Manaslu & Tsum Valley

Manaslu & Tsum Valley

Country

Nepal

Level

moderate

Duration

23 Days

Altitude

5160

Group Size

2 - 15

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

mountain

Highlights

  • Journey into the secluded Tsum Valley, rich with Tibetan Buddhist culture and art.

  • Cross the majestic Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) with panoramic Himalayan views.

  • Visit sacred monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa near the Tibetan border.

  • Encounter authentic Gurung and Tibetan communities in remote mountain villages.

  • Explore two major conservation regions — Manaslu and Annapurna.

  • Experience vast contrasts from subtropical forest trails to glacial highlands.

  • Trek under professional guidance with proper safety planning and acclimatization.

 

Overview

The Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit Trek is a profound journey through two of Nepal’s most remote and culturally vibrant Himalayan regions. Beginning in the warm, terraced lowlands of Gorkha, the route gradually unfolds into dense forests, suspension bridges, and timeless stone villages before reaching the tranquil alpine terrain beneath the towering Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m).

The Tsum Valley, often called the “Valley of Happiness,” preserves centuries-old Buddhist traditions. Here, ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa continue to echo the chants of Tibetan monks, and prayer flags ripple in the mountain wind. As the trek connects with the Manaslu Circuit, trekkers traverse the breathtaking Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) one of Nepal’s most scenic crossings surrounded by sweeping Himalayan views.

This 25-day adventure offers an authentic combination of wilderness, spiritual heritage, and physical challenge. It’s ideal for trekkers seeking a deep cultural experience away from the commercial trails while journeying through one of Nepal’s most diverse mountain landscapes.

 

Itinerary

Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel. A detailed trek briefing is provided, including gear check and permit confirmation. Evening free to explore Thamel.

 

A long but scenic drive through Arughat and Soti Khola. The journey follows rivers, terraced fields, and traditional villages. Overnight in Machhikhola.

 

Cross suspension bridges and walk along narrow trails carved into hillsides. Pass Khorlabesi and Tatopani hot springs before reaching Jagat.

 

Walk through Salleri and Philim. Enter the restricted Tsum Valley region at Lokpa, with views of Shringi Himal.

 

Descend and climb through forested terrain. Traditional Tibetan houses and mani walls line the path. Overnight at Chumling.

A steady climb into upper Tsum Valley. Wide open landscapes and ancient chortens lead the way. Explore Paro and its monasteries.

 

Walk through fertile fields and pass villages like Lamagaon. Follow the Shiar Khola river to reach the Nile.

 

A spiritual day hike to the oldest monastery in Tsum. Explore meditation caves used by monks for centuries. Return to Nile for overnight stay.

 

Descend gradually, enjoying the open valley, prayer flags, and snow capped views. Overnight in Chhokang Paro.

 

Retrace your steps out of the Tsum Valley. Descend forest trails back to Lokpa.

 

Walk through bamboo forests and cross several small settlements. The trail gets narrower but scenic. Overnight in Deng.

 

A steady uphill journey through alpine vegetation. The first strong influence of Tibetan culture becomes visible in architecture and dress.

 

A scenic trek with one of the best early views of Manaslu. Visit Ribung Monastery and observe evening prayers.

 

A short and pleasant walk into the large village of Samagaon. Explore local lifestyle and monasteries.

 

Optional hikes:

  • Manaslu Base Camp for adventure

Birendra Lake for a moderate excursion
Rest and hydrate.

 

Walk along a high ridge with expansive Himalayan views. Samdo is a beautiful settlement near the Tibetan border.

 

A short but high-altitude walk to the Larkya La base camp. Prepare for the big pass day.

 

Start early for a challenging climb to the pass. Enjoy panoramic views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Long descent to Bimthang.

 

Descend through rhododendron forests, past villages like Goa and Tilije, then reach Dharapani.

 

Jeep ride to Tal and onward to Kathmandu, arriving by evening. Hotel transfer.

 

We will ride from Tal to Kathmandu on this day, bidding farewell to the Manaslu trek entering into the vibrant city of Kathmandu.

 

Relax or explore local attractions. Optional activities include spa, shopping, or short cultural tours.

 

Airport drop with warm farewell and completion of the journey.

 

Includes

Airport pick-up & drop-off in Kathmandu
Ground transport (Kathmandu ↔ Arughat/Bulbule)
Permits: Manaslu Restricted, Tsum Valley, MCAP & ACAP
Teahouse accommodation during trek (twin-sharing basis)
3 meals per day on trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
English-speaking licensed guide & porter (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
Staff insurance, salary, meals & equipment
Medical kit & safety briefing before departure
All government taxes and service charges

Excludes

International flights & Nepal visa
Travel insurance (must cover emergency evacuation above 5,000 m)
Meals in Kathmandu and during transfer days
Personal trekking gear (available for rent on request)
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, and beverages on trek
Tips for guide and porters
Extra nights, route changes, or delays due to weather or unforeseen events

Notes

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Permits: Original passport required for Restricted Area permits.
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Accommodation: Teahouses are clean but basic; bring a warm sleeping bag.
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Drinking Water: Filtered or boiled water recommended; avoid plastic bottles.
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Connectivity: Mobile signal is weak beyond Lokpa; power banks recommended.
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Fitness: Moderate to high fitness required; prior multi-day trekking experience preferred.
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Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs; walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls.

Similar Packages

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Mt. Manaslu Expedition with AltiNepal Treks

Standing isolated in the remote Gorkha region, Manaslu (8,163 m) rises with an elegance that has earned it the name “The Mountain of Spirit.” Unlike crowded 8000ers, Manaslu offers purity, silence, and wide-open Himalayan wilderness making it a favorite among experienced climbers preparing for Everest or seeking a soulful high-altitude ascent.

Your journey with AltiNepal Treks begins in Kathmandu before driving deep into the Manang Valley. Villages gradually thin out as you trek through Surki Khola, Bhimtang, Samdo, and Samagaun, each offering a blend of mountain culture and time-tested Sherpa hospitality. The approach route gives your body time to adjust, strengthened by acclimatization days in scenic high-altitude villages.

From Manaslu Base Camp, the expedition follows the traditional rotation strategy: climb high, sleep low, and gradually move between camps until your body is fully prepared for the summit push. Over nearly two weeks, you will practice rope techniques, glacier travel, crossing steep snow faces, and navigating fixed lines under the guidance of expert Sherpas.

Summit day is long and demanding  but the reward is indescribable. From the top, the Annapurna, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Tibetan Plateau stretch endlessly beneath the rising sun. It’s a quiet, surreal moment earned through discipline, courage, and teamwork.

Descending safely to Base Camp and flying back to Kathmandu by helicopter marks the perfect conclusion to a truly world-class Himalayan expedition.

This is more than a climb, it's a deep cultural and spiritual journey through one of Nepal’s most untouched regions.