekking in a restricted area in Nepal, which makes the journey more exciting. The wilderness of the Manaslu region and its offbeat terrain have kept it far away from the mainstream. Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trail are not crowded and present unspoiled mountain landscapes. 

Come across Tibetan tales in the Tsum valley and traverse the beautiful Manaslu region. Enjoy offbeat walking and views of the stunning western Himalayan Mountains on the Manaslu Tsum valley trek.

The Manaslu region was opened in 1995 and the Tsum Valley in 2008 to foreign visitors. And still, we see a fraction of travellers. The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek are 23 days long. You'll go up close to the Himalayan mountains and have intimate interactions with the villagers. The course winds through many remote villages that will let you experience a remote mountain lifestyle. The off-the-beaten route and the isolation of the region push you hard. Enjoy the tranquillity and rejuvenating air. 

You'll be travelling very close to the Tibetan border. The locals are highly influenced by Tibetan culture and traditions. You'll find a lot of similarities. Some of the famous points on the Manaslu Tsum valley trek are Piren Phu cave (3,361 m), Mu Gompa (3,700 m), Dhephu Doma Gompa (3,900 m), Rachen Gompa (3,240 m), Gumba Lungdang (3,200 m), Manaslu base camp (4,800 m), Pungyen Gompa (3,980 m), Birendra Tal (3,460 m), and Larkya La pass (5,106 m). The diverse flowers and exotic birds make the walk enchanting. 

The highlights of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

  • Embark on the most adventurous and mystical trekking route in the Himalayas.
  • The trails are steep, rugged, and off-the-beaten
  • Trek in the restricted Manaslu region and Tsum Valley
  • Get to witness jaw-dropping views of the western Himalayan mountains and diverse landscapes.
  • The trail is not crowded and lets you unwind and relish the serenity.
  • Visit ancient monasteries and come across ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture.
  • Come across a range of flora and fauna while trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area.
  • Hike to Manaslu base camp and Birendra Tal

An adventurous venture in a restricted area in Nepal

As the Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking route falls under a restricted area in Nepal, solo trekking is not allowed for foreigners. You need to go on an organized trek by a registered Nepali trekking company, and we are one of the best trekking companies in Nepal, with a long legacy and a high satisfaction rate. Also, the trekkers have to be in a group of two (not including the guide or porter) to join the Manaslu and Tsum Valley treks. Solo trekkers can join our fixed groups. 

Mountains & Cultural Heritage in Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trekking Route

The Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek crosses the Larkya La pass and explores the artistic old monasteries. The trek is no doubt very adventurous and, above all, exceptionally immersive. As the Manaslu region and Tsum Valley are untouched by modern society, the culture and conventions are intact. You'll come across ancient Tibetan Buddhism and Polyandry practice. The locals are welcoming and always eager to share their stories.

If one thing that ideally stole our hearts on the Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal is the breathtaking mountain panorama and immaculate surroundings, The landscapes are always changing with the increase in elevation, and trust us, it only gets better. Snow-capped giants like Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m), and many others are seen all along the trail. The dense forests, green hills, cascading waterfalls, lovely streams, and beautiful villages make the views outstanding. 

Manaslu circuit Tsum Valley trek difficulty

Manaslu circuit Tsum Valley trekking is one of the most strenuous treks in the Himalayas. This trek is not for first-time trekkers or someone who cannot walk on trodden terrain for an average of 6 hours a day. You'll be crossing a high Himalayan pass, Lakya La (also the highest point of the trek). The trek involves walking on steep, rock paths that further advance glacial and mountainous walking. 

The Manaslu region is not easily accessible and is very remote from the rest of Nepal. Unlike the famous Annapurna Circuit trail or Everest base camp trail, Manaslu Circuit doesn't have great accommodation or meal facilities. It's the bare minimum on the trail, so the participants have to be very enduring and understand all the limits. 

Why Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek with Nepal Getaway Trekking?

First of all, we want to say that we work very closely with the natives of the Manaslu region to provide a meaningful trekking experience to our guests. The adventure and the mountains do their part of the work, and to take the journey to the next level, we make sure you get to learn deeply about the locals, their beliefs, and the tales that circle the trail. You got all the support from our team for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek 2024. 

We have been organizing treks in the Himalayas for numerous years. We are certified to run adventurous trips. You'll get the best itineraries, at a reasonable cost, and no hidden charge or policy with us. Our travel consultant will help you plan the trek as per your requirements. Get in touch with us for any queries or booking assistance. 

Check out these equally rewarding trekking packages: Makalu Base Camp Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, and Nar Phu Valley Trek.

Itinerary

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Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, do all the visa formalities and meet our company representatives at the terminal gate. They welcome you and take you to the hotel in a private vehicle, assist check in the hotel. Brief the program in the evening and settle the things. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

In the morning, you go on a Kathmandu city tour. You visit monuments like the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Monkey Temple. The tour is guided by a professional tour guide. You can freely ask any questions with him. Likewise, you visit galleries and museums before making it to the bustling Asan market. 

We introduction your trekking guide. Later do the final packing and double-check all the gears. There are many stores in Thamel that sell and rent trekking clothes & equipment, you can do shopping if anything seems missing.

 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Today, you drive along the Prithvi Highway to reach Machha Khola. You definitely enjoy the stunning views of lush hills, rivers, and terraced fields. The drive is long and keeps you entertained with gorgeous landscapes. A drive pass Malekhu and Dhading Besi. From Dhading Besi, the road winds uphill to Gola Bhanjyang. Further, witnessing views of snow-capped mountains. You cross Ankhu Khola. The road then goes up the west bank of Budhi Gandaki river, and we reach Machha Khola.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude920 m

Today is our first day of trekking. From Machha Khola, you walk on a peaceful trail, enjoying the beautiful view. Farmlands, hills, streams, and fine villages are seen on the way. You will cross many suspension bridges and walk uphill on stone steps to Jagat. It is a small village with great scenery.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,340 m

You will be entering the restricted part of the trail today. Registering trekking permits, you walk along the bank of Budhi Gandaki. You walk through passing villages like Salleri, Sirdibad, and Philim. The views of Shringi Himal are excellent. You ascend to Ekle Bhatti and keep walking alongside Budhi Gandaki, which leads to Lokpa.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,830 m

From Lokpa, the trail follows an uphill route to a ridge top. The view of Ganesh Himal is fantastic from this place. You walk on a remote trail and reach Chumling, a beautiful village with an excellent view of Singiri Himal. You keep walking on a rough trail to reach Dumje village to spend the night.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,460 m

Leaving Dumje, today you trek to reach Chile. The mountain views along the way are fabulous today. Walking on a forested uphill and downhill route, you pass by small settlement areas. The Nile is our final destination for the day where you will be spending the night. The Nile is a lovely village before we enter the upper Tsum valley. Today, you visit the Piren Phu cave and Burji village.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,361 m

The trail from Nile to Mu Gompa goes west and walk uphill most of the time. Mu Gompa is located close to the Tibetan border, so you can see Tibetan scenery along the trail. The route moves west and ascends to Mu Gompa. This gompa houses more than 100 monks. You get to witness to see the gorgeous Lungdang Glacier in the east and snow-capped mountains.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,700 m

Today, You have an acclimatization day in Mu Gompa. There are many pastures around Mu Gompa that ascend to 5,000 meters. Locals climb up to collect the precious Yarsagumba. You have the options to hike to the base camp of Pika Himal or hike to Kalung (3,820 m) or Bhajyo (4,030 m). Likewise, you visit the ancient Dhephu Doma Gompa (3,900 m).

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The trail descends through Chule valley to Phurba after walking for a few hours. You will be walking by pristine Siyar Khla, where you can visit the artistic Rachen Gumba. You also visit a nunnery. You spend the night here to rest your feet before trekking further.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,300 m

The trek continues mostly down to Chumling today. You walk down, following the same path you walked up to reach Rachen Gompa. The mountain landscapes are heavenly along the way. The trail passes some remote settlement areas and lush forests to Chumling village.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,360 m

Today you will be walking on a steep downhill route to Deng village. As you descend, the views of towering mountains unfold in front of you. The Ganesh Himal and Manaslu views are particularly surreal. Then you walk down the steep grassy slope to the Budhi Gandaki riverbed. The trail then crosses a bridge over a river and leads through a route of bamboo trees. You pass by a forest near Deng river and cross the river to enter Deng village.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,800 m

The route to Namrung goes by farmlands and small settlement villages. You cross a suspension bridge on the Budhi Gandaki river and follow an uphill enchanting route to Rana. The trail keeps climbing west of the Budhi Gandaki valley via dense forests. You walk alongside a riverbed and cross it many times before steeply ascending to Namrung.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,630 m

In the morning, you explore the village and enjoy the mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Singri Himal, Hiunchuli, etc. After having breakfast, you leave Namrung village and walk on a steep uphill route through the forested path to Lihi. The trail begins to see more alpine vegetation  and the dominance of the Buddhism religion further along the way. The locals along the trail mostly follow Tibetan Buddhism. You will notice a lot of similarities with the people of Tibet in culture, language & practices.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,957 m

The trail goes through a stone gate and a long mani wall. You can enjoy views of Peak 29 and get a close view of Mt. Manaslu. The trail climbs gradually to Shya La pass. You can see the superb views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. Then you follow a lateral moraine of the Pungen glacier to reach Samagaun.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,530 m

Today is another acclimatization day in Samagaun. You will do some hiking around Samagaun, hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,940 m) or Punhgen Gompa (3,980 m). The hike is more needed to acclimatize your bodies and let you to enjoy the heartwarming mountain views. The late afternoon, we can explore Samagaun and interacting with the locals.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,530 m

The trail ascends along a deserted path. You will be walking via the windy valley to Samdo. Following the Budhi Gandaki river, you cross a bridge and ascend through a lush forest of juniper, rhododendron, birch, etc. Further, you walk along mani wallas and ascend to Samdo village, admiring views of Simnag Himal, Ngadi Chuli, Mt. Manaslu, and Manaslu glacier.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,865 m

After having a delicious breakfast, the trek to Dharmasala begins with walking on remote trail and crossing a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki river. From here, the trail leads you to Larkya Bazar (4,090 m). It is a seasonal Tibetan market. You further walk passing stone huts and mani walls. On the way, you also come across glaciers and get to witness stunning snow-capped mountains. Dharamsala is also known as Larke Phedi.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,480 m

Today you start your trek early in the morning. From the Larke Phedi, you walk on a steep glacial path that goes above the Larkya Glacier and climbs to Larkya pass. You can see breathtaking views of mountains like Mt. Kangguru, Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Manaslu, Gyaji Kang, Namjung Himal, etc. After the pass, you steeply descend along a snow screen grassy moraine rockfall area. The trail gradually descends to Bimtang, where you spend the night.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,106 m

You descend from Bhimtang to Tilje. The trail drops down through pastures and crosses a bridge at 3,430 m. You will see a rock shelter cave here and continue descending towards Yak Kharka (also known as Sangure Kharka). You walk through lush forests and farmlands. Before reaching Tilje, you pass some small settlement villages like Kharche, Gho, and Kurne.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,300 m

Leaving Tilje, you walk through a forested path and pass by a temporary check-post. The trail gradually descends to Thonje and crosses a bridge before reaching Dharapani. From here, you drive to Besisahar by sharing local jeep. It is around 4 hours drive on a downhill road to Besi Sahar through villages and foothills.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude720 m

You leave Besisahar in the morning after your breakfast for driving back to Kathmandu. The drive is comfortable and presents excellent views of green hills, mountains, and villages. In Kathmandu, you have free afternoon until you join in farewell dinner organized by the company. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast & Farewell dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

It's always tough to say goodbye but we have to say by at the end of the trip. Our airport team will drop you at the international airport as per your flight departure time.

  • MealsBreakfast

This is our standard and recommended itinerary.
If this itinerary doesn’t suit you, we can customize your trip as per your interest and time-frame. Click for Tailor-Made program.

Map

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek - 23 Days map

Includes

  • All grounded transportation as per itinerary by private car
  • One expert tour guide for Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing inclusive entrance fees
  • Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive breakfast
  • Three times meal (Breakfast/lunch/dinner) and accommodations during the trekking
  • One highly experience English speaking & friendly trekking guide and required porter including their expenses
  • Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trekking special permit fee 
  • TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
  • Annapurna and Manaslu conservation fees
  • Tsum Valley + Manaslu Circuit Trekking map
  • Nepal Gateway Company T-shirt 
  • Local fresh fruit
  • First aid kit
  • Evacuation assist if needed
  • Government taxes
  • Office service charge

Excludes

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Your travel insurance
  • Nepal entry visa. Please bring two passport-size photos.
  • Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu
  • Your personal nature expenses, equipment and medical kit
  • All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverage in trekking
  • Hot shower, internet and phone call unless it is free
  • Tipping to field staffs (Tipping is not mandatory but expected)

Dates & Price

Date StatusPrice 
Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 20, 2024End DateEnd: ThursdayApril 11, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1590
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 23, 2024End DateEnd: SundayApril 14, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1590
Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 27, 2024End DateEnd: ThursdayApril 18, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1590
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 30, 2024End DateEnd: SundayApril 21, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1590

These are our fixed departure dates. The trip starting and ending date are the arrival and departure day to/from Kathmandu. The dates and price are specified for joining group. 
For Private Trip

Useful Info

Altitude Sickness during Masanu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trekking

Altitude sickness is common if you go on high-altitude journeys like the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. It is avoidable if you follow the preventive measures. Our Tsum Valley trek itinerary has all the things, from ample acclimatization days to the constant increase in elevation that lowers the risk of altitude sickness. Even if you get the symptoms (as the body reacts differently to changes in the environment), our trained and reliable guide will take care of you. 

Drinking plenty of water, which means no alcoholic drinks, and smoking will help you avoid altitude sickness. Make sure your body is well-rested and gets the necessary nutrients that will keep you moving during the trek. We have side excursions on acclimatization days and also carry the necessary medication to suppress symptoms. 
 

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek for Solo/Group

To trek in a group, contact us or make a booking through our site. We organize treks for all group sizes, whether you are two people or twenty. Likewise, we have fixed departure dates in the peak trekking seasons. You can book the date that best suits you and join our group. Of course, this option lets you trek with people from around the globe. 

If you are looking for a private solo trek, then we can organize that too. Let us know your requirements, and we'll make sure you have an amazing trekking experience in Nepal. Contact us anytime for more information. As per the services we provide during the trek and the group size, there can be a slight change in the package cost. 
 

The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek Route

Trek in the Manaslu region in spring and autumn to witness breathtaking mountain views. March to April and October to November are the best time to do the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. These are the peak trekking seasons in Nepal. The Himalayas generally have unstable weather. However, in spring and autumn, the weather remains mostly stable with a moderate climate. 

Apart from the weather, these two seasons have great visibility, teeming vegetation, bright & breezy days, and fresh mountain air with a low chance of precipitation. You'll come across a range of flora and fauna along the way. The valleys are verdant, and the trail is impressive. 
 

Permits for Trek to Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Route

You need to get a Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit), and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit). All the permit fee is covered in the package cost. You do not have to pay additional money for them.

Restricted area permit cost for Manaslu: 

USD 100 per person for the first seven days and USD 15 per person each day after that from September to November

USD 75 per person for the first seven days and USD 10 per person each day after that from December to August

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit cost: NPR 3000.00 per person

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit cost: NPR 3000.00 per person

*You do not need to get a TIMS Card for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek.
 

Travel Tips for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking 

Accommodation: Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking is a teahouse trek with shared rooms and a washroom. The services given in the teahouse are simple. The rooms are basic, with comfortable bedding to spend the night. In Kathmandu, you stay overnight in a three-star hotel. 

Food: The meals during the trek are simple yet filling. Dal bhat is the main menu that comes with side dishes and veg/non-veg curries. You may feel like not eating sometimes because of altitude and tiredness, but we recommend you to not miss meals. You'll get other options like a sandwich, soup, noodles, momo, Tibetan bread, dhido, thenduk, etc too. 

ATM: Manaslu and Tsum Valley trail has no ATM. You cannot make any payment through your card either on the trial. Get yourself enough Nepali cash in Kathmandu to use while trekking. Even though our package cost covers your daily accommodation and three meals a day, you may need money to buy additional services like internet, charging, hot shower, etc. 

Charging: The charging facility is decent on Manaslu Trek, however, it'll cost you some money. You can use a solar charger or spare batteries to save some money. 

Luggage: Your luggage limit on the trek is 10 kg for a duffel bag & 5 kg for a day pack. Keep extra suitcases in the hotel's locker room during the trek. Duffel bags are carried by porters. 

Personal Expenses: As we mentioned earlier, you may need money for additional services during the trek. Apart from that, you'll also need money to do shopping, travel insurance, international flight fairs, etc. So, make sure to have funds for these expenses. 

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for any trek in the Himalayas for your safety in an emergency. You need to get travel insurance that covers air evacuation up to 5,000 meters for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. The company will not bear any expense out of cost-included things. 

Tipping: The tipping is up to you. Tipping is normal in Nepal, so our team members may approach you for it. Feel free to tip as you want.

FAQs

  • Q1. How many days are required to do Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?

    Manaslu Tsum valley trek is a long trek and takes 18 to 23 days. Our Manaslu Tsum valley trek itinerary is 23 days long.

  • The highest elevation during the Manaslu and Tsum valley trekking is 5,106 meters. It is Larkya La pass.

  • The people of Tsum valley are known as Tsumba. They follow Bon Po and Tibetan Buddhism. Their norms, values, and traditions are quite different. They have their own language and dialect.

  • Yes, you'll need a guide to trek in the Manaslu region. Foreigners cannot do solo treks in the Manaslu region as per the rules of the government. You also have to trek in a group of two people.

  • Yes, you can do a tea house trek in the Manaslu region. You do not have to carry tents, but we recommend you carry sleeping bags.

  • On average, you walk 6 to 7 hours a day during the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum valley trekking. This means you'll be covering 10 km to 12 km in a day.

  • One of our professional and experienced guides will be joining you for the Tsum valley and Manaslu trek. You'll be trekking with a native who has good knowledge about the Manaslu region and Tsum valley. We make sure the supporting team of our guests speaks their language for no barrier to communication.

  • Yes, you can store any additional luggage in the hotel for free of cost during trekking.

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