The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek is a multi-day trekking in Nepal that combines the classic Manaslu Circuit route and the less discovered Tsum Valley, rich in Tibetan culture, ancient gompas, and Buddhist heritage. Encircling Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the eighth-highest mountain, hiking via preserved areas, and reaching near the Tibetan border mesmerize you because all these moments bring you closer to nature and deeper into local cultures.
Even though you may face some challenges in some sections of the route, especially while traversing Larkya La Pass (5,106 m/16,751 ft), breathtaking mountain views from it and other vantage points make it more exciting to proceed the trip for rewards and struggles together, which also test your physical and mental strength.
You will truly love walking on peaceful trails and exploring settlements influenced by Tibetan Sherpa cultures, which provides distinct vibes from experiencing Sherpa cultures and reaching Everest Base Camp via the popular and crowded route. As a result, this is the ideal one that gives you a kind of spiritual satisfaction, as the trek offers you the opportunity to visit several pilgrimage sites, including Pungyen Gompa.
As a result, this is the ideal one that gives you a kind of spiritual satisfaction, as the trek offers you the opportunity to visit several pilgrimage sites, including Pungyen Gompa.
What to expect on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek during 18 days?
During the walks under the guidance of an experienced guide, including this combined off-the-beaten-path route in the Manaslu region, the journey allows you to explore more things that might not have been told about or explored yet, unlike most commercialized trails such as Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp. Beginning the trek by following the Budhi Gandaki River Valley, you see a dramatic transformation while gradually ascending to higher settlements.
Even though the landscapes become more mountainous after Jagat, you can enjoy closer views of mountain giants as you reach Chhokangparo. Every day of the trek in the Tsum Valley area goes wonderfully under the guidance of an experienced guide, including the quite difficult traversing of Larke Pass. As you complete relishing the charm of the Manaslu region, you will descend down to Beshisahar through the Marsyangdi River Valley and then get back to Kathmandu Valley by a thrilling road ride.
This way, you can expect absolutely wonderful encounters during this journey—not only spiritual satisfaction and natural beauty, but also the opportunity to observe biodiversity, rich cultures, and warm hospitality in family-friendly teahouses.
Whom does this 18 days Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek suit most?
This trek of more than two weeks around Mt. Manaslu is suitable for physically fit trekkers, adventure lovers, and keen trekkers who love exploring remote Himalayan areas and tackling high-altitude passes, along with long daily hiking distances. If you want to do this trek, you should be ready to adjust to basic accommodation and enjoy walking even in isolated sections that have weak internet and less-marked trails.
Nevertheless, we also have packages like the Manaslu Circuit Trek—13 Days and Tsum Valley Trek—11 Days if you would like to hike only one route. However, the combined one provides in-depth knowledge of Tibetan culture and exploration of untouched terrain. If you are experienced, a mountain lover, and a spirituality seeker, this trek is ideal for you. Even novice trekkers or first-timers in Nepal can also complete it, but the route requires being physically fit and mentally prepared.
What wildlife can you spot on the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek?
You may spot wildlife such as red panda, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, langur, monkey, snow leopard, Himalayan monal, and blood phesant during the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, as it takes you via the Manaslu Conservation Area. The preserved area, regulated by the government since 1998, is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, including rare birds and animals.
Harming any animal and making unnecessary sounds that disturb them are prohibited during this 18-day trek. While observing their activities, staying far, or using binoculars, capture them on your camera as well as take some photos in the background of lush forests filled with various vegetation like rhododendrons, maples, oaks, bamboos, and pines. Spotting Himalayan wildlife is a different kind of feeling from seeing them in the cages of a zoo.
Which mountains can you see during the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek?
You are treated to close-up views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29), Manaslu North, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II while on the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit route. Similarly, you can also see views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, Boudha Himal, and Naike Peak from distinct vantage points. Savoring the beauty of each dramatic mountain from a distant or closer point makes you feel prouder, as at least you have got a golden chance to see them, while some have only seen them in photos.
Getting awake early in the morning and going out of the teahouse to see sunrises over those Himalayas encourages you to continue your trip because the beginning of the day is also beautiful after the night and long-distance cover.
What are the major highlights of the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Each destination is mesmerizing, and you can forget moments anywhere during this 18-day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. However, check the following major highlights on the journey:
Tsum Valley
The Tsum Valley is a beautiful Himalayan valley in the northern part of Gorkha District, far from the hustle and bustle of busy urban centers like Kathmandu and Pokhara. The Valley is considered a hidden valley, historically also known as a Beyul Kyimlong, which means a place of spiritual refuge based on Tibetan Buddhism, as it is believed to be blessed by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche).
Since the Valley is near the Nepal-Tibet border, you will gain deep insight into Tibetan communities, called Tsumbas. The population of the valley is small, but each local inhabitant is welcoming. Tsum Valley, also a restricted area that was opened only in 2008, lets you enjoy a peaceful atmosphere beyond its geographical isolation. The breathtaking scenery of mountains from settlements of Valley is worthwhile during the stays there.
Tibet Border and Rui La Pass
The Tibet border is a perfect destination to reach during acclimatization day. You can explore ancient trans-Himalayan trades as well as enjoy magnificent Himalayan scenery. Instead of exploring around Samdo and resting all day at the teahouse, this round trip of approximately 7-8 hours to Tibet Border/Rui La Pass—4,998 meters (16,398 feet)—allows you to adapt to the high-altitude terrain of the Tsum Valley Manaslu Route.
Most trekkers rush heading directly towards Larke Pass, which becomes quite challenging later. Following the trekking strategy of “Climb high, sleep low," reaching the Tibetan border is rewarding.
Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake
Manaslu Base Camp—4,800 meters (15,748 feet)—is one of the best highlights during the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek. Reaching the base of Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), known as the killer mountain, is an achievement of life, although you are not summiting it. On the same day, you can also visit Birendra Lake, which is named after the late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev of Nepal.
Since the lake, fed by Manaslu glacier, is situated at 3800 m near Samagaon, most first-timers love reaching there and clicking several gorgeous photos in the background of Birendra Lake and peaks.
Mu Gompa and Pungyen Gompa
Mu Gompa is the largest and highest monastery in Tsum Valley, located at an elevation of 3700 m (12,139 feet), near the Tibet border. This monastery, built in the nineteenth century, is a sacred site where one can learn about Buddhist rituals along with the best views of Ganesh Himal and the Sringi Himal. Similarly, Pungyen Gompa (4000 m) nearby Samagaon is another highlight of this trek, which lies in Nubri Valley on the Manaslu Circuit route.
Exploring this place is also culturally and historically significant, as it was built in the seventeenth or eighteenth century by Nubri communities and is also known as Old Manaslu Base Camp. Both monasteries, decorated with prayer wheels, give you the opportunity to observe the activities of nuns and monks and also get involved in morning prayers or chantings.
Larkya Pass—the highest point on the Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek
Larkya Pass (5106 m) is one of the most popular alpine passes in Nepal, as it is the longest pass and provides expansive panoramas of the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Peri Himalayan ranges. Even though you feel exhausted due to struggles to reach the pass, you will surely dive into the beauty of nature around it, forgetting pains.
Why is the Manaslu and Tsum Valley itinerary of 18 days the best for you?
Depending on the Tsum Valely Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary, the trek gets activated as you drive to Machhakhola from Kathmandu Valley, the initial point of the trip. After an overnight in Machhakhola, head to Jagat, following the Budhi Gandaki River via some settlements and forest areas. As you traverse quaint villages such as Lokpa, Chumling, and Chhokangparo, you will stop at Mu Gompa or Nile. The landmarks become more dramatic with a view of mountains.
Covering daily trekking distances, you will finally reach Samagaon on Day 11, crossing villages like Chumliing, Deng, Namrung, and Shyala. Experience more authentic cultures influenced by Tibetan Buddhism during acclimatization day at Samagaon. However, the itinerary allows you to go on side hikes to Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake, which are the best options to acclimatize to mountainous landmarks. After spending a day at Samagaon, you will proceed towards another Tibetan-influenced village, Samdo. To reach there from Samagaon, it takes only about 3-4 hours; during free time, explore around the village as well as take enough rest for the next day’s side hike to the Tibet border/Rui La pass.
You will get back to the teahouse in Samdo on time, as you will trek to Dharmashala the next day, gaining 600 m of elevation. More challenges come after this trek, as you will head to Bhimthang, crossing Larkya Pass (5106 m) with long hours of trekking. As your walking end at Tilche on the 17th day, you will descend to Tilche, experiencing once more the charm of the Manaslu region, and then drive to Beshisahar.
You will stay in a hotel, celebrating the completion of the trek on such an off-the-beaten-route trail at nighttime. The next morning, you will drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara based on your preference. This is the itinerary designed by our professional travelers. This way, if you want to customize the Tsum Valely Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary based on your choice, you can tell us, as it is customizable.
What is the total cost for the Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley?
The cost for this 18-day combined trip of the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek totally depends on the individual. Chosen season, services (guide and porter), lodges, meals, transportation style, travel company, and trekking duration impact the total expense. If you select an international trekking agency, the package may also be quite expensive, but it gets facilities accordingly, which is better than local or national ones. Every trip package includes all logistics except international airfare, taxes, the Nepal entry visa, extra equipment, extra nights in Kathmandu, travel insurance, and extra expenses.
If you book the trip in a group, the trek’s cost is USD $1685 per person. Otherwise, the trek package is slightly higher for a solo trekker. However, if you choose only the Manaslu Circuit, it is USD $945 per person, and you need only USD $890 for the Tsum Valley trail. You can see the combined trek is also affordable too. However, the trail is isolated, and lodges along with meals in high-altitude settlements are more expensive than lower sections.
Why choose Green Society Adventure for the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek?
Selecting Green Society Adventure for the 18-day Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek among several trekking companies in Nepal means ensuring your safety and comfort even in such remote areas. We provide experienced guides who are not only experienced on Himalayan routes but also well-known for each alternative path to the major trail, so that there is no chance of returning home in case an unpredicted circumstance takes place.
We provide some trekking equipment, including a map, the company's free T-shirt, a duffle bag, a down jacket, and also a sleeping bag. Based on your walking pace and fitness level, our local porter and guide will accompany you, taking your health updates from time to time. Since our guides are trained for altitude sickness and other health problems, as well as have first aid kits, you will not suffer from severe illness conditions.
If you see reviews of previous trekkers who did the trek through our trekking company, you can know how we give priority to adventurers' security and preferences. We have included each inclusion as well as exclusion for packages with essential information as our company’s packages. Hence, you can book this trip in 2026/2027 with assurance, as we do not have any hidden cost for trekking logistics and activities in the Himalayas.
