The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is a captivating Himalayan journey that takes adventurous trekkers through a mesmerizing blend of cultural richness and awe-inspiring landscapes. Nestled in the western part of Nepal, this trek has gained popularity for offering a pristine and less crowded alternative to the Annapurna and Everest regions.
The Manaslu Circuit, encircling the eighth highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu, presents a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience. The trail weaves through quaint Tibetan villages, lush forests, and terraced fields, providing trekkers with glimpses of traditional rural life. The region is culturally diverse, with influences from Tibetan Buddhism evident in the monasteries, prayer flags, and mani walls that dot the landscape.
Connected to the Manaslu Circuit is the Tsum Valley, a hidden gem that remained isolated for centuries. Tsum, meaning ‘vivid’ in the local dialect, lives up to its name with its unspoiled beauty and spiritual significance. The valley is adorned with ancient monasteries, chortens, and prayer wheels, offering a unique insight into the traditional Tibetan Buddhist way of life. Trekkers are treated to panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal and the Tibetan Plateau, creating an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility.
The trek is not only a feast for the eyes but also a test of physical endurance as it traverses high mountain passes, including the challenging Larkya La Pass. The diverse terrain, ranging from alpine meadows to rocky landscapes, keeps the trekking experience dynamic and engaging.
Unlike more popular trekking routes, the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek provide an authentic and less-commercialized adventure, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
Spring is one of Nepal’s most popular seasons in the Manaslu circuit and Tsum Valley region. During the season, the weather and temperatures are kept stable with clear skies. The season offers excellent visibility of the peaks like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Himalchuli, which can be pristine and memorable for the trekkers. The trails will come alive as the blooming wildflowers, like rhododendrons, magnolias, will bloom to their fullest this season. The season will also promote the interactive sessions for the trekkers culturally, as the local festivals like Buddha Jayanti approach. The breeding season will make the wildlife activity more active and immersive in the lower region. The trekkers will have many picturesque and interactive moments in this season while embarking on the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek.
Autumn is generally considered the best season to embark on the trekking mission in Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is no different. The season provides clear weather, pleasant daytime temperatures, and unobstructed mountain views throughout the season. After the end of the monsoon, there will be clean and fresh air moving, and the views are crystal-clear and picturesque at their finest. The landscapes are also highly refreshing and rejuvenated. During autumn, the cultural activities of the region are also at their highest as the major Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar approach this season. Stable weather minimizes the risks while crossing the high Larke La Pass. Overall, the autumn season provides the perfect balance of culture, scenery, and experiences.
The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek is considered one of the challenging adventures. This trekking section combines high-altitude trekking, remote trails, and longer walking days. We recommend this trek to only seasoned trekkers who have previously had an experience of a high-altitude trek like this. However, the fit trekkers with the guidance of Peaceful Nepal Treks can embark on this trek successfully.
Day 01: On arrival at Kathmandu airport 1,320 m transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu sightseeing tour and trek preparation.
Day 03: Drive to Machha Khola 930m – 06 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Jagat 1,340 m – 06 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Deng 1,860 m – 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Namrung 2660 m -05 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Lo-Gaon 3, 180 m -05 hrs.
Day 8: Trek to Sama-Gaon 3530 m -06 hrs.
Day 9: At Sama-Gaon rest day for acclimatization and local excursion.
Day 10: Trek to Samdo 3800 m – 05 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Dharma-Sala 4, 450 m -04 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Bhimphedi 3, 590 m via Larke-La Pass 5,106 m-08 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Dharapani 1,725 m -05 hrs.
Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisar town – 08 hrs.
Day 15: International departure for home ward bound.
Welcome to Nepal at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. One of our representatives will warmly welcome you and transfer you to the assigned hotel. After having a check-in, you will receive a detailed briefing about the trek by the guide and other staff. We will have the last preparation of the trek by shopping on Thamel Street. You will be handed your permits and documents by the evening. We will have a restful night before we have a thrilling start to the trek.
Today, you can explore the heritage of the Kathmandu valley with a guided sightseeing tour. We will take you to the UNESCO heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and the grand Boudhanath Temple. This strolling is also known as the Three Temple Tour. We will enjoy the day touring and sightseeing around the city, while the evening is dedicated to finalising permits and preparing the equipment and other essentials. This day will allow you to get ready for the trek.
After having breakfast, we will start the journey of the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek. We will board a private jeep and drive through the winding mountain roads towards Machha Khola. The journey will pass through the rural landscapes and terraced farmlands along the riverbed of Marsyangdi and Budhi Gandaki. We will reach Machha Khola by evening, which is a small teahouse settlement. We will spend a restful evening at Machhakhola.
We will leave Machha Khola and follow the Budhi Gandaki River. We have to cross a few suspension bridges meandering through the lush forests. We will encounter small villages along the way. The path involves rocky moraines and steep sections before we reach Jagat. Jagat is a picturesque cultural village dominated by the Gurung community. We will have a routine check at Jagat as we enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. This village also highlights the influence of Tibetan culture in its lifestyle and artifacts
Today, we will embark on the scenic route ascending from Jagat. We will traverse through lush rhododendron and pine forests along the Budhi Gandaki River towards Tsum Valley. We will pass some Gurung settlements like Salleri along the views of Shringi Himal. We will reach Lokpa by the evening, which is a gateway to Tsum Valley. We will be checked for our permits before entering the village. Overnight will be in a cozy teahouse, enjoying the marvel of local culture and hospitality.
We will depart Lokpa via a descending trail to the Lungwa River valley. We will traverse the dense subtropical forests of pine and rhododendron. We will traverse through the landslide-prone region with debris and suspension bridges. We are currently traversing the heart of Tsum Valley. Ascending gradually, we will reach Chumling, which is a picturesque village with a beautiful resemblance to Tibetan architecture. Overnight in a teahouse of the hospitable Tsumba people.
From Chumling, we will follow the upstream of Siyar Khola while crossing a suspension bridge before reaching Domje Village. Ascending through the terraced fields and barley crops, we will pass Gho Gompa, which is a major highlight of this region. The trail climbs steadily over the rocky ridges and offers a serene backdrop of Baudha Himal, Ganesh Himal, and the hidden gorges. We will arrive at Chhekampar by the afternoon. Chhekampar is a highland settlement with Tibetan-style houses. Overnight in Chhekampar.
We will have a gentle ascent along the Siyar Khola, passing the Upper Tsum Valley’s arid landscapes. We have to cross the river multiple times over the wooden bridges. We will reach the Nile by the evening, which is the last permanent village before crossing the Tibetan border. We will detour to the Piren Phu cave if possible en route. The cave is a sacred site with ancient murals of Buddhist deities. Nile is a beautiful village that promotes close-up views of Ganesh Himal. Overnight on the Nile.
Today, we have to start early from the village of Nile. We will trek north through the barren and windswept terrain towards the Tibetan frontier. The path ascends gradually past seasonal herder huts to Mu Gompa, which is our major highlight of this trek. This Gompa is said to have been founded by the Guru Rinpoche in the 7th century. We will spend a few minutes exploring its ancient halls and prayer flags. If the time and our tiredness permit, we will have to descend back to Nile village. Otherwise, our overnight will be in a camp at Mu Gompa
Our trek starts before sunrise if we have to start from Mu Gompa. Assuming our start is from the Nile, we will retrace the south through Upper Tsum’s dramatic valleys and arid terrain, descending back to Deng, crossing Chhekampar’s ridges. This will be a long day downhill. From there, we will drop sharply through the pine woods to join the Manaslu Circuit trek from Deng. The routine permit checking will be done, and we will arrive at Deng by evening. Overnight in a teahouse, soaking into the cascading sound of the Budhi Gandaki river.
The trail today ascends and descends through the forests of fir and rhododendrons. We will pass the scattered rural valleys and mani walls with the Tibetan prayers. After having crossed several wooden and suspension bridges, the path will climb steadily towards Namrung. The village is picturesque and a cultural gem that offers the first panoramic views of the mountains, like Manaslu. Ganesh Himal, Himchuli, and other peaks can also be seen from a distance. Overnight in Namrung.
We will depart from Namrung, where our permits are once again checked. The trail today gradually ascends through the farmlands and alpine forests. We will pass the small settlements, interacting with the locals. While we cross the streams and ridges, the trail will eventually lead to Lo Gaon. Lo Gaon is a picturesque and small village at the base of the Himalchuli peak. We will have the rewards of captivating mountain views on the northern side. The village will provide us with a restful evening with the blend of culture and breathtaking scenes.
Today is our important day as we go deep into the High Himalayas. The trail today will pass through the Shyala village, where we will be surrounded by the towering peaks like Manaslu, Peak 29, and Himalchuli on our backdrop. The cultural immersion will also be deep today as we will enter Sama Gaon, which is the largest settlement of the region. The village is a cultural hub and is rich in monasteries and Tibetan traditions. We will get deep insights into the culture while we spend an acclimatization day here.
Today, we will spend a rest day for our bodies to adjust to the altitude. We can have the exploration of the village’s monasteries and traditional houses. The optional excursions will include a hike to Pungyen Gompa along the ridge. Pungyen Gompa preserves the spirituality of the region. We will have a deep sense of cultural interaction and immersion for the insights into the Tibetan Buddhist life while we ensure the physical readiness for the trek ahead.
We will leave Sama Gaon today and follow the Budhi Gandaki river through the sparse juniper woods. As we gain altitude, the landscape will become more barren. We will get glimpses of towering peaks near us as we reach Samdo. Samdo is a refugee village near the Nepal-Tibet border. The village is picturesque and flaunts the cultural beauty despite being in a remote land. The community here preserves the authentic and raw Himalayan culture at its best. Overnight in Samdo.
We will have a short trek today, but with more demand. The altitude gain will be visible with the barren lands and thinning oxygen levels. The terrain is rugged and landscape-prone, so make sure you walk steadily and carefully. On the route, you may spot some bluesheeps. We will reach Dharmashala, aka Larkya Phedi, by the afternoon. This is a final stop before the cross of Larke La Pass. Rest and hydrate for the rest of the day.
We will have the most challenging yet rewarding day today. We will have to start before dawn and ascend the steep trail towards Larke La Pass, which is also the highest point of the journey. The climb is demanding due to the high altitude and cold. We will get the rewards of awesome and mesmerising panoramic shapes of the Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and the Manaslu range afar. The landscape will shift dramatically into the lush forests and warm valleys. Overnight in Bhimphedi.
We will descend further as the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River. We will traverse under the lush forests of pine and rhododendrons. The traditional houses and terraced farms are reflected in a shift to the lower altitudes. By the afternoon, we will arrive in Dharapani, a major exit and entry point along the Annapurna circuit. Trekkers from the Manaslu and Annapurna circuits end their trek from here. We will spend a lively evening in Dharapani and sleep a restful night.
From Dharapani, we will take a jeep drive on a bumpy mountain road towards Besi Shahar. Besi Sahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung, where we will catch a bus or a private vehicle to Kathmandu. A smooth highway drive will continue through the picturesque countryside. We will have a long but an enic journey that allows us to have a reflective day on the trek’s adventures. Our trek comes to an end after we drop in Kathmandu and transfer to the Hotel. The evening is dedicated to a successful party in a restaurant tasting Nepali cuisine. Overnight in the Hotel.
Your journey to Nepal came to an end with Peaceful Nepal Treks. Depending on your flight time, you may have time for shopping for souvenirs if you still have not. Our representative will see you off at Tribhuvan International Airport with a warm farewell and best wishes for your journey. Peaceful Nepal Trek wishes you all the best for your future adventures and hopes to see you again for another trekking adventure with us. Safe travels!
The food during the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is served in the local teahouses along the trail. Typical menus will include the basic Nepali staples like dal bhat, noodles, soups, momos, and Tibetan bread. At the lower regions, the options are diverse, but the options are limited while rising the altitude rises. Price can also rise with the elevation due to limited transportation options in the remote region. Meals are simple and hearty, designed to keep the body energised for the tiring trekking sessions. The teahouses will provide the boiled drinking water at a little cost; the cold water should not be used as it can be contaminated. The teahouses also offer herbal tea, butter tea, and lemonades to keep the trekkers hydrated. Vegetarian options are common in the region. It is advised to provide a pre-notice if you have any dietary restrictions.
The accommodation facilities along the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek are mostly basic with limited facilities. The local teahouses run by the locals have rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. The rooms are typically twin-shared. Facilities will become more limited and rustic as the altitude rises along the trail. In the sections near Tsum Valley and Larke La Pass, the facilities are very basic. In the villages like Sama Gaon or Samdo, there are better facilities, like charging facilities and showers provided at an extra cost. Staying in such teahouses will offer deep cultural insights while sharing the tales with the locals. The hospitality will be warm and authentic.
Permits Required for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek (Foreigners & SAARC Nationals)
| Permit Type | Foreigners | SAARC Nationals |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | Peak (Sep-Nov): $100/7 days + $15/day after Off-season (Dec-Aug): $75/7 days + $10/day after | Peak (Sep-Nov): $20/7 days + $3/day after Off-season (Dec-Aug): $15/7 days + $2/day after |
| Tsum Valley Permit | Peak: $40/7 days + $7/day after Off-season: $30/7 days + $7/day after | Peak: $10/7 days + $2/day after Off-season: $7/7 days + $2/day after |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | NPR 3,000 (~$22-25) | NPR 1,000 (~$7-8) |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 (~$22-25) | NPR 1,000 (~$7-8) |
Additional Notes:
The Larkya La Pass is the highest point in the Manaslu circuit. This is the toughest and most rewarding part of the trek as well. We will start before dawn as the trekkers ascend gradually over the rocky moraines and icy terrain. We have to battle the thin air and cold winds early in the morning. Trekking will be comfortable as the sun rises and the skies open up by 9 am. Our effort of ascent will be rewarded at the top with breathtaking views of Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo, and Kang Guru. The fluttering prayer flags at the summit will mark this summit as a spiritual milestone. We will have an ending with a steep descent towards Bhimphedi to end the pass crossing. We will have a successful Larkya La Pass as the major highlight of the trek. This pass crossing section is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the High Himalayas.
For undertaking the safe and successful trek to the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek, hiring a licensed guide is essential. This trek enters the restricted area, so having a government-licensed guide is mandatory. Guides ensure safe navigation, cultural interpretation, and emergency support to the trekkers. They will assist in the successful and fulfilling Himalayan adventure.
Communication facilities are often limited due to the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek’s remoteness. Mobile networks like NTC and Ncell will work in the lower regions but become unreliable at the higher altitudes. Some teahouses in the higher region may provide the service of Wi-Fi for an additional fee, but the reliability of the internet service is doubtful. Trekkers usually have to rely on the guides who carry local phones or the landline phone service of the teahouses. For the added sections like Samdo or Dharmashala, the loges have landline and satellite phone services. However, it is recommended to inform the family about the limited connectivity of the region before embarking on a trek.
The drinking water is available throughout the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek. However, it is not safe to drink it directly from the taps or natural sources. The natural sources can be contaminated with injurious germs and viruses. Teahouses sell bottled mineral waters, but the prices get higher with the altitude due to the remote setting and transportation challenges. We recommended bringing your bottle and refilling it with the boiled water from the teahouses to reduce the costs and plastic waste. Water purifying tablets can also be another good option for a safe drinking water option.
Travel Insurance is an essential commodity for the Manaslu Circuit and the Tsum Valley Trek. The trek involves high-altitude trekking on the remote trails that may pose the risks of altitude sickness and injuries. The unpredictability of the weather will be a big issue as well in such high-altitude treks. The travel insurance that covers the trekking up to 6000m, including the coverage of helicopter evacuation and medical treatment if required, will be helpful. The comprehensive travel insurance helps in saving a lot of money and ensures a safe and secure trek. Choose a trusted travel insurance policy of your country or region that is experienced with the Himalayan requirements. Travel insurance is a small investment for a better future.
While we undertake the full Manaslu Circuit, this region of Manaslu also offers shorter and equally rewarding trekking options. These trekking options will be time-saving and reward unique experiences and encounters of the Himalayas. The routes highlight culture, scenery, and the adventure grandeur while we avoid the longer commitment of the circuit.
The trek usually takes 14-18 days, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization days. Peaceful Nepal Treks has curated this itinerary for 20 days, including arrival and departure days.
There are enough teahouses along the trek. Hence, there is no need for camping. However, the facilities in the teahouses are very rustic and basic.
If you are looking for travel in Nepal, Bishnu will help you to make your perfect trip plan. He has been working on this industry for more than 10 years