Max. Eleviation
5106 m
Destination
Manaslu Region
Duration
21 Days
Best Season
Spring and Autumn
Activity
Trekking
Trip Grade
Moderate to strenuous
Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek via Tsum Valley is a stunning, less-crowded combination that blends the classic Manaslu loop with the sacred Tsum Valley side trip. This trek circles Manaslu (8,163 m – eighth-highest peak) while exploring the remote, culturally rich Tsum Valley (known as the “Valley of Happiness”), with ancient Tibetan-style monasteries, traditional villages, high passes (including Larkya La at 5,160 m), lush forests, alpine meadows, and breathtaking views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and more. The Tsum Valley extension adds spiritual depth with Gompas, chortens, and the unique Tsumpa people, while the circuit offers dramatic high-pass scenery and solitude.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you have time to rest and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a gentle walk around the city or relax at the hotel. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.
This day is reserved for trek preparation and administrative arrangements. You will attend a detailed briefing with your guide covering route details, safety measures, altitude management, and cultural guidelines. A full equipment check is conducted, with time to arrange any last-minute gear rentals or purchases. The remainder of the day is free for rest or light sightseeing. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, begin a scenic full-day drive through the Nepalese countryside following the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers. The road passes terraced hills, rural villages, and dramatic river gorges. As the terrain becomes more rugged, you enter the remote Budhi Gandaki Valley. Arrival in Machha Khola in the late afternoon. Overnight at lodge.
The trek begins along narrow trails carved into cliffs above the Budhi Gandaki River. You will cross suspension bridges, pass small settlements, and navigate short ascents and descents. Jagat is a traditional stone-paved village and an official checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area. Overnight at lodge.
Leaving the main Manaslu route, the trail climbs into the secluded Tsum Valley. The path ascends through forested slopes and remote terrain with fewer trekkers. Lokpa is the first village of the Tsum Valley, offering spectacular views of Ganesh Himal and a strong Tibetan cultural presence. Overnight at lodge.
Today’s trek traverses beautiful forest trails and crosses several rivers via suspension bridges. You will pass mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens, reflecting the deep Buddhist heritage of the valley. Chumling is a peaceful village with stone houses and traditional monasteries. Overnight at lodge.
The trail ascends gradually through pine and rhododendron forests before opening into wide alpine landscapes. As altitude increases, the views become more dramatic, with Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli dominating the skyline. Chhokangparo is one of the most scenic villages in the Tsum Valley. Overnight at lodge.
Continuing northward, the trek follows gentle trails through high-altitude terrain. You pass traditional Tibetan villages and ancient monasteries, surrounded by barren mountain landscapes. Nile is the last settlement in the upper Tsum Valley and a base for exploring sacred sites. Overnight at lodge.
A crucial acclimatization day with a guided hike to Mu Gompa, the largest and most sacred monastery in the Tsum Valley. The hike helps the body adapt to altitude while offering insight into monastic life and Himalayan Buddhism. The afternoon is reserved for rest and exploration. Overnight at lodge in Nile.
Descending back through the valley, the trail retraces earlier paths through peaceful villages and forested slopes. The return journey offers new perspectives on the landscape and daily life in the Tsum Valley. Overnight at lodge in Chumling.
Rejoining the main Manaslu Circuit route, the trail descends and crosses rivers before climbing gently toward Deng. The environment becomes greener and warmer as altitude decreases. Overnight at lodge.
The trail ascends steadily through bamboo forests and narrow valleys, crossing the Budhi Gandaki several times. Tibetan cultural elements become more prominent with mani walls and prayer flags lining the path. Namrung is a picturesque village offering impressive mountain views. Overnight at lodge.
A spectacular day of trekking through high alpine terrain. Passing through Lho village, the trail opens onto wide plateaus surrounded by towering peaks including Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli. Shyala provides one of the most scenic overnight locations on the circuit. Overnight at lodge.
A relatively short trek leads to Sama Gaon, the largest settlement in the region and an important acclimatization stop. The village offers close views of Manaslu Glacier and rich Tibetan culture. The afternoon is free for rest and exploration. Overnight at lodge.
The trail ascends gradually into a high-altitude landscape near the Tibetan border. The terrain becomes more rugged and barren, with expansive valley views. Samdo is a remote village traditionally involved in trans-Himalayan trade. Overnight at lodge.
An essential acclimatization day featuring a guided hike toward Rui La, a historic trade pass between Nepal and Tibet. The hike provides excellent altitude exposure and panoramic mountain views before returning to Samdo for rest and recovery. Overnight at lodge.
The trail ascends gradually across glacial terrain toward Dharamshala (also known as Larkya Phedi), the final staging point before crossing Larkya La Pass. After arrival, rest early and prepare for the next day’s high-altitude crossing. Overnight at basic lodge.
An early start for the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. The ascent to Larkya La Pass offers breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. After crossing the pass, descend into the lush alpine valley of Bhimtang. Overnight at lodge.
Descending through forests, rivers, and farmland, the trail gradually joins the Annapurna Circuit route at Dharapani. The environment becomes greener and warmer as altitude decreases. Overnight at lodge.
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar, enjoying scenic countryside views along the way. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax after the long journey. Overnight at hotel.
At the scheduled time, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight, concluding your Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley adventure.
Package details
What's Included
- Airport pick up and drop off (Kathmandu airport to hotel).
- Three meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.
- Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
- Porter service (one porter for every two trekkers).
- Manaslu and Tsum Valley Restricted Area permits
- Accommodation in comfortable teahouses/lodges during the trek (twin-sharing basis).
- Basic first-aid kit carried by the guide.
- Company service charges and all government taxes.
What's not Included
- International flights to/from Nepal.
- Nepal visa fees (USD 30–125 based on duration).
- Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara (except breakfast at hotels).
- Personal trekking gear and clothing (rental available).
- Travel insurance (mandatory for emergency coverage).
- Extra drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and personal expenses.
- Tips for guide and porters (recommended).
- Any unforeseen costs due to delays or changes.
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