Visiting Tibetan tales in the Tsum Valley, traversing the beautiful Manaslu to enjoy offbeat walking with the stunning majestic Himalayas on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek
Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek is the ultimate trek that revolves around Nepal's unbeaten and untouched part. You'll explore 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, and the journey is exciting.
The wilderness of the Manaslu region and its offbeat terrain have kept it far from the mainstream. Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trail are not crowded and present unspoiled mountain landscapes.
The Manaslu region was opened in 1995, and the Tsum Valley was opened in 2008 for 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 interact intimately with the villagers.
The course winds through many remote villages, letting 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.
The locals are highly influenced by Tibetan culture and traditions. You'll find a lot of similarities. There are many famous monasteries on the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. They are Piren Phu Cave, Mu Gompa, Dhephu Doma Gompa, Rachen Gompa, Gumba Lungdang and Pungyen Gompa.
Besides the cultural aspects, the Manaslu base camp (4,800 m), Birendra Tal (3,460 m), and Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) are the highlights. 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 various flora and fauna while trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Hike to Manaslu base camp and Birendra Tal
Things to experience in Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trekking Route
The Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek crosses the Larke La pass and explores the artistic old monasteries. The trek is undoubtedly very adventurous and exceptionally immersive. The culture and conventions are intact as the region is untouched by modern society. They practice ancient Tibetan Buddhism and Polyandry.
Nepal's Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trekking route offers breathtaking mountain panorama and immaculate surroundings. The landscapes are constantly changing with the increase in elevation; it only gets better. Snow-capped giants like Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Annapurna II (7,937 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.
Why Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek with Nepal Getaway Trekking?
We are one of the trustworthy companies in Nepal, and we have been organizing trips for many years. We offer customized itineraries for solo, private, or group treks and offer a discount for group treks.
The price we offer is the best competitive price for 2025. There are no hidden costs. We always commit to top-notch services in our standard package of Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley.
We have highly experienced and qualified guides. Our guides are well-known with the regions and very knowledgeable to deliver history, cultures aspects.
This is our standard and recommended Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley Itinerary.
Once you land in Kathmandu, you will meet our company representative outside the terminal gate with your name. After the warm welcome, you drive to the hotel in a private vehicle. He will assist with check-in at the hotel.
You meet our manager in the evening, who briefs the program in detail and reaches out to your needs. He will also introduce your trek guide. If you have any questions regarding the trip, you can directly ask your guide.
Today is a free day for you. We will prepare a permit and arrange other necessities for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. After breakfast, you can visit some world heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley. You can also shop for, buy, or rent the trekking gear you need for the trek.
We can organize a guided city tour of Kathmandu Valley upon request.
Today, you'll drive along the Prithvi Highway to reach Machha Khola by local express bus. You'll enjoy the stunning views of lush hills, rivers and terraced fields. The drive is long, but it keeps entertaining you with gorgeous landscapes.
You will be witnessing views of snow-capped mountains. You cross Ankhu Khola, and the road goes up the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Machha Khola.
Today is your first day of trekking. From Machha Khola, you walk on a peaceful trail, enjoying the beautiful view. You'll walk through farmlands, hills, streams, and fine villages. You'll cross many suspension bridges and walk uphill on stone steps to Jagat, a small village with incredible scenery.
Today, you'll be entering the restricted part of the Manaslu Circuit. Registering the 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.
From Lokpa, the trail follows an uphill route to a ridge top. The view of Ganesh Himal from this place is fantastic. 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 Chumling village and spend the night there.
Leaving Chumling, you'll 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 Chhaikampar is our final destination for the day, where you spend 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.
The trail from Nile to Mu Gompa goes west and walks uphill most of the time. Mu Gompa is near the Tibetan border so that you can see Tibetan scenery along the trail. More than a hundred monks live in Mu Gompa. You witness the gorgeous Lungdang Glacier in the east and the snow-capped mountains.
Many pastures around Mu Gompa ascend to 5,000 meters. Locals climb up to collect the precious Yarsagumba. You can hike to the base camp of Pika Himal or to Kalung (3,820 m) or Bhajyo (4,030 m). Likewise, you visit the ancient Dhephu Doma Gompa (3,900 m).
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 Gumpa. You can also explore a nunnery. You spend the night here to rest your feet before trekking further.
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.
Today, you'll walk on a steep downhill route to Deng village. As you descend, the views of towering mountains unfold in front of you. The view of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu is 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.
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.
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 Buddhist religion further along the way.
The locals along the trail mostly follow Tibetan Buddhism. You will notice similarities with the people of Tibet in culture, language & practices.
The trail goes through a stone gate and a long mani wall. You'll enjoy 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.
Today is another acclimatization day in Samagaun. You will do some hiking around Samagaun and hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,940 m) or Punhgen Gompa (3,980 m). The hike is more needed to acclimatize your body and let you enjoy the heartwarming mountain views. In the afternoon, you can explore Samagaun and interact with the locals.
The trail ascends along a deserted path. You'll walk on the windy valley to Samdo. Following the Budhi Gandaki River, you'll cross a bridge and climb through a lush juniper and rhododendron forest. Further, you'll ascend to Samdo village, admiring views of Simnag Himal, Ngadi Chuli, Mt. Manaslu, and Manaslu glacier.
After having a delicious breakfast, you'll trek to Dharmasala. The trail begins with walking on a remote trail and crossing a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. From here, the trail leads you to Larkya Bazar, a seasonal Tibetan market. You further walk, passing stone huts and mani walls to Dharmasala.
On the way to Dharmasala, you also encounter glaciers and witness stunning snow-capped mountains. Dharmasala is also known as Larke Phedi.
Today, you'll start your trek early in the morning. From the Dharmasala, you'll walk on a steep glacial path above the Larkya Glacier and climb to Larke Pass. You can see the breathtaking views of the mountains from the Larke Pass. You'll see 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 Bhimtang, where you spend the night.
The trail drops down through pastures and crosses a bridge at 3,430 m while descending to Tilje from Bhimtang. You'll 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'll pass some small settlement villages like Kharche, Gho, and Kurne.
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 a local jeep. It is around 4 hour's drive on a downhill road to Besi Sahar through villages and foothills.
You leave Besisahar in the morning after breakfast to drive back to Kathmandu. The drive is comfortable and presents excellent views of green hills, mountains, and villages. In Kathmandu, you have a free afternoon.
It's always tough to say goodbye, but we have to say bye at the end of the trip. Our airport team will drop you off at the international airport at your flight departure time.
- All grounded transportation as per itinerary by private car.
- Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu, inclusive of breakfast.
- Three-time meals (Breakfast/lunch/dinner) and accommodations during the trekking.
- One highly experienced English-speaking & friendly trekking guide and required porter, including their expenses.
- Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trekking special permit fee.
- Annapurna and Manaslu conservation area permit. Please bring two passport-size photos for the permit.
- Tsum Valley + Manaslu Circuit Trekking map.
- Nepal Gateway Company T-Shirt.
- Local fresh fruits.
- First aid kit.
- Evacuation assistance, if needed.
- Government taxes.
- Office service charge.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- Your travel insurance.
- Nepal entry visa.
- Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu.
- Your personal nature expenses, equipment and medical kit.
- All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverages in trekking.
- Hot shower, internet and phone call unless it is free.
- Tipping to field staff. (Tipping is not mandatory but expected).
When is the best time for Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek?
Spring and Autumn are the best times for the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek. Spring and autumn seasons are to witness breathtaking mountain views. Spring (March to April) and Autumn (October to November) are the peak trekking seasons in Nepal. The Himalayas generally have unstable weather.
However, the weather remains stable primarily in spring and autumn with a moderate climate. The spring season brings the blooming. Mountain views are clear. The temperature is not cold while hiking in the Himalayas.
Autumn is post-monsoon in Nepal. The sky is usually straightforward for the high mountains' incredible sunrise and sunset views. Day temperature is acceptable, but the morning, evening and night temperatures will be slightly cold. You can explore Dashain and Tihar festivals with locals during autumn season.
Apart from the weather, these two seasons have excellent visibility, teeming vegetation, and bright and breezy days. You'll get fresh mountain air with a low chance of precipitation. You'll encounter a range of flora and fauna along the way. The valleys are verdant, and the trail is impressive.
Permits to trek to Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley
To trek to Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley, you'll need three permits. They are the Special Restricted Area Permit (Manaslu RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit), and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit).
For Manaslu Special Permit
- 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
For Tsum Valley Special Permit
- USD 40 per person for the first seven days and USD 7 per person each day after that from September to November
- USD 30 per person for the first seven days and USD 5 per person each day after that from December to August
For ACAP and MCAP Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit cost: NPR 3000.00 per person
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit cost: NPR 3000.00 per person
Note: You do not need to get a TIMS Card for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trekking difficulty
Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trekking is one of the most strenuous treks in the Himalayas. It is not for first-time trekkers or those who cannot walk on trodden terrain for an average of 6 hours a day. You'll be crossing a high Himalayan pass, Lakya La, the highest point of the trek. The trek involves walking on steep rock paths that advance glacial and mountainous terrain.
The Manaslu region is not easily accessible and is very remote from the rest of Nepal. Unlike the famous Annapurna Circuit or Everest base camp trail, Manaslu Circuit doesn't have excellent accommodation or meal facilities. It's the bare minimum of the trial, so the participants must endure and understand all the limits.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is common on high-altitude journeys like the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trekking. However, it is avoidable if you follow preventive measures. Our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek itinerary has ample acclimatization days to the constant increase in elevation. This altitude principle is more important to lower the risk of altitude sickness.
The common signs are headache, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, etc. Even if you get the symptoms, our trained and experienced guide will care for you. Drinking plenty of water, which means no alcoholic drinks, and smoking will help you avoid altitude sickness.
Ensure your body is well-rested and gets the necessary nutrients to keep you moving during the trek. We have side excursions on acclimatization days and also carry the essential medication to suppress symptoms.
For Solo/ Private and Group Trek
If you are looking for a private solo trek, we can not organize this trip to you. The Immigration doesn't issue the permit for solo trekker.
We arrange private trips for couples and groups. So let us know your requirements.
If you are single or a couple and interested in trekking with other people, you can join our fixed departure date.
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, which includes side dishes and vegetarian/non-vegetarian curries. You may feel like not eating sometimes because of altitude and tiredness, but we recommend you not miss meals. You'll also get other options like a sandwich, soup, noodles, momo, Tibetan bread, dhido, thenduk, etc.
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.
Charging: The charging facility on Manaslu Trek is decent; however, it'll cost you some money. You can use a solar charger or spare batteries to save some money.
Luggage: The luggage limit on the trek is 10 kg for a duffel bag and 5 kg for a day pack. Keep extra suitcases in the hotel's locker room during the trek. The porter carries the duffel bags.
Personal Expenses: As we mentioned earlier, you may need money for additional services during the trek. You'll also need money for shopping, travel insurance, international flight fairs, etc. So, make sure to have funds for these expenses.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory for any treks in the Himalayas for your safety in an emergency. For the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, you must have travel insurance that covers air evacuation up to 5,000 meters. The company will not bear any expense out of cost-included things.
Tipping: The tipping is up to you. Feel free to tip as you want.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a long trek that takes 17 to 23 days. Our Manaslu Tsum valley trek itinerary is 23 days long.
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 8 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 with no barrier to communication.
Yes, you can store any additional luggage in the hotel for free of cost during trekking.
Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is a long trek and takes 17 to 23 days. Our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek itinerary is 23 days long.