Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek - 24 Days

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  • Duration 24 Days
  • Trip Grade Strenuous
  • Country Nepal

The Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek is an adventurous hike in the Manaslu region, where the eighth tallest mountain in the world is located. This 24-day expedition takes you to Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake, crosses the Larkya La Pass, and explores the hidden Tsum Valley.

The Manaslu region was opened in 1992 for foreigners with restricted area regulations, while the Tsum Valley was opened in 2007 for travelers. As the region has remained closed to outsiders for a very long time, it is not affected by tourism or modernization.

Back in the day, camping was the only way to explore the beauty of the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley. But in the last 4 to 5 years, the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek has become a teahouse trek.

Compared to the famous trekking routes in Annapurna and Everest, the Manaslu trek route still lacks tourist infrastructure. So, trekkers who want to have a raw Himalayan experience would love this trek.

For an ultimate, lifetime trekking experience in the Himalayas, join the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trekking package. The trek is challenging but also very rewarding. You will witness jaw-dropping mountain vistas, less crowded trails, rich cultural heritage, and diverse vegetation!

Highlights

  • Reach the base camp of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world
  • An adventurous and challenging trek in one of the restricted areas in Nepal, ideal for an experienced trek
  • Trek through lush forests, deep valleys, and glacier moraines
  • Meet with communities like Gurung, Tsumba, and Nubri and get to see their mountain life and cultural heritage
  • Explore ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and Pun Gyen Gompa
  • Enjoy the stunning beauty of isolated Birendra Lake
  • Spend nights in beautiful villages and Tibetan Refugee settlements like Samdo
  • Cross the Larkya La Pass
  • Witness views of mountains like Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Kang Guru Himal, Simnang Himal, etc

Tsum Valley

Tsum Valley is situated in the upper northeastern section of Manaslu region. The trail to this valley separates from Lokpa village. You trek inside the Lungwa River Valley and pass by lush rhododendrons and pine forests.

The trail gradually ascends to Chumling and continues to the upper isolated part of the valley. You will spend nights in Chhokang Paro and pass by Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way to the Nile settlement.

From here, hike to Mu Gompa and follow a different route via Ranchen Gompa to descend to Lamagaon. In the Tsum Valley, you will meet with the Tsumba community. See their lifestyle and practices

You can extend the trail to Ganesh Himal Base Camp if you have 2 to 3 more days.

Manaslu Circuit

After exploring the Tsum Valley, you will descend to Deng via Ripchet. From Deng, start ascending towards the Larkya La Pass. On the way, spend nights in Namrung, Shyala Gaon, Sama Gaun, Samdo, and Larkya Phedi.

The Sama Gaun is the biggest settlement on the Manaslu Circuit. You will hike to Pun Gyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, and Birendra Lake here. Samdo is a Tibetan refugee village. There is a side trip option from Samdo to Rui La Pass, which is an old salt trade route.

Gurungs reside in the lower part of the trail, while the habitats of the upper Manaslu Circuit are known as Nubri. The cultures and traditions of the Gurungs, like those of the locals of Tsum Valley, are very similar to those of Tibetans.

Crossing the Larkya La Pass is the most difficult part of this whole trek, but you can do it without a guide and porter support. After crossing the pass, you will descend to Jagat via Bimthang and Tilje. The trek ends in Jagat and drives back to Kathmandu.

Who can do this trek, and what physical preparation is needed?

The Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek is suitable for experienced trekkers. You have to be in good health and fitness. The trek requires you to spend a long time in the mountains, walking 5 to 6 hours a day, everyday. It is not easy.

The terrain is also offbeat and steep, so trekkers need strong stamina, strength, and endurance. Strength training, aerobic exercise, and walking will help you prepare for the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek.

Guide and porter

Foreigners must be accompanied by a local Nepali guide to do the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek. It is a restricted area in Nepal, so trekking with a guide is compulsory. Our guides and porters are locals of the Manaslu region, so they are very knowledgeable about the trail and the locals.

Likewise, your guide will have many years of expertise and training in first aid. You can trek safely and confidently with our on-field crew. In case of any emergency, the guide will help you. A porter carries a duffel bag for you while trekking. The weight limit for a duffel bag is 9 kg for each trekker.

Hassle-free trekking with us, Himalayak Trekking

Get the best Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek cost with us, Himalayak Trekking. For many years, we have been organizing safe and satisfying trekking adventures for foreigners in Nepal. Our professional team helps you prepare for this trek and arranges all logistics.

You can easily book the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek through our website. We do not have any hidden costs or policies. We are very transparent with our services and prices. Whether you are trekking alone or with your friends, we will make any trek in Nepal hassle-free for you.

Book your seat for the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek 2024/2025 departure and get a special discount and complimentary services like airport pick-up/drop-off and a duffel bag to use during the trek.

Itinerary
Trip Plan
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You will arrive in Kathmandu on this day. Our team will pick you up from the airport and drop you at your hotel. You do not have to worry about your luggage. They will help you with that. Spend some time freshening up in the hotel and later meet us for the trek briefing. After that, buy things missing from your packing list and pack your duffle bags.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today, you will embark on a long ride from Kathmandu to Barpak. The highway goes along the Trishuli River and takes you to Gorkha. From here, you will drive, enjoying views of the Himalayan range, to Baluwa. From Baluwa, the highway ascends to Barpak. The view of Boudha Himal is excellent on the way.

  • Max Altitude: 1,900 m/6,233 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 179 km/111 miles

Trekking from Barpak, you will climb to Gupsi Danda (3,000 m). From here, the trail descends to Laprak, where you will spend the night. It is a Gurung village.

Mountain views: Annapurna range, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Boudha Himal, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 2,150 m/7,054 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 8 km/5 miles

The trail ascends from Laprak and crosses the Chyabru Khola via a suspension bridge. You will gradually climb to Singla village and pass by terraced fields to Gumda. From here, you will trek to Kholra Bensi for the night stay.

Mountain views: Ganesh Himal range and Boudha Himal.

  • Max Altitude: 970 m/3,182 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 7.9 km/4.9 miles

Leaving Khorla Besni, the trail goes through lush forests to Tatopani. Here, you can enjoy natural hot springs. Further, the trail takes you to Dovan and ascends to Thulo Dhunga. You will then take a lunch break at Yaru Bagar and walk up to Salleri.

Mountain views: Shringi Himal.

  • Max Altitude: 1,370 m/4,495 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 10.3 km/6.4 miles

Leaving Jagat, the trail ascends to Salleri village. It then follows river banks and crosses a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Slowly, the valley opens up as you trek to Philim. From here, you will reach Ekle Bhatti. The trail to Tsum Valley separates here from the Manaslu Circuit. Ascend north-east to Lokpa village, following Shiar Khola.

Mountain views: Himalchuli, Boudha Himal, and Shringi Himal.

  • Max Altitude: 2,040 m/4,493 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 17.5 km/10.8 miles

Trekking from Lokpa, you will follow an offbeat, steep terrain to Chumling village. The mountain views are excellent on the way. The trail descends to Lungwa River Valley and continues through dense rhododendrons and pine forests. There is no village between Lokpa and Chumling, so we will carry a packed lunch.

Mountain views: Himal Chuli, Boudha Himal, and Shringi Himal.

  • Max Altitude: 2,386 m/6,692 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 6.3 km/3.9 miles

On this day, you will enter the upper and most isolated part of the Tsum Valley (the inner Himalayas). Walk along the Syar River and descend to Domje. It is the biggest village in the valley. From here, the trail ascends to Chhokang Paro, where you will spend the night.

Mountain views: Kipu Himal, Churki Himal, Boudha Himal, and Ganesh Himal.

  • Max Altitude: 3,010 m/9,875 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 8.4 km/5.2 miles

We have two routes from Chhokang Paro to Nile village. One goes through Ranchen Gompa, and the other follows the regular route. We most likely follow the usual route while ascending and the alternative route when descending. Pss by Milarepa Cave on the way, also known as Piren Phu. Trek along the Syar River and pass by the Chhule settlement before reaching Nile village.

Mountain views: Kipu Himal, Churki Himal, Tobsar Range, and Ganesh Himal.

  • Max Altitude: 3,361 m/11,026 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 9.7 km/6 miles

Go on an early morning hike to Mu Gompa. The trail steeply ascends west to the gompa. It is an ancient Tibetan monastery. The view of Lungdang Glacier and snow-capped mountains is surreal from here. You can see different passes and bhanjyangs as well.

You have the option to extend the hike to Pika Himal Base Camp and visit Dephyu Dolma Nunnery Gompa, a 600-year-old Gompa. After exploring, descend to Lamagaon via Nile, following the same trail. On the way, visit the Ranchen Gompa.

Mountain views: Kipu Himal, Churki Himal, Tobsar Range, and Ganesh Himal.

  • Max Altitude: 3,700 m/11,026 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 8 km/4.9 miles

After breakfast, start trekking from Lamagaon. The trail descends via villages like Nakyu, Chhekampar, Gho, Rainjam, etc. You will take a lunch break at Rainjam. Enjoy beautiful scenery and mountain vistas while descending.

Mountain views: Kipu Himal, Churki Himal, and Ganesh Himal.

  • Max Altitude: 2,470 m/8,103 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5/6 hours
  • Distance: 14 km/8.6 miles

From Ripchet, you will descend to Deng. Retraces the trail back to Lokpa. You will trek through lush forests and rugged hillsides. Pass by small settlements on the way and enjoy the view of the Shringi Himal Range.

  • Max Altitude: 1,930 m/6,332 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5/6 hours
  • Distance: 15.5 km/9.6 miles

The trail crosses a suspension bridge and follows an uphill route to Rana. You will trek west of the valley through lush forests to Namrung village. Pass by Ghap and Prok settlements on the way.

Mountain views: Shringi Himal range.

  • Max Altitude: 2,630 m/8,626 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5/6 hours
  • Distance: 19.5 km/12.1 miles

Between Namrung and Shyala Gaon, you will go through plain land with farming fields. You will come across villages like Lhi Gaon, Wangsang, Sho Gaon, and Lho Gaon.

Mountain views: Ganesh Himal, Nagadi Chuli, Himalchuli, Naike Peak, Manaslu, Panker Himal, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 3,520 m/11,548 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 10 km/6.2 miles

Leaving Shyala Gaon, you will ascend to Pun Gyen Gompa. It is an ancient monastery. The trail is offbeat and involves glacial walking. Further, you will walk to Sama Gaon to spend the night.

Mountain views: Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Panker Himal, Naike Peak, Nagadi Chuli, Shringi Himal, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 4,800 m/15,748 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Today, you will spend a rest day in Sama Gaon. In the morning, hike to Manaslu Base Camp via Birendra Lake. The route will be steep and rugged, but the mountain views are jaw-dropping. Later, spend the remaining day in Sama Gaon resting.

Mountain views: Naike Peak, Manaslu, Himalchuli, Nagadi Chuli, Manaslu Glacier, etc.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 4/5 hours

From Sama Gaon onwards, you will trek above the treeline. The trail ascends to a ridge and crosses a wooden bridge. You will reach Kani and hike to Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village. Later in the day, you can hike to Rui La Pass.

Mountain views: Manaslu, Nagadi Chuli, and Simnag Himal.

  • Max Altitude: 3,875 m/12,713 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 3/4 hours
  • Distance: 8.2 km/5 miles

From Samdo to Phedi, the trail ascends steeply and passes by mani walls. Cross a wooden bridge and trek along the Larke River. Soon, you will see the Larkya glacier and follow a steep track inside the Salkha Khola Valley to reach Larkya Phedi.

Mountain views: Manaslu, Shringi, Simnag Himal, Kan Guru, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 4,480 m/14,698 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 4/5 hours
  • Distance: 11.7 km/7.2 miles

From Larkya Phedi, you will start climbing to Larkya La Pass early in the morning. First, the trail descends to a small lake and continues via a narrow, unclear track. You will cross the south grassy slope and descend to frozen lakes. From here, ascend to the top of the pass. Further, the trail descends via moraine and grassy meadow to Bimthang.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Manalsu, Shringi Himal, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 5,160 m/16,929 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 8/9 hours
  • Distance: 24.7 km/15.3 miles

The trail descends, crosses a wooden bridge, and enters dense pine forests. You will trek, enjoying a stunning view of Marsyangdi Valley. On the way, you will pass by rhododendron flowers and small settlements.

  • Max Altitude: 2,300 m/7,546 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 26.3 km/16.3 miles

From Tilje, the trail ascends and descends along rugged hillsides and forests. You will pass by Thonche and Dharapani settlements before reaching Jagat to spend the night.

  • Max Altitude: 1,300 m/4,265 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 8/9 hours
  • Distance: 24.7 km/15.3 miles

After breakfast, you will drive from Jagat to Besisahar. The drive will be bumpy but scenic. At Beishar, you will change the vehicle and drive to Kathmandu in a much more comfortable four-wheeler. Upon reaching Kathmandu, the guide will drop you off at the hotel.

  • Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 8/9 hours
  • Distance: 210 km/130.4 miles

You have a full free day in Kathmandu. Rest and spend the day as you wish. Explore local markets and tourist sites, and do window shopping in Thamel.

  • Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Our team will transfer you to the international airport as per your flight schedule.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Add-ons and Options
  • Single room while trekking: If you want a single room during trekking, add this upgrade to your package.
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu: Explore the historical sites in Kathmandu with an experienced tour guide and get to learn deeply about Nepali history and culture.
  • Combine Thorong La Pass: Trekkers who want to do two high pass treks in one package, can combine Thorong La pass to their itinerary.

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We request you to be flexible with the itinerary and open to changes if the situation requires. Likewise, you do not have to strictly follow our proposed Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit itinerary. You can customize the itinerary as per your wish. To do that, kindly talk to our team.

Essential Info

Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek difficulty

It is a challenging trek because of the off-the-beaten trail, high altitude, glacial walking, and mountain pass crossing. Trekkers have to be physically and mentally fit for this trek. The trail demands frequent ascents and descents, so trekkers need good stamina and strength. Previous trekking experience is required.

  • Trek distance: The Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek distance is around 250 kilometers.
  • Daily walking hours: 5 to 7 hours of walking is required daily.
  • Tourist infrastructure: The Manalsu region has limited infrastructure for trekkers along the trail. Tsum Valley has comparatively fewer services than the Manaslu Circuit. Trekkers have just a lot on this trek.

Altitude Sickness

Trekkers can suffer from altitude sickness during the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek. Acclimatization is needed to avoid it. Our itinerary allows trekkers to gain elevation slowly and also includes a rest day in Sama Gaun.

  • Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, insomnia, headache, vomiting, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, etc.
  • Preventive measures: Ascend slowly, drink two liters of water daily, listen to your body, get ample rest, and avoid smoking or alcoholic drinks while trekking.

Travel Insurance

The Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek involves uncertainties like unpredictable weather, injuries, altitude sickness, etc. In the worst case, these events may demand helicopter evacuation. So, it is important that trekkers get travel insurance coverage covering helicopter evacuation and medical bills. Travel insurance is a mandatory document for joining this trek.

Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek permits

For the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek, you will need the below permit:

Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)

  • September to November: USD 100 per person for the first seven days and USD 15 per person per day from the eighth day onwards
  • December to August: USD 75 per person for the first seven days and USD 10 per person per day from the eighth day onwards

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit cost: USD 30 per person

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

*Note: All the above costs are exclusive of 13% VAT.

The best time to do this trek

The best time to do the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek is when the weather is stable, and the climate is moderate. March to May and late September to November have ideal trekking conditions.

  • Spring (March to May): Explore greenery, rhododendron blooms, and various vegetation. The mountain views are clear, and Birendra Lake is gradually melting.
  • Summer/monsoon (June to August): Rainfall causes bad trail conditions. The trails are muddy, slippery, and bug-ridden. However, it is a great time to enjoy teeming foliage.
  • Autumn (September to November): Trekkers love this time of year because of the stunning landscapes, perfect weather, and climate. It is also the time to experience the biggest Nepalese festivals.
  • Winter (December to February): Snow-covered trails and extreme cold. The temperature drops below -10C and keeps dropping as the elevation increases. Larkya La pass may be closed. Winter trekking is possible with strong planning and flexibility.

Accommodation & food during the trek

You will spend nights in tea houses along the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek route. It is a small, simple accommodation service. Shared rooms and washrooms are common. Western-style toilets are not available everywhere, so you have to use squat toilets as well. Services like charging, hot showers, and WiFi are limited and cost extra money.

The typical menu in the tea house includes dal bhat, momo, thukpa, Tibetan bread, fried rice, porridge, pasta, pancakes, pudding, chapati, curries, eggs, muesli, oats, and noodles. Boiled drinking water is available at a fraction of the cost, so you do not have to spend lots of money buying bottled water.

Packing list

You will need the following things for the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek:

  • Underwear
  • Base layer
  • Thermal layer
  • Trekking shirt & pants
  • Fleece jacket
  • Down jacket
  • Windbreaker/waterproof jacket & pants
  • Dry towel, cotton socks, woolen socks, scarf, gloves, sunhat, beanie
  • Trekking boots
  • Casual shoes/crocs
  • Daypack
  • Duffel bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle and water purification tablet
  • Map, pocket torch, traveler knife, hand sanitizer, GPS
  • SPF, lip balm, moisturizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, soap/shampoo bar, comb, toothpaste/brush, deodorant, toilet paper, etc
  • Antiseptic cream, band-aid, crack bandage, pain reliever spray, general medicine, electoral powder, insect repellent, etc
  • Adapter, charger, power bank, spare batteries for your camera
  • Snacks, journal/pen, travel insurance document, passport, visa, passport-sized photos, cash
FAQs

Foreigners cannot trek without a guide in the Manaslu region. It is illegal. So, if you are a solo traveler, you can opt for a private trekking program.

The Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek is very demanding physically and mentally. It is an offbeat trek with many steep ascents and descents. Trekkers walk 5 to 6 hours a day every day for more than 10 days. Likewise, crossing the Larkya La pass is difficult, too.

Compared to the Annapurna Circuit trek, the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit route is not crowded at all. Not many trekkers do this trek because of several reasons, which keep the trail tranquil.

The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit route is very remote and does not have proper network service. WiFi is only available in some villages at lower elevations, and cellular networks come and go.

Yes, there is a luggage limit for porters. Our one porter carries 18kg. It is divided between two trekkers. Each trekker gets a 9 kg weight limit for a duffel bag.

You will need a valid passport, Nepal travel visa, travel insurance documents, passport-size photos, and your general information.

You can book the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek through our website. It is very easy and requires just a few steps. Click on the booking button, fill in your information, and prepare for the trekking day. Pay the booking amount and wait for our mail.

Yes, our team will take care of the airport to hotel and hotel to airport commute. They will pick you up and drop you in a private vehicle.

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