Manaslu Circuit 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 16
  • Maximum Altitude 5,106 m

Highlights

  • 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 & relish the serenity
  • Visit ancient monasteries and come across ancient Tibetan Buddhism culture
  • Come across a range of flora and fauna while trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area
  • Hike to Manaslu base camp and Birendra Tal

Manaslu 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 Tsum valley in 2008 to foreign visitors. And still, see a fraction of travellers. The Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley trek is a long 23 days trek. 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 & 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. 

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 & high satisfaction rate. Also, the trekkers have to be in a group of two (not including the guide/porter) to join Manaslu and Tsum valley trek. Solo trekkers can join our fixed groups. 

Mountains & Cultural Heritage

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 and Tsum valley trek difficulty

Manaslu circuit and 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 on average 6 hours a day. You'll be crossing a high Himalayas pass, Lakya La (also the highest point of the trek). The trek involves walking on steep, rock paths that further advance to glacial & moraine walking. 

The Manaslu region is not easily accessible and 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/meal facilities. It's the bare minimum on the trail, so the participants have to be very enduring and understand all the limits. 

Why 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 2023/2024. 

We have been organizing treks in the Himalayas for numerous years. We are certified to run adventurous trips. You'll get the best itineraries, a reasonable cost, and no hidden charge or policy with us. Our travel consultant will help you plan the trek as per your requirement. 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 will welcome you and take you to the hotel in a private vehicle, assist check in the hotel. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

In the morning, you'll go on a Kathmandu city tour. You'll tour 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 question with him. Likewise, you'll visit galleries and museums before making it to the bustling Asan market. 

 

After lunch, visit our office. We'll have a trek brief and a short introduction with the trek guide. Later, we do the final packing and double-check all the gear. There are many stores in Thamel that sell/rent trekking clothes & equipment, you can do shopping if anything seems missing.

 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Following the Prithvi Highway, we drive, enjoying stunning views of lush hills, rivers, and terraced fields. The drive is long and keeps you entertained with gorgeous landscapes. We ride past Malekhu and Dhading Besi. From here, the road winds uphill to Gola Bhanjyang. Further, witnessing views of snow-capped mountains, we cross Ankhu Khola. The road then goes up the west bank of Budhi Gandaki river, and we reach Soti Khola. Our next stop is Machha Khola, where we'll be spending the night.

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

Today is our first day of trekking. From Machha Khola, we walk on a peaceful trail, enjoying the beautiful view. Farmlands, hills, streams, and fine villages are seen on the way. We'll 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

We'll be entering the restricted part of the trail today. Registering our permits, we'll walking along the bank of Budhi Gandaki. We'll walk past villages like Salleri, Sirdibad, and Philim. The views of Shringi Himal are excellent. We'll 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. We walk and reach Chumling, a beautiful village with an excellent view of Singiri Himal. We keep walking on a rough trail to reach Dumje village to spend the night.

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

Leaving Dumje, we trek to Chile. The mountain views along the way are fabulous today. Walking on a forested uphill and downhill route, we pass by small settlement areas. The Nile is our final destination for the day where we'll be spending the night. The Nile is a lovely village before we enter the upper Tsum valley. Today, we'll 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 following a short ascend. We'll walk uphill most of the time. Mu Gompa is located close to the Tibetan border, so we can see Tibetan scenery along the trail. The route moves west and ascends to Mu Gompa. This gompa houses more than 100 monks. We can see the gorgeous Lungdang Glacier in the east and snow-capped mountains all around us from Mu Gompa.

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

We have an acclimatization day today in Mu Gompa. There are many pastures around Mu Gompa that ascend to 5,000 meters. Locals climb up to collect the precious Yarsagumba. We have the option to hike to the base camp of Pika Himal or hike to Kalung (3,820 m) or Bhajyo (4,030 m). Likewise, we'll 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. We'll be walking by pristine Siyar Khla, where we can visit the artistic Rachen Gumba. We'll also visit a nunnery. We'll spend the night here to rest our feet before trekking further.

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

The trek continues to Chumling today. We walk down, following the same path we took earlier. The mountain landscapes are heavenly along the way. The trail walk past remote settlement areas and lush forests to Chumling village.

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

We continue walking on a steep downhill route to Deng village today. As we descend, the views of towering mountains unfold in front of us. The Ganesh Himal and Manaslu views are particularly surreal. We then walk down the steep grassy slope to the Budhi Gandaki riverbed. The trail then crosses a bridge over a river and walks past a route full of bamboo trees. We 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 areas. We'll 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. We 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, we explore the village and enjoy the mountain views of Ganesh Himal. Singri Himal, Hiunchuli, etc. After having breakfast, we 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 we can feel the dominance of the Buddhism religion further along the way. The locals along the trail mostly follow Tibetan Buddhism, so we can 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 past a stone gate and a long mani wall. We can enjoy views of Peak 29 and get a close view of Mt. Manaslu. Gradually, the trail climbs to Shya La pass, from where we can see superb views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. We then follow a lateral moraine of the Pungen glacier to reach Samagaun.

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

Today is our day in Samagaun. We'll go on a short hike to the Manaslu base camp of Pungyen Gompa. The hike will acclimatize our bodies and let us enjoy the heartwarming mountain views. The late afternoon, we'll spend exploring Samagaun and interacting with the locals.

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

The trail ascends along a deserted path. We'll be walking via the windy valley to Samdo. Following the Budhi Gandaki river, we cross a bridge and ascend through a lush forest of juniper, rhododendron, birch, etc. Further, we 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, we'll begin walking and cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki river. From here, the trail leads us to Larkya Bazar (4,090 m). It is a seasonal Tibetan market. We'll further walk past stone huts and mani walls. On the way, we 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

From the Larke Phedi, we walk on a steep glacial path that goes above the Larkya Glacier and climbs to Larkya La pass. We can see breathtaking views of mountains like Mt. Kangguru, Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Manaslu, Gyaji Kang, Namjung Himal, etc. From the pass, we steeply descend along a snow screen grassy moraine rockfall area. The trail gradually descends to Bimtang, where we'll be spending the night.

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

It's a long day today. We descend from Bimtang to Tilije. The trail drops down through pastures and crosses a bridge at 3,430 m. We'll see a rock shelter cave here and continue descending towards Yak Kharka (also known as Sangure Kharka). We'll walk through lush forests and farmlands. Before reaching Tilike, we pass by small settlement areas like Kharche, Gho, and Kurne.

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

Leaving Tilije, we 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, we drive to Besisahar. We'll use a public vehicle. It's a long drive on a downhill road to Besisahar through villages and foothills.

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

We leave Besisahar early in the morning and drive back to Kathmandu. The drive is comfortable and presents excellent views of green hills, mountains, and villages. The drive will be comfortable. In Kathmandu, you have the remaining day free. We meet you in the late evening over farewell dinner. 

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

It's always tough to say goodbyes, but as our trip ends, we have to do so. 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 to you, we can customize your trip as per your interest and time-frame. Click here for Tailor-Made program.

Map

Manaslu Circuit 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 and achievement certificate
  • Local fresh fruit
  • First aid kit
  • Evacuation assist if needed
  • Government taxes and office service charge

Excludes

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Your travel insurance
  • Nepal entry visa. You can obtain a visa quickly upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. A multiple-entry tourist visa suitable for 30 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 50 or equivalent in foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 135. 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)

Useful Info

Altitude Sickness

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 and Tsum valley trek Solo/Group

To trek in a group, contact us or do 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. 

Best time to do the Manaslu Tsum valley trek

Trek in the Manaslu region in spring and autumn to witness breathtaking mountain views. March to April and October to November is 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

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: USD 30 per person

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit cost: USD 30 per person

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

Travel Tips 

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 do 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 fair, 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 Mohare danda trekking. 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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