The Tsum Valley Trek with Manaslu Circuit is like a big adventure in the beautiful mountains of Nepal. It takes about 18 to 21 days and lets you experience both nature and the local way of life. The journey starts with a scenic drive to Maccha Khola, where the trek begins. As you walk, you’ll go through pretty villages, green forests, and fields on hills. A special part of the trek is exploring Tsum Valley, a hidden place with old monasteries, colorful flags, and friendly villages that have a bit of a Tibetan influence.
As you keep walking, the trek becomes the classic Manaslu Circuit. You’ll go through different landscapes, climb high passes like Larkya La at 5160 meters, and even reach the base camp of Mount Manaslu. Throughout the journey, you’ll see amazing mountain views, including the stunning peaks of the Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna. The trek is planned with breaks to help you get used to the high places safely.
During the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, you’ll stay in teahouses and lodges, which are comfy places to rest after a day of walking. You’ll get to taste local food, experience kindness from the locals, and learn about their way of life by visiting old monasteries and special places.
In the end, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking is a bit tough but really rewarding. It connects you with nature, shows you different landscapes, and lets you experience the culture of the Himalayas. People who go on this journey carry back memories of the big mountains and the friendly folks living in this remote and beautiful part of the world.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola is a pretty long journey, about 8 to 10 hours. You start in the busy city of Kathmandu and head west, going through different kinds of places in Nepal. The road takes you over hills, along rivers, and through nice villages where people live. While you drive on the curvy roads, you can see the countryside with its farms, green fields, and faraway mountains. Maccha Khola is where you’re going, and it’s in the Manaslu region. This is the starting point for treks like the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley. Even though the drive is quite long, it lets you really feel and see the different landscapes of Nepal.
Overnight at MacchaKhola.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today is our first day of trekking from Maccha Khola to Jagat which is a really interesting trip through the middle of the Manaslu area. It gives you a chance to see many different landscapes and experience the local culture. The journey begins at a height of 1410 meters and takes about 6-7 hours. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful land formations as you follow the Maccha Khola river, passing through small villages, green forests, and fields with steps. As you keep walking, the land changes, going up and down, making the trek exciting with both adventure and natural beauty. The trip ends in Jagat, a charming village high up, where you can enjoy amazing views of the mountains. This trek offers a complete experience, blending the excitement of trekking with learning about local culture and enjoying the peaceful beauty of the Manaslu area.
Overnight at Jagat.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After morning breakfast we start our trek from Jagat to Lokpa is a beautiful journey that takes about 6-7 hours. It goes up to a height of 2240 meters. Starting in Jagat, the path goes through different places like nice villages, thick forests, and fields with steps. People walking will meet the local communities and learn about their traditions and ways of life. The journey has both going up and down parts, making it a bit challenging but also giving great views. As you keep going, the scenery changes, making the trek interesting and enjoyable. Lokpa, where the trek ends, is up high, providing awesome views of the mountains all around and a peaceful atmosphere.
Overnight at Lokpa.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trek from Lokpa to Chumling is a delightful adventure spanning approximately 5-6 hours, reaching an elevation of 2386 meters. Starting from Lokpa, the path goes through pretty landscapes with charming villages, green fields, and stepped fields. People walking will keep meeting and talking with the local communities, learning about their traditions. As you keep going, the surroundings change, making the trek interesting and fun. Chumling, where the walking ends of today, is up high, providing amazing views of the mountains and a peaceful feeling. This trek from Lokpa to Chumling is all about enjoying the beautiful nature, learning about the local culture, and having fun trekking.
Overnight at Chumling.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro spans approximately 6-7 hours, taking trekkers to an elevation of 3031 meters. Beginning the journey from Chumling, the trail leads through a captivating landscape adorned with traditional villages, natural beauty, and terraced fields. Trekkers will continue to immerse themselves in the local culture, engaging with communities along the way and gaining insights into their unique traditions. The trek providing both challenges and rewarding panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. As the trek progresses, the environment transforms, offering a dynamic and diverse trekking experience. Chhokang Paro, is situated at high elevation that allows for breathtaking views of the mountains, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere. This trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro combines the joy of trekking with cultural exploration and the beauty of the Himalayan landscape.
Overnight at Chhokang Paro.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We walk a relatively shorter distance today. The Nile, on the western side of the Shikhar Khola, is about a 20-minute walk across from Chhule, which is the last village in the north upper Tsum Valley. When you reach Ngakyu Leru, you will notice people farming as the land is fertile.
After passing Lamagaon, you will reach St. Milarepa Piren Phu Cave, where his footprint is said to be preserved in rock. Piren Phu (pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum Valley. There are two separate Gumbas attached to the rocky cave. Richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags, and significant Buddhist paper scripts make Piren Phu Cave one of the most important socio-cultural assets in the valley. Then, we cross a suspension bridge over the Shiar River and continue our trek through several villages to arrive at Nile.
Overnight at Nile.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Going on a day trip to Mu Gompa and spending the night at Nile, which is up at 3700 meters, is like having a really fun adventure that lasts about 6 hours of walking. Along the way to Mu Gompa, a special and holy place, you get to see beautiful nature and learn about the local culture. You walk through different kinds of places, like calm meadows and rocky paths, feeling the peace of the high mountains. At the end of the day, you stay overnight in Nile, where you can enjoy the local vibe and see the stunning views of the mountains. This trek is not just about the cool Himalayan scenery but also gives you a chance to experience the traditions of the area, making it a day full of good memories in the heart of the mountains.
Overnight at Nile.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Walking from Nile to Gho village takes about 6 hours, and it’s a really pretty journey going down from a high place of 2440 meters. This walk goes through different kinds of places in the Manang region of Nepal. Along the way, you’ll see nice villages, lots of green plants, and awesome views of the big mountains. The path you walk on has a mix of different landscapes, like walking on mountains and through wooded areas, making it a fun and interesting hiking experience. This trek also lets you meet and talk with the local people, learning about how they live. Overall, going from Nile to Gho village is a cool adventure with beautiful nature, a chance to explore local culture, and a good feeling of accomplishment as you go down to lower places.
Overnight at Gho village.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trek from Gho village to Gompa Lungdang, a nunnery situated at an altitude of 3397 meters, is a delightful journey lasting approximately 4 hours. This trek unfolds in the captivating landscapes of the Manang region in Nepal. As you traverse from the charming Gho village, the trail leads to the peaceful Gumba Lungdang. The route offers a mix of terrain, featuring scenic paths through picturesque landscapes. The nunnery, surrounded by serene mountains, adds a spiritual touch to the trek.
Overnight at Lungdang.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Going on a hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp at an elevation of 4895 meters, followed by glacier exploration, and then returning to Gumba Lungdang is an exhilarating journey that takes approximately 6-7 hours. This trek offers a stunning view of the Ganesh Himal range. As you reach the base camp, you’ll have the chance to explore a glacier, adding a sense of adventure to the experience. The return journey to Gompa Lungdang provides a mix of high-altitude trekking and spiritual serenity, with the nunnery serving as a peaceful retreat amidst the mountains.
Overnight at Lungdang.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trek from Gumba Lungdang to Chumling, lasting around 5-6 hours, is a scenic adventure through the landscapes of Nepal. Starting from the serene surroundings of Gumba Lungdang, the trek descends to Chumling at an altitude of 2386 meters. The trail offers diverse terrain, from high-altitude paths to charming villages, providing a blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration. Trekkers can enjoy the picturesque views of the mountains and immerse themselves in the local culture as they pass through traditional villages. The 5-6 hour trek is a rewarding journey, combining the joy of hiking with the opportunity to experience the authentic charm of the region.
Overnight at Chumling.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trek from Chumling to Deng, lasting approximately 6 hours, is a captivating journey through the picturesque landscapes of Nepal. Starting in Chumling, situated at an elevation of 2386 meters, the trail descends to Deng at 1800 meters. This trek offers a mix of terrains, from quaint villages to scenic mountain paths. Trekkers can enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings while experiencing the local culture in the traditional villages along the way.
Overnight at Deng.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek from Deng to Namrung takes about 6-7 hours and is a really nice adventure in the beautiful places of Nepal. You start in Deng, which is 1800 meters high, and then go up to Namrung at 2660 meters. The path you walk on goes through different kinds of places, like nice villages, green forests, and awesome views of the mountains. As you go up, you get to meet and talk with local people, learning about their way of life. Namrung shows you how people live in Nepal with their special buildings and cultural traditions. The 6-7 hour walk is a great mix of seeing beautiful nature and learning about the local culture, making it a day you’ll remember as you go up to higher places
Overnight at Namrung.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trek from Namrung to Sama Gaun, taking around 6-7 hours, is an enchanting journey through the Nepalese landscapes. Beginning in Namrung at an elevation of 2660 meters, the trail gradually ascends to Sama Gaun at 3520 meters. This trek offers a diverse range of scenery, including quaint villages, dense forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas. As you ascend, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with the local communities, gaining insights into their unique way of life. Sama Gaun, nestled at a higher altitude, provides a glimpse into traditional Nepalese culture with its distinct architecture and cultural traditions.
Overnight at Sama Gaon.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
On the rest day during the trek, you can choose between two cool things. One is a 7-hour hike to Manaslu Base Camp high up at 4400 meters, and the other is visiting Pungyen Gompa or Birendra Taal. After that, you spend the night in Sama Gaun. This day is important because it helps you get used to being in higher places. If you pick the hike to Manaslu Base Camp, it’s a bit tough but totally worth it because you get to see amazing mountain views. The other option of visiting Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Taal is more about exploring culture and enjoying nice scenery. Both choices let you enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas, and you end the day in the cozy village of Sama Gaun.
Overnight at Sama Ga0n.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Walking from Sama Gaon to Samdo takes about 3-4 hours, and it’s a short but really pretty journey in the Himalayas. You start in Sama Gaon, which is 3530 meters high, and then go up to Samdo at 3690 meters. The path you walk on gives you amazing views of the mountains around, making it a beautiful walk. Since it’s not too long, you can take it easy and enjoy the high places and the special feel of Samdo. This walk from Sama Gaun to Samdo is a mix of seeing natural beauty and experiencing the local culture, making it a nice part of the journey as you keep exploring the wonders of the Manaslu region.
Overnight at Samdo.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Going on the trek to Ruila and back to Samdo takes about 7-8 hours, and it’s a bit hard but really satisfying. The walk goes through different kinds of places, like rocky paths and high places with awesome mountain views. Getting to Ruila, which is really high at 4989 meters, needs you to be strong and determined. The walk is a bit tough, testing how strong you are both in your body and mind. When you come back to Samdo, you get another chance to enjoy the beautiful views of the Himalayas.
Overnight at Samdo.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trekking from Samdo to Dharmasala takes about 3-4 hours, and even though it’s a bit shorter, it’s still a tough journey through the beautiful Manaslu region. You start in Samdo, which is 3690 meters high, and go up to Dharmasala at 4460 meters. The walk gives you awesome views of the big mountains around, making it really pretty. Even though it’s not super long, the path to Dharmasala goes through high places, so you need to keep a steady pace and be strong. This shorter walk helps you get used to the higher altitude slowly. Dharmasala is like a resting spot before going to Larkya La Pass, and it’s a peaceful place surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayas. This part of the trek is a bit challenging but also really nice because of the amazing views.
Overnight at Dharmasala.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek from Dharmasala to Bimthang through Larkya Pass is a tough but amazing journey that takes about 8-9 hours. You start in the calm Dharmasala and then face the challenge of going over the really high Larkya Pass, which is at 5106 meters. From there, you come down to Bimthang, which is at 3720 meters. The trek gives you awesome views of the mountains around. You walk through different kinds of places, like rocky paths and green meadows, so you see a lot of nature. Bimthang, at a lower altitude, is a peaceful place surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayas, making this part of the journey both hard and really nice to look at.
Overnight at Bimthang.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trek from Bimthang to Dharapani, lasting around 7-8 hours, is a comprehensive and challenging journey that descends from the high altitudes of Bimthang (3720 meters) to the lower elevation of Dharapani (1860 meters). This trek takes trekkers through diverse terrains, from alpine landscapes to dense forests, providing a mix of natural beauty. Despite being a long descent, the trail demands physical endurance and mental stamina as trekkers navigate through different types of paths. The journey from Bimthang to Dharapani offers a change in scenery, showcasing the Himalayan region’s rich landscapes. As trekkers gradually come down in altitude, they also experience a shift in climate and surroundings.
Overnight at Dharapani.
Accommodation: your hotel/hostel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Going from Dharapani to Beshisahar by a jeep and then driving back to Kathmandu on the same day is a full-day adventure taking about 8-9 hours. We start from Dharapani, which is 1860 meters high, and the private jeep takes us through beautiful landscapes, pretty villages, and different types of places. It’s a comfy and easy way to travel. The drive to Beshisahar, at 760 meters, is like moving from the high mountains to lower areas. Once we reach Beshisahar, we don’t stop – we continue driving back to Kathmandu on the same day. This drive lets us see a lot of changes in the scenery, from high mountains to lower valleys. It’s a day with lots of different experiences, and it makes coming back to the city smooth and easy.
Overnight at Kathmandu.
This is one of the longest and most comprehensive treks in Nepal taking 22 to 25 days with Nepal Mountain Adventure, combining the full Tsum Valley restricted area exploration with the complete Manaslu Circuit including the Larkya La Pass and a scenic traverse through the Ganesh Himal range.
This trek starts from USD 2,299 per person with Nepal Mountain Adventure including all restricted area permits for both the Tsum Valley and Manaslu zones, a licensed guide, porter, all accommodation, and three daily meals for the full 22 to 25 day journey.
This combination is considered one of the most complete and culturally rich long distance treks in all of Nepal, covering the sacred Tsum Valley with its ancient Bon Po and Tibetan Buddhist culture, the dramatic Manaslu Circuit with the Larkya La Pass crossing, and the scenic Ganesh Himal traverse all in one single continuous journey.
The Tsum Valley is a hidden Himalayan valley in the Manaslu Conservation Area that remained completely closed to foreign trekkers until 2008. It is considered a beyul or sacred hidden land in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, home to ancient monasteries including Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, and inhabited by the deeply religious Tsumba people who follow ancient Tibetan customs.
Four permits are needed which are the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (USD 35 per week), the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (USD 30), and the TIMS card (USD 20). Nepal Mountain Adventure manages all restricted area permit applications which must be processed in Kathmandu before departure.
The Ganesh Himal traverse section connects the Tsum Valley with the main Manaslu Circuit trail through a remote high altitude route passing through the landscapes around Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), adding a rarely walked wilderness section with outstanding mountain views that very few trekkers in Nepal ever experience.
The highest point is the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m on the Manaslu Circuit section. The Tsum Valley section reaches a maximum of around 4,000 m near Nile and Mu Gompa and the Ganesh Himal traverse passes through high alpine terrain above 4,500 m depending on the specific route variation used.
Yes, significant AMS risks exist across multiple sections including the Tsum Valley above 3,500 m, the Ganesh Himal traverse above 4,000 m, and the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m. NMA’s carefully spaced itinerary includes acclimatization stops at key elevations and all guides carry supplemental oxygen, pulse oximeters, and emergency medication throughout all restricted area sections.
Yes, Nepal Mountain Adventure offers customised versions that combine the Tsum Valley with a shorter Manaslu Circuit or that prioritise one section over the other depending on available time. However, a minimum of 18 to 20 days is recommended to safely include both the full Tsum Valley experience and the Larkya La Pass crossing without dangerously compressing the acclimatization schedule.
Autumn (October to November) is the best season for this long combination because stable clear weather is critical across all three sections of the trek. Spring is also possible but the very long duration means better weather predictability in autumn reduces the risk of itinerary disruptions over a 22 to 25 day journey.
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