Description

Nepal's Ultimate Cultural & Himalayan Adventure

Explore the hidden sacred valley of Tsum before completing the spectacular Manaslu Circuit, combining two of Nepal's most remote and culturally preserved trekking destinations into one unforgettable Himalayan expedition.

Overview

The Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek is one of Nepal's most complete and rewarding trekking adventures. This extended journey combines the legendary Manaslu Circuit with the sacred Tsum Valley, creating an extraordinary blend of breathtaking mountain scenery, authentic Himalayan culture, ancient monasteries, and high-altitude adventure..

Beginning in the Budhi Gandaki Valley, the trek first enters the peaceful Tsum Valley, a hidden Himalayan sanctuary that remained closed to foreign visitors until 2008. Here, trekkers explore sacred monasteries including Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and the historic Milarepa Cave, while experiencing the unique traditions of the Tsumba people.

After returning to the main trail, the journey continues around Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) before crossing the spectacular Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). Along the way, you'll pass traditional Tibetan villages, suspension bridges, glacial rivers, alpine forests, and some of Nepal's most dramatic mountain scenery.

Combining spiritual heritage with one of the Himalayas' finest trekking routes, this trek is perfect for travelers seeking a deeper and more immersive Himalayan experience.

Quick Facts

🕒 Duration 11–12 Days
📍 Region Manaslu
Maximum Altitude 3,700 m (Mu Gompa)
🥾 Difficulty Moderate
🏡 Accommodation Local Teahouses
🍛 Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🌸 Best Season March–May & September–November
🚙 Transportation Private & Local Jeep
📄 Permits RAP + MCAP
🧑‍🦯 Guide Licensed Guide Required
🚩 Start Point Machha Khola
🏁 End Point Machha Khola
🏠 Trip Style Tea House Trek

Trek Highlights

  • Combine the sacred Tsum Valley with the classic Manaslu Circuit.
  • Visit Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and the sacred Milarepa Cave.
  • Complete a full circuit around Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m).
  • Cross the spectacular Larkya La Pass (5,106 m).
  • Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture and remote Himalayan villages.
  • Enjoy incredible views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Boudha Himal, Larke Peak, and Sringi Himal.
  • Trek through forests, waterfalls, glacial valleys, alpine meadows, suspension bridges, and untouched Himalayan landscapes.

Why Choose This Trek?

This trek combines Nepal's finest cultural experience with one of its greatest mountain adventures. You'll explore sacred monasteries, ancient villages, and hidden valleys before crossing one of the Himalayas' most spectacular mountain passes. For trekkers seeking fewer crowds, rich Buddhist heritage, and diverse landscapes, this is one of Nepal's ultimate trekking experiences.

Trek Difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek is considered Challenging due to its longer duration, daily walking hours, and the high altitude of Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). Good physical fitness and previous trekking experience are highly recommended.

Expect daily walks of 6–8 hours, with significant altitude gain before crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106 m).

Recommended Fitness Level

  • Good cardiovascular fitness.
  • Previous multi-day trekking experience is recommended.
  • Comfortable hiking 6–8 hours daily.

Permits Required

  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
  • Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Local permit of Gorkha Region
  • Licensed trekking guide is mandatory according to Nepal Government regulations.

Altitude Sickness

Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) requires proper acclimatization.

Common Symptoms

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Mild dizziness

Preventive Measures

  • Gradual acclimatization and proper rest days.
  • Stay hydrated throughout the trek.
  • Walk slowly and maintain a comfortable pace.
  • Eat nutritious meals and maintain energy levels.
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking at high altitude.
  • Inform your guide immediately if symptoms develop.
  • Medication such as Diamox should only be taken after medical consultation.

Ready to Trek Around Manaslu?

Embark on an unforgettable journey through sacred valleys, remote mountain villages, and spectacular Himalayan landscapes.

Contact Somewhere in the Himalayas today to customize your Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek and experience one of Nepal's most extraordinary adventures.

Plan Your Adventure
 

Included/Exclude

Tour Amenities

Tour Plan

  • Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Jagat
    We drive about 180 km east of Kathmandu along the Trishuli River, with around 40% off-road sections. The scenic journey passes green hills and traditional villages and takes 9–10 hours, depending on traffic. Jagat is a small village in the Manaslu region and the main permit checkpoint for Manaslu and Tsum Valley. The village has 5–7 teahouses offering clean rooms, Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers, and good food. (180 km, 9-10 hr, 1340 m)
  • Day 2: Trek Jagat to Lokpa
    Entering the restricted Manaslu region, we complete permit formalities and walk to Salleri, then gradually climb to Philim, a large village with a permit checkpoint for Manaslu and Tsum Valley. After about 1 hour, we reach Chisapani, enjoying views of the Budi Gandaki River. From here, a pleasant 2-hour uphill walk brings us to Lokpa. Lokpa is a quiet village with 5–7 local houses, believed to be blessed by Padmasambhava centuries ago. There are 2–3 simple teahouses offering Wi-Fi, electricity, bucket showers (no attached bathrooms), and simple, healthy meals. (14 km, 5 hr, 2240 m)
  • Day 3: Trek Lokpa to Chumling
    We wake up to stunning views of Himalchuli and Baudha Peak. The walk from Lokpa to Saradi Danda is peaceful and gentle, passing through quiet forest sections. There are no lunch stops along the way, so after a steady climb, we reach Chumling, where we stop for lunch and overnight. Chumling is a small Buddhist village in Tsum Valley, with 10–15 traditional mud houses, mostly inhabited by Tibetan-origin locals. The village has monasteries and a strong cultural atmosphere. There are 2–3 simple teahouses offering basic rooms, local Tsum Valley food, Wi-Fi, electricity, and bucket showers. (8.5 km, 4 hr, 2385 m)
  • Day 4: Trek Chumling to Chhekampar
    Today is a relatively easy and scenic walk in the Himalayas. We start by crossing a suspension bridge, and then enjoy a gentle 2-hour walk to Renjam for lunch. After that, we continue for a couple of hours toward the Upper Tsum Valley, where the dramatic slate cliffs of Chhekampar come into view. Chhekampar is a beautiful Buddhist village with 30–40 local houses, a school, health post, micro-hydropower, and monasteries. Locals raise yaks and goats and produce chhurpi, Yarshagumba, and other local foods. The village has 3–4 basic teahouses offering Wi-Fi, NTC network, bucket hot showers, and simple rooms (no attached bathrooms) for a warm and comfortable stay. (11 km, 5 hr, 3050 m)
  • Day 5: Trek Chhekampar to Nile
    Today we explore the culture and landscapes of Upper Tsum. Walking north across wide, flat land, we pass beautiful villages, fields, stupas, and reach Lama Gaon and Burji. We visit the sacred Milarepa’s Cave (Pigeon Cave) before arriving at Nile. Nile is a large village with 30–40 traditional stone and mud houses, mani walls, stupas, schools, and a health post. Enjoy views of Ganesh Himal. There are 4–5 teahouses with basic but warm rooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, and healthy meals. (10 km, 5 hr, 3360 m)

Tour Location

Gorkha

Calendar & Price

Frequently ask Question

Accommodation during the trek?

This trek includes multiple nights at the mountain/lodges, where we will be selecting the best available lodge and hotels during the whole trip. Most of the rooms in the mountains will be provided with attached bathrooms but places where it is not available, we need to share common bathrooms. You can find some teahouses and lodges with good services on the trekking routes during your trekking days. But as you ascend higher they become more basic. Rooms are basic, almost every room consists of a twin beds with a mattress, pillow and blankets. You can share a room with a fellow trekker with whom you feel at ease. Although, each lodge has its own set of standards, please do not anticipate luxurious accommodations, particularly in the mountains. Most teahouses offer hot showers, boiled drinking water, extra blankets, charging stations, and WIFI for an additional fee. The price of teahouses is determined by the location and facilities/services they offer.

For trekking in the Himalayas, our body requires enough starch, protein and nutrition as food is the main source of energy for hiking on such vast Himalayan trails. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included in your trek package during the whole trek. Usually, lunch is served on the way to our destination and breakfast and dinner will be offered at the same hotel where we spend our night. The services are basic, with some popular western, Asian or local Nepalese menu which is the most popular and consumed. The most popular and common menu includes Dal-Bhat set, consisting of rice, lentils and vegetables, also, noodle items, spaghetti, pasta, momo (dumpling), Tibetan bread, chapatti, Local Tsampa Porridge, potatoes, sandwiches, macaroni, pizza, vegetable curry and many more. The desert items like Rice pudding, apple pie and chocolate pudding are available on the menu during the trek. Although there are lots of varieties of food, you cannot compare them with the choices available in large cities as local agricultural products are used to prepare meals on the trek. Some other ingredients which cannot be grown at the particular elevation are purchases from the market. Advance order of breakfast and dinner will be taken to save time on the trek; breakfast orders are usually taken after dinner and dinner orders are taken as soon as you arrive at the teahouse. Depending on the schedule of the day, our day will begin. Breakfast will be served in your lodge each morning, after which you will leave the hotel for next destination. An evening briefing will be given each day to let you know the plans for the next day. During noon, you will stop for lunch on the trail at any nearby lodge. At high-altitudes, it is strongly advised to drink hot liquid drinks with fresh vegetable and fruits. Drink plenty of water, not all at once but regularly on time intervals to keep you hydrated. It is always the best choice to avoid smoking cigarette, consuming too much alcohol, non-vegetarian foods like meat, caffeine containing drinks, hot chocolate, dairy and cheese products on high altitude treks as these things can increase the chance of getting altitude sickness and diarrhea.

There is no problem with drinking water availability. The majority of locations sell bottled mineral water, yet there is rarely a place to discard disposable bottles. We urge visitors to take whatever action they can to preserve the environment. Purchasing single-use plastic bottles is not something we advise. The trail is clear of bottles and trash when you purchase or bring your own Nalgene bottles for the hike. Another way to obtain drinking water is to fill up your water bottle at tea shops. The water in a number of guesthouses is filtered by Euro-guard. Tea establishments also sell boiled filter water, which is perfectly safe to drink but might not be very cheap for the duration of the hike. Avoid drinking river water as it is typically contaminated with sand and ice, and it might also contain animal feces and toilet runoff. Although the tap water in the lodges is better since it comes from high up, far from rivers and pure glaciers, it still needs to be treated. Use Lugols solution, often known locally as iodine drops (3 per liter), which are sold at Kathmandu's Thamel supermarkets. Another option are the tablets with a chlorine base, however the water does taste like them. As an alternative, you could get a Steripen, which is a little fragile to carry on the hike but uses UV to kill the bacteria. Modern technology makes the Aquaprove water purification tablet the finest choice. Above all, it is effective against every germ found in contaminated water. It is all-natural, tasteless, lightweight, and easy to use.

Leave No Traces, Only the Footprints! Remove your own trash. To promote sustainable tourism, we plan eco-friendly travel and engage in responsible ecotourism. The absence of a strong waste management program in Nepal has resulted in considerable harm to the trekking trail. Behave and travel responsibly. It is our preference that all of our customers bring their trash, keep it in a bag or container, and properly dispose of it in a dustbin or designated area.

Your guides, porters, and staff do not receive pay for tips, although it is much appreciated. Tipping is generally recognized in Nepalese culture as a kind of gesture of gratitude ("Dhanyabaad") for excellent service. Usually, recommendations are given at the conclusion of the hike, and it's ideal to do this as a group. On the final day of the walk, most groups offer the tips.

Client’s Review

2 Reviews
(5 out of 5)

(4) Comments

  1. James Neill

    July 18, 2026

    5Hello – we are planning ahead for March / April 2027!

    • July 21, 2026

      Please Let me know on Whatsapp if you have any query for upcoming trips. +977 9843589625 Or follow me on Instagram @somewhereinthehimalayas. Or mail me at rocken.lama99@gmail.com

  2. Valerie Cole

    July 19, 2026

    5I would like you to contact me so I can book this trek in 2027

    • July 21, 2026

      Please Let me know on Whatsapp if you have any query for upcoming trips. +977 9843589625 Or follow me on Instagram @somewhereinthehimalayas. Or mail me at rocken.lama99@gmail.com

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